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RAW Pickled Beets

I must say I LOVE picked beets. I will admit it is an acquired taste and either you like them or you hate them. I probably hated them as a child, but grew to love them as an adult.

I love to put raw beets in my salad, not only for their beautiful color and crisp, crunchy texture, but for their benefits as well.

Listed below are 6 benefits of beets:

They say that beets are Nature’s natural…

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#beet juice #beet smoothy #beets #Marinated Beets #pickled beets #RAW Marinated Beets #Raw Pickles Beets

RAW Pickled Beets

I must say I LOVE picked beets. I will admit it is an acquired taste and either you like them or you hate them. I probably hated them as a child, but grew to love them as an adult.

I love to put raw beets in my salad, not only for their beautiful color and crisp, crunchy texture, but for their benefits as well.

Listed below are 6 benefits of beets:

They say that beets are Nature’s natural…

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#beets #benefits of beets #pickled beets #RAW pickled beets

Happy 2015!!! Let the New Year Begin!

It’s New Year’s Day 2015 – the day when New Year’s resolutions begin and hopefully don’t end. In keeping with my healthy lifestyle — I decided to make a simple lunch for myself with ingredients I had around.

I had my favorite RAW Onion Bread which I made a couple of days ago. I posted about this recipe last year. Click on this linkfor the recipe again! I also had a ripe avocado and some…

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Happy 2015!!! Let the New Year Begin!

I had my favorite RAW Onion Bread which I made a couple of days ago. I posted about this recipe last year. Click on this linkfor the recipe again! I also had a ripe avocado and some…

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#Avocado #healthy RAW Lunch idea #quick RAW Lunch recipe #RAW onion bread #The Rawtarian&039;s RAW Onion Bread #tomatoes

I never thought there’d come a day when I make my own raisins and dehydrated cherries. But I did! And they turned out wonderfully! All you need are the ingredients and a dehydrator! I use something similar to this one! I bought mine at a garage sale! That’s a good way to start to try one out. It also saves you a lot of money.

I got tired of paying the high price for dehydrated cherries, so in season, I will stock up – pit them – and either freeze them for smoothies or dehydrate them.

Most dried fruits and raisins are made by using sulfur dioxide. It is added as a preservative and antioxidant. Here is one article describing the risks of sulfur dioxide.

Grapes and raisins are a great snack to eat. They both contain a phytochemical compound resveratrol. Resveratrol, a polyphenol anti-oxidant, has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, blood cholesterol lowering activities. Studies suggest that resveratrol has been found to have protective action against cancers like melanoma, colon and prostate, and diseases such as coronary heart disease (CHD), degenerative nerve disease, Alzheimer’s disease and viral/ fungal infections.

Benefits of cherries are:

Antioxidant Protection - Cherries contain powerful antioxidants like anthocyanins and cyanidin and a small amount of quercetin, which is among the most potent in terms of antioxidant activity and a wide range of other health-promoting properties.

Cancer-Preventive Compounds - Sweet cherries contain fiber, vitamin C, carotenoids, and anthocyanins, each of which may help play a role in cancer prevention.

Reduce Inflammation and Your Risk of Gout - In a study of over 600 people with gout, those who ate only a ½-cup serving of cherries a day, the equivalent of about 10 or 12 cherries, or consumed cherry extract, had a 35 percent lower risk of a subsequent gout attack.

Support Healthy Sleep (Melatonin) - Cherries contain natural melatonin, which is a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger that helps “cool down” excess inflammation and associated oxidative stress. It also plays a vital role in sleep and bodily regeneration.

Arthritis Pain Relief -Cherries contain many anti-inflammatory compounds, and research suggests they may help to relieve pain from inflammatory osteoarthritis.

Reduce Post-Exercise Muscle Pain - Athletes who consumed tart cherry juice prior to long-distance running experienced less pain than those who did not. It’s thought that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of tart cherries may have a protective effect to reduce muscle damage and pain during strenuous exercise.

Lower Risk of Stroke - Consuming tart cherries may activate PPAR (peroxisome proliferator activating receptors) in your body’s tissues, which help regulate genes involved in fat and glucose metabolism. This activation may help to lower your risk of heart disease.

When I had an abundance of grapes and cherries were in season, I decided to try my hand at making raisins. This is what I did.

Bought grapes and cherries!

Washed grapes and cherries!

Pitted cherries!

Set on mesh dehydrator tray!

I set my dehydrator for 115° and watched to see how long it took to get the consistency I was happy with. It took about 48 hours to get to where I thought they were done. Going forward — I would cut the time down for the cherries because once they cooled down — they became a little too hard. The raisins turned out great! Keep in mind that climate pays an important role in dehydrating time as well as the particular dehydrator you may use.

Here they are starting to shrink up. The grapes are turning brown and they’re taking up much less room on the mesh tray!

And here they are all done and ready to enjoy!

Realistically, I know most of us cannot make your own dehydrated fruits. People get turned off by the planning, prep and time involved in the process. But even if you try to make this in a low temp oven — it could be worth the try!!

Enjoy!

Michele ♥

Homemade Raisins and Dehydrated Cherries I never thought there'd come a day when I make my own raisins and dehydrated cherries. But I did!

Here’s the scoop! I LOVE eating RAW nuts and seeds. They’re my salvation when I get a little hungry in between meals and they keep me going for hours. I’ve always read about the benefits of soaking and dehydrating nuts and seeds, but never really thought I had to do it. Until now . . .

Two thousand thirteen and the first half of 2014 have been particularly stressful for me. Not going into details but I thought the stress that I was handling so well – apparently I was not. I felt as if I was getting an ulcer. Something was not right. Due to stress, frustration and exhaustion I realized that I did not pay attention to my diet and I found myself eating more of the foods that cause inflammation in my gut and joints. I still ate mostly RAW, but I was also eating pasta and rice!!! I saw weight come back on and I was experiencing bloating, constant heartburn, reflux and I had absolutely NO energy. As the stress started to subside – I promised myself to get back to my RAW 80%/20% way of life. However, now I found that the nuts and seeds that I loved so much were giving me heartburn. I had so much acid in my stomach that even water gave me a heartburn. I researched my symptoms and found out is that I have something called Dyspepsia – acid in the gut. Don’t worry – all has been confirmed with an endoscopy!

How I was going to deal with this is up to me. I did not want to continually take acid reducing meds. What better way to get healthy to alleviate all foods that cause inflammation in me and to resume my 80%/20% way of life! However, this time I found that nuts and seeds were giving me a heartburn.

I remembered about soaking and dehydrating nuts and seeds and thought it was worth a try! I remembered that one of my favorite RAW Foods Blogger Amie-Sue Oldfather from Nouveau RAW uses soaked and dehydrated ingredients in all of her recipes and writes in depth about soaking and dehydrating (great tutorials). Amie-Sue is one of the best RAW Food Chefs around. Her site is AMAZING. Her step by step techniques are priceless! I remembered that she posted the actual “soaking” times for nuts and seeds and it is my “go-to” bible for me. She also explains in detail why one should soak nuts and seeds. Please go on Nouveau RAW for directions on soaking and the correct time to soak each nut or seed.

In a nutshell (no pun intended — okay — pun intended!!) RAW nuts and seeds have phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors that encase the nuts and seeds and remain dormant until soaked in water. This way — they won’t start to germinate until they have the proper conditions including rain and sunshine. Phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors can be very hard to digest for some people – apparently me being one of them. Notice in the photos above how the water turns cloudy and brown. That’s everything that the nuts and seeds are “shedding”. It is very important to completely rinse them off when you’re done soaking.

Below is Amie-Sue’s break-down on the benefits of soaking nuts and seeds.

1. To remove or reduce phytic acid.2. To remove or reduce tannins.3. To neutralize the enzyme inhibitors.4. To encourage the production of beneficial enzymes.5. To increase the amounts of vitamins, especially B vitamins.6. To make the proteins more readily available for absorption.7. To prevent mineral deficiencies and bone loss.8. To help neutralize toxins in the colon and keep the colon clean.9. To prevent many health diseases and conditions.

I dehydrate my nuts and seeds at 115°. I find that it can definitely take 24 hours or longer for me to get my desired result. Many people will dehydrate at a higher temperature. If you do not have a dehydrator, you can dehydrate in your oven at the lowest temperature.

When they are done — they are crunchy, sweet and delicious! I put them into jars and store them in the fridge!

I make my own trail mix by combining different nuts and seeds. I also started dehydrating my own cherries and grapes (to make raisins . . . that will be another post) and make a truly healthy and delicious trail mix with no sulfur dioxide and other added chemicals!! I carry snack bags of trail mix with me wherever I go so I’m never caught off-guard when I get hungry. I also make huge bags of trail mix to have on hand when I travel for the same reason.

Soaking and dehydrating fruits, nuts and seeds can seem daunting. Once I got the hang of it I wanted to do more and more. I now have fresh herbs that I will be dehydrating as well. Remember — start small — make your mistakes — don’t rush dehydrating — be patient. But most important – the best thing to remember is . . .

Enjoy!

Michele ♥

Soaking and Dehydrating Nuts and Seeds Here's the scoop! I LOVE eating RAW nuts and seeds. They're my salvation when I get a little hungry in between meals and they keep me going for hours.

Workout Monday - Work Off the Weekend Blues!!!!!

Workout Monday – Work Off the Weekend Blues!!!!!

Click on this link Lauren Fitz Parabaran - crank the volume up and start dancing!!!!!

It’s Monday!!!!!

Not feeling great this Monday morning? Overindulged over the weekend? Just need a little boost to get you going? Try dancing! Dancing is a great way to burn off calories! My favorite way to sweat my calories off is Zumba (mixed with a little Hip Hop).

I am fortunate enough to have…

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My Love/Hate Affair with Caffeine

I LOVE CAFFEINE!!!

But caffeine does not love me!! That makes me sad. I love everything about the “stimulant drug“. I love the way it makes me feel. How I feel awake, energized, intelligent, clear-headed, hopeful, and euphoric after drinking caffeine. I love how a can of Coke helps my migraines should I get one and the associated nausea that goes with it. I LOVE the smell of fresh brewed…

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Chocolate Power Smoothie

My Version of Ani Phyo’s Chocolate Power Smoothie

Saturday mornings are not about sleeping in for me. It’s about rising early in order to get to my 8:30 a.m. Zumba class!!!! I usually wake up a good hour and a half before I have to leave so that I can get a smoothie down and maybe some green tea. I need it to digest so that it doesn’t re-appear while I’m working out (won’t go into specifics…

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Tropical Cauliflower Rice - RAW

I am so happy to say that I now belong to a Organic produce buying club! I put it off for a couple of years because I heard many horror stories about them. Some of the bad things that I heard were:

Produce substitution

Not knowing what to do with all the different types of fruits and veggies

Produce rotting

Very expensive

Those reasons alone turned me off to the concept of paying for a…

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Concrete Jungle

Let’s face it. I’m a Brooklyn girl born and bread! The only thing I knew about fruits and veggies were how they were neatly laid out by color in order as to what they were in my local supermarket. Some of them were even bunched together either in plastic bags or on a nice styrofoam plate shrink wrapped in plastic. As I grew older, I did go apple picking and even though the orchards were beautiful and abundant — eating an apple straight off the tree seemed rather “odd” to me . . . almost sacrilegious! How messed up is THAT????!!!!

Fast forward what seems like 100 years. Looking back I feel as if I can kick myself. Why did I not know then what I know now?? Perhaps I wasn’t ready back then. Perhaps you need to evolve and learn and realize for oneself.

Sustainable Gardening

I am a true believer in Sustainable gardening. I also believe in eating whole, non-processed foods. I also know that organic non-processed foods are very expensive and very unobtainable to the masses. Processed foods are so much easier, convenient and affordable to purchase. So, how do we get organic, nutritious foods to places where once there was none? How do we get the farm to the apartment dwellers in big Cities? Or how do we get this food to the food banks? In A Place At The Table I was shocked to learn that when families go the food bank for food – they are handed tons and tons of cheap processed foods! We are killing our kids. I’m sure you hear on the news all the time now that this is the first generation that will not outlive their parents. How heartbreaking is that!

Changing your Brown Thumb to a Green Thumb

I needed to learn how to garden!! The Brooklyn in me kills almost everything I try to grow! I didn’t know where to start and did’t know how to go about it. Yes — there are a ton of Youtube videos, but I wanted a hands-on experience. Enter Tony Dagher – Urban Famer!

I subscribe to a website called Local Harvest. For about a year now, I’ve been getting weekly emails from then announcing the local gardening classes in my area. I noticed Tony’s classes back then, but have not had the opportunity to sign up until now. I made it a family effort and brought both my daughters and one friend. We spent the day outdoors, in the sun . . . one with nature!!! Here’s a quick synopsis of our day with Tony! Tony’s also listed in Natural Awakenings.

Tony taught us a lot of theory. You can not just jump into gardening without knowing the “science” of it, as I all it. Very overwhelming and LOTS to take in!!!

Outdoor Classroom with Tony!

He also forewarned us on how to “dress” for gardening . . . “keep covered head to toe and ALWAYS wear a hat”!

Keep Covered Head to Toe!

Tony explained that you must wear boots, long socks, long pants and long sleeves to protect ourselves from snakes, ants, bugs and other living things in the garden!

Tony showing off his garden attire!

He explained the importance of good soil and what it is made up of! Of course – Worms can take the credit for good, healthy soil!! Worms are our friends (ugh!!!)!

He also showed us the correct ways to grow tomatoes! This is the trellis he made by hand to grow them on!

Tony also showed us a neglected garden and what happens when people do not make the time to keep up with their gardens. “You must set aside some time every day to nurture your garden”, says Tony.

What NOT TO DO in a garden! Thumbs down!

And then he let us loose with containers in hand! He let us go free into the garden to start making our container/basket garden. Here’s some photos of the girls and their finished product. I’m not showing mine because I actually made mine the week before. I will upload those photos after.

However, Tony did send me home with the biggest gift of all!!! He sent me home with a TON of fresh Callaloo!! The Floridian version of Spinach!!

Fresh Callaloo

But as promised – here are the s photo of the Container Gardens that I and my daughter made last week! I came home and put the whole basket into larger clay pots as directed and I’m feeding them rainwater. I hope I don’t kill them!!!!

I decided to get over my fear of gardening. I truly enjoyed being outdoors with friends and family and learning about the local harvest of Southeast Florida! It was truly a great way to spend the day!!! Now I just have to come up with great recipes for my harvest!

Whatever you do – if you’re already a seasoned gardener or just a beginner like me – just get out there and . . .

Enjoy!

Michele ♥

Container Gardening Concrete Jungle Let's face it. I'm a Brooklyn girl born and bread! The only thing I knew about fruits and veggies were how they were neatly laid out by color in order as to what they were in my local supermarket.

Mimi Kirk on Steve Harvey

RAW Living finally getting the recognition it deserves!

I have been following Mimi Kirk since day one of my RAW food journey. This woman is such an inspiration. I also know of Annette who lives in my neck of the woods. I saw a story on her about 2 years ago when I started my RAW journey. All three women are quite inspiring to me!!! If they can do it — so can I! And YOU!!!!

Watch this video…

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Homemade "RAWISH" Ginger Ale

Homemade “RAWISH” Ginger Ale

“RAWISH” – Isn’t That A Contradiction in my Raw Journey??!!!

I say “Rawish” because I use a honey simple syrup in this recipe. Simple syrup is usually simmered on the stove. I use RAW honey instead of sugar, which is usually the way simple syrup is made.

One of my favorite RAW Honey

I don’t use white sugar in my recipes. I made my simple honey syrup by combining 3/4 cup honey with 3/4 cup…

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I find my Peace on Military and Clint Moore

That heading should not make sense to the masses, but it’s a crossroad, or should I say intersection, where most mornings I find my peace and serenity!

I’ve always been a sucker for blue skies, white clouds and green trees!! I think it started at age 2 when an Aunt of mine explained that my dear departed Uncle was up above looking down on us. I didn’t understand, so she took me outside, pointed up to the sunny sky and said, “there he is”, pointing to a cloud! That was the first time that I actually saw the beauty in the sky. From then on – the sky intrigued me! I’d try to make shapes out the clouds. The best clouds are the ones that looked like fluff, whipped cream, the cream center of an Oreo cookie or heart-shaped!

As I continue to look up to the sky, whether for guidance, calmness, serenity or just to to find Superman – I realize that almost immediately, all the tension leaves my body. My breathing slows down, a sense of calm takes over. It’s an overwhelming phenomenon to me. It keeps me healthy – internally and externally! I can’t tell you how many times I’m driving in the car with my family and have to point out to them “THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SKY EVER“!

So back to my heading . . .

At this particular intersection, I am always fortunate enough to “miss the green light” and have to wait. It gives me a view of the most remarkable sunrises – even if it’s cloudy and overcast!! But it gives me 3 minutes to look at the sky and drink it all in. It’s zen to me. It slows me up in an already fast paced weekday morning!

It’s a known fact that stress is bad for you. How many times have you heard that if you’re stressed, you should either meditate, try yoga, listen to calming music, find your “happy place”, take a relaxing bath or even dance the stress away? It’s imperative that you take time for yourself, even if it’s just 3 minutes at a red light, and learn how to heal yourself from the daily strife of everyday life!!

I find my peace and serenity at an intersection!!! Where do you find yours??

Namaste!

Michele ♥

Peace and Serenity I find my Peace on Military and Clint Moore That heading should not make sense to the masses, but it's a crossroad, or should I say intersection, where most mornings I find my peace and serenity!

Sweet and Delicious!

I made my favorite carrot/beet/apple juice and decided I was going to experiment with the leftover pulp and make a Pulp Flax Cracker. I knew it had to be a sweet cracker, not a savory one because of the sweet carrot, apple and beets. Beets are the largest source of sugar after sugar can. So how was I going to accomplish this???

Carrot Beet Juice

Growing up, my parents loved a dish called Borscht! Borscht is a Russian or Polish beet soup usually served cold and usually served with a dollop of sour cream. As a child, I did not love it. I do believe beets are an acquired flavor! As an adult, I’ve come to appreciate beets and I like them better RAW instead of roasted (though roasted are delicious as well) What I LOVE about beets is that they’re so good for you! Here are some facts about beets from an article from Full Circle.

Beets are natures Viagra! The Romans used beets as an aphrodisiac. Beets contain Boron which which are related to the production of human sex hormones.

Beets are high in vitamins and minerals. They contain Potassium, magnesium, fiber, phosphorus, iron; vitamins A, B & C; beta-carotene, beta-cyanine; folic acid.

Beets cleanse the body. They are a wonderful tonic for the liver, works as a purifier for the blood, and can prevent various forms of cancer.

Beets improve mental health. Beets contain betaine, the same substance that is used in certain treatments of depression. It also contains trytophan, which relaxes the mind and creates a sense of well-being, similar to chocolate. Beets can also lower your blood pressure.

This is my favorite beet fact. Beets are used as a stomach acid tester. How in the world does that work? Glad you asked. If you are eating a lot of beets or beet juice, and your pee turns pink, guess what? You have low stomach acid. Pee still clear? Ratchet it up and get juicing (use the greens too)! Nutritionists use beets and beet juice to test stomach acid levels, so stay ahead of the curve by adding beets to your diet now

Beets are a high source of energy. At the same time they are low in calories and high in sugar (although the sugar is released into your system gradually, as opposed to chocolate). Very few foods found in the natural world are as beneficial as beets in this regard.

So after making my Beet Juice, it was a shame to discard the pulp (I don’t have a compost . . . shame on me!!!)! I had to figure out a recipe using the pulp and using the ingredients that I had available in the house. Running low, and not going to the store any time soon, I made the base with flax seeds and whatever chia seeds I had left. I usually throw in sesame seeds as well, but didn’t have any so I used pumpkin seeds (useless fact . . . pumpkin seeds are one of my favorite all time snacks).

I wanted to make this a sweet cracker instead of my usual savory crackers, but wasn’t sure which flavors would be intensified by the dehydration process. I was worried that the root/woodsy flavor of the beet and carrot would be intensified, so I wanted to sweeten it mildly. I did not write this recipe down and am jotting it down now from memory! I think I got it right.

Raw Juice Pulp Crackers

1 1/2 cups pulp from juice (mine was sweet . . . carrots, beets and granny smith apple. I also removed large chunks of fruits and veggies that made it through my juicer).

1 cup flax seeds soaked*

1/2 cup chia seeds soaked*

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

1 tsp. coconut crystals re-hydrated with warm water to form a liquid

2 tablespoons orange juice

Mix all the ingredients together and spread on a Paraflex sheet for your dehydrator. Dehydrate at 115° for 6 hours. Score and remove paraflex sheet, flip over and continue to dehydrate on mesh tray for another 4-6 hours until you obtain the consistency, crispness, crunchiness, etc. you desire.

* I soaked the flax and chia seeds longer than I anticipated. That is why I added the 2 tablespoons of orange juice into the recipe and it worked out just fine.

Don’t be afraid to play around with a recipe. I never used coconut crystals before and didn’t know how to use them. That is why I dissolved them in water. I didn’t want the crunchiness of sugar crystals in the cracker. Throwing in the 2 tablespoons of orange juice was also a “dare” for me — not knowing how the finished product would come out.

The crackers are delicious!! The end product had a flavor with subtle “sweet” notes. It was just enough orange juice and coconut crystals not overpower the natural flavor of the cracker itself. Everyone enjoyed them and I enjoy knowing that they’re healthy for you!!!

Play around in the kitchen. Try new things. Don’t be afraid. Not everything works out the way you plan, but some things do and when that happens . . . it’s a great feeling!

Enjoy!

Michele ♥

RAW Dehydrated Juice Pulp Crackers Sweet and Delicious! I made my favorite carrot/beet/apple juice and decided I was going to experiment with the leftover pulp and make a Pulp Flax Cracker.

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