Pre-Spring Pantry Cleaning

Today I cleaned out my pantry of all the goodies that I will not eat in the next few days and do not fit into the raw diet. I brought the treats to the school that I am attending for massage therapy where the donation was much appreciated. It was great to actively take part in relinquishing things that will not be a part of my life (for at least the next year). I needed to see that the processed foods that I loved can be loved by others, but do not have a place in my life at this time.

I also started a small list of last cooked meal wishes. Hopefully my transition won't be too painful.

365 Raw!

On February 14th, I am going to begin a raw food challenge that will last throughout 2012 and into 2013, totaling an entire year. I expect that it will be my greatest challenge yet and I'm excited to get it started. I initially wanted to begin on the first of the year and realized I needed to prepare myself, at least mentally, for this huge life change. Directly after the new year, I had too many reservations in starting a raw year challenge. There were too many wonderful goodies in my kitchen that I couldn't part with, one of many excuses.
This time I have made it public, far in advance to many people, that I am going to start this challenge on a specific date. If I cannot hold myself accountable, I hope others will. I will start to blog my challenge daily to provide some detail of what this experience is like. Hopefully, in doing so, I will help others and in turn find additional support.

Raw Curried Cabage Salad

This Raw Curried Cabbage Salad was amazing! I found the recipe on about.com, submitted by Jolinda Hackett. I didn't have any sesame seeds, but it proved to be unnecessary.

The recipe includes
* 1 head green chopped cabbage
* 1/3 cup shredded raw coconut
* 2 tbsp lemon juice
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup Nama Shoyu
* 3 tbsp sesame seeds
* 1/3 tsp turmeric
* 1/2 tsp curry
* 1/2 tsp cumin

Mix it all together and you have one yummy raw meal.

Raw Watermelon Gazpacho Soup!

This is no Campbell's cup of soup!

I blended together about...

2 c Watermelon
1/2 c Onion
1/2 c Yellow Bell Pepper
1/2 c cucumber
1/2 fresh squeezed lime juice
1 garlic clove
1 whole Jalapeno
3 sprigs fresh cilantro
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper

After processing the above ingredients I added some chopped fruit/veggies for texture.
(Watermelon, Onion, Yellow Bell Pepper, and Cucumber).

*The jalapeno I used was unforgiving. I recommend using only 1/3 or 1/2 of a small jalapeno to start.

Overall, this recipe was super yummy and simple.

Raw Burrito

It took forever to make all of the accoutrements, but when all was said and done it was fantastic. I had a ton of leftovers too and did not tire of them.

Pineapple, Red Bell Pepper, and Celery Juice

Raw Key Lime Pie

Mmmmm, mmmmmm good Raw Key Lime Pie!