Basic needs for Juicing & smoothies

If your new to juicing and don't want to spend alot of money or just don't know what to purchase to get started, then here you go. If possible buy organic, otherwise try to buy local produce. The most expensive item on this list are the carrots, but 25lbs is a lot of carrots, and this won't be a weekly purchase. When I did my challenge in August I didn't use juice recipes from books instead I added whatever was on mind at the moment. So, with that said don't forget to check out the "Gone Raw Recipes" tab for juicy and smoothie recipes. 

Juicing Basics

• Spinach bundles
• Kale bundles
• Granny Smith Apples
• Cucumbers
• Celery stalks
• kiwi (optional)
• Carrots
• ginger

 Smoothie basics

• Bananas (lots of bananas)
• Kale/spinach
• blueberries (or any other kind of berries)
• Date
• Coconut/Organic unsweetened coconut flakes

Snacks

• Raw nuts (i.e. almonds, cashews, walnuts, and etc)
• fresh fruits of your choice (I love grapes, apples, pineapple, melons & lots of citrus)
• chopped carrots
• cucumber slices
• dehydrated fruits (no added sugars)

Equipment

• Juicer (Preferably one that has a large mouth to put large amounts of fruit)
• Powerful blender (househole blender, Magic bullet, Ninja, Hamilton beach single serve blender, or Oster MyBlend)
• Mason Jars (sold at Target, Walmart, Old Time Pottery, Big Lots, and etc....)
• Metal Thermal drinking containers ( 24-40 ozs for when your on the run)

Most important ingredient is to... 

Love, believe, and inspire......

New Year, but are YOU worth it?

Is your New Year Resolution to lose weight, feel more radiant, or just simply remove some of the toxic foods from your normal eating habits?

 After doing and loving the outcome from my 60 days of Raw back in August I decided that I would go strictly raw every month for a few days. However, to welcome 2012 and continue onto the road of natural health I have decided to "Go Raw" for 30 days on Jan 1st. If you want to join me than please let me know. I know that many of us have struggled with losing weight and regaining our health, and many of the fad diet plans work temporary. However, with fad diets you mind as well make a welcome home sign for when the fat comes back. The only diet plan that I would honestly recommend for someone that want to learn how to eat is Weight Watchers because of everything that I have tried that was the only plan that taught me how to eat vs. just telling me what to eat. That is if you want to dish out $40 bucks a month which is money that can be used at your local farmers market or produce store. It could also be because I had a great leader as well. If your like me you have attempted every other quick fix weight-loss plan so why not give Raw a try.....Stick with me during these 30 days, and experience what eating living foods can do for your body and mind. Giving Raw a try back in August was simply the best thing that I have EVER done for my health, and the other prize was me losing almost 40 lbs that til this day I haven't regained. So if you feel that your health is worth it, if staying around long enough to see your children or grandchildren as adults is worth it, or self-worth is worth it then give Raw your everything for 30 days. I could have kept my success to myself, but I know that their is another person out there that feels like nothing works and just wants to give up. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT I KNOW THAT FEELING!!!! Oh, and have you noticed that I am not trying sell you something?

 Let 2012 be the last time you lie to yourself about getting healthier, and losing weight. THE ONLY THING  YOU GOT TO LOSE IS THE WEIGHT!!!!

Love, peace, and better health....
Dolicia M. 

Fad diets....

Fad diets is something that many of you are way to familiar with. If you have tried Atkins, South Beach, HCG Shots, magical weight loss shakes, prepackage meal plans, pills (prescription/non-subscription), or any  other diet than like myself you are very familiar with fad diets. All of these diets promise quick weight-loss, but they lack the education of nutrition. When I say this I am not just speaking of informing us not to eat more than a certain amount of calories, or drink an artificial sweetener vs. a natural sweetener. I don't know about you, but when I take the time to quickly lose weight  I am equally disappointed when it magically appears again. There is nothing about re-gaining all the weight that screams happy person.

In my opinion if  you want to truly be happy, and lose weight for good I suggest that you lose it naturally. We didn't put on the weight overnight, so why do we expect it to disappear overnight? In July I set the date of August 1st to do Raw Vegan for 60 days. During this time-frame I lost about 35-40 pounds, and even after adding healthy cooked foods back since the end of the 60 days I have not gained any of the weight back. This is huge for me because previously on any of the fad diets once I hit a 10-15 pound lost the weight returned while I was sticking to the program. Living life without meat, eggs, dairy, or cheese has literally changed my life for good. I still juice or make a smoothie from fresh fruits and veggies once or twice a day because I love them. The movies that help change my life by shedding a closer light on the food that we eat were "Fat, sick, and nearly dead"," Forks over knives", "Food Matters", "The Gerson Theory", "The beautiful truth", "Food inc", and others that referenced the quality of our food. Another thing that helped me was to learn about the type of foods to eat for  my blood-type by looking up information on "The blood type diet".  Before I would listen to people and eat how they suggested, and today I listen to my body instead and watch the transformation along the way. I love my new eating lifestyle, and I love the weight-loss that I have, and will continue achieve.

The assumption is that Vegans don't get enough protein from their plant based lifestyles. People are so WRONG!!!!!

Peace, Love, and health

Dolicia M. 

I loved it, and I am sure you will too....

Ok, so I know that I did not make an announcement of any sort, but I have been RAW since Friday December 16th. I did have cooked food for dinner on Saturday evening, but I continued on my focus Sunday morning. Tuesday I skipped the gym because I just didn't have the energy to exercise. I believe that my body was in detox mode which is expected to happen when you go raw only. Yesterday, I had a craving for chips, and lucky for me Wheat Berry bread cafe & raw juice bar came in to save the day. As you can tell by their name they sale raw foods. The great thing about this cafe is that everything is organic, the menu is simple, they sell sandwiches for those who eat meat, and they also have a selection that cater to raw vegans. I have already feel in love with Wheat Berry elixirs, but this time I tried the guacamole w/ flax chips which are raw vegan. Now, normally I am not a fan of guacamole because no one had ever been ever to make it to satisfy my taste, but Wheat Berry changed my outlook about the guac. Yes, I must say "THAT WAS THE BEST GUACAMOLE THAT I HAVE EVER EATEN IN MY LIFE". Oh, and the flax chips were pretty darn delicious as well, but the two combined had my taste buds dancing and singing for hours. After that experience with the Guac & flax chips I couldn't help to think about how delicious the rest of the menu must taste. Oh, and in case your wondering my experience with eating raw foods is going great.

 

Above is a picture of this divine creation that they call Guacamole & Flax chips. If you would like to experience the taste of goodness, and experience healthy eating in the same bite then I highly suggest that you visit my new family at Wheat Berry which is conveniently located right  off the bike trail on Douglas & Commerce Park in Altamonte Springs.

 1150 Douglas Avenue Ste. 1010, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

If you haven't realized I am very serious about my food. LOL!!!

Peace, Love, Health, and many Blessings to all....

Dolicia M.