Welcoming March - Just a Little Late : )

I wanted to offer an update for you as to what's been going on with me most recently. As many of you may know who are members at Raw Food Rehab, I've been traveling back and forth to Oklahoma City a couple of days a week, working on a special project. This week, I was there for the past couple of days - on Monday - working and yesterday - I was staying over to attend the lecture and dinner with Philip McCluskey at 105degrees.

Monday's work went beautifully (and yes, I promise that I'll fill you in on the details of what I've been up to very soon), but around midnight I awoke in my hotel room with the chills and began to feel extremely ill. For those of you who have ever had a nasty stomach bug, you can imagine the scene without me offering a play-by-play. So to make an ugly story short, I was unable to attend the sold-out Philip McCluskey event at 105degrees. I was beyond disappointed, as there were a good number of Real Food Tulsa readers and Raw Food Rehab members who traveled in for the lecture/dinner. I had been looking so forward to getting to meet and spend time with the crew, but alas, the unforgiving intestinal bug won.

Fortunately, I was able to drive myself home today and although still pretty weak, I can tell I'm on the mend. So even though it's March 2nd already, I'm happy to be starting a new month in which I hope to pack plenty of excitement! This Friday, after a month off, thanks to the marvelous Michelle K of it's a High Raw Life, I'll be back in the Foodie Friday kitchen making a recipe from the Resolve to Evolve March Recipe Supplement, so you will want to be sure to tune in for that.

I also want to share that we're gearing up for our next 11 Week Initiative at RFR over the next couple of weeks.

GO FRESH - 11 Weeks of Rejuvenation & Renewal with Raw Foods will begin on April 1st! I am really looking forward to sharing some exciting details with you about this Initiative very soon. Be sure to keep your eyes on the Main Forum at RFR, as this is always where I post breaking and headline news! You can read more about what the 11 Week Total Health & Wellness Initiatives are about Here and I also want to encourage you to learn about RFR's Darlene Knight Scholarship Fund.

I sincerely hope this post finds you well and that March is off to a fantastic start. I'd really love to hear from you in the comments below - tell us how things are in YOUR world!

Philip McCluskey in Oklahoma

After speaking at the 105degrees Restaurant and Academy's Grand Opening, Philip McCluskey is coming back to share his transformational story with the Raw Food lifestyle, with tips on how he lost over 200 lbs in 2 years, and said "Yes" to Life!!!

Be inspired, get practical tips, unleash your inner sexy you and transform your life! Whether you are struggling with your weight, happiness, or overall joy in life, this is the event for you.

When:
Mar 1st 2011 (6pm - 7:30pm, dinner right after)

Where:
105degrees
5820 North Classen Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73118

*Enjoy a gourmet 3 course raw meal: appetizer, entree, and delicious dessert!

Investment in your health: $40 lecture / $60 lecture + dinner

For more information or to register, please call: 405-842-1050


More about Philip:
Philip McCluskey is a raw food expert who motivates hundreds of thousands of people worldwide to become healthier, happier, and fitter by trading in their standard diet for a raw food lifestyle. Philip’s journey began in 2006, when, at a morbidly obese 400 pounds, he discovered raw food and shed 215 pounds, gaining vibrant health, energy, and a renewed passion for living.

His story has inspired countless others who have seen him on CBS’s The Doctors, have heard him speak at events like the Raw Spirit Festival, or have followed his journey on YouTube and on his website, LovingRaw.com. He is also the author of three published books, including Raw Food Fast Food.

The Best of Raw Awards 2010

The highlight of my snowbound week, thus far, has been last night's 3rd Annual Best of Raw Awards! The event was held in Santa Monica, CA at Matt Amsden's Rawvolution and the entire 3 hour event streamed live along with a very lively chat room full of viewers from around the globe who all turned out to cheer for their favored person, place or thing. It was an action packed night of great fun!

I'm still a little stunned, but delighted at the honor & recognition of Raw Food Rehab winning The Best Raw Community Site. Of all the categories, this was the one I most hoped we'd place in, but I did not expect to win. I'm genuinely thrilled because it's not MY award but an entire commuinity award, which makes it all the more wonderful and special! When I asked Susan, who assists me with running the site, what her thoughts were on RFR's win she said, "This is not about us (she & I). It's TEAM work that makes the DREAM work!" Well said, my friend, well said.

I've been so giddy all day and decided we needed to have a celebratory giveaway! Click here to go sign up to win a copy of Philip McCluskey & Heather Pace's brand new release, Raw Food Carob Desserts! I'll be drawing for the winner this coming Monday, February 7th!

If you missed The Best of Raw Awards, below I've listed some of the winners and the runner ups. Please Click Here to view the full list of the top finalists and the winners in each of the 40 categories for 2010!

Raw Vegan Friendly Restaurant
Winner - Cafe Gratitude
#2 Au Lac
#3 SunPower Natural Cafe
#4 Pure Food and Wine-New York
#5 Euphoria Loves RAWvolution—Santa Monica, CA
#6 Juliano's Planet Raw—Santa Monica, CA

Best Blog
Winner: Raw Reform - Angela Stokes
#2 Matt Monarch - Raw Success
#3 Penni Shelton
#4 Raw on $10 a Day (or Less!)
#5 Rawmazing
#6 Sunny Raw Kitchen

Best Show or Vlog:
Winner: Dan Mcdonald the Liferegenerator's Show
#2 The Raw Food World TV Show
#3 Renegade Health
#4 Penni Shelton's Show
#5 Chef Tina Jo's Show
#6 BeLive's Youtube Channel ChefBeLiveLight

Best Radio Show:
Winner: Raw Food World Radio Show
#2 Raw Vegan Radio
#3 Paul Nison's Show
#4 Coach Cher Till
#5 SuperFood Education Seminars with Bethanne Wanamaker and Dr. Jameth Sheridam
#6 Rhio's Show

Best Raw Community Site:
** Winner - Raw Food Rehab **
#2 30 Bananas A Day
#3 Give It To Me Raw
#4 Raw Divas
#5 We Like It Raw
#6 Raw Sangha

Best Book 2010
Winner: Ani Phyo Raw Food Essentials
#2 Green for Life: The Updated Classic on Green Smoothie Nutrition by Victoria Boutenko
#3 Becoming Raw by Brenda Davis and Vesanto Melina
#4 Raw Food Cleanse: Restore Health and Lose Weight..by Penni Shelton
#5 Orgasm of the Taste Buds by Chef BeLive
#6 Rawmazing Desserts by Susan Powers

Best Raw Film
Winner - Food Matters
#2 Raw Food Cure For Diabetes, Gabriel Cousens
#3 Simply Raw
#4 May I Be Frank
#5 The Beautiful Truth
#6 Raw For Life

Best Male Raw Athlete
Winner -Brendan Brazier
#2 Tim Van Orden
#3 Real Raw Matt
#4 Harley Jhonston aka Durianrider
#5 Dr. Douglas N. Graham
#6 Stefan Hiene

Best Female Raw Athlete
Winner - Rainbeau Mars
#2 Freelee Love
#3 Koya Webb
#4 Tonya Kay
#5 Danielle Charboneau
#6 Diane Haworth

Sexiest Raw Woman
Winner - Ani Phyo
#2 Angela Stokes-Monarch
#3 Freelea Love
#4 Annmarie Gianni
#5 Oshun Kelley
#6 Sarma Melngallis

Sexiest Raw Man
Winner - Dan McDonald
#2 David Wolfe
#3 Brian James Lucas aka Chef BeLive
#4 Storm Talifero
#5 Woody Harrelson
#6 Jason Mraz

Funniest Raw Woman
Winner - Angela Stokes-Monarch
#2 Shazzie
#3 Penni Shelton
#4 Freelea
#5 Nomi Shannon
#6 Oshun Kelley

Funniest Raw Man
Winner - Dan Mcdonald
#2 Matt Monarch
#3 David Wolfe
#4 Kevin Gianni
#5 Brian James Lucas aka Chef BeLive
#6 Harley Jphnstone (durianrider)

Simple Raw Chef
Winner - Dan McDonald aka LifeRegenerator
#2 Ani Phyo
#3 Solla Eiriksdottir
#4 Angela Stokes-Monarch
#5 Elaina Love
#6 Chef Tina Jo

Gourmet Raw Chef
Winner - Brian James Lucas aka Chef BeLive
#2 Lou Corona
#3 Solla Eiriksdottir
#4 Nomi Shannon
#5 Russell James
#6 Alissa Cohen

Best Raw Vegan Educator
Winner - Dan McDonald
#2 David Wolfe
#3 Brian James Lucas aka Chef BeLive
#4 Angela Stokes Monarch
#5 Nomi Shannon
#6 Dr. Gabriel Cousens

Gearing Up for 28 Days of Total Reset

In today's video I'm announcing Raw Food Rehab's 2nd annual 28 Day Total Reset Cleanse during the month of February. This particular cleanse is outlined in my book, Raw Food Cleanse. If you are interested in kicking things up a notch in your raw food journey, this would be a great and effective way to do it.

This is the official shout out to let you know that I'm rallying the troops and have added a February Cleanse Posse Sign Up HERE. I would like to get an idea of how many of you would like to commit to this.

To start - I suggest that you formulate a game plan for reducing your toxic load, which will help you take your raw food cleanse to a deeper level. I you haven't already, I'd like to recommend that you determine your personal state of affairs by answering the Life Cleanse Questionnaire, which you will find in my book. This set of questions is a simple tool to help you get honest with yourself about where you are today and what areas of your life need more of your attention.
In the questionnaire, we explore what is happening in your world in these important areas:

Diet
Physical
Environmental
Emotional
Spiritual
Lifestyle

If you are new to the concept of cleansing or new to raw foods, I recommend that you start off with the 3 Day Energy Boost Cleanse. Starting here will give you a wonderful opportunity to learn how your body will react to this process of freeing up energy for detox. If you don't have a juicer or blender, simply making the commitment to eat a 100% raw food diet might be the best way for you to start.

Beyond that I recommend the 7 Day Rejuvenation Cleanse which is a wonderful protocol that can be followed consecutively for 28 days. This particular cleanse is ideal for anyone at any stage of the journey:

Upon Arising: 32 oz. pure water w/ fresh lemon or lime juice
Before Noon: 32 oz. of fresh juice or green smoothie &/or fresh seasonal fruit
Midday: Big, colorful salad w/ a delicious dressing &/or raw blended soup or a cleansing raw food entree
Snack: Allowed but only if you are truly hungry. This can be fruit, cut veggies w/ pate or dip, fresh juice or smoothie, herbal tea, elixir or a smart cocktail.
Evening: same as the midday meal.

There are over 100 recipes in my book and you can also find some great recipes for Detox & Cleansing in my Raw Food Rehab Kitchen.

The actual 28 Day Total Reset Cleanse is designed for an individual who has a good amount of weight to release and/or for those with a background of compromised diet, unhealthy lifestyle and environmental exposures. This particular cleanse will be ideal for those who have been doing this for awhile or who are really serious about taking charge of their health once & for all. The 28 day protocol starts off with 10 -14 days of liquids - think juice feast.... (juices, smoothies or blended soups/salads). The remaining days look a lot like the 7 Day Cleanse.

I highly recommend that you read Raw Food Cleanse, as it will be your faithful companion in the month of February and beyond. This book will help you elevate and align your thinking to that which promotes vibrant health and it will support you in your long term commitment to living your best life now. It also offers over 100 delicious recipes to insure your success.

If this resonates with you and you're ready to go for it - come sign into the February Cleanse Posse Sign In Thread and you can begin to get yourself organized, as our February 1st start date is next Tuesday! If you have additional questions regarding this cleanse, please ask them in the comment section below! I also want to encourage you to share this link on Twitter & Facebook - you never know how your suggestion to try raw food for a month may impact your family, friends and acquaintances!

The Raw Truth

Press Release:

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Why are Hollywood celebrities, professional athletes, and other chic individuals joining the “Raw Revolution” in what is believed to be the hottest trend in health circles? New York Times best selling author Jordan Rubin outlines benefits of the raw lifestyle and how to transform health with the power of living nutrients in his first book in three years, The Raw Truth. Available January 15 exclusively at health food retailers nationwide, the free book giveaway of more than 700,000 copies is one of the largest in the Natural Products Industry. A downloadable version of the book is also available by Clicking Here.

“We want to get this book into the hands of our loyal consumers who are interested in improving their health and learning more about the raw lifestyle,” said Rubin, CEO of Garden of Life. “The book is important because it provides comprehensive detail on the benefits experienced through this emerging health trend as well as common sense approaches to making the change to a simple, more wholesome diet of foods that are uncooked, untreated and unadulterated.”

The Raw Truth includes Rubin’s inspirational health transformation story of how he recovered from Crohn’s disease. Sixteen educational chapters are devoted to raw food pioneers and health legends such as Ann Wigmore, Andy Szalay, Elie Metchnikoff, Edward Howell and many others who bravely paved the way for the raw movement despite opposition and skepticism.

In addition to raw pioneers, the book profiles some of the most popular raw trendsetters, cookbook authors, chefs and restaurant owners in the country who are inspiring others to experiment with raw foods. Sarma Melngailis, Alissa Cohen, Angela Stokes-Monarch, Penni Shelton and other celebrated raw advocates share their tips, recipes, and even beauty tips on how to “get the glow” by going raw.

Rubin said The Raw Truth offers targeted nutrition plans for specific ages, gender and health conditions as well as a recipe section with suggestions for how to eat, snack and prepare delicious meals for the entire family. He added that an extensive resource guide lists many health food stores and companies that specialize in raw foods and body care products and consumers can also take advantage of valuable coupons for Garden of Life’s new RAW Digestion line, RAW Probiotics, RAW Enzymes and RAW Fiber.

“Whether you’re thinking about becoming a raw food vegan, a raw food omnivore, or just committing to eating raw foods in greater quantities to improve your diet, The Raw Truth has information on why and how you can support your health by doing it,” Rubin said.

Setting Your Tone for a Successful 2011

20 TIPS FOR A POSITIVE 2011 !

by Jon Gordon (with a Penni touch : )

1. STAY POSITIVE. You can listen to the cynics and doubters and believe that success is impossible or you can know that with faith and an optimistic attitude all things are possible.

2. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement: My purpose is_______________________.

3. Take a morning walk of gratitude. I call it a “thank you walk.” It will create a fertile mind ready for success.

4. Instead of being disappointed about where you are think optimistically about where you are going.

5. Formulate your personal food plan, keeping your kitchen well stocked with only what's on your program, always staying mindful about the reasons you are making these better choices.

6. Remember that adversity is not a dead-end but a detour to a better outcome.

7. Focus on learning, loving, growing and serving.

8. Believe that everything happens for a reason and expect good things to come out of challenging experiences.

9. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

10. Mentor someone and be mentored by someone.

11. Live with the 3 E's. Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy.

12. Remember there’s no substitute for hard work.

13. Zoom Focus. Each day when you wake up in the morning ask: “What are the three most important things I need to do today that will help me create the success I desire?” Then tune out all the distractions and focus on these actions.

14. Implement the No Complaining Rule. Complaining is like vomiting. Afterwards you feel better but everyone around you feels sick.

15. Read more books than you did in 2010. We happen to know of a few good ones. :)

16. Get more sleep. You can’t replace sleep with a cup of coffee or a candy bar.

17. Focus on “Get to” vs “Have to.” Each day focus on what you get to do, not what you have to do. Life is a gift not an obligation.

18. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:

I am thankful for __________.

Today I accomplished____________.

19. Smile and laugh more. They are natural anti-depressants.

20. Enjoy the ride. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy it.

If these tips resonate with you, why not join me for a special tele-conference with Jon Gordon next week (it's free)? I have been so motivated by Jon's wisdom and inspiration and I think his Road to Success 2011 Event will be really motivational and help you, especially if you are in leadership or business. Click here for more details.

Join Me on Mt Hood in March 2011!

I am very excited to be announcing EXPLORE RAW VITALITY - March 18th & 19th (outside of Portland, OR on Mt. Hood)

Join me, Dave the Raw Food Trucker, Tresa Yung, Thomas & Gabrielle Chavez and many other leading experts, chefs and guides within the raw food movement as we welcome Spring and explore the world of Raw Vitality.

Attend this event and you will:

• learn about resources for true wellness, longevity, and a healthier way of life


• meet the lifestyle experts, healers, doctors, and chefs who can make it work for you


• rejuvenate and heal


• explore your own true nature, naturally


• learn to live in grace

Event Package Includes:

• 3 unforgettably delicious raw gourmet meals prepared by some of the country's best live food chefs


• keynote presentations on Friday night: Dave the Raw Food Trucker and Tresa B.E. Grace


• Living the Compass of Grace workshop with Thomas and Gabrielle Chavez


• an interactive discussion with Penni Shelton, author of Raw Food Cleanse


• special activities including yoga and a live juice bar


• scheduled food demos, mini talks through the event


• health and wellness experts available Friday and Saturday with resources and advice


• access to holistic treatments including acupuncture, reflexology, reiki, sound healing, and naturopathic consultations


• a special group rate for your stay at The Resort at The Mountain of only $89/per double room per night

For all other details, and a 25% early bird booking discount, visit http://www.explorerawvitality.com!