Raw Food

3 years ago I was introduced to a life changing concept that is so incredibly simple but nowadays has been made incredibly difficult. Here is the concept. Eat what your body needs. Eat what comes from the ground in it's purest, safest, cleanest form. the End!
(Completely Raw Carrot Cake)

My sister in law introduced me to the Raw Food Detox Diet. I was interested in losing weight. I was about 20 pounds overweight and lost 15 pounds of it throughout the course of 6 months by eating fruits before noon and veggies until dinner. For dinner I ate mostly healthy but not raw. Usually a light pasta and wine. I thrived at that weight and habit of eating for a good 8 months until I hit a rough patch in life and became depressed. The desire to take care of myself like I should was gone and I went right back to old habits.

(Artichoke, tomato vegetable crackers)

That landed me to where I was in March of this year. About April of this year I started a gym membership with my Mom to get me out of the house, into the fresh air and to break from business and stresses in the home. Thank goodness I have such an obliging Momma because this was the number one key for me to start taking care of myself.
By doing this together, We are showing my kids that it is important to make time for yourself and care about your health.
( Cheese Ravioli with mozerella, onion, zucchinni)

I didn't jump into anything too fast. Just worked on trying to became as active as I wanted without over doing it and becoming burnt out on it. Did this for about a month while slowly reading up on some books about what eating habits I wanted to create for myself. What I was looking for in the type of lifestyle changes I wanted to make was not counting calories or cutting out carbs. But rather what will feel fulfilling, spiritual, light, simple concepts that my mind can grasp and keep a hold of. Not too many rules to remember. (Squash noodles with stewed tomoatoes with chopped carrot & onion )

What I realized after reading a few of Natalia Roses' books was it wasn't a "diet" that we need to learn. It's not rules we need to remember but rather we need to understand how our bodies work off of food. How your body reacts to food. To know what foods you can make work for you.

(tomato, tuna sandwhich)

I'm certainly in the beginning stages but when I look in the mirror now. There isn't alot of picking on certain areas of my body or mentally reprimanding myself, because I know I am doing everything possible I can for my body to be the best it can be and it will get there. It took many years of neglect to get to where I am and the body will not heal in months but it is remarkable how much better I feel eating more REAL food.
(zucchini, tomato, motzerella, basil sliders)

I've always had a bit of trouble with balance. I like to throw myself into something full force, love it and move onto what's next. What I'm trying to remember is that there is nothing else to move onto. There are really only two choices..Eat processed foods and be unhappy or eat Real food and feel light and radiant.
(mixing chocolate pudding)

The kids of course still have their desserts and I will not push this onto them. But I already see them learning about new foods and trying some of them. They will help me prepare it even if they don't want to eat it. I feel really good about the direction we're headed and I feel confident that it will last. Because the desire is driven by knowing that I'm giving my kids a gift of
confidence in their bodies and hopefully not having to many issues with body image in their young adult and adult lives. (Chicken & Vegetable grilled cabobs)