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Tag Archives: Living la Vida Raw
DC Raw/Vegan Spot: Elizabeth’s Gone Raw
This past weekend for my birthday extravaganza, I was surprised with a five course decadent meal at Elizabeth’s Gone Raw. If you don’t know, Elizabeth’s is open on Friday’s only, open for reservations from 6pm to 9pm, and is pretty much the only dining experience in the DC area where you can get a gourmet raw meal. The restaurant has been up and running since 2009, and was started by Elizabeth Petty, a breast cancer survivor who parlayed her new lifestyle and love of food into the venture.
Only one word to sum up this experience. INCREDIBLE! If you have the means, I highly recommend you experience this once a week event and be sure to leave sufficient room in your stomach for all the yummy courses. You could even get away with fasting or eating extremely light and then heading over for dinner, because trust, you don’t want to miss eating anything they set in front of you on the table. If you are a foodie, even if you are a meat lover, you’ll feel like you’ve died and gone to tasty eating heaven.
Every single dish had such intricate texture and flavor, and they do an incredible job of pairing wines with the meal if you are a drinker. I don’t drink alcohol, but still had several wonderful virgin drinks including the goji berry tonic, which was wonderful. All of the courses were amazing, but I was borderline obsessed with their kale chips that had just the right amount of spiciness paired with the warm tomato soup, the beet carpaccio, and the decadent maple sassafras cheesecake. The best part about the evening was that we left very full, but not bloated and ready to take a nap in that way you feel after gorging on Standard American Diet foods.
For more info on Elizabeth’s Gone Raw visit their website: http://www.elizabethsonlstreet.com/
-XoXo Raw Girl
Collard Green Salad w/ Grapefruit Vinaigrette
To kick off my Master’s program this first semester one of the classes I’m enrolled in is a cooking class. Best part so far was receiving a some awesome knives in the mail, a cutting board, apron, and other goodies. I made this salad and vinaigrette last week for one of my first assignments to practice a few of the cutting techniques for that lesson. Eating collard greens as a salad is amazing, but for me the trick is to always use a bit of oil, vinegar (or lemon), and sea salt to massage the greens prior to adding toppings or dressing. This not only make the greens more flavorful, it also just makes it easier for the body to break them down. If collard greens are still too much for you to handle alone, try mixing in spinach or arugula. Below is the recipe for the vinaigrette which amazingly enough has a creamy texture that is really nice. For the salad, dice up your collards whatever way you like them, and add toppings. I used fresh baby tomatoes from the garden, yellow pepper, and avocado. -XoXo Raw Girl
Grapefruit Vinaigrette
2 grapefruits
3 cloves diced garlic
1 Tablespoons Agave Nectar
Pinch of Sea Salt
1/4 cup olive oill
1-2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
Blend, pour onto salad, enjoy!
Raw Girl’s Adventures in NYC
Last weekend I had a very lovely time in the big apple. Part of what made it so wonderful besides the great company, was all of the yummy vegan fare I had from new and old favorite spots. Although I am always hyperaware of the “toxic” environment, the veg cuisine makes me happy enough to get through a weekend.
As soon as I arrived in the city, the Kombucha Brooklyn hunt began! Ever since I was introduced to their brand at Wanderlust, I’ve been madly in love. After hitting up a few places that sell it, only to find out they were out of stock, I finally scored the most amazing Kombucha flavor I’ve ever had at Graffitea in the East Village, burnt chamomile. If you can get your hands on this flavor, do, just for the experience. It has such and amazing full bodied flavor, that’s hard to explain. After one sip, I was dreaming about ordering it by the caseloads. Instead I may have to bite the bullet and start finding time to brew my own. Shout out to the lovely ladies at Birdbath Bakery in the village who gave us free vegan chocolate chip cookies because they were out of buch.
Want to kill your parasites with one juice? Had a crazy potent juice from Juice Press called “Drink Your Salad,” which is spicy (warning!) and includes ripe tomato, carrot, celery, beet, parsley, kale, spinach, lemon, along with a pinch of cayenne, onion, garlic, and sea salt. There’s also one called “Volcano” which includes a two ounce shot of cold pressed ginger, oil of oregano, lime, and cayenne extract. Without a doubt, one of those a day for a week would help you clean house of parasites, or just recalibrate your immune system, FAST! If your aren’t concerned about the buggers and need to satisfy your sweet tooth, the desserts are also pretty awesome. I tried their raw sweet potato pie and also tasted the raw key lime pie. The raw sweet potato pie was hands down, my favorite.
One of the nights out on the town, I went to Cafe Blossom with some friends and had a wonderful meal. My favorite things on their uptown menu thus far are the beet ravioli and autumn sweet potato rolls. So delish! Can’t wait to try more next time.
Besides all the good eats out on the town, one of my favorite people on the planet had us over for a lunch that included flaxseed crackers, raw hummus, red peppers, cucumber ceviche, raw sesame cashews that tasted like cracker jacks (also from Juice Press), and (gasp!) an avocado/mango guacamole that was unbelievable. After all of this good eating and lots of reconnecting with some of my favorite people, I was treated to a hot stone massage. Best. Idea. Ever. More on that later. -XoXo Raw Girl
Inspiration to Go RAW!
A lot of people on the raw path have mentioned to me the pressure they feel to be 100% raw. My philosophy after being 100% for a long while and then shifting to around 90% or more on a given day depending on how I feel and where I am is that YOU should do YOU. Follow your bliss. Healthy living shouldn’t ever be strained or stressful. If you find yourself focused on trying to maintain dietary restrictions and it’s causing you drama, by all means necessary allow yourself more freedom. A lot of people can attest to the fact that there is something wonderful and even somewhat magical about being in the 100% raw zone, but anyone can get massive benefits just by incorporating more raw foods into their diet. The only way you can know it for sure, is to go for it! Check out below an inspirational post from my buddy Aiya, creator of Black Vegan Love who is currently on a 100% raw fast. -XoXo Raw Girl
When I first learned about a raw food diet in 2007 I was reluctant to try it. Being vegan with so many dietary exclusions (due to many many food allergies) was already difficult at the time, but to limit my diet even more?? I didn’t think I could do it. But nonetheless, my BFF Olayinka and I aimed to try it for at least a month. We had such an amazing healing experience, we ended up doing 100% rawfor 8 months. I even stayed raw during a trip to Paris (that ish was definitely a test of my will, with all their amazing culinary preparations lol).
I gotta be real with you though…
The first few weeks were a nightmare for me. I went through a detox to end all detoxes. I was tired all the time and had to virtually camp out beside the toilet. This lasted 3 full weeks. But after that first month passed something started to happen. I actually started to feel good. Not just kinda good, really really good! Like the best I’d ever felt in my life!
I felt blissful and light, my nose finally stopped running (was a problem since I was a child), I stopped needing to take asthma medicine. The occasional headaches I had disappeared. Menstrual cycles no longer were a problem. My overall energy increased. My stomach aches went away. Skin cleared up. My indoor and outdoor allergies became a thing of the past. And I became regular like nobody’s business (lmao, sorry had to go there lol).
Here’s a list of the foods that I couldn’t eat (since childhood) before going raw. All of which I could eat (and still can eat) afterwards.
Walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, cashews, macadamia nuts, sunflower seeds, kidney beans, split peas, lentils, chickpeas, pineapple, and a gagillion more!
To me it was nothing short of a miracle. I started tripping out over the prospect. Food can do this!?! Why didn’t anyone tell me this before!?! Who else knows about this? Lol.
This is why I have maintained an 80% raw diet since then, while always aiming for 100%.
But don’t take my word for it. Nothing to it but to do it!!
To learn more about Aiya, check out and like her page on Facebook: Black Vegan Love.
Kombucha: The Ultimate Health Tonic
Locally brewed Kombucha on tap is my favorite!
In about seven years or so, Kombucha has gone from a relatively obscure tea that raw foodists and other health enthusiasts drink to a super tonic touted by a wide range of companies that have taken over the refrigerated drink sections of natural food stores. Now you can easily find kombucha in original form, and every flavor from goji berry to ginger. If you know me well, you know I live for kombucha. I cannot remember who for the life of me introduced me to it years ago, but since then I’ve been hooked. When I’m in Raw Girl mode and tapped into all my vegan superhero powers, kombucha is an essential part of my diet that is non-negotiable because it always helps to bring my body back to balance, and keep me energized.
Kombucha has been around since ancient times and there are many stories on where it may have originated. One common thread is that it began in China during the Qin Dynasty and eventually spread to other regions including Russia and Eastern Europe where it is called “kvass.” There are variations of kombucha called by different names also found in Siberia, Tibet, Germany, Japan, and India. The word kombucha is Japanese and literally means “kelp tea” but it is actually a fermented tea made using a bacteria and yeast culture that resembles a mushroom. Kombucha is a metabolic enhancer which helps the organs to function optimally, probiotic that supports beneficial bacteria, adaptogen which balances bodily functions, and detoxifier. This bonafide health tonic contains a wide range of organic acids, vitamins (including vitamin C), enzymes, and B vitamins that provide the body with energy, help to process fats and proteins, and are vital for normal functioning of the nervous system.
Although it has been around for ages, there have been no clinical trials conducted on humans to support its purported health benefits. However, some studies conducted in rats have proven that the claims of kombucha drinkers are not completely unfounded. For instance in 2000, a study reported that mice that drank kombucha for three years lived on average at least twenty-six days longer than mice who were without it. In 2001, another study showed that drinking kombucha for fifteen days protected rat’s livers from the toxic effects of acetaminophen, a common pain killer. And later, in 2003, another study showed that kombucha reduced DNA damage in rats exposed to lead.
In addition to the immediate positive effects it has on energy and digestion, kombucha promotes elimination, weight loss, and a healthy vegan glow. The recent issue plaguing kombucha brewers is that because of the small amount of alcohol in it from the fermentation process (around 1% alcohol), in some areas businesses are now being required to have a liquor license to serve it! This in my opinion is absolute mayhem, especially considering how easy it is to get a million and one other drinks and foods that can ruin your health and vitality. Anyhow, if you manage to get your hands on some good kombucha, it can change your life. I met and interviewed a kombucha brewer in Virginia for my radio show, who began brewing it when his wife lost the majority of her intestines and was having constant urinary tract infections. At the time she was being fed through a tube. He started brewing his own kombucha and fed it to her through the tube. She recovered slowly but surely and to this day she’s been out of the hospital and is moving around on a walker! I met her myself. Once he began selling his kombucha locally the results were astounding and the news of people being healed from everything from skin issues to chronic fatigue to high cholesterol started pouring in.
The world over kombucha has been known to help with a wide variety of acute and chronic conditions including arthritis, digestive disorders, high blood pressure, poor circulation, high cholesterol, cancer, eczema, acne, allergies, and chronic fatigue syndrome. So what is all this hype about? Kombucha is not necessarily doing the healing; what is does is help to being your body back into balance so it can heal itself! Below is a long list of additional reasons why drinking kombucha is great for your health. If you are dealing with candida or yeast overgrowth, are pregnant, or dealing with a disease that seriously compromises your immune system you should not drink kombucha or at the very least should seek the consult of a doctor or health practitioner before doing so. You can brew your own, buy it local, or find it at a health food store. When you find that magical brand, stick with it. The most powerful brands I have ever tried have always been locally made. ~XoXo Raw Girl
- Promotes and helps healthy bacteria in the gut to thrive
- Detoxifies the liver
- Alkalinizes the body and balances internal pH
- Improves digestion and alleviates constipation
- Assists the body in building connective tissue
- Boosts energy and can help relieve chronic fatigue
- Reduces blood pressure
- Relieves headaches and migraines
- Reduces kidney stones
- High in antioxidants therefore great in preventing cancer
- Lowers glucose levels
- Aids in healthy cell regeneration
- Heals skin issues including acne, eczema, and psoriasis and promotes a youthful glow
6 Reasons to Love Irish Moss
Irish moss is a seaweed packed with nutrients that can be soaked and used to create a powerful and nutritional gel. It is pretty much colorless and tasteless which makes it great to add to a wide range of dishes for nutritional value or just as a thickener. You can add irish moss gel or paste to smoothies, soups, desserts, and even as a partial replacer for some fattier foods like nuts or avocados in certain recipes to reduce the fat content. I was recently reminded of this moss’s superpowers when speaking to someone who may be having surgery soon. After a car accident a few years back that severely affected my lower back, I made smoothies with irish moss, and found that it helped to speed my recovery.
Like many other seaweeds, irish moss has an extensive nutritional profile which includes vitamins A, B, C, D, E K, B-vitamins, sulfur, protein, bromine, beta-carotene, calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, zinc, and pectin. As nature’s only plant based source of thyroid hormones, it can help to balance out thyroid related issues and speed up metabolism. It has been reported to be effective against everything from cancer, radiation poisoning, obesity, and cholesterol build-up. Sometimes I.M. gets a bad rap because it is the seaweed that carrageenan is extracted from (which causes inflammation and is used as a stabilizer in things like nut milks); but truthfully they are not the same. In its whole form and taken with proper moderation irish moss can boost your overall nutrition. Jamaicans have been known to consume irish moss or sea moss because of its reported abilities to boost male libido and increase sperm count. Below are some additional perks that come with incorporating irish moss into your diet. -XoXo Raw Girl
Accelerates Recovery. Irish Moss is great for strengthening connective tissues which makes it excellent for recovery from strenuous exercise, or even more extreme injuries, surgeries, or invasive procedures.
Promotes Gorgeous Skin. On the beauty front, irish moss can deliver a serious beauty boost because of its high sulfur content. You can apply the gel directly to your skin for a mini face lift, or consume it as a food and allow the nutritional boost to up your pretty factor. Irish moss can help to rehydrate dry skin, and leave it feeling smooth and supple. It is also effective on a number of severe skin disorders, including eczema, psoriasis, bad sunburns, and rashes.
Encourages Healthy Digestion & Elimination. The fiber content in Irish moss makes it a mild and effective laxative; simultaneously it soothes inflamed tissues of the intestinal tract which provides relief for intestinal disorders. In regard to promoting good digestion, Irish moss’s demulcent properties soothe the mucous membranes of the digestive tract and the gelatin-like content helps to ease gastritis, dyspepsia, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, and can be used to prevent vomiting.
Helps to Drop Those Extra Pounds. Irish moss is thought to help reduce the appetite by virtue of its ability to absorb moisture, increasing its volume and filling the intestinal tract with a bulking-type material, increasing the feeling of fullness and also aiding in the elimination process of waste through the gastrointestinal tract. Taking the moss improves thyroid function because of it’s iodine content, which in turn boosts metabolism, increases energy, and can help accelerate weight loss.
Cure for Coughs, Respiratory Issues, & the Common Cold. Because Irish moss is an expectorant it can break up mucus and help clear out the lungs of any phlegm that builds up with a common cold, alleviate inflammation of the nasal passages, ease sore throat or dry coughing, and also can treat other respiratory problems such as bronchitis and even pneumonia. It is especially effective for pulmonary (lung) complaints with its ability to absorb liquid and eliminate it from the body.
Assist with Healing of Radiation Poisoning & Cancer. Irish moss has been found to be very helpful with the recovery of radiation poisoning and cancer. Apparently it can actually absorb toxins from the bowel and this gangsta seaweed literally draws radiation poisoning out of the body.
Help Raw Girl Get a Makeover!
It’s about that time…Raw Girl needs a makeover, and I need your help to make it happen. Some of you may remember how excited I was about the new website?! Well, I ran into some serious technical difficulties, and was left without a functioning site after coughing up a nice chunk of money. My vision for Raw Girl is to keep expanding and in order to that I need to move this lovely blog off of the wordpress.com platform. I would like to add more video, downloadable products, skincare, podcasting and more.
For the past three going on four years this blog has been a complete labor of love. If you have been informed, inspired, enriched, or led to any sort of AHA moment, please support this campaign! All of the perks I am offering are all new products, including a mini juice & smoothie book with new recipes, mp3’s, and a 14 Day Parasite Cleanse. Because it is a fixed campaign, if I don’t reach my goal, you get 100% of your money back. Check out the video below, and to visit the campaign and DONATE, CLICK HERE: Raw Girl’s Indiegogo Campaign. Every single dollar counts, THANK YOU for giving what you can. ~ XoXo Raw Girl
[youtube=http://youtu.be/seaOH3Fkp5U]
Here’s a sneak peek of some of the elements that will be in the new site, the design will change but this will give you a decent idea:
6 Reasons to Go Gluten-Free
At one point the term gluten-free was something only people with celiac disease were well acquainted with. Now almost everyday I seem to run into someone who is all about gluten-free living, and grocery stores have entire sections dedicated to gluten-free products. Last year gluten-free sales soared to over two billion dollars in revenue, and it’s not just people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance that are purchasing these products. Gluten is a binding protein found in wheat, rye, barley, spelt, and cross hybrids of these grains that gives baked goods their “fluffiness.” Research shows that there are actually over one hundred and fifty diseases and symptoms that are linked to gluten sensitivity and difficulty digesting gluten-filled foods. Celiac disease, the most commonly known gluten-related condition affects about three million people, and is a disorder where the immune system attacks the small intestine when you consume gluten. Other serious conditions that can improve once gluten is eliminated from the diet include Crohn’s disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia.
If you are a raw vegan, or a vegan who avoids processed foods, you are by default be gluten-free anyway and just call it something else. I remember personally how long it took me to kick my bread cravings to the curb, and how much better I felt once I made it through the withdrawal period. All this said, gluten-free living doesn’t automatically equate with a healthier lifestyle. If you are still eating the processed products marketed to gluten-free disciples that are heavily stocked in grocery stores, you’re are missing the point. Many of these products are made with potato, soy, and corn, and loaded with refined carbs and simple sugars that can still have negative effects on your health longterm. Just because it is a gluten-free cupcake, that doesn’t mean that it is by default guilt-free. However if you eat more fruit and veg based meals and/or opt for one hundred percent whole grains like quinoa, millet, buckwheat, or amaranth you’ll be playing the game right and reap the benefits. Some of the perks of going gluten-free the right way include:
Shedding Excess Weight. When you eliminated many processed foods that include bagels, cookies, cereals etc. of course you are going to lose weight! Gluten is also found in a bunch of products you may not expect like salad dressings, maple syrups, yogurt, and even some meat products.
Boost Digestion & Elimination. A lot of people notice immediately that cutting out gluten eases any digestive problems. You may have less indigestion, less bloating or cramps, and better bowel movements. Part of the reason why this improves is because a lot of people’s bodies’ have a hard time digesting gluten to being with.
Clear Up Skin Issues. If you’ve read my e-book The Acne-Free Diet, you’d know that very often acne is the bodes way of releasing waste that couldn’t be released via bowel movement because the colon is backed up or the body is overloaded with toxins. Those with acne issues may also find relief by going gluten-free because sans the gluten your body is able to eliminate waste easier.
Decrease Inflammation. Many times when people get into a disease state, they may be asked to eliminate gluten, partly because it decreases the amount of inflammation in their bodies and can relieve pain. Even if you are not suffering from a disease but experience regular aches and pains or stiffness, going gluten-free may help you relieve your symptoms.
Increase in Energy. When your body is not weighed down or having to work overtime to process gluten, you may find that you have additional energy, less fogginess, and are able to get more done in a day.
Get Happy, Stay Happy. For some people consuming gluten does not only affect their bodies, it affects their emotions. I know for me, consuming gluten sometimes creates emotional “lows.” If you are suffering from depression or generally find yourself extra irritable, check your diet and monitor how you feel after eating certain foods. Getting rid of gluten may help you sustain a more stable dose of happy throughout the day.
Juicing Parsley for Flawless Skin
Parsley Power Tonic from my 7 Day Detox for Beauty, Weightloss, & Rejuvenation
Perhaps parsley doesn’t get much attention because it is used frequently as a garnish. Despite the fact that a lot of people think if it as side fare, this power herb can do more wonders for improving your health and giving you a radiant glow than your main course. Parsley is rich in vitamin A which is a power beauty vitamin, and helps to clear blemishes and maintain an even skin tone while also cleansing the urinary tract, liver, and kidneys. It has a high vitamin C content which helps to stimulate the production of collagen and reduces fine lines, scars, blemishes, and pore size, all at a severely discounted price compared to Botox. Parsley also has high levels of vitamin K which can improve skin elasticity and speed up the wound healing process and is extremely chlorophyll-rich which increases blood flow and metabolizes oxygen in the body. Like many raw vegetables and fruits parsley is rich in antioxidants which rid the body of free radicals and slow the aging process. Not bad for a garnish, huh? One of the best ways to harness the power of parsley is to juice it in combination with other veggies. Several of the recipes in my detox plans contain parsley because of its super power ability to cleanse and boost beauty. If you have not yet tried juicing parsley I highly recommend you experiment with different combinations and find variations you love. -XoXo Raw Girl
For 21 awesome original juice recipes, a detox calendar, a detox guide, and shopping list, check out my 7 Day Detox for Beauty, Weightloss, & Rejuvenation.
The Amazing Health Benefits of Raw Cacao
tastyhealthproducts.com
Who doesn’t love chocolate? One of the most addictive foods on the planet, chocolate has been widely used in all kinds of foods and desserts to add a feel good feeling. The widely available processed chocolate is not the best thing for you because of the added stimulants, sugar, and fat that come along with it and enhance its already potent addictive qualities. Raw cacao, however, which is chocolate in its raw form, is not only great for you, it’s considered a superfood because of a lengthy antioxidant, vitamin, and mineral profile. Cacao beans are grown on trees that originate in Mexico called Theobroma cacao, which in Greek literally means “food of the gods.” Each pod on the trees yields anywhere from 40-60 cacao seeds. To make the processed chocolate that we know and love, cacao beans are roasted to form cocoa and of course combined with ample amounts of sugar and fat. The roasting process is what strips cacao of its nutrients and minimizes the natural health benefits by reducing the levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals readily available. Raw Cacao contains magnesium, calcium, sulfur, zinc, iron, copper, potassium, manganese, polyphenols or flavanoids (which have antioxidant properties), along with vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B9, and E. Add to all of this a little protein, fiber, and oleic acid, a monosaturated fat that is essential for heart health and you’ve got yourself a bonafide superfood. Below are some potential benefits of eating raw cacao, all of which can be used to justify your raw chocolate cookie monster like cravings. -XoXo Raw Girl
Got Magnesium? Chocolate contains more magnesium than any other food, which is great to note especially because deficiencies in magnesium are so common. Magnesium is one of the most powerful stress relieving minerals, so if your stressed and craving chocolate, your body is right on target to get what it needs.- Beauty Food That Can Slow Aging. Raw Cacao has more antioxidants than any food tested. In fact it has four to six times the antioxidants of roasted cacao, goji berries, acai berries, blueberries, dark processed chocolate, wine, and black and green teas. Antioxidants help to repair and resist damage from free radicals, and reduce signs of aging. Cacao is also high in the beauty mineral sulfur, which builds healthy nails and hair, promotes beautiful skin, detoxifies the liver, and supports a healthy pancreas.
- Get Your Happy Fix. Cacao raises the level of serotonin in the brain; thus acts as an anti-depressant, helps reduce PMS systems, promotes a sense of well-being, and helps increase focus and alertness. It also stimulates the secretion of endorphins, producing a pleasurable sensation similar to the “runner’s high” a jogger feels after running several miles. (Note: This is not an excuse to opt out of your morning run and indulge in chocolate instead.) Add to all of this phenylethylamine, which is found in chocolate, and also created within the brain and released when we are in love.
- Protects Your Heart. Studies have shown that chocolate offers protection from heart disease and stroke, and can assist in reducing blood pressure. Consuming cacao also helps dilate bloods vessels, reduce blood clotting, improve circulation, help regulate heartbeat, and lowers LDL cholesterol.
- Boosts Recovery Time. Studies have shown that cacao may help lower the oxidative stress of strenuous activities which helps athletes to recover. Which means that adding a bit of cacao powder to your post-workout shake is never a bad idea.
P.S. Thank you for your patience! The website was down last week, due to technical issues behind the scenes. Please forgive me, hope to have a smoother transition in the future.