Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Where do you get your protein?

Without fail, whenever I mention that I'm a raw vegan, I get asked this question. The fact that we "need" protein is a myth. What we need is Amino Acids in the form of Enzymes!

Proteins, once they are broken down, turn into amino acids. It takes a lot of energy for our body to break down proteins in order to turn them into amino acids.

By consuming a plant based diet, we are consuming amino acids and living enzymes (a complex chains of amino acids). Our body immediately assimilates amino acids and enzymes.

Therefore, it is much more efficient to eat a plant based diet and get the amino acids and enzmes directly without taxing our body to break down proteins to get to the same end result.

We don't need proteins. We need amino acids. Everything we eat that is not cooked is full of amino acids. In other words, LIVE food is full of life ... living enzymes, thus amino acids.

When I ate the Standard American Diet, I had allergies, asthma, high cholesterol, hypoglycemia, no energy, and a host of other problems.
When I ate a 100% raw vegan diet, I had excellent health, tons of energy, and the results of my complete physical were outstanding. The doctor even commented on the fact that my blood panel results were excellent and told me to "keep up whatever you are doing."

So, with that said ... go eat a peach!

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Still Alive & Kickin'

Wow! Has it really been three months since my last post. Dang! Time sure does fly by. Since going back to work, I no longer have the flexibility and freedom to spend hours upon hours of "play time" on the computer. Now, I just spend hours and hours "working" on the computer.

Since my last post, I have stored up two huge containers of almond pulp in the freezer. I haven't been making as much almond milk as I did when I was home all day. I have been making a lot of buckwheat bars to munch on while I'm at the office. My boss loves them and has offered to pay me to make her a big batch! lol.

I am currently up to my elbows in fresh blueberries. Through a church contact, I found a source where I can get fresh-from-the-farm blueberries for a buck a pound... and I didn't even have to pick them!! How cool is that?!! They package them in gallon size ziplocks which equals out to four pounds of berries. I am drying them out to repackage them into quart size freezer bags so I can store them for winter. =)

Check it out.... lots and lots of blueberries!!

As I was looking up recipes, I discovered the many amazing benefits of consuming blueberries. I had already known about some of the benefits but had no idea how many more there were.

Below is the information I found in the book, "Rawesome!" by Brigitte Mars.

Blueberries contain beta-carotene, vitamin C, iron and potassium, and are rich in silicone, which is believe to regenerate the pancreas.

Blueberries contain pectin, which binds with cholesterol, lowering its levels and helping prevent the buildup of plaque in the blood.

There are components in blueberries that strangthen the walls of blood vessels and help to deter the development of varicose veins.

Another compound in blueberries called Myrtillin lowers blood sugar levels and therefore, this fruit is considered beneficial in preventing and treating diabetes!

Blueberries are considered alterative, anti-emetic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, and a diuretic. Wow.

Blueberries are helpful in preventing and treating urinary tract infections. They've been used in treatments of anemia, arthritis, dry skin, dysentery, e-coli infection, hemorrhoids, menstrual cramps, fevers, gout, intenstinal flu, joint inflammation, mouth sores, obesity, ulcers, and worms. They reduce platelet aggregation, thereby helping to prevent clumps or clots from forming in the blood.

Because blueberries improve circulation to the brain and extremities, and particularly the eyes. They are recommended to combat against eye diseases such as eye weakness, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, myopia and night blindness.

I so excited ... I see a lot of blueberries in my future!!