Greens and Bananas

I want this health powder

2006-09-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

There are so many different health drinks, systems, retreats, books, etc.,etc. that I would like to try/read/attend/experience/ I would need a couple of lifetimes (it seems - and a bigger bank account) to do it all.

Here's my newest 'healthy thing' I'm wanting to get.

Antioxidant Defense System® Purple
Take a look at this info sheet that I copied from Good Cause Wellness's website:

One Simple Sentence
GoodCause Wellness Antioxidant Defense System Purple is a great tasting, superior blend of nutrients from 19 fruit and vegetable to boost your body's anti-aging defense system.

Why should I use GCW ADS Purple? GCW ADS Purple is a blend 19 powerful antioxidant nutrients. By simply adding one scoop per day to a glass of water, juice or a smoothie, you support your body in attaining optimal health. It's also a convenient way to boost your energy. GCW ADS Purple is comprised on many of the fruits and vegetables you wish you would eat every day, but rarely get the chance to consume.	How does GCW ADS Purple taste? It might just be the best tasting nutrition drink mix available. The berry flavor is enhanced with stevia and purple carrots. It's delicious mixed with water or juice and adds nice flavor to a smoothie. If you like the idea of nutrient-rich drink mixes, but don't like the taste, this is the one for you.
How does GCW ADS Purple taste? It might just be the best tasting nutrition drink mix available. The berry flavor is enhanced with stevia and purple carrots. It's delicious mixed with water or juice and adds nice flavor to a smoothie. If you like the idea of nutrient-rich drink mixes, but don't like the taste, this is the one for you.	What's in GCW ADS Purple? Many of nature's most nutrient-rich foods are darkly colored fruits and vegetables. GCW ADS Purple is a blend of 19 nutrient rich and pesticide-free whole fruits and vegetables.
Key Ingredients Include Pomegranate Extract has a higher phenolic content than most pomegranate juices without the sugar and calories. Acai is a small dark purple fruit and has one of the highest ORAC values of any edible berry. It has 10 times the antioxidants of grapes and twice the antioxidants of blueberries. Goji berries have a wide range of anti-aging benefits from energy enhancement to cardiovascular protection. Goji is considered one of the most nutritionally dense food	Camu Camu is a small purple fruit that strengthens the immune system especially when the body is stressed. It has more Vitamin C than any other known plant in the world. Mangosteen supports joint, intestinal and immune system health. It helps neutralize cell damage caused by free radicals and supports optimal cell functions.
What are the benefits of GCW ADS Purple? Rich in Antioxidants. Contains potent antioxidants such as such as phenols, anthocyanins, ellagic acid, proanthocyanidins, bioflavonoids and Vitamin C. Infused with Anti-Aging Nutrients. Anti-aging nutrients in GCW ADS Purple include Alpha GPC, L-Carnosine, and Folic Acid to support mental energy, focus and clarity Promotes Optimal Health. GCW ADS Purple offers nutrients that support healthy aging, optimal nerve and brain functions, strong cellular health, good circulation, strong immune system functions and smooth, healthy skin.	Suggested Use As a dietary supplement, mix one level (10.95g) scoop in six to eight oz. of cold water or juice, one time daily. Supplement Facts Serving size: 10.95g (one level scoop) Servings Per Container: 30 Amount Per Serving: Calories: 34 Total Fat: <.5g Saturated Fat: 0g Total Carbohydrates: 10g Sugars: 0g Fiber: 3g Protein: 0g Vitamin C: 17mg Folic Acid: 400mcg

IngredientsProprietary Fruit Powder Blend, 4900 mg
(Containing blueberry, blackberry, black cherries, black raspberries, black currants, plums, elderberries, bilberries, figs and raisins)
Soluable Fiber (Fibersol-2), 200mg
Proprietary Vegetable Powder Blend, 1250 mg
(Containing eggplant, purple carrots, purple cabbage, and beets)
Acai Fruit Powder, 400 mg
Camu Camu Powder, 300 mg
Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) Fruit Extract, 300 mg
yields Mangostin, 30 mg
Gogi (Wolfberry/Lycium barbarum) Berry Powder, 200 mg
Proprietary “Brain” Blend, 100 mg containing L-Carnosine and Alpha GPC
P40p™ Pomegranate Extract, 40 mg yielding Punicosides, 16 mg
Stevia, 35 mg
Other Ingredients: natural raspberry, strawberry, cherry, vanilla and spearmint flavors, banana powder, cinnamon, citric acid.

Thoughts on Raw

2006-09-16T15:41:00.000-07:00

Still not back to 100% raw.

Maybe I will start again on Monday (today is Saturday). The weekends can be so tempting with everyone home and wanting to go and eat and get special snacks.

Even though I am not raw, it has been at least 12 days of no meat. Vegetarinism may be my best bet for easing into the raw lifestyle. I feel really tired; even more so than when I was eating just raw. I'm assuming the heavy foods I've recently begun ingesting (rice, pasta, beans, corn chip, flour tortillas, etc) are the culprit.

I'm not raw today

2006-09-14T16:12:00.000-07:00

This would have been day 10 of being raw. So what happened? I guess I could sum it up to not feeling I could 'mentally' handle being raw.

Physically I was o.k. Well, I won't say 'completely' o.k. My bowels feel congested. I don't even think I had a bowel movement yesterday. I've always been a bit 'slow' in that department and I thought being raw would help things out. I did have very loose bowels for the 1st couple of days into being raw but then things began to feel like they were stopping up. I had the feeling of having a full colon but incomplete movements.

So anyway today I had a huge bowl of elbow noodles mixed in with a can of green beans and a can of mixed greens with several tablespoons of salsa and a few dashes of teriakyi sauce. It tasted great and I felt much better mentally.

Once I left the house, I stopped and had 2 bean burritos from Taco Bell with no cheese and then I ate what was left of my 4yr olds chicken rice bowl that he got from Taco Bell. That consisted of lettuce, refried beans, and rice with a few little strips of chips.

I'm not sure where this is leading to. I'm not sure if I can see my life consisting of just fruit and raw vegetables. Maybe I do need to practice making some more 'gourmet' type raw dishes that mimic cooked foods. I don't particularly relish that idea.

I feel like I can go without meat for quite a while but as far as rice (brown preferably which I enjoy), beans, pasta occasionally, and vegetable soups I don't know if I am willing to make that sacrifice.

Feeling "ho-hum" with fruits/vegs

2006-09-13T20:58:00.000-07:00

Today was just a 'blah' day in general. I wonder if this is a part of the 'emotional detox' everyone talks about when you go raw?
I had between 5-6lbs of grapes today; both the crimson/red and the dark purple. The dark purple are really good and sweet and really satisfying to my sweet tooth but even those weren't that appealing today.
I also had one whole mango but it wasn't quite ripe enough.
I finished the day at about 8pm with a green smoothie made of 2 bananas and about 5 leaves of lettuce.
My middle child, the 4 yr old, has been suffering with a bad case of poison oak for the past few days. I can't stop him from scratching. I have given him Benadryl off and on per the doctor's recommendation but I hate to keep drugging him up. Him and the other kids are on fruit only for their breakfasts so I am hoping the enhanced nutrition is helping him heal from the inside. Oh, he also has been taking a liquid steroid medicine.
A rice and bean burrito sure would be good right about now. With chips and salsa.
I guess I should go to bed now.

Part 4 of 4 Health Bar Reviews - "Think! Organic"

2006-09-13T18:44:00.000-07:00

All parts of this installment can be found in it's entirety at News Target

*******
Think! Organic
Organic? Yes
Raw? Yes
Sweeteners? Dates, evaporated cane juice
Flavors: Cherry nut, chocolate coconut, apricot coconut, cashew pecan, cranberry apple, tropical nut
Highlights: Nice variety of flavors, wholesome organic ingredients, fair pricing. Slightly higher on the glycemic index than other bars mentioned here. Offers unique nuts like macadamias.

The Think! Organic line of bars is also based on whole foods goodness. I tasted these bars at a trade show, and they were rich with fruit and nuts, much like the other bars here. They're vegan, 100 percent organic, and have no dairy, soy or refined sugars. The only drawback is the use of evaporated cane juice in some bars. That's a sweetener I don't recommend due to its high glycemic index, but it's far healthier than refined sugar (and it's only used in very small amounts in these bars).

We have an interview with Think! Organic that will be posted on Google Video shortly. You can watch the interview to learn even more about the product.

Information at:www.ThinkProducts.com
Purchase at: Health food stores or www.ThinkProducts.com

Why buy?
It's not just your health that matters when purchasing food bars. It's also the fact that you vote with your dollars. When you buy refined, sugar-laden candy bars (also called "energy bars"), you're actually supporting the continued production of those products. Food companies will produce whatever consumers buy, so when consumer demand shifts to healthier, raw food bars, that's what companies will gravitate towards! (Even the big food companies, too.)
By buying these raw food bars, you are supporting small, passionate companies that are offering genuine food. You're creating a marketplace that can have a positive impact on others due to the success of these raw food bars in the retail channel.

Plus, you're supporting companies who support organic farming. That has a huge impact on protecting the environment. By simply choosing organic food products rather than conventional, you're effectively reducing pesticide runoff by a specific measurable amount. Remember: Every food item you purchase is like an outward expanding ripple in a pond. Your actions impact the whole world, and something as simple as buying a food bar speaks volumes about who you are and what you believe (as well as the kind of future you wish to co-create for your children).

Enjoy!
- Mike Adams

Part 3 of 4 Raw Food Health Bar Reviews - "Smart Monkey Bars"

2006-09-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

3rd of 4 installments of Health Bar Review from "Health Ranger" Mike Adams from
News Target

*************
Smart Monkey Bars
Organic? Yes
Raw? Yes
Sweeteners? Dates
Flavors: Trail mix, ginger snap, carob brownie, sesame snap, cacao cookie, pecan pie
Highlights: All bars are made entirely with fruit, nuts and seeds. Great variety of flavors available, wrapped in Eco-Logic packaging.

These pioneering raw food bars are really good for monkeys. As luck would have it, they're also great for people, too. Smart Monkey Foods has come up with some really creative raw foods recipes and managed to launch a whole series of enticing flavors like Ginger Snap and Cacao Cookie. Who can resist?

The company, its bars and logo are also memorable. Who can forget the words, "Smart Monkey?" Plus, it's accurate: The healthy oils from the nuts and seeds in these bars really do help build healthy brain function and nervous systems. Some of the flavors from Smart Monkey simply can't be found anywhere else. The Sesame Snap and Ginger Snap flavors, for example, are truly unique. Stock up at Amazon or another retailer. The price is mid-range for raw food bars, but the taste experience is truly a cut above the rest. Five stars.

The only drawback I've found to these bars is that if you don't eat them quickly, they can mold. I lost a whole case of Sesame Snap bars to mold (inside the individual wrappers). I don't necessarily blame the company, though: It's very difficult to keep raw food from going bad, especially if you don't use chemical additives. So just remember that this is real food, and it doesn't have the shelf life of a Snickers bar or other dead, processed foods. When you buy live foods, remember to eat them before you lose 'em!

Information at: SmartMonkeyFoods.com
Purchase at: Amazon.com

******
Installment 4 is a review of the health food bar called "Think Organic"

Part 2 of 4 Raw Health Bar Reviews - "Pure Bar"

2006-09-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

excerpted from "Health Ranger" Mike Adams website at: News Target

*******
Pure BarOrganic? YesRaw? YesSweeteners? Dates, agave nectarFlavors: Chocolate brownie (Yum!), apple cinnamon (Oooh!), cherry cashew (Wow!)
Highlights: Simply pure, healthful ingredients. Tastes sinfully good. Slightly pricey but well justified due to quality ingredients.
I'm really impressed with the Pure Bar. Its slogan is, "Way too good to be this good," and I enthusiastically agree. This is a truly delightful raw food bar that's not just organic and raw, it's also vegan and certified Kosher. I took one bite of the Cherry Cashew flavor and immediately had a taste flashback to grandma's super-sweet cherry cobbler. Except in this case, there's no sugar, no refined grains, and none of the junk found in cherry pie recipes. Just pure ingredients in the Pure Bar.
The Apple Cinnamon bar tastes like apple pie. I'm not kidding. I think it's the addition of the brown rice protein (my top recommended plant-based protein source) that creates a pie crust taste. It's out of this world.
Pure Bar gets an enthusiastic five-star rating from me. Everything is right about this bar, and if I had the cash, I'd buy one for every person on the planet. Nobody should miss out on the pure goodness of this food bar marvel!
Information at: ThePureBar.com
Purchase at: Amazon.com or other health food retailer.
**********
Next review is on the "Smart Monkey Bars"

Article from "Health Ranger" Mike Adams. Review of "Raw Revolution Bars"

2006-09-13T18:23:00.000-07:00

I recently read an article on the top 4 raw food health bars that I'd like to share.
For ease of reading, and to make it easier when people are searching for info on specific health bars, I am going to separate each health bar review into it's own post. Here is the first installment.

**************

With the public awakening to the health benefits of live foods (raw foods), a number of impressive new companies have emerged, sporting delicious new raw food bars that make the health food bars of just two years ago seem outdated.
Today, you can find food bars made with absolutely none of the "bad" stuff (refined sugars, etc.), but loaded with all the "good" stuff (raw nuts, agave nectar, berries, raw cacao, sesame, ginger, and so on). They're truly healthy food bars, and not just gimmicky "energy" bars loaded with high-fructose corn syrup or low-grade soy protein, for example.

When it comes to real food, these bars are the real McCoy. They're so good that I'm buying them by the box from Amazon.com and other online retailers. And in my opinion, they make most of the food bars found at retail (even at most health food stores) look like candy bars. Of course, it won't be long before these bars also appear in retail, so watch for them there! None of these bars have any of the following unhealthful ingredients:

Refined sugars
Trans fats / hydrogenated oils
Artificial additives, colors or preservatives
Dairy or soy products
Here's the list: (Oh, by the way, in case you didn't already know, none of these companies paid me to be listed here. These are all independent, unsolicited reviews.)

Raw Revolution Bars
Organic? Yes
Raw? Yes
Sweeteners? Agave nectar
Flavors: Chocolate, coconut, cashew, raisin, hazelnut, raspberry and various combinations
Highlights: Great choice of sweetener, premium ingredients, rich taste, generous bar size and fair price

This is among my top recommendations for new food bars on the market. This bar really gets it right with organic ingredients, raw food goodness and the perfect choice for sweeteners: Agave nectar. The taste is perfectly balanced (unless you're expecting it to taste like a sugary candy bar, which it doesn't), and they're surprisingly affordable given the expensive ingredients found inside. The portions are also generous: The bars are 2.2 oz. of raw foods goodness vs. the 1.75 oz. that's typical of other raw food bars. So you simply get more health-enhancing food for your dollar.

This company is a great find! It was founded by a registered nurse (R.N.) / Natural Foods Chef named Alice Benedetto. Check their website (below) to read her full story.

I sure love these food bars. The brain-enhancing oils found in the raw nuts are good for everyone, but especially children who almost never get enough healthy oils. I'm ordering several boxes of these bars in various flavors so I can hand 'em out to friends. Five stars.

Learn more at: RawIndulgence.com
Buy at: www.Amazon.com or other health food retailers.

********
end of part 1 of 5 installments on Raw Health Bar. See http://www.newstarget.com/020396.html to view the original article in its entirety.

Day 8 of all raw but still tired

2006-09-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

In looking back over my posts, I notice that on my June 30th posting, I wondered what I would feel like if I ever could make it through a 24-48hr period with only fruits and veggies in my body. Well I am finally here. If someone would have told me at the beginning of this year of 2006 that I would be persuing, and persuing fairly successfully, a raw,vegan diet, I would have been hard pressed to believe it!

How do I feel? I feel good. Not AMAZING, but good.
"O.K." you ask, "so what would make you feel amazing?"
Not feeling tired.
I am not sure if I am completely suprised by this feeling of tiredness. I think it may be a symptom of detox. My thinking is that my body is healing, mending, changing stuff on the inside and this has me feeling tired.
When I say I feel 'tired' I mean that when I wake up in the morning, I feel like I could still lay there and sleep - a lot - and very soundly.
I wish I could do that very thing.

I also feel I could take naps in the afternoon. It's not the same type of 'urgency' though that I used to feel on the SAD diet. If I take a nap great; if I don't I still feel pretty good.

Looking forward to seeing what my whole 30 days raw will do about this tiredness issue.

Am I getting enough food?

2006-09-11T15:34:00.000-07:00

My insides are kinda "bubbly". I don't have gas but I can "feel" stuff moving around inside. It seems like I should have a bowel movement but I don't have the urge to go. This makes me think I haven't consumed enough food to really push things along.
Here's what I've had today.
At about 11:00am I approximately 4 cups of red seedless grapes.
At about 12:00pm I had a green smoothie made of 3 bananas, 4 or so leaves of dark green lettuce, a 6inch or so long piece of celery and about a cup and a half of water, all blended together in my Vitamix.
At about 4:30pm I had about 4 cups of red seedelss grapes.
I have to leave the house in a bit but when I come back I am going to have a couple of whole mangos that I'll cut into cubes and maybe another green smoothie.

Farmers Market

2006-09-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

I just love our local farmers market! I just purchased a HUGE bag of red seedless grapes for $4.00. There's got to be at least 8lbs of grapes in my bag. The cheapest grapes at the commercial stores are $1.29 a pound this week. This same purchase would have cost me OVER $10.00 in the retail store! I also bought 4 mangoes for $1.00. The cheapest I have seen them in the store this week is $1.00 a piece.

Raw for September

2006-09-09T08:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I am now on day 5 of 100% raw. I started on Tuesday of this month which was September 5th, the day after Labor Day.

So far I feel really good. No major detox symptoms although I do have 2 small cold sores inside my bottom lip.

My plans are to stay raw for the entire month of September.

I have experienced cravings but have been able to resist by eating large quantities of grapes and also cherries which, thankfully, I found at the City Market at the great price of $1 per pound! I think cherry season is over so I was quite glad to find them and for such a good price.

Yummy Bananas and Cantaloupe

2006-07-03T13:36:00.000-07:00

I just blended my first cantaloupe and banana drink.

I was inspired by the ladies at the Yahoo group called Raw Food Lifestyle .

A couple of women make a smoothie drink by blending up cantaloup. Some include the seeds and rind as well. This got me to thinking. I LOVE cantalope. It's one of my FAVORITE summer time treats. Anyway, I thought, Hmmm, this might be EXTRA yummy if I add banana. And ice. It was GREAT! Next time though I am going to add frozen banana instead of the ice in order to try and make it thicker.

Energy

2006-06-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

I feel good today.

This is my 3rd day without meat, eggs, cheese.

I'm wondering what it is about the meat that makes me feel sluggish, tired easily, easily hungry?

Protein poisoning? I never heard of any such thing but it makes me wonder.

Usually around 2pm-3pm I feel like I REALLY need a nap. That was not the case today despite the fact that I exercised for about 45minutes and didn't have my first meal until about 1:30pm; a whole cantaloup I shared with my 15month old.
Also, my thinking DOES feel clearer today. Hard to describe.
I also was going to lump 'fat' into the equation and say that it was my very low intake of fat that was making these occurances but for the past 3 days I have had tortilla chips with salsa and refried beans with salsa - there's a good portion of fat in the fried tortilla chips.

It will be interesting to see how I feel if I can ever get through a 24-48hr period with nothing but fruits and veggies. So far this 'vegetarian' diet I've consumed has me feeling pretty good.

Where to Buy Low Cost Organic Fruit

2006-05-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

Here's Part 2 of this great article.

An Easy Way to Cut Your Food Bill by At Least 30%, part 2
by Frederic Patenaude

In the first part of this article, I showed you that the best way to cut down on your food bill while gaining access to better food is to:

1 - Buy food in larger quantities (by the case)
2 - Cut the middleman and go through a distributor.

In this lesson, I'll show you the different ways to make this happen.

Organic Food Distributors

The first type of distributor that you should look at are organic food distributors. Basically, those are the companies that health food stores deal with in order to get their food.

For example, in the Montreal area (and Quebec in general), the main distributor for organic food is called Distribue-Vie or SunOpta. In other cities, there are other distributors, but the idea is the same.

You can set up an account directly with them and cut the middleman. For example, when I was ordering with Distribue-Vie, they were sending me a price list once a week by e-mail. I would reply with my order, they would prepare it for me, and I'd go pick it up. I was able to order a case at a time or even half a case.

The good thing about this is that if you order in larger quantities, for a minimum of a few hundred dollars generally, they will deliver the order for you. If you can't meet the minimum to get free delivery, all you have to do is pool with other folks who want organic foods, and ideally those who'll eat them in large quantities.

To find the organic food distributors in your area either look in the Yellow Pages and/or ask the people who work at health food stores who their distributor is. Tell them you want to start a co-op. Then contact the distributors and ask them what you need to do to set up an account with them.

Produce Stores

In most cities, you'll have to “supplement” your organic food supply with some commercial fruits and vegetables, since there isn't a big enough variety of fruits sometimes.

The way to get great food at low cost is to go to certain produce stores. These stores are generally next to each other in an area where there's a Farmers Market. They sell to restaurants and individuals, and can sell you cases at a time at a good price.

For example, in Montreal, near the big market called Jean-Talon, there are several such produce stores. I used to go all the time to a place called Leopoldo, where an Italian guy knows me.

The advantage of dealing with these merchants is that they'll eventually get to know you and give you better deals on food, since you become a “great customer.” They'll also let you know what their best stuff is each week.

Discovering Shangri-La

For many years, I dealt only with the resources I mentioned above. I would go to the organic food distributors, buy all my boxes of fruits and vegetables, then go to the market and buy more boxes of non-organic produce, and finally stop at the health food store to buy the few vegetables I couldn't buy elsewhere in large enough quantities.

That was until I discovered another kind of distributor.

With the popularity of organic food, distributors of conventionally-grown foods now carry organic fruits and vegetables too. These distributors typically sell both organic and non-organic foods to produce stores. Supermarkets generally have their own distribution system.

This for me was the missing “link” - the place where many produce stores get their own food!

In Montreal there's an area called the “Marché Central” - central market - which is not the Farmers Market, but a place where tons of distributors are located.

What I found out is that I could just walk into one of those distributors (I go to Gaetan Bono), and buy all the food I wanted without ever setting up an account with them!

The place is like a huge fridge, and there are cases and cases of fruits and vegetables. They have mostly commercially-grown food, but also organic.

The prices are lower than organic food distributors and lower than produce stores that sell by the case. For example, cases of organic bananas are $25 to $26, while the organic food store sells them at $29 to $30.

When I discovered this, it was like Shangri-La for a raw-food enthusiast!

To locate these distributors in your area, the process is the same: ask around, or look in the Yellow Pages.

By following the simple tips I have outlined in this article, you'll be able to easily cut down your food bill by at least 30% while gaining access to better, fresher and more nutritious organic foods.

____________________________________________________
Frederic Patenaude, is the author of the best-selling e-book ÂThe Raw SecretsÂ. He is currently giving away fr'ee access to his private library of over 100 exclusive articles along with a subscription to his newsletter Pure Health & Nutrition. Visit http://www.fredericpatenaude.com while charter subscriptions last.

Article on Buying Organic Foods at a Discount

2006-05-10T22:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a great article by rawfoodist, Frederic Patenaude. This is so very relevant to anyone trying to maintain a raw food diet or, like myself, even a partially raw diet. Keep an eye out for his next installment.

An Easy Way to Cut Your Food Bill by At Least 30%, part 1
by Frederic Patenaude

Let's face it, eating a healthy diet with lots and lots of fruits and vegetables DOES cost more money than living on rice, beans and potatoes. And with the higher cost of organic food, and the huge quantities of fruits and vegetables that are necessary to eat in order to be well nourished on a raw food diet, it's no wonder that many people find this diet a little expensive.

However, when we keep things in perspective, eating a raw food diet ends up being no more expensive than eating a "good" diet that features eating out, drinking good wine and buying delicacies and special ingredients. However, eating raw is generally not a cheap diet unless you live in a tropical country where lots of fruits and vegetables are available at very low cost.

The good news is that you can dramatically cut down on your food bills by following the simple tips I'm going to share in this article.

How to Get Organic Food for Less

We all know that eating more organic food is one of the best things we can do to limit our exposure to pesticides and help the environment. However, due to the cost of organic fruits and vegetables, many people cannot afford to eat organic.

But what if I told you that you can get organic food at the *same* price that your health food store gets it at, or less!

The secret to spending less on food and at the same time have access to higher-quality food is to buy in larger quantities and cut the middleman.

By doing this you will save *at least* 30% on your food bill, if not more.

*Buy Boxes*

When you eat a mostly or completely raw food diet, you can no longer buy foods the way most people do, which is to go to a store and buy a few apples or bananas at a time. You have to stop doing that and buy food by the case.

First of all, you won't waste any food since you WILL go through a case of food. Raw-food families will tell you they easily go through cases of food in no time, and even single people like me go through cases of food easily.

Second, it's a lot cheaper to buy by the case. When I buy organic bananas by the case, I get the *same* price for these bananas that the health food stores get, which is the lowest price possible. So instead of paying $1.30 a pound for organic bananas, I pay around 65 cents a pound.

Everything is cheaper by the box, and another advantage is that you'll have plenty of food. One of the main reasons why people fail on a raw food diet is that they don't have *enough* food. They live on a starvation diet, or worse, they run out of food completely and end up eating junk!

Find a Distributor

In order to buy food by the case, you will have to find a distributor or a food co-op. Distributors or food co-ops will be different in each city, but generally, the process is the same.

You will likely have to drive to a larger town in order to get food directly from distributors, but as I have found, by buying larger quantities you won't be wasting time going back and forth to the store several times a week.

I live in a small town and about once a week or less, I drive to the city in order to renew my supply of food.

In the next part of this article, I will show you exactly where to go in order to find distributors for organic food and get better food while at the same time saving at least 30% on your food bill.

_____________________________________________________
Frederic Patenaude, is the author of the best-selling e-book ÂThe Raw SecretsÂ. He is currently giving away fr'ee access to his private library of over 100 exclusive articles along with a subscription to his newsletter Pure Health & Nutrition. Visit http://www.fredericpatenaude.com while charter subscriptions last.

Will Green Smoothies Help My Memory?

2006-04-09T18:23:00.000-07:00

I hope so. Not that my memory is horrible, but I often feel, compared to other people, that my memory is a bit below average. In particular when it comes to remembering details of events, quotes, what someone has said, key points in books I've read etc.

I've tried memory 'helps' and either I'm not diligent enough in using them or they aren't working for me. I would eventually like to go back to school but I want to be able to REMEMBER what I learn! And not just in order to pass a test.

Brussel Sprout Smoothie

2006-04-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

O.K. So I found a cute little bag of tiny brussel sprouts on sale at the store. I don't really like brussel sprouts COOKED but, hey, I'm not gonna be eating these cooked so why not?

I put a couple of bananas in my Vitamix and about a cups worth of mango. "Hmmm", I thought, "I don't want this mixture too sweet." "I better add TWO brussel sprout balls" (instead of the ONE I originally had planned on).

Well, it started out not to bad. A bit of a 'spicy green' taste mixed in with the sweetness. 3 or 4 sips later my stomach begins to feel kinda funny. Before the end of my approximate 4-5 cups worth, I can DEFINITELY tell that this is NOT a good combo for me! My stomach feels rumbly and a bit queasy and can't get anymore down.

It might have been OK if I had just stuck to the 1 brussel sprout but I figured these would be pretty mild. I had even bit a little bit of the leaf of one sprout to see what they tasted like raw before adding them to the blender. It had a kind of cabbage taste to it. Is that sulfur in cabbage that gives it that taste?

I won't discount the brussel sprouts, but will only use 1/2 to 1 piece from now on.

Am I Healthier for Having Started Green Smoothies?

2006-04-06T18:06:00.000-07:00

Yes and No. I went to a health fair today. All of my numbers were pretty good: blood pressure 116/80, pulse 88, blood glucose 76, cholesterol 153. I am overweight though. Hopefully by the next time I go to a health fair, probably in June, I will be at my correct weight.

I don't completely credit green smoothies for my good numbers though. As I look back through the personal health files I keep for myself, the numbers are very, very similar. So over about a 15 year period, I have remained in a consistent range.

Now considering I have been on green smoothies for less than 1 month, I guess I can't expect a whole lot. As a matter of fact, as far as short term results go, I expect the shedding of weight to be a greater impacter of my numbers than even the green smoothies; although ACHIEVING that weight loss will come from sticking with the green smoothies and exercise.

At the next health fair, I plan to be prepared to pay the extra money to get a complete blood chemistry so I can have a greater picture of what's happening in my body.

I am also hoping to eventually get some other screenings like Darkfield Microscopy(live blood viewing), and the antioxident screening Mike Adams recommends - can't remember the name of it though. An iridology check would be great also.

Meanwhile I'll be staying the course with my green smoothies; they definetly can't hurt and I'm looking forward to more pronounced long-term benefits.

Gorgeous Greens

2006-04-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

I just love the look of some of these greens! The Swiss Chard is just, well, LUSCIOUS in its appearance. I don't know if the ones with the red veining have a special name or what not but it is soooo attractive.

Then there is the red kale...or is it actually purple kale? The center section is more of a purple-y color than red. Just Magnificent! God has truly made a variety of beautiful, artistic items in creation. And just think, they are good for our bodies as well! Praise the Lord!

Sticking with my Green Smoothies

2006-04-04T20:39:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been almost 2 weeks since I finished the Green Cleanse and I'm still drinking my green smoothies. That's not the ONLY thing I'm 'eating' but I do have them at least once a day, but more often than not twice a day.

I like them. My 2 oldest kids are still pretty turned off by them but my 1 year old gulps them right down. I try to at least have the other two drink a couple of sips though in the hopes that the more they are exposed to them, the more they will begin to like them.

Final Day of Green Cleanse

2006-03-24T21:15:00.000-08:00

Well I made it through the 5 days.
Today was another 'blah' kind of day as far as the cleanse goes.
I had pear for breakfast and then a little later made a smoothie of romaine lettuce, bananas and mango. It just didn't seem very satisfying.

Later I had another pear and a smoothie made of turnip greens and bananas. That combo was a little better.

My bowels seem to be congested.

My gluteus muscles are just the slightest bit sore but my thighs,calves, chest, and shoulders are fine despite the weight workout I did yesterday.

This evening I had a salad that my husband brought from the grocery store salad bar. It had eggs and imitation crab meat in it. Then I went ahead and had some store bought salsa with chips.

Not sure what to make of this 5 days. I didn't really lose any weight, my bowel movements aren't like I thought they would be, and I didn't have any real 'burst of energy' like so many others describe.

Green smoothies ARE something that I will continue but as a supplement to my regular raw foods and regular eating habits. I don't plan on going back to the SAD diet but I'm not sure where I'm heading diet-wise. I will continue educating myself and pressing forward in a healthy, nutritional direction as best as I can.

More Fruits Than Greens

2006-03-23T19:44:00.000-08:00

Today was one of those days when I was in the car more than at home.
Consequently, I ate a bit more fruit than green smoothies.
This morning, I made the following combination:

5 or 6 leaves of escarole
5 or 6 leaves of romaine
3 bananas (1 which was frozen)
about 1 cup of frozen raspberries
2 soaked dates
about 2 cups of water

This blend was just ok. The escarole had a bit of a bitter taste to me and since I had added so much it was almost on the verge of overpowering the drink.
The more I drank though, it didn't bother me too much.

This evening was more romaine lettuce blended with 2 bananas about 1/4 cup of frozen raspberries and 1 1/2 cup of water.

Between these two smoothies, I had a cantaloupe, about 3 bananas, 1 apple, and a salad.

In a side note, as a reminder to myself, I used the leg press machine at the gym today and pressed 210lbs with both my whole legs as well as just using my toes so I could work my calves. I did 6 reps with my whole leg and about 10 focusing on my calves.
I am trying a bit of an experiment. I just started working out at the 1st of March. I was really sore the 1st two times I went. Lately, I have had NO soreness to my muscles, despite using what I feel are heavy weights and feeling burning sensations while working out. I am wondering if the green smoothies/increased raw food is healing my torn muscles so that I don't have the typical next day soreness.
I worked my muscles pretty good today so I will report tomorrow on how I feel.

Great tasting purple!

2006-03-22T11:29:00.000-08:00

When I went to the grocery store yesterday I picked up some more greens and fruit.
I knew it would take a lot of produce to see me through the week but Oh, my gosh!

Anyway, I purchased what I thought was Kale but when I got home the little twist tie holding the bunch together said Curly Mustard - are those one in the same? I'll have to look it up. I also bought some Watercress, radishes with their greens attached, 2 different types of mangoes and some red tipped leaf lettuce.
Here's what I've had so far today:
2 smoothies made with-

1 bunch watercress
1 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
2 ripe bananas
1 soaked date
1 1/2 cup water

I made this recipe last night also but with 2 soaked dates. If I would have tasted the watercress before blending it I would have realized that they don't have a very heavy green taste and don't require much sweetening (at least to me - I have a high tolerence for the 'green' taste.) My husband liked this blend much better than some of my other, thicker, brighter greener concoctions. As a matter of fact, this drink was purple! I think I have a winner with this one, at least as far as getting him to drink it goes.
Also today I had a couple of tumblers (the tumblers hold about 3 cups worth)of:

5 red tipped lettuce leaves
2 cups of cubbed mangos
1 ripe banana
1 1/2 cup of water

This wasn't too bad. I like the taste of mangos by themselves but they seem to lose themselves in the drinks I have made. I think I need to add lots more of it if I really want to get that 'note' to strike strong.
The drink I enjoyed the most today was also not green but more magenta-y:
5 red tipped lettuce leaves
2 cups of cubbed mangos
1 ripe banana
1 1/2 cup frozen raspberries
1 1/2 cup water

This really hit the spot for me! My 3yr old also seemed to like it as well (gasp!) so I will be making that again before the day/night is over.

Green Kids?

2006-03-21T17:56:00.000-08:00

I wimped out with my kids.

It happened like this

We shared our green smoothie for the morning and the kids uninterestedly picked at the oranges i gave them afterwards.

No matter, I was intent on being the Rock of Gibralter with my kids.
"No you can't have ice cream", "No, Cheez-it's aren't a green food",
"No, NO cereal you guys!"

My 7yr old, who had been complaining of a stomach ache since he first woke up, then proceded to throw up his oranges an hour later.

I then walk in on my 3yr old who is standing in their bedroom with pants and underwear down and an almost tearful expression on his face.

"What's wrong?" I say.

He just hangs his head and says nothing

Then it hits me. "Did you have an accident?" He nodded his head yes.

I tell him to go to the bathroom and try to see if he has to go some more.
He had MAJOR diarrhea.

OK, my resolve is starting to weaken.
NO. Mean mommy, will NOT, let this phase her!

We get through the morning and afternoon with them barely taking any sips of the green smoothies I make and very little interest in fruit. I feel pretty blah about my smoothies/fruit as well.

I finish my workout at the the gym and as I'm picking up the kids from the daycare, the 3yr old asks for snack crackers from the women watching them. It's just a very small pack and I don't feel like making a scene in front of strangers.

As they walk to the car, each munching their own bag of crackers, the 1yr old begins screeching as if to say, "No you aren'tgoing to eat crackers without offering ME one!"

The other two are so ravenous that they start arguing over who is going to share one of their itty bitty crackers.

I've had it. I go to the grocery store salad bar and make all 3 a salad - with meat - and call it a day.

I've decided to follow Option B with my kids. Option B allows you to just replace 1 or 2 meals a day with a smoothie while eating normally the rest of the time. Well, it won't be completely normal - I'll only serve them salads for the other meals but with chicken or fish.
Not having to cook anything too elaborate will help me stay the path.
Here's looking for a better day tomorrow.

Bodily Functions

2006-03-21T06:31:00.000-08:00

Well, day 2 has started on my Green Cleanse. I feel OK. I mean, I don't feel deprived or any worse for wear.

Yesterday I seemed to be peeing quite a bit but only 1 bowel movement(bm). I was expecting to have at least 2 since I am assuming this green cleanse is going to throw me into another detox.

I say another cause I have been modifying my diet since January 1st of this year and have already been experiencing detox systems of:

* about 4 small sores in mouth that lasted about 1 week;

* a runny nose with lots of mucus when I would blow - that lasted about a week and a half;

* coughing up mucus that was at first yellow tinged (infection?)-this has been happening pretty much since January although I have had a cough for a lot longer -I only cough mildy during my days now whereas before I would cough quite frequently. The mucus is now also white/clear;

* a bit of acne-3 bumps or so - occured this past Saturday...they all vanished except for one that remains on my right cheek;

* itchy skin, itchy eyes, itchy where the now vanished pimples were located.

All of these symptoms have disappeared except for the pimple and the mild cough.

For breakfast I had a green smoothie made of a handful of spinach leaves, a piece of cucumber aproximately 1 inch diameter and 1 inch long, 2 small bananas, and 1 1/2 cup water. I blended this all together in my Vitamix. It made about 3 1/2 cups. I let every have about 1 ounce since I didn't have time to make some for everyone.

First day of Green Cleanse

2006-03-20T15:44:00.000-08:00

I am looking forward to the Green Smoothie Challenge. Frederic Patenaude and Victoria Boutenko are the 'sponsers' of this 7 day long challenge.

In a nutshell, those who are participating are to consume nothing but green smoothies.
Green smoothies are any greens such as spinach, mustard greens, celery, etc. that are blended with fruits like bananas or apples to make them more palatable. We can have a few fruits and vegetables as well but they will be more like light snacks outside of the actual smoothie meal.

So far, today has gone well. Our entire family is on the challenge.
Here is what I have had so far today:

My first meal was about 2 cups worth of turnip greens with 2 bananas a stalk of celery and 1 date that I had soaked overnight. It was pretty good!
I shared this with my 7year old, my 3 year old and my 1 year old.
The 7 year old said it was just 'ok', the 3 year old drank it partway and then didn't want any more. The 1 year old seemed to like it and drank it out of his sippy cup for most of the morning until it was gone.

Next we shared a bowl of red seedless grapes, which everyone liked. I wish I had grapes with the seeds. Although not as convenient to eat, I'm learning that fruit that has it's ability to reproduce is better for a person.

I'll give some more details on what other stuff we ate later.