Setback is the first word that came to mind....

      If there is one thing that I can say about my weight story is that it is again on a roller coaster. I gained all the weight back that I lost within a few weeks while still eating healthy and exercising. **Blank Stare** I mentioned it to my nurse at my cardiologist office that is like an Angel to me, and she told me to make an appointment A.S.A.P. Well thankfully I did because I found out that my heart was on a decline, and I developed another problem that has never been present before. Visit my other blog to learn more http://dolicioussurvivorofppcm.blogspot.com.

      I was already planning to do a raw diet for a few days like I normally do, but it has been made clear to me that I need to get all of the excess weight off my heart, so for a jump start to my extended life I am going Raw/Juicing for the next 60 days or more. My goal weight before was 130-150, but I am now hoping to get down to 110-115 lbs. Obviously, I don't expect to reach this goal in 60 days, but hopefully over the course of a year. The only challenge is the intensity that I can exercise from this point on. I can no longer go into the girl, and put in an extremely intense hour like I was doing only 2 weeks ago. The gym is where I enjoy spending my personal time and for me that's my get away from it all place. I almost feel as I am being robed, but this too shall past and before I know it I will be able to resume my activity levels again. Wow!!!! I guess trying the spinning class is out of the question now too. LOL! Geez!!! Well on a positive note at least I am still able to express my feeling with whomever chooses to read this. Although, I really blog for myself, but I understand how my words can effect someone's life so I share my thoughts and feeling with you all as well.

Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it
and whispers, 'Grow, grow.' ~The Talmud

Get it Raw...Trust me you will like it!

• Braggs liquid aminos – a liquid protein concentrate that’s derived from healthy soybeans. It contains essential Amino Acids.

• Coconut oil – You’ll find many uses for this oil. It’s used in raw candies, desserts, gourmet raw meals, in smoothies, on the skin, and even in the hair. The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, dental care, and bone strength.

• Coconut milk (water) – Coconut water has multiple benefits. As a raw foodists, you’ll be using this water or what some call milk in smoothies, but most drink it straight from the coconut. Coconut water is refreshing and is the best post-sports drink around due to it’s electrolytes.

• Dates – natural sweetener – can be used in desserts, smoothies, and as a snack by themselves.

• Organic dried coconut – You’ll probably use dried coconut in candies and raw desserts.  You can also use it in fruit salads and smoothies.

• Organic lemon juice – We all know the benefits of lemons.  They’re packed with vitamin C.  It’s best to use fresh lemons whenever possible.  Lemon juice is used in raw salad dressings, smoothies, juices, raw desserts, and raw gourmet foods.  Lemon water helps to quench your thirst, cleanse your liver, and curb your appetite.  A good and simple salad topping is fresh squeezed lemon juice and seasoned olive oil with sea salt and pepper.

• Organic spices and flavorings – The same spices, herbs, and seasonings you use in cooked foods can also be used to flavor raw foods.  Be sure the flavoring or spice is organic whenever possible.  Don’t be afraid to add flavorings to your smoothies, desserts, and raw gourmet dishes.

• Nama Shoyu – unprocessed soy sauce – this tasty liquid is used to add a salty flavor to foods.  It’s also good for you.

• Raw apple cider vinegar – Rich in enzymes & potassium.  Can be used in salad dressings and added to water as a refreshing beverage.  Apple cider vinegar helps to support a healthy immune system, remove toxins from the body, and control appetite.  Vinegar has also been shown to lower blood sugar levels.  The best kind on the market is Braggs.

• Raw cold-pressed olive oil – is heart healthy and reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.  This oil is used in salad dressings, raw gourmet foods, and at times used in desserts and smoothies.

• Raw blue agave nectar – produced from the agave cactus plant, is a natural sweetener that’s very low in calories, and is great for diabetics due to it’s low glycemic value.

• Raw honey – unprocessed natural sweetener that contains vitamins and beneficial enzymes for healing and disease prevention.

• Raw nuts – pecans, macadamia, walnuts, almonds, pine nuts – nuts are your protein source.  They can be used to create dressings, raw gourmet foods such as un-chicken nuggets, nut burgers, as well as, cakes, pies, and desserts.  Make sure they’re raw unheated and unprocessed.

• Raw almond butter – made from raw almonds and can be used in smoothies, eaten with celery and carrot sticks, and is used in raw desserts.

• Raw Cacao nibs and powder – is an excellent source of energy, flavor, and antioxidants.  Cacao is used in smoothies, sauces, and desserts.  It’s a great way to get your chocolate fix.

• Raw Tahini – sesame seed butter is used in smoothies, dressings, desserts, and raw meals.

• Raw fruit/nut bars – Some of the most popular raw fruit and nut bars are Lara Bars, Prana Bars, and Raw Revolution.  These bars are 100% raw.  You may find some that are not 100% but close.  If so, the bar will be labeled as such.  These bars are excellent when you’re on the go, need an in between meal snack or just want a sweet treat.  They usually consist of raw fruit, raw nuts, agave nectar, and natural flavorings.  These should also be in your pantry.  It’s cheaper if you buy them by the case.

• Sea salt – unprocessed salt that contains natural minerals required by the body.  This salt is good for you.

http://ajournalinraw.com/raw-resources/raw-pantry/