Tuesday, November 10, 2009

I Cut My Hair

I did it! I cut my locks.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

The Pity Party's Over!

I did a water fast because I needed some clarity. I've gotten it and I feel a lot better for it. I have a positive outlook about what's going on with me. I have fallen in love even more with my children. I'm becoming more of a conscious raw eater. I'm excited again about losing the weight, transforming my body on raw. I've been praying more and staying closer to my Lord, Jesus Christ (That's right! I said Jesus Christ with no shame! Amen-ah!)

I am ready to cut off my locks. I'm not sure how my pumpkin head is going to look bald but I'm excited for the change. Just thinking about cutting off my hair makes me feel liberated. I never realized how much femininity and hair is tied and even I felt affected by it. Not that I would feel less than a woman without hair, rather the idea of losing my hair with the possibility of no recourse. It's scary. I still have no idea what's going on and I'm not impressed with the doctors I've seen who seem reluctant to refer me to a dermatologist. I wish I could have more control over my health and stop depending on doctors with their prejudices...especially about black hair. It's frustrating. I'm going to look at other alternatives, but I'm still going to cut my hair. Maybe I'll look good rocking a 'fro.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Struggling

I'm going through a challenging period right now. I'm not at my best. I feel extremely awful and I feel I can't juggle all my activities at once. It's hard. I'm worried because I'm losing my hair and I don't know what the root of the problem is. I went to the doctor and they took blood tests. The tests came out positive. In other words, I was not lacking in vitamins nor do I have a thyroid problem. What is it, then! The stress has made me eat more cooked food than ever and I've gained more weight. I'm angry at myself and I'm scared. I usually don't care about long hair, short hair but the fact that I'm losing hair really scares me. I sometimes burst into fits of tears. I may just have to cut my locks, shave my hair.

I think I'll go on a fast to detox my body. Words can't describe how terrible I feel.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Clif Bars

I was shopping with my children for their basic needs and I saw a sale on a dozen Clif bars for $9.99. All of a sudden I began to pick up two boxes. I was justifying that I need the bars for my upcoming 1/2 marathon race yet I knew I should not be purchasing those bars. In the past I would love Clif bars, especially the carrot cake, chocolate chip and the peanut butter crunch. The chocolate chip and the peanut butter crunch was there. Oooh, what temptation. I put two cases in my cart and was roaming around while my children were chatting. I began to talk to myself to get to the root of why I had to buy those bars but really didn't want to. Finally, I convinced myself that as a raw vegan, I need to make my own bars. They'll taste better and be better for me. Then I thought to myself (because I need to really budget my money) that I would be better off spending $20 on good raw vegan/natural health propaganda and then this chemical crap. BINGO!! My head snapped back to normal and I left the boxes at the register.

Raw Vegan= 1
Cooked = 0

Changed my mind

I can't seem to give up totally on the 811 diet. I love my fruits. Now that the seasons are changing, I'll have to discover season-appropriate fruits like peaches and figs right now. I've increased my greens and I've felt better.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

811?

I've been dealing with a lot of stress and weight fluctuation. I know a lot has to do with my not being a 100% raw...it has been between 75-100. I've had a lot of traumatic experiences in my life and I'm just trying to deal with it in the right way. I think right now, I don't want to be on the 811 diet. I need to find the right kind of raw diet. High fat for me is out because it will just store as fat. I won't be doing dehydrated stuff but I think I need to increase my greens and lessen my fruits because I'm just only interested in eating fruits like mangos and pineapple and nothing else. I feel like a buffalo and I'm tired of feeling this well. It doesn't help that I work in an office on my ass. Ugh! I haven't given up on my raw food business and I think this period that I will certainly overcome will be inspiring to others.

On a positive note, I'm moving to an area that has wonderful parks and will allow me to be more active. I changed my shifts at work so now I don't have to do 12-hour days 2x a week. I want to spend more time with my family. Things are changing...baby steps, baby steps. I need to surround myself with more raw foodists.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

I'll miss you Michael Jackson

I'm so sad tonight. The Gloved One, The King of Pop has died. I used to be obsessed with MJ. I had kept a scrapbook for years and put clippings of Michael Jackson in it. I had even written a speech in Grade 5 about Michael Jackson and had earned a trophy. I miss him so much. Why him? Why not Latoya? Love you, Michael!

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Raw Gourmet

This evening I went to my friend's fantastic raw vegan restaurant called Live.  I decided to treat myself to some raw delights. I ordered the Mediterranean platter of raw hummus, falafel, cabbage salad and creamy lentils. I also ordered, to eat the next day, a kelp noodle salad with sprouted mung beans and some sort of coriander dressing. I also bought a bag of nacho chips to take to work on Monday.


The Mediterranean platter was delicious. I loved every bite of it. Today was certainly not an 80/10/10 day and I'm paying the price for it. *SOUND OF FOGHORN* Now I feel icky, heavy, lethargic. The food was too heavy and my body is not happy about it even though my tastebuds were. I am now used to the lightness and real freshness of fruits. I want to stick my finger down my throat and vomit. WoW! I love my friend's restaurant and I've been going there for years; however, I now can't take the gourmet food...not as a main meal. About a couple hours after eating my meal, I popped in a few strawberries and immediately I felt better. I still feel heavy but not icky anymore. There is something to be said about the 80/10/10. I can't bring myself to follow any other type of raw diet.

I don't know what I am to do with that salad. I'm reluctant to eat it tomorrow but I hate waste. I can't bring myself to throw it out. At least it's nut-free. 

When I return to Live, I'll just order nut-free, seed-free and grain-free options. 

Tomorrow, I'll go running with my son to burn off the food. Tonight....I'll be in the bathroom.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

My secret plan: Raw Veganism in the Workplace

Everyday I bring my green power smoothie to work and I would sometimes bring some for my co-workers. It's becoming a big hit at the office. I have some regulars looking forward to getting their mason jar of thick green deliciousness. There is a growing demand of my smoothie that I may have to start charging to cover the costs of the ingredients. I'm going to bring it up with my regulars and see what they think. What I may do is charge between $2.50-3.00 for the 500ml jar and $4.50-5.00 for the 1 litre jar. I will also consider using a portion of the money for charity. It's important to give back.

They mock me at work about being the vegan, health freak (which I embrace!). Yet, slowly but surely, I'm encouraging people to eat more fruits and vegetables. I once brought a huge bowl of fruit, I shared it with my co-workers and they practically ate it off. Hahaha. I love that.


Saturday, May 09, 2009

Running my 10km race today!!

Today is the day I run the Mississauga Marathon. I'm doing the 10km. It's my first time and I'm very excited. It's something I've been planning since last year. It's been hard training with my work schedule and children but I know I'm going to have a blast and finish anyway. I so love the running community. There is such warmth and camaraderie. There is no competition between runners; you are always competing with yourself, which I love. I constantly want to improve myself and get better, even if it is just 5 seconds better. 

The weather is horrible. It's been raining with hail! I hope it stops by tonight. I know they won't cancel unless it is really bad....it's really bad. Crossing my fingers.

At the Mississauga Marathon expo, I went crazy shopping. I bought 2 running shirts. One says "Who moved the finish line", the other says "If found on ground, please drag to the finish line". Hahaha. Hilarious. 

I signed up for a 15km run in August 2009 called A Midsummer Night's Run (a take on the Shakespeare play). I'm also going to sign up to the Toronto Waterfront Marathon and do the half marathon. 

I am obsessed with running. I love this sport and I enjoy the 'me' time quality I get from running.

Update: The race was beautiful but tough. I struggled. I blame it on the fact that I didn't train enough outside and often. I finished in 1:24. That's not good. I'll do better next time. The good thing is that I finished!

Thursday, May 07, 2009

Stress and Raw Veganism

I've been so stressed out the last couple of weeks that I've realized that stress makes me miserable and it makes me want to turn to cooked albeit vegan foods. I don't want to go down that path but I just don't know how to handle my stress sometimes. My job is very stressful (that's problem #1), my work schedule is stressful (problem #2), and balancing my work, my pleasures and my family can be stressful (problem #3). That leaves me with sleep and that has been stressful. I'm trying to find solutions to these problems. I need solutions to these problems.

Sunday, May 03, 2009

Spring means Detox!

I love spring because it means that summer is coming. Winter is sometimes hard for me as a raw vegan. I tend to supplement my diet with steamed vegetables such as asparagus and other greens. Sometimes I treat myself to sauteed mushrooms. I know, I know, very baaaad. Hahaha. It's still my favourite cooked item. I'm not going to make a big deal about it. Once in a blue moon....or two. ;P

I've fallen in love with salads again. Yay! For the longest time, I was sick of eating salads because that was all I was eating. I try to stay away from the rich raw vegan dishes that are nut-heavy. The secret of loving salads again has been found in the dressings that are put on the salads. I've been experimenting and I'm on a kick with "Asian" flavours, meaning the taste of sesame and ginger. It's driving me crazy. I love it. I would like to use tahini but I find it too heavy. I'm starting use citrus and pineapple juices as a base. However, the only problem is that I get sooo hungry a couple hours later. Now that I've been preparing for the 10km race coming up May 9, I get extremely hungry. The 811 high fruit diet does satisfy the hunger. Fruit is filling and low-fat (with the exception of Durian). I can't do all fruit all of the time, I do enjoy my greens. I'll find a healthy balance.

So, I will be detoxing this spring so I can have a fantastic summer.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Lonely sometimes

As much I as love the raw vegan lifestyle, lately I've been quite lonely and frustrated. I consider myself a strong person and I have a great support system; however, I feel lonely as a raw vegan and not being able to share my ups and downs with someone in my city. It's been troubling me for awhile. Today I decided to go to Rawlicious and it was great. I ordered some food to go and I got to see my raw friend, Robin. It was such a nice pick me up that I got out of my funk. That's when I realized that I needed to hang around more raw foodists. I need to be surrounded by that wonderful, healthy vibe. For those brief 10 minutes, I just felt great being in that environment. I so loved it. In order for me to stay on my path, I need to hang out with raw vegans more often.

Saturday, April 04, 2009

I'm still here

It's been about 4 months since I've written. I've been so busy but things are working out. I've had many challenges and am going through a difficult period that will make me become a stronger and healthier person. I'm working on my website and I'm very excited about it. I'll keep you posted. Hugs.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Happy Birthday to Me!


YAAY!!!!!!!!!  It's my birthday. Feliz Cumpleaños, bonita! I think I'm the only loca who loves her birthday too much. Today I might make a snow angel. I haven't done that since I was a kid. I wanna dance and play the piano. I also want a slice of raw carrot ginger cake, maybe a smoothie of guanabana and pineapple and lots of love from my family and friends.
Thank you God for creating me and loving me. Thank you!!!
I'm having fun with my Macbook. I love Mac.

Friday, January 09, 2009

Here is your opportunity!!

Some of you raw foodists and vegans may have heard of Frederic Patenaude. He is a successful entrepreneur in the natural health movement. I would like to share with you some of his excellent programs. I have participated in them also. Just click on the links on the sidebar of m blog and enjoy.

Friday, January 02, 2009

It's my birthmonth

It's my birthmonth. Yes, I am a January baby and I don't just celebrate my birthday (the 10th) but the whole month from the 1st to the 31st.  I try to do something different each year. I'm not sure what I'd like to do this time...maybe archery. I did archery in highschool and loved it. I'd like to do it again.

My sweety wants to take me to my favourite raw restaurant. That would be nice....maybe just for dessert. The restaurant makes an awesome carrot ginger cake to die for!

I am really looking forward to 2009. In spite of the economy, civil unrest around the world and other problems that are happening, I am really thankful for living another day, for sharing more moments with my sons and the man I love. I have wonderful friends and a great family. My heart still melts when my oldest child tells me at least once a day, "Mami, sabes que te quiero?" (Mommy, do you know that I love you?) It can't get better than that.