Day 30 of the 30 day raw vegan challenge

Wow - I can't believe how quickly 30 day has gone by. Honestly, I could easily continue with eating raw vegan - I enjoy the food & how I feel immensely.  My clothes are looser (I lost 5.5 lbs. in the last 30 days), my energy, skin & digestion are great, I am sleeping more solidly than I have in years.  My taste in food has changed as well (I guess that 21 days to break a habit is true) - when I feel snacky now I crave a banana or an apple or some Goji cocao clusters - rather than a cookie or a cheese bun.  The fresh, delicious raw vegan meals I've been having from www.healthyfunkyfoods.com are amazing - I'd happily continue on eating like this - if I could afford to have someone continue to make meals for me everyday.
The thing I haven't done in this 30 days is learn how to make raw vegan meals - so today I want to go out & buy recipe book - for beginners that looks fairly easy & start out slow.  I do have a dehydrator & a blender (but not a good one - which is important) & I think there will be a lot of salads as I transition & learn how to tackle creating my own food.  Healthy funky foods at The Crossroads Market is open Fri., Sat & Sunday so I'll continue to pick up fresh pre-made meals from there to supplement what I make - Rayna just does it so much better!  She also is at a Farmer's Market on Tuesday so I will probably be tracking her down there as well.
So - the journey continues. But I leave you with the raw vegan raspberry cheez cake. I am actually not a huge fan of cheesecake I find it too creamy & sweet & it kind makes me phlegmy & feels heavy in my stomach - so I've always avoided it.  This raw vegan chez cake from www.healthyfunkyfoods.com is the opposite of what I've had for cheesecake ever before.  It's light & smooth & not too sweet & with tart raspberries blended on top - super, super good. One of my favourite desserts I've eaten - ever. I don't see it often over at Healthy Funky Foods - but if you do - try it - you won't be sorry.

Day 29 - Menu for a day

Be prepared if you go on the 30 day raw vegan challenge - it's a lot of food! There's no rumbling tummy going on over here.  Lots of food helps keep energy levels up & my mood good.
So, how it works is either I pick up the pre-made (or self assemble) meals, snacks & drinks or Rayna (www.healthyfunkyfoods.com) drops them off & I'm good to go for 2 or 3 days - depending on which week day we've planned the pick up for.
Here's an example of the incredible food you might eat in a day:

Banana nut pancakes:

smoothie:

veggie wrap salad:

coconut bar:

Juice:

Stuffed avocado:

Nanaimo bar:

Day 28 - Meal time bonding

Having meals pre-made for the raw, vegan 30 day challenge with www.healthyfunkyfoods.com has certainly helped with having to decide, shop for & prepare meals for me - however surprisingly it has made it harder for Matt.
My kids are curious about what I'm eating & willing to try a bit here & there, but Matt likes to eat steak. He also likes to cook & for the family to eat together - preferably somewhat similar meals. I guess it's part of the nurturing, bonding part of family meal time.  I really didn't expect that he would miss cooking for me - such a sweetie.  On the plus side - I have been encouraging my kids to take more responsibilities in the kitchen this last month & it has been great to see their confidence & skills in the  kitchen grow.  This is something I also need to work on.

Last night I had an amazing double decker burger with onion bread crust from www.healthyfunkyfoods.com.  Loaded with tomatoes, avocado & peppers, along with a side salad, it was super satisfying.  Too bad it was raining & my family couldn't have burgers too!  Oh well, definitely something that's easy to have on hand for the upcoming bbq season.

Day 27 - Where's the cheese?

Mac & Cheese has always been my comfort food. I love the kd version, the gourmet versions with sharp cheddar, and everything in between - the cheesier the better. Really - one of my favourite meals is plain white pasta with marble cheese grated & melted on it with a bit of butter - it was an easy meal for a vegetarian when I was in my 20's.  Hmmm. Now that I think of it there was zero nutritional value in that meal. At all. But, boy did it taste yummy.
On the 30 day challenge needless to say there has been no carb laden, creamy gooey melting cheesy meals.  But - there is a raw vegan mac'n cheez at www.healthyfunkyfoods.com - surprisingly.  The noodles are made from zucchini & the cheez is creamy & a bit spicy with a pecan chilli crumble on top. It's not bad at all, actually - but definitely not the mac & cheese I'm used too. I find with raw vegan food if you don't expect it to taste any particular way it will surprise you & be really good.  But does it taste like what it labelled as (ie mac & cheez)?  No.  However I am always pleasantly surprised & found myself enjoying this dish.  The good part is that instead of zero nutritional value - it's 100% nutritional.  Which is a great reason to enjoy it.

Day 26 - RAW chocolate...heaven

Recently I took a Raw chocolate making course through The Light Cellar & it was amazing. I took Mim along - my little chocoholic - to see if I could infuse a bit of love for alternative chocolate into her repertoire. Though she loved the class & was super proud of her dark orange flavoured chocolate concoction, she hasn't requested RAW chocolate since.  I think Cadbury has won her back, which means...more chocoaltely goodness for me!
Rayna at www.healthyfunkyfoods.com is aware of my weakness for desserts & I was thrilled this week when in my meal pick up there was not 1, not 2 but a trio of delicious dessert to enjoy; the coconut- hemp-almond bars (which have to be my favourites), then a chocolate brownie with nuts & finally another chocolate brownie with a green layer with what looked like caramel drizzled on it. I was in heaven.  I felt pretty spoilt & it was easy to satisfy that sweet tooth with raw vegan tasty treats. My girls were only too happy help me test out each of these treats - which they liked but I think the nanaimo bars (aka delicious bars) are their favourite still - hands down.

Day 25 - Energetic & good to go

Day 25 - only 5 days to go on the 30 day challenge & I am feeling really good. It's amazing - about day 10 I felt like this was going to be a really long time but at day 25 I wish I was going longer! Having amazing raw vegan delicious meals prepared for you everyday is pretty awesome. Now to start learning how to eat like this for myself....I think I'll have to figure out stage 2 of raw veganism.
I haven't been as hungry lately & finding snacking on an apple or banana or some cocao-goji clusters or even a quick fresh juice totally help keep my energy levels good & feeling sustained between meals.
I had an a pretty crazy breakfast yesterday from www.healthyfunkyfoods.com - raw vegan heauvos rancheros - with salsa, guacamole & a almost coleslaw tasting mixture, portobello mushroom & some asparagus.  Best heauvos I've ever had for sure. I haven't missed eggs but this was a really yummy egg-like breakfast.

Day 24 - what I miss...

After 24 days of eating raw vegan & gluten free I have to say the thing I miss the most is warm food.  Funny - it's not what I expected - I thought I'd miss chocolate & banana bread & bread in every form - but no - it's the warmth. I mentioned this to Rayna at www.healthyfunkyfoods.com who's supplying all my amazing meals for the 30 day challenge & when I arrived to pick up my last set of meals she had something special for me. Warm oatmeal! It was so good - made with steel cut oats (gluten free), cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom, fresh raspberries & almond milk. It was so good - smelt like fresh oatmeal cookies & tasted creamy & gritty & sweet & a bit spicy (in that cinnamon, cardamom spicy way).  I have to admit. I took 2 portions home & ate them both immediately. I really, really enjoyed that warm feeling in my belly & I love gritty food so it was dreamy.  The photo doesn't do it justice - but this is really, really satisfying.

Day 23 - Breakfast Parfaits

Happy Father's Day! For breakfast we're all ready for Matt with his favourite way to start the day. Thick cut bacon from the butcher at the market & farm fresh brown eggs with the extra dark yolks.  I love my hubby & there is no way he's joining me on my 30 day raw vegan challenge (clearly!) so for Father's Day I am going to treat him while enjoying my own healthier choice for breakfast.  I think the kids will have a bit from both worlds.
I have always loved the yogurt granola & fruit breakfast parfait so I was super happy to see this is something that can be created in the vegan raw gluten free from www.healthyfunkyfoods.com. Fruit - obviously the easy part layered with a sprouted buckwheat cereal (wheat free - though the name would suggest otherwise) & then a chocolate 'yoghurt' layered in between. So delicious.  The dried sprouted buckwheat took a bit to get used to as it is really dry - but I loved the crunchyness, mixed with the creamy sweet (chocolate!) yoghurt & of course - sweet fresh fruit. So easy & so yummy - for breakfast or a snack anytime.

Day 22 - Just Juice

No booze? No chocolatey milk? No powdered protein drinks? No canned coconut water?
Not with teh raw vegan 30 day challenge. Just juice, water, mylks & tea. I thought this would be hard - but is an incredible array of juices I have never imagined trying before I am enjoying from www.healthyfunkyfoods.com. This one below is a watermelon, ginger, mint smoothie.  It is quite thick as the whole watermelon gets juiced (& then strained) & has a bit of a spicy aftertaste with the ginger. The mint also leaves a refreshing taste so a perfect drink on a hot day. It leaves you refreshed, energized & satisfied. What more could you ask for in a drink?

Day 21 - 21 days to break a habit?

They say it takes 21 days to break a new habit or 21 days to form a new habit.  In doing a bit of research I came across a great looking book I intend to read. Duhigg, in his fascinating bookThe Power of Habit, investigates habits both in individuals and large corporations. We find out just how much our lives are ruled by habit, both at home and at work.  I loved these flow charts of habit changing & creating: 

So - in 21 days of the 30 day challenge of eating only raw vegan food have any habits been broken or created for me?  For sure!  

A few I can think of:

- craving & eating food that has not been processed. Do I even look at a chocolate bar with envy? no. Do I look at a raw vegan dessert from www.healthyfunkyfoods.com with desire? yes. This is good.

- not eating bread products - being completely gluten free for the last 21 days.  Do I love the smell of warm bread & the taste of cheesy greasy buns? Hell - yeah!  But do I want the feeling that I have after eating it? (tired, achey guts, greasy) no - I think the idea of it is still there - but not so much the actual craving.

- Much better snack food choices. I am loving fresh fruit & a good salad & actually craving an apple or banana or a fruit smoothie - more than a home made chocolate chip cookie. This is also a really good habit to develop.

Will these new habits stick? I sure hope so.

- I have gotten out of the habit of preparing my own food since www.healthyfunkyfood.com prepares everything for me while on the 30 day challenge. This is something that I need to start learning - how to feed myself on a raw vegan lifestyle! This habit I am  definitely wanting to improve on :)

- I do miss having a delicious Crabby's ginger beer on the back deck on a hot afternoon. this desire hasn't changed.

- I do miss warm food when it's cold outside & a raw vegan diet consists of food no warmer than 118 degrees. Food is slightly warm at best - cold soup is not that tasty to me (no offence to Healthy Funky Foods - it's just not to my liking). I do miss warm food for sure.

Talking about healthy snack options... Check out these spinach, hemp seed crackers I've been enjoying - along with a little pecan pate. So yummy! They're crispy & filling & the pate is a bit sweet & spicy & chewy. A great combo!

Day 20 - This will be hard...

Today is my oldest daughter's birthday. Molly is going to be 11 & has elected to go out for dinner to celebrate with our family. This means me eating before we go or after I get back home & if anything ordering a salad at the restaurant.  This I can handle - my raw vegan meals are so yummy I am happy to eat at home & have no issues with salads!
Molly would also like some Saskatoon beery pie with salted caramel ice cream (from Village Ice Cream - of course - which unfortunately doesn't have raw vegan options...yet) for dessert -  of a birthday cake.  I have to admit - this will be harder.  Ice cream can be a bit of a temptation - especially on a beautiful hot day & Saskatoon pie - yummy! Alas - I will not indulge...I know that after 20 days of eating raw vegan on the 30 day challenge - it will not taste nearly as good as I am imagining.

I recently tried this super moist tasty caramel, date, walnut cake recently (www.healthyfunkyfood.com) & it was very good.  I think I'm slightly allergic to walnuts because my tongue felt a bit funny after - but all in all a super sweet tooth craving satisfying raw vegan dessert. I think I'll like how I feel much better after eating this for dessert.  Happy Birthday Molly!

Day 19 - A sample menu

So you may be wondering...seeing all these snippets & photos of what raw, vegan food I'm eating from www.healthyfunkyfoods.com over the last 19 days - what does a day or a week look like?
I usually pick up 3x a week from www.crossroadsfarmersmarket.ca & have enough food to last 2-3 days.  This food is so fresh it doesn't last for more than a few days (with the exception of a few items you can freeze) so I get lots of amazing fresh food all the time. I have supplemented with a few pieces of fresh fruit or veggies - but not because I didn't have enough food from Healthy Funky Foods - but rather I just felt like a banana right then :) Organic, of course is best.

So..here's a sample of a delicious menu for a week of what you can expect with the 30 day raw food challenge.

Day 18 Life on the go

Matt & I try to live our lives to the fullest. We work hard & play hard & there's very little down time in  between.  This means juggling lots of balls in the air. I know most people can relate.  Having a busy career I love is very fulfilling, time occupying & challenging & enjoying time with our 2 beautiful daughters is always a priority. Shuttling them to school, Girl Guides, play dates, rock climbing lessons, piano lessons, birthday parties, etc, etc, etc. keeps us busy.  This means eating a few meals on the go, between photo shoots, client meetings, kids activities or very quickly at home as a family before dashing off to the next activity. You would think taking on a big change in eating style would be difficult & draining. It's quite the opposite though.
Wanting to feel, look & be healthier has been really easy to accomplish with the 30 day challenge.

Having meals pre-made for the raw, vegan 30 day challenge has certainly helped with not having to make decisions, shop for & prepare meals.  Rayna at www.healthyfunkyfoods.com (located in the Crossroads Farmer's Market) cuts out the excuses: lack of knowledge or skill, limited kitchen skills, no time, etc. & makes it easy to enjoy amazing fresh raw, vegan, gluten free food for 30 days - especially for someone with an on the go lifestyle.
Check out this portable make yourself veggie wrap. Fresh organic veggies (pre-cut), a thin veggie wrap & fresh herbs make for a refreshing, rejuvenating & easy meal on the go. Perfect for in the car & on the go!

Day 17 Feeling Strong

We had a super awesome time white water rafting with Alpine white water rafting this weekend in Golden, BC. with our kids.  They are 9 & 11 so we could only do a half day due to size restrictions they aren't allowed on the more advanced rapids - but boy was it fun. We stopped along the way & hiked up a waterfall in our wetsuits - which was a first for me & a very memorable experience for our family.
I think if someone had asked to go white water rafting last year...the fear of putting on a wet suit & being in public - doing something physical would have been enough of a deterrent to make me say 'no, that's just not for me'.  Meanwhile, I would have secretly longed to go do it. I know, it seems shallow but as a girl, we all (I) have some body issues. I've decided to do something to help improve mine & it starts with eating better with the 30 day challenge at www.healthyfunkyfoods.com.  Things are looking up.  I feel better, have way more energy,  more confidence & simply a desire to get out & experience life more.  Bring on the wetsuit - I want to live my life & have adventures my family will remember forever.
Here's my awesome kids Molly & Mim rocking their wetsuits;

We packed a cooler full of raw, vegan meals for me from www.healthyfunkyfoods.com & when my family ordered pizza in the hotel room at night I happily enjoyed a delicious stuffed avacado & side salad. The avocado mixture was creamy & crunchy & I was surprised to discover made with apples.  Avocados are one of my all time favourites - in or on anything so I was super happy.

Day 16 Clear skin, clear mind

I recently went for my annual exam & the doctor was surprised. I've lost 12 lbs since last year, am completely off any medications - I used to take birth control pills which also helped combat acne. I wouldn't say I ever had bad acne - but any pimples at any age are a confidence buster & I was willing to fight that with medication.  And all my moles look good - nothing to worry about. Being a very freckly sun lover this is always a slight worry in the back of my mind.  But everything is good. Since eating RAW I feel clearer, lighter, happier & I guess this shows on the outside too with my skin being happy as well.  Rayna from www.healthyfunkyfoods.com mentioned she used coconut oil on her skin - so I thought I'd try it. I was worried it would be greasy & gross but it absorbs right in & my skin is soft & moisturized. Who knew? You learn something new everyday.

I find it amazing on the 30 day challenge with www.healthyfunkyfoods.com that I get to eat delicious treats like raw vegan naniamo bars & still look & feel great - lose weight even. Eating clean food just nourishes your body & moves right through you - rather than having to be broken down so much before being absorbed & making your body sluggishly work so hard to get rid of the un-natural processed food.  Instead the natural raw ingredients are actually good for you & your body loves you for it.  At least mine does :)

Day 15 - Am I crazy (for going RAW vegan)?

My best friend thinks so. Her actual response when I told her my 30 day Raw food plan was 'Why the f&*k would you do that? But - you can still drink booze right?' I laughed so hard as I knew this is exactly what she would say & love her so much for speaking her mind.   She's Dutch - so for her giving up cheese even is just out of the question.  She really can't understand why I would give up - EVERYTHING - except raw vegan (delicious) food.
To this I say '"Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels"
Rather than let her awesome response deter me it makes me smile at myself & realize I am doing this for me. Just me - no one else & it really doesn't bother me that other people might find it a bit crazy to want to eat only Raw food, but really, I am totally enjoying it & continue to be amazed at what Rayna at www.healthyfunkyfoods.com keeps creating.

Who would think raw bagels would taste good? Warmed up in the dehydrator - these are a pretty good substitute when craving that dense, chewy bread. They come with a cream cheese spread - sometimes savoury, sometimes more plain & a fruit puree.  These are a great filling way to start your day & definitely don't leave a heavy lump in your tummy afterwards.  With some fresh raw orange juice & some fruit. Awesome - or should I say Rawsome :)

Day 14 - Slept solidly for

This never happens.  I am am one of those people who spend a lot of time staring at the ceiling - thoughts racing through my mind. I get up early & go to bed late. My husband cannot keep up. When I do sleep it's rare that it's for 8 hours uninterrupted. The cat meowing at the window in the night, Matt snoring, my mind making lists of things I need to do tomorrow - composing e-mails I need to send & having conversations in my mind with people. It's kind of annoying, even to myself. I got a great sleep last night & as I woke up this morning realized that this has been happening more & more. I wouldn't say I'm going to bed earlier or getting up later - but the sleep overall has been better. Deeper, less tossing & turning in the night & waking up more refreshed - other than around day 10 of this 30 day journey. Could it be the raw vegan diet? I believe there's a correlation. Lighter tummy, better food - less energy wasted on digestion & rumbling around in the belly means my body is getting a better rest? Could be.

Look at this delicious light & tasty lasagna I had from www.healthyfunkyfoods.com on the 30 day challenge. Layers of raw vegetables (zucchini, tomatoes, peppers & others) a tasty tomato sauce & a pesto layer & then lots of fresh herbs.  After eating this I felt great. After eating the non raw vegan version - as much as I LOVE gooey cheese & tasty pasta as much as the next person - I can't say I feel great after eating it - I feel like having a nap. Instead I'll enjoy the raw vegan version & get a good night's sleep!

Day 13 - Nuts & Berries - hippie food!

That's all we have in the fridge Matt exclaims 'nuts & berries & hippie food!'. To me the fridge looks delicious & I can't wait to start into my meals for the day. To him he want to know where the steak is. Why haven't I baked any banana bread lately (this really was an almost weekly staple in our house) & what the hell he's going to eat for dinner. I don't mean to make him out to be an ogre - he's really not at all & very supportive. But it is a challenge. We don't eat the same meals & the fridge is stocked with amazing delicious living RAW food & when you're looking for something to bbq for dinner - it's more of a challenge these days.
This is some hippie food I had for breakfast, a tasty breakfast parfait with fresh fruit, Cacao-Nutty Buckwheat Crispies & a coconut yoghurt (or you can use almond mylk) from www.healthyfunkyfoods.com
The Cacao-Nutty Buckwheat Crispies are made with: buckwheat, cashews, pecans, agave, hemp seeds, & cacao - guess like a nutritious cocoa puffs & way tastier & nourishing. Yummy!

Day 12 - My life is a variety of veggies!

Veggies galore - made into every variation you can imagine & delicious but...it's all veggies never the less. Don't get me wrong - veggies are delicious & there's such a huge variety available - especially when you live right next to the terrific Crossroads Farmers Market - but I miss the variety of textures. The warm softness of bread, the crunchy salty flavour of coconut encrusted prawns with sweet thai chilli sauce. It's all salady & vegetables for me on this RAW food experience. Do I feel better because of it? Absolutely. Is my digestion the best it's been in years? yes. Do I feel more energized after my meals & throughout the day? Definitely.
Though I still miss the texture variety - I have't given up much in way of taste. Rayna at www.healthyfunkyfoods.com is a master at mixing the 5 tastes; sweet, sour, salty, spicy & bitter.  Just enough of each so that no meal has been bland or boring.

One of my favs is the pizza! It's got a super thin raw crust, & tons of dried herbs & topped with dehydrated veggies - with a bit of salad it's a solid lunch or dinner.  Another one of those meals I like to eat & feel apart of the family meal when pizza ordered in is for dinner that night.  Except I think mine probably tastes way better!

Day 11 - Down 1 belt notch!

Whoo hoo! Ok - after 11 days on the 3o day challenge with www.healthyfunkyfoods.com I have noticed some changes;

clothes are looser (whoot, whoot) even tightened up a belt notch.
cravings are not as strong for non-raw food (though I do crave warm food in the rainy weather)
fall asleep a lot faster & sleep longer (8 hours even in 1 night!)
digestion is terrific. What I ate for lunch is out by dinner - no heavy sluggish feelings in the guts.
skin looks great - no break outs
pretty good energy level (fluctuates a bit from day to day I find)

Rayna is keeping me well fed with her raw, vegan meals from www.healthyfunkyfoods.com & I am planning ahead - throwing an apple or banana or some tasty Cacao-Goji Clusters.
Though they may look like something the bear left behind in the woods - these little Cacao-Goji snacks are packed with deliciousness.

They're made from organic goji beries, coconut flakes, banana,cacao, vanilla, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds & agave nectar & the perfect bite size for grabbing on the go.

We are off for 2 days in Canmore of shooting, speaking & attending DAZZLE - a wedding photographers and planners retreat so I am packing my cooler full of goodies & planning meals 2 days ahead. Wish me luck!

Day 10 - It's a choice I make

Every decision we make each day makes it harder to make the next decision. It's true. To make your life easier - make less decisions. Should I get up & ride my bike today? I don't know, it might rain? What if I get an important e-mail while I'm out riding? What if I fall off my bike & hurt myself - how will I get home? I don't know how to fix a flat tire on my bike! What if I run out of water - or have to go to the bathroom while I'm out riding? What will I wear? Do I have any clean socks?
Do you do this to yourself? I do. I can talk myself out of anything with worst case scenarios. But really - any of those things can happen & I will survive. Really - might even be stronger from it. But the key to not letting all that self doubt chatter get you deterred is to make the decision once - for me preferably the night before as I'm a planner. Have your clothes ready. Bring a phone with you. Fill up a water bottle. Easy. Don't wake up & worry about it. Wake up & know you are going to ride my bike this morning. I made that decision yesterday & don't have to make it again. Decision off.

This is how I'm approaching the 30 day RAW food plan. The decision has been made. Food is there in my fridge ready to go. There's no agonizing or worrying or deciding whether I am going to eat a bag of chips tonight - or maybe a fresh warm bun with melted butter (yummy! my mouth is watering) - I don't need to decide - I made that decision to eat raw vegan for 30 days - days ago. Done.

This is the tasty pesto pasta dish I loved from www.healthyfunkyfoods.com. It's got a bit of garlic & lots of fresh basil with zucchini noodles instead of pasta. Really great. You eat it cold & the noodles are medium hard - which is wonderful on a super hot day - but on a rainy day I could see choosing something else.  The thing I especially like about this dish is that when my family is having pasta - this fits right in & I feel a bit more apart of the general meal.  There is actually a ton in a serving s well - so save a bit for a snack later.

Day 9 - Food Karma

So...'Eating good food is like karma for your body?' This is what Mim said when I let her know I was planning on doing the 30 day raw food challenge & I love her 9 year old perspective. We've been talking a lot lately about healthy choices & how it effects us & maybe it's making sense to her - I hope so! Or she might just think her mom's a bit crazy - LOL (more than likely).

I think she's a bit crazy to prefer Eggo waffles over these delicious make yourself breakfast crepes from www.healthyfunkyfoods.com  There is a creamy sweet vanilla-y paste that goes with it & fresh fruit & in kind of a fruit roll up - but not a sweet rollup at all...more crepe like I guess, minus the eggs, flour, sugar, butter & milk of course. So yummy & a super fun & delicious way to start the day!

Day 8 - Stressed out & tired

Why did I chose this 30 day challenge when I have SO much going on? Really? How difficult am I trying to make my life? How hard can it be, you may ask - you have all your meals made & delivered to you - there's no thought in it. You just have to eat the meals. This is true.
I will admit though that I have been feeling a little more tired than usual. I think being super duper  with work, Mim's birthday, an out of town guest, weddings, getting ready to speak at a conference this week & probably a lack of sleep...maybe not enough H2O has got me feeling exhausted. No matter how well you eat if you're not getting enough sleep, are overly busy & not hydrating you're going to feel zapped of energy. Oh that elusive balance.

I have been eating some seriously good, healthy meals from www.healthyfunkyfoods.ca though!
Check out the tasty self assemble hemp burger with chewy sundried tomato 'buns' with the fixin's - including a mango salsa!

I have a little trick that I'm using too - just to avoid eating all my food cold or room temperature & a bit on the mushy side - I warm it up in my de-hydrater - set at 115˚. This is awesome - takes the chill of - crisps up things a touch & makes a more satisfying 'warm' meal. So awesome.

Day 7 - What I did not eat

But damn if I didn't want to!

It was my daughter's 9th birthday this week & as you know - I love to bake.  I created this piggy cake for her - can you guess her favourite animal is? She asked for a cake that was green & had a pig on it.  HHHmmm - angry birds came to mind.The cake making itself wasn't so bad & the smell of it baking was incredible.  I had to stop myself from unconsciously licking the spoon as I always have when baking.

Luckily, I was prepared with my own raw vegan dessert & enjoyed it along side the family. Hopefully Mim can understand why I didn't eat her special cake as she gets older - it's nothing personal to her of course - it's about making healthy choices for me.

Her cake:

My yummy dessert from www.healthyfunkyfoods.com :

This was an interesting cake...It had peanut butter & strawberry jam - which was good - but I could have skipped the jam & just had the peanut butter & chocolate.
The chunks of chocolate were chocolate mint..odd with peanut butter & jam..so I picked them off & ate them separately :) Which was awesome & satisfied that chocolate craving I've been having lately.

Day 6 - Green is good

Almost a week & going strong.  Eating those green veggies not only tastes pretty good - but damned if it doesn't make you feel good too.  Drinking them is an even easier way to get those nutrients - especially on the go.  Rayna's green drink from www.healthyfunkyfoods.com is made with: spinach, dates, banana, blue manna & E3 Live & was sweet, filling & refreshing. Felt like a mini meal in a cup.  I actually drank almost 1/3 of it before I thought get a photo it was so good. You can just tell it's power food & making you feel strong & nourished. I could easily drink these everyday.

Day 5 - I used to bake...A LOT

I was the go to girl for baking - always. Since I was a teenager baking chocolate chip cookies for my family to put in out lunches. And yes, smuggling a few extras for myself in the meantime. I mean, I really love to bake. Banana bread, cupcakes, chocolately brownies...mmmm...sometimes all in the span of a week. A birthday coming up - I'll bake your cake! Going to friends for dinner? Guess what I volunteer to bring - you got it - dessert.
You know how some things from your childhood stick with you, long after they should? The kind of off side comments someone makes, little jokes that are meant to be funny but are really hurtful. I remember once making chocolate chip cookies for lunches when I was about 13 years old & stashing 4 or 5 in the fridge for school the next day. When I got to school & opened my lunch there was a little note in my bag. How nice I thought, this has never happened before. As I opened it feeling special & loved I read the words: A MOMENT ON THE LIPS, A LIFETIME ON THE HIPS. That was it. These are the things that crush us. These are the words that I never forget. These are the words I think of when eating treats. These are the words I will never, ever, say to my daughters as they go through their formative years. I hope I can lead by example of good eating habits & if they pick up on it here & there - hooray! I have to say I am missing baking, the smell, the taste, the warmth of it & the homey feeling it evokes...but for now I need to make some changes & learn to enjoy other delicious treats. The ones that come without the internal guilt.
Check out these awesome (guilt free) dessert bars I got to eat from www.healthyfunkyfoods.com - Coconut hemp bars, they're dense & sweet & coconuty & chewy & just a little on the greasy side - but not in a bad way - in a coconuty way. So super yummy & you can only eat one at a time. MMMMmmm. Probably my favourite thing there to date. Go try some - you won't regret it.

Day 4 - But you could die!

I loved my daughter's response when telling her I planned on eating only RAW food for 30 days. She cares very much for her mom & was concerned that eating only fruit, veggies & nuts essentially for 30 days might kill me.
Quite the opposite effect is happening though.  I am enjoying my huge healthy meals & offering to share each item/drink/treat with my daughters. Some things they like: the crepes, pancakes, all the juices, almond mylk & salads are all hits. The actual meals - not so much.  With the volume of food I am eating & my energy not slowing down a bit - clearly I am in no danger of kicking the bucket due to mal nourishment.  On Sunday my hubby headed to Lake Louise for 3 days a photo seminar & so we had a girls day. We went to the Lilac festival, Canadian Tire, the Crossroads market (to pick up from www.healthyfunkyfoods.com) came home, weeded the garden for 3 hours solid, then cleaned the house for another 3 hours. Not the most relaxing Sunday I'll admit - but not feeling lethargic & tired either.
I drank some orange juice that was out of this world - seriously. It was like being smacked in the mouth with flavour & so incredibly sweet & delicious. I was sipping sunshine in a bottle - a perfect gardening drink. My younger daughter tried a sip & promptly made off with the rest of the bottle...then her big sister stole it from her of course. Look at these smiling faces.

Day 3 - Entering the unknown

Ok. 30 days of only RAW vegan food. What does this mean? I have been a vegetarian for almost 20 years - eating fish & eggs & dairy - so I guess the proper term is pescatarian. I have dabbled in RAW meals & desserts, eat lots of salads & veggies but what exactly are the guidelines of RAW vegan?
My first thoughts are:
Can I drink tea? (Yes, but only heated to a certain temperature - lukewarm really)
What exactly is the proper temperature that food can be heated to & still be considered RAW? (118˚) What about things on the menu named "Save the Tuna salad"& sushi - is there really tuna in it? (no) Can I heat something up & then cool it down to less than 118 & still consider it Raw? (definitely not!)  Is almond mylk ok? (only if it's not pasteurized - pretty easy to make it yourself I found out here)
Can I eat as many raw fruits & veggies & nuts as I like? (yes)
Is raw chocolate acceptable? (yes)
Can you freeze things then let them warm back up & still be considered raw? (yes)

So far I love that after 3 days I haven't been feeling low energy or hungry - quite the opposite - so much food is available & so tasty.  Though it seems like a raw, vegan diet might be really restrictive I am astounded what can be created out of simple food.
I also have to admit - I'm down 1 pound after 3 days of eating this way & my digestion is easy - so I feel really great. Light & energetic & satisfied.
Admittedly having meals created for you with the www.healthyfunkyfoods.ca 30 day challenge makes it pretty easy...but what about if I want to continue after? I will definitely need to learn a few things.
Yesterday I learned that I love the 'Save the Tuna' sushi - no rice, no fish, but it's terrific & the sauce is really good - tastes salty & strong. Fresh veggies makes it crunchy & fresh tasting. Also - portability is kind of important to me so this easily fits the bill.
I have been slightly craving sweets - I am a huge sweets person but there have been enough desserts to grab - sweetened with dates - which are very yummy. I am missing chocolate though...maybe that will be in my next batch of meals :)

Day 2 - My husband will never give up steak!

Nor am I asking him to. Though he reminds me almost daily - that he is a meat eater & it's not going to change. I laugh because I'm not trying to change anyone. Only myself.  That's all I can be responsible for. Just as you can't be responsible for anyone's action, emotions or reactions. You can only be responsible for yourself. This is something I am trying to teach my beautiful daughters. Instead of the why's & pointing fingers of blame when they brawl I ask 'How can you do things differently next time so this doesn't happen'. It''s a great perspective to have & hopefully will help make them strong independent confident women as they grow up. They are in control of themselves & their reactions.
I am being responsible for my own health by eating RAW for 30 days & Matt can be responsible for cooking his own steak :)
Check out these amazingly tasty raw pancakes I had for breakfast from www.healthyfunkyfoods.ca- nuts, strawberries, blueberries & bananas - sweet and satisfying. Filling too! I also had a delicious green drink for a snack. This day was tricky as I was shooting a very long wedding - eating most meals in the car between locations. My energy was great throughout the day though & I wasn't hungry at all. The hard part was turning down course after course of a beautiful Chinese reception meal. But I did it & feel great. Looking forward to seeing what Rayna has concocted for me tomorrow!

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Day 1 - The 30 Day Challenge

"I think I want to become a vegan" I recently told my husband one rushed Friday morning after we had gotten the kids off to school. "What? Why?" he responded skeptically. "You're already a vegetarian!". "Yes...", I replied thoughtfully, "actually, I think I might go raw vegan...you know, try it for awhile." You can imagine the disbelief on his face increase at this point. After almost 12 years of marriage he knew me well enough to know though I was mentioning this casually to him in passing, but I had already decided that I wanted to do this & was currently trying to figure out how to make this raw food plan a reality.
As fate would have it, an hour later we were over at the Crossroads Farmer's Market, & I stopped into my favourite cafe there - Healthy Funky Foods & was chatting to Rayna, picking up a few of my 'hippie treats' as matt would say. She mentioned the 30 Day Raw Food Challenge she was offering - what a coincidence! It was just the sign I needed to know that the universe was pointing me in the right direction. I've always believed when there's a will, there's a way & here it was right in front of me.
After some negotiations on dates, deliveries & preferences I'm all ready to go - put my money where my mouth is as they say - & try this raw food revolution that has everyone feeling so good. Rayna's program seems pretty easy. She supplies all the meals, drinks, snacks & treats & delivers them to your door (or pick up at the market) for 30 days. Sounds pretty simple to me. Not cheap of course - but I figure if I'm going to do it - I might as well start out easy & learn along the way. Investing in my health is something I'd rather do now - starting with what I consume - rather than paying for it later in medical expenses & poor health.
As I start on this journey I have so many questions & obstacles & a very busy life to get through. Will I be able to do it? In the span of the next 30 days I have 4 weddings to photograph, both my daughter's birthdays (cake anyone???) 9 days will be spent out of town between camping, a white water rafting trip & attending & then teaching a  seminar. Whew! But I believe there is no such thing as the 'right time ever. Procrastination will always try find a way to stop me (you know those brilliant ideas you have that don't seem quiet as cool as time goes by as reality starts throwing up an obstacle course of making it difficult) so I'm not going to let it.
This blog will document each day as I go through it for 30 days - hopefully with some pretty pictures & some learnings along the way. I figure sharing will help explain the experience to someone new who wants to try & hopefully help take away some obstacles for them. Welcome to Keeping It Raw - thanks for stopping by.

This is the amazing tapas style lunch I had on my first day - totally as delicious as it looks along with a green drink. Truthfully, I ate my breakfast parfait (fresh fruit/cocaoa cereal/cashew yoghurt) as well with it all at once. I had waited to long to eat (skipped breakfast) so enjoyed a huge lunch. Tomorrow I will enjoy meals at regular intervals...hopefully :)

Lunch: