Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Here we go.......40 days raw!


K - heres the deal. I have committed to a group called 40 days raw. The deal is this: eat raw foods for 40 days. Simple eh?

Heres the link:
http://www.facebook.com/notes.php?drafts&id=725119023#!/group.php?gid=121992294503133&ref=ts

Well my goal is NOT to just be a carrot munching fiend. Although it probably would help my tan!

My goal is to find out how good I can feel & to kick some butt on the way. (plus I'm sure it can only help me lose those last 10 pounds!! Ugh :-))

I am 39 years old and while that isn't very old - I can honestly admit that I have noticed some mild aches & pains in the last 3 - 4 years. Especially in my left knee (my chiropractic adjusting knee). Also in my neck now that I think of it (but that gets better when Im a good chiropractic patient and get adjusted regularly - thanks Apple Clinic docs!)

So you may be wondering WHAT IN THE WORLD AM I EATING?

I'm wondering that too! (Just kidding) Let me proceed to say that I have actually enjoyed my food and it may be a stretch for some of you - but I think I am going to find there are a lot of great foods I have been missing out on due to the typically 'American' diet (no offense Uncle Sam).

Please keep in mind as well that I am living in Wisconsin - a state known for 3 things: Beer, Fried Cheese & the Green Bay Packers (I had to through that one in). :-) So this whole RAW thing is going to take some extra dedication on my part.

Well lets get down to it: I'll give you a sneak preview of what has transpired to far (24 hours into this thing!).

First I went to Festival Foods and bought:
- a couple of RAW Revolution bars (My favorite is Chocoalte Cashew - it actually is quite tasty) Their website: www.rawindulgence.com

- Raw almonds (to make almond milk)
- Fruits (minimal amount)
- Veggies (quite a lot of green things)- especially avocados, cilantro, spinach, broccoli, lemons, onions, garlic, cucumber, fresh basil, red & green cabbage
- Sprouted bread (look in the freezer section)
- Seeds & Nuts: Flax seeds, Walnuts
- Coconut water (I'll let you know how this one works out...)
- Raw Granola
- Tamari (like Soy Sauce - but better for you...google it.

SO THE REAL QUESTION - IS WHAT AM I GOING TO DO WITH ALL OF THIS?

I like to call this my "WHAT?! list":

Answer: #1: Spices my friends. Spices. That is going to be my savior in this endeavor. To keep me from feeling like I am missing out on good stuff.

I have to admit in the last 24 hours I have already stretched my comfort zone and used a few spices I wouldn't have known what to do with just a short time ago.

Oh, #2 on the "WHAT?! list" has to be planning/preparation.

Planning/Preparation - lets just call it P&P - will be my victory or my arch enemy (I've always wanted one of those).

I'm currently soaking almonds (for almond milk) and walnuts (for walnut pate/meatballs) :-)

Ok, there are 2 things I want to share with you quickly before a go in search of "brunch":

1. My starting measurements: yep, I'm actually gonna say em.

As of July 5th, 2010:
Weight: 141.75 pounds

Measurements (with a tape measure):
- Calves: 15"
- Knees: 15"
- Thigh: 24"
- Buttocks :-): 40.25
- Umbillicus: 34.50
- Chest: 36"
- Neck: 13"

Other health stuff - measured 5/26/2010:
- BMI: 24.2
- Cholesterol: 184
- LDL (bad stuff): 99
- HDL (good stuff): 75
- Triglycerides: 50
- Blood Pressure: 100/64
- Height: 5'4"
- Body Fat %: 28%

There is more...but I may have lost some of you already with all of that detail!! :-)

BUT FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE STUCK WITH ME...Here's the second thing I want to share with you:

#2: What a RAW breakfast looks like: (I'm all into keeping it simple & tasty):

GRANOLA:
1/4 cup soaked raw almonds
1/4 cup soaked raw sunflower seeds
1/4 cup soaked raw walnuts
4 pitted dates, chopped
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (ground)
Salt if you want a bit
1/2 cup cut up fruit (fresh) ex. apple, banana, peaches
1/2 cup almond milk

1. Place almonds, sunflower, walnuts in a blender/food processor & gently blend (pulse if possible - until coursely chopped).
2. Add dates, cinnamon, & salt & mix
3. Store in the fridge - it will keep for 2 days
4. Serve with fresh fruit mixed in & add almond milk as desired

Thats it friends.

Look for some more great recipes tomorrow.

AND IF YOU WANT TO GIVE THIS A TRY: EVEN FOR 4 DAYS: SEND ME A NOTE ON FACEBOOK & I'LL HELP YOU ANY WAY I CAN!

Rock on...RAW!
See you guys soon!
Love, Jen

www.AppleForHealth.com

No comments:

Post a Comment