Thursday, July 31, 2008

Raw Fu Eve

I went to the doctor yesterday to get some blood work done and get an accurate blood pressure reading and weight. I will share the test results when I get them back. I plan to schedule another visit and blood test soon after the 100 day challenge is over, and I can't wait to compare the two.

My doctor was very encouraging and wished me luck. But she did suggest getting a good supply of Beano - I'm hoping that I don't find that necessary.

Starting tomorrow, I will log what I consume each day, and once a week I will log whether I'm up or down weight-wise. I'll try to keep track of any detox symptoms, moods, or anything else that would seem noteworthy. I think it's important to have a record to look back on and see what is and isn't working as I go along.

Still haven't taken the before shots. I am dreading that.

Excited about tomorrow (Day 1). Stay tuned!

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Rawganizing...

I want to make things as easy as possible, getting off on the best "raw foot" possible. I started cleaning out the fridge in order to get rawganized. I gathered all the little seeds and nuts stashed in different parts of the fridge and pantry like a foraging squirrel, and filled mason jars with all the goodness. I am going to have to stock up on a few items; sunflower seeds, almonds, some un-sulfured dried fruit, but I have a good supply to get me started. I will also need a few more jars and lids, and have some containers available for clean produce. I hear it’s good to have everything washed and available, so you don’t succumb junk.

Some other supplies I would like to get are nut milk bags and a few recipe books. I read something about using paint straining bags at Home Depot as they are cheaper than nut milk bags. Check out
www.sunnyrawkitchen.blogspot.com for more details, some great information, and to download the e-book, “Best of Raw Freedom Community”. Lots and lots of information here.

I am also trying out some new recipes so I have a good foundation of reliables should I need to change things up. Penni Shelton (
www.realfoodtulsa.blogspot.com) sent me a wonderful raw lasagna recipe that was incredibly delicious. Check out her blog; she is a creative foodie who is knowledgeable and inspiring. I can’t wait to try the Jalapeno Lime Tortilla Chips (see her blog for recipes and ideas). I’ll share other good resources as I find more.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Pre Challenge Fling

This morning we decided to try out a small, family-run, diner that one of our customers told me about recently. We are from NY, where family-run diners abound. We have lived in Louisville (also know as Land of Chain Restaurants) since 1989 and wondered if the menu was similar to what we remembered of the diners back east. I decided to put aside my raw intentions (while there was still some time before the challenge) and give it a go.

It was disappointing, to say the least.

I feel full yet unsatisfied. It’s strange, feeling full but not feeling nourished. I had a typical SAD (Standard American Diet) breakfast of eggs, potatoes, bacon, toast and coffee. I usually do not eat a breakfast like this, so why I felt the need to have it now could only be attributed to pre-challenge lust. I knew it wasn’t going to be nutritionally sound, but I thought it would at least taste good. Like, an Oreo isn’t good for me, but I still think it would taste good. Hopefully, that sentiment may one day change. My meal just wasn’t tasty and definitely not worth the digression. The more I think of it, the more unappealing it is (better stop thinking about it). And rationally speaking, even if it tasted good, it wouldn’t have been worth it health-wise.

I miss my usual breakfast of freshly juiced kale, celery, apple, and lemon. It sounds strange, but it’s really good and very energizing. I actually crave more greens the more I drink them. My daily juices are getting greener and greener as I progressively add more kale leaves. Throughout the morning and early afternoon, I eat fresh fruit and cut up raw veggies (organic cukes with the skins are my current favorite). Then it usually goes downhill from late afternoon on. I get busy at the restaurant and end up famished. Being around the smells and the food we prepare is difficult. Well, not wanting to focus on that right now, joining the Rawfu challenge will help me stay focused on what I want to do. Letting you all in on what I’m trying to accomplish will help, too.

I feel like one betrothed who has taken part in a series of pre-wedding flings…
a morning of promiscuous eating, an afternoon of forbidden snacking…

I guess with food, it’s just as unfulfilling.

raw food challenge


View my page on Raw Fu

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Raw Food Challenge

I will be starting a 100 Day Raw Food Challenge on August 1, 2008 with Rawfu. I am joining this group challenge (and also letting family and friends in on it) for accountability/support purposes. So far, my husband and a few friends have shown interest in joining me in this challenge. For information, check out bunnyberry at bunnyberry.blogspot.com. Many thanks to Beth for putting this together.