Spring in My Step

The rich brown earth is exposing itself and forcing me to say goodbye to the magical winter wonderland I surprisingly fell in love with. The rented ski equipment is safely back in the shop, I had a moment of silence for the fleeting season that I had adored, then I quickly set my mind to all the progress I made this winter.

I learned how to ski!!!! I completed my winter goal with no injuries, I am thrilled to be a beginner skier. The secret to my success was skiing with experienced friends! I soaked up as much wisdom as I could from them,  I also placed myself behind someone who skis beautifully, and down I went. I was scared, but I did it anyway!

When dealing with a lifestyle change it can seem as difficult (or more difficult) as learning a new sport. Oh, but, the rewards are so worth it!!!!! How are you doing on your goals? If you are struggling, I have a perfect place for you to start: Get behind people who are succeeding in a healthy lifestyle, soak up as much wisdom as you can, and DO IT! (even if it’s hard) I know you can do it! Set your health goals for the spring and be confident that as you complete them you will be adding so much value to your life.

Now that I have a spring in my step……my mountain bike is out, hiking has increased, and my running shoes are taking me to delightful trails. Let this spring be your best season. Enjoy exercising in nature along with eating from local farmers’ markets. Local seasonal food is easily purchased during the spring. Spoil yourself by eating healthy with every meal — I promise you won’t regret it!

A time and season for every event under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

 

 

Wheat -vs- Meat

I want to share my take on my February book read; Wheat Belly, by Dr. William Davis— you should READ IT! Really, if you have any problems with digestion, IBS, inflammation, arthritis, fat belly, or any health problems this book can help turn your life around.

As for me, the entire time I was reading this book, I was thinking —”Why am I reading this, I have not consumed wheat in three years?” Then I realized; if you are on the path of a healthy lifestyle change you must continue to educate yourself on health and nutrition, so that you can stay strong on your journey!  Remaining nutritionally ignorant and ceasing to add information to your understanding, would be like living as a christian and never reading your Bible. That pretty much makes you weak.

Did I agree with everything in this book? NO! It even made me doubt my raw vegan ways. The main reason for this sudden doubt to appear was when I read about the reversal of sickness due to patients eliminating wheat from their diets. It was like I was reading my success story. Then it hit me…. was it the meat removal or the wheat removal that has caused my health to be at its optimum?

Oh my, have I given too much credit to a raw vegan lifestyle when the credit and honor was really due to a wheat-ectomy? Have I been encouraging people in the wrong way? My head began to spin, I stopped the nonsense by reflecting on the past years and realizing that I do not have the education these brilliant doctors have, but I do have a personal experience with sickness, and I now walk in good health. This experience is where I rest my confidence. Removing wheat absolutely helped me gain my success living a healthy lifestyle, but as I embraced raw vegan food my energy, attitude, and body leaped forward into better health and a thankfulness that I cherish daily!

Regardless of what your diet is, you can benefit by reading this book and getting wheat out of your diet, the best by-product of wheat removal is the disappearance of belly fat.YAY!!! Meat verses wheat???? I say both have helped me immensely. I do agree with Dr. Davis that the removal of wheat must be replaced with whole real food, predominantly vegetables.

In my opinion, there are subtle undertones of anti-veganism in his writing. The part I disliked most is a slam on Dr. Colin Campbell. (that hurt my heart) I love, Forks Over Knives, and Dr. Campbell opened my eyes to the research in; The China Study. I still don’t understand triglycerides, how insulin works, or what the heck gluten is, but one thing I am certain of — I am going to continue to learn and walk this life as a grateful thankful gluten-free raw vegan!

Figuring it Out♥Right Now Raw 

Nice People, Nice Gift

Mean people suck, but nice people are AMAZING — they have a way of making the world a better place just because they are in it! Dave and I are blessed to have a couple in our lives that are the nicest people you will ever meet. We had the opportunity to spend some time with this lovely couple, we had fun just hiking in the woods and eating good food. These kind friends gave me my favorite present this holiday season, homemade almond milk.

What? I can’t believe I have never made this! First of all, for the past two and a half years of being a raw vegan, I have not had any milk-like products. If you are a raw vegan, vegan, or an omnivore— I just have one question…. Got milk?

After spending time with this precious family, I woke up early the next morning eager to try this milk. I crumbled up my raw granola bar, threw in some raw nuts, tossed a few dried cranberries in, then proceeded to pour this beautiful white substance over my creation. Oh my, I am addicted, I admit it! I look for raw food to drown in this unbelievably delicious milk.

The best gifts are the ones that show that you truly know what a person will enjoy. I love healthy gifts. I wish I could deliver fresh juice to all of you this Christmas season for hanging in there with me and reading my post, I appreciate you!!!!! Unfortunately, I don’t have the resources to be a juice gift giver, but I do plan on finding some who will enjoy an organic fresh juice.

My sweet friend shared her almond milk recipe with me. She and I share a love for organic food. Now, I must pass this along to you, be warned; this can be addicting!

ALMOND MILK:

• 1 cup almonds (soaked 12 hours)
• 3-4 cups water

Blend high-speed, strain through fine strainer, or cheesecloth.You can also throw in a few dates and vanilla in the blender with the almonds.

Healthy Holidays♥Right Now Raw

 

 

 

Rawsgiving

My third raw Thanksgiving has come and gone, but what a time I had! I love how fresh and vibrant raw food is, and no, I don’t miss cooked food, not even with snow falling around me all day long. Raw food has become a comfort to me. It represents healing, and I strongly believe if you change your diet; you can change your life! I am living this out every day. During this time of the year, I am truly thankful to God for healing my body through food.

The best part of this precious holiday is spending time with family. Our little mountain paradise did not disappoint our guest as it snowed gently all day. This provided us with a great excuse to wander in the woods. Local residents had decorated random trees in the forest which made our hike all the more whimsical.

I felt as though I was living in a snow globe, so when our children wanted to go snowboarding and skiing, how could I resist? Wonderful Husband is a great skier, although it had been over 30 years since he had skied, (because he met me) he took to it beautifully!

I, on the other hand, had  a totally different experience. I started my morning crying in the car due to the fact that I could not get my ski boots on. (they’re ridiculous) I was terrible! (understatement) I fell so many times (at least 50). Then I continued to run through mesh fences, tangled my legs in so many different ways that I never thought possible, and to top it off — I just simply wanted to quit, this winter sport was too much for me!

My husband was getting frustrated with me not because of my lack of ability, but my deflated disposition was too much for him. He finally, in a loud voice, answered my plea to walk down the mountain, “ABSOLUTELY NOT, you are not a quitter, you are Right Now Raw, now get up and get down this run!” I dried my tears and got down the beautiful mountain. (my kids went down 3 to my 1)

I was a cold mess! I am the worst skier ever, I realized that I’m not really “gifted” at anything. Everything I have learned has always come with hard work and perseverance. One thing I do have is determination, I will use this determination to learn how to ski.

I don’t know where you are at in life right now, but if you are feeling a little deflated, get up, let determination fill your soul, and realize you CAN learn new things! The things you desire for your life might not come naturally, there are not many prodigies, but if there is a desire to improve yourself  — GO FOR IT! The worst thing you can do is fall, the best thing you can do is get back up and keep trying!

Determinedly Living ♥Right Now Raw 

Proverbs 24:16

Raw in Winter

I really did not know what to expect when snow began to invade our beautiful little mountain town. Everything changed so quickly, I was just learning to ride my mountain bike on the trails and loving it. There is something about riding a bike that makes me feel like a kid. It is awesome…you should try it! What an amazing way to exercise.

Seriously, you can not begrudge the snow up here, not only does it make the mountain a winter wonderland, from what I hear, every snowflake is a dollar and this community thrives because of it. So, being a new mountain woman, I am embracing the snow! I am embarrassed to tell you how many times I have fallen on our steps. (I’m losing count) I keep getting back up and walking more carefully each time.

My new exercise this winter is snow shoveling. I have not tried skiing yet, I hope I do better on the slopes than I do on my stairs. I am acquainting myself with the frozen white landscape by hiking and running. Whatever your season is, make sure you exercise daily, do something that makes you feel young and energized, I promise you will not regret it!

I am finding the best raw foods on the mountain, if you come to Big Bear and crave a salad, I highly recommend North Shore Cafe in Fawnskin. If you are a vegetarian or not you will LOVE their grilled cheese and artichoke sandwich.(ask for grilled spinach inside)

Are you ready for my amazing salad? I ordered like normal, I searched the menu for a large salad then had them remove all animal and cooked products. This particular day the sous chef came to our table, introduced himself, and asked why would I strip this salad down to be so boring. When he understood that I was a raw vegan he created for me the BEST salad I have ever had! He sliced apples thinly, threw in several different raw nuts, broccoli, cauliflower, dried fruit, too many vegetables to recall, but man, I was in heaven!!!!! He proceeded to tell me to always ask for him and he would personally see to my salad!

Cold weather does not hinder my raw lifestyle at all, and warm kind hearts like this sous chef only makes me love it here more. Give thought to how you nourish your body, it is amazing how much better you feel when you love yourself enough to choose right. Food can be your medicine, but you must take it! Enjoy your life, live better, and don’t forget to exercise like a kid and revive yourself!

Embracing Winter ♥Right Now Raw

Small Town Season

I have neglected my blog long enough; it is time to post. The problem is TIME, I am so enraptured with this little mountain town that I stay unplugged most of the day. The mountain is so beautiful that it lures me out daily, when I run in the woods I want to go further and further. I can’t drink in enough of the beauty that surrounds me.

Recently, when I was down the hill visiting family, a friend asked me if I was bored in my new community. I can’t imagine anyone being bored in nature. To say I love it up here would be an understatement. I feel beyond blessed and I never want to take this for granted!

One thing I am learning from my new local friends is that seasons are celebrated. Everyone is loving the fall, but they also eagerly await winter. The vibe is pretty much to get out and enjoy the season you’re in. I think this a perfect way to live, this pushes me to make healthy choices regardless of my surroundings.

I am still raw as ever and my lifestyle has not been a challenge at all. The local Vons seriously has a fantastic organic section. Wonderful Husband is always faithful to bring up my favorite things.

Little Cabin in the Woods is coming along wonderfully. I suck at DIY projects because I always forget to take the before picture.(UGH) I think that is because I am wired to forget the past and press on towards what is happening right now. We did do a little work on our fireplace. The deer head had to go, we pulled out the rock, then we used chalk paint to help get it to where we felt comfortable living with it. This project cost $30.00.(YES, we have blue carpet)

Right now the leaves are falling off the tress around me, and the wind zips around our home,  I am cozy with a warm blanket, raw brownie, hot green tea, and a breathtaking view. Fall is evident, but some seasons are better than others. If you are stuck in a place that is not good, HANG IN THERE, make right choices, let healthy food and exercise be a part of your everyday life. Being healthy makes any season better.

 Hopelessly in Love ♥Right Now Raw

 

 

 

2 Years a Raw Vegan

I love that my birthday and my raw birthday are so closely entwined. Yes, I am hitting 54 and the exciting news is; I hit 2 years of an entirely raw diet! The energy gained by this lifestyle is off the charts amazing!

I am a believer in baby steps, taking small steps in the right direction is way better than leaping forward, skipping tons of steps, only to recognize you are not in a healthy spot — then going back and starting over. Lifestyle change happens slowly. Making healthy choices throughout your day is how it becomes a reality, it’s about believing in yourself, and loving yourself enough to change. I always seem to rush into something thinking one thing and then realizing it was not what I thought at all.

The view of Providence has once again proved trustworthy,  I was certain I was running in my 50’s to feel awesome in my 60’s, but now I am pretty certain it has something to do with the 30+ steps I meet with everyday. The best training we can do for ourselves is to train for quality of life, this focus will keep us ready for whatever comes our way!

Living in the mountains is definitely a dream I never thought possible for us. We have gone backwards more than forwards over the past 7 years. Now, as I am much older and healthier, I cherish the small steps that helped open my eyes to a better life. Seeing the stairway stripped off of our little cabin in the woods was something to rejoice over.

Small steps are better than no steps, (no steps are really scary) secure steps are the best, (you can run on them), but most importantly, realize that the steps of a good person are ordered by the Lord. He created our bodies to be healthy, enjoy a better life by choosing healthy food with every meal.

Loving the Adventure ♥Right Now Raw

 

Raw Grandma

The best bit of advice I grabbed ahold of when I started this blog was to be consistent. I knew that to connect with readers I needed to be consistent. I feel that this summer I have broken my attention to consistently posting 3 days a week— due to the crazy busy turn my life is going in. (sorry)

Although, I have been inconsistent with my posting I have remained steadfastly adherent to my raw lifestyle. If you have wondered where I have been; let me assure you, I have not been stuffing myself with cooked foods. Bananas and fresh juice remain my top food when time is an issue.

The most exciting thing happened on July 22nd, our first grandchild was born, Wolf David Barnes. Tipping the scales at 7 pounds 15 ounces. I can not describe with words how incredibly happy Little Wolf has made our family. The California side of the family longs to hold this cute little guy, but we are so grateful for FaceTime, smart phones, and a caring Arkansas family that keeps us updated with photos.

This raw marmee is in awe of how good God is. Whenever I steal away and watch videos of our grandson (over and over) I am reminded of the plans God has for us and the absolute certainty that His loving kindness is everlasting.

If this summer has you a little inconsistent, don’t fret— be consistent on what matters most.Choose health by making right choices with every meal, spend time with the people you love, and celebrate all the good things in your life.

Loving Life ♥Right Now Raw

 

 

Fresh Friday – Raw Vegan Sandwich

It feels so good to be back in Southern California on this Fresh Friday. I love eating fresh fruit in the summer because it keeps me hydrated and full of energy. The farmers’ market is one of my favorite places to shop.

I love eating a raw diet for many reasons, but one that is kind of cool is that I have not had bread in three years. I know I seem weird — like how do you eat sandwich? With tomatoes flourishing in my backyard it’s easy. I just pick a beautiful tomato, slice the top and bottom the same thickness as a deli roll, and then I load it up with awesome vegetables.

Sliced purple onions, shredded lettuce, olives, and chopped cauliflower mixed with nutritional yeast makes this a great summer choice for lunch.

Making healthy choices with every meal is easier than you think. Summer is a great time to start because of all the delicious seasonal fruits and vegetables.

I hope you skip the stores and go straight to the outside farmers’ markets. It’s easy to eat healthy when the food is locally grown, the freshness is without question the best when it is delivered from field to table. Enjoy your weekend!

Choosing Health ♥Right Now Raw

Real Life

My summer schedule has been so busy, I had no time to prepare for a trip I have longed for— the impending birth of our first grand baby, you can imagine my excitement! As crazy as my life seems right now, I could not even begin to plan out a food plan for two weeks. I just jumped on a plane with my oldest daughter, I am thankful for my son-in-law because he gave me a cluster of bananas before I boarded the plane that was bound for Chicago. Raw nuts, organic tea (always stashed in my purse), and fresh bananas kept me satisfied while we traveled.

We experienced great disappointment when our connecting flight tried to take off twice and was deemed unsafe for flight. The airline comped us meals and a hotel, but this raw grandma just wanted to get to Arkansas.

It’s easy to travel raw even when you’re not prepared. Salads are pretty much on every menu, the ubiquity of Starbucks made it easy to get a cold pressed juice and their generosity with hot water (tea stash) helped keep me filled up on organic green tea. With all the unexpected delays, this made it easy for me to stay on my raw lifestyle. Wonderful Husband reminded me that the adventure begins when everything goes wrong. He was right!

Arkansas took me by surprise. As soon as we landed, we were taken to Whole Foods in Little Rock, I quickly stocked up on cold pressed juices, organic salads, fresh fruit, and tons of bananas. There was locally grown produce everywhere.

The farmers’ markets were abundant, the restaurants prided themselves in serving locally grown food, a popular ice cream shop had a raw vegan section. I had stumbled onto a vegan Southern paradise! I loved the vibe in Arkansas.

The antique stores were charming and to my surprise there were health food stores scattered about the city. Regular grocery stores had large organic sections where I found a lot of my favorite brands. I thought California was vegan friendly, but Arkansas is proving that southern hospitality is a real thing! I felt very much at home, and I was never in want for organic fresh food.

I always tell people to be successful on this raw lifestyle you must be prepared, but after this trip I realized that when you love your lifestyle you stay the course regardless of your circumstances.

Our grand baby decided to stay in a while longer, unfortunately we had to drive back to Cali, (4 of us) 32 hours straight through, a short little nap at the Grand Canyon, lots of fresh food & juices packed in the car, and memories that will last a lifetime. All though we had empty arms our hearts were full from spending time with family. I am more excited than ever to be a grandma, and now that I have experienced the locally grown food it will be all the more fun to visit.

Don’t let the craziness of real life stop you from making healthy choices, a healthy lifestyle can become who you are. You are worth it, stay the course. You CAN do it!

Loving the Journey ♥Right Now Raw