Raspberries on my mind...

Yummy in my tummy! Photo by: strawberry4bali.wordpress.com

Tart. Tangy. Melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Pickable. Snack-attackable. Just plain fun! Raspberries are a jewel to beholden. They grow on wild bushes...They can be eaten RAW, added to smoothies for a nice zest, mixed with lemon juice and other berries for a beautiful summer berry salad, they are easy to eat, easy to transport, they freeze fantastically and are a great snack for kids and adults alike!

It's hard not to like a raspberry. You can even grow them in your garden at home!

See there? Easy little ice cubes! Who knew? Photo by: www.stylecraze.com 

Did you know? ...Raspberries make great "ice cubes" for summer time drinks? We like to freeze our raspberries, blueberries and even sliced peaches and pineapples, then drop them into a glass and fill with lemonade, orange juice, coconut water or whatever summer drink suites your fancy. They keep the drink cold AND give a little flavor while adding a fun edible treat to any thirst quencher! Try it today! Everyone will love it!

Delicious raspberry, acai, kiwi smoothie! Yum! Photo by: kblog.lunchboxbunch.com 

Raspberries are such little yum yums! Use them for making a delicious sugar-free jam, add to cereals and morning-time oatmeal or quinoa eating, use to garnish a delectable dinner salad for a slight light sweetness, eat with strawberries, blueberries and blackberries for a BERRY-LICIOUS snack! Blend them up with coconut water, fresh mint and crushed ice for a simple summer-time smoothie! Oh the possibilities are endless!

Raspberry bushes at home! Photo by: www.choicefood.in 

While I munch away on my bowl o' raspberries I find it necessary to tell YOU, as a transitioning RAW VEGAN, why I just love eating them so much (and how you can too!).

Spinach salad with raspberry, avocado...oooh! Photo by: recipeideashopblog.wordpress.com

Let me put it to you this way, if you are struggling with finding balance in your weight...RASPBERRIES ARE THE ANSWER. New studies have shown how the phytonutrients found in raspberries (specifically raspberry ketone, also known as rheosim) play a major role in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress (two main factors that attribute to cancer growth)!

Raspberry smoothie! Oh the possibilities! Photo by: www.thomasdux.com.au

By chasing down free radical molecules, increasing metabolism, oxygen consumption, and regulating enzyme activity that could trigger unwanted inflammation the phytonutrients in raspberries can help lower our risk for chronic diseases such as: obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Truth be told, the phytonutrients found in raspberries are unprecedented in diversity and potency; raspberries boast over 22 phytonutrients!

Peach, basil, Raspberry salad. Light, Summer,easy! Try it! Photo by: foodwinethyme.com

RASPBERRIES ARE: anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory. All that packed into such a tiny little PUNCH! You know you wanna eat some...tonight! 1 cup of raspberries = 63 CALORIES! That's it! 

If you didn't know, now you know! Photo by: reflectionswithrhonda.com

What else do we get when we eat raspberries you ask? 50% of our daily Vitamin C intake, 40% of our Manganese intake, 30% of our Fiber intake (and we all could use a little more fiber in the diet), Vitamin K, Magnesium, and guess what else...even Omega-3 fats! Some Copper, Vitamin E and even Potassium as well!


And let me just tell you something else while were talking...If you're a woman and you ever get cramps...start taking some Raspberry Leaf capsules...it will change your life. I usually recommend taking them at least 2 weeks prior to the arrival of you-know-what:Take 2 capsules, 2x daily. The addition of ginger capsules (take 2 capsules, 2x/day) will also make your life so much easier. Trust me. ;-)

Eat some berries today! Toast with peanutbutter and banana, sliced strawberries and watermelon, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, blueberry, almond milk smoothie. Photo by: veggieomnom.tumblr.com

As a transitioning raw vegan simple, tasty, easy-to-digest natural meals is what it's all about...and raspberries provide that in so many ways! It's summer and high time to add some raspberries to your diet regimen today! Easy smoothie recipes, salad recipes, tea/drink recipes, jams and more are available here for you!

Pucker up!
~h

Peachy keen...you know what I mean.

Aren't they such majestic beauties! Photo by: commons.wikimedia.org 

Smooches! Love, Peaches.

Delish! Peaches engage many of the senses and make for a wondrous treat ANY time of the day. They are easy to travel with, can be sliced, juiced, mashed or munched, have a soft, supple skin and delicate juicy-ness that even young babes can appreciate. Peaches rarely leave you unsatisfied and yet somehow begging for more. They make a bit of a mess, not too much; just enough to let your sweet sticky fingers gently remind you they were there.

Heart-healthy, skin-smoothing sweet, sticky snack! Photo by: examiner.com 

Peaches have a beautiful coloring ranging from light yellow to deep rouge and range similarly in taste according to the ripeness. They are best eaten when the darker swirling colors are present (the mixture of red and orange and yellow).

Sliced peaches perfect for a tantalizing mid-day snack! Photo by: nyccityeats.com

Filled to the brim with Vitamin A, Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Vitamin C, Niacin, and so much more, peaches can be enjoyed year-round and are very easy to can or freeze. They make great companions in smoothies, teas, juice recipes, on salads, in homemade popsicles and even make a delightful summer soup. (If you haven't had peach soup throw you inhibitions to the wind! You will surely be rewarded. I certainly was.)

Tasty, Peachy, Juicy! Photo by: theimprovkitchen.blogspot.com 

Tried peach juice yet? No? Do it. A frothy full-bodied juice that is as refreshing and light as summer salad and a soft kiss, it will leave you wanting just a bit more. And why not? At only 46 calories per peach you can be certain this is a "Weight Watchers" approved treat we can all indulge in!

Peaches come in all sizes, shapes and colors! Just like you and me! Photo by: marigoldmom.com

Let's talk about some of the health benefits! Peach juice can act as a natural laxative to help flush toxins out of the kidneys and bladder to help prevent kidney stones! Peaches are a great source of water and fiber and allow you to get fantastic nutrients, feel "full" longer all with a wonderfully succulent taste and aroma.

Peach Tea Smoothie! Oh my Gawd! Yes. Photo by: eatsimpleloveyoga.com 

Got a bad cough? Have a peach. Peaches are known for their ability to soothe a dry cough, you can even make the juice into a warm soothing tea. Those with rheumatic pains and abdominal colic are also recommended to incorporate peaches into their diets.

Healthy food-combining approved meal: Peaches and Raspberries! Yummo! Photo by: theskinnyonlowcal.org

Peaches help ease digestion and inflammation. They protect nerve cells and if eaten early in the morning can help regulate intestinal infections and maintain alkalinization of the blood due to their low acidity. Regular consumption of peaches can help prevent the onset of many types of cancers and aid in weight loss. Peaches are good for the skin to help regenerate tissue cells; you can even rub peach juice into your skin for that soft peachy glow!

Happy to be here sliced and cored peachy keens! Photo by: inspireandindulge.wordpress.com

Peaches are rich in iron, so very good for those with anemia. Peaches can help treat high blood pressure and facilitate cardiac health due to the potassium found in them. Peaches are helpful in lowering cholesterol in blood and preventing cardiac diseases.

Peachy Mint Puree, perfect for your tiny sweet someone somewhere.
Photo by: theartofcomfortbaking.blogspot.com

Peaches contain Vitamin A,  B1, and B2 which help to strengthen the immune system, balance the nervous system and maintain magnesium levels in the body. Peaches are HIGH IN ENERGY and are great for pregnant women and those wishing to regulate their weight!

Fresh Home-canned Peaches! Makes for easy livin'! Photo by: piccantedolce.blogspot.com

So what do we know about peaches? Peaches even have their own color...Peach. How many other fruits can top that? To follow the suggestions of food combining for maximum digestion...peaches are best eaten with other like fruits: apricots, plums, nectarines, mango, pear, apple, cherries, grapes and other berries.

Fresh, tasty and nutritious! Go get some today! Photo by: statesymbol.usa.org

With health benefits for the whole family, peaches certainly fit the bill when it comes to SIMPLE EATING. That's the motto around here. So many reasons to eat so many peaches!
Moral of the story? Try adding peaches to your diet today! Your whole body will thank you for it!

Live. Love. Well.
~h

Broccoli is KING!

Broccoli flowers before they turn into little florets. Now I bet you didn't know that one did you? I didn't. :-)
Photo by: commons.wikimedia.org  

Yum, yum, yum! I love Broccoli! Some people think it has a funny smell when cooked...but if you just eat it raw...what's your excuse now, eh eh? Nada.

Broccoli is one of those fun vegetables that require some simple chopping and lots of chomping! They look like tiny trees and kids can really LOVE them if you start them out eating it early.

Broccoli has gotten a bad rap in the community for it's national use as the one vegetable that "kids hate the most." Truth is, they only hate what you tell them to hate. Am I right? Here's a funny tip on how to get your kids (and family members perhaps) to eat more broccoli...

Change the name. Change the name?? Yes, change the name. Call it something different, something cool. Wouldn't you rather eat something with a funky name like "'Brainy Bunch o' Broccoli!" What about "X-ray Vision Carrots," or  "Silly Dilly Green Beans?" See, sounds way cooler right? Studies suggest that changing the name of certain vegetables can make kids more inclined to eat them. Try it and see! Just food for thought. :-)

Ahh SO FUNNY! Just couldn't resist it. LOL Photo by: www.fugly.com

Anywho...for those of us that have a desire to lower our cholesterol, detox our bodies, increase our digestion capabilities, see better, have softer skin, increase our brain power, lessen the impact of our allergies, neutralize and eliminate unwanted contaminants in the body, fight our Vitamin D deficiency epidemic, defeat chronic inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, and strengthen our liver...EATING BROCCOLI IS THE WAY TO GO!

Yummo! Easy like 1,2,3! Broccoli, evoo, garlic, salt and peppa! Photo by:

Fun ideas for eating BROCCOLI:
1) Broccoli Pesto
2) Steamed Broccoli

Broccoli Pesto. All you need is a food processor, broccoli, garlic cloves, basil, evoo, salt/peppa and pine nuts. Toss in. Blend. DONE. Photo by: www.nytimes.com

3) Broccoli Salad
4) Broccoli Stirfry
5) Broccoli Slaw

Raw Vegan Broccoli Slaw. You know you want some. Recipe above. Photo by: vegweb.com

6) Sauteed broccoli with garlic and lemon
7) Broccoli Soup (*NOTE: Follow the recipe, but I recommend not pureeing it)
8) Broccoli Pizza
9) Raw broccoli with hummus/olives/carrots OR with Peanut Butter

Tasty RAW Broccolis with Miso Peanut Butter. Don't knock it til' you try it. Recipe above.
Photo by: jeanetteshealthyliving.com

Broccoli contains massive amounts of Vitamin C (approx. 135% of your suggested daily intake), Vitamin K (approx. 115% of your suggested daily intake), Folate, Vitamin A, Manganese, Fiber, Tryptophan, Potassium, Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, Molybdenum, Phosphorus, Protein, Magnesium, Calcium, Choline, Iron, Vitamin E, Selenium...and to top it all off...ONLY 30 CALORIES PER ONE CUP RAW BROCCOLI! Seriously people.

Raw Broccoli wth honey-dijon dressing. Yup.
Photo by: www.zweitesfruehstueck.blogspot.com

Here's the thing we need to know. Humans come from the earth. We are physically, technologically, intellectually, spiritually and literally beings of the soil and water. Nearly every component found in the dirt under our feet, is found in the bones, blood and organs in our bodies. To over-simplify a bit, the body serves two basic main functions: 1) to absorb nutrients for the repair and rebuilding of our cells, 2) to eliminate waste from the cells.

What we eat (and don't eat) determines the level of efficiency at which these functions can be performed. So when we talk about nutrients and minerals and vitamins it is imperative to understand the WHY? behind the WHAT. The fact is we need a DAILY REPLENISHING of these nutrients in order to stay alive. Eat live foods, they will keep you alive too.

Live. Love. Well.
~h

The key to longevity

Simple small changes CAN have a big impact! Photo by: newdirectionsconsulting.com

When you embark on a new mission or journey it's easiest to stick with it in the "newness" of the change. The first couple of days or even weeks tend to be the easiest as you are revved up on momentum and excitement. Sticking with the change can often be the most trying.

A life of abundance is available to us all!
Photo by: vafoodbanks.org

I, myself, have been transitioning to raw veganism for some time and consider it a very personal journey.

Where are you on this continuum? Having patience with yourself is the best thing you can do.
Photo by: www.mycvandme.co.uk 

But not to F.E.A.R.! There are a myriad of ways to go about "transitioning." We are all in a period of change and movement in our lives in other areas, and it's totally okay to be a bit transitory in nature when it comes to our food choices and lifestyle habits.

Homemade Cashew milk..YUMM!
Photo by: creativebioscience.com

I first started by eliminating all dairy products from my diet. I didn't really eat much dairy any way and so removing, cow's milk, eggs, cheese and yoghurt was the first step. For a while I still ate yoghurt sparingly and some eggs as I didn't feel the need to remove them from my diet just yet. Most of the time I only ate yoghurt in smoothies anyway and so I just replaced those with fresh juice/fruit only smoothies occasionally incorporating a coconut or nut milk of sorts. Also, I was very surprised to find out how many OTHER ways I could get calcium into my diet!

Biggest thing I have learned: *When it comes to life changes and challenges, you really have to go at your own pace.*

Lunch: toast, balck beans, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, mashed avocado, delish!
Photo by: goodveg.squidoo.com

Next I moved to removing chicken from my diet (I had eliminated beef a few years prior after researching how tough digestion is of most cooked beef products for the body and had stopped eating pork at a very young age as I always seemed to get sick after eating it (pork chops, hot dogs...). So I simply ate fish instead for a while and began experimenting with alternative "protein" sources.

Black beans, salsa, bean spread, avocado, collard greens!
Photo by: melomeals.blogspot.com

I started making vegan chili (3-bean chili ect...), veggie burgers with sweet potatoes and chickpeas, eating black bean hummus, edamame and so on. I realized after researching that many of the main stream forms of protein that we have been led to believe are absolute and MUST be included in our diets (ie cooked animal meats) are often also some of the most difficult for our bodies to break down.

Beans and lentils! Kidney beans, garbanzo beans, white, black, pinto beans, lentils, edamame and the list goes on!
Photo by: abcnews.go.com

Isn't the whole point of eating to fuel our body machines? Well, of course! If you don't eat (common argument), then you will eventually die! The truth is that without nutrients and water, our cells cannot repair, rebuild and rejuvenate. If our cells cannot rebuild as they are destroyed by the natural processes of living our bodies could simply not sustain life for very long.

The inside of your body and the path to digestion. Cool! 

Long story short, I started researching more about the digestion process in the body and how to best maximize the absorption of nutrients in the body. I am still researching and learning more about myself and my body each and every day!

Love yourself wherever you are on your path! Photo by: womenshealthency.com 

This journey for me has been so exciting! Difficult at times (family opinions, availability, discipline, support, time management and straight laziness have been barriers)...but life is such a beautiful journey and I am learning to love myself and give love to others everyday!

Have patience with yourself and you will always be in good company!

Live. Love. Life.
~h

Freakin' Leeks!

Leeks, sliced and diced! Photo by: wikipedia.org

Leeks. What the heck is a leek...You may be wondering? Not to fear Vivacious Vegan is here!

Leeks are a strange bird of sorts...and not a bird at all actually. A leek is a vegetable that belongs to the family of onions, shallots, scallions and garlic. It is bulbous at the bottom (like an onion) and has long, firm, crunchy cylinder-like leaves that grow up from the bulb. Kind of looks like this:

The roots and cut end of a leek. Photo by: wikipedia.org

They have a surprisingly mellow, 'sweeter-than-onion' taste. They can be eaten raw, blanched quickly or sauted and even baked. (Back in my dairy-eating days I once had Leeks mac n' cheese - didn't leave much of an impression) They are the kind of vegetables that blend into the background in terms of taste, but really kick butt in terms of nutrients.



One of my favorite recipes (as I am still transitioning to raw foodism) is a Curried Coconut Milk Thai Leek Soup.  It doesn't take long to make and even less time to simmer. YUM! (Recipe upon request)

Now onto the nutritional value!

Single leek flower head. Cool right? Can you find the bee in the picture? Photo by: wikipedia.org

You wouldn't believe these large long vegetables start out as these TINY LITTLE seedlings!

50% of daily value Vitamin K
30% of daily value of Vitamin A
20% of daily value of Manganese

1 cup raw leeks only 54 calories!!!!

What's nice about leeks is because they belong to the same family as garlic and onions we see many similar benefits as their fellow vegetable-mates.

 Leeks, lemon juice, evoo, olives, grated carrot, salt, peppa, basil and tomatoes! Yummy easy mid-day salad! Photo by : www.livingandeatingwell.com

How I eat them: a little bit of lemon juice and thyme or basil...chop them up and add to a salad! Crunchy delight! If you like them cooked, saute them with some fennel or mustard seeds and a little water for 5-7 minutes stirring frequently, toss with a little evoo, pepper and thyme; season to taste and add to any ready made dish of your choosing. Great to add to soups or omlettes for a suttle deliciousness!

As a transitioning raw vegan eater I am estatic (!) to:
get massive doses of antioxidants (which help in protecting my blood vessels and cells from damage), lots of B vitamin Folate (which is key for supporting my cardiovascular system) and flavonoids (which protect my blood vessel linings too!).

Fresh leeks ready for the taking! What will you make with them? Photo by: jasons-bites.com

Because leeks are highest in Vitamin K and A - they help most with helping blood to clot properly, protect your bones from fracturing, AND protect against liver and prostate cancer!

So go out and get you some little known lovely leeks today! (Tip: You can probably find them at your local Asian grocer)

Live. Love. Well.

~h

Avocado me now!

Shout out to all my AVOCADO LOVERS! Photo by: pinterst.com

On to a topic I thoroughly enjoy...the loving super food of AVOCADOS! (also known as the alligator pear...what a funny name lol) They have been enjoyed by millions over the past thousands of years all over the living world!

I love avocados the most because they are tasty and fit the bill when it comes to simple livin'. A splash of lemon, dash of garlic and you're good to go! Some like it with a squeeze of lime juice and a bit of evoo, mash it up and eat up! Or just eat it plain straight from the gourd! Others even make simple guacamole...there are so many uses and it's such an easy way to eat. Let's talk a bit about the benefits other than how tasty avocados are and how easy they are to prepare.

Oh man! When I tell you I have a new avocado smoothie-on-the-go/ice cream/popsicle recipe you will LOVE! You've just got to believe me...and better yet you've JUST GOT TO TRY IT!

Here we go:
1 medium sized avocado (peel and pit it)
1 cup "milk" (coconut milk or almond is my go to but I'm sure you can experiment with others)
4 ice cubes
4 tsp of sugar (this is optional, some like it sweeter others less so, if you add a little bit you can always add more)

Directions:
add milk, ice cubes and sugar to blender, blend well. Then add the avocado and blend until smooth. If it's too think add some water if too thin add some more ice (or avocado depending on how much you want to make) but be sure to TASTE IT before straying too far from the recipe. MMMMMMM YUM!

How to make ice cream out of it...throw it in a tupper ware and let it get a little more solid. How to make popsicles...get some popsicle molds, spoon the mixture in and freeze according to the directions. This is a GREAT WAY to get kids (and stubborn hubbies and lovers) to eat "green" popsicles and get lots of vitamin E, Omega-23 fatty acids, folate and beta-sitosterol in their sweet little bodies!

Yay for the wonderfulness and versatility of lovely avocados!

A great tasty recipe above! Photo by: OasisAdvancedWellness

Zip-Zap-SMOOTHIE!

The wonderful carrot-filled rainbow! Photo by: blog.bountifulbaskets.org

While in transition to a raw vegan diet or even just thinking about it...there are alot of easy meal ideas you can use that will be beneficial for your mind and body.


Here is are some great starter recipes to get you on the move! Photo courtesy of  http://douladivinity.tumblr.com/, one of my FAVORITE tumblr page's of all time. :-) Show her some love.

 One of the easiest and dare I say, most nutritious meals a human can feed it's body is JUICE!

Baby's love it, grandparents love it! IT'S EASY TO DIGEST AND GOES DOWN SMOOTH. Great for moms and dads and kids on the GO! I mean, seriously who doesn't like a nice refreshing juice at almost anytime of the day!

Baby's love GREEN SMOOTHIES! Photo by: www.greensmoothiegal.com

What I love about these recipes is they are properly combined for best absorbtion and digestion (yes, your body "digests" juice) and they really taste great.

I have a very basic juicer myself and have been able to enjoy many of the amazingly tasty benefits of juicing and make AT LEAST ONE MEAL A DAY a smoothie or juice feast meal.
*NOTE: This is one of my tips on how to lose 20 pounds in 3 months...stay tuned!

Vitamin A-Z can be found in these suckers! I love eating fruits! Photo by: mr-ginseng.com

As a natural vegan it is IMPERATIVE that I get certain minerals, vitamins and live ingredients in my diet at as many meals as I can. Smoothies/juices do it all.

Love. Love. Yum. Photo by: www.plantpoweredliving.com  

APPLE SNAP
3-4 apples (any sweet or tart variety), 7-8 carrots, 1-2 inches of ginger, 1-2 whole lemons = light sweet JUICE with a little KNUDGE! :-)

If you don't have the time/resources or interest in juicing...start small. Use your blender and try some of these recipes:

A little seedy, tart and summer time sweet! Photo by: www.thedevilwearsparsley.com

BERRY BERRY TASTY SMOOTHIE
1 cup strawberries, 1 cup raspberries, 1 cup blueberries, 1 cup orange juice, 1 banana, 2 tbsp ground flax seed, 1 cup ice (or use frozen fruits) =- YUMM!

Ingredients: Banana, mango, pineapple, spinach. Photo by: dontwastethecrumbs.com

HAPPY GREEN MACHINE SMOOTHIE
1 large banana, 1 can of pineapple with juice (or 1/2 live pineapple sliced), 1 handful of raw spinach, 1-2 large mangoes (to your taste) = my favorite GREEN SMOOTHIE

Ingredients: Kale, almonds, banana. Simple and easy living! Photo by: blog.vellumandvogue.com

ALMOND JOYFUL SMOOTHIE
1 cup almond milk (or coconut or goat's or rice milk whatever you like), 1 banana, 1 handful of kale = TASTY STARTER smoothie

Ahh yes...a staple on the run go to smoothie. Great trusted brand! Photo by: www.tumblr.com

Last but not least...when I'm on the super-go-go and I know I need to get my smoothie or juice in for the day...I breakdown and buy it. I know this may seem not that awesome...but honestly I pay around $6-10 for the average "meal" on the go...so why not spend $5.99 on a 64 oz. Bolthouse Green Goodness smoothie and still have some change to spare for an extra 20 oz juice? Savin' dollars and livin' easy. :-)

I hope you will be inspired to add a smoothie to your day today! Post your very own smoothie/juice recipes below! Good health CAN BE YOURS!

Live. Love. Well.

~h