Tag Archives: raw food

Raw Food Energy = Sacred Feminine Energy

nature

“Another world is not only possible, she is on her way!  On a quiet day, if you listen carefully, you can hear her breathing.”
–Arundhati Roy

Inspired today by an interesting and in hindsight disconcerting experience in relation to my feminine energy. I started to ruminate on how nature is very feminine in cycle as we go from season to season, and vegetation dies and is birthed over and over. The more I stay on the raw path, the deeper sense of intuition I seem to feel—a certain opening to spirit energy that gets cloudy when my diet isn’t as clean. That connection tends to speak to me and guide me, but I sometimes I don’t trust it enough to give in fully.

In my ruminations today it dawned on me that giving into a plant-based diet is in essence making the choice to commune with that sacred feminine energy wholly and completely. Our planet is  in disaray and polluted with too much masculine energy as we continue to create chaos through wars, killing, raping, pillaging and then doing it all over again. I struggle personally with the sense that many men I meet want to keep me in a box—some sort of strange socially constructed idea of femininity  inspired by pornography that relegates women to mere objects to be used for sexual pleasure, or whose sexuality is meant to be postured for the entertainment of men.  Our culture denigrates all that is sacred; and food and sex are so connected. Just like fast food, sacred feminine energy and nature are literally pimped out for all they can offer in the fastest, most convenient way. Feelings, respect, and divine communion are lacking in our toxic world. And if you are someone with pure intentions who yearns for just that, it can be hard to know how to maneuver your way through our fast food fast sex culture.

In truth feminine energy just like the energy of plant life is sacred, and this is what gives it power. People can argue all day about why its okay or not okay to eat meat for various reasons, but when it gets down to it, there is no doubt that there is a dramatic shift in consciousness that can happen just merely from changing what you eat. I recently watched a great video of David Wolfe speaking about just that, and saying that above all, food, has the greatest power to transform our energy. Gabriel Cousen’s tweeted a couple weeks ago: “Consciously or unconsciously, people tend to choose the diet that reinforces and reflects their own mental and spiritual state of awareness.”

I do believe that to be true, and also that our diets inform our relationship with sacred feminine energy and nature. If there were more vegans in the world, we would have more resources, and I bet a calmer, more civil world. All that said, from now on I am choosing to consciously engage in that sacred feminine/ goddess voice, and look for a way to express it although it may not be “the box” people want me to be in. Rather than engage in fast food or fast sex, I’ll be raw foodie on the divine path for life because I also know that the greatest gifts, relationships, and health benefits come from deep commitment, exploration, and willingness to allow time to blossom a planted seed. -XoXo Raw Girl

“Throughout humanity’s societies, the Sacred Feminine has been identified with the qualities of wisdom, justice, beauty, and compassion. She is also the irresistible power that destroys old forms and brings new ones into being. The Sacred Feminine –an essential part of both women and men– is the dimension of soul to which we are connected through our instincts, our feelings, and the longing imagination of the heart.”    

“Salvation is the freeing of the soul from it’s bodily fetters; becoming a God through knowledge and wisdom; controlling forces of the cosmos instead of being a slave to them; subduing the lower nature and through awakening to Higher Self, ending the cycle of rebirth and dwelling with the Neters who direct and control the Great Plan.” -Ancient Egyptian Proverb

Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Seeds!

chia seeds

A couple of months ago, I finally added chia seeds to my array of supplements.  My vegan friend always makes these awesome chia seed smoothies for me during my stay in Brooklyn, and I was dying  to buy them so I could replicate. When I hit up the VegFest in NYC I had to do a happy dance when I was able to get a large bag from Nutiva for five bucks! Awesome deal! I started to delve further into the nutritional value of chia seeds, and discovered that they were a great addition to my post workout smoothies because of the easily absorbable protein they provide.

Chia seeds are native to Southern Mexico and Guatemala, and are from a species of flowering plant that is in the mint family. In pre-Columbia times, chia was a staple in Aztec and Mayan diets and even used as a survival ration. The seeds are rich in omega-3’s even more so than flaxseed, and they offer a great dose of nutrients including: calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium etc. In addition as I mentioned already, they are a good source of protein, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. Based on a 2,000 calorie diet, 1 oz of chia seeds provide 9% of the Daily Recommended Value for protein and 42% dietary fiber. The protein from chia seeds are easily digested and absorbed very quickly by the body which helps with muscle regenration and makes it ideal for body builders, athletes, and vegan workout junkies like myself . Chia seeds also have three to ten times the oil content of most grains, and provide  the body with good fats.

Beyond just the fabulous nutritional properties, chia seeds can be used as remedies for wounds.  In Mexico and South America these super seeds have been used to treat wounds, including those from a gun shot! Eating chia seeds regularly can assist in lower blood pressure and glucose levels and their energizing quality can also give you an energy boost that will have you zipping productively through the day. Also because of their filling properties and nice dose of fiber, chia seeds can be an aid to those looking to slim down. Sound good? Well if so, the great news is you can receive the nutrition from the seeds without grinding them. To add to a smoothie let set in water or in the liquid used for the smoothie for a minimum of 5 minutes, and it will blend easily. Or you can let the seeds sit in pure water for 30 minutes, and it will form a gel that can then be scooped out and added to smoothies, puddings, etc. So, if you’re looking for another great supplement to add to post-workout smoothies, or just another veggie protein source, look no further than ch-ch-ch-chia seeds! -XoXo Raw Girl

Today’s  Mid-day  Post-Workout Smoothie (this is very yummy, and provides me with a nice dose of protein from the hemp,chia, spinach, and superfood blend): 1 Thai coconut (water and meat), 2 bananas, 1 cup blueberries, small handful spinach, Tablespoon of chia seeds (soaked for 5 minutes in blender with coconut water) , Hemp Protein powder, My  Favorite Cacao Superfood Powder (awesome has everything in from spirulina to maca to probiotics and tastes, for real like chocolate)

#1 Health Issue in America: Maintaining a Healthy Colon

colon

If every person in this country was tested nutritionally and had their colons cleaned out, 95% of our medical profession would have to seek other means of employment.” The Healthview Newsletter

If you didn’t know, colon health is most likely the number one wellness issue in America today, period. The majority of diseases begin with the accumulation of waste in our colon or our “bodies’ sewage system.” How often do we see men and women with distended bellies nowadays? I cringe because I know that those distended bellies, are full of waste that will cause disease. Checking out someone’s waistline, can be a general indicator of their overall health. Even if your tummy isn’t protruding, your body still may be storing waste from junk foods in other ways that are unhealthy and could lead to long-term disease. Why wait until then? Beyond dis-ease if everyone wasn’t so full of #$%#, literally, the world would be a more peaceful, civil place. When your colon is backed up you can get sick of course, but also, all that waste DOES affect your emotions and can make you more a more agressive, reactive, and emotionally volatile person.

So what can you do to clean your colon? You can always take up the habit of colonics and enemas, but for those who get squeamish at the thought of those options, there are a variety of foods and herbs that can help you keep your colon clean. When I recently interviewed Bernando LaPallo, an 109 year old raw foodist on my radio show and asked him how he keeps his colon clean, his response was simple: eat the right foods–fruits and veggies–and your colon will stay clean. Below is a list of 10 ideas for cleaning house and maintaining a healthy colon longterm. -XoXo Raw Girl

10 Ways to Clean House & Keep Your Colon Healthy

  1. Pysillium Husk . This fiber acts like a brush and helps to scrub waste out of the colon and absorb toxins in the bowels. It is actually the husk of the see of the Plantain! ( I thought  that was groovy) When taken, one must take care to drink a lot of water, as it can cause digestive problems or dehydration if liquids are neglected. The husk swells when it comes in contact with water or liquids and forms a gelatin-like mass in the colon. Psyllium has been used to treat constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. You can incorporate this weekly  by adding it to juice, water, etc.
  2. Flaxseed is similar to psyllium husk as it absorbs water and expands as it moves through the colon, removing waste and toxins. You can sprinkle ground flaxseed on smoothies, yogurt, fruit and other meals to get that daily dose of fiber.
  3. Bentonite Clay. When used internally (make sure you buy the kind that can be taken internally) bentonite will clean out your colon and kill parasites (parasites cannot reproduce in the presence of clay).
  4. Fiber rich foods such as: kale and other leafy greens, blackberries, prunes or prune juice can be regularly incorporated in your diet to keep you regular. Also making sure to eat a large variety of fruits and veggies will also give you the fiber you need.
  5. Salt Water Flushes. I never had the stomach for this–for some reason salt water flushes make me hurl, but some people love doing salt water flushes and they do work really well.
  6. Herbs. Senna Leaf (which is a very common ingredient in laxatives) can be taken in many forms including pills and tea. I learned from a friend who performs colonoscopies that intake of Senna is okay in moderation, but overuse actually will stain your colon.
  7. Enemas or Colonics. Yes many people dread the thought, but there really isn’t anything to be scared of. You’ve got nothing to lose but a whole lot of waste! Whenever considering a colonic, always make sure it is not machine based. The procedure should be gravity method (meaning the water flows naturally and not pushed into the colon by a machine), and if you think you may have any colon issues, check with a doctor to ensure that you have no polyps or growths on the colon before you undergo a colonic. The difference between colonics and enemas? Colonics are a gallon or more of water, enemas can be self-administered at home with smaller amounts of water.
  8. Fasting. Taking a break from food altogether allows your digestive system time to rest and leaves room for your body to get rid of old waste. Whether you fast on green juices or water, eventually, your body will rid itself of unwanted toxins.
  9. Parasite Cleanse. Of  course you know I had to mention this! Parasites actually aggravate waste problems in your colon because they can make you crave certain foods in excess. In essence, parasites thrive in a murky intestinal environment, so if you get rid of the waste, you’ll be one step closer to getting rid of the buggers.
  10. Probiotics & Fermented Foods.  Once you clean your colon, it’s important to keep the good bacteria in your gut and take a probiotic supplement (acidophilus) and/or regularly incorporate fermented foods such as: miso, yogurt (if you’re a vegetarian or meat-eater), sauerkraut etc.

Navigating Food Allergy Drama

allergic to raw food

This past year, I have run into way too many people who have told me that their bodies have an issue with digesting fruit or veggies and so they must avoid raw foods in general. This always makes me incredibly sad, because I cannot imagine a life without my fruit and veg! There seems to be many reasons why this may happen: for some people, it was clear to me they had parasites (which can cause food allergies), another trend was a food intolerance that started when someone moved to the U.S. after being born and raised on fruit and veggies from another country, and the last variant I encountered was people who straight up could die if they ate peanuts or whatever because literally moments afterwards their breathing was restricted etc. In the first two instances, I think that it points to the fact that there may be another underlying issue.

One of the key points I’ve discovered is that the majority of people who actually think they have a food allergy, really have a food intolerance. With food allergies, all of the symptoms occur within a few minutes to an hour of eating. Some experiences that accompany an allergic reaction include itching in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing and breathing. Then, once the food is in digestion phase, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain may begin. It’s usually the latter symptoms, that happen when food is being digested that get confused for being a food allergy, when really, it’s an intolerance.

My theory, especially in the case of those who were able to eat a fruit or vegetable in another country and now cannot, is that there might be substances whether they be additives or herbicides on the food that are causing the intolerance, and that it may not be the food itself in some cases. My mother is a good example of this because for years she told us she was allergic to peanuts. But now, years later she’s discovered that if she buys the natural peanuts still in their shells, the way she was accustomed to eating them when she grew up, she has no reaction at all! Of course, everyone is unique so that can’t be true for all cases. But, there happen to be a range of conditions that can mimic food allergies including:

  • Food Poisoning: If you eat food that is contaminated, and have no idea it may cause something that seems like an allergic reaction.
  • Lactose or Gluten-Intolerance: It seems like a great deal of people are actually lactose or gluten-intolerant and do not know it. Although they may feel strange symptoms when digesting certain foods, they continue eating them and ignore warning signs or attribute it to some other kind of digestive problem.
  • Histamine Toxicity: Apparently some natural substances (histamine in this case) in foods can cause reactions resembling allergy. It can reach high levels in certain fish (especially tun and mackerel), cheese, and some wines. In the case of fish, this may be because the fish is contaminated! When the body has an allergic reaction it usually releases the chemical (neurotransmitter) histamine. So if you eat foods that happen to have high levels it could trigger an allergic reaction response. In addition to this tidbit, something I found interesting is also that Histamine levels can be very high when the body is chronically dehydrated; so if perhaps you are over-caffeinated and your body needs water, your levels will go up and may cause some seeming allergic reactions.
  • Food additives: This would be when chemicals or compounds are added to food in order to change coloring, taste or preserve food for bacteria cause reactions. Consuming enough of these can produce allergic reactions. For example apparently eating large amounts of food with MSG can cause flushing, sensations of warmth, light-headedness, facial pressure, headache, and pain in the chest. Also sulfites, which used to be sprayed on fruits and veggies but was banned by the FDA (wow, they did something good), can cause problems with breathing or aggravate an underlying asthmatic condition.
  • Other gastrointestinal diseases: Some gastrointestinal diseases such as gallstones, Crohn’s disease, and others cause allergic reactions to food that mimic allergic reactions as well and can cause nausea, vomiting, pain or diarrhea.

All that said, if you think you have a food allergy, you should get tested by your doctor to make sure it is legitimate. If you have an intolerance, try to get to the root of what is causing it. In some cases, a parasite cleanse probably couldn’t hurt, and also taking bentonite clay internally has been said to help with food allergy situations as well. But I’m sure that there are foods and enzymes that can help address digestive disorders and help bring the body back to one. The jury’s still out on my end and I’m going to keep reading and looking into answers as to how fruits and veggies cannot be consumed by so many people and what can be done about it! Will keep you posted on what I discover. -XoXo Raw Girl

Be a Caller on Raw Girl’s Radio Show!

Living la Vida Raw

Dear Veggie Lovers:

I am in need of questions for the recording of several radio shows ASAP!  If you are also interested in being a live caller please also include your phone number in the email. Excited about the range of shows coming up and some pretty fantastic guest interviews. Stay tuned for more information about where to listen.  If you would like to have your question answered On-Air, please send any health related/vegan/lifestyle questions to rawgirltoxicworld@gmail.com. Appreciate your participation! –XoXo Raw Girl

It’s Cool to Be Healthy

Bernando LaPallo

“In minds crammed with thoughts, organs clogged with toxins, and bodies stiffened with neglect, there is just no space for anything else.” – Alison Rose Levy, in “An Ancient Cure for Modern Life”

Today I’m in research mode for one of my upcoming radio shows, which will focus on how to quit smoking, naturally. As I am researching I’m just appalled in general.   Check out the photo above for a breakdown of some of the chemicals in cigarettes. Do people who smoke know or care, that every time they bring that cancer stick to their lips they are exposed their bodies to over 4,000 chemicals, 69 of which are known and proven to cause cancer? It’s the same thing with drinking hard liquor for me, or really just putting anything into my body temple that is damaging. Why do it? If you don’t have a real answer or if your answer involves the fact that everyone else is doing it, you seriously need to develop a backbone. This world is truly toxic, but we still have an individual CHOICE. Individual, because at the end of the day if you are on your death-bed with lung cancer it won’t matter if you started smoking because your friend Suzy was.

 In my opinion, choosing to indulge in something now that is going to make me sick and miserable later, is not worth it, period. The fact that tobacco companies are allowed to sell this legal poison is just as appalling to me as the fact that fast food companies are allowed to call what they serve FOOD. At the end of the day, it’s all different versions on disease on a platter. It’s also REALLY uncool. Although people may taunt me now for my vegan lifestyle, when I skip past them years later full of youthful energy and they’re in a wheelchair, who will be “cool” then? I recently chatted with Bernando LaPallo, a raw foodist who is 109 years old and has the vigor of someone in his sixties or seventies, and he made the joke that his colleagues used to make fun of him because of his daily walks and his diet, and now all those same people are guess what, DEAD. Guess he got the last laugh. Please love yourself and do some healthy for yourself today! -XoXo Raw Girl

If you know someone who smokes or you yourself are trying to quit check out this past post on How to Quit Smoking Naturally: http://rawgirltoxicworld.com/2011/01/24/kick-your-smok…abit-naturally



Dear Raw Girl: How to be a Parasite Killa?

Dear Raw Girl

Hi this is Kristina from Arizona and I am seeking help.  It seems like you have some knowledge on parasites and I was hoping you could point me in the right direction.  I have been suffering with parasites for some time now.  I have been taking a homeopathic treatment for the last 6 months now.  It has seemed to help some, but I’m still dealing with these critters.  I am afraid to even eat anymore because I don’t know if what I’m eating is feeding them.  Please help!  I was thinking about doing the master cleanse, but not sure if this is best for me. What can I do to finally get rid of these buggers?  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you Raw Girl.

Dear Kristina: Thanks so much for your question! In addition to answering you here on the blog, I answered you live on the first episode of my radio show. Will let you know when it is airing. As far as parasites—they SUCK! The first thing I would want to know is what kind of homeopathic treatment are you taking? Make sure that if you are taking something over the counter that it includes ingredients such as black walnut hull, wormwood, cloves,  and garlic. There usually are a host of other ingredients as well. Six months is a long time to not see results—so you may be eating things that continue to feed the parasites, or perhaps your treatment does not have the right ingredients. Also if you are married or have a boyfriend/partner, if you begin to cleanse and they do not, guess what—you’ll still be picking up their buggers!  

If your homeopathic treatment is not doing the job, I recommend uping the ante by taking an extra dose of cloves and garlic. Now, for regular maintenance and prevention I take aged garlic (odorless) pills and cloves everyday. Its made it easier and prevented the little buggers from coming back into a full out episode. In addition to this your diet is key, if you really want to give your parasites a run for their money. I would NOT recommend the master cleanse, especially since you would be drinking a concoction with maple syrup, which may only make your problem worse. If you choose to fast, I would recommend that you fast on green juices with little or no sugar added (not too much apple, carrot, beet). This in tandem with the homeopathic treatment and colon cleansing, will help you kill the parasites, their eggs, and flush out any dead ones. If you persist, I am sure you will see the light at the end of the tunnel! After you fast, stick to straight up greens in your diet and no carbs, or sugars. If after a month or two nothing changes, you might want to find somewhere to get tested to see what type of parasites you have. Different parasites respond to different things, and you may need to adjust your parasite killa strategy accordingly. Hope this helps! You can do it! -XoXo Raw Girl

For more information about parasites and parasite cleansing, check out these previous posts:

http://rawgirltoxicworld.com/2010/12/04/dear-raw-girl-how-to-take-on-parasites/

 http://rawgirltoxicworld.com/2010/03/15/the-anti-parasite-diet-foods-that-make-parasites-run-for-cover/

Raw Food 4 Thought: Embracing the NOW

inspiration

“Have you ever thought about what you are doing, in each moment, and asked yourself  what is the value of it? If you think a bit further perhaps there truly isn’t a value to anything, just the vibrations that extend from it.  So, in essence there is no waste of time, no waste, no time, just vibrations flowing at the speed of thought and intentions. Which means where you are right now is — right!  Now!” ~ Wanakhavi Wakhisi

It’s incredibly easy when going through experiences that are difficult and challenging to rail against the Divine. Why me? We lament. Why is this happening to me, and why am I meant to go through this experience? It is only after the storm when the rain and thunder cease, and the sun begins to peak brilliantly through the clouds, that we realize that the storm was a necessary part of our experience. It was a moment in time that had to happen, and was right on time to take us to the next, or even perhaps to allow us the priviledge of truly treasuring the sunny days once they’ve arrived. 

I just recently went through an experience that to me in that moment seemed like a “storm.” Now in hindsight, I can see that all the emotions I was caught up in and the negative feelings were a part of my preparation. The experience of being in a situation where my talents and energy were devalued came to help me to shed old habits that were hindering my progress,  to give me confidence in my own abilties, and to spur me to action on my own projects. 

 Are you in a place you don’t want to be? Are you moving through something difficult and can’t seem to understand why this is happening to you? Take a deep breath, and just embrace that moment, the feelings and sensations. Sit with it and look for the good. Find something to be grateful for right then and NOW. Our job is solely to be there in the NOW, and embrace it. Our job is not to question it, to lament it, or to worry about it. Look for the blessing in that moment, and as they say, “This too shall pass.” Perhaps sooner than you think you’ll see sunshine through the rain. -XoXo Raw Girl

Raw Food 4 Thought Quote by: Wanakhavi Wakhisi, a lightworker doing his part to simply help spread more light. You can reach him professionally at wanaimage.com or at thelighthousedc.com or 202.270.9058.

Umcka: Natural Remedy for Colds

cold

So I never get sick. Or if I do, it usually last for about a day, because I can figure out exactly what caused it and POOF! like magic I’m well again. Last week I had a fever and some itching in my throat. I managed to get rid of the fever and discomfort over night with a combination of things I had at home, including literally chewing on raw ginger. This past weekend though the itchy throat came back to haunt me as a cough, and before I knew it I was completely voiceless.

Yesterday, I went to the doctor, which I hate doing, because in my opinion most physicians are mindless drones who I consider no better than glorified urban drug pushers. Please, ask me questions and diagnose the whole problem, not the symptoms! I think the universe responded to my prior frustration with doctors, because now at Kaiser my primary care doctor is this wonderful woman who actually listens when I tell her I do not take drugs. I went to her with the cough and after determining that I had no serious infection, she recommended a natural decongestant which I was able to pick up at Whole Foods called Umcka by Natures Way, after explaining the history of the medicine. I’m on day two of taking this stuff, and I have to say, in the midst of my annoyance with the fact that I can’t speak, I am really excited to find another natural way to address one of the vicissitudes of winter, the common cold or flu.

So what is Umcka? Umcka, short for Umkaloabo has been used as a remedy for centuries by the Zulu peoples. It is native to South Africa and comes from the root of the South African geranium. Although the Zulu already knew and harnessed the power of Umcka, an Englishman named Charles Stevens claims to have “discovered it”  when he was given the root by a South African healer and returned to his native country England cured of tuberculosis. (***As a random side note: I get irritated by historical facts that credit the discovery of something to the European who happened to wander to a specific area, remedy, or learn knowledge that was already in existence and utilized by native peoples. Whose the genius..the guy who gets cured or the people smart enough to use it?) Anyway, it wasn’t until many years later in 2008, that Umcka was allowed to be sold to the masses in England, when it was approved to be sold as a cold and flu remedy.

It has been clinically tested and proved to be effective in curing respiratory infections, relieving symptoms of bronchitis and sinusitis, and eliminating any excess mucus. This is achieved apparently because of its ability to modulate the immune system and kill viruses, fungi, and bacteria. It literally stops their growth, and assists in boosting the immune system. The best part: no negative side effects unless you’re allergic to plants!  -XoXo Raw Girl

Green Juice: Celery, Arugula, Kale & Apple

arugula

Hey Gang:

Below’s a video from my fast, last month. Arugula is one of my new favorite veggies! I love it as a salad or mixed in with other greens, and it is also awesome in juice. It also happens to be a raw aphrodisiac! More on arugula later, for now check out this video and hopefully you’ll be inspired to get down with your own green juice concoction. – XoXo Raw Girl

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiPAaxAbBQI]