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Food Inc. Movie Review: I’m Hungry for Change!
Was going to take today off from blogging, but I’m snowed in! So I netflixed the movie: Food Inc. which I recommended last week. It is a MUST SEE for all Americans, and was a very well put together documentary that really gave insight to our food production from seed to consumption in this country. I used to think that ignorance was bliss, when it came to the foods we eat. Now I just think it’s very dangerous.
I was struck by many emotions while watching the film: disgust, frustration, and surprise from some revelations that were new to me. This world we are living in today, people, truly is toxic. We are pumped daily with negative vibrations from the food we eat to the entertainment and commercial imagery flashed at us every 2.2 seconds. It is incredible as a human race, how far we really have strayed from a sacred garden culture in tune with universal order into a strange and sadistic death consuming culture that thrives on hoarding resources from each other and mother earth and mass producing and cloning animals as if they were robots with no life force. Then what happens to us when we consume these vibrations? What do we become? Think about it.
The majority of us actually believe that our food comes from the grocery store and have no idea how to cultivate plants. If you were left out in the wild, would you know what to eat to survive? Very few people still do. I sure don’t, but my mother could. A couple years ago, when she visited me in my days of inhabiting the concrete jungle in NY, she recognized an edible plant, a derivative of spinach that was growing wildly right outside my brownstone in Crown Heights. She has two large gardens in our home, and just before the winter hit us hard, I was going into my backyard to “make my salad.”
This simple daily act, brought back the realization and frustration with our modern system. FOOD IS SUPPOSED TO BE FREE! Now the entire world has been infected by this Western mental illness that thrives on greed and leads us all to believe not only that we should pay for our food, but that we should pay less for foods that have been engineered and more for life sustaining food that is from nature? A major point emphasized in the film was that our genetically engineered, processed foods are cheap because of the government subsidizing of the corn industry. All of those crazy non-pronounceable names like xanthan gum, malodextrin, sucrose, ascorbic acid etc. that are in cheese, coke, jelly, fast foods, cereals, and on and on—-are all derivatives of corn.
We are living under the illusion of freedom, our seeds are now being controlled by a corporation. What happens if they decide to stop production? That is a lot of power in the hands of people that have clearly demonstrated they have no concern for the well being of any form of life. I just pray that when and if the *&%$ really does hit the fan, there is some safe haven left on this planet for me to retreat to. David Wolfe said half-jokingly in a video I watched recently that the major problem in this world isn’t our wars, or the economy, or crime, it’s constipation. Most people really are full of *&%$ and it has repercussions for all of us.
I really wish that we could invade Capitol Hill, and force all of the representatives to get a colonic. Since we can’t, and these food laws that help corporations thrive on exploiting the general population and patent our seeds–the true source of food– are already in effect, it is up to us to take actions that instigate change whether it’s eating raw or at the very least a processed-food-free diet, learning to grow plants, buying local and organic, or finding our own little way of supporting the rights of our farmers, our animals, our planet, and our right to be healthy.
All that said, I am frustrated, but hungry for change. Are you? For the sake our toxic world, I really hope so. Below I have posted the trailer for Food Inc. once again. WATCH THE MOVIE. -XoXo Raw Girl
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2sgaO44_1c]
VEGGIE LOVE: Celery Root
If you’ve ever wandered around the grocery store looking for something new to eat but are too nervous to pick up the (sometimes scary looking) vegetable you’ve never heard of: fear no more. My new Raw Girl recruit Kenzie, is going to give you the low-down on the organic produce aisle where hidden gems can be unearthed that are worth incorporating into your diet. Welcome to Veggie Love, a Raw Girl Toxic World segment meant to share all the nutritional insights and yummy recipes of not-so-typical fruits and veggies. -XOXO Raw Girl
This week, we’re going to dive right in to the scarcely used root veggie: celery root. I was first introduced to this veggie during my time in Copenhagen, Denmark—where celery root is not hidden behind the parsnips and beets but piled high in even commercial, non-‘health food’ stores.
Celery root is literally the root of the celery plant (sometimes called Celeriac). And when the rough skin is peeled off, it is a fibrous, water rich vegetable loaded with vitamin C, vitamin B6, phosphorus, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, and thiamin. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects against cell damage, helps heal wounds and fights infections, promotes healthy bones, teeth, gums and blood vessels. Vitamin B6 makes hormones, insulin, antibodies, and cell membranes and helps maintain a steady blood pressure.
The combination of minerals in celery root support muscle contractions, a healthy nervous and immune system, strong bones, and a steady heartbeat. They also aid in cell repair, stabilize metabolic reactions and maintain oxygen levels in blood cells and muscles. Celery root is also high in dietary fiber which lowers blood cholesterol, promotes easy and slow digestion, stabilizes blood sugar, and keeps you full longer.
After all this good information it’s time to eat up!
Preparation:
Celery root stores well—up to 3 weeks unpeeled. To start, Chop the ends of the root and peel the rough skin off with a large knife. Once it’s peeled it will be a crisp white. Use some lemon juice or soak in vinegar water to prevent browning.
EAT IT RAW: Celery root has a strong nutty flavor. Shred, chop, or grate into salads for a new flavor or try this recipe…
Pink Celery Root Slaw
Veggies:
1 celery root: shredded or mandolin cut, 1 large beet: shredded, julienne peeled, or mandolin cut, 3 carrots: shredded, julienne peeled, or mandolin cut, 1 apple: shredded, julienne peeled, or mandolin cut
Dressing:
1 cup cashews: pre-soaked for 6 hours, 2 Tbs agave nectar, 2 Tbs apple cider vinegar, Juice from ½ lime, 4 Tbs filtered water (added slowly)
Make the dressing in blender or VitaMix creating your desired consistency with the water. Pour onto sliced veggies. You may have dressing left over, depending on taste.
ENJOY IT COOKED: While in Denmark, my favorite thing was to sauté the root in large circular pieces either with cinnamon or paprika and rosemary. Delicious. Celery root can also easily be added to soups, stir-fries, and any vegetable medley to add variety.
Veggie Love is meant to assist you in diversifying your diet and educate you on the benefits of your veggie choices. So get out there, experiment, and feel confident about your new veggie know-how. And please, share your knowledge; share the love.
– Kenzie, Signing in for Raw Girl
How to Make Vegan Spicy Curry Hummus :)
Hummus is one of the very few things not raw, that I still incorporate in my diet. I cook my chickpeas in a slow cooker, which heats on low around 170 degrees, so no, this not a raw hummus, but suitable for vegans, non-100% raw fooders, and fabulous people who love hummus as much as I do. If you still buy hummus in the store, be weary of the preservatives and possible industrial materials that could be lurking in your whipped concoction which may have a pasty consistency. The mission to make my own hummus started when I really went raw and became so sensitive to things that I would have immediate allergic reactions after eating something “toxic.” Store bought hummus always made me sneeze, immediately after! I make all kinds of hummus, but this is one of my favorite kinds, because I enjoy spicy dishes.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n5gAUpYNvc]
Ingredients:
16 oz/1 lb bag of chickpeas, pre-soaked and then cooked, 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 3 Tablespoons of yellow curry, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 2 tablespoons sea salt, red pepper to suit your pepper tolerance, dash of cumin , juice of 3 organic lemons
Put all in high speed blender and blend until a creamy, thick consistency. Pour into bowl and sprinkle the top with thyme, red pepper, and any other seasonings you like. Keeps in fridge, use for wraps, salads, or as a dip. Enjoy!
The copyright of this recipe is owned by Esosa Edosomwan (AKA Chef Eazy E.) Permission to republish this recipe in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Anti-Aging SHE-RO #4
I actually don’t know exactly how old Lillian Butler is, but I know for a fact that for her age she looks incredible. The first photo on the left is of her at the age of 46, after adopting a raw diet! Below is a recent image of her and her husband.
When I first embarked on the idea of going raw, I took Lillian’s intro to raw crash course, which was extremely informative and gave me the tools to dive in.
Apparently, Lillian was a vegetarian for 10 years, but was not experiencing optimal health. After some time of incorporating more into her diet she decided to go raw, and sweetly enough, her husband Eddie Robinson (whose skin also glows like a light bulb!) joined her in beginning a new lifestyle. Together they opened a really lovely raw restaurant in the Bronx, Raw Soul, which also offers catering, meal delivery, and chef training. They have a wide range of INCREDIBLE desserts, and the regular courses are yummy as well.
For more info about Raw Soul, visit www.rawsoul.com
Lillian Butler & her husband Eddie Robinson
Battle of the Internal Parasites: Knock Them Out Before They Take You Down
Today is Day 1 of another battle with parasites, and I am REALLY not happy about it. To commemorate, I wrote an in depth article on parasites, which you can access via the link below.
“What are parasites?” you mumble. They are annoying, disgusting, creepy worm like organisms, some visible to the human eye and some not, that can set up shop in the human body and pimp you out like a common prostitute. That would make, according to statistics, the majority of people in the world hookers. That’s right, you may think that your constant cravings for dessert and bread is completely normal, but you might be marching to the drum of the parasites inside you that thrive on sweets and carbs. Not to mention the fact that they prevent your body from absorbing nutrients from the foods you eat. “Oh that’s crazy,” your thinking. “There’s no way there’s any kind of worms inside of me.” If you had that thought it may just be the parasites talking!
A few years ago, I was introduced to the idea of parasites from a fellow yogi. He had just completed a parasite cleanse and said that it changed his life. I was telling him I was going raw, but having a problem with craving sweets and cutting out bread. He told me to do a parasite cleanse, but I forgot all about it until the veggie really hit the fan. I started breaking out, acne, rashes, felt tired all the time, and had the chills. Ran into another vegan friend who told me she battled with parasites for a year, and used to have the same exact symptoms I had. I know now that it was a combination of nutritional deficiency (mostly B12) and parasites.
My first battle with them began, and I got real gangsta. I consumed only things they didn’t like. Tons of greens, garlic, cayenne, apple cider vinegar, anything that I heard would kill them. Long story short without any stomach churning details, they exist. You won’t believe it, until you see what may come out of you. Anyway, this first bout, I arose, three months later, the victor. I was strutting like Ali leaving the ring. Got my groove back, my energy, and clear skin.
So how did this relapse happen again? Well there are a variety of ways to contract parasites including: drinking contaminated water, sexual contact (including kissing), hygiene, pets etc. On my end, I haven’t been as gangsta about protecting myself on the dating front as I could be, and although I am crazy about clean water, I remember an incident recently where the source was questionable. It could have been either or none of these things. But I will say this, the next time I go out and have a fabulous time, and the night is winding down and mood is just right, when Mr. Right leans in for a kiss, I will have to stop him like a true diva and ask “Have you done a parasite cleanse?” If he shakes his head no, I will have to whisper, “Well, then call me in two weeks,” and catwalk away. I wish I was kidding, but at least I know my health is worth the wait.
Read my Suite 101 Article on Parasites here:
http://nutrition.suite101.com/article.cfm/internal-parasites
The Vegan Debate: Some Raw Advocates Admit They Are Not Completely Vegan
I found this very interesting article posted today via The Fresh Network, based in the UK, who publish a magazine entitled Get Fresh! highlighting raw foods and holistic nutrition. Apparently some raw food advocates have admitted to consuming animal products or have started to openly promote them! This is very interesting to me, because often when I attend raw food conferences and workshops, I notice some speakers who look, well, frankly ill, if you ask me. Then there are those who actually look exceptionally healthy. My whole thing is, if you aren’t walking the walk, please don’t talk the talk. I tend to ignore the recommendations of someone who doesn’t look like their own advice is working for them.
Everyone’s body is different yes, but the results people have received from incorporating raw foods into their diets is REAL. From healing terminal diseases to shedding pounds, common sense tells us that it has to be a good thing to completely eliminate or avoid as much man-made food in our diets as possible. Now, the issue of 100% raw or not I think is a separate matter which every person has to decide for themselves. I tried 100% and now I’m pretty much 90% because I still eat cooked quinoa, make my own hummus with cooked chickpeas (vegan of course), and very occasionally in winter have lentil soup.
For me raw was a natural extension of my long-term veganism. I can’t comprehend ever going from raw to animal products? That just sounds crazy to me. In the end, each person must do what works for them, and hopefully people can learn to find a personal balance of discipline for the sake of optimal health, without clinging to their diet like it’s a religion.
What I love about the debate presented in this article is that most of the experts interviewed stress that supplementation on the vegan diet is key for long-term success. Not just B12, but also Vitamin D, and other trace minerals. I learned quickly after diving into the raw diet, that mineral deficiencies are very real, and now have transitioned into being more optimally raw by making sure I am taking all the necessary supplements my body needs to function properly.
To read the full article:
http://fresh-network.typepad.com/fresh_network_blog/2010/01/the-rise-of-raw-but-not-vegan.html#more
Divinely Delicious Raw Green Goddess Yogurt
Mostly due to the fact that I heart spirulina, I created this quick raw recipe that can be used as an early morning pre or post-gym meal or dessert. For those of you who cringed at the thought of green yogurt, it’s green of course because of the spirulina, and a great way to get a nice dose of nutrition and dessert in one meal. The spirulina tends to boost my energy (even more—scary), so I try not to eat this too late in the evening.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ1zfdZyDCY]
Ingredients: (makes 2 servings)
2 ripe organic bananas, diced pineapple, 3 dates, 6 pitted & dried prunes (preservative free), purified water, 1 tablespoon of spirulina powder
Put all in high speed blender, add a little water and blend until a creamy, thick consistency. (Make sure not to add so much water that it beomes runny, unless you want to drink it as a juice, which is also good. I messed up in the video and had to add more dates) Pour into bowl and sprinkle with diced fruit and or shredded coconut. Enjoy!
The copyright of this recipe is owned by Esosa Edosomwan (AKA Chef Eazy E.) Permission to republish this recipe in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Tropical Green Sunrise Smoothie
Since spirulina is my new supplement fetish, I have experimented with several morning smoothie combinations. This particular combination is divine, especially if you love tropical fruits like I do.
Ingredients:
1 Thai Coconut (will use meat and water, also can just use plain filtered water), 1/4 pineapple, 2 ripe bananas, 1 kiwi, 1/2 mango, 1 Tablespoon Spirulina
Break open your Thai coconut using a butcher knife. (If you have never done this, you may want to get help, but it’s worth the struggle.) Pour coconut water into a glass. Scoop out coconut meat and put in blender. Add in all your ingredients including the Spirulina, and pour coconut water into blender to get the fruits blending. You will probably only use about half of the glass of coconut water to blend, the rest you can drink and enjoy. Blend until smooth and drink up!
The copyright of this recipe is owned by Esosa Edosomwan (AKA Chef Eazy E.) Permission to republish this recipe in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
New Article: “The Wonders of Spirulina”
About two years ago, I was introduced to spirulina, when offered a green shake at a vegan spot in Brooklyn. I thought it was good but I knew nothing about this strange-sounding food, so I never really started regularly incorporating it into my diet until a couple of months ago. For now, I generally add it in powder form to my morning post-workout smoothies, and my delectable raw “Green Yogurt” dessert (a recipe I will share), and find that it gives me an incredible amount of energy that lasts throughout the day.
As I did some research for this article, I was excited to learn more in-depth about the incredible amount of nutrients this algae provides. In this age of biggest losers, obsessive dieting, and fad health frenzies, heavens knows we need to teach people to start incorporating more nutrients in their diets. I was upset last night when I heard trainer and life coach Jillian Michaels (with the fabulous abs) connected with Biggest Loser inadequately respond to a question about overweight people feeling too hungry to cut their portion sizes. People are frenzied over the incredible portion sizes they eat, but what they forget is that when they ate that giant fast food meal or whatever, they just fed the body a lot of empty food devoid of nutrients, and that’s why they are still hungry!
Of course, there is an emotional component as well that cannot be overlooked, but those who are sexy raw foodies or have tried raw food, know that they feel surprisingly full after meals, mostly because they body is actually being fed food with nutrients and just empty calories. Spirulina is one of the wonder foods that can introduce a great deal of necessary nutrients in your diet and boost your immune system.
To read the full article:
http://nutrition.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_wonders_of_spirulina
NY Times Article: “More Perils of Ground Meat”
This kid's burger could be contaminated!
Thankfully, I am a sexy vegan and don’t have to worry about these meat crises anymore. Why take the risk nowadays? Apparently a beef company started to inject ammonia as a way to kill harmful bacteria in their products. They sorely overestimated its effectiveness, and their meat, which was distributed to fast food restaurants, school lunches, and made available in groceries stores is now being recalled for contamination.
To read more: