My Raw Pregnancy

Labor Day

2010-09-11T15:25:00.004-04:00

What could be more ironic than being induced on Labor Day at 20 weeks?

How about going through natural childbirth to deliver a dead baby?

Well this pregnancy I was not anywhere near 100% raw vegan. I was merely a vegetarian. Thankfully I now feel certain that there isn't anything I did or could have done to prevent my now three miscarriages. Talking to other moms of miscarriages has also helped me feel like I'm still "normal".

I delivered Quinn Jubilee Owen while on vacation at Myrtle Beach on September 7, 2010 at 3:15 am.

Here is a poem I wrote about this experience:

THE MORNING AFTER LABOR DAY by Debbie Owen

In the morn I wash my eyes with tears of dreams turned nightmares.

What have I done?

I killed my baby.

No, no, no,

gum drops and sugar plum fairies ripped him from my womb last night

as I screamed in pain.

Why did I let them take him?

His little feet couldn’t kick,

his tiny hands couldn’t reach for me,

his eyes were closed to this world

and his heart was not mine anymore.

So I pushed and pushed him out

of my life

in hopes to one day see him in the next.

And now I lay here empty.

White bread, rice, and other carbs boost heart disease risk in women

2010-04-13T10:13:00.000-04:00

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/04/12/glycemic.diet.heart/index.html?hpt=T2

Very interesting.

Any thoughts on this out there?

Calorie Restriction Diet

2010-02-06T08:46:00.004-05:00

Interesting Article from an opposing point of view, but explains Calorie Restriction Diet very well.

http://www.blogher.com/dr-oz-oprah-calorie-restriction-diet-extreme-life-extension

I first heard about this from Tonya Zavasta, www.beautifulonraw.com. And when I think about how to lose weight, I tell myself I just had Gastric Bypass Surgery. After GPS, you cannot eat a lot at once. You take vitamins and are only supposed to eat healthy food, because you don't want to fill up on junk. Isn't this what we all should do anyway? GPS has risks, as any surgery, but the biggest risk is that the patient will not eat healthy, become malnourished, and eventually re-stretch her stomach. It's certainly better to figure out how to be disciplined without having to go through surgery.

Vitamin D Deficiency

2009-12-30T20:28:00.007-05:00

http://www.webmd.com/diet/vitamin-d-deficiency

It turns out that I'm deficient in Vitamin D.

Mushrooms and Egg Yolks are the best vegetarian options, besides supplements and sun light.

http://www.womentowomen.com/healthynutrition/vitamind.aspx

http://www.rxpgnews.com/obstetrics/Vitamin-D-intake-inadequate-during-pregnancy_17445.shtml

http://www.babycenter.com/204_vitamin-supplements-may-reduce-miscarriage-risk_10314971.bc

I'm not a fan of taking Vitamins instead of just eating healthy foods, but Vitamin D does seems like a good thing to include, especially in the winter months.

Celiac and Pregnancy

2009-12-12T21:54:00.002-05:00

http://www.celiac.com/articles/21907/1/Early-Pregnancy-Loss-in-Celiac-Women-The-Role-of-Genetic-Markers-of-Thrombophilia/Page1.html

Teens: What Makes Them Tick?

2009-11-21T13:09:00.006-05:00

I just watched a very interesting show with John Stossel, Teens: What Makes Them Tick? (1999) (TV)

Raging hormones. Exploding sexual passion. Rebellion punctuated by tattoos, pierced lips, and unfathomable music. What happens during the teen years to make kids so different? In this fascinating ABC News special, John Stossel talks to a variety of teens and their parents and visits the Harvard Medical School’s Brain Imaging Center to reveal some surprising physiological reasons for teen behavior. He also discovers a social hierarchy among teens (the influencers, the conformers, the passives, and the edge kids) that is responsible for most fads, and talks with a psychologist and therapist about the secrets to successful parental nurturing: have rules but make them few, allow room for mistakes, and lecture less and listen more.

http://ffh.films.com/id/11167/Teens_What_Makes_Them_Tick.htm

One of my biggest goals in life, is that my Kids will grow up and still love me. I see them as adults already, and don't want them to be adults that hate their parents. I understand that they are their own people and need freedom. They need to express their feelings, and I need to listen. I hated being lectured when I was a teen...and not able to speak my mind, out of fear of punishment.

This show brought tears to my eyes as they talked about how Teens are the most creative and successful people in history. How their brain uses the amigdela; the creative, emotional and impulsive part of the brain. And how adults use the frontal lobe, responsible for rational thought.

They showed this girl that's an amazing, successful artist. She will paint all day. So much joy and energy! And I thought how Jesus said we must come to him like a child; joyful, unashamedly enthusiastic, impulsively. Matthew 18:3 "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven."

That teen girl artist said that she thinks "Kids Love Life" and adults don't know how to. That's so true! We don't know how to enjoy life, love God and the life that he gave us. Instead we operate in fear and what we have to lose; not what we have to gain. And those Teen years are all about what you have to gain. That's when your whole life is before you and the sky's the limit!

I pray that I can me more like a child again. Amen.

Fasting

2009-10-26T20:54:00.006-04:00

Today's my birthday and I'm enjoying a Wonderful Water Fast!

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, any of you already feel like a stuffed turkey?

I have friends that are Orthodox. They have so many fasts throughout the year that it adds up to about half the year is vegan. This is similar to how Catholics don't eat meat on Fridays and "give up something" for Lent, but is much more in number of days and complexity. Fish, meat, dairy, oil, wine, etc., are excluded at different times throughout the year. Leaving, by elmination, the remaining days for feasting, like Easter and Christmas.

I have heard a few raw foodist talk about fasting before, but always thought they were crazy. "Why, when you're already raw?", I thought. But I realize now that there are several reasons to fast. Many books out there on fasting contain those reasons.

Today I put together this fasting plan. It's 40 days long but can be cut short at anytime. It's a 10 day progessive fast that can be repeated to the 21st day or till the full 40 days. My plan is to break the fast every 40 days and on major holidays. Feasts are usually on weekends, so I suggest starting Day 1 on a Monday. Never eating after 2 pm, only water after 2 pm, and introducing something new everyday. Everything is 100% raw vegan.

DAY

1. Water Fast
2. Green juice/wheat grass fast
3. Vegetable juice fast
4. Green smoothie fast
5. Vegetable soup fast (add salt and oil)
6. add sprouts, blended
7. add solid food: fruits, vegetables, salads, fermented foods
8. add seeds
9. add nuts (avocado, coconut)
10. add dehydrated foods
REPEAT
11. Water Fast
12. Green juice/wheat grass fast
13. Vegetable juice fast
14. Green smoothie fast
15. Vegetable soup fast (add salt and oil)
16. add sprouts, blended
17. add solid food: fruits, vegetables, salads, fermented foods
18. add seeds
19. add nuts (avocado, coconut)
20. add dehydrated foods
21. add dehydrated foods
REPEAT
22. Water Fast
23. Green juice/wheat grass fast
24. Vegetable juice fast
25. Green smoothie fast
26. Vegetable soup fast (add salt and oil)
27. add sprouts, blended
28. add solid food: fruits, vegetables, salads, fermented foods
29. add seeds
30. add nuts (avocado, coconut)
31. add dehydrated foods
REPEAT
32. Water Fast
33. Green juice/wheat grass fast
34. Vegetable juice fast
35. Green smoothie fast
36. Vegetable soup fast (add salt and oil)
37. add sprouts, blended
38. add solid food: fruits, vegetables, salads, fermented foods
39. add seeds
40. add nuts (avocado, coconut)
41. Cooked Food Feast
42. Cooked Food Feast

Monday, start Day 1 again.

There are 31 days till Thanksgiving. So I'll break the fast from Thursday - Sunday, and start again on Monday with Day 1.

Then there are 25 days till Christmas. So I'll break the fast from Friday - Sunday, and start again on Monday with Day 1.

And then there are 3 days till New Years Eve. So I'll break the fast from Thursday -Sunday, starting again on Monday, January 4, as Day 1.

I should be able to get in a 40 day fast for Lent, next year, breaking the fast on Easter Sunday.

For the Orthodox, there are about 30 days of Feasting/Holidays a year. Fasting is always voluntary. Fasting should never become an obligation. So you should break a fast if you feel like you are missing out on something.

So for my birthday, I've given myself the gift of health and discipline.

Don't wait until New Year's Day to start a resolution, if you aren't happy with yourself now. Make a change today!

Please post a comment if you have fasted before or want to start fasting again.

Where does your meat come from?

2009-10-08T15:48:00.004-04:00

www.themeatrix.com

Three great videos!

And a disturbing real-life story about a Woman's Life Shattered...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/04/health/04meat.html

Colonic

2009-09-15T15:26:00.003-04:00

I just scheduled my first colonic appointment for this Friday!

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/coloncleanse/a/colonic.htm

Have you had a colonic? What did you think?

Stay tuned for the "outcome", ha ha...

Raw Spirit Festival this weekend!

2009-08-26T16:43:00.002-04:00

http://www.rawspiritfest.com/

I'm excited about this weekend! We are staying there from Thursday - Tuesday morning to volunteer. I'll be working in the Children's area so I can have my kids there with me.

Keep posted next week for some photos...

70-100% Raw Decision

2009-08-24T15:06:00.004-04:00

I have been struggling with this for sometime now, but I am going to try to be at least 70% raw.

1. I LOVE being 100% raw. Love the way I feel, love the way I look and think it's the best thing for me and most people. Never had cravings I couldn't satisfy with raw food.

2. Either the whole family has to be 100% raw, or me be 70%. It's hard living around cooked food.

3. Recently, I've learned more about kid's nutrition. As vegetarians, my kids ate a lot of veggie burgers and other processed soy foods, frozen and micro-wave foods, and anything that was already prepared so I wouldn't have to cook and taste food. Now I've decided that my kids health is important to me too. So I need to cook and taste healthy whole food/vegetarian foods for them.

4. Kids should not be 100% raw. Not that you can't raise healthy 100% raw kids, but kids are going to go to places and eat cooked food. Sudden changes in their diet, I believe is not healthy.

5. During pregnancy, you should maintain a healthy diet, without sudden changes. "Falling of the wagon" while pregnant could have caused my two miscarriages. Tanya Zavasta said at her lecture that a 100% raw foodist's blood has a very low white blood cell count. When cooked food is introduced, the white blood cell count increases significantly, indicating the body reacts to cooked food as a foreign intruder it needs to fight off. While many doctors may not agree with this statement, all would agree that pregnancy is not a time to make drastic changes to your diet. This also applies to any detoxing side-effect that becoming 100% raw while pregnant could have.

6. So, until I decide that I'm done with having more kids, I'm going to try to maintain a balance in my life. Losing weight and looking my best can't be my #1 priority right now. But there is always time for that later. Right now, staying healthy is a priority. A diet and exercise routine I can maintain consistently through out pregnancy is my #1 priority, while not sacrificing my children's health.

7. I'm scared to death to have a 3rd miscarriage! I have to eliminate the possibility of "falling of the wagon" as being a cause for miscarrying a 3rd time. My first miscarriage I exercised too much; so on the second, I barely exercised. But at least I know that too much exercise wasn't the cause!

So, there it all is. I am very reluctant to "announce" decisions like this. Some may see it as weakness and lack of discipline. But most people I know are not raw foodist and may think that I'm admitting to a deficiency in raw food. And that is not the case! Also, I will eat only whole foods; no frozen/pre-prepared foods, can foods, additives, white flour, or white sugar; so I don't want them thinking that I'm going to eat just anything now.

Raw Dairy products:

I also now get raw (organic and free-range/pastured) dairy products (milk, cream, etc.) I've enjoyed making raw cheese, butter, ice cream, etc., from raw milk. While I'm still a vegan at heart (believe that humans don't NEED to drink milk from other animals, and in the ethical treatment of animals) I think that raw dairy is a fun and easy way to add living enzymes and nutrition to children and pregnant women's diets. However, it should be kept in moderation. Natalie Rose in her book, the Raw Food Detox, says that milk draws magnesium from your body. She recommends using raw dairy in moderation and in conjunction with other raw foods. For example, a salad with a little raw cheese sprinkled on top. The greens will balance this out.

So, please comment if you have any thoughts.
Thanks!

Gifts from God

2009-08-08T23:58:00.008-04:00

In a community that would not allow me to plant a community garden, this tree stands on our common area. Jordan, my 6 year old, enjoys climbing very high in it and either picking or shaking down apples. Near the end of tonight's raw food potluck, Jordan offered to pick apples for everybody. Kids love to be involved with raw food. He then helped make apple juice.

When you pick FREE food, you can feel very thankful how God can supply all our needs. The food he gives is GOOD. The food we make ourselves does not give us life. God is the true LIFE giver!

Microwaves

2009-08-04T16:58:00.000-04:00

http://www.mercola.com/article/microwave/hazards.htm

Your Heart has a Memory?

2009-07-31T14:44:00.001-04:00

More reasons to take care of that heart!

http://www.mindpowernews.com/TransplantMemories.htm

Green Smoothy Experiment

2009-07-29T16:29:00.001-04:00

http://greensmoothiesrock.ning.com/

Magic ingredient in breast milk

2009-07-23T14:23:00.002-04:00

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-06/qmuo-mii062909.php

Public release date: 29-Jun-2009

Contact: Kerry Noble
k.noble@qmul.ac.uk
44-207-882-7910
Queen Mary, University of London
Magic ingredient in breast milk protects babies' intestines

Scientists at Queen Mary, University of London have discovered that an ingredient in human breast milk protects and repairs the delicate intestines of newborn babies.

The ingredient called pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor, or PSTI, is found at its highest levels in colostrum - the milk produced in the first few days after birth.

The lining of a newborn's gut is particularly vulnerable to damage as it has never been exposed to food or drink. The new study* highlights the importance of breastfeeding in the first few days after the birth.

The researchers found small amounts of PSTI in all the samples of breast milk they tested but it was seven times more concentrated in colostrum samples. The ingredient was not found in formula milk.

The researchers examined the effects of PSTI on human intestinal cells in the lab. When they inflicted damage to the cells they found that PSTI stimulated the cells to move across the damaged area forming a natural protective 'plaster'. They also found that PSTI could prevent further damage by stopping the cells of the intestine from self-destructing. Additional research suggests that PSTI could reduce damage by 75 per cent.

PSTI is a molecule which is normally found in the pancreas where it protects the organ from being damaged by the digestive enzymes it produces. Research suggests that it plays a similar protective role in the gut.

The team at Queen Mary have also found that PSTI is produced in the breast but until now they did not know exactly why.

Professor Ray Playford of Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, part of Queen Mary, University of London led the study.

He said: "We know that breast milk is made up of a host of different ingredients and we also know that there are a number of health benefits for babies who are breast-fed.

"This study is important because it shows that a component of breast milk protects and repairs the babies delicate intestines in readiness for the onslaught of all the food and drink that are to come.

"It reinforces the benefits of breast feeding, especially in the first few days after birth."

###

Note to editors

*Pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor us a major motogenic and protective factor in human breast milk, Marchbank et al, Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 296: G697-G703, 2009

Raw Food Detox in Pregnancy

2009-07-22T15:07:00.006-04:00

Emailed Question from a reader:

Debbie,

I am looking for info on Toxemia and Raw food. I realize the nature of the question is offputting. But I recently added more and more raw food to my current pregnancy and the effects were a bit backward. I have gained lots of weight and am experiencing puffiness of hands and feet. This is my 5th pregnancy and I have never had this happen before. My hunch is that Toxemia is a detoxifying attempt during pregnancy. What morning sickness is to 1st trimester, toxemia is to 2nd. An attempt to purge the body of toxicity. If in fact my raw food consumption is creating a detoxifying effect in my body and albeit a negative effect on my pregnancy as I am unable to effectively eliminate everything efficiently. Anyhow, any information is appreciated.
-Genifer

Dear Genifer,

Congratulations on your 5th Pregnancy!

Most experts say you should not make drastic changes to your diet during pregnancy. The side effect, detoxing, can be harmful when pregnant. So gradually add raw foods to what you have been normally eating. And because digestion is slower during pregnancy, learn about how to properly combine foods. There is a small section about this in The Raw Food Detox Diet, by Natalia Rose.

Regarding Toxemia,

women older than age 40 have a higher risk

. So it maybe that simple. Try following these conventional guidelines...

How can I prevent preeclampsia:

Currently, there is no sure way to prevent preeclampsia. Some contributing factors to high blood pressure can be controlled and some can't. Follow your doctor's instruction about diet and exercise.

* Use little or no added salt in your meals.
* Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.
* Don't eat a lot of fried foods and junk food.
* Get enough rest
* Exercise regularly
* Elevate your feet several times during the day.
* Avoid drinking alcohol.
* Avoid beverages containing caffeine.
* Your doctor may suggest you take prescribed medicine and additional supplements.

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/preeclampsia.html

According to these guidelines, green smoothies and juicing should improve your condition by adding more fluids and eliminating the salt, which is in salad dressings. It is conventional advice to pregnant women that they eat more fruits and vegetables. So as long as you are not suddenly going 100% raw while pregnant, you should be okay. Natalia Rose advises 50-60% raw, continuing to eat meat and dairy as you are accustomed to eating.

On another note, get some really raw almonds, and see if that helps. Raw almonds always helped me when I was pregnant. It takes away nausea and dizziness and stabilizes blood sugar levels. And your doctor would be glad you are getting more protein!

I hope that helps,

-Debbie

Raw Mom Summit

2009-06-24T20:45:00.001-04:00

http://www.rawmomsummit.com/

Raw Almond Cheese

2009-06-23T13:30:00.002-04:00

I received my order of really raw organic almonds from Spain. I made raw almond milk and 24 hours later it started tasting a little funky. So I decided to try to make cheese. It turned out terrific! Just like making real cheese. So creamy and smooth, it taste like cream cheese.

To make almond milk:

Soak almonds over night. Rinse and drain a few times. Put almonds in blender and filtered water. (Fill the blender up about half way with almonds and the other half with water.) Blend well, but don't let the Vitamix get too hot.

Get a couple of big bowls and a clean and rinsed pillow case with no holes and no lint inside the seems. Pour the almond mix into the pillow case while it is inside a bowl, lining it. Squeeze all the milk out. (This is the physical labor part.) Then dump the almond pulp into a bowl that is sitting in the sink. You can later make something with it ("meat" balls or cookies).

Pour almond milk back into the blender and sweeten as desired, vanilla extract and nutmeg optional. If making almond cheese, don't add vanilla, but some raw honey or agave and nutmeg will still taste good in the cheese. (For a special Jamaican treat, add some fresh carrot juice to the almond milk, vanilla, nutmeg, and sweetener.)

To make Almond Cheese:

Set the almond milk out so it separates and starts getting a little sour (making curds), at least 2-3 hours. Pour into a cheese cloth or clean pillow case. Hang it up over a bowl to catch the whey for at least 3-4 hours. It's ok if you don't have the time to wait around and need to leave it over night, it won't spoil...but isn't that the whole point!

Take the bag down and dump out the cheese onto a plate. Add sea salt to taste, herbs, and other seasonings. Experiment. Put in the fridge in a sealed container. Enjoy! Recipe by Debbie Owen.

Religion and Vegetarianism‏

2009-06-15T14:28:00.007-04:00

An email conversation with a friend:

audio recording, very interesting...

http://www.petatv.com/downloads/podcast/Podcast011_Religion_and_Vegetarianism.mp3

or find it here...
http://www.peta.org/actioncenter/podcast.asp?c=weekly_enews

Hi Debbie,

This was was enlightening and informative. Thanks for sending it over. There was a book years back where the writer studied the Bible and all the good things presented for consumption. The author put together a sort of recipe guide based on this and it favored what is today most like a Mediterranean diet.

I have to say for as much as we don't eat meat the thought of giving it up totally is still difficult. Most of our meat consumption happens at other peoples houses yet we still partake of fish every week. And in the Winter months the meat dishes are tied to traditions.

When John Colberg, was visiting with us after the tree planting, explained that the reason he became a vegetarian was the exact reason mentioned in the talk—violence toward animals. He's been a straight vegetarian for many years.

The podcast left me with one question and perhaps you've heard a response about this. Acts 10:9+ where God speaks to Peter that it's ok to eat reptiles, birds etc and even tells him to kill and eat them? I think he was just trying to loosen Peter up and sort of eat what company had for him. But there might be more to those scriptures.

I'm looking forward to having you talk about Raw foods at our potluck. I hope it will inspire people to think about the food they eat. I still need to view the other trailers for that movie and see if I can get in to see the whole thing before passing it along to the elders for consideration. We are passing everything through them before showing it.

I'm also starting to collect our Nutrition Action newsletters and will probably put them out on a table for anyone who wants to grab one. Lots of info on why junk food is plain bad for you....it's a fun read. And articles on general health in an easy to read format.

Cheers,

K-

K-,

Yeah, I agree. I think, Peter was hungry, and God used it as a way to get him to except the non-Jews that were about to visit him, as clean. Also, I don't think it's a sin to eat "unclean" meat anymore, because of Jesus, we don't have to follow the letter of the law, but the spirit. For some, that might mean being a vegetarian, for others it might mean eating "unclean" animals.

But it comes down to us today. The meat most of us have available are not healthy happy animals, like in Bible times. And they have discovered good reasons why God called some animals unclean. So I believe that once we have this knowledge, we are called to act on it. Like cutting back, as you and Z- do.

I don't believe everyone has to be a vegetarian. But I believe that everyone should "Know Your Meat".

Thanks,

Debbie

PETA - "Meet your Meat" Video (Caution: Disturbing Images of animal suffering)

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-513747926833909134

Raw Almonds

2009-06-12T12:03:00.007-04:00

I usually buy raw almonds from Costco, but now I'll have to get them elsewhere...

http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Legislation/Judge-upholds-almond-pasteurization-law

http://www.livingnutz.com/?gclid=CPD69cCOhZsCFYJM5QodFBQmqg

"All our flavored and unflavored almonds are made with organic/unpasteurized almonds! Did you know that all almonds grown in California and the U.S are now pasteurized- that is why we import our Certified Organic almonds from Spain-be wary of buying any almond (organic) from California as it may be pasteurized!

These large, flat almonds are more crunchy and flavorful than the normal American kind. They are smoother and juicier with an incomparably sweet delicate taste- Many people prefer them to American almonds because they have more of an almond flavor.

Ingredients: 100% Raw, Unpasteurized Organic Almonds
Truly Raw, Unpasteurized, Certified Organic Almonds from Spain. We import our almonds from Spain. The Spanish almonds are very different from domestically grown American almonds. Morocco is the birthplace of almonds and Spain is right next to Morocco. The genetics of these original old world almonds are the closest thing available to heirloom almonds. American or California almonds are down bred hybridized versions of these original genetics. The flavor of the almonds between these two different countries is very distinct. California almonds are bigger and more bland with a very weak almond flavor. Old world almonds have a much stronger almond extract flavor. Some of the almonds, like maybe one out of a hundred, will have a bitter flavor. This is totally natural and our suppliers have assured us that these ones have a higher antioxidant and nutritional value."

http://shop.livingnutz.com/product.sc?categoryId=1&productId=34

This is a very good article...

..."The new protocols require all raw almonds sold in North America to be pasteurized, thereby killing off any wayward bacteria. How? By quick-steaming the nuts, or spraying them with propylene oxide (PPO), a chemical so nasty that it was banned by both the National Hot Rod and American Motorcycle Racing Associations, where it had been used as a fuel before being deemed too dangerous. PPO is also a carcinogen. For these and other reasons, most countries, including the EU, ban imported nuts treated with PPO. (The ABC is actively working to change that.)

I like to avoid ingesting post-harvest fumigants when I can. Especially hot-rod fuel. Trouble is, the almond industry is not going to be advising the public which nuts got the steam treatment and which ones got the PPO. I, for one, would like to know. A little moist hot air is one thing; a cancer causing has-been motorcycle fuel is another.

Now, of course, those who prefer steam can fork over the considerable cash for organic almonds, which in my neighborhood are going for $17.79/pound. Thanks to the national organic standards, those pearls are guaranteed to be PPO-free. But that's the only way to know you are getting steam-pasteurized nuts..."

http://www.localharvest.org/newsletter/20070619/almonds.jsp

Curry Green Mango Recipe

2009-06-09T19:20:00.005-04:00

My friend from Trinidad made a cooked dish like this for me years ago. So today I had a mango that wasn't ripe enough yet, but I still cut into it. My choices were, eat it anyway, even though it wasn't ripe, or make a savory dish out of it. So here is the recipe, it was delicious!

Curry Green Mango

1 cubed mango not ripe
1/4 cup diced onions
2 Tablespoons curry powder
1/4 cup hemp seeds
1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon chopped cilantro
sea salt to taste

Stir dry ingredients first. Stir in wet ingredients. The hemp seeds will coat the mango cubes. Serve on a bed of baby greens. Enjoy. Recipe by Debbie Owen.

All Curry powders are not the same. I use one that is very yellow (Turmeric) and from Jamaica, called "Grace".

Eating Mercifully

2009-06-09T13:41:00.002-04:00

This is a great video from the Humane Society...

http://video.hsus.org/?fr_story=fddfc1d63c358bb2db36b53597ceeb7b724f5771&rf=sitemap

Chocolaty Chocolate Mousse Cake

2009-06-04T18:19:00.003-04:00

Here's a great sounding recipe from the Garden Diet, I'll have to try it...

Chocolaty Chocolate Mousse Cake

To prepare - soak 3-4 cups dates for 15 min

Pie Crust:

Grind up 3 cups of hazelnuts in food processor until almost powdery
Add 8 dates (soaked first for 15 minutes)
Add 5 tablespoons honey
Add 1 cup raw carob powder
Pinch of Salt
2 teaspoons nutmeg
2 teaspoons cinnamon
(May need a tablespoon or two of the date soak water to get it all going)
Blend all in food processor until doughy
(Form in to pie crust in pie dish)

Carob Mousse Filling:

2 cups of soaked dates (remove pits after soaking)
1-2 tablespoons of vanilla extract (or 1-2 inches of vanilla bean)
4 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive oil or flax oil
Blend up in food processor until creamy
Add 3 avocados
Add 1 cup carob powder
Add pinch of salt
Blend all in food processor until moussey

- inspired by a recipe in Rennee Loux Underkoffler's book Living Cuisine: The Art and Spirit of Raw Foods

In Joy!
Jinjee
http://www.TheGardenDiet.com

ADD question from a friend

2009-06-04T18:04:00.006-04:00

Hey Tony's been diagnosed with ADD and they put him on this adderall which the more I read about it, the less I like it. But his insurance won't approve him for anything else unless this doesn't work which it is. So anyway I need to change his diet and get him off of processed foods. But he's a little picky. Any ideas? Oh yeah, this is what I read about the adderall today....
Adderall XR, a widely used drug for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, was pulled off the market in Canada after regulators linked the drug to 20 sudden deaths and 12 strokes. Fourteen of the deaths and two of the 12 strokes were in children.

The adverse reactions were not associated with overdose, misuse or abuse of Adderall XR, Canadian regulators said.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advisory to alert providers to the withdrawal. But the agency also said it had evaluated the same reports as Canadian regulators and did not think the data warranted pulling the drug from the U.S. market.
Thank you.
Stacy

Stacy,

Wow, I can see your concern.

You have to decide if you want to take things slowly or jump in cold turkey.

You don't have to be a vegetarian, but deffinately eat less meat. "Whole food" describes people who are like Raw Foodest but eat meat and dairy. I'd encourage you to "know your meat". Where did it come from, what did it eat, etc...organic meat. You can get raw organic milk, illigally delivered from Pennsylvania, in Reston.

Try starting a garden with the kids. If you get them involved, they are more likely to eat what it produces. Kids are funny that way, they'll eat something right out of the garden that they would otherwise turn down.

Go to farmers markets with the kids and have them pick out healthy foods. Go to "pick your own" farms so the can really experience eating fresh food.

Read more. Google "Raw Food" and "green smoothies" and any ingredient you want a recipe for, ex. "raw spinach recipe". Check out free books from the library, borrow "cookbooks" from a friend (me), and only buy a favorite few.

Sign up at meetup.com for whole food and raw food groups and potlucks so you can get connected with others that can provide support. Try looking for an ADD group, too.

I'll lend you a parenting skills program we just bought, check it out at http://www.celebratecalm.com/. And this Wed. night he is at Truro Church in Fairfax for a free Q&A seminar!!! We went last night for the seminar, night one of two. I highly recommend it!

Some quick guidelines are no white sugar, no white flour, no white rice, no artificial flavors and colors, no frozen meals and canned foods, no fried foods, and no fast food.

Any mom's out there with ADD children have any additional advice?

http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/index.html
5 a day website

http://www.foodchamps.org/
kids website from 5 a day

Raw Cheesecake

2009-06-01T15:33:00.002-04:00

Everyone tells me I should open a restaurant, cater or sell these when I make this raw Cheesecake recipe. Hay, make it yourself!

For the crust:
1 1/2 cups of almonds
1 cup of dates

To make the crust, use a food processor and process the nuts and dates until nice and fine. Place the ingredients into a pie plate and press all around the pie plate, once this is done put in fridge. (In a hurry, just use almonds and a coffee grinder, skip the dates.)

For the Cheese:
2 cups of pine nuts (soak for an hour)
1/2 cup of lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
1/2 cup raw agave
1/2 cup of extra virgin coconut oil
1 teaspoon of vanilla or half vanilla bean
1/2 cup of water

To make he cheese, blend the pine nuts, lemon, agave, coconut oil, vanilla, and water. Blend until smooth and adjust to taste.

Pour the cheese mixture onto the crust.
Place the cheesecake into the freezer until it's nice and firm (3-4 hours). Then put cheesecake into the fridge for about one hour.

For sauce:
1 bag of your favorite berries
1/4 cup of honey or agave

Blend the ingredients and place it in a container. Pour the sauce on the cheesecake when serving.

Coconut Cream Pie
variation:
After blending, add 1 cup of shredded (bigger) dried coconut (unsulferized, no sugar) and stir in, do not blend. Pour into crust in pie plate. Powder the top with finely shredded coconut (instead of the berries). Freeze. Serve cold and firm, but not frozen. Recipe variation by Debbie Owen.

These pies are very nice in single serving sizes. For bite size, try a silicon mini-muffin pan, pop them out when frozen solid and then top with berries. Or use a regular muffin pan and paper cup cake liners. Great for tea parties and baby showers!

Kale Chips

2009-06-01T15:15:00.002-04:00

Here is a recipe from an experienced friend...

Hi Debbie

Here is the sauce for 2 bunches of Kale. Peel the Kale away
from the central stem and tear or cut in pieces:

I cup of cashews soaked 2 hours
I red bell pepper
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tbs of agave
1/2 tbs of salt (maybe a bit more if you like them salty).

Put all the ingredients in the blender and then "toss" the kale
in a big bowl with the sauce. Dehydrate overnight and on teflon
sheets and then flip the next morning and dehydrate another 4
hours.

Enjoy Debbie. This is one of my chief snacks !!

John

Raw Soups

2009-06-01T13:00:00.005-04:00

Summertime is here and nothing is easier and taste better than a cold raw soup! Here are my favorite three...

Russian Borscht

3 beets, peeled
1 small root ginger, sliced
3 to 4 cloves garlic, peeled
6 to 7 bay leaves
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery
2 tablespoons apple-cider vinegar
3 to 4 oranges, peeled and seeds removed
1 tablespoon honey
1 cup olive oil
Sea salt, to taste
1/2 cup walnuts
1/4 head cabbage, diced or grated
1 to 2 carrots, diced or grated
1 bunch parsley, minced

Blend the beets, ginger, garlic and bay leaves with 2 cups water in a blender or Vita-Mix. Pour mixture into a big bowl.

Blend the chopped carrots, celery, vinegar, oranges, honey, olive oil and sea salt with 2 cups water for about 30 seconds. Add the walnuts and blend on low speed very quickly, so they break into small pieces but do not blend. Pour into bowl with first mixture and stir.

Add the cabbage, diced or grated carrots and parsley to blended mixture. Stir and serve.

Makes 7 to 10 servings.

— Recipe by Victoria Boutenko from www.rawfoodbook.com.

a video of a different borscht recipe...
http://renegadehealth.com/blog/heathers-raw-borscht-recipe/

Gazpacho

6 large, very ripe tomatoes
1 small clove garlic
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon raw sugar, honey or agave
1/2 to 1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
6 green onions, cut into thin slices
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped, seeded, peeled cucumber
1 or 2 fresh jalapenos, seeded, minced
1 cup diced avocado
1 red or green bell pepper, seeded, chopped
2 tablespoons cilantro (fresh, chopped)

Seed and finely chop 1 tomato. Set it aside with the onions, celery, cucumber, avocado, jalapeno, bell pepper and cilantro to stir in later. Blend the other tomatoes, garlic, lime juice, oil, vinegar, honey, salt, oregano well. Add everything except the avocado, stir, and refrigerate well. When ready to serve, add avocado and extra cilantro for garnish. Recipe by Debbie Owen.

Raw Vegetable Soup

3-4 cups water
1 large carrot
1 celery, with leaves
2 or 3 green onions (save some for garnish)
2 small plum tomatoes
1/2 clove garlic
sea salt to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning, or fresh parsley, thyme, oregano, sage, rosemary
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 small sweet apple, cored
1/2 cup soaked raw almonds (optional)

Blend well in a Vitamix blender. Top with some green onions and a sprig of parsley for garnish. Recipe by Debbie Owen.

Raw Carrot Halva Recipe

2009-05-28T12:05:00.004-04:00

I love the traditional Indian Carrot Halva dessert, so I made up this recipe. This does not taste exactly like the cooked version, but it satisfies my cravings.

2 carrots shredded
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup raw cashew halves
1 TBSP raw agave
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil
1 TBSP raw tahini
1 TBSP lemon juice
pinch of sea salt
1/4 cup dried coconut for garnish (unsulferized and unsweetened)

Combine all the ingredients (except for the dried coconut), mix well. Adjust to your taste. Top with dried coconut. Serve cold. Enjoy.

Here's another recipe:
http://www.eknathkadam.net/recipes/?p=478

On Being Raw

2009-05-26T14:55:00.003-04:00

If you are struggling to be raw, I recommend...get UNPLUGGED!

Turn off the TV. Watching commercials leads to eating what they are selling. And studies show that the more you like a show, the faster/more you snack. Late night snacking puts on the pounds, weather you're raw or not.

I find a DVD leaves me more satisfied. There aren't any breaks to get up and go to the kitchen. The plot will end and not leave you hanging (unless there's a squeal). A lot of TV shows leave you wanting to watch the next episode; which leaves me wanting to watch more TV to get the satisfaction of an "ending" tonight.

http://www.healthandage.com/public/health-center/31/article/3114/TV-and-Eating-Habits.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013001835.html

I would love to see more "public service announcements" about eating healthy food.

We need to get out of the habit of eating in front of the TV and raise our kids to NOT get into that habit.

What You're Missing Out On

2009-05-20T00:07:00.002-04:00

The decision to be or not to be 100% raw is an individual decision everyone has to make themselves. Although there have been times I've "fallen off the wagon", I most enjoy being 100% raw. Those times are opportunities for me to realize again (I forget so easily) that I'm not missing out on much!

"But", you say, "Debbie, what's so wrong with a little cooked food? What about beans?"

If you can successfully eat a little beans (not canned), a little brown rice or other healthy foods...Great! But the danger comes when we eat highly addicted foods (fried foods, refined flour, and white sugar). These are usually very hard to kick!

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,93031,00.html

Kids make the darndest recipes!

2009-05-19T14:24:00.006-04:00

My son Jordan was at it again.

He just made a guacamole with fresh basil, lemon, tomatoes and sea salt. It has a very nice taste, different from the usual cilantro, onion and jalapeno one I make.

It's good to experiment and think outside the box like kids do!

Here's a funny video of a Guacamole Recipe in a song...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRlqsvphYww&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fvideo.google.com%2Fvideosearch%3Fq%3Dguacamole%2520and%2520kids%26oe%3Dutf-8%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial%26cli&feature=player_embedded

Healthy Kids

2009-05-15T14:27:00.003-04:00

My son, Jordan, six years old, just brought me the smoothie he made in the Vitamix Blender!

It's amazing how interested in healthy food children can be when they can be involved in the process. Learning healthy habits start early. Teach your children how to make a green smoothie today!

Next time I'll grab the video camera like this mom did...

http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/2009/03/30/video-making-green-smoothies/

Raw Ice Cream Recipe

2009-05-15T13:21:00.004-04:00

Our friend Steph is in the video. Stephanie and Todd recently moved from Virginia to California. Their Chocolate Bliss is delicious!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snSV5euGStQ

Cavities in Baby Teeth

2009-05-12T13:14:00.004-04:00

Kid's had Dentist Appt. today...seems that Jordan has a small cavity at six years. The Dentist said it's a baby tooth that he'll have till he's 11 yrs old, so she wants to fill it. I have mixed feelings. I wonder, can a small cavity heal itself?

So I read some things and purchased some stuff I hope works!

http://www.epicdental.com/
http://www.eves-best.com/cavities-in-baby-teeth.htm#cavity-treatment
http://www.oravive.com/index_new.php

Water, Water Everywhere and Not a Drop to Drink

2009-04-24T10:45:00.004-04:00

A month ago I got a UTI. Getting sick and being 100% raw is like a slap in the face! But I had to admit there were several things I could improve in my diet. The number one thing is WATER.

Water consumption should be THE most important thing you think about consuming in your day. Ignoring this will not only make you susceptible to illness, but will also result in you weighing more.

Other things I needed to improve on is eating sprouts and seeds everyday, eating less nuts and dried fruit, getting more organic foods. One example is that I'd eat a lot of non-organic raisins. I'm not going to get everything organic (I've tried that expensive route before) but that is one highly treated food item!

After having the UTI, I got a virus. This is the one that gives you a fever for a week! I've had it before and always had the wost headache as well. This time I learned that the headache was from dehydration. I was in the hospital almost all night getting 4 bags of IV fluids. The headache immediately went away.

That's how important water is! Drink it everyday. Carry a water bottle with you everywhere. It's the most important Superfood!

Wet Sock Treatment

2009-04-24T10:28:00.003-04:00

I am always amazed when I learn something I have never heard before...

http://www.vsnaturopathy.com/Wet-socks.html

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=16995&id=1457542773

Are nuts bad for you?

2009-04-21T18:44:00.002-04:00

http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/diet_and_fitness/article6114556.ece

"...Brazil nuts are particularly high in the mineral selenium, which acts as an antioxidant and is vital for making a potent antioxidant enzyme that helps to protect our cells against pollutants. Although no firm links have been established, even mild selenium deficiency has been linked to infertility and increased risk of eye problems in later life, such as cataracts and age-related blindness...

...A daily handful of almonds is recommended in the portfolio diet, which scientists in Canada have proven can be as effective as statin drugs at reducing raised cholesterol. This “portfolio” of heart-healthy foods also includes oats, soya, pulses and plant stanols and sterols (found in cholesterol-lowering yoghurts).

Almonds also seem to have a satisfying effect on hunger; probably because of a combination of the fibre, protein (each handful contains 6g of protein, about the same as a small egg) and oils they contain. This makes them a good substitute for more calorific snacks such as cakes and biscuits.

There also appears to be a relationship between regular consumption of walnuts and a reduced risk of heart disease. This may be down to the plant version of omega-3 oils, their super nutrients (which seem to help to stop bad cholesterol from oxidising - the process that makes it dangerous to our arteries), the high monounsaturated fat content of walnuts or a combination of all three.

Health nuts

Almonds also give us bone-building calcium. A 50g serving contains 170mg; almost the same as a 150ml glass of milk.

Peanuts give us folate, the B vitamin that is crucial for helping to prevent spina bifida in a newly conceived foetus and for helping to lower the amino acid homocysteine, which when raised can clog arteries.

Chestnuts have just 170 calories per 100g and only 3g of fat, while coconuts give 351 calories and 36g of fat per 100g.

Cashews are the best for the energy-boosting mineral iron. A 50g portion provides 3mg. You would need to eat a hefty 200g serving of spinach to get the same amount."

Grow your own drugs: a medicine cabinet in your garden

2009-04-21T16:50:00.003-04:00

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/features/article5817587.ece

Sage honey for sore throat

Pungent sage leaves (Salvia officinalis) contain antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties. The herb that it takes its name from the Latin verb “to save”. Combined with the antibacterial and healing properties of honey, this makes a great soother.

Ingredients

1 large bunch fresh sage leaves

Enough runny honey (buy sage honey if you can) to cover the leaves

Method

1. Wash and dry the sage leaves and place in a small pan with enough honey to cover. Simmer gently for 1 hour. Allow to cool to a temperature you can handle. (Be careful; sugar solutions and honey can become very hot and cause scalding.)

2. Strain the honey into a sterilised jar containing a sprig of sage, if desired.

Use

Take 1 tsp whenever needed to soothe a sore throat. You can also use to sweeten and medicate hot lemon drinks for colds and flu; take 3-4 times a day when needed.

Neem nit treatment for head lice

This recipe, free of organophosphates, uses plant extracts with known insecticidal properties to kill lice and nits.

Ingredients

20 tbsp (100g) fresh rosemary leaves

20 tbsp (25g) fresh lavender flowers

200ml neem oil

200ml almond oil

6 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp tea tree oil

Method

1. Strip the leaves and flowers from their sprigs.

2. Combine the neem and almond oil in a measuring jug.

3. Crush half the rosemary and lavender with a mortar and pestle with a little of the oil. Place the mashed-up herbs in a saucepan. Repeat with the second half of the herbs, again adding oil for crushing.

4. Place the crushed herbs, neem and almond oil in the pan, and add the chopped garlic. Heat gently for about 20 mins.

5. Strain through a sieve lined with muslin. Add the tea tree oil to the reserved oil, stir, then filter into a sterilised 500ml bottle.

Use

Apply to dry hair, making sure that the hair is covered and that the oil penetrates to the scalp. Cover with a towel and leave on for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible. Then wash off with two applications of shampoo. Apply conditioner and comb through with a nit comb. Use the next application 7 days later to deal with any new nits.

Goji Berry and Shitake Soup to boost your immune system

In China, soups rather than teas are the traditional way of administering health-giving herbs. This one is packed with nutrients that help to boost immunity and generally ease the symptoms of colds and flu. Eat this soup as soon as you feel a cold coming on.

Ingredients

2 tbsp dried Echinacea root

200 ml water, freshly boiled

5 tbsp goji berries, fresh or dried

2 litres chicken stock (homemade or from stock cubes)

3 chicken thighs or drumsticks (preferably organic)

2 large onions, peeled and sliced

12 shitake mushrooms, thinly sliced

10 cm root ginger, peeled and shredded

2 fresh medium-sliced chillies, finely sliced

8 garlic cloves, chopped

Extra sliced ginger and chillies, to serve

Method

Combine the dried echinacea root with the water in a bowl to make a simple infusion. In another bowl, pour just enough cold water over the goji berries to cover, and leave to rehydrate. Set the echinacea and goji berries aside and leave to stand.

Place the stock and chicken pieces in a large pan or slow cooker. Add the sliced onions, mushrooms, ginger and chillies and place around the chicken in the pan. On a very low heat, simmer gently for 1½ - 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and falls apart. Take off the heat.

Five minutes before serving, add the goji berries and chopped garlic. Finally, strain the Echinacea infusion and add this to the soup, reheating if necessary.

Use

Serve by ladling into bowls and garnishing with sliced ginger and chilli for an extra kick.

Q&A

2009-04-15T11:54:00.002-04:00

A question came in today...
Hello and congratulations on such a wonderful resource for raw pregnancies! During my first pregnancy, i was 100% raw, 99% vegan, for the first five months. There were really no online resources. I'm starting the 2nd trimester of my 3rd pregnancy. What I've discovered is that i can be 100% raw or so for the first and last trimesters, but second trimester, i crave cooked starches- quinoa, potatoes, rice pasta. I just started my second trimester and thought that i could maintain my salads and smoothies and fruit, but sure enough, my stomach is rebelling against greens. i've not had morning sickness, but have started throwing up after raw meals- and i crave cooked veggies and grains (i can still do smoothies- but i don't want to live on those alone)- any suggestions?

peace-
Cassi

Cassi,

You have to do what you feel is right for your body and baby. It sounds like you've accomplished something I have yet to.
I have been amazed at thegardendiet.com, Jinjee has had raw pregnancies...which is my hope.

Sprouts, seeds, spirulina, Maca, coconuts, ginger, carrot juice are some good things to get too, how much of these do you eat? Do you take a supplement ("whole food")?

Interesting David Wolfe clip...
http://www.dietinfocare.com/david-wolfe-raw-food-pregnancy-kids-2.html

Debbie

Zinc Deficiency

2009-03-09T14:04:00.004-04:00

This is a question and answer from participants in the raw vegan pregnancy study.
I thought it interesting because I recently was reading up on Zinc. We all know that Zinc is recommended for colds.

Wikipedia says, "Zinc-containing enzymes are used by the body to regulate growth and development, promote fertility, and aid digestion and nucleic acid synthesis.[110]"
Men need more zinc than women and a deficiency can result in a low sperm count. And the best vegan sources for zinc are "wheat (20–60 ppm), sweet corn (about 20 ppm) and lettuce (12 ppm)...Zinc is also found in beans, nuts, almonds, whole grains, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and blackcurrant.[114]...Absorption of zinc during pregnancy and lactation increases, resulting in sufficient zinc assuming an average diet is maintained.[110][note 4]" The article goes on to say that zinc in fortified foods and supplements are not as easily absorbed by the body as in foods. And to also remember that too much zinc is toxic.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc

Hello Everybody,

we're 5 months pregnant with our second baby and I suddenly woke up
today with the broken lip in the corner. Did anyone had the same
symptom and what kind of deficiency this might be?

Date: Sun, Mar 8 2009 11:14 am
From: Yelenamir

So, I healed the problem and would like to share because last
pregnancy the broken lip corner was a persistent problem for me up to
after the baby was born... Last time the midwife associated it with
iron deficiency. Yes, broken lip corners are usually the symptom for
anemia. But no matter how much iron supplements I had (Floradix, and
the MotherEarthMinerals liquid Iron. I never take conventional
supplements which doctors usually recommend because of the side
effects) it didn't help my blood analysis. In fact I started having a
rash on my legs (which is extremely odd for my body) from taking
Floradix. I also supplemented with Max Stress B complex formula.

So, it went away completely (in 4 days) as soon as I started to add
more Zinc, Copper on a daily basis (MotherEarthMinerals) and I added
more Spirulina into my diet. I checked the nutrition value of
spirulina and figured I need about 6 tbsp. a day to keep a healthy
vegan pregnancy. We are usually taking about 2 a day and I always
thought it is good enough along with chlorella, and BG algae. This
pregnancy I supplement with B vitamins on a more regular basis as well
compare to the last one.

Well, thinking about the anemia and all the causes for it I picked up
a book from my bookshelf three days ago and found an answer to my
question! Apparently cadmium toxicity can mimic iron deficiency and
anemia. I did go through the heavy metal detox at the Tree during my
intensive and before my first pregnancy, but I guess it wasn't enough
for my body. I didn't continue supplementing with Zinc after I came
back home. And Zinc competes with cadmium. So, to get the cadmium out
of one's muscle tissues one needs to supplement with Zinc on everyday
basis.

Hope my little successful investigation will help!
Love,
Yelena.

What's your favorite natural Shampoo?

2009-03-08T19:48:00.002-04:00

I've been trying out different natural shampoos lately. Recently, I tried one from Burt's Bees. It was okay.

What's your favorite?

Three course raw meal

2009-03-06T21:40:00.004-05:00

I discovered a great dinner. (Thanks to Matt being Raw!). Here is the recipe from my head...

Curry Pistachios
raw pistachios
EV olive oil
curry powder
sea salt
onion
tomatoes
cilantro
chopped jalapeno
ground flax seeds
ground whole oat grouts
raw agave
celery (optional)

Stir well. It's like an Indian stuffing. The whole family likes it. Serve with a side of sourcroute and alfalfa sprouts. Or mold into a burger and dehydrate at 115 degrees for 8 hrs.

Is it possible to be too healthy?

2009-03-06T20:59:00.003-05:00

I recently purchased some health food products and decided to then research them (I'm not that smart). I got a new deodorant that has a little silver, gold and zinc. Neem seed oil, camu camu, cat's claw, raw fermented noni juice. The latter three (and silver) are said to be good with getting over a cold.

So my research has lead me to discover that if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, you have to be careful about certain herbal remedies and the quantity you take. Below are some excerpts from wikipedia discussing the "cons" of some herbal supplements...

Neem seed oil has also been found to prevent implantation and may even have an abortifacient effect similar to pennyroyal, juniper berries, wild ginger, myrrh and angelica.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neem_oil

Herbal abortifacients
Many herbs and plants sold "over the counter" today are claimed by herbalists to act as abortifacients if taken in certain doses or mixtures. Examples include brewer's yeast,[3] vitamin C,[4] wild carrot, blue cohosh, black cohosh, slippery elm, pennyroyal, nutmeg, mugwort, papaya, vervain, common rue, ergot and tansy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abortifacient

Camu Camu
Extraordinarily high Vitamin C content.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camu_camu

Cat's Claw
Researchers have investigated the use of the plant by the Asháninka tribe of Peru, who use the plant as a general health tonic, contraceptive, anti-inflammatory agent for the gastrointestinal tract, and as a treatment for diarrhea, rheumatic disorders, acne, diabetes, cancer and diseases of the urinary tract.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat%27s_claw

Consumers of noni juice are advised to carefully check labels for warnings which may say, "Not safe for pregnant women" or "Keep out of reach of children."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noni_juice

These herbal supplements are only dangerous in large quantities to pregnant or trying to become pregnant women. This is a major concern for me personally because I have had two miscarriages. I know I drink carrot juice and ginger a lot. But who can say if they were a contributing factor in my miscarriages.

Is it possible to be too healthy?

Signing Time

2009-02-27T10:42:00.011-05:00

http://www.signingtime.com/
We've been using these videos for the last six years. My kids love them! They also help them learn to read the words they are learning to sign.

You might be able to borrow them from your local library. My library carries ALL of them!

This would cost you $699. (Includes 32 DVDs, 3 Board Books, 8 Flash Card Sets, and 12 Music CDs. SAVE 32% + get $53 in FREE Products + FREE Shipping.)

I recently saw an info-mercial about www.yourbabycanread.com
I think it's great, but you might as well just get the signing time videos and also practice with flash cards the words they are learning to sign so the can read them too.

Learning to read should be both by phonics (Leap Frog Videos, "Letter and Word Factory") and by sight/word recognition.
http://www.amazon.com/Leap-Frog-Letter-Factory-Leapfrog/dp/B0000INU7C

Raw Vegan Pregnancy Study

2009-02-27T09:17:00.006-05:00

I am looking for people who would be interested in my Vegan Pregnancy Study. Many midwives & doctors, even some who generally agree with vegan & raw diets, will not support their pregnant clients who choose to remain vegan and/or raw during pregnancy, out of concern for the health of the unborn child.

For this reason, I am conducting a study to see how healthy a woman & her baby can be on a 100% vegan, 70% or more raw diet. My study will involve a minimum of 50 pregnant women (trustfully many more!) on a 100%, vegan, 70% or more raw, organic diet. Once the study is complete, it will be published for parents, grandparents, midwives & other health practitioners, along with photos, & stories from raw vegan families.

If you have contacts to forward this to, or would like to help with or participate in the study, or just keep informed, I would love to hear from you & would really appreciate your input. Please feel free to post this message to forums or invite people to join this group. We can be a strong resource for families.

Others who have gone before are welcome to share their stories for the book. For the study to be conclusive, a participant will have to be in the study during a portion of her pregnancy & postpartum period. I would love to hear from mothers currently pregnant or those who plan to become pregnant in the next year & a half.

I am also looking for the best & most affordable nutritional testing options, if anyone has suggestions that would be great. Thanks for getting back with me. I look forward to staying in touch!

Blessings of light & health for all,
Karen

http://groups.google.com/group/raw-vegan-pregnancy-study/web/invitation-to-join-or-help-with-this-study

Fertility Carting

2009-02-25T11:38:00.002-05:00

Fertility Friend OnLine

Where I buy some raw food products

2009-02-23T22:33:00.001-05:00

Cervical Fluid

2009-02-17T10:12:00.004-05:00

There is a great website out there for helping you get pregnant (or not pregnant). I've used fertilityfriend.com to avoid and to get pregnant for years now. There is no other easier and free way to track your fertility signs. It is 100% effective, once you know what you are doing, and has no side effects (compared to other birth control methods). I will never use birth control again, and I recommend that everyone strongly consider not using birth control (for many reasons).

Your primary fertility signs are your cervical fluid and your basal body temperature (BBT). These are the ones that are essential to check when you are charting your fertility.

In the most common pattern, cervical fluid starts out dry after your period and then gets sticky, then creamy, then wet and watery, becoming most like eggwhite as you get closer to ovulation. You may get different types of cervical fluid on the same day. Always record your most fertile cervical fluid to make sure that you do not miss a potentially fertile day.

* Dry: Record your cervical fluid as "dry" if you have no cervical fluid present at all; if you notice no cervical fluid in your underwear; and if the outside of your vagina feels dry. You can expect to see dry days both before ovulation after your period and after ovulation. Record "dry" if you are not able to gather or see any cervical fluid, even if your vagina feels slightly moist inside.
* Sticky: Record your cervical fluid as "sticky" if it is glue-like, gummy, stiff or crumbly and if it breaks easily and quickly and if it is not easily stretched. It will probably be yellowish or white, but could also be cloudy/clear. You may or may not see some sticky cervical fluid before and after ovulation.
* Creamy: Record your cervical fluid as "creamy" if it is like hand lotion, white or yellow or cloudy/clear, like milk or cream, mayonnaise or like a flour/water solution. It may stretch slightly but not very much and break easily.
* Watery: Enter "watery" if your cervical fluid is clear and most resembles water. It may be stretchy also. This cervical fluid is considered fertile and this may be your most fertile cervical fluid or you may get it before you get eggwhite cervical fluid or you may not get this type of fluid at all.
* Eggwhite: This is your most fertile cervical fluid. Record "eggwhite" if your cervical fluid looks at all like real eggwhite, is stretchy and clear, or clear tinged with white, or even clear tinged with pink. It also resembles semen (and has a lot of the same physical properties to allow the sperm to travel and be nourished). You should be able to stretch it between your thumb and index finger.

http://www.fertilityfriend.com/HelpCenter/FFBook/ff_fertility_signs.html#18

Natural Zing

2009-02-11T21:39:00.005-05:00

Natural Zing is the place I order Maca and other great and essential Raw Food supplies from. The Owner/Wife just told me about her blog, it's great. Thank you Helen!

zingbabies.blogspot.com

Interesting Water Facts

2009-02-06T17:50:00.003-05:00

Here are some interesting water facts sent to me by http://www.thegardendiet.com/

One glass of water shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters in a University study.

Lack of water is the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.

Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.

A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen.

Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.

Four Year Old McDonalds food!‏

2009-02-06T17:47:00.007-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IGtDPG4UfI&feature=channel

Flax Seed

2009-02-06T17:47:00.005-05:00

http://naturalzing.blogspot.com/2009/01/flax-seed-and-ground-flax-seed.html

Mercury found in High Fructose Corn Syrup

2009-01-28T13:22:00.003-05:00

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012601831.html

Read Labels

2009-01-21T17:09:00.004-05:00

Always read labels.

The other day I was at Costco shopping for a party. Shredded cheddar cheese was on my list. It's so much cheaper at Costco than at Trader Joe's. But when I read the label, I realized that their cheddar cheese has yellow #something and another ingredient that's for anti-caking. Who would have thought that they needed to color their cheddar cheese to make it that orange/yellow color?

Trader Joe's cheese has on it's label that their cows are free from BGH (Bovine Growth Hormone) and they also have organic cheese (more expensive). So that's where I usually buy cheese for the kids.

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/bgh.htm

Artificial flavors and colors are very bad for children's brains.
http://healthy-family.org/caryn/231
http://www.chem-tox.com/pregnancy/artificial.htm

So I buy candy for them that is free of artificial colors and flavors.

FIVE A DAY

2009-01-21T16:58:00.005-05:00

Did you know that they now recommend NINE a day?

http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/

C-Section

2009-01-03T15:18:00.005-05:00

I am so disappointed that my friend is having a c-section on Wednesday. Why? Because the baby is breech.

I just want to say that Doctors love to schedule c-sections because they can schedule the time they are going to work, rather than a call in the middle of the night. They make more money for doing a c-section. And they feel they can control the risk and their liability better than the unknown.

Are c-sections necessary? Yes, for a very small number of people. My biggest pet peeve is a scheduled c-section. My second is an emergency c-section that's caused by unnecessary methods (drugs, etc.).

Drugs can cause complications. Example: Mary's doctor says it's best to induce before the baby gets too big. So she needs pitocin to induce labor. This is intense and very painful. So she needs an epidural. With the epidural, she can't feel the contractions anymore and now doesn't know when to push. Labor is prolonged and now the baby's heart rate is declining. Emergency c-section.

I just want to say to every future mom out there...Don't get a Doctor/OB!!!!!!
Please, get a Midwife!

I'm disappointed with my friend because she went into this wanting Natural Childbirth. We spent time talking about it and I lent her some books and recommended others. But once you start going to an OB it's impossible to switch close to your due date. And unless you are experienced in Natural Childbirth, what the doctor says, is going to make sense. And when you are in labor, all you want is for that baby to come out!

You need a Midwife that will only recommend a c-section if it's absolutely necessary.

In my friend's situation...
Turning the breech baby is an option. Who do you think is more experienced in this difficult proceedure, an OB or a Midwife?
A midwife is. Why? Because she explores all other options on a regular basis. Where as the doctor inflates the risk or turning the baby so that the patient picks a scheduled c-section.

http://www.nymetroparents.com/newarticle.cfm?colid=7257

http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/trailer.php

lettuce and spinach irradiation

2009-01-03T15:10:00.004-05:00

http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/irradiation082208.html

The foods affected by the final rule are

* loose, fresh iceberg lettuce and fresh spinach
* bagged iceberg lettuce and spinach

How Will I Know if My Fresh Iceberg Lettuce or Spinach Has Been Irradiated?

Irradiation of iceberg lettuce and spinach is voluntary on the part of food processors. FDA requires that foods that have been irradiated bear the "radura" logo along with the statement "Treated with radiation" or "Treated by irradiation."

Radura Logo...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radura

more reading...
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/08/fda-allows-nuked-spinach.php

Maca results

2009-01-03T14:21:00.005-05:00

I got my first period since the miscarriage, yesterday, January 2nd.

This was very fast! I only just miscarried on Dec 9th. Twenty-four days later. Last time it took two months (53 days). I miscarried on July 10th and I got my first period on September 1st.

It's called Maca...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maca
http://www.macaroot.com/

I found out about maca the day I miscarried, ordered (not from the above sites) and started taking it shortly after that. A couple of weeks ago, I had signs of ovulation. I though, this is very fast, could I really be ovulating so soon? I'm glad I didn't get pregnant! I'm supposed to wait at least one cycle. My Russian friends say that in Russia the doctors would say to wait one year!

This is my next dilemma...when should we try to get pregnant again?

Cleansed by the Blood

2008-12-09T13:48:00.006-05:00

I finally paged my midwife around 5:30 pm yesterday.

Around 6 pm the bleeding picked up and the cramping got pretty intense. I started passing very large blood clots and then large pieces of placenta (I liked to call liver). This continued on till about 2 am this morning. I kept on trying to see if the baby came out.

After I dropped the kids of at Homeschool Coop this morning, I came back home and went to the bathroom. In my opinion, the fetus came out. It was a little bigger than the last one and not as "discriminately" fetus looking. I did take a picture.

The cramping immediately subsided and the bleeding slowed way down. I feel much better now. I'm wearing my tight blue jeans and looking forward to exercising aggressively again.

What could God be doing in all this?

Well, I am definitely humbled and can understand how someone feels who has had multiple miscarriages.

And my husband has agreed to go Raw for 30 days after the holidays (around Jan. 15th) so that we can try to get his contribution healthier. No coffee, no alcohol, no cell phone in pants pocket.

I am placing an order with Natural Zing tomorrow for some Maca and Hemp seeds. Maca is supposed to be very beneficial for Women and Men in fertility and libido. I recommend you read more about this and order some. I just stumbled upon it today! Could this be what I'm missing in my 100% raw diet? Hemp seeds are supposed to be the best source of protein and EFA's (omega 3, 6, 9).

So this could all have a purpose (we may never know) in getting the both of us healthier. It could save our lives!

I think I'm miscarrying

2008-12-08T13:29:00.004-05:00

I started spotting a little on Saturday night. I've been in bed every since. The spotting has increased a little, but not as heavy as last time.

My dilemma is: is it really over? and should I get a D&C? When?

I haven't called my midwives yet...I just can't get myself to say it out loud!

I look in the mirror and see my once protruding tummy is now completely flat. It makes me angry to see how skinny I look again.

My husband said, "May be God's trying to tell you that two kids are enough."

I can't help but think that it wasn't worth telling people (as few as it maybe) early, so that they could pray.

Next time (if there is a next time), I'll wait till 12 weeks and I see a heart beat. I'm not even going to buy a pregnancy test at CVS! And I'm not having a Midwife appointment till 12 weeks! I'm going to pretend I'm not pregnant. So don't even ask me, "How's it going? Are you pregnant again?" I'm going to LIE and say, "NO, not that I know of!"

Nine Weeks and Three Blood Tests Later

2008-12-02T14:14:00.003-05:00

Today I should be nine weeks.

The midwife office followed up with me today.

My last blood test was a week ago Monday. They told me the results on Wednesday that HCG and Progesterone was down. The nurse sounded very surprised that I wasn't spotting yet.

Today the nurse told me what my options are: 1. Wait and see if my body knows it's supposed to miscarry, 2. Surgical D&C, or 3. A pill to bring on contractions and help my body to miscarry.

I was surprised and asked, "So you are saying that right now you feel comfortable with doing a D&C?" She said yes, that they definitely don't see that this could be a viable pregnancy.

She wants me to at least come in for a blood test again. I told her I would rather just wait till my next appointment in three weeks on 12/23 when I'm 12 weeks and maybe they can do a sonogram and blood test then.

That's when she told me that my appointment had already been canceled! (but she can put me back down). That shows how much they think this is over!

They could be right, but I'm waiting on God. If I miscarry, I miscarry. Why should I worry about it now when I've had no spotting/bleeding? The nurse said it is possible to have miscarried and have not spotted. But it's not likely that I would never spot.

So I'm waiting for that to happen before I do anymore tests before my next appointment. The nurse said she will have the Midwife, Paula, call me.

This will be a great story if the baby is still okay!

HAPPY RAW Thanksgiving Recipes

2008-11-30T20:08:00.005-05:00

Sweet Potato Pie

Mashed "Taters"
Cranberry Sauce
String Beans
Stuffing

HAPPY RAW Thanksgiving Recipes

2008-11-24T07:06:00.001-05:00

Cranberry Sauce
2 C fresh cranberries
1 orange
1 apple
1 C dates
water for consistency
Blend together well or add extra orange and apple at the end, for some chunkiness.

mashed taters
1 cup cashews, soaked; 1 tsp rosemary
3 cups cauliflower; 1 Tbs lemon juice
1 small clove garlic
Blend all ingredients together well.

Pumpkin Spice Muffins
2 cups of butternut squash pulp (left over from juicer)
1 1/3 cup walnuts
1/3 cup pecans
1⁄ 8 cup water
3 tbs honey or agave
1.5 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
1/2 tps allspice or ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Blend all of the ingredients in a food processor. Form into mini-muffins using about 1 1/2 tsp of dough at a time. Top with a pecan and dehydrate for 15 hours at 110 degrees.

Variation: This would also be delicious non-dehydrated, as a pudding or filling for a pie.

Sweet Potato Pie
Ingredients

* 1 1/2 cups pecans or walnuts, soaked overnight, then drained (let dry a bit on a paper towel)
* 4 cups peeled and chopped sweet potatoes
* 1/2 cup water
* 1/2 cup dates, soaked for about 20 minutes
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon vanilla (this is not a raw product)or 1 vanilla bean
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 cup honey or raw agave

Directions

Put potatoes, 1/2 cup nuts, dates, cinnamon and vanilla in processor and puree till smooth.

Pour into a casserole dish.

In another bowl, mix the remaining 1 cup nuts with salt and honey, and sprinkle over the potato mixture.

Stuffing

The original recipe is from Matt Amsden's RAWvolution and is as
follows:

1 c soaked raw walnuts* - finely ground in food processor
1 c soaked raw pumpkin seeds* - finely ground in food processor
1 c soaked raw sunflower seeds* - finely ground in food
processor
1/3 c chopped yellow onion
3/4 c diced celery
1 c chopped mushrooms, briefly marinated in 1 or 2 Tbs Nama
Shoya (I used Wheat-Free Tamari and marinated for about a
minute)
2 Tbs olive oil
1/4 t sea salt (I used Sun Fire Salt)
1/2 t black pepper
1 1/2 t sage
1 1/2 t thyme
1 1/2 t kelp (I omitted this)

In a mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients, mix well, and
serve.

*Soak the nuts and seeds in pure water for 2 to 4 hours, then
drain and dry.

I tweaked some of the ingredients as identified above, and also
added a touch more mushrooms and celery. I also added garnish
of mushrooms and parsley. I guess some those modifications and
tweaks kinda make it "my own", huh? **wink, wink** "By TINA"

Baby Shower Registry/RAW Food Delivery Service

2008-11-23T18:44:00.005-05:00

A box of prepared, organic, raw foods that includes two savory soups, four gourmet entrées, four side dishes and two delicious desserts. $120. plus shipping.
www.rawvolution.com

Inconclusive Again

2008-11-21T09:33:00.003-05:00

The Sonogram yesterday and the blood test were both inconclusive that everything's ok. The sono looks ok for a 6 wk pregnancy. All they could see is the yoke sac. The blood test showed only a slight rise in HCG and a slight decrease in Progesterone.

I'm going to have more blood drawn on Monday morning as I'm driving out of town. I'll know those results on Tuesday.

My dilemma right now is, do I tell some more people so that they can pray?

Blood Test

2008-11-19T19:51:00.004-05:00

The results of my blood test yesterday look good. The levels of pregnancy hormones where normal. They were able to get me a sonogram appointment tomorrow and they want to test my blood again (48 hrs later) tomorrow to make sure my hormone levels aren't dropping (a sign of miscarriage).

I am very happy to hear these results today, but tomorrow's sonogram should be the most informative and on Friday I'll know the results of Thursday's blood test.

Yesterday, I was very tempted to fall of the wagon, just because I was upset emotionally. I'm very glad I didn't. No matter what happens, I need to not abuse my body by eating Junk food.

It's hard to not "let yourself go" when you get pregnant. It seems like the perfect opportunity to eat whatever you want. This leads to unnecessary weight gain. When it is actually a time that you should eat the best! It is a myth that you need to eat more calories. You need to eat more nutrients!

First Midwife Appt. at 7 wks

2008-11-19T10:40:00.004-05:00

My appointment yesterday did not go well. I got an internal sonogram and she basically said she couldn't find anything. I did get upset after I left, but I'm trying to stay positive. Today I will find out the results of my blood test. The blood test will be more specific than the urine test (which was positive) telling us what are the levels of pregnancy hormones in my blood. They also suggested getting a full sonogram at a real center.

So it sounds like they think I've miscarried. But I can't understand why I wouldn't have had spotting already, if I miscarried.

Kelly's "Belated Bridal Shower" @ M&S Grill

2008-11-16T23:37:00.004-05:00

I had I wonderful time today at Kelly's party, organized by Michelle. Chef Scott did a fantastic job with the food. He made me several raw dishes. I had a ton of fruit, a raw soup, fresh squeezed OJ, and guacamole burritos in romaine lettuce. Uhh, it was fabulous! Scott, there's a career for you in Raw Food!

Organic Skin care and oil free moisterizer

2008-11-11T14:47:00.006-05:00

DID YOU KNOW? that our skin absorbs up to 64% of what we place on it? So, what we feed our skin should be organic, healthy, nutritious, paraben-free and naturally toxin-free.

I use this kit, it's an amazing deal and last a long time(also sold at FragranceX.com for $28. coupon code FREE for free shipping)

http://www.juicebeauty.com/za/JB?PAGE=PRODUCT&CAT=MAIN.KIT&PRODUCT.ID=350

There is also a clear skin formula for $39.
http://www.juicebeauty.com/za/JB?PAGE=PRODUCT&CAT=MAIN.KIT&PRODUCT.ID=361

We Do Not Have:

# Pesticides
# Petroleum or petroleum derivatives (propylene, butylene glycol)
# Toxic preservatives (parabens - methyl, butyl, or ethylparaben; dizaolidinyl or imadazolidinyl urea; formaldehyde)
# Harsh surfactants or sulfates (sodium or ammonium lauryl sulfate; cocamide dea/lauramide dea)
# Artificial colors or dyes
# Synthetic fragrances
# Phthalates or dibutyl phthalate
# Toluene

Check and see if your lotion and skin care contain these ingredients.

Bean Soup

2008-11-11T08:12:00.002-05:00

I was cooking a meal for a new mom yesterday and had to salt and taste it. You know where I'm heading with this? Yes, I fell off the wagon...again.

Once again, being pregnant, I find it very easy to excuse myself for falling off. In fact, I am seriously considering being a less extreme 95% raw.

After falling off, I start thinking about all the foods I miss:
Indian food, vegetarian PHO soup, cream of wheat porridge with toast and butter.

Yet I know the only reason I'm thinking about these foods now, is because I fell off the wagon. I wasn't craving anything cooked before I tasted the bean soup. And I think it can be just as hard to try to be in moderation and eat 95% raw food.

The fact is I want to have a healthy pregnancy. But I guess, in the lifestyle that we have, I will always have some kind of challenge. The question is, what should I decide on ... and what do I tell others?

5 Weeks

2008-11-04T17:17:00.002-05:00

My husband, Matthew, was having trouble believing that I'm pregnant. So today I went to CVS and bought a pregnancy test. It was positive. I believe it helps him to visually see the results form an "impartial 3rd party". So now he says he will help me out more and be more understanding.

Week Five

* First heartbeats begin - If you have an early ultrasound you may not be able to recognize this tiny being as a baby, but there is no mistaking what it feels like seeing your child's heartbeat on that screen. That rhythmic beat is echoed in your own heart.
* Umbilical cord develops - This is your baby's lifeline in utero. It bears the responsibility of pumping in oxygen, removing waste, and supplying the necessary nutrients for the remainder of your pregnancy.
* Blood is now pumping - All four heart chambers are now functioning, insuring your baby's body will receive all it needs over not only the remainder of your pregnancy but throughout life.
* Most other organs begin to develop - Your infant's lungs start to appear, along with her brain. Already your little one is preparing for a quest for lifelong learning!
* Arm and leg buds appear - While they may not appear to be much at this stage it is ok to dream of the future. Just imagine your ballerina twirling and jumping around your kitchen floor. Or perhaps you will have the precocious boy that throws the perfect pitch -- right through the neighbor's window.

http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment1.php

Michelle's Baby Shower

2008-11-03T10:12:00.002-05:00

We all had a great time at Michelle's Baby Shower yesterday!
The most memorable moment is the breast feeding story that Cindy told. The visual image of that coworker walking in on her using the breast pump at her desk; and the noise the electric pump makes.

I learned a great tip yesterday. Register for everything you could possibly want at Babies R Us, because for one year you can buy anything left on your registry for 10% off.

Also, to win the "circumference of the momma's belly" game, guess low because everyone over estimates!

Maria won most of the games and took home some great gifts.

I made some great raw food dishes which amazed everyone.

Hopefully

2008-10-30T10:36:00.002-04:00

Well, today is the 31st day of my cycle and I think I'm pregnant. It could still be a false alarm, so I'm not telling anyone yet.

It's always so hard to not tell anyone. I don't know how people wait three months. But with my last miscarriage, I think I'll wait till I have my first midwife appointment; around eight weeks. Now I'm only four.

And remembering my last miscarriage, I vow to not fall off the wagon again!
I'm focused on eating right, making sure I get a balance raw diet.

That includes varying the greens I put in my smoothie. One week I'll buy spinach, next kale, next collard, etc. I also like romaine salads with bean sprouts and a lot of other veggies (mushrooms, peppers, onions).

Here is my list of things I want to remember to eat at least weekly:

Spirulina
Raw Oats
Kim Chee or sourcroute
Kefir
Sprouts
Coconut oil
Avocado
Flax seeds
Chocolate
Almond milk
Carrot Juice

I'm sure there could be other things that are important during a raw pregnancy. I'm very open to adding to this list. This list provides omega fatty acids, B12 and other vitamins, minerals, protein and carbohydrates (whole foods). And like I said before, it's not the only things I eat, just the list of things I don't want to forget to eat every week.

Water Kefir

2008-10-24T11:14:00.002-04:00

http://www.weim.net/homeovet/Docs/water%20kefir.pdf

I have noticed that since I've been drinking Kefir daily, I'm absorbing more nutrients. My bowel movements have been better formed. In contrast, a 100% raw diet can be a little looser than what is normal for someone. This can be a good thing for those that complain about constipation. But for me, I never had that problem. I feel better, whole, more complete in my nutrition. Being 100% raw, I would sometimes worry that I wasn't getting all the nutrition I need...especially during a pregnancy! But now I have a greater feeling of wellness.

Man loses 200 pounds on raw diet, cures type 2 diabetes

2008-10-16T12:16:00.000-04:00

http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081007/LIFE/810070308

One reason to eat raw food

2008-10-07T21:43:00.002-04:00

I think we all usually forget to mention one particularly important reason we eat raw food...It tastes BETTER!!!

How could we make a commitment to eating raw food if it didn't taste terrific. One thing "falling of the wagon" has always taught me, is that it wasn't worth it. Cooked food doesn't taste that great. Sure it smells great...but I think a lot of the flavor floats away in the aroma.

Raw food is the best tasting food I have ever tasted (thanks to the meetup group).

CNN interview

2008-09-24T22:09:00.002-04:00

Angela Stokes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rk4sw_rYucg

Lead in Vitamins

2008-09-24T01:53:00.002-04:00

The FDA studied a few hundred Women's and Children's vitamins and found lead in almost all of them. Here is the info:

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/09/lead-in-vitamins.php

Myrtle Beach

2008-09-06T18:29:00.002-04:00

We are back from Myrtle Beach. I survived another vacation 100% raw!

There was a fridge in our room. We went grocery shopping. I brought my blender and made green smoothies and sorbets. I ate more salads and had my own raw salad dressing. I bought some guacamole from Moe's.

I survived a road trip and feel and look really good. Isn't it nice to come home from vacation fit and healthy!

RE: Temptations

2008-08-25T01:15:00.002-04:00

When I was at the Gym on Friday, I was pondering how great I was feeling! Then I asked myself, "What day is it?" It was the 22nd of August. I suddenly remembered that at the end of July, I feel of the wagon one day. I had contemplated the temptation for cooked food and resolved to start August 1, 100% raw. I've known that the ability to resist temptation will increase if I could just get over that 20 day mark. And this last Friday I realized why I've been feeling so great and not the least bit tempted! (Not having to cook for my family anymore helps!)

A delicious potluck today!

2008-08-25T01:00:00.005-04:00

We had a wonderful time today hosting a raw food potluck. It was #5. Here's my favorite recipe today:

Garlicky Bread (I think it should be called "Pizza")
from The Raw Transformation by Wendy Rudell

1 Jicama
1 red, yellow or orange bell pepper, minced
1 diced tomato, strained
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
Celtic sea salt, 1 tsp
1/3 c olive oil
Fresh oregano or basil, minced (she used basil)

Slice jicama no more than 1/4 inch thick. The thinner the better. Dice tomatoes and strain the juice from them by pressing with in a sieve. Mix all the other ingredients together and spread on top of the jicama. Dehydrate on the plastic trays in the dehydrator for 10 hours or until nice and chewy.

(I would use less garlic and more tomatoes.)

No more cooking!

2008-08-22T11:07:00.002-04:00

As a family, we've made a commitment that I will not cook at home anymore.

The number one temptation to eat cooked food was because I was cooking and needed to taste what I made. For example, beans. I have to add salt and taste it before giving it to the kids.

So now I am making a raw dish every night for dinner. It is an interesting challenge to think of something raw to make everyday, but I am enjoying the challenge.

My husband, Matthew, has enjoyed the dishes, Eleanor as well. Jordan likes to complain, but he used to complain about my cooked dishes as well.

On Monday, "stir fry" broccoli with cilantro in dehydrator. On Tuesday, raw corn salad with mango. On Wednesday, pine nuts and kale pate. On Thursday, Bruschetta with avocado.

Matthew's cholesterol was recently high. He was tested after being in Guatemala for the mission trip. Eight days of all meat and no raw food. After a month, he's going to try to get tested again. All ready he's lost about 4 lbs.

My mother brought over some left over little bags of chips from her office yesterday. Dorritos, Cheetos, Baked Lays, etc.

The switcheroo...
Last night I saw that Matt had packed a snack bag to take to work today. Inside were, not one, but two little bags of cheetos. Now, cheetos are Jordan's favorite...and Matt is supposed to be eating healthier. So I, unbeknownst to him, made a switch. At work today, he looked in his bag and was surprised to see Baked Lays! The difference was about 20 grams of fat.

I love you Honey!

"Junk Food Vegetarian/Vegan"

2008-08-10T23:50:00.003-04:00

It's easy to be a junk food vegetarian and even a vegan. In this day and age, there are a variety of processed foods to ease the transition to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Consume to much of these foods and it can be debated if you made any beneficial change at all.

Veggie dogs, chick nuggets and soy ice cream can provide protein but no fiber and unwanted fat. It is now a major topic of debate, weather soy products are healthy for you, and many are choosing to back away from the soy.

A raw food diet is a night and day difference from most vegetarian/vegan diets. It was so life changing to experience the varieties of tastes and the feeling of wellness I experienced when I visited my first raw food potluck over a year ago. It motivated me to read more about raw foods. I discovered that I knew nothing about raw food. So I continued to go to the potlucks, read several books on the topic, and try to make more raw foods at home. Then after a feast of a holiday, in January, I made a decision to be 100% raw. And even though I fell off the wagon a couple times, it fuels my motivation to be 100% raw.

Why? Because nothing feels better.

The Cell Tolls for Thee

2008-08-03T09:41:00.001-04:00

This is scary...

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/cancer/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100211877&page=1

"Pregnant women need to take precautions too, because a recent study found that cell-phone use while pregnant is linked to behavioral problems in children."

Vegetable Oil

2008-08-01T11:13:00.003-04:00

Quote from http://www.rawfoodlife.com/

THE RAW TRUTH
What the Food Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know
"Twenty years ago I read a study about the analysis of cholesterol in the arteries of people who died of coronary artery disease. It turned out that much of the gunk lining these arteries wasn’t cholesterol at all - it was Crisco - hydrogenated vegetable oil."

Quote from http://www.jctonic.com/include/healingcrisis/20rancid_oils.htm

Rancid Oils
"I recommend that if you have any polyunsaturated vegetable oils (corn oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, etc.) in your home that you throw them out. Don't even consider using them; get rid of them now. Throw away salad dressings made with these oils as well."

I love stuff for Free! But Free Radicals, I'll pass. I've been hearing a lot about cholesterol not being the cause of heart disease and how substituting with vegetable oil is worse. Here is one major switch in my house I've made:

My husband is the king of popcorn. He makes it in a pan with vegetable oil. Sometimes the fumes from the pan catch me and makes me cough and my eyes tear.
So instead we are using the air popper and topping it with melted organic butter. A vegan could top it with melted coconut oil or olive oil and salt. I don't eat it, because it's not raw food, but I think this is a healthier choice. I am not buying vegetable oil anymore. Only expeller pressed, cold pressed, virgin oils.

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-expeller-pressed-oil.htm

More info on expeller pressed oil.

Toxins

2008-08-01T10:52:00.003-04:00

Quote from http://vegfamily.com/earthtalk/autism-causes.htm

"Some researchers are focusing on the role of food in a young child's development. Many autistic children suffer from digestive diseases or have genetic dispositions rendering them unable to naturally rid their bodies of toxins. As such, exposure to heavy metals, pesticides, contaminated water and even processed food could have a devastating cumulative effect, some researchers think. According to Brian MacFabe, a researcher at the University of Western Ontario who has studied autism triggers in rats, simple changes such as removing wheat and dairy from the diet could potentially bring about improvements."

One of the goals of a raw food diet is to arm your body with the ability to defend it self from toxins and germs. How often do you catch a cold or the flu? How long does your colds last?

Temptations

2008-07-26T13:43:00.002-04:00

There is no doubt that I get tempted to eat cooked food. Sometimes that temptation is strong and sometimes it's very week.

Strong temptations occur when you are not 100% raw, recently "fell off the wagon", are in the presence of cooked food, etc.

Temptations are much weaker when you are not around cooked food and have been 100% raw for over a week. Most people say that it takes 20 days to develop a habit. It gets so much easier to stay 100% at that point. But what gets you is when you think you can taste cooked food or have a little bite and then walk away. It gets you and pulls you in.

Some critique of the 100% raw diet, is that you are more likely to fall of the wagon and binge. I agree. But is the risk of binging worst than the risk of not eating enough raw food in your diet? I think, if you know something is not healthy for you, you shouldn't plan on eating it. A drug addict doesn't say to himself, "I don't want to fall of the wagon in a big way, so I'll make sure I take a little drugs everyday."

Cooked food is addictive and not healthy. Get support, talk to someone that has experience, don't hide. Have raw food always handy for those attacks. Nuts, seeds and dried fruit are great to have handy. Fresh Guacamole at "Moe's" or "Chipotle" are great places to get your fix of raw food when you're out.

I've learned that I feel great and look great when I'm 100% raw, why would I want anything less?

All Body Fat Is Not the Same

2008-07-26T13:31:00.001-04:00

Quote

All Body Fat Is Not the Same - MSN Health & Fitness - Cancer
http://health.msn.com/health-topics/cancer/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100211392>1=31025&vv=550

Raw Cashews

2008-07-24T01:01:00.001-04:00

"Raw Cashews" you buy in the store are not Raw.

http://www.living-foods.com/articles/rawcashew.html

Thai Coconuts

2008-07-24T00:26:00.002-04:00

There is nothing like a young coconut, fresh off the tree in Jamaica!

I found this on rawmodel.com:

Most Thai coconuts that you are finding in the US are:
1. shipped across the globe (think of the magic and vitality that fades away after all that time)
2. they are dipped in fungicides, and I would think that anyone reading this is on a mental level where they would consciously avoid all "cides" if you know what I mean.
3. and they are then irradiated to prevent more fungus upon entry into the US.

Fitness vs. Child bearing

2008-07-16T17:22:00.003-04:00

Tuesday, I broke a new record for me and ran 3 miles on the Treadmill in 35.11 mins.
The last time I ran was 1 week ago at 36 mins. It was challenging. Last night, I had a headache so bad, I wanted to throw up.

I can't help but think that the next time I'm pregnant, that I won't want to run, in fear of loosing the baby. So part of me doesn't want to get pregnant next month, because I don't want to stop getting better at running, yet.

But of course I also feel that my clock is ticking and time is running out. Having a miscarriage makes me feel like I'm getting older and more of a statistical risk of problems.

So we'll see. I might wait a couple of months. Or when I reach a plateau with the running.

Dream

2008-07-14T00:50:00.004-04:00

Last night I had a dream about the baby...
I pulled back this blanket, and there was my embryo with an adult face and tiny body. I was under house arrest by some kidnappers. I nursed the baby and could feel the ache in my breast when the milk comes in. The baby then looked like my kidnapper and I discovered he was the father of my baby...
wierd!

Lingering Sorrow

2008-07-12T00:16:00.003-04:00

I started feeling sad again tonight. I guess for a while, it will come and go.

I went out to my regular moms night out with the homeschool moms. They never knew I was pregnant, so I never said anything. But a part of me wanted to tell them. And looking around the restaurant and seeing a pregnant woman and thinking, I used to be pregnant.

How do you tell the children?

2008-07-11T15:54:00.003-04:00

Today, Jordan asked how do you know the baby is dead?
How do you answer that? I didn't know what to say.
Finally I said, that's a good question!

Have you ever seen that movie with Robin Williams called What Dreams May Come?
Well, what if I'll be greeted in Heaven one day by my son, Cuba Goodin Jr.?

Friends and Family

2008-07-11T00:16:00.001-04:00

One of the reasons people don't tell anyone they are pregnant till they are 3 months, is so they don't have to tell everyone over and over again that they miscarried. Every time you have to tell a friend that you are not pregnant anymore, it hurts.

But I'm really glad I told my closest friends. Because today was a day I wouldn't want to go through alone!

Who knew Vicki would be with me all day while I was actually losing the baby. I didn't know what was going on, but it was nice to lay in bed all day!

And to get emails from friends that have miscarried as well. I have a great mother-in-law who is always a comfort. My parents are in Jamaica, so they don't even know yet.

Do you think I should tell less people next time?

Midwife's Advice

2008-07-10T21:32:00.001-04:00

My Midwife advised that I wait a full cycle before trying to get pregnant again.

She also thought that nothing I did was likely to cause a miscarry, but rather was just a bad pregnancy.

Women who are 35-45 yrs old have a 20-35% chance of miscarriage.
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/miscarriage.html

My Embryo at 6wks

2008-07-10T20:37:00.001-04:00

I just passed the baby. It has been about 24hrs since the bleeding started. Now that the baby is out, the cramps have gone away and the bleeding has almost stopped.

The embryo looked like this one from pregnancy.com
http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment1.php

I didn't want to just flush it away. Should I have saved it for the docter/midwife to see?

Well, I held it in the palm of my hand and took pictures of it before flushing it away. Don't look below, if you don't want to see it!!!!!!!

WARNING: Graphic Image

An Embryo at 6-7 weeks old (Video)

2008-07-10T18:54:00.002-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaIa4wvPiE4

In the Land of the Living!

2008-07-10T15:55:00.000-04:00

Psalm 27: vs. 13&14... "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. WAIT for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

Thanks Jenna