December 25, 2010

♥ RAW HOLIDAY SALE (40% OFF) ♥


Learn the art of handcrafting your own
raw chocolates and infused cacao treats!

The Raw Chocolate & Wine recipe ebook provides a complete menu ready to go for the ultimate raw chocolate cocktail party!  Menu includes organic/biodynamic wine pairings.


Raw Chocolate & Wine ebook

 ONLY $8.97 (40% Savings) 
Offer valid until midnight, Jan 2nd


(You will receive your ebook within
24 hrs of purchase, in most cases sooner.)
______________________________

Kick off the New Year with a refreshing
cleanse inspired by Spa Cuisine 
(light, fresh and simple).

I can't think of a more delightful way to rejuvenate and hit the reset button for a healthy, fresh new start!  Make your 2011 glow with radiant health! 

 

SpaFusion Cleanse Program
(recipe ebook & weight-loss guide)

 ONLY $11.97 (40% Savings) 
Offer valid until midnight, Jan 2nd


(You will receive your ebook within
24 hrs of purchase, in most cases sooner.)

December 8, 2010

IN THE KITCHEN WITH MILA ILINA



I thought I'd share my recent interview with you guys.  Find out what's in my kitchen and how I stay inspired at RawFoodRecipes.com

Alex Malinsky asks me...

1) What is your favorite tool in the kitchen and why?
2) What's in your pantry?
3) What's your favorite meal comprised of?
4) What are some of your favorite books or magazines to read for inspiration?
5) What's new these days?

November 14, 2010

PIZZA ITALIANO

It's pretty rare that I make dehydrated foods.  But as the winter months approach, I definitely have a tendency to crave more comfort foods.  Anyone relate?  We just had our first snowfall in Boulder, and surprise, surprise pizza is on my mind! 

If you can believe it, this is my very first time making raw pizza!  Crazy, I know!  I suppose I never really cared for trying to recreate American fast-food (pizza, burgers, etc).  But I must admit, this recipe turned out amazing!  It makes two mouth-watering personal pan size pizzas.

Pizza Crust 
2 ripe tomatoes
Meat from 1 young Thai coconut
1 cup almond pulp (from almond mylk)
1/3 cup golden flax seed meal
2-4 fresh basil leaves
1/2 medium shallot
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/2 tsp Himalayan salt

In a blender, blend coconut meat with tomatoes and transfer into a food processor.  Add all remaining ingredients and process until a soft dough-like consistency is formed.  Divide in half and form two 6-inch personal pan size pizza crusts.  Dehydrate on 115 degrees for 4 hours, flip over and dehydrate for another 6-8 hours.

Tomato Sauce
2 ripe tomatoes
1/2 red bell pepper
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (I like Mediterranean Organic)
2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
1 Tbsp minced herbs (basil, parsley, oregano) 
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp minced onion
1 tsp onion powder
1 clove garlic
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp Himalayan salt
Pinch black pepper

Using a food processor, process all ingredients for an even, thick consistency.  If the sauce is still too runny, add a little more nutritional yeast and onion powder to absorb remaining moisture.

"Mozzarella" Cheese
3/4 cup cashews (soak 2hrs)
1 yellow bell pepper
Juice of 1/2 lemon
2 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
1 medium shallot
1 clove garlic
1/2 tsp raw honey
1/2 tsp Himalayan salt

Rinse and drain soaked cashews.  In a high-speed blender, blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy!  Add more water if needed to help blend.

Toppings
Bell pepper slices (I used green)
Onion slices (I used yellow)
Mushroom slices (I used white button mushrooms)
Fresh basil leaves

Thinly slice your favorite topping ingredients (about 3/4 cup), and marinade in 1 Tbsp of tomato sauce for 30 min in the dehydrator at 115 degrees.

Assembly:  Spread tomato sauce on both pizza crusts.  Add a layer of cheese sauce, and finally add your toppings.  Dehydrate for another 20 min on 115 degrees (optional).  Enjoy! 

November 4, 2010

SUPER RAW LIFE MAGAZINE

You're in for a treat!  Super Raw Life Magazine just launched their very first publication – and it's FREE! 


I am so honored Michele Marie Jeppson and the lovely team behind SuperRawLife.com asked me to be a part of this!  I'm really excited my recipes and article Risking Everything are featured in this premier Fall 2010 Issue.  I couldn't be happier to contribute to this beautiful magazine!

To download a FREE copy of the Fall 2010 Issue of Super Raw Life Magazine, please visit www.SuperRawLife.com.  And be sure to check out my article on Risking Everything, my transition to the raw food lifestyle, along with a few of my recipes from the SpaFusion Cleanse Program and the Raw Chocolate & Wine ebook!

Super Raw Life Magazine is a source of information with the vision of inspiring you to transform your lifestyle and body naturally.  It is released quarterly and the e-magazine is available internationally at no cost.  When there is so much abundance there is no need for lack.  Our quarterly e-magazine is a platform to highlight those who are making a difference and in the process enable us to share and inspire our readers.
- SuperRawLife.com
 

November 3, 2010

RAW BLACKBERRY COBBLER

For some reason I've been craving blackberries the last couple of days.  I finally got my hands on some... how could I possibly resist playing in the kitchen? 

The nice thing about this recipe is that you can modify it a number of ways.  I've made a similar recipe before using peaches for the filling instead of blackberries.  You can also use mangoes, or any combination of berries.  And for the crumble, you can substitute pecans for walnuts.   

Blackberry Cobbler (Serves 2)

Crumble
1 cup walnuts (soaked overnight & dehydrated back to dry)
1/4 cup coconut flakes
2 dates, pitted
1/4 tsp vanilla extract (or powder)
Pinch Himalayan salt

Filling
1 cup fresh blackberries
2 dates, pitted
1 Tbsp raw honey

▪ In a food processor, start with the dry crumble ingredients first (walnuts, coconut, salt).  Process down to a fine crumble, do not overprocess.  Add dates and vanilla and continue to process until the dough starts to fold in on itself.  Transfer 1/2 of the mixture into a bowl and set aside.  The remaining half, press into a 6-inch round cake pan to form a crust.  

▪ For the filling, add 1/2 cup blackberries back into the food processor, along with dates and honey.  Process until well incorporated.  Add the remaining blackberries and pulse two or three times leaving many of the chunks intact.

▪ Pour the blackberry filling over the crust in the cake pan, and top with the remaining crumble that was set aside.  Gently press through the crumble to expose some of the filling underneath.    

September 30, 2010

RAW CHOCOLATE & WINE E-BOOK



For the longest time I wanted to throw my very own raw chocolate party.  So for my 30th Birthday, I brainstormed some recipes, called up a few friends... and the result, a fabulous Raw Chocolate & Wine party!  I even had my dear friend Solnce perform live for us.  

I was in the kitchen for two straight days handcrafting the most amazing raw chocolates and infused cacao treats.  I got such great feedback from all my guests, I thought hey, everyone should throw themselves a fabulous raw chocolate party!  It's such a fun way to introduce your friends and family to raw foods.  Plus, you'll get show off your raw culinary skills!  Who wouldn't want to impress their guests as a chocolatier for a night?  

The Raw Chocolate & Wine recipe ebook provides a complete menu ready to go for the ultimate raw chocolate cocktail party!  I've perfected those recipes that everyone liked best, to make sure they're definite crowd pleasers!  Best part, they're all super easy and delicious!  So no, you don't have to be a professional chocolatier to throw an amazing raw chocolate party of your own!  

Plus, the lovely Carmen Marie-Denise Shelton, a French wine connoisseur, shares her expertise and recommendations on raw chocolate wine pairing.

Born and raised in France, Carmen grew up exploring wineries in the beautiful countryside of France.  Her love and appreciation for quality wine lead her to explore the long tradition of biodynamic practices. Carmen shares her secrets for selecting organic and biodynamic wines to complement the rich flavor and luscious feel of raw chocolate.

Raw Chocolate & Wine ebook ($14.95)



(IMPORTANT: You will receive your ebook
within 24 hrs of purchase, in most cases sooner)


September 25, 2010

ASIAN SEA VEGGIE SALAD

If there's one thing, aside from leafy greens, that I would recommend people start incorporating into their diet, it would definitely be sea vegetables!

They're loaded with vitamins and minerals, including trace minerals!  I can't say enough about how wonderful they are.  Here's a great resource on all their nutritional  and health benefits http://tinyurl.com/ybduhw

And here's one of my favorite sea veggie recipes...

Start by soaking 1 cup of your favorite sea veggies in 1 cup of water to soften them.  Make sure to use clean water (not tap).  Discard excess water.  You can even buy an assorted mix of different sea vegetables.

For the Asian dressing...

Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp raw honey
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil (enhances flavor)
1/2 tsp Tamari soy sauce
1/8 tsp grated ginger 
Pinch cayenne

Whisk together dressing ingredients and toss over the sea veggies. Garnish with sesame seeds. Enjoy!

September 18, 2010

I'M NOT VEGAN... WHAT?

I've noticed in recent months a dialogue has opened up about whether or not a strict 100% raw vegan diet is healthy long-term.  I'm happy to see more people sharing their experience and keeping an honest, open-minded approach to healthy living.  If something isn't working, we have to be willing to let go of any attachment we may hold to a particular philosophy, and focus on what's optimal for our health.

For myself, I never felt a strong desire or calling to jump in 100% into the raw food lifestyle. I suppose I never really felt the need for it (although you may already know this, and know I'm not a vegan from previous posts). But I did go 100% raw for 31 days in January of 2008, right after I completed my certification on raw food nutrition with Drs. Rick and Karin Dina, D.C.  I was so happy to finally immerse myself into a vegan lifestyle, I even bought and read Becoming Vegan to get a better understanding of how to effectively transition.  But I have to say, my experience was somewhat disappointing.

About a week in I started to experience intense cravings for meat, which was completely unusual for having already been vegetarian for over two years with no cravings whatsoever.  And by the end of my 31 days on a strict vegan diet, I intuitively felt my body was lacking something.  But what concerned me the most, was that I started to experience hair-loss (literally clumps of hair falling out in the shower), not to mention my iron and vitamin D levels dropped. Just to be clear, I maintained a clean diet with nothing gourmet or dehydrated.  I focused on alkaline foods including a ton of dark leafy greens.  

Was it just detox?  About six months prior I had experienced symptoms of so-called detox (dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, body aches and cramps, etc).  But hair-loss and a drop in nutrient levels? Clearly there was more going on! The term "detox" is often thrown around loosely without much of an understanding of what that really means. At what point is something no longer just a symptom of detox, but a sign of deficiency? It seems there is no clear definition, so a little common sense goes a long way!

I honestly think that my hair-loss was largely due to a lack of sufficient protein.  Once I incorporated some cooked foods and animal products back into my diet (lentils, quinoa, an occasional soft-boiled egg, raw goat and sheep yogurt, wild-caught salmon), my hair-loss improved and the cravings all but vanished. 

I know we often say that Americans eat way too much protein, and yes we eat way too much of the wrong protein.  But good quality protein (amino acids) are essential.  They are the building blocks of life after all. Getting adequate amounts of high quality protein is something that I feel many raw foodists overlook.  Some of them swear by the all-or-nothing approach, but I often wonder how many routinely check their B-12, iron and vitamin D levels.

To be fair, I do think it is possible to succeed on a 100% raw vegan diet, when following a careful regiment that includes plenty of sprouts, wheatgrass, sea vegetables, algae, dark leafy greens, omega-rich nuts and seeds, a vitamin B-12 supplement, adequate amounts of calories, fats and protein... along with a routine blood test to monitor nutrient levels.  But you can't just wing it!

Of course we should all be incorporating these foods anyway, but it's not to say that we can't achieve optimal health on a high-raw diet with some cooked foods or animal products.  Quality is what's going to make or break it.  Organic, whole natural foods (preferably local) is a must.

As for me, I'm not attached to the label "raw foodist".  These days I'm far more flexible than when I was first introduced to this lifestyle.  I often enjoy cooking in the evenings using lots of fresh veggies from a local, organic farm (CSA).  And I always make sure to include a big RAW green salad with a cooked meal.  If you're curious about what I typical eat during a given week,  you can see My Way!

I am very sincere when I say this the more we can open up and speak honestly about what's working and what's not, rather than keeping secrets and judging one another, the more we can help each other and help others on this journey of health and well-being ♥

With love, 
Mila

September 6, 2010

RAW GREEN TEA ICE CREAM

When Hugh and I first started dating just over two years ago, he was crazy in love with green tea ice cream.  But as he gradually transitioned to a healthier lifestyle, he slowly gave up most dairy products.

Recently, while out at a sushi restaurant, green tea ice cream somehow came up in conversation... something tells me he missed his beloved ice cream!

So a few days ago I surprised him with a huge batch of RAW green tea ice cream!  Wow, neither of us could believe how good it turned out... hands down better than the real thing!  I was so inspired, I ended up going a bit crazy in my kitchen making all sorts of raw ice cream. 

I spotted some beautiful organic, local peaches (currently in season), how could I resist picking a few up for some raw Peaches 'n Cream ice cream?  I also made a batch of raw Coconut-Banana ice cream, by far my favorite of all three!

I had a few requests on Facebook to share my recipes, so here they are, each using a slightly different technique for the best dairy and soy-free ice cream...

Raw Green Tea Ice Cream

1/2 cup water
1 packet green tea (preferably matcha)

Cut open a small packet of green tea, and stir in with the water.  Set aside to "brew" for 20 min.  Transfer into a blender and add the following ingredients...
 
1 cup cashews (soak 2 hr)
1 cup almond mylk
1/2 cup spinach
1/2 cup raw honey
1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp Himalayan salt

Rinse and drain soaked cashews.  Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.  Pour into an ice cream maker, following the manufacturer's instructions.  That's it!

*If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can freeze it in a glass container overnight... comes out just as good!

RAW PEACHES 'N CREAM ICE CREAM

Organic, local peaches are in season in Colorado! To make raw Peaches 'n Cream ice cream, you'll first need to prepare sweetened macadamia nut mylk.

Raw Peaches 'n Cream Ice Cream

2 cups water 
3/4 cup macadamia nuts (dry)
3 dates, pitted

Blend water, nuts and dates, and stain through a mesh bag (mylk should be thick). Transfer the mylk into a blender and add the following ingredients...

3 ripe peaches, pitted
1/3 cup coconut oil (melted)
2 Tbsp raw honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp Himalayan salt

Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.  Pour into an ice cream maker, following the manufacturer's instructions.  That's it!

*If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can freeze it in a glass container overnight... comes out just as good!

RAW COCONUT-BANANA ICE CREAM

This next recipe turned out so good, it's definitely my favorite raw ice cream!  It's got just the right hint of coconut and banana flavors... absolutely heavenly!

Raw Coconut-Banana Ice Cream

2 large, ripe bananas
1 young Thai coconut (water only)
1/2 cup cashews (soak 2 hr)
1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
1/4 cup raw honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp Himalayan salt

Crack open a young Thai coconut, pour the coconut water into a blender.  Rinse and drain soaked cashews. Add all remaining ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy.  Transfer into an ice cream maker, following the manufacturer's instructions.  That's it! 

*If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can freeze it in a glass container overnight... comes out just as good!

August 23, 2010

WHY PERMACULTURE?

I am so inspired by the following film, I can't help but pass it on and share it's message. The philosophy behind permaculture or "permanent agriculture" is something I deeply resonate with.  It's an agricultural design that models the natural ecology of a forest.  

The film paints a realistic vision for a sustainable future - one in which we work with nature, rather than against it.  It's a system that restores and heals the earth by encouraging biodiversity, while creating abundant yields of organic crops.  So it's a win win!  What a beautiful concept.  I hope you enjoy watching the film as much as I did.

"Permaculture is a creative and artful way of living, where people and nature are both preserved and enhanced by thoughtful planning, the careful use of resources, mimicking the patterns found in nature, and a respectful approach to life."

-Bill Wilson

August 11, 2010

RAW CHOCOLATE PARTY!

Okay, so for the longest time I've wanted to throw my very own raw chocolate party!  And with my 30th Birthday, what better excuse to get out the cacao and indulge the night away!  So I brainstormed some recipes, called up my girl Solnce to see if she'd perform live for us... and the result, a super awesome Raw Chocolate & Wine party!

I was in the kitchen for two straight days (and nights) handcrafting the most amazing raw chocolates and infused cacao treats.  On the raw chocolate menu, we had everything from chocolate truffle mousse with strawberries, chocolate macaroons, Mexican-spice chocolates, cacao elixirs, orange-zest chocolates (see photo), goji superfood truffles, and so much more!  And wow, everything turned out so good!  Best part was seeing my friends indulge in organic, raw chocolate for the very first time... they loved it!

I got such great feedback, I thought hey, everyone should throw themselves a fabulous raw chocolate party!  It's such a fun way to introduce your friends and family to raw foods.  Plus, you'll get show off your raw culinary skills!  Who wouldn't want to impress their friends as a chocolatier for a night? 

So I had this idea, why not make a Raw Chocolate & Wine Recipe ebook with a menu ready to go for the ultimate raw chocolate cocktail party?  I've perfected the recipes everyone liked best to make sure they're fool proof and definite crowd pleasers!  If you've ever seen my recipes, you can count on them being super easy and delicious!  And no, you don't have to be a professional chocolatier to throw an amazing raw chocolate party of your own!  

I'm just finalizing the last details of the ebook... so be on the lookout in the next couple of weeks!  I'm so excited, I can't wait for you to see what's on the menu!

August 7, 2010

TASTY HARMONY

I recently spent a few days in Fort Collins, CO where I had a chance to try out Tasty Harmony.  This place is awesome!  It's an all organic, sustainable veggie restaurant with an impressive menu.  They're known for their amazing jackfruit tacos (not raw). 

We had the Green Zinger and Refresher juice, the Rawsome Plate, and the Living Falafel Hummus Wrap... mighty good!  

If you're in the Colorado area, or just passing through, this place is a MUST try!  www.tastyharmony.com

July 8, 2010

MY BIRTHDAY GIFT TO YOU

In celebration of my 30th Birthday today, I wanted to do something fun! So I'd like to offer a 30% discount on my latest SpaFusion Cleanse Program, which includes 30 delicious SpaFusion recipes! 


You've never done a cleanse like this!  For two weeks you'll enjoy beautiful, refreshing recipes inspired by Spa Cuisine!  It's like having a mini-vacation right in your own kitchen!  

Unlike most raw food recipes that typically mix nuts and seeds, and often oil all in the same recipe, SpaFusion recipes use little or no oil, and only one fat ingredient (nut, seed, avocado or oil) per recipe to keep it light.  Plus, there are no complex or dehydrated recipes... so it's super easy!

And with 30 delicious SpaFusion recipes, I can't think of a more delightful way to rejuvenate and hit the reset button for a healthy, fresh new start!  Here a complimentary recipe from the SpaFusion Recipe ebook...

Berrylicious Sorbet

1 young Thai coconut (meat only)
1 Tbsp raw honey
1/4 cup frozen blueberries
1/4 cup frozen blackberries
1/4 cup frozen raspberries
1/4 cup frozen strawberries 


Freeze organic, fresh berries overnight.  Blend all ingredients, adding coconut water if needed to help blend.  Serve immediately! 

Save 30% off of the price listed below!
Offer valid  ONLY until midnight, July 10th! 



SpaFusion Cleanse Program ($19.95)

(IMPORTANT: You will receive the program materials
within 24 hrs of purchase.)

 

July 7, 2010

WE LIKE IT RAW: MY WAY

Keeping it real, keeping it wild... My Way! 



 

Special thanks to Dhrumil and Philip McCluskey of We Like it Raw for letting me share some of my recent adventures in discovering  wild edibles.  Check it out...
 www.WeLikeItRaw.com

June 30, 2010

SpaFusion (REMIX)

Do you guys remember the Summer-Ready Body Challenge I recently launched?  It was a  six-week cleanse a group of us did to slim down for summer.  Well, when I created a facebook group for us, nearly 90 people accepted the challenge!  I couldn't believe the turn-out.  What a delightful surprise!

For those of you who joined me, you know how powerful this program is.  Each week we focused on a new goal, everything from detoxing the kitchen of all temptation, to vision boards and affirmations for a perfect body!  It was so much fun... a cleanse for the mind, body and soul.  I personally lost an additional 4 pounds, on top of the weight I've already lost since going raw!  (See My Weight-Loss Before & After Video.)

After receiving such an amazing response, I thought I'd consolidate the six-week cleanse into a shorter 2-week version!  The result... a brand new, revised SpaFusion Cleanse!  Now you can enjoy this easy, refreshing program anytime of year. The program is packed with everything you need (recipes, tips, guide, sample days, etc).

You've never done a cleanse like this!  For two weeks you'll enjoy beautiful, refreshing recipes inspired by Spa Cuisine (light, fresh and simple).  It's like having a mini-vacation right in your own kitchen! And unlike most raw food recipes that typically mix nuts/seeds and oil all in the same recipe, SpaFusion recipes use little or no oil, and only one fat ingredient per recipe to keep them light.  Plus, there are no complex or dehydrated recipes... so it's super easy!

The program includes 2 ebooks:

SpaFusion Recipe ebook - 30 recipes!
SpaFusion Weight-Loss Guide ebook
FREE subscription to the Raw Radiance eZine

I'll share with you some helpful tips I’ve picked up along the way that have helped me slim down over 35 lbs!  And I'll even include my personal advice on how to effectively overcome emotional eating, while still enjoying and taking pleasure in eating!

With 30 delicious SpaFusion recipes, I can't think of a more delightful way
to rejuvenate and hit the reset button for a healthy, fresh new start!

SpaFusion Cleanse Program ($19.95)



(IMPORTANT: You will receive the program materials
within 24 hrs of purchase.)

June 2, 2010

FOOD, SEX AND PLEASURE


I keep coming across this strange idea that food is not something to be enjoyed, but rather something to be consumed strictly for caloric needs. Food is perceived as nothing more than fuel for the body - not a means to entertain the mind or amuse our taste buds.

But I have to ask, is it really so wrong to enjoy a beautiful, healthy meal while still feeling comforted and nourished on more than a purely physical level?  And is it productive to suppress our natural desire to experience pleasure from eating?

Like sex, food is an inherent drive for pleasure. This biological mechanism is built in for a very good reason.  It is nature’s way of reminding us not to forget to nourish our bodies, ensuring our survival.  Nature calls us to eat through desire, and rewards us with pleasure!  What a brilliant and beautiful concept.  (Not to be confused with the behavior of using food to reward ourselves.)

The pleasure experience is biologically designed to reinforce and encourage repeated behavior.  This is true as it relates to both sex and food.  Otherwise there would be little incentive to procreate or to take time for sufficient calorie replenishment throughout the day.

Why else would nature create such a variety of vibrant, colorful and flavorful foods, if not to delight the senses and keep us coming back for more?  Nature intended for us to enjoy and take pleasure in eating by biological design.  It’s all very beautifully orchestrated to lure us in for nourishment.  

We enjoy food outside of simply satisfying our hunger, much in the same way we enjoy sex outside of just procreation.  Cravings for food and sex are natural; we shouldn’t be so quick to suppress these desires!  If anything, we should embrace them with admiration, as they serve a very unique biological purpose.  

To say that eating for pleasure and comfort is somehow wrong is like saying that sex is a sin.  The trick is not to engage in these behaviors in access or in a destructive way.  Giving ourselves the freedom to express and enjoy these desires in a moderate, healthy manner is what makes or breaks it.

As long as the foods we indulge in are healthy, who says it is wrong to feel pleasure and comfort?  Sure, pizza and chips don’t count, but a healthy, comforting bowl of raw chili, minus the guilt, certainly does!  If we can stay present, why not soak up the pleasure and comfort?  It only turns destructive once we start eating out of boredom, or to fill an emotional void.  Seeking healthy alternatives for cravings is far more productive to our overall well-being, than living in a constant state of self-imposed deprivation.

Ideally, we should aim to enjoy healthy foods that also satisfy our taste buds and desires.  One way this can be achieved is by embracing nature's infinitely delicious variety.  In doing so, we naturally start to gravitate toward whole, natural options as we create a positive association with food.  

Health is not just about how we fuel the body or the calories we take in; it is equally about creating a beautiful, healthy and sacred experience.  It’s about enjoying and savoring the moment, rather than punishing ourselves with strict dietary rules and guidelines.  So give in to nature's sweet perfection, and indulge once in a while.  It really is okay!

For thoughts on how this relates to emotional eating, see my article Emotional Eating in Purely Delicious Magazine, Spring 2010 Issue!

June 1, 2010

IN MY OWN WORDS

In the following video I wanted to share with you my thoughts on how beautiful and vibrant I find the raw food lifestyle to be.  

How could you NOT want to live in nature's sweet perfection?  If you ask me, a greasy dead pizza can NEVER taste as vibrant as the foods nature creates so abundantly and so masterfully!  

I hope my words inspire you to see just how beautiful living foods really are!

May 28, 2010

SHIFT IN CONCIOUSNESS

One of the most rewarding shifts in consciousness I have experienced in recent years has to do with my relationship and perception of food, and what it means to relate to food in a healthy way.  

By connecting back to nature, I've come to associate food with healing and nourishment. In doing so, food has taken on a whole new meaning for me. This shift in consciousness is such a gift, because in my experience with emotional eating, I have found that many conventional approaches to emotional eating are somewhat negative and counter-productive.    

One such approach views emotional eating as an "eating disorder", where food has become the addiction. For treatment, one is encouraged to confront their compulsive behavior and come to terms with the disorder, or perhaps trace the behavior back to a childhood trauma, for example.  Although this may be true for some of us, who use food as a coping mechanism for unresolved issues, surely this isn't the case for all of us.  Besides, who wants to take on a "disorder" identity and feel like they're in therapy at every meal?


For many of us emotional eating may be nothing more than a learned behavior.  Remember being force fed as a child, or encouraged to finish your plate?  If this rings a bell, you may find it hard to identify real hunger, never having learned to properly regulate your appetite.   

How about being rewarded with sweets for good behavior, or as an incentive to stop crying?  This may have taught you to reward yourself with food, or seek emotional relief with food.  Mothers often comfort-nurse a child when they're not quite sure why the baby is crying.  And so from a very young age we begin to associate eating with comfort. 

Here's another common approach for overcoming emotional eating that I find to be counter-productive.  Its focus is on disassociating emotional attachment to food altogether.  This view states that food should be consumed strictly for caloric needs.  Food is perceived as nothing more than fuel for the body.  But seriously, who wants to live like that? 

Food is an inherent drive for pleasure built in as a biological mechanisms for survival.  It is nature’s way of reminding us not to forget to nourish our bodies.  We are called to eat through desire, and rewarded with pleasure to reinforces and encourages the behavior - ensuring survival. It is by biological design that we enjoy eating so much. With this understanding, why deny or suppress the pleasure of eating?  Why else would nature create such a variety of vibrant, delicious foods, if not to delight the senses?  Nature intended for us to enjoy and take pleasure in eating.  The key is not to engage in these behaviors in access or in a destructive manner.  If we give ourselves the freedom to enjoy these pleasures in moderation, is it really all that wrong?    

As long as the foods we indulge in are healthy, who says it is wrong to feel comforted?  Sure, pizza and chips doesn’t count, but a delicious comforting bowl of raw chili, minus the guilt, certainly does! If we can stay present to the experience, why not soak up the comfort?  It only turns destructive once we start eating out of boredom or to fill an emotional void.  Ideally, we should aim to create a balance between eating healthy foods that also satisfy our taste buds.   
  
In my own journey in overcoming emotional eating, I resisted taking on the identity of having a "eating disorder". If emotional eating wasn’t overwhelming enough, labeling it a disorder made the path of recovery seem nearly impossible.   

I equally resisted the idea of having to constantly fight my desire to experience pleasure from eating.  Who wants to live their life using food as fuel, denying their natural desire to enjoy eating?  As I began making peace with the reality that eating should be a pleasurable experience, a heavy burden was lifted. I parted with guilt, and gave myself permission and the freedom to enjoy my healthy cravings.  This new approach of eating for pleasure, or just for the fun and curiosity of discovering new healthy foods, liberated me!

This changed my perception of food into something exciting. A whole new world opened up; I was rediscovering nature! I fell in love with the joy of eating again, but in a healthy, natural way.   

The key is to give ourselves love and understanding every step of the way, rather than punishing ourselves with strict dietary rules and guidelines.  Overcoming emotional eating begins with loving ourselves and honoring our health on a deeper level, and shifting our consciousness to a healthy, positive association with food. When we love and honor ourselves, we nourish our bodies with only the purest foods nature provides us. On a path of self acceptance and positive association, we find that we have far less self-destructive tendencies expressed as emotional eating. 

May 8, 2010

HAVE YOU HEARD?








Purely Delicious Raw Food Lifestyle Magazine is currently running a tell-a-friend/spread-the-word promotion for a chance to win a 1-year magazine subscription!

Purely Delicious is searching chat sites, videos, blogs, Twitter and Facebook for anyone mentioning Purely Delicious Magazine!

Open to all countries, the promotion expires July 15, 2010. There will be a total of six 1-year magazine subscriptions awarded. The more you mention Purely Delicious, the greater your odds of winning!!!

So join in on the fun, and be sure to get your copy of Purely Delicious Magazine Spring 2010 Issue, in stores NOW! www.PurelyDelicious.net

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