Thursday, July 9, 2009

Dangers of Genetic Engineering

Once in a while I post articles written by a local Naturopath on my blog. (It is done with his permission, of course.) In the last couple of weeks he had written a couple of articles, which I am combining here into one post, on a topic that I am very passion about—Dangers of Genetic Engineering.

There are no words, eloquent enough, for me to describe how much I despise what Franken-science has done to the overall health of our society. It makes me sick when I see big corporations, like Monsanto, trade their soul for the almighty dollar. When human lives mean less than a string of numbers in a bank account we can be certain that our national morality has degraded and we are in need of salvation. We must go back to the times when a human life was precious and money was of lesser importance. Although, to be completely honest, there was never such a time in the human history. There were always wars, manmade famines, genocides, etc., which still continue to this day—they just take on different forms and shapes. In America (North America) where we pride ourselves on being civilized and a developed country, in reality we live in the Stone Ages and stand to learn what true humanitarianism and compassion are.

GMOs are not just bad foods--the chemicals and bacteria from GMO foods have the ability to lodge in our intestines and remain there FOREVER! Yes, you read it right--FOREVER! And when they do, they live there and multiply and effect even the healthiest of us. So, think LONG TERM! I know that it seems that organic foods are more expensive than their trashy distant cousins, but every penny spent on organic and unprocessed foods is an investment in your and your family's future.

I believe that we, as individuals, have to take a stand and make our voices heard to bring about a change. We can vote by signing petitions, holding rallies and voting with our spending $$$.

Without further due, here are articles by Dr. Briggs, ND, of Clatskanie OR.

Dangers of genetic engineering

Genetic engineering has been seen by many as a great breakthrough to increase food production with decreased cost and energy. What often isn’t seen is the resulting poor food quality and added toxic load carried in this food.

To make this point, I want to relate to one particular product. Monsanto, which gave us such damaging products as aspartame (Nutrasweet) and Round Up, developed a genetic strain of soybeans that are resistant to the weed killer; Round Up. The reason for creating this strain of soybean was to be able to spray a whole field of growing soybeans with Round Up, killing only weeds, not having any apparent effect on the soy beans themselves. What’s failed to be shown is the absorption of Round Up into the soybean structure.

As with any living organism, toxic materials are mainly stored in the fatty structures of the plant. When you consider the widespread use of soy and soy oils in both manufactured foods and in food preparation, the overall toxic load to most consumers is huge.

Most of these toxins have an estrogen like effect in that they increase tissue proliferation. If there are cancer cells present in the body, they can literally explode into more rapid growth. This can also be a starting point for benign tumors, which may eventually become cancerous.

When taking all of this into consideration, and the widespread use of genetically modified foods, it’s no wonder we see allergic responses to foods, which for the most part, are normally healthy. I have seriously questioned why I am seeing so many cases of gluten sensitivity. My first inclination is to suspect the use of genetically modified grains as a primary causative factor in this condition.

Another issue seen from these chemically treated plants has to do with secondary sexual characteristics seen in breast development and fat accumulation in our youth. Since these various petro-chemicals contain what is called zenoestrogens (or chemical toxins with estrogen like effects), they interfere with normal hormone balances. This explains why so many young men battle weight gain and breast development, and girls are experiencing more rapid and exaggerated hormone response and weight problems.

To counter these effects, it's important to improve the liver’s ability to clear toxins and to avoid all GMO (genetically modified) foods. Eat organic whenever possible and seek out foods which state they are GMO free. To cleanse the system, we frequently recommend the use of our Standard Process Detoxification protocol. This is a frequent and excellent starting point in reversing many chemical induced health challenges.

Reducing estrogen overload

Last weeks’ article brought forth questions concerning how to clear the effects of excess estrogen in the body.

Men with breast over-development deal with a degree of embarrassment when it comes to taking off their shirt in public or going swimming. I can only imagine how this can erode a man’s self-esteem. When there’s no one offering a plausible direction of treatment, it can lead to a measure of depression.
What I would like to offer today is a ray of hope to all males who suffer the effects of excess estrogen in their systems. This can Also be helpful to women dealing with excess estrogen levels.

First, we need to stop the flood of estrogen contamination in the body. Cut out the junk food. Most of these foods contain high levels of xenoestrogens which are estrogen like compounds found in many chemicals placed either directly or indirectly in our foods. Preservatives, additives, colors, pesticides, and herbicides posses these characteristics.

If it contains soy, consider it off limits. Even farm-raised salmon contain high levels of PCB's which are xenoestrogens. I avoid all farm raised sea food for this reason. Wild and free range is always the best choice.

Milk from cows given Bovine growth hormone can dramatically affect weight gain. Since this hormone is specific to increase lactation in cows, it will affect the lacteals of the breast to increase activity there. This genetically engineered hormone created by Monsanto presents with increased milk production with a high pus content due to the chronic mastitis it creates in the cow. This hormone passed in the milk can stimulate breast growth in humans. Men, if you want to get rid of those breasts, cut out the milk! And please don't jump back into soy milk...(refer to above).

Reducing weight through exercise and a clean diet, consisting of fresh live foods make up the primary foundation of change. Water is the primary solvent your body requires to process all toxins out of the body. Vitamin B-6 and iodine are instrumental in the metabolism of estrogen in the liver.

Antagonists to these elements need to be removed from the diet. Caffeine dramatically reduces vitamin B-6 from the system. This vital nutrient is used up in the processing of caffeine. Fluorine and chloride both displace iodine from the body. Drink only pure clean water. Besides its role in clearing estrogen from the body, iodine regulates your metabolic rate.

In facilitating clearance of estrogen, I like to use specific herbal products. One particularly helpful herb for reducing estrogen is Vitex agnus-castus or Chaste Tree. This herb is also extremely helpful in reducing the overload of androgens seen is teenage acne. Elevated androgens cause swelling of tissues around sebaceous ducts creating the cystic acne seen so frequently in youth.
Much like the previous herb, Paeonia reduces androgen excess. Besides its help with acne, it reduces total estrogen load. This herb has many other beneficial actions as well, including improved cognition. This means it can help with issues like Alzheimer’s disease.

To get the weight off while reducing the estrogen, I find using the detoxification program designed by Standard Process to be a win/win program. All of this is available through our office. We can evaluate estrogen load using either blood or saliva. This we like to compare to progesterone and testosterone, to find the appropriate action to follow. Don't assume what looks to be a genetic issue cannot be overcome with good sound nutritional treatment. Your body is an amazingly responsive creation that will change with the right support.

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I truly hope that having read these articles will help you to make better decisions when it comes to your health and the health of our land. Let’s take care of it with our children, grand-children and generations to come in our mind. Let’s leave a legacy behind instead of devastation. Let’s live UNPROCESSED lives!

To learn more about how to make changes to your lifestyle and diet, if you are near or in Longview/Kelso, WA, make sure to come out to the information session I will be holding on July 22nd. Details can be found in the post below, or by clicking HERE.


If you have a bit of free time, watch this movie: The Future of Food. It is right in line with the topic of this post. You can also go HERE to see it full screen.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Vegan/Raw Meet-Up and Information Session, Longview, WA


I am excited to announce that I have been able to find a building for our next Wellness Society Meet-Up.

Date: July 22, 2009 [Wednesday]
Time: 7-9 pm
Location: AWPPW Building
724 15th Ave.
Longview, WA 98632

But there is more exciting news! Instead of simply getting together to share delicious raw/vegan [organic] dishes, I will also hold an information session on the benefits of a plant-based diet at the same time. So, if you want to learn more about plant based diet, or know someone who will benefit from it, make sure to come/invite them!!!

I will talk about Whys, Whats, and Hows of a vegan lifestyle. We will cover topics such as:
1. What causes diseases;
2. Why medicine is not working in curing them;
3. Why are we getting sicker;
4. How to stop and reverse the vicious cycle;
5. How a plant-based diet can help you overcome your ailments;
6. How to shed excess weight and keep it off;
7. Why a whole foods plant based diet is effective in reversing diabetes, cancer, MS, allergies, and other serious diseases;
8. How to make a transition (where you get your protein, facts about fat, etc.), and…
9. Much, much more!

I will also answer questions and point you to the right resources to get you started, so you are not left feeling alone and powerless.

How this meeting will work:
1. RSVP is required! To RSVP e-mail me at elena[dot]wilkins[at]gmail[dot]com (make sure to replace [dot] with a period!]
2. Each person will bring a raw vegan [organic] dish (there are many sites that have wonderful and simple recipes, but you don’t even have to look that far—just check out my blog: www.eathealthybehappy.blogspot.com). Please bring enough to feed at least 6 people, so we all can share;
3. Each person will bring his/her own water/drink [please avoid processed drinks], plate and silverware [if you want to eat, that is ;)];
4. Bring a notebook to take notes, but it is completely up to you;
5. There is a small admission fee of $3 per person to help cover the rent of the space, which can be paid on the spot (cash only, please).

Feel free to e-mail me with any questions. I hope to see you there!

Until then: Eat Healthy! Be Happy! And live an UNPROCESSED Life!

Monday, July 6, 2009

Meatless Monday in Washington... and Everywhere Else

Happy Monday!

As you are either starting, continuing or finishing today, remember that today is Meatless Monday!

To join the movement click here: Join The Movement!

Food intake today (for the work-day):
• Cup of Teeccino with 1 teaspoon of honey
• Green Shake: apple, beet greens, water, 2 tsp Spirulina
• Bowl of raspberries with 1 tbsp of honey
• Slice of raw bread (gluten-free, of course ;) )
• Side of potatoes under a blanket of greens with fresh lime juice as my dressing
• 1 pear

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Whole Food/Vegan Diet during the Holidays

I have been MIA for a few days, I know. I have stayed busy with a few things: a wedding shoot (check out Elena Photographers—Longivew WA Photographer website), a speaking opportunity (spoke to youth at Seaside, OR) and catching up with my everyday life in between.

I have been on the go most of the time and have not spent much time in the kitchen, at least not as much as I wish I had. That, however, does not mean that I have not been keeping up with my Whole Foods Vegan/High Raw diet. Summer and seasonal produce make it very easy to eat fast food (yes, I said fast food, but I am not talking about Burger King or Wendy’s here). If you think about it—what God has provided through nature’s bounty is the fastest food there is—no prep time! Plant it, water it, the sun and the ground will do the rest. All you have to do it pick it and consume it.

The last few days I have been indulging in delicious raspberries. My Mom is growing two different kinds: red and yellow (although they have an orange tint to them). I find that yellow raspberries are much sweeter than the red ones, however the red ones are more aromatic.

Salad greens are in abundance now, so there is no reason not to have a couple of servings a day. Throw greens together (try this combo: dark leaf lettuce, chopped mint, dill and green onions) and eat them with strawberry or honey mustard dressings. Better yet, grind some almonds in a coffee grinder and sprinkle on top—it is a much better choice than your average Parmesan cheese. Very close in texture to cheese, if you miss that feel, and yet so much more nutritious.

Our town is gearing up for the 4th of July celebration—it is a big event here every single year. I am, in fact, going to be partaking in this year’s madness—our church will be set up at the lake to make and sell a few or amazing Russian dishes. Most of them are not going to be vegan… or raw, but I am going to be rolling up my sleeves and helping to raise funds for a much needed building for our church. By the way, it is a small compromise, since the pastor of the church, Leo Pisarchuk, had already hinted at having me set up a juice/smoothie bar in our new building when we get it… and perhaps even an exercise room.

I will be around a lot of foods this weekend that I have grown up with and enjoyed. I had successfully been through one of these tortures last year and survived, as I am planning to do this year as well. Only this year is even better, as I have gone more raw and my body has gotten more junk out. I am planning to go to do my duty fully armed: lots of water, salad and green shakes (smoothies), and whatever dessert I can manage to make between today and tomorrow. I am planning to make the rest of the group want what I have, not the other way around.

As you are getting ready to celebrate America’s (USA) Independence, stay focused and celebrate your independence as well. Independence from sickness, disease, from depression, from extra weight, from junk and toxic foods, and Freedom to be ALL you can be without being bound by the abovementioned.

There is no reason for you to feel nostalgic about foods that you used to have that you choose to no longer consume. There is so much out there to be discovered and enjoyed. Foods that you have never tasted are awaiting you. So, this weekend, instead of getting your grill out, go to a farmer’s market and see what goodies you can find. Try to taste at least three foods (organic, raw) that you have never had before… and support local farmers.

Here is a recipe for a fabulous Mint Shake that I had today.

Mint Shake
Makes 30 oz.

• 1.5 cup water
• ¾ pineapple, cored, and chopped into chunks
• 4-5 dates, pitted (for sweetness, and only if needed)
• 1/3 cup hemp seed
• 2-3 stems of mint (leaves and all)
• 2-3 large beat greens

Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender and enjoy the sweetness and the creaminess of this nutritious shake.

Happy Independence Day!

Friday, June 26, 2009

Vegan/Raw Cooking Classes

______________________________________
Update
3
spaces available for 6/26/09 class
______________________________________


The dates for the classes have been set! The good news is that we set 2 (two) dates: one on a Saturday and one on a Friday night, to accommodate as many people as we can. I have more good news: it looks like we will be able to get up to 7 students in each class!!!

So, here are the details:

Date: 6/26/2009 (Friday)
Time: 6 pm-8 pm

Location: Longview Sewing & Kitchen
945 Washington Way, Longview, WA 98632


Unprocessed Life Basics
with Elena Wilkins

$55 per person or $99 per couple
Registration Required

Space is limited to 7 seats per class, so register today!

Supercharge your health and send your energy levels soaring! Learn how to nourish your body with the foods for which you are biologically designed—you will be amazed by the results.

This class will teach those who are looking how to add nutritious healthy meals to everyday life and those who are embarking on a vegan/raw food diet, how to do it easily and effectively. Participants will have a chance to explore how to make this lifestyle work for them.

Through lecture, demo, hands-on experience and tasting participants will learn how to create raw and cooked vegan dishes and take advantage of all the health benefits they provide. Participants will learn the principles and techniques that will help them prepare tasty food with less fat, salt and sugar.

Instructor: Elena Wilkins, Unprocessed Life Lifestyle Coach. Elena has thrived on a vegan/high raw food diet for almost 3 years, and has studied extensively on the subject of health, nutrition and diet. By incorporating vegan diet into her family’s life she was able to reverse her and her husband’s health conditions and helped others along the way. You can find more information about Elena at: http://www.eathealthybehappy.blogspot.com/.

On the Menu:
• Alfredo Pasta*
• Rice and Beans and loads of Greens**
• Hummus Wraps*
• Bell Pepper Salad***
• Kale Salad***
• Banana Strawberry Ice Cream***
• Fruit/Green Smoothie***

Up for Discussion:
• Vegan/Raw food diet basics (Why, What, How)
• Kitchen organization for healthy cooking
• What equipment to have in the kitchen
• What food to keep on hand
• Food Combining
*Dish will have raw and cooked options
**Dish is a combination of raw and cooked ingredients
***All raw ingredients
Elena reserves the right to substitute ingredients and menu items. However, she will make every effort to remain true to the advertised menu.

Registration and Payment Policies
Class Sign-Up: To register or to receive more information, contact Elena at 360-355-7370 or e-mail at mailto:elena.wilkins@gmaill.com, or call the store at 360-578-2628. To guarantee your place in a class, payment and student waiver must be received when you enroll. If a class has insufficient enrollment number, it will be cancelled 24 hours prior to the start of the class. You will be contacted by phone regarding cancellation. You will receive a full refund or will have an opportunity to reschedule for a different time.

Cancellations: To cancel your class registration, please contact Elena or the store at 360-578-2628. A full refund will be credited if you cancel 48 hours prior to the start of the class. A 2-day notice of cancellation is required in order to contact others on the waitlist; otherwise we cannot refund or transfer it to a future class.

Waitlist: When a class is sold out, your name will be added to a waitlist. If an opening becomes available, you will be contacted by phone or e-mail. Please leave a phone number where you can be reached night or day, as well as an e-mail address, if you have one.
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Let me know if you have any questions!!!

If you know of someone else that might be interested in taking the class, please pass on this information!

Until then, EAT HEALTHY!!! LIVE HAPPY!!!

Let’s start a HEALTH REVOLUTION in this town! Even it if is one meal at a time : )

Elena

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Yes You CAN... If YOU say you CAN!

I would like to address an issue that I come across so often in today’s post. But I will start with one of my favorite poems.

You Can If You Think You Can!
If you think you are beaten, you are,
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you like to win, but you think you can't,
It is almost certain you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you're lost,
For out in the world we find,
Success begins with a fellow's will.
It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you are outclassed, you are,
You've got to think high to rise,
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.

Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man.
But soon or late the man who wins,
Is the man who thinks he can.

~ C. W. Longenecker ~

I was at a meeting today, my deep green smoothie at hand, while everyone else in the room was cupping mugs filled with coffee in theirs. I was minding my own business as a person that was about to take a seat next to me, looked quizzically at my glass jar and without any hesitation asked: “What’s that?!” I am up for spontaneous conversations, even if I am limited in time, and enjoy my diet being an ice breaker. “A green smoothie,” I said. She had a bewildered look on her face, so I quickly added: “It is blended greens and fruit.” “Huh…” she exclaimed, “what kind of greens?” “Chard and lambsquarters,” I replied. She then continued: “Well I COULD NOT live without MY coffee!” I half-jokingly (having already observed her reaction) said: “I can show you how.” “Not with THAT!” she finished, as she grimaced at my green smoothie.

At that point I knew that the conversation was pretty much over. The meeting was about to start… and her mind was SHUT tight to any new idea outside of what she holds so dearly… coffee seems to be one of those things.

It never ceases to amaze me how people determine the course of their life—with their own words. There is a Scripture in the Bible that says: “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” (Proverbs 23:7). It could not be more true! If you want to find out who a person truly is, spend enough time with them to hear what they spend most of their time talking about.

I sat next to this lady I thought that it would not take a keen observer to quickly see who was in better shape and better health. Here I was sitting lean, trim and energetic, while she was about 60 lbs overweight, her skin stretched over her plump body lacking the luster and glow it should have, huffing and puffing, while sipping on her coffee that she COULD NOT LIVE without.

I have met many people like her that have become prisoners not only of their own bodies, but their minds. On one hand they want a change—they want to be well, they want to lose weight, they want to live to see their children and grandchildren, on the other hand they see themselves either as victims to their eating and lifestyle habits or they connect food and happiness so closely that they cannot distinguish the two and chose one above the other, so they say things like: “I can’t live without (chocolate, coffee, bacon…etc.)”, or, “If I die I want to die happy!”, or another one of my favorites: “Live a little! Enjoy life!” [Amazingly I could think of food as happiness or enjoying one’s life.]

Our mindset affects our decisions, and decisions determine actions, whether we like it or not. If we say that we CAN’T do something, we, most likely, won’t. It is true not only when it comes to food; it can be relationships, learning another language, starting a business. Your limits are set by YOU! You determine how far you get in life, how happy you can be or how healthy you are. If you can’t achieve a goal that you set out for yourself, don’t blame anyone else—you are responsible! It does not mean that you won’t have any difficulties when you make up your mind to do something. You will! But you are the one who makes decisions on what to do about difficulties and obstacles that come your way.

When you want better health you have to make changes. It is obvious! If you didn’t you would not have ended up in a place that makes you consider them. Changes are never easy… at least not for the most part. But they are not impossible!

When you decide to make changes to your diet, fear, doubt and skepticism are going to be a part of this new journey. A lot of us have been through the roller coaster of these emotions more times than we care to count. However, we all have encountered people who have made positive, lasting and permanent changes to their bodies and their lives and health, with no turning back.

If you set out to make changes thinking of all the things you will NOT be able to eat, the way you do NOT want to feel, the pressure you do NOT want to endure, the criticism and skepticism you do NOT want to hear, you will be working against gravity.

Success starts in your MIND! Your objective in this is to stay focused on positive things you WILL experience as a result of the changes you are going to make. Think of the health and energy that you DO want for yourself, the better self-esteem you DO desire, eating delicious and nutritious foods that you DO want to enjoy.

Is your glass half-empty or half-full? Do you use excuses for your failures, or do you confront yourself and change to become a stronger and better person? Are you a victim or a victor?

Let’s look back in the Bible to gain wisdom on this topic. I love what it says:
“Finally, …whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” [Philippians 4:8]

What it means is this: If you are sick, don’t dwell on your sickness—take steps that are needed to get well, and dwell on how the changes that you are making will get you well. If you are overweight, don’t think about foods you won’t be able to enjoy, or not being able to find the size of cloth you want, or people staring at you—think about solution to your problem, concentrate on things that will turn your situation around and become passionate about it. If it is changing your diet—great! Do it! If it is getting in a gym and working out—do it! Think about the places you can go, the clothes you can wear when you lose weight, and the people you will meet (and you will meet different kind of people when you feel better about yourself—after all, you attract what you are).

If you are reading this blog, you are probably making or considering making changes to your diet and lifestyle. As you prepare to make changes, think of the positive things you will experience. Think about your health improving, excess weight melting off, your mind becoming clearer, feeling better about yourself, being more in tune with spiritual things. Take some time to imagine the colors and crispy freshness of the foods you'll be putting on your plate. Feel your body thriving, tingling with a new-found vibrancy because of all the amazing foods you will be putting in your body.

It's not about all the things you'll be missing out on… It's about all the amazing things you'll be able to enjoy in a way you may never have done before.

Simply place your mind in a place of feeling your best. Own it with your thoughts, so that you can embrace it with the rest of you very soon.

Stop speaking and thinking NEGATIVELY! That was OLD you. The new you can be DIFFERENT. The new you can be POSITIVE! The new you can feel WELL!

I have faith that you CAN be successful. Do YOU?

Have an AMAZING DAY! Make it UNFORGETTABLE, regardless of what your situation is.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Happy Wednesday

Today’s food intake will be (not including lunch, since I have not decided what to make yet):

• Water throughout the day [remember to stay hydrated!]
• Big bowl of watermelon (eat watermelon at least 20-25 minutes before any other food, and at least 30-40 minutes after other fruit, or 40-50 minutes after fresh veggies and green, or at least 2 hours after a cooked meal, that does NOT contain animal ingredients. Watermelon passes through our stomach in about 15 minutes, and if backed up, will ferment in your intestines.)
• Apples for snacks (crunchy apples, such as Fuji, have been my snack of choice for a long time)
• Green Smoothie made with:
o Water
o Pineapple
o Banana
o Hemp Seed (not only is a great source of protein and Omega-3 and -6, but it makes smoothies very creamy)
o Couple of dates for sweetness
o Chard

• For lunch: sticky rice with sautéed veggies (I normally keep my vegetables uncooked, but since I was very busy last night editing images from a recent session, my sister made today’s lunch, and that was her choice of preparation).

I have an intense power yoga* work-out today, and them more editing to do, so my evening meal will be very simple.

Enjoy your Wednesday and remember that Unprocessed Foods will give you long lasting energy and are a better source of vitamins, nutrients and minerals compared to what you would find in any supplement bottle.

Don’t forget that there is one more UNPROCESSED LIFE BASICS class coming up this Friday at 6 pm in Longview, WA. Details HERE. I hope to see you there.

*Power Yoga is a non-meditative very physical type of yoga that concentrates on flexibility and strength building through.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Monday Raw Creations

Over the last week I indulged in a few raw treats.

Strawberry Buckwheat Cookies
(I blogged about them in this post).

Mango Sorbet with Banana Crackers
Strawberry Salad

This is my new invention. I teach how to make it in my Cooking Classes (the only raw/vegan cooking class in Cowlitz County and surrounding areas!), so make sure to sign up. There is a class coming up this Friday at 6 pm.

Yam Chips

· Peel and slice yams on the thinnest mandolin setting.
· Soak in water for 30-60 minutes to reduce starch.
· Sprinkle with juice of ½-1 lemon
· Add your favorite seasoning and minced garlic
· Salt to taste (lightly), if at all
· Dehydrate at 115 F until crisp (about 18-24 hrs)

As you can see, eating healthy is not boring, and by no means will you be lacking any vitamins. On the contrary, you will get more than what you get on the SAD (Standard American Diet) and your body and mind will thank you for it.

Enjoy your Monday, and remember to live an UNPROCESSED life!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Unforgettable Experience: Raw/Vegan Class Follow-up

There are unforgettable moments in all of our lives that do not get erased by time or other events. Yesterday was one of those moments for me. I had the pleasure of offering my first ever group cooking class. 5 wonderful ladies joined me, to learn about whole foods nutrition and to eat delicious food that we made together. I can speak for myself... and for Demetrye, who came along to help me, but I had a blast!
Here are the participants of my Unprocessed Life Basics class (from left to right): Whitney, BriAnne, Linda, Jenica, Becky, and I. Demetrye, without whom this class would not be as great as it was, took this picture. [Babe, thank you for your help and wonderful support].

While I was cooking and talking about nutrition, Demetrye, between handing me ingredients and washing my utensils, snapped a couple of pictures.

Here, Becky and Linda are in action, making Zucchini Noodles with Sauce.
I made the sauce for the noodles.

Before the day class was over, which we started with dessert, by the way :), my students had enjoyed 7 delicious, mostly raw dishes.

I will be offering one more class this coming Friday, at 6 pm (6/26/2009) at the same location. There are still 4 seats left, so make sure to hurry and sign up. Details in this post.

Until next time: EAT HEALTHY! LIVE HAPPY!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

New Feature: I am on Twitter

After resisting the "tide" for so long, I have let go and joined the flow: I am now on Twitter! If you look to the right (on my blog) you will see Twitt feeds coming through.

The reason I decided to add Twitter to the host of other technological things I am already using is very simple: I wanted to be able to quickly share my thoughts with my blog readers on Nutrition, and to share quick recipes (in 140 characters or less, that is) without adding a full-blown blog post. I have people asking me what I make for my meals, and instead of adding a post with a recipe and a picture, Twitter allows me to quickly share the ingredients of whatever I might be enjoying at the moment. I never knew that anyone would care to know what I eat, but it appears that some might--it helps those who are out of creative cooking juices to get some healthful ideas, and I am all for that!

I am also planning to share quick tips and tricks through Twitter... and who knows, maybe one day even announce drawings and prizes that way ;)

Until Next Time: Live an UNPROCESSED Life!