One of the most important considerations in your health is the food you choose to eat. And not only what kind of food, but where it comes from and how it was grown.

For some incredible inspiration, watch this amazing short video about a community within the city of Milwaukee that is making huge change by growing their own food:

Read more…

When you think about blessings, what comes to mind?

A kind thought or word? A gracious gift from the universe? A friend or loved one?

Blessings come in myriad forms, yet the ones that YOU spark are so special. Positive thought has been proven again and again to have profound impact on every level. By using blessings (or prayer if that word resonates with you) you tap into a bigger energy and amplify your own intention for higher results.

One of the ways I use the power of blessings every day is with food. By being grateful and blessing your meal before you eat it the food’s vibrations are raised. Read more…

Okay. I admit it. Sometimes my will power is a bit weak. I’m working on it.

It’s funny because I wake up with a green smoothie every morning, I eat a salad nearly every day, and I don’t really drink anything other than water and herbal teas. But then I get around bread or cookies, and my discipline evaporates. Do you have this issue? It can’t just be me – leave a comment below and let me know what your food delights are so I feel like I’m in good company, eh?

Are bread and cookies terrible things that should be avoided at all costs? No, of course not. But is it really in my best interest to eat as much of them as I have over the last month? Well… Read more…

Green smoothies are one of the very best choices you can make for a healthy diet. They’re growing in popularity faster than people can tweet about them, and I wouldn’t miss my morning green smoothie because of how much my body loves it.

“You want me to drink kale?” This is what goes through some people’s mind the first time they’re introduced to green smoothies. You know the face children make when they don’t want to eat something? I’ve watched that look come across the faces of people before they try it.

But then they give it a shot, and lo and behold, it tastes good! Better yet, it FEELS great! Your body says, “Oh yeah, that’s what I want.”

Why is that? Well, green leafy veggies are one of the most healing foods nature provides. They lower the acidity in the body and help your system restore balance with that all powerful substance: chlorophyll.

Plus they’re loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and more. Read more…

Okay, I’ve got a new favorite.

This morning’s green smoothie developed from whatever I could find to put in the Vita Mix. Since I’m visiting my parents at the moment, and my dad brought home some kiwis, I thought I’d throw one in.

At some point this summer I ate my first kiwi with the skin on. I know, if you haven’t done it this seems very strange, but it doesn’t taste bad at all, and gives you more fiber and other goodness. So for my smoothie this morning all I did was cut the very tips of the kiwi off (the hard bits) and toss the rest in.

Kiwi is very low on the glycemic index (meaning it’s less likely to spike your blood sugar and insulin levels). It also is high in potassium and vitamin C, as well as other minerals and vitamins. Read more…

At first glance a green smoothie might not look apetizing. I mean, it’s green! This generally evokes a child-like face with a scrunched up nose as a reaction.

But then you taste it. And very soon after that you FEEL it.

And lo and behold, it’s really good!

Green smoothies are one of the very best ways to get a whole lot of nutrients, anti-oxidants, and healing green leafy veggies into your system. When you do this, your body responds with energy and vitality. Read more…

I never thought I’d be a raw foodie. Honestly. I’ve always valued the direct connection between food and health and have eaten vegetarian most of my life, but I also didn’t like the idea of giving up cooked foods. I’m not into being hungry, and, let’s face it, I really like bread!

However, in the last few months I’ve found myself craving more raw food, and the more I eat raw the more I want to eat raw.

I’ve been eating maybe 50 – 70% raw for the last month. The biggest difference I notice is that I am more consistently happy now than ever. I feel good. I have more energy. My relationship with my body has increased in awareness. I naturally want to work out and be more active.

It all started with green smoothies. Read more…

Indulge the creative raw foodist in you, or  inspire another with a recipe.

Raw food isn’t just about salad, though you can get deliciously creative with salads and dressings. It’s important to have diversity and enjoy a wide variety of foods. This makes eating healthy and raw very satisfying.

There are a ton of raw recipe books out there, plus lots of raw foodie websites to explore. Another fun way to explore eating raw is to find people in your area who also eat raw food. Often you can attend a raw food potluck where you’ll find great ideas and get to taste different dishes to see what you like. Ask around your community health food store or vegetarian/vegan restaurants to see what you can find.

Let’s make this another raw resource. Add your favorite recipe below!

How much food do you eat in its natural state?

Fresh fruits, salads, and cut up veggies for snacks are the most common raw foods for the majority of people. This is a great start, especially if you include them in your diet regularly.

However, there is a whole world of culinary delights most of us have never even considered.

The raw food movement has been growing at an exponential rate. Some of the reasons people choose to eat raw food include: Read more…

The awareness of yoga extends to how you choose to fuel your body.

How much better is a meal that is savored, rather than rushed through without appreciation?

How good do you feel when you enjoy the creative expression of cooking and eat wholesome food?

Food is energy. The things we eat absorb that which nurtures them. The next time you have fruit or vegetables before you, contemplate what contributed to their lives before they became your food. All elements participate in life. Read more…