RAW Living and Learning

The Latest About Cabbage by Dr. Mercola   August 03, 2013 Cabbage doesn’t receive all the fan-fare that other members of the cruciferous vegetable family do, but it should. What is cabbage good for? A better question might be, what isn’t it good for? As one of the most potent medicinal foods available, including cabbage as a regular part of your diet (two or three times a week, or, even better, four or five) may offer many significant health benefits. Cabbage Has Cancer-Preventing Properties The George Mateljan Foundation recently highlighted some of the latest news about cabbage and topping the list was its potential for cancer prevention. 1 Nearly 500 studies have looked into this connection and revealed that cabbage’s anti-cancer powers are likely related to: Antioxidants Cabbage contains powerful antioxidants like vitamins A and C and phytonutrients such as thiocyanates, lutein, zeaxanthin, isothiocyanates and sulforaphane, which stimulate detoxify...

My go to avocado is the HASS variety. I prefer them over our Florida avocados because I feel they have more flavor and make creamier recipes. Maybe its just me but that is what I prefer. So how does one select avocados? I like to keep them in the house at different phases of ripeness so I can prolong their use and not have all of them become ripe at the same time. So I buy all shades from the unripe, just picked, light green color to the almost ripe color and firmness, and then I also grab some that are ripe. You get the idea. So here is a wonderful, short video demonstrating just how to select the perfect avocado for your recipes. Speaking of recipes, below the video I'll post a recipe showcasing this delicious fruit. It is actually a sweet recipe not a savory as you would expect. I use avocado in ways I never thought were possible, when making my raw food recipes. It truly is an incredible and versatile fruit. And just in case you are one of those people who gets super hungry bet...

Antioxidants. That word has been a buzz word for years when it comes to health. So how should we get our antioxidants? From a pill or from our food? Well, the good Dr. Greger shows you some scientific studies that once again proves we just can't bottle what we find in nature. Pure and simple message: Eat or drink your greens and fruits everyday. It doesn't matter how you do it, just do it. And I am talking about consuming them at every meal, and in abundance!!! Lowering one's cancer risk can be done by consuming antioxidant rich foods not supplements. Watch the video to hear more. Peace. One of my favorite ways to get a good "shot" of antioxidants every morning is my beloved wheatgrass. Prefer something fruity?? How about the Mango Banana Pudding recipe I posted yesterday?? Or my Purple Monster Bowl?? Or a simple green juice made from parsley, lemon and cucumber. You can add 1 green apple if you are new to green juices and want to ad...

Who would ever think you could put kale in a pudding recipe?? That is one of the many things I adore about raw foods--the unexpected. I have learned to create recipes with ingredients I never imagined could "go together". I have explored new tastes, textures and aromas that have opened my senses to a whole new world. Everyday I learn something new and exciting. I am so grateful and I feel so blessed by this lifestyle.  Today I was experimenting with the children's leftover smoothie and decided to make a thick, creamy pudding. The two ingredients that are crucial to its texture are avocado and chia seeds. The green component, merely for its powerful nutrients, is KALE. Don't let the green color scare you. Children think it is really cool especially if you call it 'green slime'. I ate kale for the first time in my life, over 4 years ago when I discovered raw, living foods. Here is my recipe: Mango Banana Pudding by Elizabeth @rawlivingandlearning.blogsp...

As many of you know, each and every morning I make our children a green smoothie of some sort. And then I use what is left in the blender as the base for my morning green soup. We alternate our greens and fruits to make different combinations--keeping it new and exciting is key! Lately this particular one is their "favorite".  I have also included the recipe for my soup that I made, using the leftover smoothie as my base. Enjoy! Children's Favorite Smoothie (makes ~ 36 OZ) by Elizabeth @rawlivingandlearning.blogspot.com 1 bag of TJ's Fancy Berry Blend (16 oz), frozen 5-6 bananas 2 Tbsp. chia seeds 2 Tbsp hemp seeds 1/2 of a Haas avocado 3 cups of Trader Joe's Organic Baby Romaine (mixture of red and green romaine) water Blend all of the ingredients until thick and creamy.  Pear Topped Fancy Berry Blend Soup 1 bag of TJ's Fancy Berry Blend (16 oz) 5-6 bananas 2 Tbsp. chia seeds 2 Tbsp hemp ...

Now here is a great story. A Texas major went vegan and now spreads the word to others. I have the same t-shirt as they do but mine is blue and white :) Just thought I'd share that. Anywho.....I wanted to share this article; I see it as a step in the right direction. Those in leadership using their position in a positive way, sharing the truth about health, diet, and the amazing benefits of veganism. Look at this,"The popularity of plant-based eating has also influenced at least six local restaurants to add vegan dishes to their menus." Now that is another step in the right direction. This is Texas guys!!!! You know how much they idolize their animal protein.   Reversing cancer simply by making the PROPER lifestyle and diet changes is possible. Yes it can be that simple.  It is the medical industry $$$$$ that wants you to believe it is complicated and scary and expensive. Do the research. Let me say that again, do the research; there is no denying ...

Today's cancer fighting food that I am focusing on is watercress. Not only is watercress beneficial for cancer prevention it also contributes to eye and heart health. And for those who would love to eat cruciferous veggies for their cancer  protection, but just cannot tolerate them "digestively" speaking, watercress may be a better option. Watercress can be quite strong and a taste that may take some getting use to for some. I personally really like the flavor but when getting the younger children to eat it I had to be a bit creative. My go to way to get massive amounts of greens into my youngest children is our morning green smoothie!! So of course I was going to add this amazing green to a new smoothie recipe. Raw watercress is best as cooking it inactivates the important enzyme myrosinase.  But before I get to the recipe take a look at this article from Life Extension Magazine--just look at the amount of Vitamin K it contains!!!: LE Magazine November 2007 Wat...