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Raw Food Diet Made Easy

Posted on 06. Feb, 2010 by kris.

Happy Saturday Everyone!

Wow, what an amazing day I had yesterday. I started my morning with a trip to see Krista (Ryan’s sister) at her new location. Her and Ryan’s mom and other sister started a cosmetic teeth whitening business. If anyone is in the Vancouver area, you must check this site out!

The two of us then attended a woman’s networking group! It was a blast! I met a lot of new wonderful people and enjoyed a cup of joe

After my meet up I went on a date with my sister! Girls night out where we cried our eyes out at “Dear John”! Ahhh Channing you are a beautiful man

I decided I will set up a plan to go all raw here in the next little bit as a test to myself to see if it makes a difference in my energy, sleep, and overall health. I am always up to experimenting with myself like this and I am ALWAYS up for a good challenge. I am however debating if I should wait until closer to the spring when more local veggies and fruit are grown here. Right now a lot of the produce I eat is from far away! Anyone else have this issue?

From the other times I have tried a Raw diet I realized that the diet actually takes a lot of work and time to prepare. So I figured I will set a plan to make this an easy adventure for me. How will I do that? Simple:

1. Cut up veggies for 2 days and keep them in glass containers in the fridge.
2. Make bigger batches of salad dressings and dips to last few days.
3. Soak all my nuts 1 – 2 times a week so they are always on hand ready to eat.
4. Do 1 “dehydrate” day. I will use my oven for now and you can find out how to do that here!
5. Drink a lot of smoothies! I really love my smoothies and I know they are so beneficial and are a super easy meal.
6. Make a bunch of desserts and keep them in the fridge.
7. Buy bulk when I can. This will save me a lot of time and money. I will save time from having to run to the store every day
8. Make a large batch of almond milk and keep it in a mason jar in the fridge. It lasts 3 days nice and fresh.

I am sure I will come up with more tricks that will make this diet easier for me, and I will let you know what they are

I started the Raw theme off early and made this dessert when I got home from the movies.

Raw Apple Pie:

1 cup pecans
1/2 dates
1 medium apple
1/4 cup agave
2 tsp cinnamon

1. Place the pecans and dates in a food processor and process until fine and sticky.
2. Place nut mixture into a 6′ dish and press into a crust.
3. Slice apple thinly and mix in a bowl with agave and cinnamon
4. Arrange coated apple slices on the crust and place in the fridge for crust to get hard.

I am off to a Mix & Mingle Party my mom and I are hosting!! It is going to be a fun day!

Have you ever gone all Raw? Would you suggest starting when the fruit and veg is more in season here?

XXOO
Kris

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Pumpkin Tartlets

Posted on 04. Nov, 2009 by kris.

Good Morning All and Happy Humpday to you!!!

I stayed up late last night reading so many wonderful blog posts on so many wonderful blogs!  I didn’t realize how big this healthy eating community really is   I commented a lot on some blogs I just found, I was like a kid at Christmas unwrapping all the goodies in these blogs!  It was a lot of fun.

As I was blogging and reading my pumpkin tarts were “baking” in the freezer……LOL…i heart vegan Raw baking because is it super easy, nutritious and it tastes just as good as regular baking.  These tarts were just like eating mini pumpkin pies I had the perfect amount of sweetness and spice, a big pat on the back for me!  Experimenting in the kitchen is great fun for me and I usually produce some amazing eats.  Ryan would tell you my baking is better than my cooking, but sometimes I do surprise him with a tasty made up dinner

I also had to make Ryan another loaf of Almond Bread – 1 day and it had vanished…..it must have been tasty

This morning was another fierce Green Smoothie!  As you can see I use a beer mug to drink my smoothie…these are surprising only used for smoothies and never beer!  LOL.  Like the Pink Robe??  Ahhh La Senza I can’t live without your robes

Raw Vegan Pumpkin Tartlets   These do not look nearly as cute as the tarts found on fitnessista.com today, but they are super tasty!!  My sister Michelle made a similar pie to this, but she baked hers and used regular Pumpkin Pie filling.  On a side note if you want to read an Amazing Shoe Blogeveryone should checkout Michelle’s Blog - SoleInTheCity.ca - shout outs to the sista! 

Here is the recipe for Kris’ Vegan Tartlets:

Crust:

1 cup Almond Flour
1/2 cup Date Paste (*see my below explanation)

Filling:

1/2 can Organic Pumpkin
1/4 cup Agave Nectar
1 tsp Vanilla
1 tbs Pumpkin Pie Spice (I used a bit more because that’s how I roll…spicy!)

Directions:

-Place dates into a bowl and pour enough warm water to cover them.  Let them sit for a few minutes.
-Place the Almond Flour into your mixing Bowl.
-In a separate bowl mix the pumpkin, agave, vanilla, and spices together.
-Get your muffin tin out and place 6 muffin liners in.
-Pour half of the water out of the dates and add the dates with some of the soaking water to the Food Processor, blend until smooth.
-Mix the Almond Flour and the Date Paste together.  Place some crust mixture into the 6 muffin tins.  Mold into a tart   crust.  Place even amounts of the filling into each crust.
-Cover with tin foil and place in the freezer for 1 hour.
This recipe makes 6 tarts.

I hope you all enjoy this yummy healthy treat!

Hit me back with some of your favorite tart recipes, raw or baked!  Do you all enjoy raw treats??

Follow me on twitter and on the i heart wellness Facebook page!  Keep in touch Dolls

XXOO
Kris

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Dark Deep Secrets of Greens!

Posted on 03. Nov, 2009 by kris.

Happy Tuesday All,

Last night was a late night and I was away from the computer – I actually felt a part of me was missing?  Anyone else feel this when they are away from their blogs, community of friends and connections on twitter?  I sure did!

Raise of hands – who loves consuming Fresh, Dark, Greens?  I do and I know so many of you do too but I can bet this wasn’t always the case now was it?    For myself I didn’t really appreciate the Dark Deep Green until a few years ago when I really understood the benefits of them.  Yea sometimes I prefer them cooked to raw, but they are a staple ingredient in the morning bevy

Like you all know my breakfast is a big fresh smoothie which always consists of 1/2 an Apple, 1/2 frozen ninner, 3 big black kale leaves, 2 scoops vanilla chai Vega (sometimes another flavor) and good clean water (super important to make sure it is good water so you absorb the nutrients).  On certain occasions I might throw in frozen berries, goji berries, nut milk or spices but the staples are always there!

Smoothie Example:

My fave Green is Kale and I really heart Black Kale!  I use it as wraps for my nut “cheeses”, I eat it raw in salads, add it to soups, rice dishes you name it!  Ryan always asked me why I eat rabbit food?  And finally since he has been on the detox and is staying away from all processed foods and meats for 3 more months he finally understands and appreciates the greens   Finally!

Kale – The Green God

Did you know one cup of cooked kale with no added salt contains 2.5 grams protein and 2.6 grams fiber!  I probably eat 4 cups of kale a day and I really notice a difference in my energy when I miss my Kale.

It also has all of these wonderful minerals:

Potassium – 296 mg
Phosphorus – 36 mg
Magnesium – 23 mg
Calcium – 94 mg
Sodium – 30 mg
Iron – 1.17 mg
Manganese – .541 mg
Selenium – 1.2 mg
Vitamin K- 1062 mcg Also contains small amounts of copper and zinc.

And Vits!

Vitamin A – 17,101 IU
Vitamin C – 53.3 mg
Niacin – .65 mg
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) – 0.069 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) – 0.091 mg
Vitamin B6 – 0.179 mg
Folate- 17 mcg
Pantothenic Acid – 0.064 mg
Vitamin K- 1062 mcg
Vitamin E – 1.1 mg

I researched other ways for me to get calcium since I knew I had an allergy to dairyand I found that dark leafy greens especially Kale has wonderful amounts of calcium which are not high in oxalate and is absorbed as well or better than the calcium from cow’s milk!  Go figure!!  Isn’t mother nature be-a-u-tiful?!

Calcium is mucho important for us ladies and it eases insomnia and helps regulate the passage of nutrients through cell walls. Without calcium, your muscles wouldn’t contract correctly, your blood wouldn’t clot and your nerves wouldn’t carry messages……Could you imagine – no thoughts?!  I would die, I love day dreaming!

If you don’t get enough calcium from the food you eat, your body automatically takes the calcium needed from your bones. If your body continues to break down more bone than it replaces and rebuilds over a period of years in order to get sufficient calcium, your bones will become weak, brittle and break very easily.  Plus you could get a hunch back

A deficiency in Calcium may result in muscle spasms and cramps and I know this is huge issue for bodybuilders when they drink distilled water!  Distilled water will leach all the minerals and nutrients from your bones, ligaments and skin.  I will do a water post in a couple days! 

So I would like to challenge everyone to UP your Greens intake!  I read interesting posts on Balanceisbeauty.ca and Ohsheglows.com where these lovely gals say they are adding 1 extra green drink into there daily diet to feel better, continue glowing and they will be boosting their bods with nutrients!  I am also adding 1 extra green drink into my daily diet routine and will have it most likely after dinner when I really feel like snacking   Dr.Oz also states he has a green drink in the morning and says it will turn back time and we all love Dr. OZ   Greens keep you young, healthy and vibrant! 

Ahhhh whole foods you will love me I will be the girl with bunches of kale hugged in my arms first thing in the a.m.!

On another note – www.loveveggiesandyoga.com has a wonderful give away!  Enter for a chance to win 3 Pounds of Chia Seeds!  Go Enter Now!

Anyone have some good recipes with Kale??  I am always looking for more!

Have a great Tuesday All!

Also join me on Twitter and Facebook!  If you found this interesting pass it on

XXOO Kris

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Simple Indian Inspired Dinner & Ninner “Ice Cream”

Posted on 27. Oct, 2009 by kris.

Hola!

Well Monday is almost over and it was a pretty good day!  I am on my last week of my detox and I am really looking forward to treating myself to a cup of starbucks when I am done!  Slap me on the hand if you want……but I can treat myself

After work today I rushed to the detox appointment then raced home to have some dinner to head out again to take my new winter coat back L  I love this coat and for some reason I can only find it in a Medium everywhere and I need a small dang it……I am tall so my arms are long and they fit the medium coat fine, but the body is a bit big….sniff….sniff……I loved this coat so much I even called my Nana from the store to see if she could possibly take it in and make the body fit better.  She declined on trying that project   I did end up getting another coat, but it is not the same….I will rock it anyways with love!

I was able to whip up this delish little number last night for dinner so I was blessed with leftovers tonight.

My inspiration came from this little Indian restaurantwe walk by in West Vancouver when we stop at starbucks for tea before taking the d.o.g for a romp around the beach.  It ALWAYS smells so delightful and I have felt so deprived of spices and food for the last 3 weeks I tried to replicate a dal dish and Indian “rice” as best as I could.  I did not use rice as I was looking for a little more protein so I used Quinoa instead.  I also made some stewed lentils with spices and fresh tomato’s and some Indian veg!  It was pretty darn good if you ask me J

This recipe made enough for Ryan and me to eat 2 dinners and 1 large lunch for him.

Kris’ Simple Indian Dish - Broken Down:

The spices in each item are the same but the flavors of the veg and grains make them taste so different!  I started the lentils and Quinoa at the same time and the veggies didn’t take as long.

Indian Rice/ Quinoa

2 cups quinoa
4 cups water
2 cups frozen peas
1-2 tbsp organic cumin seeds
1-2 tbsp organic curry powder
½ med red onion
1 tsp EVOO

Heat the EVOO over medium heat.  Add the cumin seeds and cook for about 2-3 minutes.  Then add the onions and curry and toss for another couple minutes.  Then add the quinoa, water and peas.  Cover and cook for about 20 minutes.  You might need to add more water as you go along. 

Indian Lentils:

1 cup dry lentils (I used brown lentils)
1 tomato diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1-2 tbsp organic cumin seeds
1 tbsp organic curry powder
¼ red onion
1 tsp fresh ginger

Heat the pot over medium and warm the EVOO.  Add the cumin seeds and let cook for about 3 min, then add the onions and ginger and cook until the onions are soft.  Then add the curry powder and the lentils with water.  Boil for about 15 min and then added the diced tomato, cover and cook for another 10 minutes.  Stir occasionally. 

Indian Veggies:

2 small cauliflowers
4 large carrots
1 orange pepper
1 green pepper
¼ red onion
2 tsp fresh ginger
1-2 tsp organic cumin seeds
1 cup vegan bouillon
4 large black kale leaves chopped (I used a bit more)
1 tsp EVOO

Again heat the EVOO with the cumin seeds over medium.  Add the red onion and fresh ginger in and let turn soft.  Then add all the veggies in except the kale and pour the bouillon over the veggies.  Let cook for about 5 minutes then add the kale in and let cook until your desired tenderness.  I like my veggies on the harder side so I didn’t cook mine for too long.  Maybe 10 – 12 minutes in total.

Then assemble your dins!  One layer at a time it was not a true Indian meal……but it will do for now.  After dinner was our treat as we watched the movie “the women” which I did not find as good at I was hoping it to be.  For our movie snack I whipped up some ninner cream!  On deadly detox I am not allowed to eat bottled vanilla…..so I used some vanilla chai flavored Vega and it turned out great….and green  

Ninner “Cream”

2 large frozen bananas
½ scoop of vanilla chai vega
3 tbsp shredded unsweetened coconut

Place all in a blender and blend it!  You might need to freeze if for a few minutes after   The picture does not look like it tastes good….but it really does, I promise!

Enjoy!!

What is the easiest sweet treat you have ever made??  Ninner cream is easy! 

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Quick, Easy, Full of Health Dinner

Posted on 16. Oct, 2009 by kris.

Good Evening All,

Today was a mighty busy day for me between working until 4:00, getting to my detox appointment (only 2 more weeks to go! WOOT) by 5:00, sitting in traffic at 6:00 to get home for 6:45…..I was so hungry when I got home I was so grateful I had leftovers from last night I could just pop into the oven.

My days have been consisting of all raw up until dinner and this is because of the importance of eating raw fruit and veg of course, but also because I do enjoy my squash and sweet potatoes and some grains.

Tonight’s (and last night’s) dinner was Quinoa with Veggies.

Easy Quinoa Dinner

2 cups dry Quinoa
4 cups water
2 med tomatoes
1 yellow pepper
1 big bunch of broccoli
1 red onion
1 avocado
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tbs EVOO
1 tsp curry powder (sometimes I add more)

Before I put the quinoa into the pot I added a bit of EVOO and cumin seed and sautéed them up a little. Once they started turning brown I added in red onion and some organic curry.

Then in went the Quinoa and water and some peas.

When the Quinoa was done cooking I added the diced tomatoes, Broccoli, a Orange Pepper. I tossed it all together and then added some fresh avocado on top.

It was quick and easy and yummy! Quinoa is a staple food of mine I always have on hand in case I need a quick dinner.

What is one item in your cupboard that you know you can always rely on??

Kris

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