Ecstatic Raw

Time to take a break

2009-04-02T22:37:00.002+01:00

I've enjoyed blogging about my raw food experience. My posts have covered the British autumn/winter and now 6months later, Spring is here. It's a busy time for me workwise as I plan my summer work shedule. I've decided to pause my raw blogging, maybe indefinitely to concentrate on my yoga and healing work. I will be contining to blog as Jivayoga Thanks to all readers and see you out there in the blogosphere...

Raw in Goa: Cafe culture - the Shore Bar, Anjuna

2009-03-25T11:54:00.003Z

The heat has been rising steadily throughout March and I have been spending afternoons lying under the fan in my room, reading or watching Bollywood movies. However in recent days I've been enjoying a change of scene, loafing around at the Shore Bar. Anjuna beach is lined with cafe-bars, so it's a question of finding one that suits you. I picked the Shore Bar for its chilled vibe and tasteful quirky decor; think mature hippy with money to spend on furnishings. So it's 'no' to plastic moulded chairs, yes to colonial style hardwood deckchairs with ample cushions. There are a couple of day beds if you get so relaxed you need to get horizontal. The keet walls are currently hosting an art exhibition, photographic images of India , tres tasteful and available to buy.
Its a great place to look out on the ever changing tableau of Goan beach life; packs of dogs barking at nothing, tenacious beach vendors armed with sarongs and ankle chains, an impromptu cricket match, pudgy white Europeans turning red, wealthy Mumbaites in designer denim.
The raw options revolve around the classic juice menu; orange, papaya, pineapple, watermelon. You can get a fairly pricey fruit salad here or opt for a Greek salad, extra olives and hold the feta.
The Shore Bar stocks alcohol and I dont know how the place transitions into evenings; as a yogi I prefer to drift homewards as the sunsets.

Giri Bala: the Indian yogi who gave up eating & drinking

2009-03-20T08:46:00.003Z

I'm loving the cross-fertilisation of yoga and the raw diet and the connections I am encountering on personal retreat in India. I suppose that to approach life holistically is to integrate all aspects of healing and well being. I recognise that until now I have tended to mentally separate my yoga and my faw food practices; whereas in fact they are facets of the whole, the soul's journey.
With that in mind, I though I'd write about Giri Bala, the woman yogi who lived in India last century and who renounced food and drink.
The raw food paradigm offers a broadening of our understanding of nutrition so as to include that which nourishes us on all levels. Gabriel Cousens writes authoratively on this in Spiritual Nutrition and the Rainbow Diet. As we become more selective, applying greater discrimination to our food choices we find we can consume less and keep the body fuctioning at an optimal level. Moreover, thr nourishment we are sseeking on a deeper level is spiritual nutrition, to come to know our higher self, God, source, spirit. Feeding the subtle body through a raw food diet, yoga, meditation and other healing arts, prayer and intention; all such practices are soul food.
I am currently reading a classic yoga text; Parahamsa Yogananda's account of his life's journey and travels, Autobiography of a Yogi . Yogananda visited Bala in 1936 in her remote village home in Bengal. He interviewed and photographed her, witnessing and verifying her story.
A gluttonous child, at the age of 12, Bala received the impulse to to pray for a guru who would teach her how to live without food. Such a teacher appeared one morning as Bala bathed in holy Ganges river one morning. He granted her desire, teaching her a yogic kriya, a mantra and breathing technique. From then on Bala was absteminous from food and liquids, recharging her body with cosmic energy, the air and the sun. Her motive was simple and pure, in her words, "To prove that man is spirit."
Bala did not advocate nor teach her method, following the wishes of her guru. Parahamsa's book is widely available and the Chapter on Giri Bala makes a light easy read.

Raw in Goa: Simplicity, mono-meals, pratyahara

2009-03-18T07:12:00.004Z

On retreat in this lush easy corner of India, habits fall away easily. Ways of being that serve in the west are no longer appropriate. The steady heat of Goa is a joy - my being is saturated with the sun's benevolent radiance.
When I left the UK, I had spent 3 - 4 winter months as a transitioning raw foodist working out how to heat the body: now it is all about staying cool. Fruit, fruit and more fruit, coconut water and tender green leaves is all it takes. A date, maca, banana hemp mylk smoothie, rich and soothing in the British mid-winter would just be wrong now.
In this environment I find myself moving towards mono-meals, eating one food at a time, as an elegant & simple solution for how to stay nourished and cool. Hence breakfast can now be a cup of green tea and a plate of sliced pineapple; lunch a bowlful of green salad leaves, tomato and cucumber. Elaborate mixed salads and even a tropical fruit salad feels complicated. I rarely take mixed juices now and have dropped the ginger so it becomes all about pure fruit goodness and getting closer to Nature's intention; offering meals to go from the tree.
I feel that there is a connection here to the yoga I am doing - I teach in the UK, here I am on retreat and focussing deeply on my personal practice. Beyond the poses, breathwork & meditation there is an aspect of yoga, pratyahara, the withdrawal of the senses. I explain this in terms of removing excessive distraction and stimulation from our lives. Permitting one to journey deeply into oneself and find what is real, what is truly needed. It is beautiful to experience this a desire to move from the complicated to the simple, to less rather than more.
I wonder how things will be upon my return, whether or not I will import these new habits, whether they are applicable to UK living. Will I become re-absorbed into the world of unlimited options; oils, powders, supplements, superfoods and fancy concoctions. The lesson I am glimpsing is that choices must be managed mindfully. Through integrating these apects of the yogic & raw food lifestyles, I am aiming for a truly holistic experience of empowered health & wellbeing. Om prem.

Raw in Goa: a typical day eating & drinking

2009-03-16T08:56:00.004Z

I thought I'd bang out a post about what I'm eating and drinking in a typical day, a subject that I find endlessly fascinating, as there are so many raw folks having such diverse daily experiences. Well the living is easy out here in Goa and one can be raw with minimal strain, planning or expense.
Mornings: I rise at 6.30 and take a large spoonful of bee pollen before heading out to practice yoga.
Breakfast: Papaya juice and chunky tropical fruit salad (papaya, pineapple, banana, watermelon)
Cycling home : 1 or 2 green coconuts, juice & jelly
Lunch: Green salad with sprouts, carrot ginger juice, wheatgrass shot
Late afternoon: fruit salad/simple green salad
Evening: Green powder mixed into water
Occasional snacks; dried figs, cashew nuts, bananas
As the day progresses I get though 1 - 1.5 litres of mineral water
I feel that I have reached a beautiful place of simplicity, moreover I havent had to explain to anyone that I am raw, it's such a natural way to be here.

Raw in Goa: Cafe culture - The German Bakery, Anjuna

2009-03-13T05:53:00.005Z

Undeniably something of an institution, established in 1979, set back off the market road, follow a meandering path through trees and past cottages and one finds onself in this beautiful space which nourishes on all levels.
By the entrance, Shiva makes his first appearance as Nataraj, dancing the destruction of the universe within a ring of flame. The great Lord presides over a bed of wheatgrass, which is energized further by the placement of an enormous quartz crystal.
Inside a large blue Shiva statue with golden dreadlocks effectively grows out of a large tree at the centre of the cafe space. Here again he is surrounded by crystals and a permanent cloud of incense.
The German Bakery is a great place to hang out; lounging is made easy with low seating or tables and chairs if you prefer. On my most recent visit Krishna Das was floating from the speakers and I was joined by a lean tortoiseshell cat who nestled beside me for his afternoon nap.
The staff are cool, courteous and professional, the food is fantastic, a truly healthy menu with ample choice for Rawees. Juices galore and a good selection of salads. Filtered water is available free of charge or you can have bottled water from the Himalayan mountains.
Most commonly I take: a wheat grass shot, a carrot & ginger juice with a green salad, rich in sprouts and containing plenty of fresh salad leaves in a good balsamic dressing.
Good vibrations.

Raw in Goa: shopping around

2009-03-11T08:33:00.003Z

This is my 5th visit to India in seven years and every time I return I witness the accelerating pace of change in all areas of life. I haven't been to Goa since 2005 when already there was a higher degree of availability of 'foreign' foods than elsewhere on the continent. Goan culture represents an easy fusion of east and west, it was colonised by the Portugese and then the hippies moved in. Today there is an intake of well heeled domestic and international visitors who according to their intention have different food requirements and the Goans yield happily to serve us. The Germans brought their heavy, nutritious breads and baked goods, the Israeli's falafel and hummus and the newest international tribe, the Russians, vodka bars.
Yogis and raw fooders have always been well served by the natural abundance of the place, and there is much to be said for the simplicity of tropical fruit and coconuts.
However, there is so much more to be had in this luscious tropical haven. There is a particularly well stocked emporium here, in Anjuna, Orchard Store has an extensive fresh produce section. I have seen cherry tomatoes, organic grapes, sweet corn, fresh figs and salad leaves.
I was quite surprised to find bee pollen, himalayan sea salt and a good selection of cold pressed oils, imported items from Italy in this case. A recent addition to the dried fruit section are pumplin and sunflower seeds, available at a premium in small amounts.
I have yet to see a goji berry and the ubiquitous raw chocolate/cacao is nowhere to be seen. Surely a gap in the market for a budding Rawntrepreneur...

Raw in Goa: my first green coconut

2009-03-10T09:28:00.004Z

As I was preparing for this trip, I was strongly imagining how great it would be to get my hands on that first green coconut. I didn't waste any time; jetlag or no jetlag, following the 24 hour journey it was suitcase down, flip flops on and I headed outta the door. Within a couple of hundred yards I found a stall. A table by the roadside piled with green coconuts and also a small plastic bottle of petrol. Yes India is all about unexpected combinations. The proprietress emerged from a coconut leaf shack, hacked the top off a gorgeous green globe with a machete and inserted a straw, "You drink", she instructed. I paid her 20 rupees, approx 30 pence. I was joined by a local indian woman, with the wide toothy smile, clear skin and sparkling eyes of a Goan. I admired her sari and jewellery and she my Gap jeans. Two young boys dodged and tumbled together in the dust by the shack. The sun was setting, it was a beautiful moment. I was eager for the jelly inside the nut, alas it it was empty. A reminder that India rarely yields up what one is expecting.

Travelling in the Raw

2009-03-04T21:57:00.007Z

I have a long day of travel tommorrow, a car ride, train journey, 2 flights and a taxi, taking me to Goa where I will be teaching drop-in yoga classes at a retreat centre during March.
Naturally as a raw fooder one's thoughts turn to the exciting prospect of fresh young coconuts, papaya and pineapple in abundance. My intention is to have a fruit based diet as that will be what surrounds me.
To stay in balance I just invested in a huge jar of Udo's Choice Beyond Greens,enthusiastically promoted by the healthstore owner in town today and with 100% free it seemed to be a wise choice. Contains a dazzling selection of nutritional components including EFA's and digestive enzymes. I'm also taking a jar of bee pollen and my regular batch of supplements which includes MSM and a good pro-biotic.
As regards the journey itself my aim is to travel light, to allow my digestive system to take it easy,and to stay hydrated. So I'll be carrying grapes, cherry tomatoes and strawberries as Gaia has formed them conveniently into bite-size pieces. Maybe a banana or two if I can eat them before they turn squishy & brown in my hand luggage! Half a dozen mini-bottles of Evian and maybe a green juice in a thermos if time and space permit.

Mini juice feast Day 3 of 3

2009-03-01T08:42:00.006Z

Day 3 dawned bright and early with my kitten mewing and patting my face, his way of requesting breakfast. As far as my breakfast goes, I awoke feeling decidedly less hungry. Hunger returned with a vengeance late afternoon, coincident with a slump in energy.
I have found my rythm with the prep, my kitchen is a juice zone. Hardly requiring much space or utensils; just a knife, chopping board, bowl, juicer. The fridge is overflowing with abundant produce and that is a nice feeling.
Still feeling excited and positive about the feast, detox symptoms have been minimal. I think I'll continue for another few days; I'm flying to India on Thursday so that may lead to a natural conclusion.

Today I juiced: 1 bag spinach, 2 grapefruit, 1 orange, 1/2 lime, 8 apples, 2 kiwi, 4 beets, 4 carrots, ginger root.

Today's fave: beet, apple, ginger

Mini juice feast Day 2 of 3

2009-02-28T10:44:00.010Z

Off to a good start this morning with citrus and bee pollen for instant zing. Last night in bed felt something like nausea, or acidity in my throat. Wonder whether it was a bit much to end the day with beets. Interestingly I had strong earache in my left ear, it came out of nowhere. Could this be a detox symptom? I occasionally experience a mild ear ache when I am overdoing things, always a sign to slow down. This was intense and felt different. Also I had an intense and meaningful dream, although I am often blessed with such. For much of the day I felt particularly joyful, blissed and uplifted. No hunger or thoughts of eating solids and my stomach feels flatter.

For support and motivation I read Steve Pavlina's juice feast blog. Found Happy Juicer's helpful page on how to juice individual ingredients. Had a chat to my neighbour who has taken himself through Gerson Therapy.

Today I juiced:
500g spinach, 2 grapefruit, 2 oranges, punnet grapes, punnet strawberries, 2 apples, 4 carrots, large zucchini, 1/2cucumber, bunch coriander, 1/2 lime, fresh ginger root + 1 tbs bee pollen.

Approximately 3 litres.
Today's favourite juice: green grape & apple.

Mini juice feast Day 1 of 3

2009-02-27T11:05:00.018Z

Well truly an ecstatic beginning to the day, fuelled mainly by positive feelings of excitement and anticipation which kicked in way before the actual juicing begun.
My personality adores variety and here is another way to play with my food, experience myself and my responses to food and bring full awareness to that.
I feel safely contained by the parameters I have set myself ie as a 3 day feast, the end is already in sight. I feel that if I had set myself a longer feasting period it would have felt overwhelming. I hope to learn a few nuts and bolts so to speak about juice feasting and who knows, there could be a next time of a longer duration.
I am consciously avoiding the term challenge; I don't feel the need to challenge myself. I view juice feasting as an exploration, a potential healing and above all an act of self-love.

Here's what I juiced:
1lb spinach,1 head curly lettuce, 1 head broccoli, 2 grapefruit, 3 oranges, 6 small apples, punnet raspberries, 2 beets, 4 carrots, 1/2 pineapple, 1 lime, ginger root, 1 tsp bee pollen.

Today's fave juice:pineapple & spinach.

Experienced cravings for solid food around 3pm, which is usually smoothie & dried fig time. These passed quite quickly. Took a hot bath and re-read Angela Stokes' Juice feasting handbook.

Flying high a la Raw

2009-02-26T16:29:00.003Z

Wow, just booked a flight to India online with Kingfisher Airlines and I got offered a raw vegetarian meal as an in flight option. I wasnt expecting to see that, what a pleasant surprise! This will be my first flight as a raw foodist and I was planning on cubing and chopping lots of lovely water rich tomatoes, peppers, melons and cukes to stay hydrated. I am intrigued as to what the airline caterers will provide in that little plastic box... Mostly I take this as a sign of the times, that raw foodism is shifting into the mainstream. Yay!

Preparing for mini juice feast

2009-02-26T14:05:00.004Z

I'm preparing for a mini juice feast, my first, starting tomorrow. I feel excited and positive about venturing into this new dimension of the raw lifestyle.
In a nutshell,juice feasting involves preparing and consuming 4 litres of juice on a daily basis.
Successful juice feasters cite weightloss, increased radiance, sense of spiritual connectedness and detoxification as someof the benefits.
I very much feel that I am heading into something unknown, that I don't have specific intended outcomes in mind,just a burning curiosity to see how it unfolds for me.
I am aware of the Global Juice Feast kicking off on March 1st and wish all those juice feasters well. I am not in a position to embark on a 92 day programme, it feels more appropriate to start small with a manageable amount of time hence 3 days; Friday, Saturday and Sunday. These are work free days and I'm keeping my social calendar clear.
So far my preparation has involved:
- Setting my intention and gathering information and inspiration
- Communicating my plan to others and receiving support and motivation
- Clearing a space in my diary
- Eating up/giving away fresh foods unsuitable for juicing
- Deep cleaning my kitchen and fridge to acknowledge the deep cleaning of my insides!
- Shopping for an abundance of fresh produce
- Booking a spa appointment for a body exfoliation when the feast concludes.
There may be other things that I think of to do. Excitement!

More info on juice feasting at www.juicefeasting.com

Angela's wisdom

2009-02-26T13:41:00.006Z

Angela Stokes gave a talk here in Glastonbury a couple of nights ago.I have heard her speak before,at the 2008 Festival of Life in London. She is an inspirational figure,not just in terms of weightloss and commitment to the raw lifestyle; also as an entrepreneur, writer and woman!
Angela describes the raw food diet as, "A path of dramatic transformation, ...a sustainable solution, ...the ultimate way to fuel the human body"
She shared her top 5 tips for staying raw:
1.Eat whole foods
2.Eat/juice greens daily
3.Include seaweeds,sprouts and sweets!
4.Chew well
5.Be the change
I picked up a copy of Angelas Juice Feasters Handbook for a fiver, its an easy informative read. Angela is leaving the UK to set up home in Ecuador with her fiance Matt Monarch,she says she is looking forward to growing veggies. I wish them both well.

Angela's website and blog www.rawreform.com

Shopping for superfoods

2009-02-22T21:47:00.011Z

Lately I have become obsessed with superfoods. I just have to get my hands on those packets of powder! It is fair to say that I love to shop, online as much as on the High Street. I enjoy using the net for choice and quality.
There are some splendid places to shop online in the UK, here are my faves:
www.oceanwavevibrations.com
I love browsing Holly's shop, it gives me a good feeling. She stocks interesting & exotic botanicals often in small quantities which means you can try without a significant investment.
www.funkyraw.com
Run by the guy who organises the eponymous UK raw food gathering, you'll find all the classics here.
www.vibrationalgaiarising.com
Perhaps my favourite, there is a cool elusive quality about the site and a magnificent range, best place for wildcrafted items.
www.detoxyourworld.com Shazzie is bold, passionate and stocks her own branded range of quality superfoods. Her monthly offers for bulk purchases represent significant savings.
www.fresh-network.com A traditional look and feel to this website. Included for high level of customer care I have experienced here.
www.totalrawfood.com I love the fresh and funky graphics of this site.Stocking a good selection of superfoods, often cheaper than elsewhere. Good selection of articles on the raw food lifestyle.
So I've spent my money and am joyfully looking forward to packages tumbling through the letter box...

Rainbow chakra pudding

2009-02-19T15:13:00.009Z

Yesterday we celebrated Joseph's birthday quietly at home. For the occasion, Joseph, "inspired by God", created the Rainbow Chakra Pudding. A multi-coloured, multi-layered fruit composition, encased in coconut, representing the placement of the chakras, as follows:
Red (muladhara chakra) goji berries & blood orange
Orange (svasisthana chakra)blended mango
Yellow (manipura chakra) coconut & lemon zest
Green (anahata chakra) kiwi & avocado
Blue (Vissuda chakra) coconut & blueberries
Purple (sahasra chakra) prunes & purple corn
The pud went down well, the purple layer it was generally agreed was outstanding. Sally was entirely enthusiastic, "This cake is so exciting, it's full of surprises."
It is a commonly held belief in raw food circles that we can stimulate our chakras through consumption of relevant coloured food, for more information check out Spiritual Nutrition by Gabriel Cousens.
I was fortunate enough to receive two portions as there was just enough remaining for this morning's breakfast. Totally yum!

Hemp talk in town

2009-02-16T22:18:00.005Z

The one and only Free Love Cannabis will be entertaining and informing us on Wednesday evening in Glastonbury Town Hall as he addresses the Positive Living Group.
Free is a passionate individual and has a lot to say about hemp. A long term activist and campaigner he draws on years of personal experience and enquiry and his talks are peppered with personal anecdotes. A generous human being and a personal friend, this talk is warmly recommended.
Glastonbury Positive Living Group for event details www.shiny-happy-people.co.uk
Free’s website for hemp info & online store http://www.cannabis.uk.net

Further adventures of a mylk maid

2009-02-16T15:16:00.009Z

So much of the raw food diet involves thought and pre-planning. Example. If I want buckwheat burgers on Friday, I'll have to dehydrate them on Thursday night, so 'll need to start soaking on Tuesday... There are times when planning is the order of the day, it helps to be organised to make a success of this lifestyle.
However I really enjoy those spontaneous moments when an unexpected food urge kicks in and I feel moved to create something new and now!
So in one moment I'm sitting at the laptop browsing yoga books on Amazon and in the next I've sprung up and headed to the blender. Inspired to create brazil nut mylk for the first time. I went straight for smoothieville. Here's how I did it:
Take 1/4 cup whole brazils
spring water
1 ripe banana
1 large medjool date
1 tspb maca powder
a little cinnamon powder
Blend!
It seems that brazil nuts do not require pre-soaking, although this remains a matter of opinion, so this can be created at a moment's notice. My first thought was to pre-blend the nuts separately in water, intending to squeeze through muslin and de-pulp the mixture, however this didnt seem necessary. Brill!Even simpler and faster!
I have been hitting the banana smoothies somewhat in recent weeks. Just right for mid-afternoon when you are feeling peckish. The sweet creaminess makes this feel like a treat.

Angela Stokes to speak in Glastonbury

2009-02-14T16:00:00.012Z

I am personally very pleased and excited that Angela Stokes is coming to speak in Glastonbury.
Angela is well known in raw food circles and has also appeared on main stream media in the UK and US promoting the raw foods lifestyle.
Angela's personal story has particular impact because of the tremendous weight loss she has achieved. Angela is also an experienced writer and raw entrepreneur, having created a successful e-book Raw Emotions and running an online store. Her ongoing blog is an inspiration to many, she has a international fan base.
Engaged to the raw dream hunk Matt Monarch, the couple have plans to move to Ecuador.
Earlier today I spoke to Lisa of RawLisa who is hosting the event; it seems that Angela was particularly keen to come to Glastonbury. She should know that we are thrilled to have her.
Event details: Tuesday, 24th Feb, 7.45pm
Venue: Georges Room, The Glastonbury Experience, 2-4 High Street, Glastonbury BA6 9DU
Booking: £6.50 Contact Lisa on 01769 550408 lisasture@toucansurf.com

Angela's website http://www.rawreform.com/index.php

Celebrating divine alignment; Raw Valentine event in Glastonbury

2009-02-13T12:00:00.007Z

"When the moon is in the seventh house, and Jupiter aligns with Mars, then peace will guide the planets and love will steer the stars"
This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius, yes really; it's happening now, or more precisely at 7.25am tomorrow, Saturday 14th February. This auspicious astrological alignment heralds a new age of peace, love and understanding. In a wonderful synchronicity we have the added amplication of the love vibration of St Valentine's Day. An event of global, cosmic significance, and no doubt a great day to meditate on the nature of love and visualise the New Age...
If you are feelng sociable, there will plenty to see and do here in Glastonbury; many consider the town to be the current location of the planetary heart chakra. There is a Love Celebration arranged for the Market Cross area during the afternoon. Via Facebook I have learnt that there is to be an attempt to establish a portal at Chalice Well Gardens at 5pm. The Green Angels are playing what is sure to be a rocking gig at the Rifleman's Arms and the Assembly Rooms is holding a dub night. Phew!
Up at the quieter end of town, at St Edmund's Community Centre on Windmill Hill, Joseph and Sally are hosting the Avalon Feastival of Love, as Sally put it, "It will be the cleanest event". Here are the details:
7am Meet up on Tor for Jupiter-Mars alignment
4.15pm Meet at St Edmunds for procession to Tor for sunset
Simple raw supper
Tree planting ceremony (bring a clay pot)
Candlelit jamming circle
Doors close 10pm
Magic Hat entry
RSVP: naturalmagickio@gmail.com Joseph - 07757483480 Sally - 07793032036
Sally has been diligently and joyfully learning the lyrics and chords to the well known song from the musical Hair; it is sure to be a real heartwarmer.
Blessings to all at this auspicious time!

Birthday gifts for a rainbow raw foodist

2009-02-11T21:00:00.006Z

Joseph, rainbow rawee and current housemate has a birthday next week and I am choosing his gifts now.

A permaculturist, he is as nature loving as they come, having lived on the land, created gardens and he grows and forages wherever he goes. So it's all about plants then, ideally varieties that can be sustainably cultivated.

I found a lovely mini olive bush here for £15 plus delivery that seems a good price. Thing is Joseph is apt to travel and move around and what if he heads back out to Spain for the summer?

I decided upon a selection of herloom vegetable seeds; compact, portable and containing the potent essence of life itself, ultimately edible - perfect! I found the Magic Garden Seed company. Here is a definition from their website, Heirloom seeds and plants are open-pollinated varieties grown during earlier periods in agricultural history. A plant variety should be originated before 1950 to be considered a heirloom. Some old types of vegetables have been kept alive within communities by succeeding generations of seed savers. So excellent eco-credentials, a matter of fundamental importance for my friend.

Although I tend a garden myself, of potted flowering plants and shrubs, I don't have experience of growing from seed or growing for personal consumption. So selecting seed varieties for a very knowledgeable and experienced gardener... Well living in close proximity I know what he likes to eat. And then I wanted to have a little fun with it. So the birthday boy will be getting: Pig nuts, winter purslane and wild tomato.

I am quite pleased with this selection as it covers roots, leaves and fruit. Tomorrow I will trawl the local garden centre for a bag of organic compost and some clay pots for the sake of completeness. I hope he enjoys them and it was fun shopping.

Did I just drink the best water ever?

2009-02-09T22:43:00.005Z

Lot of interest in the raw scene in the purity of water. So here's an anecdote. It just happened.
Friend and percussion goddess Ronni called by as she knows how depleted I have been feeling lately. She brought over her crystal healing bowls and laid me out for a one to one healing. Blissful.
Part of the experience was that she placed water in a couple of the bowls. Water drawn from the Well House of the White Spring here in Glastonbury, this the spring that David Wolfe reputedly bathes under at 4am when he is in town (not an urban myth, this from from the horses mouth). So the water was drawn at the full moon and then energised through the healing vibrations of the crystal bowls. Then we drank it.
Certainly it tasted fresh and clear and very alive. I also put some down in Arthur's bowl so he may also benefit. Wonderful.

Banana hemp mylkshake

2009-02-05T14:04:00.006Z

More than a shake... This is a complete meal, a nutritional experience.
Take 2 small ripe bananas, and blend with hemp mylk, maca, raw honey and cinnamon. Add spring water to suit your preference for thicker or runnier texture. Personally I like this on the thick side, velvety smooth and creamy.
Great for a mid afternoon energy boost. I drink this when I am turbo cleaning my home, I just keep going!

The yin of winter

2009-02-04T13:02:00.007Z

Winter is so deeply yin, it is a profoundly yin state of being. I am prone to excess yin by virtue of my female gender and my emotions also tend towards yin introversion and melancholia. My energy has been low lately, another yin charateristic.

I have been browsing online for information on yin and yang. In a nutshell, all material things have an essence which tends to one of two polarities; yin or yang. Yin: dark, moist, hidden, still; yang mobile, hot, masculine. Fuller explanation of terms here. In food terms many raw items are by their nature yin: the challenge is establishing and maintaining balance. It seems that cravings for heavy dense salty foods can be provoked by a need to introduce yang or fire energy into the diet.

Hmmm. Ok so what are the yang foods that as a raw foodist in the northern hemisphere in the winter months are going to be useful? Some suggestions:
Red foods: radish, red pepper, raddichio, goji berries
Heating foods: ginger on everything, cinnamon, garlic, black pepper
Seeds: Pumpkin seeds notably, also sesame
Dried foods: Now is the time for flax crackers, if they are spiced up so much the better
Bitter foods: we are talking greens - you know what to do!

I made a yang salad the other day which was pretty successful, any recipes or suggestions on this topic will be eagerly received.
Stay warm out there!

Date & walnut balls- fast sweet treats

2009-02-03T20:09:00.001Z

I can whizz these up in a nano second, perfect for when friends drop by or you are off to a pot luck with no prep time available.
Take a handful of dates, the less expensive, drier kind, and some walnuts. For a good squidgy consistency I recommend an overall blend of 60% dates to 40% walnuts.
Blend hard! There will be an alarming rattling noise; you must trust that all is well. Tip the crumbly mixture into a bowl, large enough that you can get your hands in and squeeze the mixture into balls.
That's it, you're done.
For added sophistication if you have a little extra time, add some finely grated orange zest and a drift of cinnamon powder.
Ideal companion for fresh apple-ginger juice and a great energy boost.

Yang winter salad

2009-02-02T13:05:00.007Z

It's snowing in Somerset; continuous, fine and delicate. So it's pretty cold. The snow drops on the verges are the physial manifestation of Imbolc which was celebrated yesterday. So spring is coming, yet it is decidedly winter, still.
For the first time I find myself craving cooked foods, the warmth of it. I choose not to surrender, instead I have devised a Yang winter salad, by which I mean that I have included red, heating foods as follows:
Raddichio & frisee leaves
Radish & courgette slices
Walnut pieces, pumpkin seeds
Goji berries
Dressing: apple cider vinegar, ginger juice, pumpkin seed oil, lemon juice, back pepper

It looks good, is fiery and crunchy and completely satisfying.

Sweet simplicity :my new blue salt pig

2009-01-22T21:49:00.004Z

For a while now whilst preparing food, I've found myself fumbling around in my kitchen reaching into cupboards, rummaging around for the salt, often with greasy fingers. It would take me so long to locate it and frankly, the time spent unscrewing the jar was slowing me down!
It ocurred to me to buy a salt pig. I find the name whimsical and the shape of these items is pleasingly round. I have a raw kitchen equipment lust list,this item was clearly at the lower end of the price range, I decided to invest.
The most beautiful example I found were on Etsy, (where else?), hand thrown and hand glazed stoneware from a US seller.
I did the ethical thing and had a poke around Ebay and pretty soon I found a used blue salt pig,complete with teeeny spoon,I had to have it and ended up bidding £4.70 which I'm sure would have been fairly close to the new price.
Newly installed in my kitchen, my salt(pink himalayan)is always close to hand.

Food find! Teeny olives

2009-01-21T11:40:00.015Z

I do love olives,very much. When I am out and about food shopping I am always on the lookout for new varieties. In Sainsbury yesterday I picked up a pot of Couchillo olives with pinenuts in a basil dressing. The olives themselves are teeny tiny, the size of a peanut. They have been pitted and marinated with pinenuts in an extra virgin olive oil, garlic and basil dressing. They are mellow tasting, not bitter at all. It would be easy to tip them straight into the food processor and create an instant, no fuss tapenade. However Joseph and I have discovered that there is infinite amusement to be had by skewering them with cocktail sticks and popping them one at a time.
Full product details available on the Sainsbury website http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/home.htm

Glastonbury event: Forest Gardens and Magical Edible Landscapes

2009-01-20T10:38:00.003Z

My friend, housemate, fellow Aquarian, raw foodist and all round beautiful being Joseph will be delivering the following presentation in town tomorrow evening. Joseph is a nature lover and student of permaculture and I am hoping to gain the knowledge and inspiration to begin some small scale cultivation.

Why do the monks, the holy ladies and gentleman, the yogis go to the forest? Perhaps for the peace, the tranquillity, the simplicity, being surrounded by an abundance of good vibrations, nature settles peace on the soul, and we feel good, at ease. Not all of us want to give it up and dwell in the depths of the forest, if we could find any! The beauty is, we can co-create a sanctuary, a sacred space, a space of love, within and without, on a mountainside, a window-sill, in a backyard or on a balcony. Such is a forest garden. Such is a magical edible landscape.

Glastonbury Positive Living Group meets every Wednesday evening at Glastonbury Town Hall. There is no need to book. Just come along whenever there is a talk of interest. Lovely, friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Everyone welcome. Refreshments included.

Doors open 7.00pm
Topic of the evening 7.30pm
Social and (more) refreshments 9.00pm 'ish'
Doors close 10.00pm
Admission £5/£4 concs.

For full details of all upcoming talks please visit www.shiny-happy-people.co.uk or telephone Liz on 01458 833128.

From solid to liquid

2009-01-16T09:28:00.006Z

I realise that my diet is becoming increasingly... liquid It is now common for me to have a juice at breakfast and lunchtime and one green and one sweet(fruit) smoothie later on, with maybe one 'meal' at midday, such as a raw pasta salad. I can see how I have reached this point, several factors have lead me here.

Firstly, along with many others experiencing winter in the northern hemisphere, my energy levels are lower at this time of year. Vitality and immununity levels are prone to dip and we are more vulnerabe to the effects of stress. I often find myself without the physical and mental energy to chop, peel and combine raw food in endlessly fascinating ways!

Secondly, working as a yoga teacher and massage therapist this is a busy time of year; I tend to pick up new clients as the New Year = healthy body phenomenom kicks into gear. And there is cover work available as yoga teachers head back to India to refresh themselves and their practice. So time has become a factor, what can be faster than shoving a handful of greens in a blender with a banana and handful of grapes and flicking the switch? It's the ultimate fast food.

In addition, I have been absorbing a lot of raw wisdom from the wonderful teachers out there. And understanding that I want to take a lot more greens in, I want to kick my dried fruit habit; which means eating fresh whole fruit, and in this regard I find it more interesting to bung it in the blender, adding superfoods and hemp protein powder and enjoying the outcome.

Equipment envy and what to do about it

2009-01-14T13:40:00.004Z

I just tweeted about this matter, it didn't satisfy my urge to self-express. I am covering yoga at Shekinashram and popped into the kitchen after class. I was immediately drawn to and mesmerised by the Blendtec Express, in action on the worktop. They were blending up some goo for lunch, "Ooh what a lovely blender," I cooed as the girl in charge hustled me out from under her feet. My rapture for the Blendtec was merging with post-yogic bliss.
The question is what to do about equipment envy. As raw foodists, our approach may be high tech, low tech or something in between. I met a guy at a drumming camp who made his hemp milk using a pestle & mortar whilst my housemate spent £1000 on a Norwalk juicer. Chances are we have all seen a piece of kit that we want, that would be better than what we currently own.
I think that equanimity is the answer here, in other words I must choose to come into alignment with the yogic principle of santosa, or contentment. I am happy with what I have. My blender(Powermill)is sturdy, hard working and churns out great sauces & smoothies. I have identified an item that makes me feel good when I think about it, but I cannot allow that feeling to spiral into desire, which is often painful and causes suffering. Maybe someday a Blendtec will grace my kitchen and I look forward to that possibility becoming reality. Until then, maybe it's time to offer some karma yoga to the ashram, I'll get my hands on one faster that way...

Rainbow Raw event in Glastonbury this weekend

2009-01-09T18:36:00.003Z

Rainbow Healing Vision Gathering is taking place this weekend, 10th &
11th January at St Edmund's Community Hall, Windmill Hill, Glastonbury.

Come along 2pm - 10pm Sat, 12pm - 10pm Sun and join in with talking
circles, circle dancing, singing, percussion jamming, pilgrimage to
the Tor, yoga and children playing!

Saturday evening: Full Moon candelit drumming circle.
Sunday: vision council & art workshop for Beltane Rainbow Gathering.

Bring cushions, musical instruments and raw food to share. Children
welcome. Alcohol, drugs and negativity free!
Magic hat entry, suggested donation £3 per day/ £5 weekend.

For details contact Sally, 07793 032036/ 01458 830761

What I am eating

2009-01-07T16:18:00.007Z

I got an email a few days ago from a yoga client who eats high raw. We often chat about the raw diet. She wrote, "I am really intrigued as to know what sort of raw food you are eating."
It's a good question. There seems to be a great variety amongst raw foodists: perhaps one is into superfoods, another juice feasting, you may be a forager or gourmet.
I would say that my diet has changed a great deal and continues to change. I have been 100% raw for 3 (lunar) months and there is so much to explore. I do prefer to eat regular meals, in a traditional manner.
Right now I take a grapefruit ginger juice for breakfast along with whatever fruit tempts me: today a papaya, some strawberries and a couple of kiwis. Lunch is salad, boosted with seaweed and soaked seeds and courgette spaghetti made in my new Spirali. I'm into making a rich tomato sauce-dressing that I can keep for a couple of days in the fridge. I usually snack on fruit and dried fruit during the afternoon, I am trying to keep a lid on my dried fruit habit and wonder if I ate more at breakfast I would feel less the urge to snack. It could equally be habit. Evenings I eat a kind of raw oriental veg meal, much like a stir-fry, dressed in ginger, nama shoyu and sesame seeds. I often have a green juice also, or a smoothie. I try to eat early ie around 6pm so that I go to sleep with an empty stomach so I can really benefit from sleep and let the body truly rest and repair.

Raw pecan pie mini bites: they taste too good!

2009-01-04T16:48:00.005Z

I was bored, a little restless and rummaging around in my kitchen cupboards.Right now have a dried fruit mini-mountain. Dates and pecans, hmm what can I make with that? As a raw foodist the answer is a simple one: stick it in the blender, give it a whizz and see what happens. I also added some coconut chips and cinnamon. The mixture blended easily but came out a little dry. On a second attempt I would pre-soak, possibly in fresh orange juice and maybe add a little zest for sweet zinginess. In this instance I added a little flax oil for pliability and formed patties by cupping the mixture in my palms. Decorating with pecan halves seemed appropriate. I have to say that they taste too good; which means I will be sharing amongst my housemates to prevent a scoff-athon.

Raw apple pie

2009-01-02T17:37:00.009Z

Joseph had invited me to make banana bread with him as he had a huge pile of bargain ripe bananas. I too had banana abundance resulting from my pre-Christmas panic buying. Joe had pre-soaked golden flaxseed with dates and spices. This mixture was blended until smooth. Then he he added coconut chips that had been passed through a manual blender. I folded the mixture, it felt quite stiff, which was then poured onto a pie dish and smoothed over with a palette knife and dehydrated.

I blended some dates with fresh apple juice and ginger and added cinnamon to taste. The mixture was spread over the base. Then I sliced apples quite thinly and tossed in lemon juice before covering the surface. To finish I dusted some ground mixed seeds on top. Lush!

Supermarket sweep

2009-01-02T17:24:00.002Z

I just got back from the supermarket. I had a bumper spree: unexpectedly coming across lots of raw goodies in the post-holiday sell off of seasonal goods. I picked up large bags of shelled walnuts and pecans. Organic dates stuffed with almonds, trays of beautifully presented dried fruit all at 75% off. So now I have a stash of the good stuff squirrelled away to keep me going through the winter months lol.

Reflection and appreciation

2008-12-31T07:43:00.003Z

As the old year draws to a close I find myself reflecting back on the year that has been. I became raw in 2008; a significant and unexpected development that has had major repercussions in many areas of my life. I'd like to give thanks for the positive aspects :

How becoming raw is part of my spiritual evolution and has enabled me to surrender to my higher self.
How I am facing personal, familial, societal conditioning or karma around food and lovingly dissolving it.
How I find myself part of a raw tribe within my local community and for the friendship, support, social life and great meals that we share.
That I had a relatively short and smooth transition and was able to become fully raw and now begin to support others.
That I am supported by the wisdom of others, expecially the elders of the raw community: Viktor Kulvinskas, Gabriel Cousens, Doug Graham.
That I receive the support of the online community, in forums, personal blogs, YouTube videos.
That I am benefitting from the work of Rawntrepreneurs who are making living foods and superfoods available.

So much to be thankful for... Om shanti x

Abundance and restraint

2008-12-29T19:34:00.003Z

I surf a few raw food forums online and a regular theme is how rawees out there may be finding themselves socially isolated within their geographical community. I know myself to be blessed to be living amidst loving, creative raw fooders; particularly that one of us has been raw for over 10 years and is greatly accomplished in the raw kitchen, or raw temple as he calls it! This guy is talented and abundant; making and sharing wonderfully delicious creations such as curry, pizza, cake, burgers once or maybe twice a week.
The question is, can one have too much of a good thing? When faced with unlimited amounts fabulous food, beautifully presented, it is easy to just keep going and plough through platefuls of the stuff.
I have been consciously practising restraint, which is an aspect of abundance: it is a scarcity mentality that keeps me returning to put more on my plate. In the knowledge that there is always enough, that there will be another delicious meal in a matter of days, I choose justenough to satisfy my physical appetite, the stomach. It is a way of honouring the body and also honouring food itself. I treat this as spiritual practice, I am overriding my personal and familial conditioning, the binge mentality: Get it while you can, it won't last forever! There is much at stake here!
I find it helpful to verbalise, as I am declining say, that second slice of cake, I say aloud, 'I am practising restraint around eating.' Not so much to inform others, as much as a means of affirming my intention to myself. I intend for this behaviour to become self-reinforcing; that it becomes effortless, I will have re-patterned and re-programmed this aspect of my relationshipto food. Conscious eating indeed.

Raw resistance? Let it be

2008-12-26T09:59:00.006Z

Hanging out in the living room in the company of two friends, I'm seeing quite a bit of them lately. They are loving, creative, spiritual, intelligent beings. We hang out in a group, most of us are fully Raw. The Rawee's were in the kitchen preparing the meal. The subject turned to the raw diet, as it so often does, one of these guys a student naturopath with a keen and sincere interest in healing himself through diet, he has pursed the Gersen therapy and eats high raw.
As we chatted away it became quite clear to me that both friends were presenting classic arguments against following a totally raw diet: I am attached to cooked starches, the raw diet is unsuitable during winter, I could not digest a purely raw diet.
Naturally I had the counter arguments on the tip of my tongue: Cooked starch is addictive and acidifying, the raw food diet is infinitely adaptable and is easily modified to be heating during the winter. Your digestion will adapt, there is a transition stage that all raw fooders pass through.
Then it occurred to me how glad I was to have transitioned to a 100% raw diet. What a blessing to have their reflection back to me of my own progress, surety and commitment to the raw lifestyle. How lovely to have like minded friends who were open enough to engage the very personal and controversial area of nutrition and show genuine interest in my experience. How I needed to honour them and not try to press my point of view upon them. Be self-contained in my own experience and respectful of the view point of others. Let it be.

Christmas day: vibrant health & wellbeing

2008-12-26T09:42:00.003Z

A day spent in the pursuit of health, love and happiness, beginning with a sauna in a friend's garden; a mellow heat, seasonal aromatherapy blend (sweet orange, juniper, cedar wood, pine). Massage bars, green hemp juice, native american wood flute, mantra, green clay face masks. Being dowsed in cold water in the morning air then surrendering to the wet grass.
Headed off to the beach at lunchtime, a delightful excursion along the b roads of Somerset, snatching glimpses of other peoples Christmas' as we passed through villages and hamlets. The bay was broad and expansive, the sea itself far away with a low tide. Snacking on seaweed, linking arms, laughing and singing. Enjoying sweet herbal tea and clementines, then a long walk up onto the downs finally absorbing the mellow sunset. Tired and sleepy back to town, then the Christmas banquet was revealed, gladly devoured, gifts exchanged and music played.
A full day, of simple delights, vibrant health & well being. Wonderful.

I'm having the best Christmas ever....

2008-12-24T09:20:00.006Z

Last night, a group of raw friends gathered for a Christmas meal. The meal was gourmet, yet simple and light. Susannah had taken the time to emulate the elements of a traditional meal: crunchy strips of parsnip, a raw turkee burger, veloute cranberry and date sauce, heck she had even dehydrated the humble brussel sprout, which tasted like a delicacy. We fell silent during the feast, which is a sign that the food was really good. I had brought along plump medjool dates enclosing a freshly hand shelled walnut pieces. We also shared a Carob Gold bar, supplied by its creator, between seven of us it was just the right amount. Throw in some gentle humour supplied by christmas crackers and some merry singing of carols and you have a group of happy Rawees. Merry Christmas everyone.

Raw friendly people everywhere!

2008-12-23T09:44:00.006Z

In the run-up to Christmas it seems that every place I go there are mincepies or gingerbread or similar seasonal treats on offer. So I find myself politely declining, if pressed I tell ppl I am eating a raw fruit & veg diet and I am so pleased at how supportive and raw friendly their responses have been.
Ok, so I'm living in Glastonbury and it's an open-minded, alternative, creative, spiritual community. Most commonly I am asked what I will eat on Christmas day, so I talk about a Christmas spiced orange and cran juice, dried figs and dates, and how good it feels to eat lightly and frugally.
Yesterday evening I visited a friend who offered me dinner, as a spur of the moment thing. Her daughter put together a delicous salad in a few minutes and they were pleasantly surprised at how satisfying and straightforward a salad could be on a winter's evening. No stress socialising!

Coffee at dawn?

2008-12-21T16:41:00.003Z

I had a funny moment this morning. Today is midwinter solstice, the shortest day, the point at which the sun being furthest from us begins its' return. In Glastonbury this is a big deal, with so many within the community wishing to honour the day and the seasonal rythm. With a dawn ceremony scheduled, I dropped into the main house to collect housemates. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee met me as I stepped through the door. In a reguar household, this would be a sign to continue in and perhaps share a breakfast beverage. In a raw household however, it can mean only one thing - coffee enema. I tiptoed quietly back to my annex and had a quiet giggle.

Rawkin' around the Christmas tree?

2008-12-19T19:22:00.010Z

An unexpected benefit of the RawFood lifestyle: my experience of Christmas is being transformed. Last year, as a cooked fooder I had a very merry time with fun-loving girlfriends in a rented seaside cottage, close to Totnes. We lolled around in our pyjamas, experimented with eye make-up, watched entire series of the Mighty Boosch and of course ate utterly unfeasible amounts of food, most of it rich, fatty and sweet. For us then as it is for many now, Christmas is a binge.

What a difference a year makes; 6 months into my transition, 2 months fully raw; this Christmas will be simple and stripped back. Maybe a spicy cran-orange-cinnnamon juice to get the day going, probably some dried fruit nibbles, a world away from the traditional meal. I marvel at how adaptable we are: to be able to shed years of personal conditioning and move awayf from heaviness and excess. How unappetising the traditional meal seems to me now. Raw food = light relief .

Raw seed porridge

2008-12-16T08:43:00.003Z

It is mid-winter and this year the weather is truly... wintry. This morning there is a cold mist and the temperature shows zero degrees. I've started to make raw seed porridge. I don't eat this every day, it is oily and rich. When I feel the need for a hearty breakfast I take this with a grapefruit, orange and ginger juice.
All quantities are to taste, other ingredients are easily substituted for personal preference.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup sunflower seeds soaked in pure water overnight, rinsed, drained
8 - 9 almonds soaked in pure water overnight, rinsed, drained
tbsp golden flax dry ground in blender
tbsp sesame seeds dry ground in blender
1/2 tbsp maca powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
tsp raw honey
1 banana sliced
cup whole mixed fresh berries

Method:
Blend the wet almonds and sunflower seeds until roughly chopped.
Place in bowl.
Add dry ingredients.
Heat some water to preferred temperature, pour over mixture.
Add fruit, honey to taste.

Enjoy!

Addicted to sugar?

2008-12-12T19:39:00.006Z

On his blog today, Keving Gianni set the question ' Are you addicted to sugar?' Wow what a hot topic, certainly amongst raw vegans and all those who are developing a conscious relationship with food. Sugar pacifies and dopes me. I love sweet foods. Hmm maybe they don't love me back. However, I don't find it helpful to think of myself in terms of being I addicted, the law of attraction operates in such a way as to create reality to reflect our thoughts. Addiction. What a loaded term. There's a really heavy mind set that goes with addiction, to do with loss of control, destructive behaviour, self blame and wanting to be something other than one is in the present moment. I prefer to take a more self-empowered standpoint; such as 'in the past I have chosen to eat sugar rich food'. I can no longer stand divided against myself, wherein I have a choice of attitudes, good behaviours = good me, bad behaviours = bad me. Self love, that's where it's at. Love is all there is.

Unexplained rash - raw cacao related?

2008-12-11T07:36:00.009Z

EEK! Awaken this morning and notice a sore, angry rash just below my collarbone. I am tentatively linking this to raw cacao consumption on the basis that; I am not prone to skin rashes, that this is a topic of some discussion, controversy even, within the raw food community. To be frank, I been eating an increased amount of raw cacao products recently; in the last couple of days have sampled Booja Boojay truffles and eaten a 40g bar of Conscious Chocolate both days, in addition to heaping a tablespoon of nibs into my breakfast smoothie. For several months I have been using raw nibs and beans with no apparent adverse effects. So, I don't want to be in denial about this issue, however I am moved to wonder whether or not there might be another ingredient causing the aggravation: agave maybe? Or is it down to the quantity of cacao consumed? Maybe there is a culmulative effect taking place? Hmm. Many questions. I am ok sitting with the questions and the not knowing. The obvious next step is to refrain from purchasing raw choc products, which is kind of a relief as they are pretty pricey and I was getting quite into it, lol. I've added a link to Kevin Gianni's blog. Kevin is a prominent raw foods promoter and natural health journalist, he has addressed the issue, his experience is recent, personal and pertinent.

http://renegadehealth.com/blog/my-personal-cacao-incident/

http://renegadehealth.com/blog/more-on-the-cacao-incident/

Adventures in juicing

2008-12-10T18:29:00.009Z

I have found out from my blog stats that I am getting a lot of hits to a post that mentions juicing. As I have been getting more experimental lately, I'll share my experiences now. It's because in British mid-winter I lack the motivation to trek into town, up and down a hill to shop for food. It's so warm and cosy in my place. So I am making do with what I already have in the fridge, so some colourful and unexpected combinations are arising. Firstly pineapple, passionfruit, goji. Man, this one is full on. Even diluted. I am still deciding whether or not I like pineapple juiced, I found it so satisfying devouring fresh chunks of the fruit which is extreme juicy in its own right and most enjoyable too. Today I sent some fairly ripe conference pears down the shute, followed by Cox's apples, so an orchard blend. Together with ginger root which accompanies everything at this time of year. The juice was extremely sweet, almost syrupy, I conclude this one to be a success as I find pears uninteresting to eat whole. Finally, fresh coriander. I buy the stuff in bunches and chop into salads. It also makes for good juicing material, lending a subtle taste to carrot juice. Reputed benefits include its antibiotic properties and potential to reduce heavy metal toxicity, for more information see below.

http://www.kitchendoctor.com/articles/cilantro.html

Raw chocolate heaven: Booja Booja time

2008-12-09T18:46:00.003Z

OMG am having the most ecstatic raw chocolate experience EVER. It's not my style to be enthusiastic for the sake of it. Trust me when I say that Booja Booja raw choc truffles are truly wonderful. I encountered them in my local health food store, Earthfare on Glastonbury High St, in the refridgerator. The display was about 1/3 full, in other words the discerning citizens of Glasto are getting stuck in. As did I, the product comes in a teeny two truffle pack, or a compact 8 truffle box (pictured). Rasperry & dark chocolate are the flavours available, Ingredients: cacao solids, agave, coconut oil, water from reverse osmosis, cacao powder. Fresh Network is selling them, describing them as 'Rawgasmic,' lol you can also get them from Funky Raw. Well they are cube shaped, enough for one man bite or two lady sized mouthfuls. They are dusted with cacao powder, so you go straight to chocolate. Inside, there is a thick and unctuous ganache, it is just unbelievable how good they taste. Everyone I know will be getting these for Xmas, the only problem will be how to avoid noshing the lot myself, lol.

BBC radio archive: the food programme on the raw diet

2008-12-08T16:49:00.004Z

I found this article on the BBC radio archive. I applaud the presenter's attempt to experience the raw lifestyle, albeit for 6 days. She didn't endure! She encountered some common pitfalls, here are some suggestions for those new to raw.
- Not knowing how to approach eating,what to eat, not eating enough. Get information rich, written, audio and video articles are available free on the web.
- Social isolation. Get connected: Join an online support group, check out the noticeboard in your local health store or organic co-op for raw events.
- Obstacles when eating out: Be pragmatic: At the start of your raw journey it may be easier to avoid this scanario, make alternate plans with friends that don't centre on food eg take a trip to the cinema. When you are more comfortable and familiar with the lifestyle, choose restaurants that offer decent salads. Have a light, breezy answer prepared for when people ask you why you are raw, such as , "I enjoy it."
- Attempting to go 100% raw overnight. Take your time, be easy on yourself . Over time you will accrue the skills, information, techonology and support to transition fully.
-Expecting to maintain other lifestyle choices Remain open to the possibility of change in other areas. Your shopping and socialising patterns will almost certainly change.

Sunday evening social

2008-12-08T08:31:00.005Z

Sunday evenings are turning into a regular raw event, there are about 8 or 9 of us who gather weekly in one or another of our homes to share food and music. We are all friends and have existing social connections with each other, which is a strong aspect of Glastonbury living; it is a spiritual community, more of a village than a town really. So we have hemp activist and entrepreneur, re-birthers, permaculturists, a naturopath and myself, a yoga teacher & holistic bodyworker. Between us we usually end up with 4 guitars on the go, silver flutes, drums, assorted recorders and percussion. It's a mixture of bhajan, jamming, personal compositions. A perfect complement to the high vibration of the food.

Berry banana breakfast superfood smoothie

2008-12-06T11:14:00.004Z

I'm getting into smoothies for breakfast; here is my current fave.

Ingredients:

2 small bananas

1 cup blueberry

1 cup blackberry

1/4 cup sunflower seeds, soaked overnight, rinsed, drained.

Tbsp cacao nibs

Tsp maca powder

Tsp bee pollen

Tsp raw honey

Cinnamon to taste

Method:

Place all ingredients in blender, blend on low speed for 30 secs or so

Serve: In tall glass. For a thicker texture, ccan be chilled in refridgerator for up to half hour..

Remember to wipe away moustache after consumption! Enjoy x

Cosmic carrots

2008-12-05T13:44:00.002Z

I just scored some beautiful carrots at our local healthfood store on Glastonbury High St. They are robust looking specimens, longer than your average carrot and decidly less sweet. I have done a little research, they are an heirloom variety, cosmic carrot, very appropriate for Glasto! It has been suggested that they would make a good coleslaw; I'm gonna juice 'em.

http://www.seedfest.co.uk/seeds/carrots/carrots.html

David Wolfe audio interview online

2008-12-04T19:28:00.003Z

There's a lot of interesting content out there on the web these days. David Wolfe is truly passionate about ... being passionate and creating optimum health and wellbeing. Love him or loathe him he is well worth a listen. I always glean a few nuggets from him or a fresh perspective. In this case I found his section on healing our relationship with our parents thougth provoking.

http://www.welikeitraw.com/rawfood/2008/12/interview-with.html

Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days

2008-12-03T16:27:00.003Z

The full version of theis independent documentary featuring Gabriel Cousens is available to view online. Here's the info:

Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days is an independent documentary film that chronicles six Americans with 'incurable' diabetes switching their diet and getting off insulin.The film follows each participant's remarkable journey and captures the medical, physical, and emotional transformations brought on by this radical diet and lifestyle change. We witness moments of struggle, support, and hope as what is revealed, with startling clarity, is that diet can reverse disease and change lives.

Additional wisdom is provided by Morgan Spurlock, Woody Harrelson, Anthony Robbins, Rev. Michael Beckwith, and Doctors Fred Bisci, Joel Furman, and Gabriel Cousens.

http://www.onlinedocumentaries4u.com/2008/12/simply-raw-reversing-diabetes-in-30.html

Food, emotions

2008-12-03T12:39:00.003Z

It's a huge and important topic, worthy of a blog in its own right. I have been thinking about the relationship with food and emotions. This is not new for me however since I became fully raw it is easily apparent when I am using food for non-nutritional purposes; mechnically eating an unreasonable amount of dried fruit, or meandering over to the fridge late in the evening when I am alone. I much prefer to allow true hunger to develop rather than continuously pacifying myself or numbing out with food. There is a kind of beauty in the feeling of emptiness that enables me to feel highly emotionally alive, even though the feelings that present my be uncomfortable, or what we would deem negative; sadness, fear, loneliness. And food is a great panacea for subduing feelings of stress - anything to do with overwhelment and panic is easily soothed through eating; distracting oneself and taking the physical sensations away. I came across the following article: How Food Affects Your Mind Body Spirit by Janice Polansky, MS, MBA which I recommend as a sincere and straightforward perspective on this issue. The author is not a raw vegan, nonetheless she highlights the link between availablility of key nutrients in raw versus processed foods.
Peace to all.

Eat your greens, drink your greens

2008-12-02T19:00:00.003Z

I feel as though I have crossed an important threshold on my raw journey: I am really getting into greens. Maybe its the wintry climate, salad leaves now are flimsy and greens deliver on all levels; being broad, robust and pungent and dark. Also, one is buying British seasonal veg, which creates a feel good factor. So as I type on my left I have my soon to be supper. Green juice of kale, cucumber, lime and ginger. Wraps of beansprouts, carrot, salad onion and avocado on greens, smeared with umeboshi paste. Yum!

Raw food event in Glastonbury this week

2008-11-25T09:47:00.000Z

Going within by going without A talk and discussion about cleansing and purification of the body and soul, with Free Love Cannabis.
Thursday 27th November, the Miracles Room – Glastonbury Experience. 6.30 – 9.30 pm – donations welcome.
Subjects to be covered: cleansing, fasting, urine therapy, benefits of raw/live foods, hemp nutrition and a very personal account of Free’s recent 40 day spiritual fast in the mountains of southern Spain. Contact : 01458 835769 freecannabis23@hotmail.com

Winter abundance

2008-11-25T09:43:00.004Z

A glance up at the skyline reveals that the trees have shed their leaves, which I take to mean that autumn is over and we are turning to face winter. My first raw winter and conventional dietary advice tells us that this is when we need to heat ourselves with warm food; soups, casseroles and slow roasts. I am pleased to say that I do not feel this to be so. Moreover there is an abundance of delicious produce available during the season; the shiny fragrant satsuma, dark green winter greens. It is at this time of year that supermarkets have for sale raw nuts in shells; I have found walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts and almonds. This is a real boost as the nut is at its most fresh; they look beautiful displayed in a bowl, forming a connection to the cycle of the seasons. Moreover the fact of having to crack the nuts open, manually, one at a time is an exercise in pure mindfulness and it slows one’s nut consumption considerably, I have found!

Micro meals

2008-11-21T10:59:00.000Z

I frequently pop into the main house and find the guys standing at the counter nibbling on various raw items. Today, Joe having been to Wells market was offering plump dried figs, harissa paste and a choice of greek olives with flat leaf parsley. A little of each combines in a delicious mouthful. Micro meals.

Supporting the body through seasonal change: bodycare recommendations

2008-11-19T15:36:00.002Z

I work as a holistic therapist, having studied ayurveda, massage and natural skincare. I am also a veteran spa goer, having spent many blissful hours receiving treatments in salons such as Aveda, Clarins, Elemis and Champneys. I love bodycare products and adjust my routine seasonally to effect maximum personal wellbeing. It occurs to me that we can support our raw food lifestyle through judicious choices and creating a seasonal routine to boost metabolism and immunity, for optimum wellbeing.

Morning: energising, enlivening. Begin with dry skin brushing, which stimulates the lymph and circulatory systems. You can pick up a brush in most chemists & health food stores. It should be a little larger than your palm, in natural bristle. Use light, fluid strokes from the extremities to the centre of the body.
Take a short, hot shower; I use Dr Bronners Hemp Citrus Orange pure liquid soap.

On a weekly basis you might create an exfoliating treatment using dry sea salt crystals mixed with a little olive oil. Apply all over the body with light vigorous movements, scrubbing is not advised.

Evening: Bathing twice a day is important energetically. Here the emphasis is on warming and gently detoxifying. Right now I am using Rosemary bath & shower gel from Avalon organics. Avoid heavy oils and creams before bed as the skin should be clean to optimize metabolic processes whilst we are sleeping.

I am taking a weekly oil massage. Aromatherapy makes sense at this time of year, again the emphasis is on warming and gently detoxifying. For a personal blend I favour clove and orange, or juniper and ginger. Neals Yard Remedies have some great organic blends. It is more appropriate to go for a vigorous massage with percussive movements, rather than a soothing and relaxing technique. The emphasis here is on maintaining a faster metabolism, keeping heat in the body.

When cravings come up…

2008-11-19T15:35:00.000Z

I have been experiencing strong food cravings. I have a strong sense that this is not linked to nutritional deficiency, as within my raw diet I am developing preferences for certain foods at certain times which do seem to be nutrient linked. For example, right now I am eating raw garlic on salads, daily. I take this to be a healthy, appropriate choice, responding to my body’s genuine requirements. At the same time, I have urges for foods that have limited nutritional value, such as cheese, sausage rolls (?) and chocolate biscuits. I feel certain that this is emotional as these foods are inert and fatty. The effect of eating such foods is to create heaviness in the body and dullness in the mind. If we are to become light, loving joyful beings; channels of spirit and source energy, then we need to support ourselves and facilitate this through food choices. This the fundamental rationale of the raw food diet as it relates to me and my life’s journey. Gabriel Cousens explores this perspective thoroughly in Spiritual Nutrition. I am also waiting for Angela Stokes to publish Raw Emotions in hard copy.

Andrew & Angela Davis at the Glastonbury Positive Living Group

2008-11-15T11:23:00.000Z

It was a great evening last Weds at the Town Hall. I arrived early to find Samadho juicing away on a Greenstar (celery & apple). Chocolate truffles were laid out in neat piles in anticipation of the audience. Free turned up with yet more truffles and juice and the Anastasia books. I enjoyed the talk; Andrew related his journey into raw, offering personal insight, supported by Angela. The audience were engaged and asked a range of pertinent questions. What struck me most was how this lovely and talented couple have a genuine wish to reach out into community, connecting with others and sharing their skills. A real heart warmer. Angela is holding a beautiful vision of a gardening school for children; she is looking for suitable land in the Glastonbury area.

Glastonbury Positive Living Group: "Raw Food for the Future".

2008-11-11T09:38:00.002Z

I am very excited about this one...This Wednesday 12th November the Glastonbury Positive Living Group will be welcoming Andrew and Angela Davis who will be giving a talk entitled "Raw Food for the Future".Andrew & Angela are behind The Raw Food School Taking place at the the Town Hall. No need to book. . Lovely relaxed friendly atmosphere. Everyone welcome.Doors open 7.00pmT opic of the evening 7.30pm Social and refreshments 9.00pm Doors close 10.00pm Admission £5/£4 concs (includes refreshments). Peace out x

Radical permaculture: the Cuban response to Peak Oil

2008-11-09T10:56:00.001Z

Last Wednesday, I watched the short film 'The Power of Community' It was screened as part of the Glastonbury Transition Town initiative. In essence, the locals begun to grow their own food…. everywhere! Reclaiming city space & making ingenious use of domestic gardens. How powerful and inspiring to see how community was strengthened as the Cubans found creative solutions to externally imposed financial restraints, becoming self-resourcing, happier and healthier.

From my perspective as a RawFoodist, I was mesmerised by the variety and volume of fresh produce that had been grown and was being sold in local markets. It was interesting to note that for maximum sustainability the crops favoured were fruits & veggies, perfect for a raw diet!

Watch the film now: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-66172489666918336

Get ready to choc!

2008-11-05T13:38:00.000Z

Are we on the cusp of a raw chocolate revolution? This would seem to be the entrepreneurial path of choice here in Glastonbury: in the last few days I have had conversations with two guys, both of whom are chocolatiers in waiting.

I am intrigued by this phenomenon; a ferret around local stores yields a wide choice of raw chocolate, from established brands such Pure Chocolate and Conscious Chocolate (surprisingly the ubiquitous Shazzie is nowhere to be seen). There is already a steady presence of offerings from local talent.

I wonder whether raw chocolate has the potential to fuel us on all levels: nutritionally, spiritually, emotionally and also financially?A true superfood indeed.

Dining out with non-rawfoodists

2008-11-03T13:36:00.000Z

Saturday evening I was invited to dinner as a ‘thank you’ for assisting at a green event in Glastonbury town hall. I was intrigued to find out how I would react to this classic challenge that many rawfooders encounter at some point ie eating socially with non-rawfoodists and being in a predominately cooked food environment.

I had read enough blogs and threads on raw forums to feel sufficiently prepared. I was in safe territory; Glastonbury High St, my home town and whole food eateries whichever direction one turns. And then my companion suggested a pub. Gulp. I knew this was potentially dodgy, having visions of hunks of iceberg lettuce and watery tomatoes and so in a bold move I outed myself, announcing that I didn’t eat cooked food.

We headed to the Hundred Monkeys café, I was mightily relieved. Not only is it a lovely space with great atmosphere and laidback friendly service, they offer a designated raw salad. It came with sprouts, olives & cashews. Yum! I encountered some friendly, genuine questions about the raw food lifestyle, which didn’t feel intrusive.

I did have to deal with a spiky comment from one of the party, I just had to let it go. I also had a wonderful drink that I am going to attempt to recreate: hot apple juice with ginger and cinnamon. Delicious and cider-like. Not strictly raw, so in my version I will juice apple and ginger together and warm slightly with added cinnamon. Oh, I just remembered I no longer have pans in my kitchen, doh!

Cold weather, warm food?

2008-11-01T11:28:00.002Z

It may seem counter-intuitive to pursue a raw diet during the winter. Here in the UK, the weather has turned sharply cold. I had been expecting to hanker for warmer foods, soups, stews, stodge, yet this has not been the case. Following a forage on Exmoor with friends in seemingly freezing temperatures we piled into a pub for warmth and roaring fires. I was perfectly content with spring water and am still very satisfied with salads, fruit and juices. Which is pleasing to me.

David Wolfe event in Glastonbury Tuesday 28th October

2008-10-27T11:20:00.004Z

Perhaps the ultimate Raw entrepreneur, David Wolfe, will be speaking in Glastonbury tomorrow evening, Tuesday 28th October between 6.30pm - 8.30pm. It looks to be a low key event and I am looking forward to being in David's presence and feeling the full force of his aura/life force lol.

I hope I will get to hear David's perspective Glastonbury and Avalon, in terms of energies, healing and community.

To book for this event call : 01458 830763

Glastonbury Raw Potluck @ Bridie's Yard

2008-10-27T11:09:00.004Z

Last Sat (25th Oct) I went along to a Raw Potluck evening at Bridies' Yard. If you have not heard of Bridies, it is an organic food co-operative and community centre. So an ideal venue.

The event was organised and hosted by Andrew Davis and Angela Miller of the Raw Food School . It was great to meet them, although I have met Angela before briefly in Glastonbury. Andrew is energetic, passionate and full of vision and I respect and admire the couple for the work they are doing and the high standard of professionalism of their business. Andrew was speaking with great enthusiasm about the future of Raw Foodism in Glastonbury, and the possibility of other Raw entrepreneurs doing business in town. How wonderful!

There was plenty of delicious food, ( which I will photograph next time!). Moreover it was very satisfying to connect up with local Raw Fooders, some of whom had travelled from Bristol to attend.

Rawkathon 2008

2008-10-20T18:13:00.003+01:00

Have just listened to Gabriel Cousens interview as part of Kevin Gianni's Rawkathon. I felt humbled by his perspective on the raw diet, he sees it as a spiritual tool to enable a closer connection to the divine and ultimately a means of healing the planet. I was pleased to have my perspective refreshed, as so much of the commentary on raw foods focusses on the nutritional and health benefits. How wonderful to be able to share in the wisdom of a raw food pioneer and elder, a true guru. Having viewed the schedule I am looking forward to hearing Douglas Graham speak tomorrow and Viktoras Kulvinskas later in the week.

Getting juicy

2008-10-20T18:09:00.003+01:00

Following my recent foray in to the land of choc truffles, with subsequent cacao comedown I have been juicing with increased vigour & motivation today, I prepared double my usual amount, thus reserving a portion for when I return from yoga class later, indeed I shall look forward to it, hmmm, juice meditation anyone?

Chocc'd out, feel a little queeezy...

2008-10-19T23:04:00.003+01:00

Have been enjoying my raw choc creations, a bit too much. Have been combining some very rich ingredients, quite fatty and now... I wish I hadn't.

Of course the RawFood way is an especially healthful way of approaching diet & nutrition. I seem to have imported some old habits with me, such as over-indulgence of treats. Hmmm. Still a girl can allow herself a little slack where chocolate is concerned, it is preferable to experiencing the symptoms of raging PMS.

Also this is an opportunity for emotional healing. We can intervene on cycles of self-blame and criticism, right now before those voices can make themselves heard, by pre-empting negative thoughts with loving kindness, self-acceptance, forgiveness. After all tomorrow is another day and I feel like the need for a clean out, plenty of green juice and having prepared fruit on hand in case of snack attacks.
Peace out.

Raw apple cake, nettle tea, choco-banana-bliss truffles

2008-10-19T07:42:00.002+01:00

The guys next door have an apple based diet at the moment as they are harvesting an orchard. Sally has an ingenious use for the pulp which remains from juicing, she adds cinnamon, avocado and sultanas to create a raw apple cake, which is totally delish, very much like apple strudel.
It seems to work as breakfast and a raw pudding. I am inspired by their natural frugality and use of ingredients, whatever is available, so nettle tea becomes the drink of choice.

So our new relationship as co-tenants has a strong food theme, lol. My contribution was some choco-banana-bliss truffles, so a contrast there in term of the sourcing of the ingredients. However, they were much appreciated and went down well.

I find that with raw puddings, desserts and treats it's so easy, you can't get it wrong it seems. Unlike conventional baking where there is the baking time and temperature which is a critical factor, with raw it's all in the prep. So a matter of taking one's ingredients and combining to achieve one's preferred taste and texture, then there is the fun, the play of presentation, in this case rolling gooey balls into powdered chocolate, wonderful.

Here's the recipe & method:
Pulverise cacao nibs into powder using blender.
Same with goji berries and mixed seeds.
Melt raw honey in a small plastic bowl by letting it sit in a larger bowl of hot water.
Mash bananas with a fork, the riper the better.
Combine to your taste and texture preference, I like to add a little cinnamon powder.
Chill mixture in fridge for 30 mins.
Roll in cacao powder, keep chilled and consume quickly!

Luvverly new housemates, apple, ginger, hemp juice

2008-10-18T14:53:00.001+01:00

Have a luvverly couple of housemates just moved in. They have been harvesting the apple crop locally for the last couple of months and have an abundance of apples, as you might well imagine. I was presented with a cup of foamy sweet juice a little while ago. It tasted blissful, just the right amount of ginger, balanced by the sweetiness of the apple with hempiness coming through. They are using a hand cranked machine so there was a nice texture. Yum yum and very moreish...

Juicing broccoli?

2008-10-17T21:16:00.000+01:00

I've really got into juicing, its so much fun and satisying not to mention totally delicious. I am pleased with my juicer, I went for a Compact juicer. I have a teeny tiny kitchen and it does indeed have a small footprint. I like the colour, tres important! I had read some favourable reviews and it seemed like a good price, (£139 including delivery).

It runs quietly and confidently and can handle hard veg such as carrots quite easily, the pulp produced is reasonably dry, It dissembles easily and is quickly cleaned and re-assembled.

My favourite juices thus far are: watercress & orange, orange and beetroot. I tried to be a bit more hardcore ie produce a greener, more serious juice. So I forced some broccoli in there with some spinach and lemon, yes, hardcore. It's not really me, seems that I am all about the juice and sweetness tee hee!

The time to blog is now

2008-10-17T14:14:00.001+01:00

I felt strongly that I wanted to blog now, because a couple of days ago I had a major turning point with the Raw diet, I gave up cooked food. Prior to that I was eating soup with steamed veggies in the evenings and I was happy with that. So I had my regular meal and and it just felt wrong, sitting in my stomach. I felt physically very uncomfortable and the feeling persisted almost to the point of nausea. I knew that this was it, the end of cooked. So my transition from cooked to raw lasted 4 months.

Playing with our food!

2008-10-17T14:04:00.000+01:00

One of the fun elements of this lifestyle is that possibility of playing with our food. Anything that keeps the inner child happy is fine by me. Every salad is a composition, to be arranged thoughtfully, perhaps as a mandala or a free form colour explosion. So how could this diet ever be boring?