I'm going RAW

In all the readings and studies that I have done, there has been a very common trend.  1 thing more than all else sticks out, and when I try it (which I do often) I always feel better.  The "trend" or suggestion that I am talking about is the Raw Food Diet.
Now, I hate labelling diets, because I think the way we eat and exercise should be a way of life, not a plan listed on a piece of paper.  That being said, some people need the paper to start off with.
There are many versions of going raw:
- 100% raw, even meats and fish eaten raw if and when consumed
- 100% raw & vegetarian or vegan diet
- Vegan or vegetarian diet where 75% of all foods are raw
- Any diet that includes more than 51% raw vegetables and fruits
There are plenty more variations as well.

Here is what I will be doing for the next 5 days as a sort of cleanse.
I will continue to have my morning shakes, but will add only fruits, green leafy vegetables, beets and an organic greens product.
The rest of my meals will be 75% or more raw fruits, veggies and will include nuts and seeds.
I am allowing myself to eat organic eggs, wild fish and very limited organic meat.  I will try to stick mostly to the eggs and 2 - 3 servings of wild fish this week.

When we eat organic, raw vegetables, fruits and nuts & seeds, we are feeding our bodies what nature gave us to eat.  We are allowing our bodies to properly absorb vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, anti-oxidants etc... We are allowing our bodies to clean out toxins that are stored within.  Some of these toxins are inhaled, others consumed, either way, they need to be eliminated.

Eating raw foods has been shown to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol (although both have a highly genetic cause as well).  People with type II Diabetes have been better able to control their disease, some have even reversed it.
A raw diet is perfect for people with gluten intolerance and wheat allergies.

Throughout the week I will be posting smoothie recipes that I am making in my Magic Bullet, as well as salad recipes.

Please feel free to ask any questions you have in the comments section!

My favourite breakfast

We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Most of us also know that it can be the meal we have the least time for.  As a parent, I am making lunch, getting ready to do carpool, get myself ready... it can be quite a bit some days.
Recently I have started making juices and smoothies for breakfast.  I have discovered that I am a huge fan of the MagicBullet and I do intend on buying the NutriBullet in the very near future.
Juicing can have loads of benefits, especially if the right things are put into the shakes.  Liquids are easier absorbed by our system, full nutrients can be absorbed and phytonutrients and antioxidants can get to work right away.
There have been thousands of books written about juicing, smoothies, the raw diet etc... but truth is, a little practice and you can be a juice/smoothie expert.
Doing this for 2 meals a day, and eating 1 solid meal that is at least half raw vegetables and fruits can lead to great detoxification in your body.  It can lead to weight loss, better looking skin, more energy, better focus and concentration, and a general healthier you from the inside out.
Here is my preferred breakfast smoothie.  As mentioned its made in a MagicBullet

1 small handful of baby spinach
1/2 organic banana
1 tablespoon organic blueberries
1 tablespoon organic raspberries
a few very thin slivers of pineapple
1 tablespoon organic coconut oil
1 teaspoon ForgedSport liquid Omega3s with Vitamin D
3/4 scoop ISO Crazy whey protein isolate by Crazy Nutrition (I use the vanilla)
1 scoop CytoGreens non GMO greens
I top that off with filtered water and enjoy my breakfast

Try it out and let me know what you think.
If you need to get any of the products that I put into the shake, please let me know and I will guide you to a store near you that carries these fine products.

Happy juicing!