What Would Angela Stokes Do (WWASD)?

Yesterday I shared 2 things that have been a big help to me that I learned from David Wolfe. Today I share another little trick I use that has helped me along my raw food journey. This was prompted by a discussion thread that went up right after Halloween in the Vault. In this thread a member, who normally doesn't struggle with sugar cravings, was suddenly perplexed over a couple of sugar related binges she had allowed herself to go on.

Here are tidbits of this member's dilemma:

"I am not really one for sweets usually, but I can tell I have a sugar addiction that needs to be kicked! I took a trip to Montana recently for a reunion and had some beer and wine... then a bit more at home. This past weekend I totally overate at my mom's house for dinner- mostly veggies but also some wine and desserts. Now I have raided some Halloween candy and need help! Ugh!......I feel like I am sabotaging my weight loss goals for some reason. I have about 15 pounds to lose, but I have been in this for weeks now and have not lost anything due to my constant "treating myself" to drinks or dessert or cooked meals. What should I do to kick it once and for all? Tips? Suggestions? Moral support? It feels like when I tell myself I can't have something, that is ALL I WANT! :-P "

Among many of the great responses, here is mine:

"Here is a little game I have played with myself when I find myself slipping into some of the behaviors you speak of.....I pretend that I am Angela Stokes (hopefully you know who she is). Perhaps this is the actress in me, but I literally wake up in the morning and mentally role play. What would Angela Stokes do? I choose to "become Angela" when Penni's brat acts out.

Angela Stokes would NOT eat a candy bar or drink half a bottle of wine. Angela would not be caught in the kitchen noshing on wavy Lays. Angela Stokes goes into the kitchen and blends up a green juice or green smoothie. She lovingly takes the time to move her body and be playful during her day, even if that means some other things don't get done. Angela makes a big, beautiful salad or prepares a quick easy energy soup for lunch/dinner. Angela snacks on kale chips and a piece of fresh fruit. She stays calm and detached when lots of stress and action are happening all around her. Angela knows how to check out and check in to her "happy place."

So WWASD? What would Angela Stokes do? This works to get me back in the game!"

In the video I mention the article that Gwyneth Paltrow shared on her website, Goop, today. Here is the link to the Overcoming Sugar Addiction by Frank Lipman MD. The link to the We Like It Raw podcast I mention in which Dhrumil interviews Dr. Alejandro Junger, partner of Frank Lipman MD, is here.

We would love to hear comments from you today. Anything from role playing to how you've overcome your cravings/addiction to sugar is welcome!

Loving Ourselves & Establishing Real Boundaries

Learning to set specific boundaries has been a very big part of my own evolution and growth along my personal journey towards optimum health and wholeness. Because I have always desired to be a kind, loving and accepting person, I have often found that life and others have often tried to trample, take advantage or abuse my loving intentions and acts of generosity.

It's been a painful and hard road for me (and for those who I have loved) because for the majority of my life I did not understand the importance of setting healthy boundaries for myself and for others. I know that many of us have struggled with this very issue, so even though this post deviates from my usual musings of food, I believe this topic has relevance in many areas of our lives. When we are clear about our needs and set those needs as a priority, we are not being mean, selfish or inconsiderate. It is only when we learn to love ourselves enough to nourish our own spirit and bodies that we are able to be truly generous with our love and compassion for others.

To respect and honor your authentic self, you must set personal boundaries. Your boundaries help define who you are and what you will and will not tolerate in your life. Learning to set boundaries often feels uncomfortable at first, but the process becomes more natural to you as you move into living and honoring your genuine self. You set boundaries with your professional peers, friends and family, emotional boundaries in virtually all aspects of your life, and spiritual boundaries as you embark on your life journey.

Know your personal choice, and when to say yes or no. This is the essence of setting emotional boundaries. For example, if someone demands your time or energy and you do not wish to participate, say "no" and if you choose, explain why. Causing a major confrontation isn't always necessary.

Watch for warning signals that trigger the need for boundaries. Various situations require you to set emotional boundaries. You usually receive warning signals. You may distance yourself from someone who is abrasive. You may prefer not to spend your energy on someone who does not live up to his word. If you notice someone is undermining you or putting you down, you may emotionally need to move completely away from the individual. Don't allow others to take advantage of you, treat you with disregard, or demean you. If you maintain healthy emotional balance, you are taking a giant step on the path to your power. You gain great strength in your emotions and mental health each time you stand up for yourself and protect your emotional well-being.

Decide how to set the boundary. If someone crosses your emotional boundaries, you may choose to address the issue outright and work toward a mutual understanding and solution. Or you may decide to quietly set your boundary through limiting your time with that person or being involved in a particular situation. You might also find removing yourself from a toxic environment is necessary. Take time to define your boundaries and seek a solution that allows you to maintain self-respect and live authentically.

Make healthy boundaries a part of your life. Your spiritual boundaries help define your soul's growth. As you pursue your spiritual journey, you will know your truth in your heart. Love, kindness, generosity, and healthy support for your fellow travelers become part of your life as you experience your inner power, joy and peace. Setting boundaries in your spiritual life includes making time to pray and meditate, getting involved with causes that are dear to your heart, cultivating your divine relationship with God or your Divine Source, and living fully in your truth.

Written with the help of: How to Set Personal Boundaries

Foodie Friday - The Great Pumpkin Episode Part 2

The Great Pumpkin Episode Part 2

Pumpkin Cacao Balls

Inspired by Frank Giglio & Annmarie Gianni)

ingredients:

1 1/2 cups pumpkin seeds

2 cups pumpkin, shredded and soaked overnight, drained
1/2 c pecans

1/2 cup soft dates, pitted

1/2 cup dried apricots, quartered

drizzling of maple syrup
3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

generous pinch sea salt

cacao nibs to coat

First, grind pumpkin seeds & pecans in food processor to fine pieces. Remove and place in a large mixing bowl. Add the pumpkin and all other ingredients and process into small, fine pieces. Add the nuts back into the mix and process a ball stats to form.

Using a teaspoon, collect a bit of the pumpkin mixture and form into balls. Roll in cacao nibs if desired. The balls should either be dehydrated (about 4 - 6 hours) or refrigerate them until they are firm.

Pumpkin Macaroons

ingredients:

1 cup shredded coconut, blended into a fine powder or flour

1/2 cup ground pecans

1/2 cup pumpkin flour (dehydrated pumpkin shreds that have been ground into powder)

1/2 cup maple syrup

2 teaspoons coconut oil (or butter)

1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

pinch sea salt

In a large bowl, stir together all ingredients. Use a small cookie dough scoop or your hands and form the macaroons. I recommend dehydrating these for 3 - 4 hours which will make them firm on the outside but still soft and light on the inside. You can also enjoy them as is without dehydration.

I also suggest Harvest Moon Granola (Raw For The Holidays pg 21), beautifully bagged to use as party favors!

Powered Up Pumpkin Pie Protein Shake

ingredients:

2 cups shredded pumpkin, soaked overnight & drained
1 large frozen banana
1 heaping teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 heaping tablespoon raw nut butter of your choice
2 soaked dates
2 tablespoons raw protein powder
crushed ice, if desired
Top with shredded coconut & freshly grated nutmeg

Blend the first 7 ingredients (add water as needed) in a blender until smooth & creamy. Top coconut & nutmeg to serve.

Pumpkin Soup

ingredients:
2 cups shredded pumpkin, soaked overnight & drained
1 cup fresh apple juice
1/2 cup caramelized onions
1 clove garlic
generous pinch garam masala (or cumin)
pinch of ginger
pinch of sea salt
fresh thyme & more caramelized onions to garnish

Blend all ingredients in a blender until well combined and creamy. Serve with Boho Flax Crackers.

ingredients:
3 cups yellow onions, sliced very thin
1⁄4 cup cold pressed extra virgin olive oil
1⁄4 cup coconut aminos
1/3 cup date paste
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

In a blender or food processor, combine the oil, coconut aminos, date paste and lemon juice until creamy. Combine the thinly sliced onions with the liquid glaze until well coated. Dehydrate on lined dehydrator trays at 115°F for up to 3 hours.

Boho Flax Crackers

(inspired by Charlie Trotter & Roxanne Klein)

2/3 cup pumpkin seeds
2/3 cup flax seeds (golden)
2 - 3 cup water
2 tablespoons coconut aminos
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon onion powder or flakes
1 clove minced garlic

Add the flax seeds to the water, allowing to soak at least 4 hours. In a food processor, combine the soaked seeds, coconut aminos, maple syrup, chili powder, garam marsala, onion powder and garlic.....process until smooth and well combined. Stir in the pumpkin seeds by hand until fully incorporated.

Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the mixture onto a lined dehydrator trays and set the dehydrator at 115 degrees, drying for about 4 hours or until the cracker batter is firm enough to flip over and peel the liner off. Cut into desired shapes; returning the crackers to mesh dehydrator trays and continue to dry until crisp.....about another 8 - 12 hours.

Raw For The Holidays Is Here!

Last year Raw Food Rehab released Raw For The Holidays, a collection of festive and delicious recipes created by the Original Cast of Raw Food Rehab. The book was already fabulous, but I decided that the collection should be expanded and revised to make it even more comprehensive and appealing! This year's newly edited and expanded edition has over 100 recipes and 65 color photographs. Here is a list of occasions we cover in Raw For The Holidays:

The Perfect Autumn Day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snack/Dessert) - 8 recipes

Football Watch Party - 9 recipes

All Hallow's Eve - 9 recipes

Thanksgiving (Breakfast, Dinner & Dessert) - 18 recipes

Enchanted Winter Evening for 2 (or more) - 6 recipes

Hanukkah Dinner - 8 recipes

Holiday Sweets & Party Treats - 10 recipes

Christmas Eve - 9 recipes

Christmas Brunch - 11 recipes

Christmas Dinner - 10 recipes

New Year's Eve - 6 recipes

New Year's Day - 7 recipes

I am confident that Raw For The Holidays will be a tremendous support and help to you in all of your holiday and celebratory meal planning. I am so proud and very eager to get in the kitchen and start un-cooking for the holidays! I will also be making some of the recipes that don't have photos on upcoming Foodie Friday episodes!

Raw For The Holidays is available now for just $15 through PayPal. Once I receive notification of your payment, I send the ebook directly to your Inbox. You will normally receive the book in a very short amount of time, however, please allow up to 10 hours for delivery (if an order comes through after I go to bed, I will send it first thing when I wake up!) I know this incredible collection of recipes and beautiful photos will be a treasure to you as you continue on your path towards optimum health this holiday season!

Foodie Friday - The Great Pumpkin Episode Part 1

Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel Icing (Will appear in the newly edited & expanded Raw For the Holidays - available next Friday)

for the cookies:
1 cup almond pulp
1/3 cup ground golden flax seeds
1 heaping cup shredded pumpkin (soaked in water overnight & drained)
2/3 cup date paste
zest of 2 oranges
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/8 teaspoon cloves
generous pinch sea salt

for the caramel icing: (Falling Into Raw pg 47)
1/4 cup cashews (soaked & drained)
1/4 cup simple nut milk (Falling Into Raw pg 9)
2 tablespoons dark honey or dark agave nectar
2 tablespoon maple syrup
2 tablespoons date paste
1 heaping teaspoon coconut oil

In a food processor, combine all the ingredients for the cookies and process until you have a well blended, thick batter. Spread the batter onto a lined dehydrator tray using the back of a spoon or an offset spatula. Place in a 115 degree dehydrator for a couple of hours until the cookie dough is firm enough to flip onto a cutting surface. Peel the teflex dehydrator sheet carefully away from the dough and cut into desired shapes. Place the cookies onto a mesh dehydrator tray and continue to dry until your cookies are firm but still pliable.

In a blender, combine the icing ingredients and process until totally smooth and creamy. Transfer this mixture to a small bowl, cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to ice the cookies.

Chocolate Brownie Fudge Cookies (Falling Into Raw pg 48)

1 cup medjool dates, pitted

1 1/4 cups almond butter (or other nut butter)

1 cup raw cacao powder (substitute carob if desired)

1/3 cup raw honey

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pulse the dates in a food processor until well shopped. Add the almond butter, cacao or carob powder, honey and vanilla extract, processing until smooth. Place this mixture on a teflex dehydrator sheet and cover with a second sheet. You can use parchment paper or heavy duty plastic wrap as well. Using a rolling pin, flatten the dough as though you were rolling out cookie dough, leaving the dough about 1/4 - 1/2 inch thick. Peel away the top sheet and cut the brownie into desire shapes. These can be decorated as shown in the video/slideshow or they can easily be enjoyed as is. Store uneaten cookies in the refrigerator.

Creamy Pumpkin Pie with Gingersnap Crust and Vanilla Whipped Cream

(will appear in Raw For the Holidays)

for the crust:

1 cup cashews

1 cup pecans

5 dates, pitted

1-2 tablespoons molasses (optional)

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon ginger

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cloves

generous pinch sea salt

for the pie filling:

5 cups shredded pumpkin (soaked overnight & drained)

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup raw agave nectar

1/2 cup coconut butter

1/2 cup young coconut meat (can substitute soaked cashews or macadamia nuts)

1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

1 table spoon pysllium husk

for the vanilla whipped cream:

1 cup cashews, soaked 4 + hours & drained

1/2 cup young coconut meat

1/4 cup raw agave nectar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

To make the crust: In a food processor combine the nuts until crumbly. Add the remaining ingredients, processing until well combined and ball forms on the side of your processor. Press this crust dough into the bottom of a spring form type pan, or in a pie plate lined with plastic wrap. This crust can be refrigerated or dehydrated in preparation for the filling. If your crust seems oily or too damp, use napkins or paper towels to soak up the excess.

To make the filling: Add all the filling ingredients into a blender and combine until fully combined and creamy. Pour this mixture into the prepared pie crust and put into the freezer or refrigerator until firm.

To make the whipped cream: Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender and process until totally smooth and creamy. Store the cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Deliciously Hydrated

I was hoping to bring you a video today, but I finally gave up after the 10th thwarted take. My goal for today was to express to you the importance and benefits of staying hydrated.....and I'm not just talking about drinking water. During our last 11 Week Initiative at Raw Food Rehab, we talked about all of the elements of hydration, so I would like to share those links with you, in case you missed them:

Get Hydrated!

Hydrating with Herbal Teas

Rawk Star Hydration (Foodie Friday)

In addition to drinking plenty of good quality water, staying hydrated with freshly pressed organic fruit and vegetable juices, herbal teas, and the water of young thai coconuts are just as beneficial to your health. Whenever I talk about hydration, I have to include chia seeds into the the discussion because they are so amazing. If you haven't read about the impressive nutritional profiles of Thai coconuts or chia seeds, here are two very informative articles for you to absorb:

Chia Seeds - Miracle Food of the Aztecs

Young Thai Coconuts

I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite recipes for hydration.....I hope you'll try these and enjoy!

Chia Chai Smoothie (Revealing Your Inner Rawk Star - pg 11)

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 chai tea bag, steeped in 1 cup water (cooled)

1/2 + cup sweet vanilla almond milk

1 frozen banana

pinch of cinnamon

pinch of ground ginger

1/2 cup crushed ice

Make the chai tea and allow it to come to room temperature. ut the chia seeds int the tea, allowing them to soak up the tea....usually 15 - 20 minutes....forming a chia chai gel. Easily done at night, this gel will keep well in the refrigerator until your ready to use it. Add the chia chai gel, almond milk, banana, spices and crushed ice to a blender and process until you have a frothy, creamy shake.

Goji Gingerade (Falling Into Raw - page 9)

1/3 cup organic goji berries

32 oz. pure water

1/4 cup raw honey, agave nectar or other sweetener of your choice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 lemons, juiced

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

Soak the goji berries in the water for at least 2 hours or overnight. Strain the water into a blender and add the other ingredients, blending only until well combined. You can keep the soaked goji berries in a covered container in your refrigerator to use in smoothies or another recipe. Use them within 24 hours.

Chia Coconut Custard Shake (Raw Food Cleanse - page 56)

1 thai coconut, meat & water

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1/2 cup crushed ice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons raw honey or agave nectar

a generous pinch each of cinnamon & freshly grated nutmeg

Put all ingredients into a high speed blender and combine until smooth and creamy.

Chia Breakfast Pudding (Revealing Your Inner Rawk Star - page 13)

1/4 chia seeds

3/4 cup sweet vanilla almond or hemp milk

scant pinch of sea salt

raw honey, agave nectar and/or fresh berries can be added if desired

In a bowl, combine the chia seeds, almond milk and sea slat. This mixture needs to be stirred every 5 to 10 minutes. Within 20 minutes you will have a breakfast pudding that wil remoind you of tapioca, as the chia seeds plump and fill with milk. This breakfast will totally encourage your inner rawk star to shine throughout the day!

Holy Eureka - I FOUND IT!

After 2 years of asking around and researching, I finally found a natural source for spring water in my area! My friend, JS Ohlander of FindaSpring.com, gave me a heads up that he'd heard about a spring in Broken Arrow, OK, which is just over 30 minutes from my house. So, today I loaded up my water jugs and took a little road trip east to see what I could find. Here's a clip:

The health benefits of spring water have been widely known for centuries. People who understand these benefits or who have experienced health improvements first hand will travel miles to obtain pure, fresh spring water. Natural spring water rises to the land surface naturally. Some health experts feel that this means it is ready to be consumed as opposed to artesian water that is brought to the surface prematurely. Spring water contains antioxidants and is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Spring water is alive and when it comes straight from the ground it has nourishing qualities that are not present in purified water. One thing to be cautious of when drinking spring water is that it could contain contaminants and therefore should be tested before consumption.

Many of you may have heard holistic health educators extolling the virtues of drinking natural spring water. David Wolfe and a number of other raw food enthusiasts drink spring water exclusively. Here is a clip from Daniel Vitalis, the creator of Find A Spring.com, telling you a bit more about the site and how you can help by being a spring water detective in your neck of the woods:

I've talked so much about the importance of true hydration at Raw Food Rehab. It is one of the most foundational and necessary elements when you are working on obtaining optimal health or when focusing on achieving your weight loss goals. If you'd like to learn more about the benefits of hydration and to find out how much you should be consuming in water each day, click here.

I am curious to know what your experiences are with finding natural spring water near where you live. Do you know of any sources in your area? Have you checked to see if they are listed on the FindaSpring site? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!