Keep on RAW-kin in a Free World

2010-07-27T21:39:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone,

This will be my last entry. I've started a website on the raw food lifestyle called La Vida Raw. Going forward, you can find me there. Thank you for your support on this blog and please continue to follow me on www.lavidaraw.com.

Live Vibrantly!

Happy New Year, Everyone!

2010-01-04T21:04:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year! I'm so excited about 2010. 2009 was really rough for me. Too many negative things happened in my life. There will be some big changes for me and I'll keep you posted. By then end of the month, I'll be posting my blogs elsewhere. I'll let you know.

As for my raw vegan life, it's still there. Winter has been hard being 100% raw but I'm high raw. I suppose I could be all raw in winter except that with all that I'm juggling, I just get tired and....lazy. :P That needs to change. What I've done so far is convert my balcony into a cool storage area. My fridge is small to store all my fruits and vegetables, so I store my pineapple, mango and oranges on the balcony to slow down the ripening process. It has helped me quite nicely. I drink warm, caffeine-free tea and have increased my greens.

I've been going to bed early and getting up early, as early as 4am. It's been great. I need some me time and I find that 4am allows me to meditate and devote some me time. I encourage you to try it. I used to go to bed at 11pm or midnight. I've been to bed as early as 8pm. I don't watch tv that much anymore. The only show I watch , I tape all week and then save for the weekend. I still am a movie freak and that won't stop. However, that is saved for the weekend.

It's 9:16pam and it's way past my bed time. Hahaha. Talk to you soon.

I Cut My Hair

2009-11-10T06:09:00.002-05:00

I did it! I cut my locks.

The Pity Party's Over!

2009-10-24T17:14:00.006-05:00

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.

Struggling

2009-10-22T20:58:00.002-05:00

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.

Clif Bars

2009-09-15T20:23:00.003-05:00

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

2009-09-15T05:07:00.002-05:00

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.

811?

2009-09-12T22:04:00.003-05:00

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.

I'll miss you Michael Jackson

2009-06-25T20:36:00.002-05:00

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!

Raw Gourmet

2009-05-23T20:46:00.004-05:00

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.

My secret plan: Raw Veganism in the Workplace

2009-05-21T22:41:00.004-05:00

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.

Running my 10km race today!!

2009-05-09T05:41:00.010-05:00

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!

Stress and Raw Veganism

2009-05-07T20:12:00.002-05:00

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.

Spring means Detox!

2009-05-03T06:13:00.005-05:00

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.

Lonely sometimes

2009-04-11T20:54:00.003-05:00

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.

I'm still here

2009-04-04T15:27:00.001-05:00

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.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-01-10T07:40:00.008-05:00

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.

Here is your opportunity!!

2009-01-09T07:54:00.007-05:00

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.

It's my birthmonth

2009-01-02T23:46:00.002-05:00

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.

Bye Bye 2008

2008-12-31T22:13:00.006-05:00

I can't believe I didn't even write one post in December. Well, it's been pretty hectic month. So much has been going on. The good news is that I've finally finished writing my Masters research paper and now it is in the hands of my professor to enjoy or destroy. It took me four years to complete it. So exhausted. There has been some drama in my life and I'm not inviting drama this year.

I had a great vegan/raw vegan Christmas. There was too much food. I'm working on my New Year's Goals. I don't want to say resolutions because resolutions are made to be broken.

I'm getting a secondhand apartment-sized piano for my home and I'm sooo excited about it. It has been so long since I've played. I need to play. It's like breathing for me.

New Year's will be quiet, just movies. I'm hoping that I'll be awake by midnight.

Rough Week

2008-11-04T10:31:00.003-05:00

Woo! It has been a rough week. My little Tiago was sick with Gastroenteritis. He was coming out at both ends. We went to two different hospitals and a walk-in clinic. The cure was time and giving him fluids such as Pedialyte, which is Gatorade for babies. Deep down I didn't want to give it to him but I didn't have time to find natural alternatives that his stomach could handle. I did ask around but I decided in the end to stick with the pedialyte. Tiago managed not to vomit the stuff. My poor pumpkin lost some weight and was so weak. I'm glad he is now back to his old self and hungrier than ever.

To top off my week, Ernesto decided to plug the toilet and we've been without a functioning toilet for almost 5 days! Ugh. There is a quote that made me laugh when I read it the first time and now it rings so true. "The difference between 1st world nations and 3rd world nations is plumbing." I can't believe how expensive plumbers can be! I got quoted from $60/hr with a $50 transporte fee to $275. Ridiculous. I found reasonable plumber (we'll see when he gets to my house) who also has a side business in the juicing industry. Hahaha, how weird is that? This is his website and real passion, Mangosteen fruit. The company is called Xango. If the plumber fixes my toilet quickly, I may buy one bottle.

Running Raw: My time was 38:15 for the 5km

2008-10-22T20:02:00.009-05:00

The Toronto Marathon was a blast!! I had such a rockin' time. The vibe was great and the atmosphere was wonderful. I ran without stopping and enjoyed the weather. I kept repeating that I was running for me and for the Lord, who has blessed my life so much. I'm able to walk--wait, RUN! There were djs along the route playing music to keep you pumping and people I didn't even know encouraged me. My hubs and children were there. It's great to see your family cheer you on. Running raw...I love it. I'm planning on the Mississauga marathon. I may do the 2km family run. My son loves to run and my hubs would like to participate. I'd like to do another 5km and then build up to a 10km. Eventually, the Boston Marathon. Fi Real!!

I'm the one in red (hahaha).

Dora the Explorer needed to get out of the way ASAP.

Keeping my eyes on the prize....free bananas and oranges for the raw vegan.

Crossed the finish line in 38:15. Next time will be under 30 minutes.

Check out my gold-ish medal.

Running raw!!

Running Raw

2008-10-12T11:40:00.004-05:00

I have exactly one more week before the 5km race and today was the first day I ran my 5km outside. I was quite nervous and didn't think I could do it. I've been so used to the gym/treadmil that it almost because a hinderance when I started to run outside. I need to run at least 2-3 more times outside before the race. It has made a great difference and I love the feel of the wind and my foot hitting the ground. It truly is a different kind of energy.

There were moments I wanted to give up but people waiting at bus stops encouraged me. I heard a few whistles and sweet catcalls like "Bless, Empress" (Cuz of my dreadlocks, other rastas think I am a rasta *smile*).

When I finally reached home, I was so elated and collapsed on a rock. It was such a beautiful and wonderful feeling to have completed my run. What a natural high!!

Training for a 5 km running race

2008-09-16T20:39:00.003-05:00

I used to run a lot and then when I became pregnant with my first son, my running was sporadic (even though I had bought a running stroller). Now that I feel I am fully recovered from my post-pregnancy injury, I am training for the October 19 Toronto Marathon. I won't be doing the marathon but the 5km race. I'm looking forward to it and I am using Runner's World magazine issues to help me train. I have no time to learn from a running club.

Unfortunately I have to do most of my training indoors. It's better than nothing. I don't have a double stroller to push my 2 sons and my husband is taking night courses. This leaves me no other option but to go to a gym and train on the treadmills and my sons are having fun in the daycare centre there.

This will be my first time training on a 100% raw diet. Even when I was dabbling in raw in the past, I still ate oatmeal for my runs, thinking that fruits and vegetables would not be sufficient for me. Now, I know differently and it hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be; I've been eating well. I just haven't been getting enough sleep in order to recover.

I'm running raw!! Woo-hoo.

Simply Raw Festival Pics!!

2008-09-09T06:32:00.008-05:00

Me (if you can see me) with Shantree and Lorenna.

I used to know John in Toronto. He now lives in a paradise in Nelson, British Columbia. I'm going to visit Nelson maybe next year. Apparently it is a raw vegan haven.

Paul Nison and me.

Natasha's husband introducing Paul Nison.

Paul got the crowd hooting and a hollering.

I like the sunflowers.

Angela speaks. Can you believe she was over 200lbs?

Me and Philip. Such a sweet guy. I was soaked and my shirt hung like a moomoo on me. Ugh!

Montreal raw food seller. Delicious pizza.

Kombucha seller from Montreal. Good stuff.

Karla (who was giving Matt a hard time), Matt Monarch and his fiancee, Angela.

The kiosks

Philip McClusky speaking. He was great.

Lalita Salas of the Ann Wigmore Institute in Puerto Rico.

Natasha Kyssa of Simply Raw (on the left) and her friend.

Angela Stokes taking shelter from the rain.

I'm here in Ottawa!!

2008-09-06T13:17:00.017-05:00

I like the city of Ottawa. The hotel is very family friendly. I'm staying at the Best Western. The weather is crap!! When we arrived Friday, it was hot and sunny. We took it easy and decided to go to a vegetarian/raw vegan cafe. They only had one raw vegan meal option: a delicious but greasy raw vegan pizza and some desserts. My hubs wasn't impressed with the cafe and I don't blame him. They mainly served omelettes on one side of the restaurant (he doesn't eat eggs) and the other side had a serve-yourself take out meal, which was empty and they weren't going to fill it up. It was only 6pm!

We ended up walking around trying to find a pizzeria for the kids and hubby. I ordered my raw pizza to go. My husband ordered a Mexican meal made by non-Mexicans who probably have never been to Mexico or know what true Mexican food is like. Then we found a pizzeria that seemed quite authentic and bought a small pizza for my son and hubby, in case the Mexican food was a failure. BTW, the burrito according to my husband was awful.

I wanted to see the Raw Film Festival but I was so tired from the train trip. It's a four hour trip from Toronto. That's pretty quick but we just wanted to relax.

Saturday. It was pouring rain and I didn't bring enough umbrellas. Luckily my son had his own and my hubby used the other one for himself and Santiago. I thought the rain wouldn't be so bad. I was drenched and I ran into a Shoppers to buy another umbrella. The festival still went on as planned and there was quite a few people. I got to see Philip McCluskey, yeah!!! He spoke on his raw transformation from 400lbs to half his weight. I liked his sincerity and I think he is really nice. He is inspiring and seems like he would be a cool friend.

I saw Angela Stokes and she is soooo beautiful. I don't know if she had a tan from a previous trip but her skin was flawless and golden. I'm looking forward to hearing her speak tomorrow. I also got to see Paul Nison. He is a Christian raw vegan and it's great to meet another Christian raw foodist. There is not a lot of us out there. When he spoke, he got the crowd laughing, clapping as if it were a church camp meeting. He is hilarious.

There were a lot of great kiosks. I enjoyed this couple Shantree and Lorenna. They are from London, Ontario and they spoke about eating locally, which is what I want to do. I don't want to depend too much on imported Durian and Jackfruit. Ontario has an abundance of fruit and vegetables. I should enjoy them more. I would like to go to there retreat one day. It's not too far from Toronto.

I am so inspired to maintain my raw path and to create a career out of it. I love it. I'm so glad I came to Ottawa. I found what I needed to hear to help me stay 100% raw at the festival and it is as if I've lost all cooked food cravings and desires that seemed to have plagued me before. It's amazing.

Speaking of Ottawa, Ottawans seem to be more healthy than Torontonians. There are a lot of people who ride bicycles and walk. There are no side-by-side restaurants and there is a lot of art. I'd like to come back another time to know more of the city. However, this weekend is for the festival.

The train station in my city.

Did you know a lot of Hollywood movies use this train station?

My son, Ernesto wearing the barf bag on his head.

My other son, Santiago is a big boy and wanted his own seat.

The bed in the hotel room was sooooo comfortable. My sons ended up sleeping with me and my hubby was relegated to the sofa. Hahaha.

Santiago's crib. He hated it. It was like a jail cell.

Downtown Ottawa.

Ottawa's Rideau Canal

Parliament Hill

As usual, I'm washing dishes even on vacation.

The attack of the gigantic spider at the National Gallery. We had to rush through the exposition because we didn't realize our train was going to leave in one hour. We were speedwalking through the gallery. When I asked my hubby what he liked about the exposition, he smiled and said, "I don't know, it was all a blur."

I'm going to the Simply Raw Festival in Ottawa!!

2008-09-03T07:01:00.006-05:00

I can't wait to go to Ottawa and attend the festival. I'm sooo excited. My family and I will be taking the train and my son is sooo excited. I'm looking forward to meeting Angela Stokes, Paul Nilson, Philip McClusky and many other people. I will take lots of pics. The weather is not supposed to be that great on Saturday but I'm crossing my fingers. This will be my first time to Ottawa. Shame on me, I should be a better Canadian. Hahaha. I don't even know my nation's capital!

Gotta pack and wrap things up. Sooo excited.

Since when are fruits so bad?

2008-08-18T11:57:00.003-05:00

I'm getting tired of people knocking down fruits as if there was something wrong with a banana or an apple. I just don't get it. I notice this more from people who are struggling with their diet or trying to lose weight. I hear things like "Oh, I can't eat fruits, I'll gain weight". What?! You don't have a problem with fat-free processed cheese or drinking cow's breastmilk or eating a "light" meal at McD's but heaven-forbid you eat a mango or a banana. Luscious fruits and vegetables have existed before mankind, before the invention of sliced bread and fat-free this and that. Why is there something unnatural about natural foods and something natural about processed, naturally unnatural food (usually with ingredients you can't even pronounce let alone understand)? Eat your fruits separately and alone (unless with other fruits or certain greens). Eat them in abundance and ease up on the processed crap or better yet, eliminate it. You will start to understand that fruits are best for your body.

The next time someone tells me, "Ooh, I can't eat this apple or grapes. It'll make me gain weight. Fruits aren't good me", I'll just turn to him/her and say, "So what you're telling me is that God made a mistake when creating fruits and veggies? Instead, Kraft and Maple Leaf foods got it right?"

This is my short rant.

No bones, No blood Inna Mi Kitchen

2008-08-11T11:02:00.011-05:00

I stumbled upon this video and the singer makes a small reference to raw vegans! It is sung in Jamaican patois (a dialect). It's an ode to vegetarianism. The song is called "No bones, No blood" by Jah Sun feat. Ras Attitude and Lutan Fyah. Enjoy!

Here are the lyrics! Thanks to Loan.

No bones no blood inna mi kitchen
We nah go mix up in a dem vampire livin'
No bones no blood inna mi kitchen
I say Rastafari you're my greatest ambition
No bones no blood inna mi kitchen
Me synchronized with the most high's vision
No bones no blood inna mi kitchen
Please let the animal keep livin'

Mi see sey nuff a dem
No show no respect for life
Run! Here comes the butcher man
And he coming with his knife
More pain and more death
A pure murder
Life dem take fi dem steak and hamburger
Mi rather plant some seed in a di mud
Than to tear thru some flesh and go guzzle blood
Carnivore, stop fighting it, stop fighting it
Eh, give ital life a try
You just might gain some enlightenment
A this the one for love all of my vegetarians
Raw fooders and vegans and all the breathetarians
Yo, cuz I n I nah put no dead in a we temple
True humbleness we have fi live simple
To put some food upon the plate
Mi no need no hook, mi nah need no bait
I n I the roots mi food me nah fi shoot
A give me vegetable and some fruits, mi go so..

Chorus~

Dem a wonder why the rasta never age
Dem no stop from look up in a dem health book page
Vegetarians will aways live
Cuz everything we eat always positive
And everything we drink it never yet negative
You are what you eat
That's why you walk like pig
You are what you eat that's why you [snort] like a pig
You treat your body wrong your own a grave you dig
Yo don't panic, cuz i'm organic
Pure soy soup in a mi kitchen, yes mi got it
Yo don't panic, cuz i'm organic
Lentil peas in a mi soup, mi got it
Yo don't panic, cuz i'm organic
Vegan life mi live and nun a dem can stop it
Calabash, okra and squash yes mi got it
Ready fi go boil it and stop it!

Chorus~

Tell 'em natural herbs have fi we dinner
Ital is vital in a di pot dat we cookin'
Natural herbs have fi we dinner
Tell 'em no bones, no flesh
Yes, natural herbs have fi we dinner
Ital is vital in a di pot dat we cookin'
Natural herbs have fi we dinner
We gots some man a lutan Fyah
Tell 'em roots, strongback and sarsaparilla
Fruit, orange, mango and guava
Vegetable salad with peanut and cashew
With some clean drinking water
I got a bucket full of herbs
And some strong marijuana
Yes, you know that i'm a farmer
Eh, the food that i eat is my medicine
Tell you man, a real bush doctor
Cleanse dem wit garlic and bitters
I nah go jump pon rome filthy lickers
Go till the marijuana, mek mi slippers
No pork chops in a mi fritters

Chorus~

I Heart Music

2008-08-05T19:13:00.012-05:00

I am obsessed with music. I studied classical piano for over 20 years and I play other instruments as well. When I was younger I wanted to be a concert pianist but then changed my mind for reasons too long to explain. Lately I've been missing my piano. It's at my mother's house and I have no room for it in my small apartment. I only go there to play when I teach piano lessons. When I lived at home, I used to wake up in the middle of the night and compose songs. It was wonderful. It didn't bother my parents but it drove my younger sister crazy. I could write 3 songs a week. Now, pfft!

I have a guitar and some drums at home but it doesn't compare to my first instrument, the piano. I'm considering renting a keyboard for a couple of months. I think it will help me bring back my creativity again. Music helped me with my depression when I was younger. The piano especially. Last year I stopped playing the piano at my church (for personal reasons) and I still haven't gotten over it. It makes me very sad. I need music. It's my drug of choice (smile). I love all genres (classical, rock, reggae, heavy metal, jazz, blues, world music, techno, rap, pop, contemporary, zouk, soukouss, etc..with the exception of country but it is slowly growing on me thanks to the Dixie Chicks :).

I love it when groups from one genre create a unique version of a cover song like Alien Ant Farm's version of Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal or this one, The Final Countdown covered by Melo-M. It rocks. I love how the young men just rock out on the cello. I want to teach my son to have that kind of passion, to not worry about others around him. To respond with gusto. What a way to love life. Hey, it's never too late for me. Hahaha. Man, I miss my piano.

There is just something sexy about the cello. I love the low, seductive sound. It's a little melancholic but beautiful.

Kale Chips

2008-07-27T08:00:00.005-05:00

On many raw vegan websites and blogs, I've read about the hooplah of kale chips. I decided to make them this weekend, as well as sweet potato chips, to find out if they are as good as people say. For the most part I enjoy kale in my smoothies and juices. I marinated them in Braggs, olive oil, garlic and a dash of maple syrup. Then I dehydrated them for about 10 hours. Once they were ready, I tried a couple leaves and now I understand. They were fantastic! My husband loved them too. My son...well, for now he won't eat anything that is green except for green smoothies and juices. I packed some kale chips in my husband's lunch and he added it to his veggie empanadas. Last night I made him his favourite sandwich: a vegan burger on two slices of whole grain bread, with a nut butter spread, alfalfa sprouts, sliced tomatoes and kale chips. It may sound unappetizing but it is actually very good. My hubs raved about the sandwich and said it was even better with the kale chips inside.

I'm minimizing my intake of dehydrated foods to practically once or twice a month. I want to eat more fresh foods, however the kale chips rocked. I will add it to the family menu. The sweet potato chips....not so great. I should make them thinner next time.

80/10/10

2008-07-25T08:43:00.003-05:00

My copy of Dr. Doug Graham's 80/10/10 diet finally came in the mail. I've read the first 2 chapters so far and it has been very interesting. I think he has really opened my eyes to my diet. This book couldn't have come at a better time.

Yesterday I had a craving for something sweet so I decided to have a slice of raw chocolate cake. It is made of walnuts, dates, raw cacao and carob, a little raw coconut butter and agave. It's blended and formed into a flat cake. I then top it off with sliced bananas and mango (sorry, no picture). I had a slice. It was delicious but then I felt terrible after. I was a bit agitated, my body felt irritable. I started to crave some comfort food. I was thinking about tofu or these Asian noodles I used to eat with oyster mushrooms. What the heck is going on? Luckily I went to the track and trained some more with my coach. During my training I couldn't stop thinking about comfort food and what I was going to eat. Once I was finished with the workout, the cravings subsided and I was craving for sweet mango and nothing else.

I looooooove my Breville Fountain Elite

2008-07-21T07:35:00.005-05:00

I have an addiction for kitchen appliances. It's ridiculous. It doesn't help that my husband does as well. I can't even begin to calculate how much I may have spent on kitchen appliances in the last 5 years. The good thing is that I like to prepare foods and I only want the best. I see it as an investment. I've gone through 4 kinds of juicers to find the perfect one for me. Many years ago I had gotten a crappy plastic kind that didn't last when I tried to juice ginger (that was after the 4th time). Then when I started on the raw path, I had bought the Kempo. I used it for awhile but I didn't like how it took so long to juice and that I had to chop the vegetables and juices into tiny pieces. It is a good juicer but it wasn't for me. Then I got the L'Equip 110 and I enjoyed it but then I noticed that it wasn't extracting the maximum amount of juice from the greens but was great for fruits, other vegetables and ginger. Now I have recently caught my eye on the Breville Fountain Elite. A lot of other raw foodists use the Breville and I began to read up on it. I got that tingling feeling and I cracked down and bought one at a kitchen appliance factory that is 5 minutes from my house (I didn't know the factory was so close to my house! I'm in trouble now. I also bought a great mandoline there). Anyhoots, I convinced my hubs that it would be a great deal for us since we do a lot of juicing. Well, we got it and I just loooooooooooooove it. I noticed how easy it was to use and the colour of the juice is much brighter and richer than before. The taste bursts in my mouth. I have found my juicer!! The Breville! It has two settings, low for greens and low-juice-content fruits/vegetables and high for harder fruits and vegetables and high-juice-content fruits and vegetables. The pulp is nice and dry. It comes with a 1 litre container that has a froth separator. It's the best investment and I highly recommend it.

My article got published!

2008-07-15T19:56:00.002-05:00

I did a raw restaurant review for Vitality magazine. Check it out.

Rawlicious Restaurant Review.

I have not disappeared, I have just eclipsed

2008-07-14T14:56:00.005-05:00

I'm still here, still raw and loving it. A lot has happened in my life. I had some trying times personally and emotionally but I am now out of the darkness and back into the light. I have been completing my Masters and I'll be darned if I pay another semester. I have given my university too much money. I need to move on with my life.

Lately, I have been leaning towards what they call an 80/10/10 diet. That is 80% carbs, 10% maximum fat and 10% maximum protein. I have just naturally moved towards that kind of diet and found the results much better than before. The nuts were killing me. It's not that I have totally eliminated nuts but I rarely eat them. Another blogger, Going Bananas succinctly describes the types of raw diets; it's either high-fat or high in carbs. I choose to go the latter.
I've decided to order the Dr. Douglas Graham book on the 80/10/10 diet and see what it's all about. *chuckle* I think I've ordered any and every kind of raw food book out there. I've only had one regret buying a raw food book but I won't say which one because it is the man's livelihood and I'm not going to knock him down but the raw food book is high in nuts and fats and it is not that user friendly. Maybe I'm the only one who doesn't like his book but he may have a legion of fans. I wish him well but I'm going to have to try to get rid of it. Maybe I'll give it away. Hahaha.

I've been fired from the kitchen

2008-06-25T12:53:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, my husband politely fired me from the kitchen after botching one of his favourite dishes. He advised that I need not cook anymore. He wants me to focus on my raw food preparation and anything to do with raw. At first I was offended and a bit angry. I am the wife and mother here and I should prepare meals for the family. He pretty much said that "you are making food that only I and Ernesto will eat. So, let me make the food because I will be eating it and Ernesto will too."

After thinking about it, I realized that that this was a release. I have been tired of juggling both cooked and raw, and both sides have suffered. I am so relieved. This is such a wonderful, selfless act on the part of my husband. Good thing he enjoys cooking. However, I will still wash the dishes (hahaha).

My Favourite Ice Cream

2008-06-14T00:26:00.006-05:00

I bought some frozen jackfruit because it's cheaper than Durian. One day I had such a craving for something sweet (I'm trying to avoid dried fruits) so I took a frozen banana, frozen jackfruit pieces, a mango and some strawberries and whipped up some ice cream in my Vita-Mix. Oooo-eee!! Let's just say that it has become the family's favourite ice cream.

If you don't know what a jackfruit is, I've attached the definition and some pics below. If you have the opportunity to try it, I encourage you to. It's low in fat.

JACKFRUIT

The jackfruit is a huge, spined, oval fruit that is believed to have been first cultivated in Indian rainforests. It is largely grown in tropical or close to tropical climates. It still is found in many parts of India, as well as in most of Southeast Asia. In the Americas, the jackfruit is largely grown in Brazil.

In the proper climate, the jackfruit tree is impressive in size and can grow to roughly 60 feet (18.29 m) tall. The fruit itself is the largest fruit in the world. It can weigh up to 80 pounds (36.29 kg) and be up to 3 feet (.91 m) long.

The exterior of the fruit is not edible, but the flesh and seeds are commonly eaten. When the fruit has turned from green to yellow, it is ready to be picked. Jackfruit tends to be an acquired taste and frequently does not appeal to those unfamiliar with it.

When the jackfruit is opened, numerous sweet, banana-like bulbs are revealed, and most people find them quite delicious. One variety of jackfruit has a crunchy, rather than mushy texture, and is generally preferred. The seeds can be roasted and are compared to chestnuts in flavor. Cutting and preparing the jackfruit is somewhat difficult because the fruit is very sticky and can actually be used as glue. Most people oil their hands to prevent some of the stickiness from transferring to their hands, but washing up afterwards is still a chore.

Bangladesh claims the jackfruit as its national fruit.

I cleaned my colon!

2008-06-04T22:02:00.006-05:00

Well I went to Richmond Hill Natural Therapies and it was quite an experience. The place is located in a house. It had a relaxing and comforting feel, and they were very eco-friendly. My colon hydrotherapist, Nnandee was wonderful and it turned out that she is RAW VEGAN!! Yeah!! I can't say that I loved getting my butt cleaned out. It was uncomfortable at times but Nnandee was reassuring and gentle. She massaged my stomach with some essential oils during the process, which helped me relax. However, at one point I jumped off the bed and ran to the washroom with the sheet wrapped around my waist. It was a close call in terms of getting on the toilet in time because my body wanted to expel the matter quickly.
Since Nnandee is raw vegan (since 1994), she was able to give me great advice about my diet, about post-pregnancy raw vegan health and even juice feasting. She said I could do a modified juice feast that will not risk the health of my baby. I must not take the clay nor other cleansing products that are part of the juice feast. Basically she said I can drink juice but I need to continue to include raw flax seed oil and psyllium husk in my diet. I'm glad about that. She also said that she could tell by my fecal matter that I have been eating a lot of sugar (fruits, dates etc...). I need to incorporate more bitter greens like Dandelion. I have been easing off the dates and nuts like cashews.

The disappointing thing about my colonic is that I found it a bit too much for me near the end and I didn't complete the full 45 minutes. Not a problem, a lot already came out and I booked another appointment in 4 days.

Colonics are now a part of my life even though the discomfort seemed worse than when I gave birth to my sons. I'd rather have pain than discomfort. That being said, a colonic is not painful but just awkward feeling.

Colon Hydrotherapy

2008-05-31T19:26:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow, I'm having my first colonic. I'm nervous but I have no intention of backing out. It's actually kind of exciting because I am back on the path to optimal health and I'm looking forward to a cleaner body. The place I'll be going to is north of the city. It's called Richmond Hill Natural Therapies. Their website is well put together and they seem to have a natural and holistic approach to health, which I like.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Cancer

2008-05-25T07:57:00.013-05:00

Life is too short and Life is precious. I'm actually quite disappointed in myself. I've been acting cowardly and lazy about finishing my Masters degree. It has been dragging on for four years (4 years and 2 children). I really hate academic writing and I've been doubting my abilities to write a proper research paper. I need to finish because it's getting expensive. This session is the last session.

Last week I went to see my advisor. We usually communicate via email or I just drop off copies in his mailbox at the university. When I arrived at his house, I was surprised to see him bald. It hit me that he was suffering from a severe illness. I hadn't known until that moment. My heart broke because his wife just gave birth to another beautiful daughter 2 months ago, who is a spitting image of him. I didn't want to be like those people who don't talk about the pink elephant in the room. I asked him what was going on and he was very matter of fact about it. My advisor is battling leukemia. The cancer has returned and he's trying to fight it again. Hearing that gave me a kick in the butt about my life and how I've been wasting certain areas of it. I know and everyone knows that life is precious and short but yet, we never seem to fulfill our dreams/goals. Fear holds us back, sometimes complacency and laziness, even selfishness. Guilty as charged.

I would gripe and whine to my advisor about how I can't finish this paper, I hate this paper, I don't know even know if it makes sense. What the heck is my thesis and blah blah blah. He would always encourage me and tell me to push on. I'm complaining about something that is of small significance in comparison to my real values and my advisor is fighting for his life. He must chuckle or roll his eyes at people like me.

So, I just want to say to my advisor thank you for every criticism and encouragement you've given me. You are the toughest advisor out there, a sock-it-to-'em-cuz-they-need-it kind of person. I thought you were stone cold but there is a warmth and generosity that has always been there and even you get tired. You never baby anyone and you never make excuses. I know you will beat this cancer and I will be praying for you night and day (no cliché).

Raw Carrot Cake

2008-05-21T21:47:00.005-05:00

Happy Birthday, mi rey!

(Each candle is worth 10 years)

It was my hubs birthday and I worked hard on a raw carrot cake recipe. I got the recipe from Renee Loux Underkoffler's raw recipe book. It was soooooo time consuming but the cake was delicious. I wasn't too fond of the frosting only because I found it too lemony for my liking. I would have preferred a sweeter frosting since the cake already had lemon and orange bits. I should've cut the recipe in half. The cake could serve 10-12 people and we are just 3 (baby can't eat food yet). My favourite part of the cake was cardamom flavour; it gave the cake a more exotic taste.

My husband was griping over the fact that he's turned the big 3-0. Hahaha! He thinks he's old already. Oh, please. I turned the big 3-0 three years ago!! I think I look good for my age and so does he.

Calling on all Canadians!! Urgent Action

2008-05-14T20:06:00.004-05:00

Calling all Canadians who are concerned about their personal choice about their health and well-being. The Canadian Minister of Health has recently introduced BillC-51into the House of Commons. For those of us who follow a more natural way of living, we will suffer greatly. We cannot let this bill pass. I urge you to sign the petition. Information is below.

BillC-51 will:

Remove democratic oversight, bypassing elected officials to vote in laws and allow bureaucrats to adopt laws from other countries without our consent.
Remove 60-70% of all Natural Health Products from Canadian stores. Many others will be available by prescription only.
Restrict research and development of safe and natural alternatives in favour of high risk drugs.
Punish Canadians with little or no opportunity for protection or recourse for simply speaking about or giving a natural product without the approval of government. More than 70% of people in Canada use a Natural Health Product. The new law goes so far as to warrant action against a person who would give another person an “unapproved” amount of garlic on the recommendation that it would improve that person’s health.
Allow inspectors to enter private property without consent, take your property at their discretion, dispose of your property at will, not reimburse you for your losses, seize your bank accounts, charge owners shipping and storage charges for seized property, be empowered to store your property indefinitely, and levy fines up to $5,000,000 and/or 2 years in jail per incident.

Sign the online petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/billc51

Training Day

2008-05-12T21:42:00.003-05:00

I had a wonderful workout today. My coach was very proud. I'm actually running now. I did two laps and some sprints. Who would've thought that in 6 weeks after barely being able to walk, I'm running now. The last words my coach left me with was that he will take care of the workouts but I have to take care of the food. For awhile I was not eating enough calories and I would be so weak during workouts. I realized that I was not consuming enough calories. I need to make sure I have enough energy to expel the energy.

Post Pregnancy Weight Loss on Raw

2008-05-07T22:16:00.006-05:00

I intend to start another temporary blog in order to chart my weight release success. I think it will help to keep me accountable and to have a visual perspective of what I put in my mouth and how much exercise I do.

I've been following the Raw Food Detox Diet by Natalia Rose but I think I need to include more calories in my diet. I find that when I'm training with my coach, I get tired very easily and I have no energy for the workout. It could also mean that I'm so distracted by my children that I forget to eat properly. It doesn't help that I don't get enough sleep. Having a 3 month old seems to do that to you. *smile*

Check out the blog at www.weightreleaseonraw.blogspot.com

Juice Feasting Postponed

2008-05-03T08:27:00.003-05:00

I've decided to postpone my juice feasting on the advice of other raw foodists and raw mamas. As long as I am breastfeeding my child, it's best to wait until I stop so the baby is not exposed to any toxins. It's important that I don't deplete my body of nutrition so Santiago gets the best milk possible. I'm a little disappointed not to be starting right away but my baby is priority. I breastfed my first son for 18 months. It'll be at least that long before I do the juice feast. Oh well. It's not a competition and there is no rush. In the meantime, I continue to eat a raw diet.

Ack! She's back!

2008-04-29T11:13:00.003-05:00

After 2 1/2 months since the birth of Santiago, I woke up one day with severe cramps...I went to the washroom and then I noticed....she's baaaack! My period returned! I was hoping for a reprieve of at least 8 months (like the first birth). I was shocked and sad and moody!! The pain has been excruciating. I've been breastfeeding my son but I guess one never knows when menstruation returns. Some women are lucky enough for 8 months to a year or more. I should've known it was coming because I was PMS-ing. I had a craving for heavy foods such as raw cashews and pecans, Larabars, dates. The lemon in the green lemonade was irritating me a bit so I kept eating more heavy raw foods.

I've never had periods this painful and heavy before and I get the feeling it's because my body has so many toxins. I am not a doctor but when I was 100% raw, my periods were light and painless. I really need to have a cleanse and the return of my menstruation has only confirmed that I will try the juice feast. I think it will give me a fresh start.

In the meantime, I'm doubled over on the sofa, barking at everyone and everything. Ugh! Not a pretty sight. I can't wait till it's over.

Juice Feasting

2008-04-28T19:45:00.005-05:00

I'm considering doing a juice feast that a lot of my fellow raw foodists have been doing or done. I decided to seriously consider it after my hubs and I celebrated our anniversary. I made a Renee Loux Underkoffler chocolate pie. It was sooo good and I soooo regret having eaten so much of it. My hubs loved it. I realize that the kind of raw diet I prefer is one that is very light and that the food can just pass through me. That delicious pie just sat in my stomach for days. It felt gluttonous on my part. I don't know what to do with the rest of it. A spoonful would have sufficed. I enjoy sweets but the next time I make a pie like that I need to invite friends over.

I am a bit nervous about the juice feast because I don't know what it entails and if I can do the whole 92 days. My life is so hectic and I don't want to lose any energy juggling family, school and personal projects etc... If I do the juice feast, I will start this Sunday. I love my juices and I have been living on Natalia Rose's green lemonade for the last couple of weeks. I will check out the juice feasting website and see how to do it. I need that kind of cleansing.

Green lemonade

3 large leaves of collard greens
2 stalks of celery
1 1/2 - 2 Fuji apples
1 lemon
3/4 inch of gingerroot

Place ingredients in the order I have listed in a juicer (I use the L'Equip 2000. I love it!) and serve immediately. Enjoy.

Healing

2008-04-24T19:33:00.003-05:00

I am seeing the results of my labour. My coach has gotten me to run. I'll run for a bit and then walk, run then walk. I really enjoy these times with my trainer. It's my ME time, trying to take care of myself. My face has gotten slimmer and I think I've lost some weight. I am not weighing myself because I don't want to be depressed or disillusioned. My trainer said not to bother and just focus on how your clothes are fitting you. He also said that I can do all the crunches and running I like but if I'm not eating properly and consistently, it'll be all for nought. True true. I want to be able to show him how the raw diet along with his training has helped me. He believes the "grazing" method of eating is the best way and not to starve yourself. I just try to eat when I'm hungry. I just need to make sure I'm putting in the right food in my mouth. Like this salad of shreddred cucumbers, carrots, chopped green onion , dill and lime juice. Very refreshing and light.

Rawlicious

2008-04-20T09:25:00.006-05:00

Yesterday Tiago and I went to a new rawfood restaurant called Rawlicious, owned by fellow blogger Robin aka RawketScience. It is a cute, small establishment. I love the various types of seating. I ordered the Nutty Wrap, which was delicious. However, my favourite is Mono Blanco, a vanilla milkshake. It is made of vanilla nutmilk, almond butter, a banana and I think vanilla extract. Fantastic. I'll probably be going there again soon. Robin also has a Choco Monkey shake that I'll try next time.

Mono Blanco and Choco Monkey

Checkout the RawketScience blog under My Favourite Blogs.

Ups and Downs

2008-04-19T16:21:00.005-05:00

I've been going through some weird emotional feelings lately. I've been a bit discouraged about my weight gain during pregnancy. I really let it get out of hand. It just makes me feel like a weak person. I know it will take time for me to take it off but I get impatient sometimes. My hubs is very supportive and hasn't said or done anything to make me feel bad. I just seem to be juggling a lot of things and not getting a good grasp on any one of them. I am so fed up with my Masters program and after 4 years and 2 babies, I'm still not done. Ernesto is going through his temper tantrums and I don't know what to do sometimes. A part of me just wants to escape to a tropical island and live on coconuts and pineapple. I feel such a sense of imbalance and I'm trying to find ways to re-establish and to reconnect my life. I would love to take an ashtanga yoga class. I do have DVDs but I prefer the classroom setting with the music and the instructor making sure my body is positioned correctly.

I haven't prayed in days and I also feel a disconnect spiritually. Last night my hubs noticed that and we read a Biblical scripture. It was from the book of Psalms about trusting in the Lord. We prayed afterwards and I led the prayer. It felt wonderful talking to God. That's how I see prayer...like a conversation. I just poured my heart out and I guess I carried on for a long time because my hubs was dozing off. *smile* I really need God's guidance to keep me moving and centered. I need to breathe, pray, move, eat raw and sleep. I need to organize my time to allow myself to enjoy my family and not be frustrated with them when in actuality I'm frustrated with myself.

Peace.

Blessings

2008-04-17T09:45:00.008-05:00

Just wanted to share photos of my blessings, my family. I am so privileged to be a mother and a wife. It can be trying at times but it is so worth it. It's a vegetarian household with me being the only vegan/raw foodist....well, my newborn is a raw foodist for now by drinking only mama's milk.

My gorgeous hubby, pre-dreadlocks.

This was during our first date.

Our gorgeous boys: Ernesto and Santiago

Toronto Raw Food Potluck

2008-04-14T10:41:00.010-05:00

It's been almost a year since I attended the Toronto Raw Food Potluck. I was so looking forward to it. I made a key lime pie made of avocados, lime juice and a coconut crust. I'm not a big avocado fan. The flavour of avocados make me want to vomit. I didn't taste it, my hubs did and said the pie was fantastic, especially the crust and there was no avocado taste. My hubs has supported my diet. At first, he wanted nothing to do with raw food. When we first met, he was a diehard carnivore, a typical Cuban that loves his pork. Slowly he began to change his diet when he was getting digestive problems. One day he told me that he was abandoning meat (with the exception of fish) and alcohol. He considers himself a vegetarian and he's not turning back. He enjoys the raw desserts I make but doesn't want to fully commit to a raw food diet. His concern is that the raw foodists are too skinny. He still thinks they may be lacking vitamins and other minerals.

We arrived at the potluck late and half the food was gone. I barely put down the pie when the people swarmed like vultures towards me. Hahaha. I managed to enjoy a salad of cabbage, cukes, dill and green onions. I will certainly be making this salad in the future. Another person brought a salad of marinated carrots, broccoli and something else. I wish they had written the ingredients as requested by the organizer. That salad was fantastic.

I enjoy the monthly raw food potlucks.

My key lime pie.

My hubs and Santiago

I am working with a track and field coach at my university 3 times a week and he has given me a diet plan. He is neither raw vegan nor vegan. I've basically thrown out his menu plan and worked around or replaced the dishes with raw vegan alternatives. I know protein is an important thing so I've included hemp seed powder in my smoothies. The results should be fantastic. I haven't started running yet but I am patient. My coach is excellent as he is aware of my post-pregnancy injury and has given me exercises to help strengthen my pelvic area. Once I've completed my training with my coach, I will show him an alternative menu plan for vegans and raw vegans. He'll be quite surprised and perhaps will incorporate it.

Santiago and me

2008-04-08T12:30:00.008-05:00

I realize that there are so many pictures of my newborn with other people and not with his mama. So I decided to lie on my bed and take a picture of just the two of us. I couldn't see his face so I was just crossing my fingers for at least one good picture. Tiago is so precious.

Grawnola

2008-04-04T09:00:00.003-05:00

My husband, my mother, my son and my babysitter devoured my raw granola. This makes me very happy. I've got orders to make more. See recipe below.

2 cups almonds, soaked
2 cups cashews, soaked
1 cup sunflower seeds, soaked
1 cup pumpkin seeds, soaked
1 cup goji berries, soaked
Dash of sea salt
Raw honey

Drain all the soaked ingredients well. Blend the nuts first in food processor and place in large bowl. Blend the remaining ingredients except for raw honey and add to large bowl. Stir well and add as much raw honey in order for the mixture to bond well.
Dehydrate for at least 24 hours on Teflex sheets. When the top part of the granola is hard, flip over sheets and remove teflex sheets. Dehydrate for another 8-12 hours. Break apart the granola with your hands and keep in an airtight container. Enjoy with almond milk or alone.

Mango Pie

2008-03-31T10:08:00.008-05:00

Yesterday evening I had so much fun with my friends and family. Hubs made a Spanish paella that looked fantastic. The guests devoured it. I enjoyed my salad of cucumbers and cabbage. I wasn't that hunger in the evening. I tend to graze during the day. Naturally my guests were wondering why I wasn't eating the paella and I explained about my diet. They were curious and understanding. The wife commented that one would certainly lose a lot of weight. I've dealt with a variety of attitudes about the raw food diet. Theirs was great even though I could tell they weren't interested (at least for now) to live on a raw food diet.

Dessert was a smash! They loved my mango pie and I did too. Hubs went crazy over it. So much so that I thought we were going to have baby #3. It was fantastic and so Über easy to make. I used ataulfo mangoes which are my favourite. These type of mangoes create a more richer and naturally sweeter filling.

Tonight, I will meet with a professional track & field coach about jumpstarting my training. This should help with my pelvic recovery. I am really excited about it and hope that he isn't too expensive. I really need to balance my budget and work within my means if I ever hope to accomplish my financial and personal goals.

Okra

2008-03-29T11:01:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, I made my husband's favourite Indian dish: okra with tomatoes, onions in a non-dairy sauce served with chappatis. For the first time I was quite tempted to eat the okra. I will try to make the same version raw. Onions are pretty strong raw so I'm looking for a marinade that won't change the overall taste of the recipe and keep the flavour of the onions mild.

My hubs made a strawberry batido (Cuban milkshake) and so I made my own with mangoes, strawberries and some parsley. I thought mine was fantastic! I wouldn't say it was a green smoothie but the hint of parsley made it taste nice. Lately I've been obsessed with mangoes. I need to make sure I balance it out with enough greens.

Tomorrow, I'm having company over to see my newborn. My husband wants to do the cooking for the guests. Even though he is a vegetarian (with the occasional desire to eat some fish), he hasn't embraced raw veganism. He does support me though and that's very important to me.
I'll make sure I have a salad so that I may enjoy it and I'll be making a raw dessert...something with mangoes. Mmm... I'll post the pics tomorrow.

Returned to Running

2008-03-28T07:32:00.005-05:00

Last night I decided to return to running. It's been a long time and I miss it so. I figured that I could take it slow. I wouldn't say that the pelvic injury is 100% healed rather 85%. I still feel some soreness at times. I pulled out all my running gear. Santiago and Ernesto were fed and rested, hanging out with papa.

Well as soon as a I stepped on the concrete and began to run, I felt pain. WoW! I'm not ready to run yet. It felt as if something was pressing down on my pelvic bone everytime I took a step. It was a premature move. I ended up walking instead. I realized while walking that I still walk like a penguin a bit. Until my gait is back to normal and balanced, I can't be running.

Nonetheless, I am very pleased with the progress. Seven weeks ago I couldn't even move my legs and get out of bed. Now I'm quite mobile.

I celebrated my accomplishments with a tasty raw concoction of mango, strawberries, an orange and dates all blended. It was delicious.

Having fun with raw foods

2008-03-27T16:48:00.004-05:00

I had participated in a Frederic Patenaude contest a year or so ago. The contest was to create a visually enticing raw dish. I came in second place. I don't remember what the prize was because I don't think I claimed it or received it. Hahaha.

Tah-dah!!

Caterpillar
Button mushroom body, cranberry eyes, grape nose and cucumber legs

Porcupine
Green grapes, canteloupe body, red grape eyes, strawberry body

Car
Daikon car, cucumber wheels, cranberry hubcabs, not sure what the head is but the hat is a button mushroom

A lady
Daikon head, cranberry eyes, cucumber mouth, orange torso, dragon fruit skirt

Today was a great day. My eldest son who is 3 years old behaved very well today. Lately he has been acting out with temper tantrums and disobedience. I know it has to do with the terrible twos (which started late for him) and having another member of the family. It's been very trying for me but I have the wonderful support of my sweetheart.

A few days ago I had made some sweet plantain chips. They were delicious and sweet. I have to watch my love of raw sweets. I'll just make these once in awhile. I have such a hectic schedule that I need to make simple quick raw foods. I do love my crackers so I make those on the weekends, enough to last a month.

Feeling the difference

2008-03-26T21:40:00.004-05:00

I feel the changes again with my body being slowly restored to its natural form. My body is detoxing and honestly, it feels great. The healing is wonderful even though I've been running to the bathroom after every bite of food. I have been eating mainly raw smoothies in the morning and a sunflower/almond pâté at lunch and a juice or water with lemon in the evening.

It's quite a challenge raising a toddler and a newborn while maintaining a decent household. I find I'm making two kinds of food: raw for myself and cooked vegan for the rest of the family. One thing that is wonderful is that I have the support of my sweetheart. He started out as a hardcore carnivore but I guess I influenced him with my juices and smoothies. He supports a vegetarian diet but not ready to take the plunge into raw. It's nice now to see the fridge completely filled with vegetables and fruits.

I started yoga again but couldn't complete all the poses as I still have soreness in the muscle and pelvic bone area. When I twist, the pain is there. In time this will pass. Tomorrow, I'm going to include running again, but I will be taking it verrrry slow.

Back after a 2 year absence

2008-03-24T12:09:00.004-05:00

Wow! I can't believe it has been 2 years since I last used my blog...boo to me. I am back and dedicated. So much has happened. I have another baby boy, mi querido Santiago. I was off the rawfood wagon during my pregnancy (boo to me again). I had a rough pregnancy, which I believe had to do with my awful SAD diet. My delivery resulted in a pelvic injury and I was unable to walk. I was in the hospital for one week. Recovery has been faster than expected. I no longer need a walker and I can carry my son and walk at the same time. I have eliminated animal products (with the exception of raw honey) and I feel so much better. During my pregnancy I had a lot of mucus and I kept getting colds. No more colds and mucus now that I have brushed up on my diet. Now I need to release the pounds I had packed on. This was worse than the first time around but I am determined. If I intend to walk the walk and talk the talk, it starts now. Woo-hoo!!

WoW! It's been so long

2006-03-30T21:39:00.000-05:00

It's been over a month since I've written. Back to work, back to school. Very exhausted. Lately I've been maintaining a 95% raw diet and I'm very happy about that. The key is planning and I've been planning my meals in advance and doing my grocery shopping with a list. I've been feeling a lot better and my skin is clearing up again. I've had my temptations but I've managed to overcome them.

I was tempted to make sushi (cuz I loooove sushi) but I distracted myself by cleaning my kitchen floors. As strange as it may sound, it was quite rewarding *laughter*. I make an effort to get more sleep.

Being raw is great! It is the diet/lifestyle for me.

Valentine's Day

2006-02-14T09:02:00.000-05:00

It's Valentine's Day and my special Valentine and I are going to have a wonderful Valentine's lunch at my friend's raw restaurant. It'll be a wonderful time for mother and son.

This is my son enjoying his green smoothie. Trust me, it's delicious.

Recipe

1 large sweet mango, chopped
1 1/2 cups of diced fresh pineapple
1/2 apple (your choice)
1/2 banana (optional)
2 cups or more of chopped fresh spinach
Water

In a strong blender (like a Vita-Mix) add fruits, spinach and enough water to blend to your consistency. Serve immediately. Enjoy.

It's My Birthday!!

2006-01-10T09:18:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday to me! Happy birthday to all of me!!!!!
Happy Birthday to me!

I think I'll go to my friend's raw restaurant and celebrate. There'll be a party for me on Saturday. I'll be honest, I'll be eating cooked food. The theme is Tropicanadá. We're going to dress up. I'll be munching on some arroz y tostones!! (So much for my 30 days)

LOL!! I love life!

New Year's Resolution

2006-01-01T19:52:00.000-05:00

I had purchased the documentary DVD "Breakthrough" about Storm, Jinjee and their children...the raw-vegan family. It was well done, very informative. The daughter, Shale is soooo adorable. I am very impressed about the way they live and how they take care of themselves. It was very inspiring.

One of my New Year's Resolutions is to spend less money and to learn to live on less. Healthwise I'm going to try to eat a 100% raw diet for 30 days. I've done it once before and I saw the wonderful results. This may be harder because it is my birthmonth and I know a lot of friends will want to go out with me to restaurants and stuff. I'll just have to find a way to work around it.

Another of my resolutions is to get more rest. I'm not getting enough sleep and it shows. I've been getting a lot of headaches. The more rest I have the more I'll be able to enjoy my time with my son.

The Raw Lunch

2005-12-16T07:06:00.000-05:00

My percussion teacher loved the lunch. He was quite impressed that the food tasted so good. He said for something that was just pure fruits and vegetables, it was delicious.

Here are the pics of the meal I made.

Raw spaghetti with marinara sauce. Spaghetti is made from shredded zucchini. I also added marinated Portobello mushrooms, red peppers and herbs and spices. The sauce is made from tomatoes, herbs, strawberries, pineapple, Nama Shoyu, shallots, olive oil.

Raw chocolate pie in a Brazil nut crust topped with strawberries. Raw carob is used as a replacement to chocolate. Looks good. It was gooood.

My percussion teacher. The smile on his face says it all.

Raw Lunch for my Percussion teacher

2005-12-07T21:42:00.000-05:00

Next Tuesday will be my last lesson with my percussion teacher until February. After the exam that day, we will be hanging out and talking about Afro-peruvian music, culture and his upcoming trip to Peru. I offered to make something to eat. I told him that since I'm veg, there will be no meat. At first I was thinking about making a vegetarian version of a Jamaican dish called "Stew Peas and Rice". But I don't want to eat anything cooked that day. I only do that once a week and that's not the day I want to do that. So I've decided to make him a 100% raw meal. It'll be new to him. I'm not necessarily trying to convert him but I know he has no idea what it entails. The menu will be:

Pasta w/ Marinara sauce (the pasta is made of zucchini)
Raw choconut pie
Sorrel

He's going to love it!

Raw Fritters

2005-12-04T21:54:00.000-05:00

I have a pretty good recipe for making plantain fritters. It's really good. Tastes like the real thing. Fritters are concoction of mashed fruit or vegetables or fish covered in a batter and deep fried. It's very popular in the English and French Caribbean. My raw version doesn't need a batter and it certainly doesn't need to be deep-fried. I use a dehydrator and it works just as well and keeps the enzymes in tact.

Flu Shot

2005-12-02T11:48:00.000-05:00

I see it everywhere: in the news, on bus shelters, in doctor's offices, on the subway. Get your free flu shot. I haven't had a flu shot in years. The last time I had it was in Morocco. I didn't like it and decided not to take it anymore. I figured that I eat wholesomely, try to get plenty of rest and exercise. Even with threats of the avian flu, I'm not compulsed to get it. However, I've been thinking a lot about it for my son. I've been doing a lot of reading on the pros and cons. My son's pediatrician recommends it but he's not pushing me to do. He just told me to think about it. My son is as healthy, if not healthier than me. He is with me almost 100% of the time. I make homemade babyfood, he still breastfeeds and gets plenty of rest and exercise. I rarely get sick, I haven't had a cold and neither has he. As I may be returning to work late February early March. It is possible that my son may need daycare. I'm dreading it. A friend of mine has her child in daycare and I remember the uncle telling me that his nephew always gets sick but then he's fine again. He's in full-time daycare, with other children. Lots of children + enclosed space + germs = maybe I should give my son the flu shot. Ugh.

Recipe Book

2005-11-28T22:12:00.000-05:00

For the past few months I've been working on a raw recipe book. There are a lot out there but I think my idea may work. I've been trying out recipes. I made my infamous (at least among raw foodists) tropical grawnola. It is really good. It's a combination of nuts, tropical fruit and agave syrup. Once I make it I have to give it away or I'll eat the whole batch. I thought the granola would taste great with milk (raw almond milk) but I wasn't digging it. I think it had nothing to do with the combination. I'm just not a cereal person even if it is raw.

Tomorrow I'm looking forward to jogging with my baby again. It was raining heavily today. I'll still go out in the rain as long as it is a light drizzle.

Rough Days

2005-11-26T22:07:00.000-05:00

A few days ago I was feeling a little down. My studies are tiring me and it's hard taking care of my son. I had a cooked meal and I could feel the changes to my body. Even though I'm not 100%, it's not good for me to eat cooked food in a negative state of mind. I normally choose a day where I know I'll be eating cooked food and I prepare for it. That way it's not a shock to my system. It's usually a vegetable soup. Unfortunately, this wasn't one of those days. I really started to feel sluggish and miserable. I want to fast but since I am breastfeeding, I won't do it. I may have to eat a high raw diet, which is mainly fruits, vegetables and some nuts. Nothing dehydrated for the moment.

Rainbeau Mars/Jogging

2005-11-21T19:38:00.000-05:00

I was perusing other blogs on rawfood and I was inspired by a person named Rainbeau Mars. She is a yoga practitioner and rawfoodist who has a baby. She looks fabulous. She is living a very healthy, active, organic life. I like that. Another inspiration is Frederic Patenaude, a fellow Canuck. His website and information is practical and realistic.

I've been jogging with my son in this jogging stroller I won on ebay. It's fantastic. The ride was smooth and my son loved. I need to encourage fitness and good health at a young age. I haven't jogged in a long time and my muscles could feel it. But it's been getting better everyday. I feel a lot better. I'm trying to incorporate jogging at least 3 times a week and the other days will be Ashtanga yoga.

I celebrated with a raw carob/banana smoothie. Mmm...

Winter's Coming

2005-11-17T11:07:00.000-05:00

I normally don't do well on a 100% raw diet in the winter. I feel my body needs some warmth. My goal is to maintain a 75% raw diet during the winter months. I will keep eating my greens and making my raw crackers and biscuits. The cooked food part of my diet will consist of vegan soups. I should be fine with that.

Christmas is coming and I dread eating with the family because no one is raw or vegetarian. I'll have to prepare a dish so that I don't feel left out or tempted. Caribbean food still smells good. There is this Jamaican Christmas drink I love called sorrel. It is made from the sorrel plant. The plant is boiled in water and pieces of ginger until there is a deep red colour. While it's hot, you add sugar and sometimes pineapple juice and mint leaves. I'm trying to find a raw version of sorrel. Instead of the sorrel leaves I may use fresh cranberries. Hmm...we'll see.

Why I Chose a Raw Food Diet

2005-11-16T20:38:00.000-05:00

All my life I've been trying to find a healthy diet that works for me. I've struggled with my weight and it frustrated me. My relationship with food was complicated. I developed terrible eating habits. I was addicted to certain foods such as refined sugar, and coffee. I became an emotional eater and that led to eating disorders and problems with my weight. It wasn’t until a few years ago, when I went to Victoria and Igor Boutenko’s raw food workshop, I had learned about raw foods. I went to the workshop with an empty stomach but in the back of my mind I thought about the slice of pizza I’d be eating afterwards. I didn’t think raw food could be satisfying. I was in for a wonderful awakening. The food was terrific and the dessert was amazing! My body felt light yet satisfied. I didn’t have that heavy feeling in the pit of my stomach. I realized that this was the direction I needed to take.

Since having a predominantly raw food diet (the odd time I eat sashimi...it is raw :P), my energy has increased, my skin looks great and my eating habits have become more balanced. I still have my ups and downs (especially during my pregnancy) but this is a road I intend to stay on and there’s no turning back.

I'll be documenting my raw journey and I'm hoping to be as honest and open about it. It may not be for everybody but somebody may gain some insight on it.