Nini's Salad Bar

I Love Veggie Burgers

2009-11-21T13:58:00.001-05:00

I had just a little leftover taco meat. So, I turned it into a burger and dehydrated it. It was delicious!!

I used this recipe:

TACO MEAT
Mix:
1 1/2 c. walnut, soaked 2-3 hours
3/4 c. sun-dried tomatoes, soaked 30 minutes, save water
¼ c finely chopped yellow onion
2 t taco seasoning
1 clove garlic, minced
sea salt to taste

Add sun-dried tomato water as needed to make it a "meaty" consistency.

A Wonderful Fall Weekend!

2008-10-18T12:09:00.002-05:00

We picked pumpkins for pie, apples for sauce, and enjoyed the scents of the season. I'm not sure it gets any better than this!

I love my applesauce. I core and peel the freshest apples at the orchard. Luckily I have a friend who owns one and tells me what to buy. I put some fresh pressed cider (same orchard) in my blender with cinnamon and cloves and add apples until the sauce is the right consistency. Then I put it in freezer bags and freeze it. Ahhh....

There are so many pumpkin pie recipes on the raw food sites. I end up trying different ones a lot. My advice: shred the pumpkin before adding to the blender or fp. The pie will be smoother!

Namaste,
Nini

2008-06-28T12:32:00.002-05:00

Geez... I sure am finding great articles this afternoon! That's what happens when I get up at 4:15 a.m.

Here's an interesting one:

http://www.urbanitebaltimore.com/sub.cfm?issueID=59&sectionID=4&articleID=914

Martha Thomas decided to take on the Yabba Pot raw food challenge (Baltimore) and wrote about it.

2008-06-28T07:03:00.002-05:00

I just made the Chocolate Mousse recipe from

http://www.dominomag.com/howtos/recipes/sweet/chocolate_mousse

There is an article about Zoë Sakoutis. She says, "I had a cold and a friend recommended this diet. I went from 100 percent carnivore to 100 percent raw food-ist overnight." Sakoutis says of her conversion eight years ago. (For the uninitiated, raw means unprocessed and uncooked plant foods—nothing heated above 116 °). Inspired by increased energy, better digestion and glowing skin, Sakoutis set out to "make this really hippie, underground thing more user-friendly."

I will let you know about the Mousse. It was pretty runny... I will give it the 2 hours in the refrig.

My First visit to WHOLE FOODS!

2008-06-28T06:41:00.003-05:00

So, my daughter and I headed down to the Wild Oats in Mason, Ohio - which is now Whole Foods!

They have some products that are new to me: Mauk Family Farms' Raw Flax Seed Crisps and Crusts that are wonderful! The organic hickory & paprika are my favorite. Also, Love Street chocolate bars and chocolate spread. Yum!

http://www.maukfamilyfarms.com

http://www.lovestreetlivingfoods.com

I might try to make the flax crackers. The ingredients are: flax seed, paprika, garlic, hickory smoke, lemon peel, salt, water.....maybe something else...I ripped the package open so fast and the ingredients are fumbled.... I will keep buying them them, though, b/c they always taste better than my own. And I'm lazy.

The onion and cumin crisps tasted so good with my sesame seed spread.

My Sesame Seed Spread

1-1/2 cups raw sesame seeds
1 clove garlic, peeled
salt to taste
dash cayenne pepper
1/2 lemon, juiced
EVOO

I put about 1/4 c. water, garlic, 1/4 tsp salt, cayenne, and lemon juice in my hi-speed blender. Then I add the seeds. I add the EVOO as it is blending. Or more water. I like it chunky, not too smooth.

Before I eat it, I pour a light drizzle of more EVOO on top and sprinkle it with cumin.

I love this with raw crackers and sliced veggies!

~Peace now~
Nini

2008-06-28T04:27:00.002-05:00

As you all know, I am a fan of rawfoodtalk.com. Without this raw community, I would never be able to stay raw. Well, this morning I couldn't sleep, so I went searching for a new recipe. Lucy posted this one and it is fabulous!

Green Monster Mash Dip
Yield 1-1/2 cups
This is truly one of the most delicious dips. The chewy sun-dried tomatoes make each bite extra heavenly and exciting. This recipe can be eaten on its own, accompanied by sliced cucumbers or flax crackers, or enjoyed as a side dish for your next dinner.

2 medium avocados pitted and peeled
2 cups spinach, packed
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (I used the entire lime – two of 'em, minus the peel)
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil (I used fresh)
½ teaspoon Himalayan crystal salt
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, soaked for 30-45 minutes, drained, and chopped

Process all of the ingredients, except the sun-dried tomatoes, using a food processor, fitted with the S-blade, until mostly creamy, yet still a little chunky. Add the soaked and chopped sun-dried tomatoes and pulse a few times to mix them in. Green Monster Mash will stay fresh for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Don't you LOVE summer foods? I ate an entire watermelon yesterday! Also, I made a peach dessert for my husband and myself. He is not RAW, but enjoyed it a lot. I cut up 4 sweet white peaches. I tossed chopped walnuts, vanilla, agave, cinnamon, and a dash of salt and sprinkled it on top of the peaches. Soooo good!

Yesterday's foods:

8 oz. grape kombucha
watermelon =)
peach dessert
lime ice water

RAW REHAB Begins

2008-06-06T03:57:00.003-05:00

My laptop arrived!! It came earlier....broken...but now it is a-ok.

So, I shared with you about my recent chocolate problem. I am embarrassed to admit that it still is one. The only nonraw thing (I won't call it a food) that I have eaten is candy. How can I go 2 years 100% raw - TOTALLY 100% - and "blow" it?? Because I was bored and became weak...

So, starting tomorrow, I am going to Raw Rehab. That's my way of getting back on track. I need to simplify my diet and life again. So, I am creating my own Raw Rehab. And now that school is out I can concentrate... and detox...without it affecting my students. How did I start? No meat, sugars, dairy, nuts, etc. The very basics: fruits & veggies. I relaxed and gave myself natural spa treatments. I prayed and did light exercise. I will spend time in the sun. I will read, read, read as much as I can for motivation.

If anyone has any ideas for me, to make this rehab an enlightening experience, please add a comment.

Thanks. I will post what I am eating as I grow stronger!

~Nini

2008-03-21T12:51:00.002-05:00

I bought a new laptop.

So, here's a veggie burger recipe I threw together. Pretty tasty!

handful of walnuts
1/4 red bell pepper
slice of sweet onion
dash garlic powder
Himalayan salt
dash black pepper

Process in FP and dehydrate overnight. Easy and good!

Yesterday's menu:

1 banana
salad w/ tomato, onion, olives
cashews and pickles
lots of water

I am trying to decide what to have for my Easter menu. I need to be prepared!

Peace,
Nini

2008-03-16T17:58:00.002-05:00

I just ordered a new laptop! I will be getting my life back together asap. I feel like a lost puppy without one. It should be delivered by the end of the week.

Now...off to make Spring Break vacation plans! I can't wait to eat at Sublime and feast on Glaser Farms' foods. And the pool.... boy do I need that. And it will be just my husband and me. For the first time EVER - no kids!

Veggie Parade in NYC!!

2008-03-16T11:37:00.001-05:00

Looks like a blast!

http://www.veggieprideparade.org/

2008-03-16T11:13:00.000-05:00

In the words of Wayne Dyer, "Love is the ability and willingness to allow those that you care for to be what they choose for themselves without any insistence that they satisfy you."

2008-03-03T18:56:00.002-05:00

Ok, my Irish Stew was good. Not out0of-this-world fantastic, but good. I "reheated" it in the dehydrator at lunch and it tasted much better. So I guess the flavors need to blend overnight at least.

Now I am trying my version of cabbage and apples. I wanted something with tart & tangy flavors.

"Irish Red Cabbage and Apples"

1 red cabbage, shredded
2 T. apple cider vinegar
5 T. raw blue agave nectar
1/8 t. cinnamon
1/8 t. ground cloves
1/2 t. Sea salt
dash ground black pepper
1/2 c. spring water
4 large apples, thinly sliced

I tossed it all together and dehydrated it until softened. It was pretty tasty!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My 4 1/2 yr. old granddaughter came on Saturday and spent the night. I now have gold glittery toenails and pink glittery fingernails. I feel glamorous!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Is it me or has Trader Joe's prices increased????

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I just realized my drivers license is expired. I guess I know where I am going after school tomorrow. Bummer.

Until the next time,
~Nini

2008-03-01T12:44:00.002-05:00

Happy March 1st!!
Yesterday I decorated my classroom with shamrocks, leprechauns and lots of green color. All that green put me, who is very German, in an Irish mood. So, I went on a search in my refrigerator for ingredients to make a RAW Irish concoction.

Here is what I made this morning:

Irish "Stew"
1 medium head cabbage, shredded
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
6 carrots, thinly sliced
2 whole bay leaves

Combine all. Massage with the following sauce.

Sauce:
about 1 T. whole peppercorns, soaked in water overnight
about 1 T. Nama Shoyu
about 1 T. white miso
about 1 T. olive oil
enough water to make a sauce

Dehydrate until soft. Add water to create a stew consistency.

It sure smells good...

[Tomorrow I want to make something with cabbage and apples. I will have to come up with something. I want it to be tart and tangy. Hmm.]

So guess where I went 2 weekends ago?

NEW YORK CITY!!!

It was my very first trip to the Big Apple. I went with my sister, Julie. We stayed in a hotel 2 blocks from Times Square. Let me tell you this....I am totally hooked on this city. This was Julie's 2cd visit, so she was my tour guide. She had everything planned out for us.

Here is a brief synopsis of our trip:

1st night: ...my very first cab ride...from JFK to the hotel. A blast! We arrived to the hotel around 11:oo pm. I was much too excited to stay in the room, so we headed out. I couldn't get over how bright and active the city was after midnight. Definitely the city that never sleeps. We did some sightseeing and then went to Roxy's Diner. I ate a salad. J had coffee and one of their famous "Black and White" cookies that was actually like a small cake. Around 3 am we crashed.

Next day: We went downtown to Battery Park and touristed (my new word), shopped at Century 21, where I found the cutest pink slides to wear this Spring, walked and gawked Wall Street, I bought lunch (Asian Thai Wraps) at Pure Food and Wine Take Away on Irving (my first visit to a RAW restaurant), shopped Chinatown - I LOVED Mott Street, drooled at Tiffany & Co., touched Heath Ledger's doorbell at 421 Broome Street, then back to Times Square. We ate dinner at the Stage Deli. I devoured a bowl of fruit and a bowl of olives. Weird, but satisfying. George our waiter was a hoot. I know I am leaving out some sights.

And the next day: We went to Greenwich and fell for the brownstones and atmosphere. Of all the places we went, this is where I could live and feel at home. I shopped LifeThyme Market for raw food and came away with a variety of treats. We ate breakfast at a cute little cafe. I tried the Lemon Ginger tea and was very pleased. J. had coffee and a scone. We kept touristing the area. For lunch I had LifeThyme's treat - Their falafel was to die for. Much tastier than yesterday's lunch! Unfortunately the pizza I bought was really gross and I pitched it. But the falafel, pudding and cake were delicious. We walked and shopped Madison Ave., Park Ave. etc., I loved Saks and Bloomingdales, we walked Central Park, stood in line for TKTS Broadway tickets, shopped and touristed some more, then went to see Hairspray. After the show we ate at Maria Pia's and I had the best tossed salad e-v-e-r!! We walked home.

Last morning: Took the subway to the upper East side. We went to the E. A. T. Bakery (where John Travolta orders his cheesecakes) and I had orange-strawberry juice and J had water and a muffin. We saw the Frank Campbell Funeral Home where Heath Ledger, JFK, Jackie O, Judy Garland and many others were remembered. Then we headed to Grand Central Station and Rockefeller Center. We were back to the hotel by 10 am and took a cab back to JFK for our flight back. We arrived home around 5:30 pm.

After I hit the "publish post" button I know I will think of other places we went. It was such a fantastical, magical time. I keep looking at the pics I took. Also, when I hear on tv shows, or in the media about somewhere we were, I have a much better understanding of the area, which is cool.

Love, Peace, and Staying RAW,
~Nini

An update!

2008-01-23T12:36:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I've been gone so long. No worries - I am still raw! I just don't have access to a 'puter regularly. (The one in my classroom has too many blocks on it, so I can't use it.) But I am going to be buying one soon. I am on my daughter's laptop right now. Oh how I miss mine!

Let me get you caught up with my raw journey since July. Living in FL for the month of July was great, as usual. I am already planning on going again this summer. I came back home to Ohio a VERY relaxed, healthy woman. I drank green smoothies, worked out in the gym, swam and spent time at the beach every day. I lost 11 lbs., too! But, most importantly, I spent time getting to know my son again. We spent a lot of time watching movies, exercising, and playing with the dog. I read plenty of books and made some new friends. I was introduced to JAMBA JUICE and went there twice a day for double shots of wheatgrass. Yeah, baby!! No wonder I had so much energy!

Teaching second grade is interesting. There are so many differences from teaching 5th graders. They sure like to hug you. And I've never tied so many shoelaces. And they cry when they forget their lunch money. Or when someone looks at them wrong. And, most importantly, they know every word to High School Musical 1 & 2, as well as every Hannah Montana song. Therefore, I know every word to High School Musical 1 & 2, as well as every Hannah Montana song. I can Bop to the Top! I drive home singing Fabulous.... I am totally exhausted every night and f-a-l-l into bed around 7 pm. But then I did that when I taught 5th. :)

At the end of September, my dad had a heart attack. He spent several weeks in ICU and, at one point, there were speculations as to whether he would pull through. He did, and is stronger than ever!! Praise God. The 4 of us - his 2 sons and 2 daughters - made sure someone was always by his side 24 hours a day. It brought the family closer together and I am a much better person knowing my brothers and sister and I are "one" again. (The stress of this experience caused my mind to convince myself that eating some hard lifesaver mints would help me be strong for him......and that started a struggle with my raw eating. I completely blame myself. I was sad and just gave in to it. and I know better. Grr. Now, my mind was saying, "It's not like it's a hamburger or anything. It's just a lifesaver mint." But I ate 5 of them. Then I was ok. Until Christmas.) So, now, Dad is recuperating at home and getting stronger every day. He is gaining much needed weight and it looks like he will be going to FL to relax for a few weeks at his wife's home.

This update brings me to Halloween. Lots of candy!!! But I was strong and ate raw nuts all holiday, so I wouldn't get ahold of the sugary delights. I drank Kombucha like crazy. Yummy.

For Thanksgiving, I made a raw lasagna and a raw pumpkin pie that was awesome. The rest of the fam ate the gorgeous turkey, dressing, potatoes, corn pudding, green bean casserole, rolls, and pie that I had to cook. It was difficult.....but I was prepared with my own food. My 2008 motto will definitely be BE PREPARED!! While they napped and watched tv, I was cleaning up the mess like a maniac with the energy only a rawbie would understand. WooHoo!

Now it is Christmas. I didn't have any raw upsets or temptations until around Dec. 20th. Then I ate a piece of candy because my blood sugar dove down from 300 to 42. They couldn't get it up and almost called 911. Luckily, it went up, but only after eating candy - pure glucose. I had trouble with my blood sugar for about 2 weeks and continued to eat candy. I felt so bad and sick. I am having trouble with regulating my insulin - the sliding scale doesn't seem to be working.

My grandma Ida died right after Christmas. She led a charmed life and I am fortunate that she was a part of my life. I hope she knew how much I loved her.

On a fantastic, out-of-this-world fantastic note, my daughter Kate graduated college with a degree in photography! We had a party for her. I want to thank my her, and my other daughter Mollie, for helping me clean the house and decorate. I was sick and they helped me so much. I love ya gals! Kate got a job as a visual merchandiser for IKEA and is loving her job. Woot!

I am no longer tempted to eat candy and am back to being 100% raw. I feel better and I am starting to get a little of the rosy glow in my cheeks that I had lost.

As for my own health, I lost my head hair again while dad was hospitalized. I still have no body hair. This alopecia has really kicked in again. It doesn't bother me like it did when it first happened. My students know I am not sick. I explained, in second grade terms, how my immune system is struggling, and they take precautions to keep our classroom germ-free for all of us. I do miss school, due to sickness (like today), more than I ever would thought I would. ....... I hope the administration understands that it is a non-functioning/weak immune system that causes me to pick up every germ/sickness that enters the building! and not that I just don't want to be there, because I love my job.... I don't prefer to be at home with a fever, chills and vomiting, which is what happens most often.

How am I doing emotionally? Lately, I have been feeling sad. I cry too often over nothing. I have no emotion or reactions to the things I used to. I find myself just wanting to come home, crawl into bed and watch tv until school the next morning. I never leave the house over the weekend. My headaches are back and I am taking meds for the pain. At work, I can disguise how I feel. At home, I just fall apart and crawl into bed.

But I KNOW I will snap out of this because I am 100% raw....and I joined the Y...and I joined ZUMBA classes! ZUMBA really kicks my butt, but I know it will help me. (Before I go, I skin brush. Then I sweat like crazy. When I get home, I brush again before my shower. I am trying to detox from the blood sugar candy incident.)

I bought $200+ of grapefruit and oranges from Joey, my nephew. A band fundraiser. I am in juice heaven.

Well, enuf rambling. Please disregard all typos. I am hurrying and writing before my fever returns. I will write tomorrow. I haven't even told you about my granddaughters yet.....

Love and peace,
Nini

I AM OUTTA HERE!!

2007-07-10T21:01:00.000-05:00

Hey friends!

I am packing for my trip to FL to stay with my son for a month. Fortunately, there is a health food store nearby that stocks organic produce. Woot! But I am thinking ...

Wouldn't it be a surprise (to my family) if I drank more green smoothies and worked out like crazy? Then came back to Ohio with a weightloss? His complex has a pool and a weight room, so it's feasible. I just need to get my act together. Instead of jumping in the pool first thing in the morning, I could exercise and THEN jump in the pool!

And he has a great blender - icy green smoothies in 100* weather - hits the spot!

I always come home relaxed because I am "in my element" when I am down there. I spend time at the ocean and always seem to reconnect with God when I'm there.

I am forming a list of things to pack for the trip down (driving). I made raw macadamia nut brownies and wrapped them as single bars. I purchased raw crackers and will pack avocados and tomatoes to make guacamole at the rest area. I will buy some raw nuts at the hfs tomorrow to munch on. Oh - I will make some yummy cumin tomato soup and 1/2 freeze it so it will be delicious after it thaws, for a meal.

I will try to post while I'm there. Pray, please. I really need to get my health in "better than ever" shape before I start school in 6 weeks. (Ugh! 6 weeks!)

My fave recipe right now:

Dorito Nuts: Mix 1 tbsp. cold-pressed olive oil with 4 shakes of each: chili powder, cumin, herbs de province, onion powder, garlic powder and celtic sea salt. Toss in some walnuts and coat them really well. Add 1/3 nutritional yeast. Mix it all together. YUM!!

I try not to eat more than 1/2 cup nuts per day. That may seem like a lot to you. After being nut-free for one month, I am splurging! I don't eat them every day. But I do make veggie burgers with walnuts, pecans and cashews when the family is eating bbq.

I use this recipe from http://therawtable.com/

Thanks, Anna!!

"Happy Cow" Barbecue Burger

I've worked really hard trying to come up with a burger type patty that my family will enjoy. I think this one really hit the mark!
Makes 10-12 patties

Ingredients:
Soak together for about 3-4 hours:
1 C walnuts
1 C pecans
1 C cashews
1/2 C sunflower seeds
2 dates, pitted
7 sun-dried tomatoes
--------------------------
2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
2 large ripe roma or similar-sized tomatoes, cut into large chunks
2 T. nutritional yeast flakes
2 tsp. savory or dried parsley
1 T. apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. ground white pepper
1 tsp. sea salt

Preparation:
Drain soaking ingredients and rinse well. Combine all ingredients in a food processor, putting the tomatoes and celery on the bottom. Process until "meaty" and a somewhat smooth texture is reached.

Place 10-12 medium-sized mounds on dehydrator screen (not teflex sheets) and shape into patties - about 1" tall. Dehydrate at 130 degrees* for 3 hours and then turn down temperature to 115 and continue drying for another 5 hours, then flip the burgers over. Continue dehydrating for another 2-3 hours. Patties will keep well stored in the fridge.

Love all,

~Nini

2007-06-12T19:17:00.000-05:00

So for the last 5 years, I have been teaching basic computer and typing skills to 4th and 5th graders. Well, the school system decided to eliminate the program from the district. Grrrr! I am shocked. It is VITAL for our kids to learn the correct typing skills and the basics, such as MSWord, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. The district is really going to regret this decision. We have a new superintendent that is shaking things up. People are not happy. No way will the levy pass now. Employees that never talk are speaking their minds now. Things are getting ugly!

Fortunately, I was offered another position. I was first on the seniority list, so I could select first from the 3 positions available. Hard decision!! Available: 2cd grade at the school close by, 5th grade across town, or a 3rd-4th grade loop at another school. I don't want to loop because I don't agree with looping. And the 5th grade position - let me put it this way - I would be the 5th wheel. There are 2 trailers of 5th and I would be inside on the other side of the building all by myself. No communication.

So, I am going from teaching part-time computers, to full-time second grade.

I will be using all my raw energy teaching these little ones!

June 1st I started my daughter's weightloss challenge. It is between the 3 of us: daughter Kate, daughter Sarah, and myself. The one that loses the greatest % by January 1, 2008 gets a Spa Experience worth $380! Bring it on daughters!!! I have lost 8 lbs. so far. The most difficult part is giving up nuts. We agreed to up our exercise and eliminate one thing from our diet. I gave up raw nuts for the month of June. At first, I was soo hungry. Now I am doing ok. I am eating zucchini hummus and fuji apples galore. Yum!

Today:
fuji apple
hummus with carrots & yellow squash rounds
iced decaf green mint sun tea
raw chili
chocolate "ice cream"

Exercise: rebounding
Sun: read for an hour

My cuz Sue called me this afternoon. She is at OHI for 4 weeks. My goal is to make it there one day. We will be seeing each other on July 4th at a reunion at another cuz's house. I think I will make us my Amazing Italian Meatballs and my Chocolate Heaven dessert. She is bringing a Key Lime pie. It will be great to have another raw person at the picnic!

Ciao!

2007-06-04T17:41:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone!

I am so excited to tell you - my son flew home for the weekend! WOOT! He just missed the family. I can't tell you how good it felt to hug him. 3 whole days of Ben time. We laughed, went to a movie, played Apples to Apples, and talked a lot. His nieces hugged on him like crazy. I think we all need to be near each other.

I want to share a great article that I received today. I love getting constant reminders in my mailbox about why I eat the way I do!

"Researchers studying children in Greece found that those who eat a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, and olive oil experience less respiratory allergies and asthma than other children. Dr. Paul Cullinan of Britain's Royal Brompton Hospital and National Heart and Lung Institute and colleagues in Greece and Spain studied 690 children aged 7 to 18 using a 58-food frequency questionnaire.

Comparing children on the Greek island of Crete who ate the most fresh fruits and nuts to children who ate the most margarine, researchers discovered "a high consumption of nuts was found to be inversely associated with wheezing, whereas margarine increased the risk of both wheezing and allergic rhinitis (sneezing and runny nose)."

"Eighty percent of children ate fresh fruit (and 68 percent vegetables) at least twice a day," they wrote in their report, published in the journal Thorax. Researchers reported that "data suggest a beneficial effect of commonly consumed fruits, vegetables, and nuts and of a high adherence to a traditional Mediterranean diet during childhood on symptoms of asthma and rhinitis. Diet may explain the relative lack of allergic symptoms in this population."

The scientists found intake of grapes, oranges, apples, and fresh tomatoes, which are local products widely available in Crete, had no association with atopy -- a hereditary immunoglobulin-related problem that can predispose a child to certain atopic allergic illnesses -- but was protective for wheezing and rhinitis.

"This benefit is thought to be linked to the vitamins and antioxidants which [fruits, nuts and vegetables] contain," said Leanne Male, assistant director of research at Asthma UK, "Asthma UK is currently funding a number of research projects to further explore this association."

Researchers stated grapes had never before been shown to protect against allergies. Compounds found in grape skins, especially antioxidant substances, may be responsible, they said.

"Most consumers do not know it, but allergies are often brought on by a highly inflammatory diet comprised of processed foods," said Mike Adams, author of The 7 Laws of Nutrition, "Switching to unprocessed foods, including fresh vegetables, olive oil, and vinegar results in a sharp reduction in inflammation, thereby reducing allergies in both children and adults.""

This article is from http://www.newstarget.com/021882.html. Great stuff!

I have too many organic apples. I need a good recipe! I am tired of applesauce and cinnamon/raisin salad. Help!

I have interesting news to post. I will do that tomorrow!

Peace,
Nini

###

2007-04-25T15:57:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,
I have had trouble with my blog lately. But I am back again. I find it takes energy to create posts! No worries - I am still 100% RAW and LOVING IT!!!

Since I've been on last, I've had a few things happen. I went to FL to see my son. It was a very relaxing vacation. His new place is gorgeous! I didn't get to any raw restaurants, but did eat alot of Glaser foods from Nutrition S'mart.

I have news on my job. Apparently, my job has been eliminated from the school district. I teach keyboarding and basic computers to 4th and 5th graders. I have seniority, so I am guaranteed a job in the district. I LOVE what I do, so I am bummed!

I just read this information on Angela Stokes' blog, http://rawreform.blogspot.com and Ithought it was important to share it with you.

10 Organic Reasons
(and there are many, many more!)
by Ysanne Spevack , Editor Organicfoodee.com
1. Organic produce is not covered in a cocktail of poisonous chemicals. The average conventionally-grown apple has 20-30 artificial poisons on its skin, even after rinsing. Trust your instincts, and go organic!
2. Fresh organic produce contains on average 50% more vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other micro-nutrients than intensively farmed produce. Science says that it's good for you.
3. Going organic is the only practical way to avoid eating genetically modified (GM) food. And by buying organic food, you are registering your mistrust of GMO's and doing your bit to protest against them.
4. If you eat dairy or meat products, going organic has never been more essential to safeguard you and your family's health. Intensively-reared dairy cows and farm animals are fed a dangerous cocktail of anti-biotics, growth promoting drugs, anti-parasite drugs and many other medicines on a daily basis, whether they have an illness or not. These drugs are passed directly onto the consumers of their dairy produce or meat., which must be a contributing factor to meat-related diseases like coronaries and high blood pressure.
5. About 99% of non-organic farm animals in the UK are now fed GM soya. And there has never been a reported case of BSE in organic cattle in the UK. Common sense says that organic is safe food.
6. Organic produce simply tastes so much better. Fruit and vegetables full of juice and flavour, and so many different varieties to try! There are about 100 different kinds of organic potatoes in production in the UK, and that's just potatoes!
7. Organic farms support and nurture our beautiful and diverse wildlife. Over the last thirty years, intensive farming in the UK has led to dramatic erosion of the soil, a fall of up to 70% of wild birds in some areas, the destruction of ancient hedgerows, and the near extinction of some of the most beautiful species of butterflies, frogs, grass-snakes and wild mammals.
8. Organic food is not really more expensive than intensively farmed foods, as we pay for conventional foods through our taxes. We spend billion of pounds every year cleaning up the mess that agro-chemicals make to our natural water supply. And the BSE crisis cost us 4 billion pounds. Go organic for a genuine more cost-effective future.
9. Intensive farming can seriously damage farm workers' health. There are much higher instances of cancer, respiratory problems and other major diseases in farm workers from non-organic farms. This is particularly true in developing countries, and for agrochemical farms growing cotton. So go organic if you care about other people.
10. And if you simply like the idea of your children and grandchildren being able to visit the countryside and play in the forests and fields just like we did when we were young, go organic for the sake of all of our futures.

15 Fruits & Veggies with the Highest Pesticides
Peaches
Apples
Sweet Bell Peppers
Celery
Nectarines
Strawberries
Cherries
Pears
Grapes - Imported
Spinach
Lettuce
Potatoes
Carrots
Green Beans
Hot Peppers

15 Fruits & Veggies with the Lowest Pesticides
Watermelon
Winter Squash
Cauliflower
Blueberries
Papaya
Broccoli
Cabbage
Bananas
Kiwi
Sweet peas - frozen
Asparagus
Mango
Pineapples
Sweet Corn - frozen
Avocado
Onions

I hope you find this information helpful, too!

~Nini

2007-02-11T20:49:00.000-05:00

Well, when I said I wanted snow, God heard me. Ohio is preparing for another snowfall. This time they are predicting 8"-14" beginning Monday night. That may not seem alot to you, but we Buckeyes that live south of Columbus think so!

Today's meals:

wheatgrass
guacamole with raw corn chips
dried mango, pineapple
lotsa water
handful of mixed nuts with nutritional yeast, EVOO, and garlic powder

I am watching the Grammy's right now. John Mayer is just so freakin' good at what he does!

I am reading the book, Detox for Life, by Loree Taylor Jordan. She is a nutrition and health expert dealing with the colon. She explains that disease starts in the colon and we HAVE to cleanse our colons to be healthy. A diseased colon is cancer waiting to happen.

2007-02-06T20:32:00.000-05:00

Brrr.....
Can I say S-N-O-W??? Wow! Is it ever comin' down! I've been out of school the last 2 days because the temperatures dipped [wind chill] -22 degrees. That's been fun. But now it is really snowing and I bet we are off tomorrow, too. Even with socks, sweats and a heavy blankie I am still cold.

My granddaughters are spending the night tonight.....and my daughter and son-in-law...they are all snowed in.

I made a spicy chili tonight. (grated carrots and chopped mushrooms with chili spices in a thick tomato soup)
I had a double shot of wheatgrass this morning and it sustained me until dinnertime. Will have a snack of sliced almonds tossed with honey and vanilla for a snack later.

I bought the new Fall Out Boy cd this afternoon. It is very good. I also have a copy of the Happy Feet cd. I think this will be a great one to play in the classroom.

.............................................. 43 days until Spring ..........................................

........................................................((( Yea )))..................................................

2007-02-01T20:05:00.000-05:00

I made 2 delicious recipes today. I put 1 c. hazelnuts in the blender with water and made milk. Then I added agave nectar, vanilla, and a dash of cinnamon. It was the most delicious milk! Dessert in a glass.

OMG!! I just thought - wouln't this drink be good with raw cacao added? Mmmm...a Chocolate Hazelnut drink.

Also, I made a great veggie dip.
I used:

cashews
water
red Hawaiian sea salt (so good)
1/4 cup Herbs de Province
1 green onion
4 sundried tomatoes
dash of garlic granules

Blend it all in a a high speed blender. I dipped snap peas and sweet potato sticks in it. Very satisfying!

I went to the doctor yesterday because I fatigue, fever, and flu-like symptoms. He said it was probably my diabetes. I am confused. How can blood sugar problems cause FEVER?? Tomorrow I am picking up all my blood work results from the last 2 years. I will take them to Tulsa when I go in a couple of weeks. My cousin is very knowledgeable in homeopathic treatments. She is going to look over the bloodwork and see if see notices an discrepancies. Also, my sister and I are going to visit an Iridologist for the first time. I have always wanted to have my eyes read. Maybe she will find something my medical doctor can't.

Also, I am going back to Bette at Health Associatives. It's time for another round of colonics and detox foot baths. Maybe that will improve my fatigue.

If any of you can help me with advice for extreme fatigue, please post a comment.

Tuesday:
B - wheatgrass shot
L - green smoothie
D - salad with raw Italian Dressing
mixed nuts, seasoned

Yesterday:
B - Green smoothie
L - orange slices, radishes
D - guacamole
raw New York Sushi Chips

Today:
B - grape Kombucha
L - Japanese Nori rolls
guacamole
D - hazelnut milk
veggies and dip

~Nini

2007-01-22T18:32:00.000-05:00

Ok- the poll is supposed to be in bright green, not hard-to-read black. And I can't figure out how to edit my spelling mistake. Elixir is spelled ir (not er)... If you can't read the poll here, you can take it at my myspace: http://www.myspace.com/ninisraw

Today:

green and red grapes
fresh citrus juice
radishes
grape tomatoes
raw almonds
h20

It's not even 7 pm yet and I'm in my jammies ready to sleep. I keep yawning, so I've decided not to fight it.

Good night and sweet dreams,
Nini

2007-01-22T18:18:00.000-05:00

2007-01-21T20:11:00.000-05:00

SNOW! SNOW! SNOW!

Finally. It snowed. Beautiful to look at.

My dear husband went to the grocery. He asked me if I need anything and I wanted tomatoes. But when he came home, he had BAGS of fruit and veggies for me. Grapes, tangerines, oranges, canteloupe, nectarines, oranges & more WOWZA!!

Today:

shot of wheatgrass
guacamole with sun-dried tomatoes
raw pecans with onion powder and n. yeast
lotsa water
green grapes

It's Sunday evening and I wonder if the school system I work for will be on a delay because of the weather..... That would be fun.

Nini

2007-01-17T17:43:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

I'm on an apple craze again. I saw the most delicious looking display that featured many varieties. Whatsa girl to do?? I bought one of each. I chopped each one, tried a few bites and found my favorites. Then I combined them all into a fruit salad. That's what I'm eating right now. I love Honeycrisp the most. Galas are still a favorite, too. I really didn't care for the Cameo, but it was the prettiest. The only one I haven't tried is the Pink Lady. I needed one for my lunchbox on Friday.

Today:
bowl orange slices
bowl grapefruit slices
bowl chopped apples
(raw chili)
For dinner, I will have some raw chili. It is warming in the dehydrator right now.

The weather report: SNOW in the future! I hope so. I have to see at least one snowfall. Why else live in Ohio?! The changing seasons.

2007-01-13T17:57:00.000-05:00

Hey Frenz!!

I just read this l-o-n-g article. Here is a summary:

The American Institute for Cancer Research's (AICR) Diet & Cancer Project’s report, “Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective,” showed that dietary choices play a central role in helping protect us against cancer. The AICR Diet & Health Guidelines for Cancer Prevention:

Choose a diet rich in a variety of plant-based foods.
Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.
Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active.
Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
Select foods low in fat and salt.
Prepare and store foods safely.
Do not smoke or use tobacco.

The raw lifestyle sure does meet these requirements!

Today's "meals":
HUGE bowl of grapefruit and orange slices
a few raw pecans
lotsa H20
organic radishes ...Yumm I ate 2 bunches.

I have some veggieburgers in the dehydrator. I don't know if I will eat one tonight or wait until tomorrow.

I'm just not very hungry again today. I'm very thirsty, though. Water has never tasted better.

Nini

2007-01-12T01:15:00.000-05:00

Hey all!

Today my appetite was missing. I just drank water until 3:00 and then had a Lara Bar on the way to the dentist. I went in for a root canal, but the tooth was "hot" and there wasn't enough novocaine to keep me from crying. Eventually she had to extract the tooth. Now, I can handle pain. And I've had tons of dental work. But, holy crap, I've never felt anything like that.

So, I am on 3 meds and soft foods for 48 hours. I ate a banana and then had an avocado salad. I found that I need something in my stomach because the meds started burning.

On the subject of meds, wow - I haven't had anything strong in quite a while because I'm striving to cleanse my body. To make it pure. So the meds hit me hard! I thought I was going to pass out and vomit at the same time. HORRIBLE. My husband sat with me until it passed. This just shows ya how bad the stuff is that dr. keep giving us.

I saw my youngest granddaughter, Leah, this morning. She gave me "Nini hugs" and I loved it. After spending 1 week on vacation with her, I was missing her terribly. What a precious little girl.

I would appeciate your prayers about my tooth and taking the meds. I'd like it to heal naturally. Right now, I'm in a lot of pain. I don't want to call off school tomorrow. I've missed a few days lately because of a virus that is going around. Anyway, thanks in advance for your prayers.

Nini

2007-01-10T22:05:00.000-05:00

Hello again! 2 posts in 1 day. wowzie.

My meals today:

huge bowl of grapefruit and orange slices
garlicky sunflower seeds
water, water, and even more water
radishes
chocolate goji berry fudge (yum!)
avocado tomato sandwich using fabulous onion bread w/ honey mustard sauce

It seems I can't get enough citrus fruit. I'm going to Jungle Jim's Friday for more. I hope they have blood oranges. I haven't had any of those yet. My favorite juice (I think I posted this already) is 1 grapefruit, 1 orange, 1 blood orange, and 1/2 lemon. I pour it over crushed ice in a pretty goblet and e-n-j-o-y it slowly.

Peace, love, and flowers, flowers, flowers,
Nini

2007-01-10T11:35:00.000-05:00

There are days when I look in the mirror and cry because I'm bald. My head gets cold. I'm tired of kids staring and pointing. I want to look normal and not stand out in a crowd.

A friend of mine sent this to me this morning:

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the
mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.

"Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today." So she did
and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she
had only two hairs on her head. "Hmmm, " she said, "I think I'll
part my hair down the middle today." So she did and she had a
grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that
she had only one hair on her head. "Well," she said, "Today I'm
going to wear my hair in a pony tail." So she did and she had a fun,
fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that
there wasn't a single hair on her head. "YEAH!" she exclaimed,
"I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Attitude and Perception are everything. Have a Good Day!

Be kinder than necessary, because everyone you meet is fighting
some kind of battle.

Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we are here,
we might as well dance.

Thanks, Joyce, for sending this my way.

2007-01-09T21:37:00.000-05:00

I have just found the COOLEST web site! It is by Karen Knowler in the UK. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter. You won't be disappointed!

Here it is:

Successfully Raw

I am going to start posting my daily menus again.
Today:
Alissa's Broccoli Soup w/ Onion Bread croutons
bing cherries
Garlicky Almonds
Huge Salad
lots of water - I mean LOTS of wonderful water

Does anyone have a great Bruschetta recipe? I've made one, but it's missing something. Help me out!

I have a new myspace account. Please come visit me. Feel free to leave a comment.

Nini's Myspace

Love to all,
Nini

2006-12-27T00:15:00.000-05:00

I did it!

I have managed to be 100% raw for one year. I really can’t believe how quickly and effortless it was. Was I tempted? Yes. Twice. Once when my father took me out to eat to celebrate Day 100. We went to the neatest little restaurant called Chickee on the Beach in Naples. I love fish and the menu was incredible. The chef made me a tropical fruit & vegetable plate. I tasted fresh papaya for the first time and have been enjoying it since then. The second temptation came at home on Thanksgiving Day. I prepared the dinner, so the smells in the kitchen were memorable. But I was prepared. I began eating my raw dinner while I cooked, so I wouldn’t be hungry when we sat down for dinner.

Slips?

When I celebrated 6 months raw, I put 6 cooked garbanzo beans on my salad at an organic salad bar. Also, I occasionally use nutritional yeast, too. I need that cheesy taste once in a while. I also had a restaurant-style French dressing/balsamic vinaigrette on my Christmas salad. I will have a cup of hot herbal tea occasionally. Other than that – 100%!

Support?

What would I do without my family? They pray for my health and raw journey and are my greatest motivators. I am a weak person, both physically and spiritually. Their prayers have strengthened me. I’ve never accomplished anything of this magnitude.

And they buy me stuff! Like my own refrigerator, juicers, food processors, a dehydrator, gadgets, books, and food they dare me to try. I’ve come to love uglifruit! Raw parsnips! Loquats, quince & pomegranates! Guava and Striped Tiger figs!

My friends encourage me. I am a part of the www.rawfoodtalk.com family. I have learned everything from them. They will give you nutritional advice and recipes. They will hold your hand when you feel weak and will be your cheerleaders when you need to be applauded.

I attend raw potlucks. This is the place to be to taste different recipes and interact. I’ve met some really special people.

I correspond with distant family and friends online. Even my 5th grade students encourage me. I thank you all.

Accomplishments?

I feel better. I have bouts when I’m too tired to move, but a year ago it was 24/7 tiredness, so I've greatly improved. I am still bald, but I have small patches trying to grow. Woot! My skin has cleared up. The sores on my arm are GONE! My cheeks are rosy. I’ve lost 70 lbs. and I have gone down 5 dress sizes. I don’t look pregnant anymore. Just that makes me feel better! I am off most of my medications. I’m down from 12 to 4. I take my Synthroid, insulin, Lipitor, and Lexapro. (I hope to go off the last 2 soon.)

What’s next?

I have been journaling my one-year raw journey. I am creating a scrapbook. It will include before-during-after pictures, favorite quotes, favorite raw recipes (like Alissa’s Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms that I can’t live without), and notes of encouragement from friends and family.

Year #2!

I’m relaxing today with a pitcher of freshly squeezed grapefruit, tangelo, orange and tangerine juice. Poured over crushed ice in a fancy goblet.

I feel like a queen!

Thanks for encouraging me throughout the year. I love you all!

2006-10-18T14:09:00.000-05:00

Happy Wednesday!
I slept in.
For lunch I am eating a great fruit salad. I mashed up a kiwi and navel oranges slices. I added a tsp. of honey. Then I finely chopped up a Honeycrisp apple and added it. I tossed it all together and yum!

For breakfast, I ate a handful of Greek olives from Nature's First Law. The best. Helps me with my salt cravings. They are delicious.

Dinner? I am dehydrating a meatloaf. I need to dehydrate some more ketchup to go with it. I will have eggplant chips with it.

I am in book heaven! My school's book fair is this week. I love young adult novels. I am reading Ida B. right now. Scholastic Books are great. It's great to be able to talk to my 5th graders about what they are reading.

Dancing With The Stars....Who will win???? I'm sorry to see Sara Evans leave. Jerry has to leave this week. Will it be Monique? or Mario???

~Nini
:)

2006-09-28T17:35:00.000-05:00

What the heck happened?????

Sorry about all the duplicate postings.

2006-09-28T17:31:00.000-05:00

In April of 2005, before a rock concert in Columbus, my daughter Katie and I found a special restaurant. It's called bd's Mongolian Barbeque. For 1 1/2 years we traveled over an hour just to eat there. Well, now there is one close to home! We went there for lunch today and then shopped all afternoon at The Greene. My husband and daughter told me to buy new clothes. My shirts are too big. I bought a few basic ones

Wanna know something that knocked my socks off? I LOVE the store Chicos. Before now I could only wear their jewelry. But today the clothes fit. Of course, I had to buy a shirt! It is really funky. I am so happy.

I love thunderstorms.

Today's meals:

orange/grapefruit juice
unstirfry from Mongolian BBQ
water, water, more water
spicy almond butter with sunflower crackers
sliced radishes, sliced yellow zucchini

Peace~
Funky Nini

2006-09-27T21:30:00.002-05:00

2006-09-27T21:30:00.001-05:00

2006-09-27T21:30:00.000-05:00

2006-09-27T21:22:00.000-05:00

2006-09-26T18:57:00.000-05:00

Happy Tuesday!

Today's meals:

banana Lara bar
water!
sweet potato salad w/ curry tahini dressing (way too fattening)
sunflower crackers
seasoned almonds

On rawfoodtalk today, I listened to a member sing If I Had My Way by Linda Eder. She did a beautiful job with it. Her voice is gorgeous. She is in a singing competition next week and I wish her well.

The tree outside my window is changing colors. I love it when the leaves are orange and red. God knew what he was doing when he created the season Autumn.

I am still having a prob with tiredness... It;s 7:30 and I am ready for bed. I won't even be able to stay up for Dancing With The Stars. Such a sorry mess.

Do you know we teachers had to fill out a poll today? Should there be 1 or 2 spaces after a period? 2!!! Always has been and always should be. I remember when it became optional to put a comma before the and in a series. Wrong, I tell ya.

Good night and there really should be 2 spaces,
Sleepy Nini

2006-09-24T13:31:00.000-05:00

Obviously, I had a hard time labeling the pics. So here:

Pic 1: at 260# and SAD
Pic 2: after 3 months raw
Pic 3: after 8 months raw

2006-09-24T13:22:00.000-05:00

I guess it is time to show you a few pics. These are the first ones I've ever posted. I have more SAD (and I do mean s-a-d) pics, but I won't scare you with those.

In December at 260 lbs, eating the SAD diet

After 3 months raw

Here I am at 8 months, raw and 65 lbs. lighter!

Today's meals:
Essiac tea
meatballs and sunflower crackers
LOTSA h20
orange/grapefruit juice
1 mango, 1/4 fresh pineapple, 1/2 peach fruit salad (weird combo, huh?)

My granddaughters are coming to see me and we are going to take a walk to the park! It will be good exercise for all of us. Make sure to spend some special time with little ones. Mine are 3 and 10 months. They will make you smile and laugh. It's contagious, I tell ya!

I am watching I Want That on hgtv. They have some KEWL gadgets today. the glowing solar globes for the garden - man, I'm going to have to find those. And the tropical island pool float. What about those topless sandals??? totally wicked. perfect for the beach. Great episode today.

Ninibanini signing off~

Nini's Salad Bar

2006-09-23T16:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday!

It is a gloomy, rainy day in Ohio. It felt good to sleep in and be lazy on a day off from work. I drank some Essiac tea for breakfast and relaxed. Ahhh...

Breakfast: tea
Lunch: my Amazing Italian Meatballs, sunflower crackers
Snack: orange, grapefruit, lemon juice w/sparkling water
Dinner: organic salad bar (fyi - Dorothy Lane Market)
Snack: fresh figs

I have started to eat simply again. I have wheatgrass delivered again, so I'm having my wheatgrass shots again.

I am still feeling tired. I'm not eating as many nuts and have weaned myself off the honey and agave nectar. I am back to using stevia powder. I expect this is just the longest detox I've ever encountered!

Right now, I'm trying to decide on a birthday gift for my husband. I am thinking of a handheld GPS. We could go geocaching together. Bonding and exercise!! Any geocachers here?

www.geocaching.com

I bought John Mayer's new cd. It is so great. I enjoyed his concert so much and now when I listen to the cd I just pretend I'm there again. Groovin' with DD Kate. Sheryl Crow was awesome, too. And Mat Kearney. Now, he is really good.

I am watching Penn State vs. Ohio State. Go Buckeyes.

~Peace~
Nini

2006-09-11T20:58:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,
The Ohio weather is a-w-e-s-o-m-e. I love it that it is cool enough to turn off the air conditioning and open the windows. It feels so good to sleep with a cool breeze over the bed. I actually had to get an extra blanket last night. I hope it is like that tomorrow night. I want to stay cozied in bed on my morning off and read a book.

Someone please recommend a great author. I'm in a rut.

Today I ate:
~ Essiac tea
~ a green smoothie: okra, wheatgrass, sunflower sprouts and parsley juiced, with 2 bananas and an apple
~ "beef" burger with lettuce, tomato, and onion on a sunflower cracker
~ salad with tahini dressing
~ 1/2 raw chocolate mint energy bar
~ a juicy mango
~ 1 T. dark agave

Tomorrow is my hard day at work. I hope to have a great night's sleep. I am drinking my Essiac tea now to get myself relaxed. Ahhh...

Nini
:)

2006-09-08T12:48:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday everyone!
I threw a few things together and came up with a delicious recipe. I have eaten them 4 times this week! I hope you like them, too!

Amazing Italian Meatballs

12 oz. white button mushrooms
3/4 c. walnuts
2 T. Italian seasoning
1 t. garlic powder
1 t. celtic sea salt
1 small red pepper
1 small tomato

Blend it all together in the food processor. Put them on the teflex sheets in little "meatball size" balls. (They won't form a real ball.) Dehydrate overnight.
I make a marinara and pour it over the meatballs and they are delicious!!

I went to a natural health practitioner again last Wednesday. I had my 4th colonic and detox foot bath. I am amazed at how great my body feels! I am totally exhausted afterwards and I have been feeling so lethargic again, but my body feels like it is c-l-e-a-n-e-r. What a wonderful thought. Raw food, plus colonics, etc. are making me a healthier person. Praise God!

She is continually working with me to improve my immune system and lymph system. I am taking "ruta grav" pills and some Microzymex water to deal with yeast in my body, plus New Day Herbal Tea based on Dr. Caisse's recipe. I am constantly feeling itchy - esp. the tops of my shoulders and upper arms. These remedies should help if it is a yeast overgrowth.

About the tea:
"Thousands of people over the years have testified that Rene Caisse's formula has cured their cancer, diabetes, ulcers and many other ailments. The formula is believed to normalize body systems by purifying and oxygenating the blood and thoroughly cleansing the body of harmful toxins. It helps break down catabolic tissue and promote the replacement of wasted tissue with healthy new tissue, also leading to a better absorption and assimilation of nutrients."

What is in the New Day Essiac (Caisse spelled backwards!) tea?

There are 4 main herbs. All four main herbs help to normalize body systems by cleansing the blood, promoting cell repair, aiding in effective assimilation and elimination. When combined, their separate beneficial effects are enhanced.

1. Sheep Sorell (Rumex acetosella). It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, it nourishes the glandular system. Sheep sorrel contains silicon, a necessary element in nerves and the myellin sheath that protects them.

2. Burdock Root (Arctium lappa). Contains inulin (important in the metabolism of carbohydrates), essential oils, vitamins and a broad array of minerals. Its vitamin A and selenium help eliminate free radicals. Considered to be a source of strength and nutrition.

3. Slippery Elm (Ulmus Vulva). North American species of tree, the bark of which is traditionally used in folk medicine because it contains large amounts of tannins and mucilages. One of the world's best-known herbal remedies, believed to dissolve mucous deposits in tissue, glands and nerve channels. The inner bark, rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, B, C, K feeds and soothes organs, tissues and mucous membranes.

4. Indian Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum). A thick root that, when harvested, is rich in iron and can be used both internally and externally. In small amounts, this herb acts as a gentle laxative, and purges the body, especially the liver, of wastes and toxic matter.

I just found out that a dear friend has bone cancer. Please join me in prayer for her.

Blessings,

Nini

Please go hear Rev. George Malkmus!

2006-08-30T14:06:00.000-05:00

Please go hear Rev. George Malkmus speak!!! 4 years ago my sis and I went to North Carolina for the weekend and attended a Health Minister Training session. What he had to say was really life changing for me. Although I feel 100% raw is optimum for our bodies, Rev. Malmus is quite a testimony for the raw lifestyle.

Details:

KETTERING, OHIO, Saturday, September 9, 9:00 A.M. "How to Eliminate Sickness" seminar presented by Rev. George Malkmus at Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren, 800 East David Road. For more information contact Brent McKinley. (937) 626-4578.

2006-08-30T13:43:00.000-05:00

Hello friends and family!

This came last night from Jinjee's Daily Inspiration:

I’ve discovered why it was so hard for me to stay 100% raw the last few years. I was eating what I call "borderline" foods – foods that are considered raw but often aren’t such as store-bought nut butters, prepared raw foods that you can now get at Whole Foods that contain coconut butter and coconut oils which I don’t believe are good for you as they harden at room temperature and have an eternal shelf-life, dehydrated foods, dehydrated and prepared and raw restaurant foods containing Braggs liquid Amino acids (not good) and Nama Shoyu (not good), lecithin (bad), cacao powder (a heavy drug), and even un-soaked nuts (not ideal). When I ate like this too often my cooked food cravings would return in a serious way. Now that I am no longer messing with the borderline and I’m eating more simply it is so easy to stay 100% raw it is almost effortless!

In Joy,
Jinjee

Wow - I am going to see if eliminating these products helps me. I'm not really tempted to "slip", but I know I can feel even better. I emailed her and thanked her for what she wrote.

I made a delicious Mexican soup for lunch.
I blended:

3 red bell peppers
2 large tomatoes
1 avocado
a handful of basil
1/2 fresh lemon (juiced)
1 scallion
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
dash sea salt
dash of cayenne pepper

Then I threw in a cup of corn that I took of the cob. The basil was an interesting twist of flavor, but I was out of spinach. Very tasty!

I am joining a challenge (www.veggieboards.com) for the month of September. Here it is:

~Continue All Raw Food
~Learn how to meditate and do it daily (this I hope will help me to release stresses)
~Work on weekly zones to organize my home and make is peaceful.
~Computer off by 9PM! I will try every other day.
~Bed by 11PM!
~Plan meals around in season or inexpensive veggies.
~Cut and wash veggies on purchase days
~Have raw goodies readily available
~Continue my exercise / weight lifting

Happy 49th birthday to my little brother!

Peace,
Nini

2006-08-29T16:57:00.000-05:00

Conclusion: I am a lazy blogger.

I really want to write more often. Really.

Well, let me tell you about a new recipe. raw MEATLOAF!! Bill on rawfoodtalk.com created a delicious mushroom nut loaf that tastes like meatloaf. I tweaked it to my liking and I will share it with you all. Thanks, Bill, for the original recipe. I took this to our raw potluck last Sunday and it got rave reviews.

Nini’s Meatloaf

3 portabella mushrooms
3/4 c. walnuts
½ c. carrots
½ red bell pepper
¼ c. parsley
½ small tomato
handful of chives
handful of basil
1 clove garlic
½ tsp. cumin
1 tsp. Celtic sea salt

Grind everything in the food processor until smooth.
Form into a loaf and dehydrate at 112 degrees for about 9 hours. Top with raw ketchup and dehydrate 3-4 more hours.

Nini’s Raw Ketchup

6 ripe tomatoes, seeded
½ c. sun-dried tomatoes (opt.)
dash of agave nectar
½ t. cinnamon
½ t. cloves
1 t. allspice
1 t. garlic powder
1 t. onion powder
1 t. sea salt
Blend until smooth. If the flavor is too strong, add some seeded tomatoes until it is just right. Remember, the taste is stronger after dehydration.
I pour it into 9x13 pans and dehydrate it until thick. Usually 3-4 hours. If you forget about it and it is too thick, put it back in the blender with a little tomato and blend!
I always adjust the seasonings after I dehydrate it. If I don’t have agave, I use stevia or dates. I prefer agave, though.

The Ohio weather has been very pleasant. Great walking weather. I've been rebounding out on the deck, so I get fresh air and sunshine at the same time.

School is in session, so I'm teaching again. Most of my classes are fine. The kids just stare at this bald woman, but they are respectful. That's cool.

I think I will make Jingee's Pink Lemonade. I'm thirsty and water isn't hitting the spot. Plus, I have lemons to use up. Trader Joe's was have a sale on organic lemons. The best!

Best of all - I am still raw. No slips. Praise the Lord!!

Blessings,
Nini

2006-08-09T19:34:00.000-05:00

I need to start writing again. I feel a sense of accomplishment when I do it.

I love raw food.

I took 2 of my daughters back to school shopping (I can still do it for college, right?). Just for fun I tried on some jeans and they were all too big. I haven't been this size since 1985!!! Yes, 21 years ago.

I sat down in the dressing room and cried.

Then I went and bought a fresh fruit smoothie and celebrated!

Today I ate:
kombucha tea
mango, pineapple, orange, aloe smoothie
yellow zucchini and carrots with a cashew-based curry onion dip
warm cucumbers right off the vine
lots of water

Peace,
Nini

Nini's Salad Bar: Nini's Salad Bar

2006-07-17T17:53:00.000-05:00

Nini's Salad Bar: Nini's Salad Bar

I am still having a blast on my Florida vacation.
I haven't had a variety in my diet, and I feel that I am ballooning up-up-up. I really feel like a bloated whale when I at the pool. Bummer. I am eating too many walnuts. I am luxuriously eating/drinking baby Thai coconuts every day!

I am growing closer to God every day. I am under alot of stress. I worry way too much about everything. My son is struggling in Florida without a job. He does start real estate classes on the 31st. I wish him the best and pray for him constantly. He is precious and needs to focus on a job, but real estate is weighing his mind down. I try not to nag him. Just pray.

I get home Sunday and leave the following Sunday for the Neff vacation. My summer is dwindling away! I look forward to the 4th when I can be home and relax. I shouldn't be stressed about it, but I am.

And then school starts........ Boy am I dreading it.

Yes, I need to refill my Lexapro prescription.

Peace,
Nini

Nini's Salad Bar

2006-07-12T15:07:00.000-05:00

And I want to thank the ones that posted a comment. Thanks for the encouragement!!

Nini's Salad Bar

2006-07-12T15:04:00.000-05:00

Nini's Salad Bar

OK - the food in Key West is to die for. The tropical fruits rawk~~~yum! I am spending most of my time in the city of Pembroke Pines, near Ft. Lauderdale. My son lives in a gated complex there. Fitness center, pool, lots of shopping. Oh yeah!

I am on a strict diet. All raw, though. It seems that I now have small cell carcinoma. Too many melanates in my body and that is causing the cancer. The cancer is not a mass, but is floating throughout my body. Yuck! So, I am watching what I eat to try to rid of this cancer once again. Relaxing in Florida is just what I need.

I have to update this more often, huh?

2006-04-23T19:46:00.000-05:00

OK...I have been MIA. But I never went off my raw eating lifestyle!! Woot for me!!

Eating this way is beginning to give me more energy. That sure makes it worth it. Every day I feel my body getting healthier and stronger.

I spent Spring Break week in Florida. My daughter and I drove down and stayed with my dad. He's one of the Ohio snowbirds. He is so cool. He called me when we were on the raod and asked me what I ate because he was going the next morning to a Farmers Market. He bought so much produce that we even brought some citrus fruit home with us. I ate like a queen. On my Day 100 of eating raw, we went to a restaurant on the beach. "Chickee On The Beach" is being torn down May 1 so a new high rise hotel can be built. So sad.. It's a great place to eat. I exercised more than usual and came home 6 lbs. lighter. I love water aerobics!

Easter was hard. I cooked a tradional SAD dinner for family and friends. I was so strong. But I tell ya - when I sat down to eat my salad and Mock Ham Salad, I had to get up and leave the table. I really was afraid that I might indulge. So, I did the dishes, refilled water goblets, rewarmed the mashed potatoes, etc. I KEPT BUSY!! And, I was the only one that didn't take a nap in the late afternoon. I did have time to begin reading a new book while the house was quiet. My food tasted really good later after company left and my kitchen was back to normal.

A couple of weeks ago I went to a potluck and met Paul Nison. He is a great speaker. His book, The Raw Life, is one I recommend. It was a beautiful Spring afternoon. The food was incredible.

So, how is everyone else doing?

Nini

2006-02-19T21:18:00.000-05:00

I got my own refrigerator for my birthday! It's a little thing, but all mine!!

My sister and I are running away from home Tuesday around 4. We should be home Wednesday evening, but I'm not sure what time. Depends on how long we shop at the 2 outlet malls. We are going to Kentucky to the Weisenberger Mill. It is founded by our distant relative - a Weisenberger. We love genealogy and all that stuff. So we're goin'.

I went to the Health Expo today. I met a couple that post on rawfoodtalk.com.
They radiate health! I want to do the same. They were cool to talk to. They were looking for a raw restaurant and I sent them to DLM. They said it was awesome. That's where I went for my birthday dinner. The DLM salad bar!

Yesterday my husband took me shopping for my birthday: 1) Wild Oats Market, 2) Archivers, and 3) Jungle Jims. I went home and filled my little fridge!

Also, I got tickets to see Michael Buble in concert in April. Woohoo!!

Today:
water
salad
1/2 avocado
fruit salad: mango, blackberries,and pineapple
baby belgium endive stuffed with walnut pate

dehydrated corn

gingersnap lara bar

C-ya!

2006-02-13T20:38:00.000-05:00

Hola!
Well, I decided to join the family and go to dinner with them. This is the first time I have eaten at a restaurant since I started eating raw foods. I had a telephone call right before we left for Cici's, so I forgot my dressing. The only raw veggies: romaine, onions, baby carrots, and sliced mushrooms. I sprinkled some garlic powder on it. Then I found a brown hair in it. It was obviously not mine, so let's just say I lost my appetite. So that's what I had. Baby Leah needed comforting, so I held her almost the entire time. It was better than eating! I will have some carrrot, apple, ginger juice in about an hour as my treat.

What was interesting was that I thought I might feel sorry for myself, not getting to eat what the rest of my crew was eating. But I am really comfortable with this RAW way of eating. Instead, I was thrilled they had romaine and mushrooms - 2 of my favorites. My mindset has changed and I think I am enjoying life a little more now!

Ben's girlfriend sent me a bracelet she made that is beads and says "Momma J" and the Kelly Clarkson cd for my birthday. I played it this morning in the computer lab and my students worked so diligently! Isn't music wonderful? I love both gifts so much because of the thought that she put into it. Yep, I see her as a daughter-in-law. They just need time. (And an education wouldn't hurt. )

I talked to my "raw" cousin last night. We need to pray for her - she has been eating alot of the SAD diet and is unhappy with herself. She also said she feels like crap. She is my inspiration! I think she needs to come to Ohio and speak to our friends about her raw lifestyle. She would convince them that food can be the best medicine.

I am scared. Please calm me down!

My belly is smaller - but what scares me? I just rubbed coconut oil over my belly and I felt numerous lumps. They are small, like the size of a pea, maybe. And they are concentrated on my left and right sides, but there are some in the middle above my navel. This scares me! I have maybe 20+.
I really don't want to visit my doctor. He will send me for tests and I don't want to do anything harsh to my body.
Do you have any idea what this might be? I am scared.

BTW ~ the organic Meyer lemons at Trader Joes are superdeliciousfantastic.

2006-02-05T17:58:00.000-05:00

Hi!
I need to reorganize.

My refrigerator is now packed full of raw food. My daughters are trying to find junk food and can't. Haha!! It will be eaten very quickly because most of it is greens.

My counter is overflowing..... I think I need to organize. I have a big yellow bowl that I started filling with my raw nuts, dates, spices, crackers, and agave. Now there isn't enough room for everything. My bowl runneth over! I love the Anchor Hocking glass canisters that I saw on a raw food dvd. I think Wal-Mart carries them. If I could put my goods in those and stack them, I could get rid of the yellow bowl and clean up my space. Now, understand, we have a lot of counter space and I take up 1/4 of it. I have my bowl, a blender, and a Champion. Soon I'll have my wheatgrass juicer attached to the counter. (It's a manual one.) I have a tiny food processor that cost $3, too.

I start back to school tomorrow I haven't taught since before Christmas Break. I LOVED being home. I get so tired. There are days when I must sleep 16-17 hours a day. The doctor says it could be a sign of the Alopecia. My raw diet is helping a little bit, but not much. (I yawn as I write this.)

Today I ate:
mesclun salad with tomato, sprouts, red onion, Bragg's and olive oil
strawberry pudding (another Jan recipe)
my nacho cheese dip with mushroom slices
raw sauerkraut
water galore - I am sooo thirsty!

Bye!

2006-02-04T22:13:00.000-05:00

I am so excited! My wheatgrass juicer should be here by the end of next week. Thanks to Dad for buying it for me. I went with the Healthy Juicer. I will use it just for wheatgrass juicing. I can use the Champion or my citrus juicer for the other.

Here's my new recipe. I wanted creamy con queso for the Superbowl.

Jan's Nacho Cheese Sauce
1 Cup Raw Cashews
2 Tbs Raw Tahini
1 Cup Orange Bell Pepper
Juice of 1/2 Lemon
2 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 t. Garlic Powder
1 large clove garlic, minced
2 t. Sea Salt
1 T. Ground Cumin
1/4 t. Ground Black Pepper
1/4 t. cayenne pepper

Soak nuts for 6 hours in filtered water. Drain water. Combine all ingredients in the blender and puree. Looks like nacho cheese!

Today I had:
juice and meat of one Thai baby coconut
2 bananas
raw carob powder
sliced mushrooms w/ my nacho cheese recipe
lots of water

I hope you are enjoying your weekend!

2006-02-01T20:21:00.000-05:00

Hi!
Last night I made up my very first raw recipe! Can I get a Woot! Woot!?

Jan's Apple Salad
1/3 c. spring water
2 Medjool dates, pitted
handful of raw cashews
2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
1/2 stalk celery, chopped fine
1/4 c. raw walnuts
2 T. raisins

In the blender, soak the dates in the water for 20 minutes. Add the cashews and blend until creamy. Pour into a bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix together. Makes 2 servings, unless you are really hungry!

Today I've had:
orange, lemon, grapefruit juice
hummus and raw sauerkraut
corn & grape tomato salad
apple salad

I have added new reading material to my RAW library! I have recently purchased and read:
Alissa Cohen's Living on Live Food
Alissa Cohen's DVD Living on Live Food
Rawsome! by Brigitte Mars
Rainbow Green Live-Food Cuisine by Gabriel Cousens, M. D.
Raw Foods for Busy People by Jordan Maerin

This is how I spent the month of January. Reading, reading, reading. I am learning so much about how important enzymes are to my body. Live food is healing food. It is my body's medicine.

2006-01-31T00:33:00.000-05:00

Today I ate:
hummus with raw bread
1 entire cantelope
water with fresh lemon juice
I will have a blood orange before bed.

I just went to my sister's and watched her kids. What a riot. I watched a Dora movie with Molly while we played. The boys are growing up so fast. Joel is so tall! Last week I spent time with my brother's kids. I love not working. Too bad it's my last week off.

My sis told me I've lost weight in my face and my cheeks are healthier and rosier. She said my eyes are more blue. Woot! Thanks for the encouragement.

I am watching a show on tv about beaches. I REALLY have spring fever now. I want to be on the beach. Seeing the waves. Listening to the gulls. Feeling the sand between my toes. I love to boogie board surf. There is something about seeing the sunrise and sunset on a beach that leaves me speechless. I can sit on a beach and just stare at the horizon. It really mellows me out. After I have spent time there, My blood pressure always becomes normal and I need less Lexapro. If my brothers and sisters lived there I would move in a minute. I just love family so much and can't leave them for lovg periods of time. And think of all the great tropical fruits I could eat. Wow!

I am trying to sprout again. I want sprouts for my salads. I can't believe what the hfs charges for such a small package. $3 for 2 salads worth. Salad bar is cheaper I think.

Peace!

2006-01-29T18:00:00.000-05:00

Hi!

I sprouted chick peas for the first time and made homemade hummus. I have been scared to do this and I can't get over how easy it was! I even took a picture of it.

Today, so far, I've had:
citrus juice
sauerkraut
corn and tomato salad
hummus with sunflower flax snax

My daughter and I are going to Jungle Jim's next Friday. I can't wait to go crazy there! Have you ever been there?

I went GPS caching with Nate and the kids this afternoon. I thought of you as I was walking through the woods. It was all muddy and I was so afraid I would fall on my keester. But, no I didn't! Have you ever done this? It is just like letterboxing. That is fun, too.

2006-01-28T20:53:00.000-05:00

Today was interesting!
I had 3 tangelos. 2 blood oranges juiced

John and I went to Tropical Smoothie for fun. We shared a blend of pineapple, mango, banana and kiwi. They tried to convince me to add the raw tubinado sugar because it would be gross without it. Well, it tasted great without it! Then we took off to DLM so I could get a shot of wheatgrass.

Tonight I made a spinach salad that was too large to finish. I added some corn tomato salad, avocado, sauerkraut, marinated mushrooms on it. It looked delicious, but I filled up way too fast.

For snack, I have raw walnuts with a "frosting" made of coconut butter, agave, sea salt and cinnamon whipped together. Yum!

I went and had my eye exam this afternoon. Doc said there wasn't any diabetic bleeding going on, which they thought was happening. He said it looks like there has been some healing taking place. Yeah raw foods!! Also, he said my eyes are getting stronger and my eyesight has improved!

I'm a happy camper!
Jan

2006-01-27T23:50:00.000-05:00

Oh, yeah!! I went for my first pedicure this afternoon. It was a gift from my sister. Totally wicked. I am going back next month for sure. Can anyone guess the color of my toenails now??

Eating today:
raw organic food bar in cranberry
pineapple
2 tangelos
marinated baby bella mushrooms
Fiji water
blueberries

2006-01-25T21:05:00.000-05:00

Today I made a nut and seed loaf. Used the recipe from the potluck. Mine tastes horrible. I hate it that I wasted all those almonds.
I then had some sunflower flax crackers from the HFS.
I think I need some fruit. I am going to juice my lemons, orange and grapefruit now.

I spent the night at my brother's last night. I played with my nieces and nephews. It was awesome. I love 'em bunches.

Tomorrow it's back to greens and fruit.

I am trying to make a salad dressing with goji berries, agave, and ????. I want it to go on a spinach walnut salad. Any ideas??

2006-01-23T21:40:00.000-05:00

Today's delights:

orange, lemon and grapefruit juice
mesclun salad with 2 kinds of sprouts, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms and red peppers
wheatgrass shot
baby broccoli with tahini sauce
water

The baby broccoli is a mix of reg. broccoli and asparagus. So sweet and good.

have a tummy ache tonight....

2006-01-22T19:38:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday!
The potluck was interesting. Kinda like I was in another country. Different language and food. I met Barbara and her husband as I was getting out of my car. She took me under her wing and helped me get comfortable. What a sweet spirited couple!

I had to take off my shoes. I didn't wear socks. Rarely do even when it is below zero. That's the way I am. Anyway, the owner kept asking me if I wanted something for my feet. I was great, but maybe she was uncomfortable with them being bare.......

There were around 2 dozen people there. All ages. A Bulgarian couple living in Tipp City came with their 1 year old daughter. He made some sun-dried tomato crackers that totally rocked. Some came from Kentucky. A few were from Cincinnati. A man from Miami, Florida. A girl from Yellow Springs. I wish I had met more of them.

And such a wild spread of food! People shared recipes and cookbooks. I liked eating some of it. Some I couldn't handle - too unusual for me right now. A learned taste. There were 3 different nut pates, "mashed potatoes", lots of fruit salads, Better Butter from Boutenko's book (wonderful on crackers), organic collard greens and kale salad, blueberry apricot cookies, absolutely delicious cookie bars by Gill, David Wolfe's raw olives, lots of sprouts, alkaline water for us to drink.....I am very satisfied.

What I loved was the mood. Gill played the fiddle for us. Everyone was willing to answer the questions I had. I enjoyed listening. I thought it would be a sterile atmosphere, but it was cozy. Fireplace, cat, and all.

Yep, I will go back. Even if one guy talks about the "Angel of Light." I have my Jesus. Good thing I was all prayered up.

Nini

2006-01-21T19:40:00.000-05:00

Another beeeeyooootiful day in Ohio. Sun shining.

Today:
wheatgrass shot
salad bar at Dorothy Lane Market: mesclun mix, sprouts, fresh dill, onion,
avocado,mushrooms, red peppers
raw sauerkraut
Later: probably a banana concoction with agave, raw almond butter and
raw carob.

I went to the library to look for raw related reading. They had Juliano's book, Raw, The Juicing Bible by Crocker, and one by Dr. Jensen on detoxification. I am excited about the first one. Hopefully I can get some info from the other 2. The selection was terrible. I am going online to see if I can reserve titles I couldn't find, like Carol Alt's book.

I am going to my first raw potluck tomorrow. I made a recipe from Jennifer Cornbleet's book. Carrots with Moroccan Spices. I hope they like it. Kinda nervous. I am the one that just sits there and listens. That's why I like the computer. Noone to see me and talk to me. I will be strong!

I am woman - hear me roar!

I have begun skin-brushing. It feels good. I wonder how long I should brush, though. I am done in like 1 minute. Something to research.

Peace.

2006-01-20T18:23:00.000-05:00

Hey! Happy Friday!

For today -
one pomelo
one green smoothie (2 ripe bananas, some pineapple, spinach and water)
nut pate with carrots and sauerkraut

snack? probably grapefruit, of course.

Boring, huh?

I am really looking forward to the farmer's markets this summer. I will have a new perspective when shopping there!

Oh - I am so excited! Katie has raw food ipodcasts on her computer and is downloading them for me. I can't wait to listen to them!!

A student of mine rang my doorbell this afternoon. (I thought it was Amazon. I am low on reading materials.) What a surprise! Some students made me Get Well cards. They are a hoot!

Bye for now!

2006-01-19T18:49:00.000-05:00

Hi there!
I think I either had the flu, or I just went through my first detox. I had chills and was shaking uncontrollably. So achy all over. But now I am much better and feel alot better than before!! Woohoo!! I guess Day 25 is my special day!

Today's Menu:
sipped orange, lemon, grapefruit juice on ice (dilute it for my blood sugar)
corn, tomato salad
raw sauerkraut
sipped more orange, lemon, grapefruit juice on ice

Will probably have a banana later. Eating pretty light today.

John and the kids went to Applebees for 1/2 price appetizers for dinner. I sipped my juice out on the deck and tried to get some fresh air. Sounds strange for January. It was nice to listen to nature!

Take care,
Nini

2006-01-18T21:18:00.000-05:00

Today I had:
1 pomelo
glass of orange, lemon, grapefruit juice (i orange, 1/4 lemon, 1 grapefruit)
shot of wheatgrass at DLM
small salad with corn, tomatoes, cauliflower, spinach
another glass of orange, lemon, grapefruit juice

Did you have a raw meal?

I went to Aldi's this afternoon. The avocados are .79, the mangos are .59. Spinach is 1.49. I will be eating well for the next few days! They had grapes and cherries at a good price, too.

Today is the first day I have driven a car since Christmas. My dizziness seemed to hold off until dinnertime. Then it it "big time." Porcelain bowl, ya know?

I went to meet a friend and then to the health food store for some sauerkraut. My daughter and granddaughters rode along. It was fun.

2006-01-17T20:41:00.000-05:00

Feeling kinda rotten today....So I am taking it easy.

For a surprise, Beth brought me oranges this morning! So I had a glass of orange grapefruit juice. My favorite blend is 2 grapefruit and 3 oranges. I have to take an extra dose of insulin, though.

For lunch I made a delicious smoothie. I blended spinach, water, 1 banana, 1/2 mango, and a packet stevia. I love it that I can't taste the spinach.

I will probably have a small salad or another smoothie for dinner.

My husband bought me pomelos! They are HUGE. I have never had one. Maybe that will be dessert.

Katie just showed me her latest prints. Wow, she is good. I am so proud of her work!

2006-01-16T21:33:00.000-05:00

Wow! It has been a while since I have written. I have 2 people that I email with about raw foods and spend time answering them, etc. I want to begin posting my daily meals.

To the comment about B12.....that cracked me up!!! Thanks for the laugh.

Wasn't the weather today great? I went to my daughter's and played with my granddaughters. I got some fresh air!

Today:
Almond milk drink that I made! I added to it, one banana, 1 T. coconut oil and 1/4 fresh pineapple for the best smoothie EVER!!!

1 orange
handful cauliflower
small salad
1 banana w/ almond butter

I know I had too much fat today. Hopefully the cravings will subside. I also have too much salt in my diet, even if it is Celtic sea salt and nama shoyu.

I haven't rebounded for 4 days. I promise to get back at that.

Bugs

2006-01-05T16:09:00.000-05:00

I don't like eating them. Just the thought makes me crazy.

Well, I did eat some. Yesterday. Not intentionally. I bought some raw Italian crackers at the health food store. I ate 3 of them. Then I turned on the light and saw larvae attached to one. Yuck! Then I saw a little yellow worm. Double yuck! and actually, I saw the worms again the next day, if ya know what I mean.....

I took those back and got another snack.

2006-01-05T15:59:00.000-05:00

So far today:

Green Juice Blend
tomatoes with olive oil and garlic
fiji water
carrot juice

What are you eating?

I had a biopsy of my head this morning. I hated that I had to have drugs injected into my scalp. I went and bought Fiji water and have been drinking it like a fish to flush out the toxins.

11 Days 100% Raw.

Can I hear a Woot!! Woot!!

Peace from this mango eatin' gal.

2006-01-01T23:48:00.000-05:00

January 1!!! A new year....a healthier year...

Meal#1: 1/4 fresh pineapple - yummy! 1 Raworeo
Meal #2: salad of romaine, avocado, seeds, nama shoyo, PIZZAZ raw cracker
Meal #3: 2 bananas, 1 T. raw carob powder, 1 T. coconut oil, 1 T. agave nectar

This is my 7th day 100% raw. No slips!! Even when my blood sugar went down, I made it through it without glucose tablets or candy. Yes!!

This is a big difference from 70% raw as before. I need more carrot juice, though.

I am still sleepy and kinda lethargic. I know this funk will end soon. My brother Doug is trying to do this with me. We email every day to keep each other motivated.

Happy 2006!!

Great Advice

2005-12-29T12:35:00.000-05:00

For those of you who don't know it, I LOVE my laptop. It is my best friend. I play with it. Learn from it. I have met many friends on it.

I was chatting on a forum about being 100% raw and whether or not drinking tea would "ruin" that %. I just want to feel the best I can and don't want to stop any detoxing that drinking tea might hinder. I mean I was really beating my mind up over this. So then a "friend" posted this and put me in my place. It's what I needed to hear and I thought I would share it with you:

guys guys guys.... and gals, stop worrying what your raw percentage is and definitely stop worrying about what is 'good' and what is 'bad.' All of everything just IS, leave it at that. Here is the guideline:First, tell yourself what you want out of diet and health and all that. Second, consult your body and ask it what it needs to get the job done. Last, ask your mind if what the body is saying is out of addiction or necessity for a certain nutrient or food. That's all there is to it. 3 steps: Tell yourself the desired outcome, ask your body what it needs, and then ask your head if your body is on target or not.

Thanks, plunkan.

Well, I am off for my shot of wheatgrass! I am almost over my first bout of cooked food withdrawal....waiting on a bout of detox....Woohoo!!

Love and peace to all!

erry

2005-12-26T00:14:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

I am so happy today!

2005-12-22T16:29:00.001-05:00

This package is like an early Christmas! The new coconut oil is awesome. Actually tastes like a creamy coconut. Right away I had it in a smoothie: fresh almond milk with ground cocoa nibs and I thought I was having a liquid Almond Joy!!

Scrumptious, I tell ya.

I rubbed the oil on my skin after I showered. I smell kinda nutty. I might shower before visiting with friends tonight.

I also bought a trail mix to keep in the glove compartment. I might drive around until I get hungry just so I can eat some.

Don't forget to celebrate Jesus during the holidays. Santa seems to be everywhere.

I am so happy today!

2005-12-22T16:29:00.000-05:00

2005-12-22T01:17:00.000-05:00

My order comes tomorrow. Yippee!! And today I found raw carob powder to put in my banana smoothies. I am in heaven!!

2005-12-20T01:29:00.000-05:00

I am so excited! I just ordered Maca powder. I will add it to my smoothies. This powder is supposed to be good for energy and the immune system. Also, I bought a different coconut oil. It was recommended that I try the Nutiva brand, so I am. I have been using Trader Joe's, but I don't enjoy the lack of flavor. I'll let you know how I like it. It should arrive next week.

My goal this week: drink more water.

Smile!

2005-12-16T21:21:00.000-05:00

The 7 Principles of Life!

1. Fresh Air & Sunshine
2. Water
3. Whole Foods
4. Walking
5. Loving Relationships
6. Passion
7. A Good Night’s Sleep

I found a doctor in Cincy that does colonics/hydrotherapy. http://www.drhealth.net/index.html I think I will look into it over break.

2005-12-14T14:21:00.000-05:00

'Juiceman' Jay Kordich says, "Eat fruit, Juice vegetables". I am thinking of trying this for one week. I love my banana cacao smoothies, but I want to see if it will lower my blood sugar readings. Hmmm....

Anyone care to join me?

I LOVE the snow today!!

2005-12-13T17:53:00.000-05:00

The kids were laughing at me at school today and it made me cry. Here I am. A blubbering bald woman.

2005-12-12T20:10:00.000-05:00

My advice for the day:

Don't drink eggnog. I am one sick girl. Indulging in this unraw delight was not a good idea. Ugh......

Hi everyone!

2005-12-10T21:52:00.000-05:00

Well, I have really been enjoying my raw green smoothies! I love adding kale and parsley to my carrot & granny smith apple juice. Celery has been really stringy and frustrating me. Too bad - I love the taste of the juice. I still LOVE wheatgrass.

Update on my balding condition. Dr. seems to think my thyroid medicine is not working and my immune system is shutting down. I told him, "I'll drink to that." He looked at me strangely and I told him that I am juicing my way back to health, Lord willing. He thinks I am a strange lady. Yes, I am a peculiar person!

I am still rebounding. Gotta keep those lymph glands healthy.

Peace!

2005-11-29T23:43:00.000-05:00

After looking at myself in the mirror, I can't believe what I see. My head has very little hair on it. One eyebrow is gone and the other will be in a couple days. My doctor called me at 9:15 pm to tell me my bloodwork was horrible. He suggested hospitalization, but I said no. He adjusted some meds. I know God is telling me now that I have to cleanse my body. I know something else, too. I can't make falling off raw a fear otherwise I will turn into something that is negative and undesirable. I will begin to spend all my energy trying not to to fall off rather than enjoying the journey I am on and letting it take me places I've never imagined. Basically that is one of the side effects of becoming raw...not only will I cleanse the body, I will cleanse my soul. It forces me to face my fears and the garbage in my life head on.

Peace to all.

2005-08-04T14:49:00.000-05:00

Oy..........
Last night I went to bed at 9:30 and didn't arise until after 2:00pm. My withdrawal from my vacation sugar and caffeine hit me with a terrible headache. My head still aches, but I am not sick anymore.

Breakfast: I had a cup of hot Pero and a bowl of chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic. 1/2 hr. later I finished a Lara Bar for my sweet tooth.

Lunch: A glass of carrot, apple, beet, ginger juice. Rebounder: I can only jump 3 minutes, but I did it!!!

Dinner: Sarah and Beth are coming and bringing a watermelon and a salad! I have the night off from cooking!!

It is so HOT HOT HOT HOT outside. I wasn't up to get my early morning sunshine, so I am braving the heat now. We have a small pool (Thanks, neighbors!) and I will soak in that. Off I go!

Peace,
Nini

2005-08-03T17:53:00.000-05:00

Hi!
I am in "Farm Market Heaven"! I went this afternoon as the farmers were setting up. Bought some delicious peaches and went home and juiced an apple-peach concoction. Yummy! Later, I went back to see the rest of the farmers and bought delicious supersweet yellow corn, cabbage, huge yellow tomatoes, cantelopes, blueberries, and basil. For my family, who is not raw, I bought grassfed beef, pecan rolls, and wholewheat bread that was baked at 5:00 this am.

I can't wait to go again next Wednesday!

Next Tuesday, I am driving to Auburn, Indiana to meet Solomon Wickey. He is one of God's blessed healers. I will tell you about that visit when I return.

I am still battling my morning coffee habit. I didn't drink it today, so I am grumpy and achy. I wish it were full of enzymes and good for us!

Peace,
Nini

2005-08-02T23:17:00.000-05:00

WOW! I am back from Miami, Florida! I actually stayed in Hallandale Beach and it was great. It was great to be with my son, Ben.

I ate alot of salad. I didn't drink enough juice....I miss wheatgrass!!!! I am really looking forward to juicing tomorrow. I was home about 30 minutes and had a fresh veggie juice for a burst of vitamins. Slept like a baby!

I enjoyed the sun. I spent hours at Hollywood Beach. I swam in God's ocean for exercise, walked the sandy beach for a natural pedicure, and rested under a palm tree for relaxation. I could spend my retirement doing these 3 things. It was the bomb!!

Thank you, Jesus, for such beauty. And send Ben home. He needs to think with his brain, just not his heart.

Peace,
Nini

2005-07-23T21:30:00.000-05:00

Nothing new to report.....Raw food rocks! Ranier cherries are still the bomb! I have been having banana smoothies lately. Sooo good. And I love my green smoothies, too. My skin isn't orange anymore because I have backed off the carrots. But I do miss the 100% carrot juice.

I leave for Florida Monday. I will get to see my Ben!!! I miss him so much. Katie is going with me. She really missed her brother. I am going with my great friend, Michelle, and her 5 yr. old daughter, Leah. Eating raw is going to be tough.

I am going to get my first pedicure on Monday. I am really all about getting my body in good shape right now. If anyone has a good natural brand of skincare, let me know. I am considering purchasing Alba products or Burt's Bees. Hmmmm........

~Peace and Jesus' Love~

2005-07-14T18:48:00.000-05:00

Hi!

So rule #1 ------- NEVER run out of produce in the house. Esp. fruit. Last night at 4:30 am my blood sugar went down too low and I was out of fruit to juice. And carrots. In fact, I had to resort to Tropicana O up.J to get it up.

I am happy because my daughters Katie and Mollie are at Dorothy Lane Market buying organic produce for me!!!!! That is a happy phone call!!!

This morning I drank my carrot, parsley, cucumber, and ginger juice. Tonight, I had a small handful of organic potato chips, one nibble of veggie lasagna, and I have a small sweet potato in the oven now. I seem to be unprepared to do this 100% and I really want to. My family went to the Golden Corral for dinner and I stayed home. I was too tired. But I get sooooo hungry.

Enough of this rambling! If anyone reads this, please lift me up in prayer. My Dr. appt is tomorrow.

Peace and love to all.

2005-07-12T18:00:00.000-05:00

Hello! I am sooo hungry. For breakfast, I enjoyed cherries. Then I finished my juice of carrots, cucumbers, parsley, apple, and ginger. For lunch, I had a small salad with a tahini dressing. I loaded it with fresh asparagus and sprouts. Now, I am starving - for the veggie lasagna in my oven. It smells so tasty. I am not sure what I want, but I have to eat to keep my blood sugar stable. I just need to go to the store!

My IBS is stable today. Woohoo! What a great feeling.

Love to all -

Sunday evening

2005-07-10T18:41:00.000-05:00

Well, it seems the better I am at eating RAW, the more temptations cross my path. I have done really well today...then my daughter brings home Skyline Chili and leaves the leftovers on the kitchen counter. It's yelling, "Eat me!!!!!" and I stopped at one bite - running out of the room. I did have some popcorn tonight. :( I think I need to stress that I can't handle leftovers being left out on the table or counter. Usually they are there for my husband to snack on. I need my family to hide their yummies, so I can make it through this detox once and for all.

I went and replaced my toothpaste and deoderant with brands that are healthier. Sue stresses that if it isn't something that you would eat, why put it in your body at all? TOXINS!! So, my toothpaste is flouride, sugar, toxin-free, as is my deoderant. Next week, I will look into shampoos.

The guy in charge of wheatgrass does not work on Sundays, so I will try to reach him tomorrow.
Do you know that avocadoes ripen very slowly when you are waiting for them to ripen???
I want an alfalfa sprout/avocado sandwich on Ezekiel bread for dinner soon. I look forward to the time I am 100% raw and not craving bread!

I am praying for those who have been affected by the London catastrophe. Please join me.

Peace!

2005-07-10T13:34:00.000-05:00

Good afternoon!

I have to tell you - I am craving another shot of wheatgrass. I think I will go to my local HFS and discuss how I can buy it and juice it myself. I don't want to mess with growing it - but buying a flat might work. I loved the energy it gave me.

I woke up and had a little coffee. My husband brought it to me. How could I say,"No!"? He was so sweet. We had Beth spend the night and he knew I was tired from her. I had a raw Lara Bar (Banana Cookie is my fave) and juiced some veggies. Right now my fave blend is granny smith apple, carrot, celery, and beet.

For dinner tonight, I will be feasting on fruit! Sarah left me fresh pineapple, strawberries and grapes. Yippee!!

Let me tell you what I learned today: (by Michael Braunstein)

Precut carrots are virtually useless. They've been dead for who knows how long. We call them 'horse carrots' and using them for horses may be cruel. No proper chef would use them. They have little taste. They have little nutrition. And they are devoid of life force. He said that is what makes a truly epicurean adventure: the life force and the intention in the cooking. Real carrots have tops on them, and though they are no longer in the ground, they are still alive. They are still processing oxygen with chlorophyll. They have their leaves on still and can do that. They have life force.

He's right you know.

~ Be well!

2005-07-09T21:30:00.000-05:00

Hello! What a great Saturday!
I indulged - I went to a juice bar and had my first shot of wheatgrass. I had it on an empty stomach, so I had alot of energy about 20 minutes later. My daughter Sarah was with me and she thinks I've gone b-o-n-k-e-r-s! I had a salad for dinner and an Ezekiel sandwich for dessert. Yummy! I love the raw almond butter from Trader Joes. I sweetened it with agave nectar, celtic sea salt, and a dash of cinnamon. Incredible. I purchased plenty of organic veggies to juice the next few days. I love the taste parsley adds to carrot juice. Along with a tart apple and a cucumber/asparagus to juice with them!

My MIL gave me her rebounder to use. Woohoo! Tomorrow I will start bouncing. According to my cousin Sue, the bouncing is really good for the digestive & lymphatic system. I hope to see improvement with my IBS very soon. I will tell ya about Sue soon.

I really miss Julie, Nate, and their kids.

I send you love from Jesus,
Nini

2005-07-01T12:53:00.000-05:00

Hello!
Hasn't this weather been HOT???? Sure makes juices taste great when poured over crushed ice. Have you tried the newest crop of cherries? one word: incredible.

I sure miss Sarah and Bethie! She called me and talked to me. I can't wait to feel her little arms around my neck!

I have been having a hard time with the raw eating. Vacations make it difficult. And I am leaving in the morning on one. I packed some Larabars and Raweos that I found in a HFS in Kettering. I just have this feeling Joel and Noah are going to want french fries and I am at a weak stage.

I went to the dr. this week and found out my sugar is still great, but my thyroid is wacky. How can they say that when Imdon't even have one?? The normal levels for TSH is 1.0-3.0. People start feeling lousy around 4.0 or 5.0. My test results showed 40.5. The dr. made me redo it. Again, it was 40.7. So he is afraid my cancer is back. He has sent me to an endocrinologist in Beavercreek. Maybe that will explain my weight gain that I am having even tho I am exercising every day. It does explain why I HAVE to nap every day.

My IBS is worse than ever. The HDiet is supposed to help with this....I am praying it does asap! I am still eating salads and fruit daily. Lovin' those cherries!

Nini

2005-06-20T20:50:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday!
I went to the Greek Isle Deli today! They have the best hummos and tabbouli. Yum. Then Mollie and I went to the HFS. She was like "Yuck! Tastes like dog food!" and "Why would people eat this???" But she did buy 2 things to snack on and liked them. Little steps. Next, we walked the Mall. She found a bedding set and is d-r-o-o-l-i-n-g over it. I found some shorts for John and then we came home. I downed my carrot juice. I had my Mannatech with a banana today. Tasted great. I am weaning myself of caffeine - so all I've had today is some PERO. I am saving the deli food for tomorrow.

I spent 1 1/2 hours doing a Deep Water Workout at the local pool. It meets 3 times a week. Because of swimmeets last week, there are make-up days so, I will workout M-T-W-S at the pool and walk the other days. After a long relaxing soak had a tomato and avocado salad. What a delicious meal!

Joel Osteen is on Larry King. What a great interview. God is blessing so many people through him.
God bless you!
Nini

2005-06-18T11:37:00.000-05:00

OK. I am an emotional eater. This week I was an emotional trip for me. I faithfully took my Mannatech. I drank my carrot juice and ate veggies. But my suppers were disastrous. I always have great intentions, but somehow something messes with me (usually family) and I eat the same dinner with them. Last night I had a salad bar, so I was ok.

I went to the closing VBS program last night. It was nice. My husband came along. They had hotdogs, cookies, and orange drink - and I didn't partake! That is a MAJOR accomplishment 'cause I just love hotdogs!! He took me to the salad bar because I was drooling and sooo hungry. BTW, my sis pulled my name from a basket and I won a Dayton Dragons T-shirt! Woohoo!! My goal is to be able to wear the thing or Joel, my nephew gets it. And he wants it. No way Joel!!! IT'S MINE!!!

My son left for Florida Wednesday. No job, few bucks, and a broken car. Just Jesus and determination. I can't believe he actually went. He called me last night. He has a girlfriend (which is why he went) and they put me on speakerphone, so I could talk to them. Is he job searching? I will Mom..... I actually went out and bought a bottle of wine. But haven't opened it because I bought it for all the wrong reasons and - it's not RAW and is right next to my carrot juice, so I drink it instead!

My granddaughter Elizabeth (We call her Beth, too) left for Denver last night. She will be back in 2 weeks. She cried and kept yelling, "I want to stay with Nini." Golly - I about grabbed her and ran. I'll miss her so much. I won't be able to hug her for 3 weeks because my sis asked me to join her family on their family trip to Tulsa. I'll get to see my 95 yr. old Grandma Ida. I am so thankful thay are letting me join them. For many reasons. 1) I love being Aunt Jan to Joel, Noah and Molly. Those kids ROCK!!! They are so funny. 2) I will get to spend time with Nate, my BIL. He's a great guy, but I never get to talk to him because he's so darn busy. 3) I will get to wrap my arms around my grandma again. Probably for the last time. She is a remarkable woman! 4) I get to see the Cardinals!! 5) I can spend more time with my sis. Good times...Good times....

2005-06-12T14:47:00.000-05:00

So after feeling wonderful about eating great all yesterday, last night I failed. I fell into a bowl of baked beans. What a sticky mess.

Kate refilled my Paxil today. I took it with carrot juice. Nini's not very happy right now. I have a gazillion things racing in my mind and have no peace. I need to go to the grocery, but family complains about what I buy. So, they told Kate they want her to take over the job. So, I have even failed at grocery shopping.

Noah called me last night! He was jumping on his sister's bed. Nothing is sweeter than having your nephew call you to tell you he loves you. XOXOXOXO to you Noah!

It's 4:00 and time for my Mannatech and carrot juice.
Ciao!

2005-06-11T16:52:00.000-05:00

Greetings from Nini! Today I awoke with a bad tummy. So I didn't have anything but carrot juice until late afternoon. Then I had a salad. I LOVE baby greens. They are so tender and flavorful. I threw in some raisins and sunflower seeds and tossed it with flaxseed oil and garlic. I give it a rating of 3 apples out of 10. There has to be something tastier! For dinner I am roasting a sweet potato. I am currently 85% raw. I look forward to being 100% raw! I am on my 7th glass of water. Woohoo! My sister called me and is going to make me a raw dessert. I can't wait!!!

2005-06-10T17:36:00.000-05:00

This is not my first attempt at eating raw. A couple of years ago I went to Shelby, NC and went through the Hallelujah Acres Health Minister training. I felt great and my migraines disappeared. Lost a few pounds, too. But that cooked food just tempted me and I gave in. I began to feel guilty whenever I even thought about cooked vegetables. I stopped my daily devotions and just pooped out on the whole idea.

Then my cardiologist recommended I have gastric bypass surgery. Dr. Hussain said my stress (which I now no longer deny having) combined with my weight of 255# (5'4" & small-boned) is going to kill me before my 50th birthday. What frightens me? I turn 50 in 8 months. Suddenly radishes are mighty tasty! Give me a Romaine Wrap any meal! Anyone for a game of tennis?

Does Wheatgrass Have a Positive Effect on Your Health?
	Woot! 3-4 shots has me runnin' circles!
	Yep! 1-2 shots a day for me!
	Yes - I juice it daily
	I drink the green elixer 3-4 times a week
	I take a shot whenever it calls my name
	I am looking forward to trying it
	Drink grass? Never!
	What is wheatgrass?

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