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COMPULSIVE EMOTIONAL EATING

I recently picked up a copy of Raw Emotions by Angela Stokes-Monarch during a talk she gave in Boulder. I am truly amazed at how many of us resonate with the struggle of compulsive emotional eating.

And to say that I've completely overcome emotional eating myself wouldn't hold true, because I realize that food will always play a comforting role in my life. I try to see it as an ongoing journey of progress. But as I read this book, I am confronted with the realization that I have yet to find true serenity in my own relationship with food.

My journey of moving beyond emotional eating has been a long one, and I still find myself struggling with portion control. But I have learned to love myself knowing how much progress I have made overall. I truly believe it goes back to loving and honoring my body, rather than allowing the emotion to get its addictive fix.

So as I continue to seek serenity within myself, I have found that aiming for an 80% raw food lifestyle is ideal for my long term success. But let truth be known, my diet is not always perfect. And honestly, at this point on my path I don’t want that responsibility, nor do I want others to hold that expectation of me. (Interesting insight I picked up on so far into the book.) My weight still fluctuates but that's where portion control and lots of self-love comes in for me.

I think what's important is learning to have patience and understanding that the process takes a while. We are trying to reprogram years of habitually allowing food to be the answer to our fears and anxiety. So it's only natural that reversing that psychological and emotional attachment will take some time.

For those of you who are just starting out on a path to overcoming emotional eating, be kind and loving to yourself as you move forward… and definitely get yourself a copy of this book!

As I make my way through these pages I'm somewhat overwhelmed, as it hits too close to home, yet I truly feel hopeful. I can hardly anticipate what further insight may be revealed in the pages that follow.

Award-winning author Angela Stokes-Monarch lost an amazing 160lbs by adopting a raw food lifestyle. For more information and to order your copy of Raw Emotions visit RawReform.com

GREEN SMOOTHIE OR GREEN JUICE?

It's the latest debate... which are you better off with, green smoothies or green juice? The way I see it, why not get best of both worlds? They are both absolutely wonderful and both play an important role in our diet.

If you ask me, green juices are great for quick nutrient absorption, whether it's first thing in the morning or as an aid to fasting and detoxification. Green smoothies are a great and convenient meal replacement, full of nutrients and hardy fiber.

In my own experience, I have found that incorporating both into my diet is most effective. I'll usually start my morning off with a low-glycemic green juice (see my Juice of Radiance recipe) followed by a green smoothie. This way I've hydrated and energized my body with a green juice, and then satiated my appetite with a green smoothie!

But I will say that my personal preference is definitely green juice! So much so, that I'll typically have another green juice later in the day... after my evening workout.

I love how refreshing and energizing green juice makes me feel, not to mention how hydrating it is for the skin. I would even go as far as to say that green juice is truly nature's fountain of youth and secret to a natural, radiant glow!

But again, both are wonderful and definitely worth incorporating into your diet! So play around to find your balance, and enjoy them both!

A DAY ON LIQUIDS

One of the most beautiful gifts we can give our body is an occasional day of rest and rejuvenation!

About once a month I like to take a day off from eating to hydrate my body on a deeper level with a liquid fast. It's a lovely way to recharge and reconnect back to healthy living!



















On my Liquid Day menu:

Pure clean water with lemon juice. Medicinal organic nettle & horsetail herb tea. Fresh coconut water (from young Thai coconuts). Raw organic nut & seed mylk (unsweetened, no added salt). And lots of organic low-glycemic GREEN JUICE! Here is my typical liquid day's breakdown...

MORNING

Glass of water w/squirt lemon juice
12 oz green juice (Juice of Radiance recipe w/wheatgrass, broccoli, parsley)

MID-AFTERNOON

Juice of 1 young Thai coconut
Glass of nut/seed mylk (almonds and pumpkin seeds soaked overnight, sesame seeds, water)

LATE AFTERNOON

Glass of water w/squirt lemon juice
12 oz green juice (Juice of Radiance recipe w/wheatgrass, broccoli, parsley)

EVENING

Cup of nettle & horsetail tea
Juice of 1 young Thai coconut
12 oz green juice (Juice of Radiance recipe w/wheatgrass, broccoli, parsley)