The Latest News

Has it been over a week since I last posted? So much for my New Year's resolutions. I was determined to post twice a week but somehow, amid everything, the blog got neglected yet again. Actually my journal hasn't had an entry since April 2009 so it could be worse. The thing is, I have been truly busy with all things raw and more than just the blog is falling to the wayside. My holistic nutrition studies, my music, my social life are all on temporary hold. I have recently been offered a book deal to write a raw food recipe book with a really great publisher. I've been working on recipes for some time but now that I have deadlines and high expectations my time is spent either in the kitchen or on my laptop researching and writing. It's been amazing so far and it's exciting to see it already taking shape. I'm making the book that I wanted when I first went raw, a book for the uninitiated and intimidated. My dream is to see raw foods become mainstream, so this is my labor of love to get the information out in a way that makes sense and is easy to follow. It's also the main reason I haven't posted new recipes or photos on the blog or website. I'm saving them for the book but I'll probably be able to spare a few here and there, especially come summer time.

Just an FYI that I recently started a YouTube channel that is going to feature a variety of lifestyle and raw related topics. I'm currently shooting my ex-supermodel brother-in-law's 30 day raw food journey (he's in his boxers, you don't want to miss that one!) and I'm going to show you how I trained my cat to use the toilet. There will be some product reviews, food demos and much more. Once the book is completed I'll have more time to work on the videos so check back regularly for updates.

Other things on the agenda: another trip to Costa Rica in February, Longevity conference with David Wolfe in March and Coachella in April. If anyone is going my way let me know!

xoxo
J.

Raw on $10 a Day (or less)

I often hear people complain that a raw food diet is too expensive to follow and I admit if you only eat at raw food restaurants or eat prepackaged raw treats it will probably break your budget. Check out Lisa and her clever blog on how to eat raw on the cheap. Each post features a menu, recipe instructions, amazing photos (see above *drool*), nutrition facts and how much each item costs. Her recipes are as unique as they are delicious and all under $10. Now, no more excuses. Well done, Lisa!

Shaman Shack Herbs

I first learned about the Shaman Shack when I was at the Longevity Now weekender a couple months ago. Founder, Rehmannia Dean Thomas, is an expert on tonic herbs and has taught David Wolfe all he knows. I went ahead and purchased several of his herbal formulas so I can have the superherb experience David Wolfe talks about in his program. There are several different formulas depending on what your needs are. I started off with making the Protection tea which is a mushroom/root mixture of agaricus, reishi, astragalus, cordyceps, scutellaria, goji berries, schizandra and licorice.


This mixture had the most beautiful smell, almost chocolate like. Heaven. I had to resist the urge to take a bite, it really was that good. To make the tea, simply soak the herbs in a glass, clay or stainless steel pot with 1 gallon of water for 20 minutes. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1 hour.


Strain tea into a pitcher and save herbs in a separate container. You can reuse the herbs 1-2 more times before discarding. The flavor of the simmered tea is pretty earthy. It's not a bad taste but if you're not a fan of mushrooms this might not be your cup of tea, pun intended. I've been drinking 2-3 cups a day to strengthen my immune system and really don't mind the flavor. Be warned, this not at all like drinking a simple bag of herbal tea. This is intense stuff that is as nurturing to body as much or more than raw foods. David Wolfe uses the teas as a base for making his super smoothies which I have yet to try. The next tea I'm planning to brew is the Cleanse Thyself formula because I will be embarking on the Love Your Liver cleanse this weekend. If you're in LA, Rehmannia is now the herbalist at Euphoria Loves Rawvolution in Santa Monica. There are very few people who have this sort of herbal wisdom so if you are in the area take advantage of the opportunity to speak with someone as knowledgeable as Rehmannia. As for the liver cleanse, I will post my results next week. See you then!

Jungle Energy Smoothie

My husband shot this video on how to make a smoothie using the local fruits of Costa Rica when he was there last month. This is his first food demo and I'm pretty impressed...and proud.

David Wolfe's Ultimate Raw Nutrition Certification

The BodyMind Institute, an online holistic education website, is offering a very informative and entertaining David Wolfe raw nutrition course. It features:

* 70 – 5-15 minute video lessons that bring you years of David Wolfe education condensed into 12 hours of ‘class’ time.
* Each ‘class’ is designed with a PDF handout.

Each PDF handout for each of the 70 video lessons will give you:

* A summary of each video.
* Notes and direct quotes from David Wolfe.
* References for the material being covered.
* Immediate resources to apply the information.
* Web links where needed.
* Stores and places to shop online.
* Assignments to take immediate action.

I just found out that new course segments will be added in throughout the year. I just completed watching all of the available videos and I have to say I absolutely loved it. If you are a holistic educator and a fan of David Wolfe I highly recommend going through the course. It's chock full of great information that you can access over and over. You will have 12 months to complete the course and will only be able to watch the videos within that time frame. I plan on watching the series over again, perhaps several times. There was so much great info, my brain couldn't absorb it all the first time around. I'll be honest and say the videos aren't the most professional looking but the content is excellent and I like being able to download the notes. This a great opportunity to see how David Wolfe lives, what he eats, drinks, reads as well as learn about current and cutting edge raw food nutrition. Topics include superfoods, superherbs, medicinal mushrooms, foraging for mushrooms and salads, making super smoothies, strengthening the immune system, and more. It's fascinating stuff.

Click here to purchase or learn more about the course. This is my affiliate link but please don't feel obligated. If you wish to not use it click here. My feelings won't be hurt. (BTW, They are offering the course for $797 for a limited time only)

Fact or Fiction?

While up in Yosemite this week, my husband discovered he can dowse (aka well witch) for water. I tried and tried and could not get the stick do my bidding, but for my husband it worked 100% of the time. Neither of us can understand this phenomenon. I was irritated because I was the raw foodist and should have been able to channel the energy better, right? Wrong! Where's mythbusters when you need them?