The holidays are a beautiful time to exhale, relax and indulge a little. I believe that ‘A little of what you fancy does you good’.
But, there is nothing worse than having January roll around and suddenly being an extra 10 pounds heavier and feeling sluggish from holiday excess. I don’t want you to have to face another New Year like that!
Eating abundance of raw, living foods especially during the holidays, will keep your vibe and looks at an all-time high.
This is the year you will go into the New Year feeling INCREDIBLE !
RECIPE FOR SOULFUL CELEBRATIONS
The parties! The holiday stress! The temptations! So, what to do while holidaying? I was recently invited to share in a wonderful project called Evolve your Winer Traditions. The talk I give is based on my recipe for soulful celebrations that fosters connectivity with everyone while looking after yourself:
♥ REFLECTION Getting in touch with what your intentions are around the holidays
♥ RELATIONSHIP Connecting with self and others in meaningful ways over the holidays
♥ RECIPES Enjoying festive food that supports health and enhance beauty
Bringing those elements together creates an amazing atmosphere and rich interactions. You can check it out HERE
I have woven them all into a list of 10 practical ways to holiday in grace and ease.
MY TOP 10 TIPS FOR HEALTH AND BEAUTY OVER THE HOLIDAYS
1. Be prepared. The holidays bring up different emotions including FEAR that we will over-eat, and then the inevitable GUILT. Many women have anxiety during the holidays around the endless buffets of food that is available. A lot of women are afraid they will go over-board and not be able to control themselves. Let’s shift this conversation right there! You are a powerful woman capable of making choices that serve you. The food has no power over you and in itself is not scary. It’s that you are not trusting yourself.
You are a powerful goddess who makes important things happen, and make it look easy.
Set your intention for how you want to move through your holidays. It is actually a wonderful time to practice and strengthen your commitment to honouring yourself as the beautiful, worthy and valuable woman you truly are!
Read and re-read Naked Beauty to saturate yourself in messages that help you remember who you really are. A beautiful gift to give yourself this holiday season…‘This year, I promise myself that I will see my beauty, remember my worth, pamper myself’.
2. Wear a particular piece of jewelry that makes you feel like a Queen. And whenever you touch it or look at it during the festivities, let it serve as a sparkling reminder of your beauty and inner light that naturally radiates from YOU. You don’t need food to make you feel good when you are filled up from within from a deeper place of self-love. The holidays are a magical time and you are going to SHINE this year, inside-out!
You are a miracle of beauty, love and inspiration and are too modest to even consider how many feel blessed just to catch a glimpse of you…
3. Fill up on a gorgeous Green Smoothie that has lots of fresh fruit and green leaves of spinach or parsley, for example, right before heading out the door so you don’t arrive hungry. A healthy smoothie or snack that is high in fiber will fill you before you get to the party and will set the tone for the entire night.
4. Bring a large salad, dressing or raw dessert, one that you are excited about indulging in and will be proud to share. Everyone loves dessert, and I have several a gluten-free, egg-free, dairy-free, sugar-free no-bake decadent desserts on the Recipe page, plus a non-gluten, dairy and wheat-free Manicotti made from zucchini noodles and cashews from my own Italian kitchen that I make over the holidays.
5. Be a sexy sampler. One bite of this, one bite of that. A little taste here and there won’t hurt, and will help you feel festive, not deprived. Keep to your usual regimen, and then sprinkle in a little bit of naughtiness here and there. Have fun!
Your smile is the sweetest spot in the Universe, your laughter is music that opens minds and hearts to a better world. You are so Beautiful!
6. Pass on the pastry and deep fried appetizers, and instead, create a pretty rainbow plate of whatever raw crudités or fruit are available. Remember, the first taste is with your eyes…You can create a plate of paradise that will be a feast for all your senses!
7. Drink lots of water with lime, out of an elegant wine goblet to feel fabulous! Bring your own delicious egg and dairy-free Spice Nog, Pommegranate Wine as pictured above, (Juice the seeds from 2 pommegranates with a sprig of mint) or a favorite juice made fresh or from the Health Food Store. Add sparkling water for a special treat, and garnish with fresh mint or a pretty slice of lime. You will stay fresh, pretty and hydrated all night!
8. Chew wisely. Take your sweet time…Savour each and every bite, sensually. Don’t forget to breathe. Maybe even carry portable chopsticks like I do; they will remind you to slow right down. It takes several minutes for the brain to register that you have eaten, and a lot can slip in unnoticed…Instead, breathe, relax, take in all the sites and sounds in the room- notice everyone’s plate piled high and being wolfed down, and then, pace yourself. Take small bites, put your cutlery down in between each one, and sip water. Stay attuned to your breathing and enjoy the ambience of the occasion. YOU are filled with peace and poise. Eat nutritionally dense foods that fill and fuel with vibrant energy like the new raw-gourmet gluten-free, dairy-free, caffeine-free cheeky Cappuccino Cheesecake I recently created for the holydays (and dedicated to the author of my favorite book of 2010)
9. Carry a small bottle of Spirulina capsules tucked in your handbag and take about 4 an hour or so before the party. Spirulina comes from special seaweed that contains an abundance of protein and minerals and is a true, ancient SUPERFOOD. Spirulina helps to suppress the appetite because it is SO nutritious. I explain it more in depth in my book Naked Beauty. It seriously works! And the side effects? Beautiful skin!
10. The holidays are a magical time to connect more deeply with yourself and everyone. To align yourself with your intention to embody the essence of the festivities and de-stress
* turn on some relaxing music while getting ready or upbeat tunes and dance around to get your blood flowing
* sing in the shower or have a calming Lavender bath before each event to center and pamper yourself and get you out of your thought-stream and into your body
That is where your pleasure is, and that is where your power is. Celebrate and acknowledge yourself so you are filled up even before the celebrations begin.
You are so beautiful you don’t even have to be flawless.
Relax. Focus on socializing more than food; mingle, dance, take someone for a walk, play games, look through family albums, tell the children a story or hang out near the Mistletoe, and laugh a lot! Embrace the spirit of the season connecting with friends and family. Hold your intention to focus on what is most meaningful to you about holiday gatherings and enjoy the magic!
Every season offers its beauty and wisdom. Winter is a time of stillness, reflection and rest. Eating raw in during the winter months seems counter-intuitive, on the surface. But raw foodists who have been doing it for several years, know it’s a magical milestone…
Would you love to connect with yourself, your loved ones and your life on a deeper level this winter? Eating nourishing foods from Nature is the fastest way to transform your looks, energy levels, vibration and overall health.
I will give you some great tips for including more raw foods into your regime over winter, while ensuring you stay warm and cozy. But first, a little sharing about my raw beginnings…
MY RAW ROOTS
About a year after meeting Brian Clements and Juliano, both who inspired me to go raw, I heard that David Wolfe was coming into town. I had heard a lot about him, so I really excited. My husband wasn’t interested. Sad face.
When I arrived, alone, I heard the sound of hand-drumming. There was a crowd of about a hundred people in this small Sprout House store. The lights were dimmed; there were beautiful people everywhere. The women were all so sexy, and so were the guys for that matter. Some had their shirts off while they were drumming, everyone seemed so relaxed and cool, and it was like no other ‘health lecture’ I had ever been to before.
A HIP PARTY WITH COCONUTS INSTEAD OF COCKTAILS
It was like a hip cocktail party with coconuts and flowers and sweaty bodies dancing and sparkly people everywhere. I mingled with everyone, most were 80% raw or more, and had heard David speak before; they all said that I was going to love him. I was filled with delicious anticipation. But, it was bitter-sweet because I felt like my husband was missing out on something that was about to be life-changing…
Two things happened that night.
One, I committed to being 80% Raw on the spot, and not for just myself, but on behalf of my whole family, too! Up until that moment, I had spent the year transitioning from a vegetarian and mostly macrobiotic diet that included a lot of tofu and tempeh and miso- nearly everything was cooked.
And two, I decided no matter what lay before us, that our journey would be joyful and not stressful from here on in. No more apologizing when eating with extended family who weren’t raw, and no more feeling like this is a fringe movement.
This lifestyle is SEXY, HIP, HOT, CUTTING EDGE, SPIRITUAL and BEAUTIFUL- a PARADISE. I was officially out of the closet and going BIG.
My husband was in for a surprise when I came home that night…
STAYING RAW IN WINTER
Like many others venturing on the raw path, I wondered how we would stay raw during the long cold winter months.
What I noticed is that if one is motivated and filled with intention, it actually is surprisingly doable. My family have been on and off all raw and now have settled into being high-raw. This has been working well for us. We are listening to our body, and are open to seasonal rhythms and how they affect us. We take it year by year.
As well, our family is now at a place where everyone is on their own journey.
For example, we all used to commit to eating the same way when our children were younger. They are pre-teens now, and so it’s different- they make their own choices for the most part. They have both settled at about 70% raw and are happy with that.
ALLOW OTHERS, HONOUR ONESELF
There was a point last year where my husband went 100% raw and I stayed at 90% so that I could eat some cooked food with our children. They look forward to warm broths and grains and chick peas, and I find I need some fish during the winter. (It isn’t that these foods actually keep us warmer, but rather, they provide comfort and ‘warmth’ psychologically. This can be just as important, especially for children.)
Every family is different and may honour what works best for them.
I have found that my children thrive and are happier with this balance. And there are times that I go 100% raw for a few months at a time, regardless of how everyone else in my family is eating.
It’s about sovereignty, not following anyone else’s evaluation. Please give yourself permission to trust yourself, and honour your needs.
THIS ISN’T A RAWLIGION
Being dogmatic about percentages is not healthy, or necessary. What I encourage is for people to go as high-raw as is exciting and comfortable for them. No pressure, no stress. All joy! It’s truly a joyous journey. Eating high-raw is an incredibly exiting lifestyle. And it evolves over time, organically and naturally, so there is no rush.
Eating a high-raw diet is one of the most profoundly healthifying magic wands we can wave, given us by Mother Nature.
Some of the wonderful BENEFITS you will enjoy:
* Improved DIGESTION and HYDRATION
* A reversal of disease and increased IMMUNITY
* More ENERGY and VITALITY
* A BEAUTIFUL COMPLEXION of GLOWING HEALTH
* A heightened sense of AWARENESS
* Better MEMORY and ability to CONCENTRATE
* SPIRITUAL CONNECTION to Nature, Source and your nature
You don’t want to miss out on these and so many other incredible effects of eating wholesome, whole, natural, real, raw foods, no matter what the weather.
To be able to keep as much raw food in your diet during winter, I will answer a few questions before I list my top tips:
WILL I FEEL COLD EATING RAW FOODS?
Many people feel afraid that they will be too cold during winter to eat raw instead of cooked foods. This actually is true- you will- at first.
Let me explain. When you switch from a SAD diet to a raw diet, you will probably feel colder because your body is going through a detoxification.
This process of eating lighter, clean burning raw foods is an instant detox even without fasting or any other cleansing. Your blood thickens during detoxification, which causes lymph and blood circulation to decrease.
As well, your body is able to direct more energy to healing when your diet isn’t clogging it up. The body heals from the inside out, which means that internal organs will have increased circulation and oxygen, while the extremities will actually receive less blood flow.
HOW LONG WILL I FEEL COLD?
This internal ‘house cleaning’ stage will last for different durations depending on you, your health, and how raw you go. The main thing to remember is that you are cleansing and healing your body!
I found the first couple years I was very cold, which was horrible for me because I had always suffered from cold during the winter, and it became even worse.
However, it was temporary. Today, I actually enjoy the cold and am usually very comfortable and warm in extremely cold weather. Many people report feeling warmed up after the initial stage of detoxification from going raw, too.
My friend, long time raw foodist and Longevity Expert, Wayne Gendel says:
‘As your body gets healthier, it will automatically start to stay warmer. As toxins are released in transition to 80-100% raw food diet, there can be a colder feeling in the body. Raw foodists do seem to have a slightly lower body temperature but that, in my opinion, is due to the body not working so hard at digesting cooked foods. So, it is the cook foodists who have the unnatural, slightly elevated body temperature.’
Susan Schenk in ‘The Live Food Factor’ offers this:
‘This feeling of chill is believed to be part of the healing process, as the body is directing the blood, warmth, oxygen and nutrients inward to heal the most vital organs and tissues first, cleansing and rebuilding the body from the inside out.’
BAREFOOTING IN THE SNOW AND POLAR BEAR DIPS
You will warm up, so it is definitely worth the initial stages of discomfort. I became so invincible-feeling the 5th year of being raw that I started to have the strangest cravings in my being…I needed to be out in every kind of weather, and to walk barefoot- even in the snow!
I have been doing it ever since and this will be my 9th winter raw. I also started jumping into icy lakes and rivers. It is still challenging for sure, but I love it!
This is a sure sign my health has radically improved as this would have been absolutely impossible for me before going raw. I haven’t gotten a cold or flu in 5 years. You may not be jumping in the freezing lake anytime soon, but you will still find your health and vitality will surge on a living foods regime, even during winter.
David Wolfe:
‘After you persist through the transition and detoxification – through the feeling of coldness – you will discover that your resistance to both cold and hot weather will increase by eating raw foods.’
Victoria Boutenko:
‘During your first raw winter you may experience some cold due to the weakened adrenals, so put on an extra sweater, take a hot bath or do some push-ups. If you will continue staying raw, your adrenals will rest and recover, your capillary circulation will improve, your nervous system and your heart will naturally strengthen.
I remember being SO inspire after I read this in her December Newsletter years ago:
‘My family is now going through our eleventh raw winter. We do not feel any discomfort from cold. We jump in icy-cold mountain rivers year round for enjoyment. In fact that is how we celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve. We always sleep outside under the rain or snow. Sergei, my son, goes snowboarding sometimes wearing only shorts. My daughter Valya rarely wears socks. Igor, my husband, loves to take snow baths. We strongly believe that staying on a raw food diet has helped us to feel comfortable in any weather and not to feel the cold.’
MY TOP 10 TIPS FOR STAYING WARM IN WINTER WHILE EATING RAW
If you are excited and intent about feeling and looking amazing and radically shifting your health and vibration, eating high-raw during the winter is a place of grace that you will enjoy. And think of how you will look and feel in Spring!
1. DRESS WARMER- ETHICAL CLOTHING
Dress warm; wear extra layers. Wear organic wool from ethically and humanely raised and handled sheep, or if you are vegan, there is gore-tex, polyester fleece. I personally don’t wear synthetic fabrics, and my wool is a decade old or longer.
I don’t buy wool. If you wear cotton, please remember that although it may seem harmless and cruelty-free, billions of dollars worth of chemicals are used in cotton farming that seep into the air and groundwater every year. Please buy organic and recycled cotton whenever possible.
I am interested in learning about ethical clothing and using sustainable fibers like hemp and bamboo, which I need to research more. In the meantime if anyone has information on that, please share.
2. WARMING SPICES
Spices have been highly valued in other cultures for their health and beauty properties.
Ayurveda, which is the oldest recorded medical system teaches that certain spices have a warming effect on our system. These spices can be used in your raw recipes to not only boost the flavor of your food, even mimicking the taste of many of your cooked food favorites, they will also increase circulation and add heat to the body:
*Take kelp, dulse or some form of sea veggies or spirulina to make you’re your thyroid is balanced and getting iodine. Best to take in the mornings!
Cooling Foods – minimize or avoid in cold weather:
*Veggies: cucumber, celery, iceberg lettuce
*Fruits: melons, apples
Avoid cold foods that are served below room temperature
4. STAY MOTIVATED
Read inspiring books from raw food authors like David Wolfe, Victoria Boutenko, Dr Gabriel Cousins, Tonya Zavasta, Angela Stokes, Shazzie, Kate Magic, Briggette Mars, Ani Phyo, Susan Schenck, etc- there are so many raw recipe and other inspirational raw food books to enjoy during the cold winter months to keep you inspired; including my new offering, Naked Beauty.
5. KEEP BUSY IN THE KITCHEN- EXPERIMENT WITH RAW FOOD RECIPES
Winter is a slower rhythm. It gets darker earlier. It is cold and dense and heavy. There are seasonal hints that we can attune to if we wish to remain in flow and enjoy the gifts that are offered. We can rest more, read more, research more, do more yoga, take care of ourselves and slow down.
We tend to stay by the hearth fires more in the dark and cold winter months. It is a perfect time to spend learning basic raw recipes and experimenting in our cozy kitchen with dehydrated foods. I recommend that you learn to make fermented foods like Sauerkraut, and also, some dehydrated treats this winter.
6.HERBAL TEAS AND WARM CACOA DRINKS
Drink warm beverages: herbal teas and infusions, veggie broths, apple cider,
lemon water, ginger slices in hot water with honey, hot cacao drinks
made with raw nut milk or raw dairy, medicinal mushroom teas like chaga, reishi
7. INCREASE CIRCULATION- MASSAGE, EXERCISE etc
* AUYERVEDIC MASSAGE
Use warm sesame oil, especially around joints, and on your skin to stimulate circulation and create a nourishing buffer on your skin, which helps insulate the nervous system and provides added warmth and insulation between you and the elements
* HOT AND COLD SHOWERS AND AROMATHERAPY BATHS
Finishing off your showers with cold water is a longevity practice widely known across Europe that will increase your strength and resistance to cold.
Keeping your core warm in winter is a luxury with a warming aromatherapy bath. Using ginger in your bath is especially warming. In Naked Beauty there are several other delicious aromatherapy baths to choose from.
* DRY SKIN BRUSHING
One of the most effective way to increase circulation is to brush the skin in circular motions with a natural bristle body brush; the benefits are a glowing complexion all over and increased immunity to cold and illness. I describe this simple and effective process in detail in Naked Beauty.
* EXERCISE
Exercise is the best way to stimulate your circulation and keep warm. Do some physical activity first thing in the morning to get your body going, and try some light exercise (yoga, stretching) or be active outdoors during the day as much as possible to keep the metabolism boosted until bedtime. An extra tip is to sleep with a hot water bottle at your feet, and wear socks to bed to stay cozy.
* PLAY OUTSIDE in the cold- go tobogganing, ice skating, skiing, hiking, Polar Bear Dipping etc explore your options and enjoy the beauty of the season
8. WARM YOUR BOWLS
Take food out of the fridge a half hour or so before you want to eat. Keep fruit, including bananas, citrus, avocados and tomatoes out of the fridge all year round. Put cold foods from the fridge into the dehydrator/low oven for few minutes to make it room temperature, or just leave food out at room temperature for 30 minutes before eating.
9.WARM YOUR FOODS IN DEHYDRATER OR LOW HEAT ON STOVE
Warm food up to 115 F for a couple minutes. Just stir and when it becomes warm to touch, remove from heat to avoid destroying the enzymes. If you are going to cook foods occasionally, use a low temperature and slow cook, which preserves much more nutritional value. Or you could place food on a hot plate to warm.
10. GREENS
Boost your immune system with this powerful food group, which will keep you warmer by increasing your life force, so eat them, juice them, blend them and sprout them:
* Arugula
* Bok Choy
* Broccoli
* Chicory
* Collards
* Dandelion Greens
* Kale
* Mustard Greens
* Spinach
*Sprouts
* Swiss Chard
* Watercress
Staying raw during the winter will keep you more resilient to not only the cold, but also to seasonal depression from lack of sunlight, weight gain and the winter blahs. Eating a Nature-inspired diet will infuse you with excitement and inspiration and vibrance all winter long!
So, who is with me- are you up for a funtastic raw winter?
When I went Raw 9 years ago, I had no idea it would be as much about lifestyle as it is about food…
I was never an outdoorsy person. When I met my husband, one of the things that instantly drew me to him was how absolutely comfortable he was just being outside. (He works out doors building massive waterfalls and ponds.) Our second date was on a walk in the forest in November on a snowy, sunny day where the snow sparkled like diamonds in every direction all around us. My husband introduced me to hiking, and now after 13 years I am still completely in love with it. (And him!)
cold weather and being raw
One of the hardest things for me growing up has been the cold. I have always suffered in winter weather. When I went raw, I didn’t know how I would maintain my raw food lifestyle during the long winter months. I have learned several tips and strategies which I will share about in an upcoming post, but what I most want to let you know is that when I went raw, I became healthier. My immune system has doubled what it used to be. Cold weather and other stresses don’t affect me as much anymore.
I now LOVE spending time outdoors in Nature in all kinds of weather. Nothing seems to bring balance and insight and a sense of magic and miracles as much as a walk in Nature where the view isn’t manmade.
My family and I set up our tent year round except for winter so we can camp out whenever we want. It feels amazing to sleep and dream and wake up outside under the night sky that covers us all…
While I gather my tips and recipes for next time, I wish to offer you a poem that was recently shared with me by an Earth Empress named Melissa, that is a beautiful reflection of a night spent outdoors, as well as a FOREST MEDITATION.
SLEEPING IN THE FOREST by Mary Oliver
I thought the earth remembered me,
she took me back so tenderly,
arranging her dark skirts, her pockets
full of lichens and seeds.
I slept as never before, a stone on the river bed,
nothing between me and the white fire of the stars
but my thoughts, and they floated light as moths
among the branches of the perfect trees.
All night I heard the small kingdoms
breathing around me, the insects,
and the birds who do their work in the darkness.
All night I rose and fell, as if in water,
grappling with a luminous doom. By morning
I had vanished at least a dozen times
into something better.
I realise that it may not be practical for you to sleep outside anytime soon, especially with winter coming. My loving suggestion is to compensate by sleeping with the window open and ensuring plenty of outdoor time during the day. And, to take an image with you of the forest into your dreams as you drift off to sleep tonight, wherever you are…perhaps have a pine scented aromatherapy bath to sooth your body and soul before tucking yourself in for the night.
a meditation
Imagine an emerald green forest before you…as you stand at the edge of the forest, take in a deep breath of fresh air. The stillness of the forest evokes a deep calm within, inviting you to step into this magical place.
You notice the colors of the grass and trees and flowers seem richer here. You can hear the wind moving the forest branches, and there is a nearby stream…the sounds are relaxing you. You are surrounded by ancient wisdom and strength and peace. You feel calm and open.
Time stands still and you let go of your need to do or control anything. In this sacred space, you have faith that you are safe and protected. You feel grounded and are at peace. You are amoung many friends- the trees, the flowers, the birds and forest animals…
You feel the soft carpet of pine needles underneath your feet, the rich greeness is everywhere and the air is warm. You see an opening of the trees above where the sun is streaming through.
You enter a grassy knoll by a babbling brooke. It is so beautiful you can hardly believe your eyes. You reach your arms high above your head and start to twirl around and around feeling lighter and happier than you have been in a while…
You can’t help laughing and smiling from deep within your heart. You are filled with wonder and joy!
You sit down on a large rock that makes a perfect seat right beside the crystal stream where a large bird is standing. You both make eye contact and share a moment of bonding, before she takes majestic flight. You feel blessed by the encounter. You are warmed by the rays of sunlight, and feel hugged by the love you feel all around you.
There are now two white brids flying overhead. You feel they have been sent by your new friend, the large bird in the water. They are carring small pebbles in their beaks and are carefully dropping them into the water.
You look into the water and see beautiful gold fish, a turtle and some frogs…They all seem to be playing together and showing off for your enjoyment. They keep diving down and coming back up with more and more excitement. After watching the antics of these playful beings, to your utter surprise and delight you suddenly notice that there is something else you see in the water a couple feet below the surface.
It is a pattern of stones, forming words. This is what the fish, turtle and frogs were wanting to show you…
It is a special message infused with love, just for you. You instantly recognize it as exactly what you most needed to hear just now.
It is a deep confirmation of something you already know, and are wanting to be reminded of…
Women are crushingly beautiful…the tilt of our smile, the lilt in our voice, the soft curves we carry. But, like a bruised little cherry or squished peach, our feminine radiance can be dimmed if not handled with care.
BE PRESENT. PAY ATTENTION. LISTEN DEEPLY. SPEAK TRUTHFULLY. ACT CREATIVELY. And EAT FRUIT!
This has been my mantra lately…Practising the first 5 Principles brings forth Shakti- inner life force which supports us on a deep level and attunes us to our own rhythms keeping us in the flow of grace, so we aren’t struggling with life and working too hard.
Eating fresh raw foods also adds sparkle and happiness to our life, and in a wordless way reflects and enhances our magic and beauty. There is something just so special about fruit in particular; it’s sensuality is symbolic of our own softness, roundness, sweetness, and juicy-ness as women!
EAT FRUIT, BE BEAUTY
Beautiful, festive fruit is of the reasons I and countless others have attracted to the raw food lifestyle; it is SO easy to be high Raw enjoying fruit in our juices, smoothies, salads and desserts. Fresh, ripe, colorful fruits are Nature’s jewels that we get to eat!
Fake, processed sweets are dead and do nothing for our beauty, health or spirit. Fresh fruit is a beauty food that you can enjoy in your favorite natural beauty treatments, or make into quick and delicious meals. So, pass up aging processed sugar-stuffs, and treat yourself to Nature’s sweets that will hydrate, energise and beautify you like nothing else can.
ELEGANT FRUIT FROLIC
Simply toss your favorite fruit with a splash of lime juice and a pinch of cinnamon or cardomon spice for an uplifting treat. If you have blood sugar issues, add some chopped celery, lettuce and or avocado.
To make a special dip or parfait, add a generous dollop of whip cream made from a handful of blended raw cashews and the juice of a couple oranges or a few pitted dates, or, some plain keifir, yogurt or raw cream with a light drizzle of agave or honey.
A delicious pudding can be made from berries, cashews and shredded coconut, like the one my children enjoy pictured above.
Fill a pretty bowl, perhaps with a sprinkling of hemp or pumpkin seeds on top for even more nourishing goodness, then find a special spot to relax and tsavor the rainbow colors and juicy flavors, cherishing the sweetness of the moment…
EATING RAW FRUIT IN WINTER
Fruit is a magical food. However, as we enter winter here in the North, fresh fruit isn’t local and has a heavy ecological impact on Mother Earth when you consider the thousands of miles it journeys to fill our hand. Out of season fruit doesn’t taste as good, and eating too much can make us feel out of connection with our food and the natural rhythms of Nature, and our nature.
To consciously enjoy fruit locally during wintertime:
♥ pick berries on a farm and other fruits that are tree-ripened and in season that freeze well for smoothies and desserts
♥ make preserves of jams and compotes to have on hand in the winter months
♥ dehydrate fruit ie apple rings, pear slices, pineapple triangles, kiwi rounds and/or blended fruit combos in late summer and dehydrate into fruit leathers and store
♥ pick large bushels of organic local apples in late Fall as they keep for a month or two
♥ look for cranberries, pommegranates and certain varieties of pears in November and December and citrus that grows closer to home ie fruit from US and Mexico if you are in North America rather than tropical fruit
♥ choose seasonal foods like pumpkin squash, cabbage, root vegetables such as parsnips, kolorabi, artichokes, beets, kale and celeriac (celery root) and grains, nuts, seeds and seaweeds
Some of these winter foods can be prepared raw, and others are best lightly steamed or in soup broths, which will add variety to your diet, provide some warmth and comfort during the winter, and respect the rhythms of natural cycles in Nature, which will reduce your carbon footprint. Definately choose fruit over processed sweets, and, eat within the seasons as much as possible. Your beauty and vibrance will be your sweet blissing.
These are a few ideas- please leave YOUR suggestions and tips in the comments section.
In the meantime, here is a fun photo of me and my pommies. Its good to be conscious, and I like to get a little ‘fresh’ and naughty, too! Shower yourself in the juicy inspiration of fresh fruit and revel in a ravishing YOU!
Call me emotional. Call me intense. But, the wild beauty of Nature makes me gasp. I practically break out into fever and the blood runs faster in my veins. I wish my voice, my body, my presence could be as magnetic..I want to merge with the elements. My daily forest walks are as neccessary as breathing. Being surrounded by trees and forest animals and the clean, green pine scented air reminds me of being a kid when life was not seperate from me and everything was so big and expansive and limitless…
Recently an earth empress beauty by the name of Amber- Ohhh, how I love the scent of amber…said that she had thought of me and my deep affection for trees when she came across photos of bark from exotic trees around the world. So we have Amber to thank for this post. And, the gifted photographer, engineer, botanist Cedric Pollet, who has spent 10 years photographing over 300 species of trees in 4,5000 photos some of which are in his book which are works of art and a gift to the world. Thank you Amber! Merci Monsieur Pollet! Enchante…
Shall I tell you the names of the trees, or let you bask in the beauty in perfect silence..?
It’s ok to oooh and ahhh and squeal if you want…But I’ll be as quiet as a mouse…
(of course trees have feelings…)
(I’m wild for Birch Trees…sorry, I just HAD to mention it…Ok, hand over my lips now)
I know, I know..you wish they would go on forever! They do, now go OUTSIDE and play and discover beauty in Gaia’s gallery! And when you come back in, check out Cedric’s gorgeous book called Bark- An Intimate Look at the World’s Trees, which, I hope to manifest by my birthday…A girl can dream…
All images by photographer Cedric Pollet (he’s pretty dreamy, too!)
For those who curious kittens who would like to know the names of these bark beauties, in order of appearance:
1. Mandrone Evergreen, this one makes me think what Cedric had done for tree bark what David Avocado Wolfe has done for nutrition and raw food…an explosion of color and life force- just unbelieveable!
2. Next, the pineapple princess looking one is called Madagascar Palm- which makes me think of Ani Phyo, my web guru magic man Jimbosun, and all my peace-loving vegan friends.
3. Rainbow Eucalyptus from the Phillipines, with psychedelic colors, bold and beautiful, reminds me of my friend Kate Magic…because she lives her true colors.
4. The next tree bark is from the Francincense tree which bleeds an aromatic resin called Francincense tears…this one when I tune into it for a while, I imagine people all over the world who are suffering with illness and bodies that hurt…and I pray that the call of Nature would reach them so they can discover their true nature, which is health and beauty and joy…
5. The Birch Bark, one of a dozen species which grow all over North Amercia and Europe, which, like Maple trees has a delicious sap, calls to mind indigenous people of the earth…their natural grace and wisdom living harmoniously with plants and animals, whether they be vegan or not, inspires me…permaculture inspires me and so I’d like to dedicate this to my friends Lorena and Shantree Kacera and other permaculture warriors.
6. The one that looks like brightly colored autumn curls of paper is called Manzanita, from California; it makes me think of my children and all the young spirits on the planet right now…how free and in tune they are, living with so much color and texture- uncontainable and authentic and connected…
7. The little treasure map is called Japanese Stew Artia…when I look at this one I get lost in a whirlwind of wonderlust for travel to all the magnificent sites and people’s of this blue jewel. Don’t you? It looks like a little bridge, or path…everyone walks a sacred path. Perhaps the two who led the way for so many of us on this beautiful Raw path, is Anne Wigmore and Brian Clements.
8. The ravaged yellow photo is of the Octillo tree in Mexico, a medicinal plant used by the Native Americans. It is a cactus which reminds me of needles we have sticking out of us that makes it hard for people to get close to us when we are more interested in being right, than real. It happens everywhere, seperation based on differences- even in the Raw Community; and it is alienating, counter-productive and, well, yellow…and fills me with a malaise of sadness…
9. Lacebark Pine is the seafoam green beauty…I dedicate this one to all the mermaids who take care of the corals and underwater flora and fauna and to everyone who brings their own bags to the grocery store to prevent more plastic from clogging up our oceans and the bellies of bird’s and fish who swallow or get ensnared in carelessly discarded bags. I think of my friend, Angelina Elliot.
10. Haha, the Arbutus bark from Europe known as Strawberry Trees instantly makes me think of my hair for some reason…now that it rained I can wash and condition it tonight with some Lemongrass and coconut butter…mmmmm
11. OoooLaLa, what does the lime green with cone-bubbles remind you of? Perky breasts, or is it just me? Its the bark of the Kapok or Silk Floss Tree which spreads its seeds by bursting open and letting the wind carry away the silky puffs inside…How beautiful to live with such elegance and faith…to know the fruits of our labour are going to be scattered far and wide and will nourish and take root in ways we can’t even dream of…which makes me think of my friend and designer Amy de Wolfe who has been instrumental in me break out of my cacoon, and helping me bring beauty to everything I do online.
12. Chinese Zalkova, a relative of Elm, looks like the desert with patches of cool, blue water…reminding me of the work of Dr Emoto Masaru who brought us Messages in Water, another profound gift showing us the beautiful structures of pure, water crystals and how they can change from sparkly castle structures when in the presence of classical music to murky, flabby, sad shapes when exposed to harsh words…in that we are 70% water beings, the implications are profound for us to ponder…Wayne Gendel and Daniel Vitalis are water warriors who understand and share passionately about the mysteries of precious water…
13. Spotted Gum tree of Australia with a peeling pattern that changes color as the season passes revealing orange and burgundy peelings during summer leaving behind white and green and yellow patches…which makes me think of everyone who goes on the Raw Food diet, or any diet- or who embarks upon any path of self love and growth and peels away old layers. We go through layers of ourselves, subtle blocks and as we do, if we are brave enough and determined enough, get to revel in and reveal our beautiful, true colors. I think of my lovely siStar, Angela Stokes and others who have transformed so much on the inside that the outside simply followed suit.
14. The next pink one withthe star shaped X I had trouble finding the name of if anyone can tell us…I loved it for its dichotomous soft coloring and striking slashes in the upper portion, and then the bubble shapes within the ledges below, which immediately brought to mind Artemis women; goddesses who can wield the sword of truth and take action against cruelty or injustice, as well as nurture and protect the innocent and vulnerable. I immediately conjure up images of my girlfriends and women around the world whom I may never meet but their spirit I know. And I also smile and visit in my mind women who I have met and been inspired by, sharing some of them with you in other projects: Dr Carolyn Dean, Byron Katie, Marianne Williamson, Susun Weed, Marci Shimoff, Jean Liedloff, Shazzie Love,Victoria Boutenko, Christine Arylo, Regena Thomashaeur etc. etc. etc.
Women are a force of Nature. But that’s another post.
15. The grande finale of this post is the Populus alba or White Poplar tree whose surface is covered with kisses! Just another reminder that love truly is, all around…MUAH!
