a raw Lifestyle portfolio

A Brave Treatment

 

Shelley Abegg choose to fight her breast cancer alternatively. This brave soul was told by doctors that she had breast cancer and not only did she have breast cancer but it had spread. When Shelly heard the news she was at a complete loss however it wasn't only the horrific news of the cancer that put her at a loss it was also the conventional treatment options that did'nt sit well with her. Shelley said that she knew inside her that if she went ahead with the radiation and chemo therapy that she would'nt make it through. After much desperation Shelley went ahead and adopted a raw food diet.Admit tingly Shelley's new living food cuisine wasn't all that tasty however she did'nt give up and her son Taylor even joined in to help his mom stick it out. However Shelley lost some friendships over her decision to use raw foods as an outlet to facilitate her healing process.She say's that back then in 2001 she was weak and exhibiting all of signs of someone experiencing cancer however as the months and years went by and the more she followed her living food lifestyle she started to have more energy,shiner hair and all the benefits that came along with a raw lifestyle. Shelley has been cancer free for seven years and a 100 percent raw. I honestly hope that all people living with a chronic illness recognize that raw food can cure so called chronic illness.

A Grandmother Goes Raw !

As we get older learning new habits become harder and harder.However when that new habit is exciting as raw foods anyone would be happy to jump right in ! Jane Smith a grandmother caught the raw bug while visiting her grandchildren for thanksgiving and someone brought over a thanksgiving themed raw dish. Now this super grad lady is biking,off her blood pressure meds and sporting a learner more healthier body.

 

Here is what she was enjoying when the interviewer caught up to her at a potluck.

 

Raw potluck fare: Super Hero Green Cheese on Fennel Pumpkin Chips, left, Sprouted Quinoa Tabouli, Marinated Greens and fruit salad.

Raw Foods at Wholefoods

Chef Abalos from whole foods "cooks" up a unique looking pear cobbler dish that i'm sure you'll enjoy !

 

"For the topping; mix two cups pecans, one cup pitted dates, one cup of figs, sea salt and non-alcoholic vanilla extract; pulse in a food processor until it “sticks together.” For the filling use fresh pears sliced into rounds, one to two teaspoons of lemon juice, more blue agave, and golden raisins, season with pumpkin spice and cinnamon. Chop ingredients in the food processor. Finish by layering the topping and filling in an alternating pattern."

This recipe seems like a cool one to serve for family and friends over the holiday season. For me I would take it an extra step and peel the pear.

A Gift Of Graditude

   

When I got asked the question How has raw foods changed my life for the better? by Ingrid I was kind of touched that someone actually cared to ask such a deeply unselfish and caring concerned question. I spoke from my heart and soul however as the days went by I just couldn't believe that there were so many great stories as well. I guess when you go through something so profound you think your the only one. Winning this blender is great but you know whats really great having someone hear your story and actually having them get it thanks Ingrid.

Full Story at Raw Epicurean

Mother Treresas's Raw Inspiration (Quote Du Jor)

 

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.

You see in the final analysis. it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway
You see in the final analysis. it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway

Favorite Raw Granola

Raw Granola is the ultimate snack crunchy satisfier. My favorite granola is  pineapple apple flavor. What is the main ingredient in your favorite raw granola?

 

Well if you don't have a favorite raw granola then here are some key things to remember when going at it on your own.

1. Keep the dehydrator at 118. If you think that putting it higher will help it won't leave it at 118.

2. Add orange rind,pineapple,cranberries, and other tangy fruit for a flavor sensation

3. Try using three different kinds of nuts this gives your taste buds something different and you won't feel like your crunching on the same nuts.

4. Sprouted buckwheat groats also make a great crunchy, crispy addition to your granola

Ideas For Handeling the non raw people In your life

You know how it is,you decide to go raw, you buy all organic and you make sure you have raw items on hand like nut milks, salad and salad dressings . However when you open the refrigerator you are still tempted by one of your family members non raw items. What do you do ? I'll tell you one thing  for sure don't do what I did which was throw out their cooked stuff and claim that you you ate it. This calls for some compromise.

1. Always keep your raw food on hand. Granola, Guacamole,Salas,Ice cream etc.

2. Make sure you eat breakfast and lunch so you are not too hungry and desperate for their cooked food.

3. Never tell your family what to eat if they ask you share it.However just like you made a choice allow them to make a choice.

4.  If  the people in your family  love taco's make raw tacos,this is your opportunity to wow them and woe them over to a raw lifestyle!

5. Always lead by example. When your family members see how great you look and feel that speaks for itself and they just might join in.

6. Raw Food is suppose to be about fun and excitement so don't bore them with calories and enzymes. Just make the food look and taste great.

7. Share your raw food books with your family members. There's nothing like a couple of beautiful pictures to get them excited about going raw.

8. Take them to raw food restaurants for birthdays or special occasions. If they see other people eating raw it might give them the ok to jump right in.

9. Pack transitional lunches for your family members. Substitute real tuna with mock salmon Pate or a candy bar with a Lara Bar.

10. Give it time. It might take one week or one year, however long it takes keep leading by example it is the only thing that really works.

School Of Rawk's Erica Albanese

Erica Albanese is such a beautiful integrity filled human being. I have spoken to Erica a couple of times through email and the one thing that I get from her is that she would love for raw foods to be available to all people not just one class of people. She is also a serious animal activist who's Raw Food's lifestyle doesn't stop at the love for good food. I have to say that everyday I root for her because I truly believe that we have enough "raw gurus" out there. I would love for a person who is down to earth,caring and accepting as Erica Albanese to have a chance to share her talents with the world.

I have to say that  Erica's  pizza recipes have to be the best representation of  real pizza that I have ever seen. So if you want to be tantalized and satisfied Order the School Of Rawk's Greatest Hits Ebook you won't regret it herCinnamon rolls are also out of this world. 

Check out her blog 

 

The Raw Food Poet ( two snaps and a hand clap)

 

This poet and poem are so unique. I was shopping at one of my favorite places to shop, Trader Joe's supermarket  in union square Manhattan. I was going to rush right into Trader's but I noticed a guy sitting outside Trader Joe's with a typewriter, I saw that he was writing poems for other people so I went over to him and asked him to write one for me, I paid him his asking fee, five bucks and told him the subject which was raw foods and this is what he came up with.  I loved the poem so much that I asked if I could snap a picture of him he agreed.

Click the poem for a full size version which allows you to read it,the picture will be large and then come down to regular size after you click it.. Caution this poem does have some spelling errors but who cares he wrote it on a typewriter with no spell check or eraser so give him a break please.

A Raw Experience ..........Health Scare

Lately Ive been getting headaches early in the morning,feeling dizzy and having some mild hearing loss. I started to get quite scared.So I went to Westchester Medical Center to get checked out.Before I went  into the adult emergency center I was so scared that I tripped over the welcome mat. I couldn't believe that God would allow a sickness like brain cancer to touch my life. I kept on playing back the symptoms in my head as I walked in.Headache,nausa,dizziness and mild hearing loss. As people started to take my information I just could'nt believe that they were speaking to me and the words brain cancer were coming out of my mouth. The nurse took all of my symptoms down and told me to have a seat and wait. As I sat down I felt like ok you have to pull yourself together you have to be strong,if you have it so what keep living and  what is suppose to happen will happen. However another part of me was thinking NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I don't wanna be sick like this I can't handle it. After 30 Min's another nurse escorted me into the emergency room and told me to wait and I did. I sat on a bed for four hours and then was lead into the cat scan room.As I laid there with nothing in my hair looking  all types of crazy because of the no metal in the hair rule I could't help but think these results could change my life forever. The canscan person aka radiologist I think told me to close my eyes and I did however I did open them a little to notice some cute comforting art on the celling. After I finished the cat scan I was escorted back to my bed. I sat there trying my best to stay in the present moment all the while staring periodically at the doctor that was waiting for my results. He was handling other business at a computer desk. I waited another hour and a half for the results, my doctor didn't even say anything he just put his thumbs up and I knew I was all good. I could'nt believe it all that worry for nothing. I am definitely one of the lucky ones and I fully appreciate it too. I now attribute my medications side affects for mimicking the symptoms of brain cancer. I continue to eat 100 percent raw with a focus on green salads. Although my medication sucks I know that for now I need it and the best thing to do is focus on reducing it. For all the cancer survivors out there I can't imagine what your going through but one thing is for sure when you've gotta deal with any sickness you become who you have to become to cope.

Zephyr New Raw Food Spot

 

Located in downtown long beach Zephyr is a vegetarian restaurant with lots to offer.Not only is it vegetarian it has raw items on the menu as well,from "spaghetti" to raw Vietnamese spring rolls . They also have great salad items one has walnut and apple great for fall. Plus the prices aren't that explosive either $4 -$11. They are open Sunday through Thursday 11am-4pm and Friday and Saturday 11am-9pm.

The atmosphere is very hippie and it is a great place to go if your new to raw.

Best Raw Ice cream Search

  Raw Agave Gelato Tomberlies 

 Grezzo's Raw Restaurant  

I love raw ice cream and I haven't gotten to sample all of these but which ones are your favorate ? 

Your flavor might not be here but you can still mention it.

My absolute favorate is Pure Food and Wine's Almond Butter Cup

   

Chefing It Up

Yes sir for this past month I have been a personal raw food chef. My mom works for Columbia Presbyterian and I have several clients there. They absolutely love my food and I am crazy happy. I have never missed an order and my food is always delicious, fresh,clean, filling and neatly arranged. I really thank God because to be able to do what you love is truly a blessing !

This is me in my chef jacket while I worked for the Hyatt

Raw Foods Lover Post

  Bountiful Bouquet From Gone Raw

  Stuffed Tomato with Walnut Herb Pate Recipe

Tabbouleh as Ever Gone Raw

   Raw Bac-un(Bacon) Queenfluff's recipe

Mango Tamatillo Salsa Recipe Gone Raw

I love keeping inspiring raw food pics around. It really helps me on my journey,I hope that this post help's you too.

Spiced Walnut Cream

 

I got this beautiful recipe from Gone Raw

Ingredients

• 2 cups walnuts, soaked a few hours, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup fresh water
• ½ cup soaked dates
• 2 tablespoons ground chia seeds
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
• pinch ground cloves

Preparation

1.whip all ingredients in blender until thick and fluffy.i did have to stop the blender and scrape the mixture down a few times:)

2.chill about 1 hour

3.pipe as desired onto pie.

note: the pie is poemomm’s pumpkin pie (i had to use walnuts)

this is the crust , also from poemomm (again i only had walnuts, and i sweetened it slightly with a couple of dates. that is why my crust is darker)

thanks poemomm!!!!

also, i would think any nut could be used in this recipe, especially cashews or macadamia

Special Lady

 

I adore this little lady. I have been checking out her site Filling Up On Life from the time her site was green and she was making crazy batches of fruit roll ups for her mom. She seems so sweet and down to earth yet strong enough to lead her own life that I had to feature her on my site. Her blog is so neatly written,cute and a bit quirky that it kind of reminds me of the show Ugly Betty but in a good way. I really admire her because she was served lemons when she lost her job due to hurricane Katrina and found her true passion. So check out this super cute,super sweet,super lady Fill Up On Life  ! I don't know if she'll ever see this but you will.

My Three Favorate places to Shop for Raw food.

 

 

 

Trader has the cheapest raw cashews in the land.

Whole foods is crazy on the wallet but has some variety

Pure Food and Wine is great because you don't have wait in the mail for your raw specialty item you can go pick it up and use it right away.

My Raw Food Collection ( Union Square Farmers Market in NYC)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Farmers market in union square is hands down one of the best farmer's markets on the planet .I couldn't help but take some flicks with my camera while I was down there. The best thing about the farmers market in union square is the variety of produce and the different variations of fruits and veges. Restaurants in Manhattan supply themselves with fresh organic produce from these vendors. Plus the prices aren't that bad. I absolutely love the farmers market and the atmosphere surrounding the market is fresh and creative.

14th Street /Broadway 

Opens Mon,Wed,Fri ,Sat

Opens 8am -6pm

Top Ten Union Square Farmers Market Rules.

Best Flax Cracker Search

   

 

I absolutely love crackers,the crunchiness, the crumbly,the chewy and flaky really get my sensations going. However following a raw food diet meant that I had to settle for the sticky flax cracker nine times out of ten or did it ? I have found one recipe that has the crunchiness of the great cracker experience. Check out the competition.

Sarmas Quackers are the best cracker out there right now however the best flax cracker that I have ever tasted were from rawlifeline. They were crunchy,zesty,crumbly and chewy. They definitely helped me to kick those cooked food cravings.

One Lucy Duck's Quackers

rawlifeline

10 Uses For Raw Cacao Butter

I don't know about you guys but I love a product that has many uses not just one. Especially when it is pricey,Raw Cacao butter has been used for years from making chocolate to skin care. check out these ten smart and cool ways to get the most out of your raw cacao butter purchase.

1. Chap stick 

2. Tan enhancer. When applying cacao butter to skin before tanning it allows for a deeper more even glow.

3. Stretch mark eliminator. Cacao butter makes the skin more flexible and smoother allowing it to be more pliable and strong.

4. Massage Oil. When rubbed into the skin Cacao butter gives a soothing effect and relaxing sent.

5. Soothes Redness. It  relaxes the nerves and vessels when rubbed into the skin.

6. Heals scars and cuts. Cacao butter actually aids the skin into creating new healthier skin.

7. Cracked Heel Eliminator. When used twice a day cacao butter eliminates cracked dry heels.

8. Cuticle moisturizer. Rub on cuticles to help soften skin for great pedicures.

9. Can be used in all raw chocolate recipes.

10. Used in raw cakes and icings along with coconut butter to help keep food firm at room temperature.