Articles in the Raw Food Category

Before you scroll down to find out what takes the place of tuna in tuna (fish-less) salad, be sure to check out what I think about reversing diabetes in 30 days, plus  my latest contest (over a $200 value!) and my chocolate-covered raisin hemp balls. You might also enjoy some naturopathic teaching in Zeenat’s guest post about the healing properties of onion.

Gone raw – or want to – but don’t want to give up your beloved tuna salad? No problem! Just check out my raw tuna fish-less salad below. YUM! Pretty close to the real thing, don’t ya think?

This is an especially nice meal or snack for someone who can’t stand the fish smell/taste. You get the benefits of tuna salad (protein, omegas,vitamins, minerals, etc.) but not the fishy aroma or flavor.  And you’re even getting zinc from the sunflower seeds! (Oops! I spilled the beans!) 

Raw Juice Girl’s Tuna Fish-Less Himala Salad Recipe:

1 1/2 cups finely ground sunflower seeds

2 tablespoons ground flax seeds

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 small onion, chopped (I used about 3/4 of that small onion)

17 (soaked) cashews, roughly chopped

small handful raw sunflower seeds (I didn’t take time to soak these)

avocado (half in the mix, half sliced for serving)

freshly ground Himala pink sea salt (to taste)

Himala organic garlic salt (to taste)

freshly ground Himala black peppercorns (to taste)

Just enough water to make the consistency of tuna salad

(I had a cereal-sized bowl of leftovers.)

Note for next time I make this: It needs more onion and some pickles. If you like pickles in your tuna salad and aren’t worried about being 100% raw,  you could add canned pickles. If you are worried about staying purely raw, you could make some “fridge pickles” as my friend, Beth, pointed out.

Mix it Together

Serve with your favorite, sliced veggies – or dehydrated flax seed crackers (those are coming up soon!). Of course, you could also smear it on bread and have a sandwich but I try to avoid the bread-like stuff. If I don’t, I look like dough.

And there you have it. What do you think? Does it look like the real thing to you? Have you ever made mock tuna salad? Are you a vegetarian, vegan, or do you try to cut back on your meat intake (some people consider fish to be meat)? This is a great recipe for you, too – even if you aren’t a high-raw foodie.

The best thing about this tuna fish-less recipe is that it’s free of soy, gluten, dairy, and harsh chemicals/preservatives.

Himala Samples

And a ginormous thank you to Melissa Kushi from Himala Salt for sending me these beautiful, delicious samples! A full review of each product (and the extremely eco-friendly company is coming in the near future!)

First time visiting? Check out my latest contest (over a $200 value!) and my chocolate-covered raisin hemp balls. You may also enjoy Zeenat’s guest post about the healing benefits of onions.

Sounds crazy, huh? Well, before you think I’m crazy just hear me out, please.

Raw Reflections

I had the amazing opportunity to review the Raw for Thirty and Raw for Life DVDs a while back. I still remember how raw and real the DVDs were.

Here’s a snippet of my thoughts from that review:

Simply Raw gives you a peek into the journey of six Americans who are battling diabetes. Some of them are also battling obesity. While staying at The Tree of Life in Arizona, under the supervision of Dr. Gabriel Cousens, the six individuals (with various diabetes levels and insulin problems) were carefully monitored and cared for.Looking into the lives of these people and watching their struggles, their honest attempts, and then more struggles as they tried to make it through the 30-day program just broke my heart. I’ve been obese morbidly obese. I know the pain. I know how discouraging it can be to wake up every morning with a heavy person weighing your life down and feeling like life is hopeless and like you can never, ever achieve the healthier, slimmer body you so desire.

I also used to be on diabetic medication because my blood sugar was atrocious. I related so much to the stories these people shared in this DVD. It was almost as if I were living my own morbid obesity and blood sugar problems all over again!

So, I absolutely believe in the power of raw foods and know from personal experience and my own journey that blood sugar can stabilize. I’ve lost over 100 pounds and am now eating 100% raw food–no more diabetic medication for me!

Raw Reality

Living with diabetes is no fun. And that’s why I wanted to let you know that for a short time, you can get a 50% discount on this DVD set about reversing diabetes! That’s right! That’s a HUGE savings!! And with money being so tight these days, that 50% savings is such a blessing for you – especially if you’re sick and tired of living with diabetes as the ruler of your life!

Raw Hope

Do check this DVD set out – even if you aren’t diabetic. I don’t believe you’ll be the same once you watch the stories and hear the experts chime in with facts.

Everyone’s bodies are different, so you may not be diabetic-free within 30 days BUT if you follow the raw food lifestyle, it’s a given that your blood sugar and other health issues should improve by the end of the 30 days. It depends on your weight and/or how bad your blood sugar levels are.

There IS hope for a better, more beautiful tomorrow, people. It lies within you to resurrect it and make it happen. Take this RAWsome opportunity to change your life. Who needs to wait until the new year to make resolutions and lifestyle changes?! Start today, so you’ll have your own raw reflections and health transformations to share with others!!

If this is your first time visiting, be sure to enter my latest contest for E3Live products (a value of over $200!) and check out my chocolate-covered raisin hemp balls. They’re easy (and fun!) to make.

And now I have a special surprise for you: We have a talented and inspiring guest today!

Zeenat Syal is sharing her wisdom of the healing benefits of raw onion. You know how I love the healing benefits of raw foods!

Take it away, Zeenat!

Onions – A Pungent Surprise of Natural Healing

The onion, a pungent edible of the lily family, is one of the oldest cultivated vegetables. It is considered food of exceptional value for flavoring and seasoning.

The onion is a biennial herb, usually grown as an annual. All its parts produce a strong odor when crushed. It has a superficial root system, a very short flattened stem at the base of the plant, which increases in diameter as growth continues. Leaves are long, linear and hollow. A bulb is formed by thickening of the leaf bases when the plant reaches a certain stage of growth.

The onion is believed to have originated in Central Asia, possibly in the Iran-Pakistan region. It has been cultivated since ancient times in the Middle East and India. It was a popular food in ancient Egypt, where it is depicted on the tombs as early as 3200 BC and has been found in mummies. Almost all religions in their holy scriptures have mentioned onions in some way or the other.

Onion is now cultivated in most parts of the world, including India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Burma, Philippines, China, Egypt, West and East Africa, tropical South and Central America and the Caribbean.

Food Value:

Onion which derived its name from the Latin Onio and French Oignon, has been described by some one as the dynamite of all natural foods. Compared with other fresh vegetables, it is relatively high in food value, moderate in protein content and is rich in calcium and riboflavin. There is considerable variation in composition between different varieties and it also varies with the stage of maturity and the length of storage.

The odor in onion is due to organic sulphur compounds, and is produced only when they are cut or injured, by enzyme action on a water-soluble amino acid. Heating, freezing and drying prevent the enzyme action. That is why cooking produces a different odor, flavor and pungency. The pungent flavor is appreciated by many people in many countries. The strong odor lingers for a considerable amount of time after consumption. It is said to be due to small particles retained is the mouth which cannot always be removed by brushing.

Onion is one of the vegetables which has the best keeping quality. The dried cured bulbs may be kept for several months without deterioration and can stand rough handling.

Natural Benefits and Curative Properties:

Onion is highly valued for its therapeutic properties. It has been used as a food remedy from time immemorial. The physicians of ancient Egypt prescribed onions in various diseases. They are stimulant, diuretic, expectorant and rubefacient.

The white onion is preferable to the red and yellow varieties. Onions should be taken with meals preferably raw as fried or cooked onions are comparatively difficult to digest. For therapeutic purposes, it is advisable to use onion juice instead of the whole onion as it is an all round medicine. Onion being stimulating and irritating food, its consumption in excess should be avoided.

Several parts of the plant have a place in traditional medicines. The seeds of onion relieve dental worms and urinary diseases. The stalks of onion are a source of Vitamin A, thiamin and ascorbic acid. They are used in both tender and mature stages.

*Onions*

Food Value                                                     Minerals and Vitamins

Moisture                                    86.6%              Calcium                                     47mg

Protien                                        1.2%                Phosphorous                              50mg

Fat                                              0.1%                  Iron                                           0.7mg

Fibre                                            0.6%               Vitamin C                                   11mg

Minerals                                       0.4%             Small amount if Vitamin B Complex

Carbohydrates                            11.1%

______

100%               Calorific Value: 51

*Values 100 gms edible portion.

Respiratory Diseases:

Onion possesses expectorant properties. It liquefies phlegm and prevents its further formation. It has been used for centuries in cold, cough, bronchitis and influenza.

Tooth Disorders:

Onion also possesses bactericidal properties. Hence, consuming one raw onion everyday, chewing thoroughly, can protect you from a host of tooth disorders. Chewing raw onions for three minutes is sufficient to kill all the germs in the mouth. Toothache is often allayed by placing a small piece of onion on the bad tooth or gum.

Anemia:

Onions are noted for their easily assimilable iron content. They are therefore, beneficial in the treatment of anemia.

Heart Disease:

Onion is an excellent preventive food item against heart-attack. Its beneficial because of the composition of the essential oils, calcium, iron, phosphorous and vitamins. The onions are very valuable in heart diseases as they correct thrombosis and also reduce blood cholesterol.

Skin Disorders:

Onion is irritating to the skin and stimulates the circulation of blood in the mucous membranes. Warts also sometimes disappear if rubbed with cut onions. Roasted or otherwise, onions are applied as a poultice to boils, bruises, wounds, etc., to bring the boils to maturity by its heaty sensation.

Ear Disorders:

Onions juice dipped in cotton wool and put into the ear is a popular Russian remedy for ringing sound in the ears. Dropped hot in the ear, it relieves earache.

Urinary System Disorders:

Onions are highly beneficial in the treatment of urinary system disorders. Regular intake of onion juice will bring about considerable amount of relief to patients suffering from burning sensation as well as to patients suffering from urine retention.

Bleeding Piles:

Onions are a very valuable treatment in bleeding piles. Onion juice mixed with a pinch of sugar taken twice daily by the patient will bring relief in a few days.

Uses:

The onion can be used in innumerable ways. The immature and mature bulbs are eaten raw or they may be cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They are used in soups, salads, sauces and for seasoning many foods. They may also be fried. Onion oil, produced by steaming distillation, is used to a limited extent for flavoring foods.There has been an increasing demand, in recent years, for dehydrated onion products. The onions are sliced and dried. They are used for flavoring food and in canned meat products, sausages, canned and dried soups and ketchups. Dried onion flakes can be reconstituted by cooking in water. Chopped and dried green onions are a kind culinary herb for culinary purposes.

Zeenat Merchant Syal is a Practicing Counseling Psychologist & Naturopath with degrees in Motivational and Counseling Psychology. She also holds degrees in various fields of Holistic and Naturopathic Medicine. Her Blog “Positive Provocations” focuses on Positive Thinking through Healing the Mind, Body, Heart &Soul-Trying to heal the world one blog post at a time-Spreading Positivity, Motivations, Inspiration, Love & Happiness.

Thank you so much, Zeenat!

Okay, y’all. Get busy adding those onions to your meals and enjoying their natural healing benefits!

And be sure to stop by Zeenat’s blog. She’s so inspiring and knowledgeable. Her posts are a joy to read and I know you’ll be glad you took the time to visit her!

(Onion) photo credit: Vic Lic

If you’re just tuning in, be sure to check out my review of E3Live and also my thoughts on BrainOn. And a huge thank you to the folks at www.E3Live.com for sponsoring the first contest where one LUCKY reader will be receiving a prize valued at over $200!

Chocolate-Covered Katie’s Mission

This post is in honor of Chocolate-Covered Katie’s Charity Page View Drive: Operation Chocolate-Covered Kindness

Katie is doing a fantabulous job of spreading kindness. Let’s help her out!!

In honor of the chocolate theme (and y’all know how much I love chocolate!) I thought I’d share a few recipes. Only one is mine, but I think you’ll like the others I mention, too!

Chocolate-Covered Recipes

Katie has a long list of chocolate-covered recipes on her blog. You’ll want to browse through ‘em all! Not only will you come across delicious treats you can whip up for yourself and your family and/or friends, but you’ll be helping Katie raise money for charity while you’re looking!

For starters, you might enjoy perusing her Fudge Babies. Oh, yeah! If that isn’t enough to drive you chocolate bonkers, feast your eyes on All Things Oatmeal, Pancake Pandemonium, The Pudding Files, or the Most Popular. Of course, there are tons more. Enjoy!

Oh, and you might want to grab a napkin before you dig through her recipe archives – you just might drool!

Averie’s Chocolate Fudge Balls

The amazing Averie is always, always whipping up the most RAWsome Vegan desserts over at Love Veggies & Yoga. She creates the most decadent, sinful looking (yet healthy!!!) treats over there. She’s an incredible inspiration, from her years of yoga practice, to her ability to juggle day-to-day chaos with a toddler, she manages to be wife, momma, blogger, reviewer, keeps a spotless home, and even hosts contests for her readers! But back to those delicious desserts…  Her latest: 3-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Fudge Balls

I haven’t tried Averie’s chocolate ball recipes yet, but I will soon.

Jocelyn’s Brownie Batter Balls

Jocelyn blogs at Jocelyn Eats Fresh. I’m sooooooooooooo proud of her because although her blog posts are often upbeat and inspiring, she’s worked very, very hard at overcoming an eating disorder. She is finding a beautiful balance of healthy foods and also allows herself to splurge sometimes on the not-so-healthy stuff so she won’t find herself feeling the need to go back to those old, harmful habits. She has an “everything in moderation” mentality and it’s working wonders for her body, mind, and soul. She’s a beautiful person, inside and out, and is losing weight the slow, right way. You’re doing a great job, Jocelyn. Keep up the great work!!!

Anyway, I knew I had to try out Jocelyn’s cool creation when I happened upon her Raw Chocolate Brownie Batter Balls. I didn’t have the exact ingredients she used, so I switched it up a little. Or, well, a lot!

And Raw Juice Girl’s version…

Chocolate-Covered Raisin Hemp Balls

This recipe made 14 chocolate balls. It probably would have made 16 or 17. Um… Oops!! *giggles*

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 1/2 cups raisins
• 6 tablespoons Dark Chocolate Hemp Powder (www.manitobaharvest.com)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon agave (or so)

I had to add a dash more almond flour and a little water to try to get the right consistency. I should have used the food processor, I think. I used the blender instead. Hmmmm…. Or, I needed to start with more liquid.

No worries… they turned out YUMMY!!!

Manitoba Harvest Chocolate Hemp

Oh my goodness y’all… The dark chocolate hemp powder from www.manitobaharvest.com is DIVINE!!! So far, I’ve enjoyed it in a smoothie and these chocolate-covered raisin hemp balls. It’s fantabulous to get your hemp protein in via chocolate. YUM-O!!!!!

You can expect a full review on the product itself in an upcoming post.

Roll the dough into balls

Then wash your hands!

And enjoy! Yum!!!

Good, and Good For You!

And that’s it! If you love chocolate-covered raisins, you’ll LOVE these chocolate-covered raisin hemp balls. You’re getting a chocolate (and a snack) fix!

AND hemp is full of whole food nutrition:

“ALL Essential Amino Acids (Protein), Omega-3 and Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), and both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre.”– www.manitobaharvest.com

You’ll also be gobbling up antioxidants, boron, calcium, vitamin C, iron… (from the raisins). And the almonds are giving you manganese, vitamin E, magnesium, tryptophan, copper, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), phosphorus…

My goodness, that little chocolate-covered raisin hemp ball packs a powerful punch. I could take a beating (or two!) from these yummy treats. Yep, I could!!!

Don’t forget about Chocolate-Covered Katie’s Charity Page View Drive: Operation Chocolate-Covered Kindness

Contest Alert!!!!

Katie (as in, Chocolate-Covered Katie I mentioned above) is having a Your-Choice Giveaway

Leslie (from Leslie Loves Veggies) is also having a contest: KALLARI Chocolate {Giveaway} 3 Winners

Win a mixed case of Chobani Greek yogurt over at The Actor’s Diet Blog.

And… don’t forget about the awesome giveaway I’m hosting. Prizes are valued at OVER $200!!!!

Latest Package for Review!

I have lots of awesome posts planned for these yummy products!!!

Visit www.NuNaturals.com to learn more about their line of sweeteners, extracts, and other health supplements.

Thank you, NuNaturals!!!

Resources:

WHFoods: Raisins

WHFoods: Almonds

If you’re just tuning in, be sure to check out my review of E3Live and also my thoughts on BrainOn. And a huge thank you to the folks at www.E3Live.com for sponsoring this contest!!! It’s the first contest where y’all will be receiving a prize over $200 in value!

It’s here! It’s here!!

It’s time to give away FIVE bottles of E3Live and a shaker cup with that super cool ice wand to keep your juice or smoothie cool as a cucumber!

Eeeekkk!!!!

Here’s what you’ll win (over a $200 value!!!!):

3 bottles of E3Live

2 bottles of BrainOn

E3Live Quick Shake Cooler Cup with ice wand

There are TWELVE ways to enter the E3Live contest:

Note: Please leave a comment for each thing you do (tweet, plurk, etc.) because each comment will be counted as a number when I enter the total number of comments at Random.org once the contest ends. (Don’t just say “thanks for the contest” or something like that–I do not publish those type of comments because they seem like spam and aren’t fair to the other contestants who leave a thoughtful, genuine answer.) Thanks!

1. Visit www.E3Live.com (by clicking on the above photo) and take a look around. Leave a comment sharing  any of their other products you’d like to try–and why, if you’d like to add a reason.
2. Do you use Twitter? Tweet about this contest and then leave a comment with your Twitter name. You can swipe this tweet: RT @RawJuiceGirl is giving away FIVE bottles of @E3Live products + a shaker cup! ( http://tinyurl.com/yjxdnl7 ) Win over a $200 value!!
3. Do you Plurk? Plurk about this contest and leave a comment with your Plurk URL.
4. Share this contest on your blog, linking back to this post. (The pingback will be counted as an extra entry.) If you don’t see your pingback, just email me at healingwithjuices at gmail.com and let me know. It may have gone to spam for some reason.
5. Add Healing with Juices to your favorites on Technoratori. Comment again to let me know, with a link to your technoratori profile to show you added me.
6. Follow @E3Live on Twitter.
7. Are you a Stumbler? Stumble and review any post you want to–just leave the link to your SU review in (its own) comment.
8. Do you have a Digg account? Digg one of my posts. Take your pick. Come back and leave a comment on this post with a link to your Digg post.
9. Leave a comment on my review of E3Live post. Come back here and leave a comment letting me know you did that.
10. Leave a comment on my review of BrainOn post. Come back and let me know you did.
11. If you have Facebook or some other social media account, I’ll accept that as an extra entry. Just share the link to this contest on that site and leave the link here in the comments to let me know you did.
12. Follow me or friend me on any of the social media sites for an extra entry. If you follow or friend me on more than one social media site, simply add an extra comment sharing that you did.

NOTE: Please leave a comment for each entry. Each comment equals an entry number.

ANYONE can enter this contest. You DO NOT have to be in the United States. Oh, and I’ll be using Random.org to choose the winner….

And did I mention the winner will be receiving a prize that’s valued at over $200???!!!

Contest ends Sunday, November 22nd, at 9 p.m. (Central Time). That gives you TWO weeks to get your entries in. Hurry and spread the word. The more entries you have, the higher your chances of winning!!!

Let the contest begin!!!!

If you’re a first-time visitor, you may have missed my recent delivery of packages and upcoming reviews, Sunday fun and news or ShimmerOrganics. You might also enjoy A Package and a Story – this one is dear to my heart…  Be sure to check ‘em out!

Note: E3Live sent me samples, but I have not been paid to write this review. The thoughts I share in this post are my honest opinions.

Why E3Live?

As most of you know, I talked quite a bit about E3Live during my 30-day juice fast (and some afterward).

It wasn’t my intentions to “up and stop mentioning this fantabulous product” – I’ve just had a lot going on and got swamped with all the incoming packages and other freelance projects I’m obligated to.

There’s actually a story about me and E3Live….

A few years ago, I met a raw foodist. I was fascinated by this man. His skin was pure perfection. His hair was dark and shiny and luscious. His eyes were clear and bright. Totally amazing.

And, no, not that kind of fascination – he was married! I’m talking about just being mesmerized by the overall picture of perfect health. I still can’t get over it!

We talked about how he’d lost a significant amount of weight and improved his health dramatically, and how I’d done the same. While I was a LOT healthier than I used to be, I still didn’t have that pristine appearance he did, and I still wasn’t as healthy as I wanted to be. The difference? You’re thinking it was the raw food, right? Nope. I had been a 100% raw foodist off and on and was high-raw, even then. So, while raw food plays a HUGE role in my health improving, there was something more.

So… what was the difference in our health journeys? E3Live. Yep. That’s it. He was a dedicated E3Live customer; I wasn’t. Actually, I’d never heard of it until he introduced me to it that day.

There was another difference in us, though: He was able to spend money that I didn’t have. He was a successful business man and I was climbing my way out of financial ruins (due to barely surviving domestic violence and enduring so many health issues I wasn’t able to work).

And THAT’S why I was sooooooooooooo very honored to have the opportunity to receive samples of E3Live and BrainOn – what a blessing!

Now, on to the review of E3Live (BrainOn review will be next)….

About the Company

E3Live was founded in 1991, by President Michael Saiber. Dr. Ann Wigmore introduced him to the raw lifestyle over 30 years ago — he’s 67, but certainly doesn’t look it! (See, I’m telling you… it’s that LOOK of pristine health!)

President

Michael enjoys a variety of exercises. He’s huge on health and fitness, is a lecturer, and has a genuine heart for helping people – particularly those suffering from chronic illness and birth defects. He thrives on consuming the blue-green algae he’s so passionate about, and is known for truly “walking the talk.”

In a world filled with deceit and people who don’t practice what they preach, I’d say that’s quite the honorable man who lives what he says he does!

CEO, Owner

Tamera has over 20 years of business management experience and has had the amazing opportunity to work closely with Dr. Brian Clement (of Hippocrates Health Institute), Dr. Gabriel Cousens, and Dr. Fred Bisci, and others.

She also lectures and is the creator of some of the best-selling green health products out there. Well-known doctors and clinics use Tamera’s formulas. (How awesome is that?!)

Oh, and Tamera is 46 – and radiantly beautiful!

E3Live’s blue-green algae is harvested from Klamath Lake in Oregon:

“Upper Klamath Lake is free of adverse bacteria, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. The lake receives an average 300 days of sunlight per year which provides a perfect growing environment for the world’s richest strain of wild AFA blue-green algae, scientifically known as Aphanizomenon flos-aquae. The alkaline lake water provides more than 60 times the nutrients needed for the algae to grow to its full potential each year. Under the right conditions, AFA algae can reproduce every 20 minutes, which provides a plentiful abundance of this organic, high life-force, miracle super food.”– www.E3Live.com

From my research and my experience with E3Live’s customer service, I have found them to be passionate and kind people who strive to not only represent themselves in a professional manner and create quality products, but they genuinely care about us wholeheartedly!

Read it out for yourself:

“Thanks to you, over $250,000 worth of products have been donated to clients and patients of our clients. The recipients of these donations have serious illnesses rendering their financial condition unable to purchase anything not covered by medical insurance. By supporting our products, you can help us continue this effort.” – www.E3Live.com

E3Live was mentioned in People Magazine!

E3Live

This blue-green algae is overflowing with goodies for our bodies to gobble up!

I love that the company is so dedicated to quality:

“We are very critical and selective when it comes to harvesting, filtering, testing and formulating all our products. Our harvesting and purity testing is of utmost importance to us. We not only meet, but exceed quality and safety standards for harvesting processes.”– www.E3Live.com

Pros

The pros of E3Live are endless, really. It’s loaded with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and all sorts of healthy goodies our bodies are crying out for.

From E3Live’s website:

1. Increase endurance and stamina
2. Lift and balance mood to reduce stress
3. Increase mental focus and concentration
4. Balance blood-sugar levels
5. Speed up recovery time
6. Restore overall biochemical balance ⁽¹⁾
7. Enjoy long-lasting energy boost ⁽²⁾
8. Grow healthier skin, nails and hair
9. Truly enhance overall well-being

That’s a LOT of pros!!

(1) Dr. Gabriel Cousens, Director, Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center
(2) Dr. Fred Bisci, nationally renowned health lecturer

Vitamins, Minerals, Amino Acids!

For Pets!

The caring people at www.E3Live.com didn’t forget – you can share the benefits with your furry friends!

E3Live is fantabulous for your PETS!! Pet lovers, I know you’re happy right now!!

Cons

The only cons I can find that you might not see as “Pros” are three things:

1. The price. Now, while I absolutely believe in this product and have seen for myself how taking it daily enhanced my health, energized me, and just made me “feel better,” I do absolutely understand that $150 isn’t pocket change. And, honestly, I couldn’t have enjoyed its benefits if I hadn’t received samples to review. However, you DO get 5 bottles for that price. Because of having to make special shipping arrangements, the company has found that shipping 5 bottles in each box results in the best freshness and transport success.
2. The taste. I’m personally used to the wonderful “green” taste health products often have. I’ve chugged potent herbal tonics, teas, and all sorts of concoctions. So, some of you may not like the taste. But the good news is… you can disguise it by tossing a serving into a smoothie or other recipe and enjoy its health benefits while your taste buds enjoy something yummy!
3. The preparation. I freelance, so I’m at home, but I can understand someone who works outside the home a gazillion hours a week being afraid they might not have time to thaw and prepare the upcoming week’s servings. To ease your conscience, I’m sharing directions below to show you this isn’t really a con – you just might think it is…

How to Thaw E3Live Products

You don’t have to be nervous about how to thaw and consume E3Live. It only takes a few minutes to prepare your servings for the week.

1. Simply take your bottle out of the freezer.
2. Pop it in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes.
3. Then pour 7 tablespoons of the melted liquid into a small jar or container with a lid.
4. Put your bottle back in the freezer, and your small jar in the fridge for easy access during the week.
5. That’s it!

See, I told you it’s easy!

How to Take E3Live

I personally just take a tablespoon straight up, but I’ve also added it to my green juice (as shown above) – especially during my 30-day juice fast.

You can also add it to smoothies or other recipes (think: raw fudge, etc.)

The possibilities are only as limited as your imagination and ingredients!

Verdict/Grade?

I’m sure after reading all this, you know I’m going to give E3Live an A+ grade. I have to, ya know? With such dedicated, caring people striving to help make the world a healthier place, only the highest grade applies. I give them extra points for donating their products to the less fortunate, who’d never be able to afford them. That speaks loudly of their character and what their business is all about. That, to me, shows they care more about us than they do about sales.

Thank you, E3Live, for being generous with samples – and with your heart!!

Have you ever taken E3Live supplements? What did you think of the taste? What kind of results did you have? Would you like to try it, but don’t have the extra money to? Stay tuned…

The Surprise?

After my review of BrainOn, E3Live is sponsoring a contest so one lucky winner can be rich with FIVE bottles of their awesome, blue-green algae (3 bottles of the original formula; 2 of BrainOn + a shaker cup—over a $200.oo value!!!). Get ready!!!

If you’re a first-time visitor, you may have missed my recent delivery of packages and upcoming reviews or the Sunday fun and news. You might also enjoy my last post: A Package and a Story – this one is dear to my heart…  Be sure to check ‘em out!

Would you believe I get to share another package with you?! Pretty crazy FUN, huh?

This one came from Lisa Ann Turkel. Lisa owns ShimmerOrganics. She makes homemade, raw, organic beauty products and has sent me her Mandarin and Honey Revitalizing Mask to review.

I’m really excited about this! Lisa has been a gem to communicate with. Her passion for pure, raw beauty products permeates through each and every word.

I love her personality and I love the way she ships her masks, too!

Check this out…

Pink Packaging!

A Cheerful Message!

Isn’t that awesomeness? It’s like a fortune cookie message. And this pink packaging and cheerful message brightened up my (rainy) day!!

Pure, Raw Beauty!

Lisa filled this container to the brim with quality ingredients. She’s put a lot of time, effort, and thought into her business. I can tell that already!

Organic Mask Information

Thank you, Lisa, for allowing me to enjoy your beauty mask. I’m honored to have the opportunity for sure.

I’ll be trying the mask more than once before I post the review (and a surprise for y’all!) and I might even grace the camera lens with my mask-covered face. Ya never know!

If you’re an impatient kind of person, and you don’t want to wait for my review, you can go ahead and order directly from Lisa here.

Thank you to Lisa, from ShimmerOrganics!

If you’re just tuning in, be sure to enter Healing With (Raw) Juices’ latest contest for TWO containers  of Amazing Grass – one is CHOCOLATE! (Thursday, October 22 is the last day to enter.)  You can also use the code hwj (small J as in JUICE) for a 15% discount on your order, if you can’t wait. And a BIG thank you to Amazing Grass for sponsoring!

Fun Treats for Fall

Nathalie, at Raw Foods Witch, recently shared a new raw recipe video: How to Make a Festive Raw Pumpkin Pie Recipe. I love Nathalie. She’s fun, creative, informative, and I just adore her enthusiasm for raw living!

Cindy, from A Sparkle A Day, made us readers drool with her version of a healthy pancake. If you aren’t 100% raw/vegan, I’d definitely recommend you give this a try. I haven’t yet, but I will!

Love Veggies & Yoga? Averie sure does! This gal is RAWkin the blogosphere with her creative raw recipes. She has a passion for raw, vegan living and shares all sorts of recipes and tips–with pizzazz! One of her creations I’m lookin’ forward to making myself: Raw, Vegan Apple Crumble! Of course, Averie’s recipe archive is exploding over there, so dig through and find yourself some stuff to eat!

Mysti, of Life’s Approbations, shared her original recipe: Fall Perfection Pumpkin Muffins. This one isn’t raw or vegan, but is made with healthy ingredients! If you’re looking for a raw recipe from this gal, she offers that too at her new site, Dining Family: Sweet, Smooth and Cold! (And you’ll find a real little pumpkin at the end of that recipe!) UPDATED TO ADD: “Egg can be substituted out with 1/4 c applesauce and 1/8 tsp baking soda,” says Mysti. She wanted to share that for vegan readers. Thank you, Mysti!!!

I love pumpkin seeds, so Katy Joy’s recipe (from Raw People), sounds like a delicious treat. I’d like to make it sometime. Have you ever had Pumpkin Spice Milk?

And, here’s one of my recipes–that I haven’t enjoyed in quite a while!

Pumpkin Pie Yogurt

Ingredients:

• a container of organic, Greek yogurt (I love Oikos, but you could use raw, nut based yogurt)
• about 1/4 to 1/2 can of organic pumpkin (or raw)
• pumpkin pie spice

Stir pumpkin into your yogurt and sprinkle on as much pumpkin pie spice as you’d like.

Optional Toppings:

• trail mix
• granola
• raisins
• cranberries
• cookies
• raw pumpkin seeds (or nuts)

Do you have any favorite Fall recipes? Do you stay 100% raw in the Fall and Winter seasons, regardless, or do you stray and enjoy some warm (or other non-raw) comfort foods? Have you ever had the recipes I mentioned today? Do you plan on trying any of them? Hope you enjoy your weekend! Can you believe we’re half-way through October??!!

Want to REALLY enhance your recipes?? Enter the contest for NuttZo over at An Apple A Day blog! Hurry, contest ends soon!

Want to keep up with Raw Juice Girl’s adventures + more?  Subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life. I’ve also been working on a recipe page where you’ll be able to easily locate recipes for raw juices, smoothies, and now dehydrator creations!

If you’re just tuning in, be sure to enter Healing With (Raw) Juices’ latest contest for TWO containers  of Amazing Grass – one is CHOCOLATE! (Thursday, October 22 is the last day to enter.)   And a BIG thank you to Amazing Grass for sponsoring! And don’t forget to check out my chocolate ice cubes — they’re super easy to make, and so fun!

A HUGE thank you to LARABAR for sending me samples!!!

You might remember I recently reviewed the Cashew Cookie LARABAR. As I mentioned in that review, LARABAR also sent me a few other flavors – Apple Pie was one of them.

It’s American. It’s a staple from most of our childhoods. The taste and aroma brings back memories of mom’s or grandma’s apple pie pulled fresh from the warm oven and cooling, as crisp leaves danced around the yard in the cool Autumn breeze – yay for memories of apple pie!

And here’s that Apple Pie bar…

Apple Pie Larabar

Looks Good!

Tastes Fantabulous!

Look at those Nuts!

Sooooooooooo Moist!

Six Ingredients??!!

Dates

Walnuts

Unsweetened Apples

Almonds

Raisins

Cinnamon

It’s Healthy!

Nutritional Info (from the site):

It’s RAW!

From the site:

LÄRABAR is a delicious blend of unsweetened fruits, nuts and spices – energy in its purest form. Made from 100% whole food, each flavor contains no more than eight ingredients. Pure and simple, just as nature intended.

GLUTEN FREE * DAIRY FREE * SOY FREE * NON-GMO * VEGAN * KOSHER

LÄRABAR REAL.
Sweet with no added sweeteners. Sustaining with no added fillers, supplements or flavorings. LÄRABAR is what your body needs – real, whole food loaded with nature’s own minerals and vitamins.

LÄRABAR RIGHT.
All of the vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, good carbohydrates and healthy fats are derived exclusively from the whole, raw food used to make LÄRABAR.

LÄRABAR RAW.
Uncooked and Unprocessed. The essential enzymes, which are necessary for the digestion and utilization of nutrients, remain completely intact in their most natural, powerful state. A diet abundant in raw, unprocessed foods is important for health and longevity.

For LÄRABAR, we source the best possible ingredients. Every time. Every bar. Enjoy

Want apple pie for breakfast? Go ahead and have it – LARABAR style!

Verdict/Grade?

I totally wanted to run around like a school child when my taste buds met this bar. Seriously. It’s moist, delicious, sweet, and there are bursts of cinnamon and yummy pieces of apple and do you see those NUTS in the photos? The ingredients are healthy, there’s only a few of ‘em, and this bar is just totally AMAZING! It is like apple pie – fantabulous!

I have to give this bar two thumbs up and an A+ because it’s healthy, and it tastes out-of-this-world delicious!

Again, thank you to LARABAR for sending delicious samples! Be sure to visit www.larabar.com to learn more about this yummy company!

Bring Eli Home for the Holidays!

In my previous post, I shared information about a boy, Eli, who is on his third heart. He wants to be able to spend the holidays at home – instead of in the hospital. Let’s help him do that!

More Contests

Check out my friend, Averie’s, latest contest for RAW, Vegan Blondie Macaroons!!

Mysti, at Dining Family,  is on a mission to help Eli be at home, with his family, for the holidays – and be healthier, too! She’s hosting an awesome contest, and there are SIX ways to enter! Get over there, quick!

Lots more reviews and contests are coming right up, so you’ll definitely want to stick around for upcoming, juicy details!

Want to keep up with Raw Juice Girl’s adventures + more?  Subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life. I’ve also been working on a recipe page where you’ll be able to easily locate recipes for raw juices, smoothies, and now dehydrator creations!

It’s always fun to host a contest here at Healing With (Raw) Juices – it’s even MORE fun when it’s time to share the winner!

Chia Seed Winner

The contest for an 8 ounce bag of Certified Organic (Raw) Chia Seeds from Navitas Naturals ended tonight at 9 p.m. (Central Time). I headed over to random.org to choose a winner.

Winning Number

And… who left comment #36?

Emily from My Chubby Confessions Blog.

Emily’s Winning Comment

Emily @ My Chubby Confessions { 10.04.09 at 11:18 am }

I would love to try the Chia seeds. I’ve always wanted to try them bc of what they have to offer. Unfortunately, they won’t fit into my budget so they have to stay on the shelf in all their glory.
Emily @ My Chubby Confessions´s last blog ..Late Night

Congratulations, Emily! Now you don’t have to worry about a budget to try chia seeds – you’ve won yourself a bag! Zip me an e-mail (healingwithjuices at gmail dot com) with your mailing address and I’ll get your chia seeds in the mail to you right away!

These Are All Yours, Emily!

Bring Eli Home for the Holidays!

In my previous post, I shared information about a boy, Eli, who is on his third heart. He wants to be able to spend the holidays at home – instead of in the hospital. Let’s help him do that!

More Contests

Mysti, at Dining Family,  is on a mission to help Eli be at home, with his family, for the holidays – and be healthier, too! She’s hosting an awesome contest, and there are SIX ways to enter! Get over there, quick!

Lots more contests are coming right up, so you’ll definitely want to stick around for upcoming, juicy details!

Want to keep up with Raw Juice Girl’s adventures + more?  Subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life. I’ve also been working on a recipe page where you’ll be able to easily locate recipes for raw juices, smoothies, and now dehydrator creations!

A lot of us take our healthy heart for granted. We get up each morning, go about our day-to-day lives, and don’t even give a thought to how our hearts – or any other part of our bodies – are working properly, allowing us to live carefree and healthy lives.

Eli isn’t as blessed. He’s living with his third heart – and he is still struggling to stay here on this beautiful planet!

My friend actually knows Eli personally.

Following is a snippet of what she knows about Eli’s condition:

“Eli’s second heart came eight months after his birth.  That heart lasted him quite some time, but his body went through late rejection and he was put back on the transplant list and his third heart arrived not-so-long ago.  Along with this heart transplant, Eli has undergone radiation to wipe out his lymph system and help prevent rejection later down the road.  This process has really left Eli not feeling up to par.”

Donation Drive

She has taken it upon herself to host a drive focused on raising enough money to purchase a new, eco-friendly juicing machine for Eli.

She’s on a mission! She wants to help Eli have the opportunity every child should have, without even giving it a thought – to be home for the holidays.

This fantabulous boy has endured more than one heart transplant and has spent entirely too much time in the hospital, at doctors’ offices, and in various treatments. If his health doesn’t improve; if his immune system is still too weak, he may have to stay in the hospital a lot longer than originally anticipated. And this means he may not get to be home for the holidays. As an adult, I can’t imagine being in the hospital during the holidays. From a child’s point of view…. I can’t even fathom. It’s heartbreaking!

This new juicer will allow Eli to enjoy unlimited raw juices that will not only overflow his cup with nutrition and health, but his heart and life with joy and time spent at home, like a boy should be. It’s Mysti’s desire (and my own) that we search our hearts and start thinking about holiday gifts a little early, so that a sweet boy can sit at his family’s table for Thanksgiving fellowship and wake up on Christmas morning in the warmth and comfort of his own bed, in his own room, with his own belongings.

Hope for Health

If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you know I’ve battled for my own health. Raw juices have been instrumental in my healing process, and that’s why I started this site – to share hope and healing through raw foods and juices. What do you say? Let’s help Eli get a new juicer so he can enjoy fresh, raw juices and a stronger immune system.

Let me know if you’d like to be a part of Eli’s journey to new and improved health!

Hopefully, he’ll be fishing again and enjoying the outdoors like he was here….

If you’re just tuning in, be sure to enter Healing With (Raw) Juices’ latest contest for an 8 ounce bag of Raw Chia Seeds. (Wednesday, October 7 is the last day to enter.)  Thanks to NavitasNaturals.com for sponsoring! And don’t forget to check out my chocolate ice cubes — they’re super easy to make, and so fun!

Wellsphere Wisdom

A while back, I shared with you that Wellsphere.com is one of my all-time favorite health-related websites. I love its purpose, the community, and the endless categories and articles. Wellsphere is a site that’s truly and passionately dedicated to helping us learn, grow, and live the best, healthiest, most positive lives we possibly can. In fact, I’m a member of the Wellsphere community – visit my profile and add me as a friend!

Top Health Blogger

As you can see in the left sidebar, I’m a Top Health Blogger in Wellsphere’s Raw Food Community. When I was given the Top Health Blogger award, I felt so honored and blessed! Health is something I’m so very passionate about. I can’t believe I’ve come this far: I’m a survivor of domestic violence. I’ve lost over 100 pounds. And I have found so much healing – emotionally, physically, spiritually – through raw foods, juices, smoothies, juice fasting, and now yoga.

It’s  an amazing feeling to have the opportunity to inspire you, my loyal readers, to be healthier, better, happier people. Thank you so much for allowing me to share my journey – and my passion – with you!

Health 2.0 San Francisco

I’ve recently received a series of exciting e-mails from the awesome team at Wellsphere sharing information about the Health 2.0 HealthBlogger Conference in San Francisco. Of course, I couldn’t attend but it sure is fun to follow along! Go to www.health2con.com or tune in for real-time information at www.justin.tv./health2con. You can also stay current with all things “Health 2.0 conference” via the Twitter stream: #health2con.

Have you ever attended a health conference? Did you enjoy it? Would you go back? Have you ever visited Wellsphere.com? And most importantly, how do you feel about our country’s current health issues?

If you’re just tuning in, be sure to check out Healing With (Raw) Juices’ latest contest for an 8 ounce bag of Raw Chia Seeds–thanks to NavitasNaturals.com for sponsoring!

Want to keep up with Raw Juice Girl’s adventures + more?  Subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life. I’ve also been working on a recipe page where you’ll be able to easily locate recipes for raw juices, smoothies, and now dehydrator creations!

If you’re just tuning in, be sure to check out Healing With (Raw) Juices’ latest contest for an 8 ounce bag of Raw Chia Seeds–thanks toNavitasNaturals.com for sponsoring!

Navitas Natural Delivery!

I was super excited when I received this package from NavitasNaturals.com . Today I’m focusing on the Organic Superfood Chocolate Kit–but take a look at that eco-friendly canteen!!! Eeeeek!!!

Craving Chocolate

Ever had a craving for chocolate but didn’t want to spend a lot of time–and make a big mess–in order to enjoy some? Okay, it’s true, you can just make a quick visit to the store and pick up whatever chocolate you want. And, with the Web’s convenience, you can shop ’till your heart’s content and order anything that appeals to your eyes–and tummy!

But if you’re wanting the fun (and healthy!) experience of whipping up some organic, raw, delicious chocolate candy in just a few minutes, without wrecking your whole kitchen, then Navitas Naturals Organic Superfood Kit is for you!

Organic Superfood Chocolate Kit

This is a super fun kit. It comes with 3 ingredients! Who can’t whip up 3 ingredients, eh?  And, besides, the directions are easy and precise–you get to take a class right off the box: Chocolate School 101. Does that mean I have a degree in Chocolate now? Oh, how very RAWsome!

Chocolate School 101

First, they told me to sit a smaller bowl into a larger bowl that had hot water (for melting the cacao butter via the raw method). You can also nuke it or use a double boiler but you’ll be zapping the nutrient value.

Melting Cacao Butter

Cacao Butter All Melted

It doesn’t take long and it’s all melted!

Add Organic Chocolate Powder

Then you add the organic chocolate powder and stir, stir, stir!

Stir

Stir

Stir Some More

All Stirred Up

Just take a look at that raw chocolate. Eeeek!

At this point, you can drizzle in a tablespoon of agave syrup or some other sweetener. I didn’t. So the chocolate had more of a dark chocolate taste in the end. I’m more of a milk chocolate gal so I think I’d add sweetener next  time but I still really enjoyed the taste of this chocolate–which surprised me, considering I’m not a huge fan of dark chocolate.

In to the Ice Tray

Close-Up

Pour your melted chocolate into an ice tray (Raw Juice Chocolate Girl got a little messy–I never said I wouldn’t!)

No More Chocolate!

Raw Juice Girl also CHEATED and licked some chocolate right off that spoon! YUM-O! It’d be good drizzled over Gena’s banana soft serve.

Frozen, Raw Chocolate

After I popped that ice tray in the freezer, I almost forgot about it (ahem, I was busy uploading photos and working on reviews and contests like a good blogger)! 

Chocolate Ice Cube!

See the Goji Berries?!

Nutritional Info

From the site:

Healthy Homemade Chocolates

Navitas Naturals Chocolate Kits contain everything you need for an authentic chocolate alchemy experience – including 100% Navitas Naturals superfood ingredients. Enjoy this chocolatey blend with goji berries: a synergistic combination of exciting power ingredients that’s packed with antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, essential minerals, and is sugar and dairy free. Each synergistic combination of exciting power ingredients is packed with antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, essential minerals, and is sugar and dairy free.

Source and Processing

We carefully source each ingredient from indigenous regions around the world, honoring the traditions of the ancient cultures, and using minimal processing techniques to ensure maximum nutritional benefits. Our products are of the highest quality, sourced directly from farmers, cultivated sustainably and in accordance with fair trade standards. Navitas Naturals Chocolate Kits are 100% organic, kosher, vegan, gluten-free, and raw.

Verdict/Grade?

This kit is simple, precise, and so fun to make. I felt like a kid again! The ingredients are organic, and you’re loading up on antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, phytonutrients–all the good stuff! Another bonus is that the only dishes you dirty up are 2 bowls, 1 spoon, and an ice tray and you end up with 12 pieces of quality chocolate. And I had leftover goji berries  that I can add to steel-cut oatmeal or a smoothie! So, this baby gets TWO thumbs up from Raw Juice Girl. That’s an A+ in my (RAW) book!

Oh, and it retails for $9.99 (USD) per kit. So you’re essentially paying $10 for 12 pieces of quality, organic, raw, superfood candy!

So, what do you think? Is this something you’d like to try? Have you already used this neat little chocolate kit? What did you think? What’s your favorite chocolate, and your favorite way to eat it? Do tell, I’m craving your answer!

Latest Navitas Natural Arrival–Reviews Coming Up!

If you’re just tuning in, be sure to check out Healing With (Raw) Juices’ latest contest for an 8 ounce bag of Raw Chia Seeds–thanks to NavitasNaturals.com for sponsoring!

Want to keep up with Raw Juice Girl’s adventures + more?  Subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life. I’ll also be making a recipe page where you’ll be able to easily locate recipes for raw juices, smoothies, and now dehydrator creations!

“Navitas Naturals is a certified organic, green business headquartered in Marin County, California.”–NavitasNaturals.com

Raw Chia Seeds

Chuggin’ Chia

A while back, the lovely folks at Navitas Naturals sent me some samples. Now, I’ve blogged about ‘em but somehow a lovely bag of their raw chia seeds got lost amidst the contest chaos. (Oops!) I’ve enjoyed my bag immensely–now it’s time for y’all to win your very own bag! Eeeek!

Raw Chia Seeds from Navitas Naturals are fantabulous! I’ve used them all sorts of ways. I absolutely love ‘em! They’re crunchy, chock-full of nutrition (more on that below), and I love that Navitas Naturals puts ‘em in a resealable bag that’s a breeze to store and reuse–and I’m thrilled that they’re a company focused on business practices that are kind to our environment.

Check out ways I’ve incorporated Navitas Naturals raw chia seeds into my diet….

In my green (hemp) oatmeal breakfast cookie…

See ‘em? Look behind the spoon and nut butter. They’re buried under there!

In my dehydrated veggie burgers (full details coming soon!)

In my raw juice, during my (most recent) 30-day juice fast.

I’ve also sprinkled these crunchy chia chompies on various raw salads. They add texture–and nutritional benefits!

As you can probably tell, I’m totally happy with this product.

So… how about we look into some of the nutrition–and other neat–information on raw chia seeds, directly from NavitasNaturals.com…

Aztec Seed of Strength

A long, long time ago – long before the era of terracotta “chia pets” — the chia seed was cultivated and eaten by the ancient Aztecs, Incans, and Mayans and was considered a staple food alongside corn and beans. “Chia” is the Mayan word for “strength”, and though these cultures may not have had the medical research to back up their health claims, chia is enjoying an escalating renaissance by today’s medical community as well as everyday consumers. Also full of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals (especially calcium and iron), chia has much in common with flaxseed, with the distinct advantage that its natural antioxidants make its delicate healthy fats more nutritionally stable. Navitas Naturals offers the wonderful chia seed in its whole organic state as well as in a sprouted powder form.

Source and Processing

This is a single ingredient product that is raw, gluten-free, kosher, vegan, and 100% organic.

Ingredients: Certified organic chia seeds (Salvia hispanica)

Allergen Information: Packaged in a facility that also handles tree nuts

Chia Seeds in a Bowl

Choosing Chia

I think it’s very easy to choose Raw Chia Seeds from Navitas Naturals as your go-to source for raw chia seeds–but just in case you’re the kind of person who’d rather sample a product before you invest your hard-earned $$$$ into it, how about we have a contest so one lucky winner can do just that??!! Ready? Fantabulous!

Let the Contest Begin!

You’re allowed FOUR FIVE SIX entries for this contest:

Note: Please leave a comment for each thing you do (tweet, plurk, etc.) because each comment will be counted as a number when I enter the total number of comments at Random.org once the contest ends. (DO NOT just say “thanks for the contest” or something like that–I do not publish those type of comments because they seem like spam and aren’t fair to the other contestants who leave a thoughtful, genuine answer.) Thanks!

1. Visit NavitasNaturals.com and take a look around. Leave a comment sharing  any of their other products you’d like to try–and why, if you’d like to add a reason.
   
2. Do you Twitter? Tweet about this contest and then leave a comment with your Twitter name. You can swipe this tweet: RT @RawJuiceGirl Win @NavitasNaturals’ Certified Organic Raw Chia Seeds – http://tinyurl.com/yznsqt3
3. Do you Plurk? Plurk about this contest and leave a comment with your Plurk URL.
4. Share this contest on your blog, linking back to this post. (The pingback will be counted as an extra entry.) If you don’t see your pingback, just email me at healingwithjuices@gmail.com and let me know. It may have gone to spam for some reason.
5. Add Healing with Juices to your favorites on Technoratori. Comment again to let me know, with a link to your technoratori profile to show you added us.
6. Are you a Stumbler? Stumble and review any post you want to–just leave the link to your SU review in (its own) comment.

NOTE: REMEMBER TO LEAVE A COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY SO I’LL KNOW YOU DID THEM.

ANYONE can enter this contest. You DO NOT have to be in the United States. Oh, and I’ll be using Random.org to choose the winner….

Contest ends Wednesday, October 7th, at 9 p.m. (Central Time) so you have a WHOLE WEEK to get all your entries in. Have fun trying to win!!

Contest Bonus X 3!

1. Run to the Finish is having a Pepper Dog Salsa Giveaway. Run on over and enter!!
2. Danica’s Daily is kicking off fall with The Great Pumpkin Giveaway–with THREE different prizes!!
3. Leftovers for Lunch has a fantabulous combo giveaway in her A Word From Our Sponsors post!!

And a HUGE Thank You to Navitas Naturals for sponsoring this contest!!!

Want to keep up with Raw Juice Girl’s adventures + more?  Subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life. I’ll also be making a recipe page where you’ll be able to easily locate recipes for raw juices, smoothies, and now dehydrator creations!

Wow, do I EVER love the FedEx man–well, him and the fantabulous folks over at www.excaliburdehydrator.com!!

SO Blessed

I can’t even begin to express my excitement. I’m SO very honored–and blessed–to have the amazing opportunity to review this, the KING of dehydrators: the 9-Tray Large Excalibur #3900!!!

SO Many Ideas

Raw (and dehydrated) food has fascinated me for years. Even before that, my Mom was always interested in dehydrating. Although I’ve been high-raw (and even 100% raw at various times) for the past few  years, I’ve often wondered where my raw path would lead if I had a ginormous, fancy dehydrator like I’d read about.

Raw crackers, cookies, cakes, pizzas… All this (and more!) is floating around the Web. From blogs to websites to books and magazines, raw, dehydrated snacks and meals, the possibilities are to infinity.

I can’t wait to share my experience with this sweet, dehydrating baby with you all! I’m excited to dry herbs, veggies, fruit, and I know I want to make raw crackers soon. I have so many ideas racing through my mind right now I can’t even focus!

Tomorrow I’ll be gone all day to set up at a pioneer festival with my mom (same festival as this one), so I’m afraid my dehydrating adventures will have to wait until next week sometime.

I’ll shut up now and let you check out these photos….

What a Ginormous Box!

Needle-Nose Pliers for Opening!

Ooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhh!!!!

A Guide for Dehydrating!

Check it Out!

Drying Guide + Temperature Control

Look at that Tray!

NINE TRAYS!!! Eeeeeek!!

With the Sparkly New Door On

Wow. I’m just SO excited!!! You’ll be seeing a LOT of the Excalibur around here!

Do you have a dehydrator? What do you love making most? Have you been shopping around for a dehydrator? Have you considered the Excalibur? Chime in and share your thoughts!

Want to keep up with Raw Juice Girl’s adventures + more?  Subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life.

First, I’d like to remind you about TWO contests I currently have running:

• Food Matters DVD Review + Contest. (Contest ends Thursday, August 27th. There are SIX ways to win!!)
• Detox 4 Women (by Natalia Rose) Review + Contest (Contest ends Friday, August 28th. There are SIX ways to win!)

Let’s Talk Chocolate!

You may remember the other day when I posted my chocolate avocado pudding experiment (it turned out delish!) or yesterday when I posted my Chocolate-Vanilla Hemp Bliss Shake recipe.

Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate!

I’ve always had a great love for chocolate. Growing up, I’d always lean toward the German Chocolate cake, Snickers candy bar, or even an Almond Joy. Now, after losing over 100 pounds and focusing on a high-raw, whole foods diet, I tend to hold those forms of chocolate a distant memory–other than a rare, rare occasion when I go bonkers and splurge (like on my birthday).

But there’s bound to be a way for a girl to enjoy her chocolate in a healthy way, right? A way other than a tiny square of dark chocolate (which I really don’t like all that much, by the way). I’ve always been more of a milk chocolate gal myself. (See my dilemma here?)

Enter: Heather’s Gluten-Free Blog

I’ve been a fan of Heather Strang’s blog for a while now. Although I didn’t really intend on being gluten-free, I suppose I am–other than an occasional splurge. My diet basically consists of a foundation of TONS of raw veggies, a little fruit (mostly berries), nuts, seeds, nut butters, organic Oikos Greek yogurt, and sometimes organic farm fresh eggs (from either my farm, or my neighbor’s).

Back to Heather’s blog…

I’m subscribed to Heather’s blog via email and saw this recipe a while back: Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar-Free RAW Chocolate recipe.

I was really excited when I saw it because it looked delicious, seemed totally simple to whip up, and it was HEALTHY! Things got busy, though, and I either had other stuff to do or didn’t have one or other of the ingredients.

The other day I finally ended up with some free time and realized I had ALL the ingredients Heather used for this recipe. Yay!

Note: I made my recipe a little differently than Heather’s.

Getting Things Ready

Ready to Mix

1/2 cup coconut oil

1/2 cup agave nectar

1/2 cup organic cocoa powder

1 Teaspoon vanilla extract

Heather’s recipe called for a blender or food processor. I don’t have a blender anymore (mine died )so I just whipped it up the old-fashioned way. Hey, it works!

Stirred + Poured

With Chopped Pecans on Top

(I just sprinkled enough to cover the top–I didn’t measure ‘em.)

Heather didn’t add nuts to her chocolate recipe but chocolate isn’t chocolate without nuts, in my opinion.

In the Freezer

(…)

Waiting

(…)

1 1/2 hours later….

Out of the Freezer

Cut in to Pieces

Hands-On Chocolate

We Hated It!

(Like you believe that?!)

Verdict?

Um, I’ll be making this recipe until I’m 100 and can find the ingredients–and hopefully know what they’re for!

Seriously, though, this was delish! It was kind of like fudge, I think. It was soft, but had a firm texture (it doesn’t fall apart!). I can totally see this as something you could make for a Christmas party or some other party or event. In my opinion, it definitely rocks!

And… the reason it left so fast is because I shared it with some folks. I’d say they liked it too, wouldn’t you?

I, of course, tasted the chocolate in its liquid form before it went into the freezer. I’m thinking it would be YUM just like that, drizzled over Gena’s banana soft serve.

Off to freeze me some nanners!

Upcoming Contests Featuring these Fabulous Companies

• Oh Nuts! (raw macadamia nuts and pecans) <— These are seriously delicious nuts–and they’re JUMBO sized!
• E3Live (Green-tasting (which I don’t mind!), but I REALLY notice that it’s making me feel better. It was definitely put to the test through my recent stressful events!)
• 2 books (Coconut Water for Health and Healing and Oil Pulling Therapy: Detoxifying and Healing the Body Through Oral Cleansing by Dr. Bruce Fife
• and MORE!

You’ll definitely want to stay tuned!

So… be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life.

First, I’d love to extend a HUGE thank you to everyone involved with this amazing film, and for FoodMatters.TV kindly sponsoring this contest. Not only were they gracious enough to send a copy for me to review and glean wisdom from, they were generous enough to send TWO extra copies so TWO of you would have the opportunity to have the same experience as me and own a copy (a $24.95 value!)! Thank you!!

“Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.” – Hippocrates

The Father of Medicine

The people behind Food Matters believe that Hippocrates truly paved the way and laid the foundation for caring for our bodies–and so do I. Sadly, though, his natural approach to health has slipped through the cracks and is a distant memory for many, and is not yet known for others. Modern medicine has evolved to a place where the vast majority of our medical world focuses on prescription medicine, handing out scripts for bottle after bottle of pills that merely mask symptoms–when they even do that. You’re left with side effects you don’t know how to handle, so you go back to the doctor and you’re prescribed more pills. Treating illness now consists of chemical therapies that kill out our immune systems. We’ve reached a place where it’s “normal” to pop a dozen pills before we walk out the door to go to work and are on a schedule to take that many sometimes a second, and even a third, time within 24 hours.

Yet, so many in our world still ignore the fact that Hippocrates was right. His theory was right on: Our food is absolutely our medicine! Ever heard that phrase you are what you eat? I’m sure you have. I know almost everyone I talk to has heard it. Some live by it; it’s their creed. Others despise it, detest it, rebel against it, and downright refuse to believe that what they put into their mouths, their bodies, has anything to do with the way they feel, what their blood pressure levels are, or how their clothes no longer fit. Go figure…

Chapters

When you insert your DVD, you’ll notice there is a Chapters section. I love this because it gives you a sneak peek of what you’re in for! Don’t cheat, though. Start at the beginning and watch it all the way through. You’ll be so glad you did.

You’ll learn all sorts of awesome things! This film really makes you reflect on what you put in your mouth, how old it is, whether it’s really feeding your body–or if it’s feeding disease.

Note: You’ll also learn about natural cancer therapies and how to detox, lose weight, and keep it off!

Inspiration

I love the strong message of hope and healing Food Matters brings. As someone who has lost over 100 pounds and steadily improved my health by living a high-raw (and at times, 100% raw) food lifestyle + raw juices, smoothies, and juice fasting, I am extremely aware of how food is not only my medicine, but my strength, my healing, and literally my future–or the lack, thereof!

It excites me that as the film proceeds, anticipation about being healthier increases and you truly take away a sense of hope that it’s not too late to turn your health around in the right direction. Sure, it may take a while. Yes, it may be hard most of the time. But as long as we have a breath in our body, there is hope for better health! (I do realize there are situations that may be irreversible, where the patient is too near death to make a U-turn. So, I’m not preaching miracles here–although I do believe in ‘em! )

Experts

You’ll hear Experts chime in on why the quality of and type of food we eat truly matters. Here’s a glimpse of what each of them have to say about the medical industry, our non-organic farming methods, raw foods, and more…

“Good health makes a lot of sense, but it doesn’t make a lot of dollars.”–Andrew W. Saul, Ph.D, Therapeutic Nutrition Specialist and Author

“Dr. Paul Kouchakoff was the first to show in the 1930′s that if  you ate a diet that was more than 51% cooked food, that your body would react to the food as if it was being invaded by a foreign organism. Dr. Kouchakoff was the first to demonstrate that if 51% of your meals were raw, you’d have no leucocytosis; you’d actually have no white blood cell reaction, so your immune system would not be activated with a false alarm. Because we’re dealing with so many immune system issues today, we have to make sure that at least 51% of every meal that we have is raw so that we don’t overburden that already-overburdened immune system.” – David Wolfe

Who doesn’t love the taste of sweetness? Whether  you’re a Southerner who thrives on sweet iced tea or from anywhere else in the world and enjoy the sweetness of desserts and/or smoothies, one thing is for certain: sweet doesn’t have to come in a white form. It doesn’t have to be something you’re accustomed to using. Try something new!

Navitas Naturals has outdone themselves with their new organic green stevia powder. I was honored when they sent an 8 ounce bag for me to try. For years I’ve tried different brands of stevia. I’ve bought green powders before and just wasn’t pleased at all. I’ve tried the liquid and the packets.

I always have a little heart tugging action going on when I use a stevia packet, because it is processed. The stevia leaf is green, so using white stevia powder makes me wonder sometimes if I really should be consuming it–although I still know in my heart it’s better than the other (unhealthy) options out there. Decisions, decisions.

Worried about how Navitas Naturals processes their stevia? Here’s what they say on their site:

Source and Processing

Navitas Naturals Stevia is made from the whole leaves of the stevia herb. Once the leaves are collected, they are dried and milled into a fine powder at low temperatures to protect the nutrients of the plant. Our Stevia is 100% organic, vegan, kosher, gluten-free and raw.

Anyway, I’ve really been using this Navitas Naturals organic green stevia powder a lot–and I LOVE it! Why? It’s sweet and delicious, but it doesn’t seem to have that aftertaste some stevia brands have. It may be my imagination, but I’m almost positive I actually FEEL better after I have some herbal tea sweetened with it!

When I started writing this post, I had only used it to sweeten my herbal tea. I don’t really sweeten my smoothies and I tend to put a little raw honey in my (steel-cut) oats, but I decided to try something new and so this morning I added some to my steel-cut oats. The result: YUM-O! Other ingredients included raw, unsweetened coconut, almonds, cinnamon, and hemp protein powder. My oats were already green and with the added organic green stevia powder, they were sweetened beautifully and made a delicious bowl of healthy goodness! I’ll definitely be adding Navitas Naturals organic green stevia powder to my steel-cut oats from now on!

Organic Green Stevia Powder

This 8 ounce bag is priced at $11.99 (USD) on the site. I totally believe (with all my heart!) that it’s a great investment. Keep in mind that you only use a SMALL amount to sweeten your drinks or foods, so it will last longer than you think. Besides, you wouldn’t think twice about dropping that amount of money on a couple of lattes, would you?

From the Navitas Naturals website:

“The Power of Stevia

Stevia’s leaves contain glycosides, which taste very sweet to the tongue, but contain no sugar, no calories, and no carbohydrates. Therefore, despite its sweetness, stevia does not have a GI (Glycemic Index) nor does it effect the body’s insulin levels. Stevia has also been shown to aid the pancreas and improve digestion. Excellent for those with diabetes, intolerances to sugar, seeking weight control, or simply avoiding cavities, the stevia herb can be an ideal natural sweetener.”

How can you use this sweet green powder?

• in smoothies
• in oats
• in place of other sweeteners in desserts
• in anything you’d sweeten

Thoughts

One thing you may not like about it is the fact that when you add it to your tea, it kind of floats around and isn’t very pretty to look at. This doesn’t bother me at all. I love its taste and I just stir as I drink. There are ways you can try to prevent this from happening. If you’re making a single serving of tea, add the stevia powder to your tea ball and then pour the water in your cup. Once it’s finished steeping, you can remove the tea ball (which has the loose tea leaves + green stevia powder inside) and then you’re left with just tea. You can drink it hot or cold. If you’re like me and you grab some pre-made herbal tea and then want to sweeten it, just overlook the green powder floating around and enjoy. It really is delicious!

Click here to buy your own organic green stevia powder!

Organic Green Stevia Powder

Stirred In

Upcoming Contests Sponsored by These Fabulous Companies

• 2 Food Matters DVDs (Haven’t had a chance to watch this one yet, but do check out their site–they have a RAWsome message to share!!)
• Detox 4 Women by Natalia Rose (I read this book last night and it’s awesome; it really helps you understand water retention, etc!)
• Oh Nuts! (raw macadamia nuts and pecans) <— These are seriously delicious nuts–and they’re JUMBO sized!
• E3Live (Green-tasting (which I don’t mind!), but I REALLY notice that it’s making me feel better. It was definitely put to the test through my recent stressful events!)
• 2 books (Coconut Water for Health and Healing and Oil Pulling Therapy: Detoxifying and Healing the Body Through Oral Cleansing by Dr. Bruce Fife
• and MORE!

You’ll definitely want to stay tuned!

So… be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life.

Breaking a juice fast is pretty easy to do–if you focus on the actual process and don’t go crazy over the fact that it’s time for you to eat again. You don’t want to undo all your hard work, dedication, and cleansing you’ve just accomplished from your juice fast, do you? So, keep that in mind when the aroma of a cheeseburger or pizza slaps you in the face, okay? Okay, good.

First, I want to address an issue some of you may have when you’re actually in the middle of your juice fast. You may feel like it’s all happening too fast, like your body is on toxic overload and can’t rid itself of the toxins as fast as your cleanse is making it happen. Maybe you travel a lot or work a lot of hours and you just don’t have time to feel those detox symptoms as strongly as you are.

Here’s a tip…

Two foods that gently slow the effects of detox while juice fasting:

Avocado

Banana

So, while you may not want to completely end a fast, you can eat a small portion of banana or avocado to slow down the detox process and allow you to have a little rest from the detox symptoms. Yes, you will “wake up” your digestive system a little by nibbling on a banana or avocado but this is a mild way to find relief from, say a headache or achy flu-like feelings that often come with a juice fast cleanse (for some people).

Remember, I’m not telling you to eat 10 bananas or avocados in some crazed oh-my-gosh-my-mouth-met-food-again frame of mind. Be cautious, be mindful, be respectful of your decision to adhere to your juice fasting goals.

Breaking the Fast

This part of the fast is a personal preference, I believe, but let’s see if I can give you some ideas.

A great way, I’ve learned, to break a juice fast is by eating some fresh fruit. A small portion will be enough. I can’t stress enough that you need to think with your tummy and not your brain when breaking a juice fast. Here’s where your preference comes in: Maybe your favorite fruit is banana or apple or a peach. Whatever it is, have that. Pineapple is another great choice. (Raw) fruit is loaded with enzymes that’ll really help your system start to get used to real food again.

I’ve heard of people sipping hot veggie broth during (and to break) a fast. Honestly, I tried both of those and really don’t prefer broth at all during or breaking a juice fast.

Some other ways to break a juice fast:

• a smoothie
• raw veggies (if you must, but they’re harder on the digestive system than enzyme-rich fruits)

You can also eat pulp (with or without the juice).

I’ve found that the simpler I make it coming off a fast, the easier it is. For example, instead of going wild and making a fruit salad from every fruit you can find, just stick with one (or two, if you must).

Add more veggies, and then raw nuts, seeds, and if you eat dairy or meat, etc., be sure to add those (in moderation and hopefully organic, of course) after at least a few days of enjoying fresh, raw, living foods.

Enjoy the Process

This is the most important tip of all, I think! If you enjoy the process of breaking your fast in a healthy way, you’ll probably end up wanting to embark on another juice fast in the future. Take time to savor each taste of fresh fruits and veggies on those first few days after the fast has ended–and forever! Your body–and your taste buds–will thank you.

Upcoming Contests Sponsored by These Fabulous Companies

• 2 Food Matters DVDs (Haven’t had a chance to watch this one yet, but do check out their site–they have a RAWsome message to share!!)
• Detox 4 Women by Natalia Rose (I read this book last night and it’s awesome; it really helps you understand water retention, etc!)
• Oh Nuts! (raw macadamia nuts and pecans) <— These are seriously delicious nuts–and they’re JUMBO sized!
• E3Live (Green-tasting (which I don’t mind!), but I REALLY notice that it’s making me feel better. It was definitely put to the test through my recent stressful events!)
• 2 books (Coconut Water for Health and Healing and Oil Pulling Therapy: Detoxifying and Healing the Body Through Oral Cleansing by Dr. Bruce Fife
• and MORE!

You’ll definitely want to stay tuned!

So… be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life.

Photo Credit(s):

http://www.sxc.hu

First, I’d love to extend a HUGE thank you to Rick Diamond of The Book Publishing Company (www.bookpubco.com), as well as both authors, Nomi Shannon and Sheryl Duruz, for making this contest possible!

If you’ve been following this blog, you know that I just reviewed two raw food books: The Raw Gourmet and Raw Food Celebrations. After publishing the reviews, I launched a contest for both books and last night that contest came to an end. So today, you get to find out who won! How exciting is that?!

Feel free to read the in-depth reviews I wrote for each book:

• The Raw Gourmet

• Raw Food Celebrations

The Winner

I used random.org to select the winner, and it chose comment # 16 — and that’s Mika!

Here’s Mika’s winning comment:

16 mika { 07.29.09 at 9:47 am }

i have officially tweeted too! @om_sweet_om

thanks for this fun contest

And I thought I’d share the comment from Mika’s first entry:

15 mika { 07.29.09 at 9:45 am }

these cookbooks would be great for the raw food potlucks and events that are going on in my small but sweet town. we have 5 raw foodists that are putting a community together via fun get-togethers, events and of course yummy food

The Raw Gourmet and Raw Food Celebrations will help you expand your raw food wisdom, Mika, and those get-togethers won’t be so small any more, huh?! Congratulations and best wishes on all your raw food adventures! Be sure to email me (healingwithjuices@gmail.com) with your mailing address and I’ll get your books in the mail early next week!

Upcoming Contests Featuring these Fabulous Companies

• 2 Food Matters DVDs (Haven’t had a chance to watch this one yet, but do check out their site–they have a RAWsome message to share!!)
• Detox 4 Women by Natalia Rose (I read this book last night and it’s awesome; it really helps you understand water retention, etc!)
• Oh Nuts! (raw macadamia nuts and pecans) <— These are seriously delicious nuts–and they’re JUMBO sized!
• E3Live (Green-tasting (which I don’t mind!), but I REALLY notice that it’s making me feel better. It was definitely put to the test through my recent stressful events!)
• 2 books (Coconut Water for Health and Healing and Oil Pulling Therapy: Detoxifying and Healing the Body Through Oral Cleansing by Dr. Bruce Fife
• and MORE!

You’ll definitely want to stay tuned!

So… be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life.