Under 300 YAY!!!! Short N Sweet ,Chocolate Pecan Turtles.......

Pretty much says it all I am now officially in the 200's..It has been close to 12-15 yrs since Ive seen the 200's.Unfortunately I'm like 299.3 into it lol..So if I have a light weight gain this week I weigh 300lbs again..Noooooooo haha

I cant wait till I'm far enough down in the 200's,it wont be an issue,all in due time :)
Lost 2.6 this week,feels pretty good.Next goal is to hit the 100lbs lost mark,I'm am very close to that now.Matter of a few weeks .
     Bought some beautiful dresses for a couple special occasions that are happening soon.Wow ,can really see the difference on me,in them.Havnt' bought a pair of jeans off the rack in 4ever,went to wal-mart saw some that will probably end up getting. Like a pinhead I bought a pair around Christmas time at Catherine's,(expensive).Now they are way too loose.Figure wal-mart they are cheap enough to buy a pair or two to get through this summer.Going to bag up all my big winter clothes.Sell an give them away.So many changes!!!

Blend-Tec

      Okay went to Sam's today,there was a man doing a Blend-Tec demo.I am sold!!
A vita-mix  owner said his didn't even blend this well and that he relied heavily on the pusher thing.Was really cool how fast and efficient it was.Everything was perfectly smooth.I had tried my brothers large ninja,the one with the solid base.I was very disappointed,it chopped everything up fast with no need of help.Yet it was not smooth no matter how long I blended it,the color of the smoothie was off and tiny food particles where everywhere.I want a smooooooth smoothie :)
      Is a shame,if Ninja threw in a regular blending blade in the bottom along with all the other blades,it be unstoppable!!
                 Well this demo included soup,smoothie,and ice cream.The soup was so good we stayed around and talked with the guy,he gave me the recipe along with some others.Super Impressed! Norman was like man this could save you so much time,he often threatens me that he's gonna put me,a cutting board and the blender in the shed an let me have at it,so he can watch movies in quiet  lol
                      My cheapy blender gets the job done better then some of the bigboys from what Ive seen,yet it can sometimes take forever it feels.
Can not afford this anytime soon,but going to keep an eye on QVC perhaps make payments..Gonna fall asleep dreaming of the blendtec demo lol


A few foods I made this week
Nothing spectacular,basic stuff.

                 Zucc Noodles N marinara sauce

                    

Chocolate Pecan Turtles

                            Zucc Noodles N marinara sauce Mixed

Recipe for the Zucc spaghetti
Half Zucc julienned
5 bella mushrooms
2 green onions diced
half Avocado chopped
1 T evoo
1 T Nama Shoyu

Toss Evoo,Nama Shoyu,and Noodles together for a minute or so
Add other ingredients,toss together
Then pour on Sauce an dig in.Fast an easy dinner

I experimented on my Sauce there are others in my archive if you'd like to try one,the one in pic was what I had left over tomato soup,added some spices ,a few dates,an sun dried tomatoes,was pretty tasty.



Chocolate Pecan Turtles

Have had a bit of sweet tooth this past week,Saw this recipe an had to make it.Mmm very good,kinda rich but def hit the sweet-spot.gave my mother some,she said"you could make a business with these alone",I agree they are that good.

1c Coconut Butter
1/4 c almond butter
2 T Vanilla Ex
2 T carob Powder
3/4 Cacao Powder
1 T agave
2 c Pecans

Mix all ingredients well before adding pecans,one mixed well,coat them ,layer them on a cookie sheet or w/e is handy and freeze for at least a half hour before serving.

My Notes> I added some salt,I like sweet n salty,also added a bit more agave to suit my taste.Everything was perfect,only thing I do different next time was half the amount of coconut butter,my thinking is it wouldn't be so rich but still real good.Shall find out :)



Thought I'd share a pic featuring one of the brood,Here's Corban rolling his eyes at me,such love!!!

Summer Summer SumerTIME!!

     As always I will start with Tops,had a great weight loss last Thursday of 9 lbs.Yay grats for me!!Everyone has been super supportive and encouraging,couldn't ask for a better TOP's chapter.
           Knew I had lost  alittle because I felt most of the miscarriage was over and the pain an heavy flow was starting to tapper.I am still pretty broke out everywhere,that too will dissipate over time. 
Now  2.3 lbs from breaking the 300's!! Friggin amazing is all I gotta say :) Oh did I mention I love RAW!!!!!



Didn't do much of anything special this week for food.Did however come across a post on RAWFOODTALK.com  discussing wraps and a few suggestions pointed to collard leafs.Never ben a fan of collards,but had tried them once raw an they wont half bad.Thing is, they are hard to find Organically grown here.Had a bunch from trip to Wilmington left over and decided to give it a try.
Mmmm Mmm Mmmm,delicious and the Sky's the limit on what you roll inside,also I think I could make this ahead of time for lunch next day without any moisture issues.YAY!!

For my first one I crushed a avocado up with a spoon,an spread it like butter on one side of leaf.
Cut out stem so it wouldn't be bulky.
After I julienned a cucumber,and sliced some red pepper,added a lil evoo,crushed garlic
Covered outside of leaf with sheet of nori.
Rolled an chowed down.
Have done many times since,changing ingredients an its all been Good!

Had to go to Wilmington again Monday to do bloodwork,nurse said this should be last time.Man I hope so,gas isn't exactly free right now.Not to mention by the time you get home your just wore out,butt kinda resembles the truck seat after 8 hours in it.
         As always though we make the best out of it,and I saved up for a few Organic greens from Fresh Market and of course a tasty lunch from Loveys healthy Cafe.

Fresh Market
1 Bunch Collards
1 Bunch Cilantro
1 Bunch Radish's
2 Bunches kale
1 fruit bowl
3 bunches green onions
2 Bunches Spinach
  Did my week or so of Grocery shopping wile I was there ,Got all that for 24.00,such a good deal compared to here,not to mention I cant find half this stuff Organic,so was very Happy with purchases!!

      Walked into Loveys and was blowen away ,thought I had went into wrong building at first,since my last visit,they had bought the store next to them,tore down the wall added on and remodeled. Didn't know it could get better,the place was booming with business,you can now even order food or eat off the bar.Now the place isn't a raw joint but all the food is Organic,non-gmo,gluten free and alot of the items on bar I have made for myself at home.All the dishes are cold,cept for rice,beans,and soups .Only one item have I seen meat or cheese in on bar,and everything is listed with ingredients.I so Love this place!!!!
            For my last trip to Wilmington in April to celebrate my conscious adult acceptance to join as a soldier of Christ (confirmation) the whole family has agreed to eat here.Hopefully we will be celebrating another milestone..Who knows :)

Garden fever
My brother gave me a few kale plants,lettuces,spinach and something I cant for the life of me remember what it is lol
I am such a noob when it comes to gardening,but I'm learning.I threw out a strawberry plant before researching,and Hmm they do in fact grow back an multiply.OOPS!!
No worries,going to dedicate a patch just for them,since I know they will be returning now.
      Anyhow the few plants have sparked my excitement for  gardening again this year,last year was my first time.All potted around porch,figured if I enjoyed it an wanted to do more,next year would be a real garden.So here we are next year!!
Working on renting a tiller and scouting out what I can plant.Keepin it simple!!


Few Pics of plants...

Yea he also gave me a spider plant,an my bestest friend gave me the cute teacup planter.Aww lol
In first pic the first plant to the left is the one I cant remember ,he said it was Korobchi,Korobi,Comochi...Grr Ive googled but cannot find anything close to that,will call him this weekend. He said it grows kinda like abulb at bottom of plant suppose to be super good for ya,it reminded me of a fennel look.I dunno,if anyone knows before I get ahold of him,let me know PLZ  :)

God Bless World!!!!

Update PT2,Walnuts Burgers,Salads,Rice,Beach trip

Pt2 will be more of a picture with captions kinda post.Just to catch things up and get back on track.

I posted this on rawfoodtalk.com a day or so ago and pretty much sums up whats been going on...

Haven't posted much in blog or here in like a month almost.I will try to keep this clean lol
Me and the Mr. have really been enjoying one another more then ever.Raw has helped in so many areas. Anyhow,went to beach about 3 or so weeks ago to visit a friend,ended up in ER with abdomen pains.Turns out I was pregnant after ultra sounds they saw a tiny mass in my ovary, he was sure that it was a miscarriage,but had to be safe.The beach is a 2 half hour drive,so once a week,we've drove down there to do blood work.Had gained weight and my cravings for meat and anything else that wasn't raw was at a all time high.

               Thankfully I did not subcom to the temptations.Though there is a health food place at the beach,had a couple pieces of fresh non dairy non gluten bread was very good.Also a few dishes of steamed organic rice an beans.
   Other then that Ive been all raw yay!! I had a Miscarriage a long time ago in early 20's.We never even considered it being an issue again,never had it checked but I know my hormones are all outta wack.Even though this was Sad to lose another baby)/Happy I can get pregnant/ Relieved It was not an ectopic.


               I feel like I'm on the right track for my body,at present moment,my skin looks horrible I have rashes an bumps all over my body including neck an face.I have been bleedin for about 4 weeks straight plus the pains of the mis.I know this sounds bad and trust me it is uncomfortable , also fun to have to explain to ppl that I'm a freak and its not catching lol
         I feel though maybe my body is going through a major cleaning yet,and it still has a lot to do.That makes me happy means I'm still going in right direction.
            Far as getting prego again,me and the Mr agree its up to God.we are not trying nor putting any foreign stuff in my body to stop human nature.If it is meant to be,so be it,life is a gift.
        I am now at a 80lb weight loss,is just awesome lost 4.8 this week.

Food an sights Ive seen an tasted past several weeks...

     Made at the beach -Jalapeno walnut Burgers with sliced avocados red peppers and Zucc noodles seasoned with evoo/namaShoyu/Dash of pizza seasoning.  Major food  cravings I was experiencing had me thinking I should meet them half way,so I broke down and bought some Organic herbed Goat cheese,this was good and not something I feel I need for a loooooooong time.
                Amazing back in the day I could not put cheese down,if I opened a package of cheese it had no chance of surviving the night.Makes me feel so proud to be in control now,firmly believe addictive additives an such are added to food.Anyhow the burger recipe is in my archives if anyone would like to try it,its worth the easy effort.

Jalapeno Burger Salad

Took left over walnut burgers and crumbled over a organic salad I had purchased.added some cheese an olives was very good

        Made a rice salad for work and home one night.Corn,cabbage,kale,red pepper,olives,avocados,green onions.Very Very good.Shredded cabbage in Food processor.

Dressing I make often...
1-2 Tbs Evoo
1-2 Tbs AC Vinagar
2 cloves garlic chopped fine
Dash or 2 of Herbs de Provadence
Touch of salt
Shake or mix -I make several ahead of time for the week.
Since I'm gonna try and lesson my oil consumption-going to wok on incorporating other ideas for take along dressings...

Stores in Wilmington,NC. Funny thing is my friend has use of a cottage at the beach,we visit once a year if we can,and had never ventured this way.
            This was pretty cool,we were looking for Fresh Market and this was the Entrance to it.
     Every  building is a store/restaurant/or whatever.Looked like a little city and was huge.Hard to show in pic,just how beautiful the place was.Of course its almost all food joints I will never enter,still cool to see.

Okay I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this store and want one in my town like YESTERDAY!!!
Has the freshest Organic produce I have seen anywhere and so much to choose from,and the price is wayyy better then home.Every item is 1 to 2 dollars cheaper sometimes 3!!!! Military towns city signs should say (where we rob the locals) lol... Funny but true!!
    I had went to one in Southern Pines,and was blowen away at how good it was,then me an My mother were in Raleigh an stopped at the one in Cary on the way home,just as good.This one was the best so far,but they are all equally clean,friendly and priced way better then home along with a quality of food you just don't see anymore much.Super Impressed!!!!

                Ive gotten to know Wilmington well,since having to ride out there many times for blood work,Nurse informed me I will be needing to ride out there again soon.Hopefully this will be my last time as far as blood work goes.
        Anyhow I decided to do my grocery shopping there on one of my last trips.(fresh market)I bagged several items to store in fridge,but I got all this for 51.00 Dollars.I was in awe!!
             If bought here,would have spent close to 100 or more for all this.Kale right now is 2.99 for 7 leafs.7 leafs????? What am I suppose to do with 7 leafs,my smoothies would laugh at me if that's what I showed them for the week lol I refuse to buy it here anymore,working on growing it myself

Okay my second Love of Wilmington,NC. Lovey's!!!
       We stumbled upon this by accident wile looking for Fresh market.Friend talked us into checking it out and man am I happy we did.This has been my restaurant and joy every time I get done taking blood work .I look forward to it when we have to drive down.
            We have a great health food store here ,wonderful people and loads of stuff to try and use.This place is on a whole notha level,I'm sure its because of area,they have such a huge variety of items.The cafe part is where its at for me,although they do have a great section of raw goodies on one of the isles.The cashiers/Chef/ are super nice,some of the ppl as well.

Isn't it beautiful lol
I asked the Chef if it was okay to take pics to share with my fellow eaters,he said as long as it was good things.So I have to be nice lol In this case that will not be hard to do.
       So nice to find a place I'm not scared to eat at.Each tray of food has a ingredient list above so you know exactly what you are getting.Its all clean, organic,and fresh.
        Now not so many totally raw choices but there is sprouts and many salad items to choose from,and they sell fresh avocados and they have a juice bar as well.Awesome!!
        Up in front they have steamed organic rice an black beans.Vegetarian Chili.Free range beef hot dogs with beans,and another kind of soup or stew I cant remember.
                   Norman ate here every time I did,he turned down ribs and fast food joints to eat here,I was shocked, I was sure he wouldn't want it.
From what I can tell the menu changes ,I had a slice of sweet potatoes that was sooooo good,tasted like peppers an cilantro were added.Yummm.Only seen it that one time,Hoping when I go back it will be there..Throwin out some sublimitals to the chef  :)

This is one of meals from Lovey's Cafe.   The bread is awesome,and will prolly be the only place I will ever indulge in things like that.The crunchy bean sprouts were the first time Ive ever had those.I bought me a package and will be working on making me some of my own.I really enjoy them in salads!!
                 Beet salad was very good,and if you can see I had a tiny bit of mock chicken salad(it is made out of Tempeh/Veggionase/ and seasonings..Also something I will only have there.The veggionase I think is safe although,as always better to make yourself.Beans and rice are not raw I know,but if a cup of steamed Organic rice an beans are me cheating ,then Ive come a long way lol....
                   when I lose 100lbs,and that's only 20lbs away my mother is taking the whole family out to a raw restaurant of  my choice.This is def where I want to go,the best I have seen so far...Thanks Lovey's!!! 

This is me Norman and Elf one of my 4 dogs.

We thankfully got to enjoy the beach some before the Dr visits.Was breezy but beautiful.Besides I catch on fire when there's to much sun,them white legs dont lie  :)

I like taking pictures and thought this came out beautifully!!

Well that's all for the past 3-4 weeks lost track.
            Ironically I will be getting confirmed in Wilmington,NC in April ,apparently Wilmington is my destination this year.That's okay I was meant to live/breath/dwell near water,is okay with me!!

Until next post.............

Update pt.1 , Soups , Salads, Smoothies

Yep,Ive been neglecting  Mr.Blog page,shame on me. But I came back and that's whats important :D
2 Weeks have passed and were working on our 3rd with no updates.Have struggled with some female issues and haven't found the time nor energy to get on here.yet my world of warcraft toon has been leveling steady lol
I guess I'll do a double hit for each subject..... So we will start with Tops

First Thursday I gained 2lbs,Not surprised as I could have ate an ate an ate.Though in the back of my head I'm thinkin what did I do wrong. Rational thoughts take over quickly ,hey this is a lifestyle not a crash diet,also I have other factors at work when I gain weight,seeing its a cycle of a small gain every 3 weeks . Have seen many  ppl close to me, lose loads of weight,and they either got sick,gained it back or both.I want to do this one time and be done,I want my weight problem of this magnitude to be a thing of the past.I believe strongly detox at any level,along with gentle food healing is what makes this lifestyle the way things were intended.

                          Am I always going to have to be aware that my weight can creep back if I don't pay attention?Yes!! I know many who do this lifestyle disagree,my opinion- some ppl are book smart an some ppl have to work at it,(its just life) we are all pre-disposed for certain genetics.Weight gain happens to be mine.
                       Now where raw an weight gain helps,I should have never been this far gone, symptoms of things much greater then weight have been wrong in my body for soo long,with no repair.These helped contribute to my weight problems, no doubt about it.Wile I don't have to worry about alot of the same things I use to,it's not a diet,Just when having to many nut recipes ,I know its time to kick back more nutrient dense meals for awhile that's all.Its as simple as that,stay raw and keep it all in moderation and wide variety of nutritious God-bearing foods.Thankful everyday to God for him showing me this path.It has not been perfect(what is?) but it has been a blessing in so many ways!! 

                          On to last Thursday,lost 5lbs,was very happy and amazed.Did not eat well overall I thought,as my hunger had flared up again,but stayed Raw as always.Again its amazing,an just proves, there is no point stressing over weight.Do your best realistically and Raw will pay off,it's been giving back for over 6 months now.Means I'm still detoxing,couldn't be happier for that.Also felt pretty bad this week so was nice to end on a positive note.

Lets get to some of the stuff I ate past two weeks.Been lazy,made mostly easy stuff.On a soup kick.Pretty much I don't leave home without avocado's,they are a big part of my daily food intake,helps with hunger and keeps my sugar leveled I feel.

Heres my soups:
Miso Miso

        This is my own recipe/pretty much things I enjoy in a soup.

I use to lovelove wonton soup.Really any clear bothy type soup is great to me.I really like the taste of miso for a broth.Bean Sprouts give it that oriental vibe and the mushrooms take on a meaty texture wile the Zucc noodles give you that noodley taste you like having in your soups.
                  The one I used was organic non/gmo all natural,though it is made with soy beans.I have not tried the chick pea one,haven't seen it in town,but saw it at the beach this weekend.Will def be getting some in the future.
    Purchased my small miso tub about the beginning of my raw food journey.It has lasted forever as you only use small amounts at a time,and it was all of 5 dollars.Good deal! 

Miso Miso      
1 green onion<chopped>
5 sm bella mushrooms<chopped>
half avocado<diced>
1 sm zucchini made into noodles
Bean sprouts< its up to how much you want> I think they make the soup!!
1tbs evoo
1tbs Nama Shoyu
1tbs pizza seasonings
1tbs miso

Peel an Noodle-ize Zucchini or cut into thin strips
place Zucc in a bowl and toss in Evoo&Nama Shoyu mix together an let sit for 2to3min

After few minutes throw mushrooms&avocado into bowl with Zucc.

Boil a cup of water or two-Depends on mood. Add T of miso, mix until broth like an smooth.
Pour over bowl of goodies,garnish with onions/pizza seasonings(or whate ver u have on hand or like) and last but not least ,the bean sprouts.Yummmmmm!
Have made this many many times,its quick easy,an very good.The water is hot yes,but by the time it hits the bowl its warm,cannot heat veggies and gives you that warm soup feel.

Zucc Noodle maker

Found this marked down at a local store for 2.00$. Haven't made my way to buying a spiralizer yet,though my interest is peeked,waiting to find one on sale.Maybe get lucky and find one at a yard sale.Until then though,this has worked great.Its used like a peeler and it makes tiny noodle strips out of any veggie.Used a diakon radish once,was very good as a noodle.You don't have to have a ton of money to change the way you eat,you just have to be creative or research new ideas.Best tip is always have your eye open for great finds like this. Ive never owned a food processor in my life, at beginning of Raw I found one at flea market for 3 dollars.I use that thing daily,I don't know why I never got one a long time ago.Down the road that will probably be a buy of mine before anything else.My FP is only 4cups.makes some recipes harder,but it takes the abuse an keeps motoring,cant beat that for 3 dollars .


Another look at Miso Miso and My second variation Of KaleMiso.Pretty much same recipe but with kale wilted with the zucc noodles prior to broth being added.Both were awesome!!

Apparently I'm pretty proud of how good my soup came out lol Overkill!!  

    I haven't taken the time to post recipes for my Pizza's yet,going to devote a post on what i use,next time I make pizza's.I made some last week along with a Chocolate cake for my mother,an Nori Rolls. I did a post on Nori a few posts ago in detail, if anyone would like to check that out. These are just a few of the pics I took over past few weeks.

                                               Pizza

                                                         Pizza Plated

                                          Nori Rolls/Chili Sauce/Garlic Rice

                                             Chocolate Cake

Zucc Noodles & kale are one of my fav fast an easy dishes when I'm hungry and just wanna eat without any fuss.

Basically Zucc made into noodles with,

  1T evoo
1T nama shoyu
1 avocado
handful of greens
2 scallions
I often throw in black olives(I know the brine in them is not the best for you,but its one of the things I do alow myself from time to time)
Add seasonings of whatever you feel that day
Its easy ,tasty and good for ya!!

So as Ive said many time I make the water lemon detox drink every morning upon wakening.For those who are unsure of size or are like me,enjoy seeing others ways of doing it,I thought id post a pic of it.I have to give credit to a chick I watch on Youtube from time to time,she is the reason I started them.I can def feel the difference when I slack off.
So here's is her video on the how and why of making this for yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI8K_yWo6eI

I don't do the white Tea as much any more,Ive gone to the basics.But for the first 4 months,used White tea faithfully.I feel it both works,with and without.
Here's is what I do..most days I don't do cayenne either..always do lemon and lots of water no matter what.Sometimes the cayenne gives me chest pains.Make sure you use ONLY a dash lol I learned the hard way.

This drink is out of my Rapid raw book.Mmmmm Mmmm Mmmmm all I gots to say!!
Love it,made it about 3 weeks ago for the first time and have lost count of the honeydews& melons I have bought since.
Melon Smoothie
1 Whole Honeydew or Melon(Original recipe called for just melon,Noooo The dew is awesome)
3 Dates
1C Blackberries
Pretty simple ey?

I have tried many variations of this,with greens added or without.My fav is a whole honeydew/dates/touch of honey/and some frozen berries ..Cant get enough of it!!
In the Cantalops defense,none of them have been sweet like the dew so far this season,thats a shame cuz I love a good melon.


I swear Rapid Raw is a must-get book for ppl just starting or who like things quick easy an yummy! (Sold On Ebay)
Havent made anything I dont like yet out of it.Its ment to be raw food fast food style,with limited ingredients.I dont know the dude that wrote it ,I get nothing for saying so,I just love the book that much.

Anyhow Im breaking this post in 2 becasue of such a big lapse in time between last posting :)