100% raw or nothing

I love life lessons

It's been some days now since I decided to end my 92 day juice feast on day 22.

I felt completely bored and non inspired. The thought of celery juice passing my lips one more time was turning my stomach. So I honoured these feelings. That didn't mean going back to cooked food, just incorporating raw 'food' back into each day - or so I thought...

This worked well for a few days. And then I just had to have rice. Unfortunately rice is one of those things that I could live the rest of my life on, along with breads and pasta. I've never been a sweets girl, my size is from a high carb life of breads and rice. On the next day I made a cooked vegetable soup - it was yummy and just as I remembered it (it's still so cold here in Australia and I'm craving warm food).

And then I woke up this morning and the day hit me - I'm bloated, have stomachache, backache, fuzzy head, unhappy and generally have no interest in life. What a massive change in my energy and emotional levels.

I think this was my lesson.

I've questioned being raw, and really questioned the juicing. Or has everyone elses questioniong just got the better of me?

This little trip off the path has only reinforced to me how important a raw lifestyle is. I just don't like the way I feel on cooked food anymore. If I hadn't of done this I would be living raw but not truly loving and believing in raw.


So today all I feel like is juice - ironic really ! I have my 4 Raw Divas green smoothie jugs - 2 filled with filtered water, 1 with celery, apple and ginger and 1 with carrot, zucchini and orange juice. My heart is singing again!

You know how sometimes in life you find you're drawn to a way of eating that becomes a life choice. That gradual movement to vegetarian, vegan and then raw vegan for some. Well I've come to know that raw and juicing is always going to be a huge part of my life (100%? I'm not sure but I hope so). I may 'jump the fence' on the way as Super Nutrient Gal said so well, but being raw and juicing is who I am now. And I LOVE it !

Day 22

Honour this ...


The past few days have been an internal rollercoaster ....

"you've achieved so much, it's time to stop"
"you can't give up now - you'd be failing AGAIN"
it's not a failure, you know it's not!"
"it's ok to finish this part of your journey - to honour your thoughts and feelings, to know you've achieved great things and to move onto the next exhilarating part of your life - RAW VEGAN!"

As you can tell - me, myself and I have many a lengthy conversation with each other on a regular basis.

when I first started out on the raw vegan path a few months back I could see and feel the benefits almost immediately but that didn't stop the cravings for cooked vegan food and especially those yummy gourmet pizzas that I made every Friday night (the universe has come to my rescue like it always does and I came across this wonderful raw pizza recipe!)

But...

I haven't failed at the juice fast - what has come from it besides dramatic weight loss, clear skin, energy, happiness and hair that doesn't fall out anymore is a real appreciation of food in it's most magickal state - raw and fresh, full of life force and vitality.

I now look at raw as not a 'have to do for my health' but as a true and real pleasure and passion. That's what 3 weeks of juicing has done for me and I'm truly grateful.

You're body knows when it's ready for something. Sometimes it's hard to tell if it's your true self talking or that inconvenient ego that pops it's unwanted head up.

It's time for me to honour myself with love in my heart, feeling no fear or guilt.


And so here I am filled with hope of a brand new day (and I'll continue have green juices each day - really !)

Day 17

It could be time ...

I've been reading a fabulous book called 'Juice fasting & detoxification' by Steve Meyerowitz.



Full of some very interesting facts, and answers a lot of questions a juice faster most probably has at one time or another.

It also provides many of the answers to those questions constantly asked by confused family and friends.

What has made me stop and think though are the signs that let you know when you're ready to break your fast. I've been feeling a few of them all day. I don't know whether the rumbling stomach, constantly wanting to chew something and cravings for raw salad are just that, signs that it's time, or a just a natural process of extended juicing that will eventually pass and then come and test me again. Up to this point chewing and food just haven't crossed my mind.

I'm really not ready to give up yet, although it's not giving up really. I've had 17 days or the most fantastic juices and my new Oscar vital 900 is dream.

Angela Stokes did her 92 day juice feast in Costa Rica where fruits and vegetables and coconut water was in huge supply and only a few dollars a day to buy. She also did it through the warmer weather. I'm unfortunately juicing through winter (which has had it's challenges). I've found fresh organic produce and the young coconuts are quite expensive to buy.

Is this enough for me to break my fast, to be so thankful for what I've achieved and not think of what I haven't? I've lost a lot of weight, feel so full of energy and sleeping better than I have in years. But truthfully I'm a little scared to go back to food in case I loose this feeling of euphoria.

I would be going back to raw food though, this I don't think I could ever change now - the benefits are just too great. And I'd continue to have green juice every day.

So this is my dilemma. I'll just have to see what tomorrow brings ...

Day 16

It's here - sooooo excited !!!

Just as I was becoming disheartened with juicing ...

So much was being wasting with my Breville juicer and I wasn't able to do spinach (which I love) and wheatgrass. My options were becoming limited and my food bill getting higher. For the past week I've only been having 1-2 litres of green juice each day because of the volume of fruit and veg needed. I must admit I'm just not hungry and have lost 26lbs so far, which feels great.

And there she was like a ray of sunshine 'Faerie Bernie' my gorgeous Australia Post courier!

I just couldn't hold my excitement any longer - she'd delivered Oscar to me.



As quick as a flash and with a wave of my wand I set out to create the most wonderful juice - with spinach - it's all I've wanted for days. I used 1 pear, 1 apple and 2 cups of spinach.



~Just scrumptious ~



Normally the pear and the apple alone (as I couldn't juice spinach before) would yield approx 150ml. BUT my gorgeous Oscar gave me a gigantic 450ml. Not counting the spinach I'm able to get at least 40% more juice. How fantastic is that!

Juicing from now on is going to be a wonderful adventure - I can feel it in my faerie wings ...

Day 15

I love finishing projects!

I finished my sleeveless vest - YEAH!
Made with Noro's Iro. I love the fact that its handspun not machine spun.
It's so warm and cosy - like getting a big hug from someone you love x
And today was a day I needed a big hug ...

Days 13 & 14

Day 92 seems so far away

I've been keeping myself really busy with knitting projects - I have 3 going at the same time. I've just started a v-neck short sleeve vest. Instead of the chunky aran wool I'm double stranding some gorgeous sage coloured organic cotton. It feels fantastic and I can't wait to put it on.



I need to take my mind off the fact that the rain is pouring down, the wind is howling and I just want to eat, something, anything ....

If I'd of thought about it more instead of just jumping in with my eyes shut (like I usually do) I might have realised that Spring/Summer was the best time to do a juice feast.

My new Excalibur dehydrator is sat all forlorn in the corner begging me to make something yummy. A raw pizza, biscuits, sprouted wraps .... I never thought I'd crave a baby spinach salad with marinated red onions, avocado & freshly ground black pepper as much as I am right now. I going to have to stop reading my raw food blogs for a little while me thinks !

Day 12

Treasure trove!

It was a feast for the senses at the market today. I just love all the fresh organic fruit and veggies. Sometimes I just stand and stare not knowing where to start - ya just wanna dive in!

I went to my new juice bar and got a huge green apple, pineapple and mega celery cup of juice - it was delicious .....

Day 11 of my juice feast

So excited !

Yesterday I ordered my new Oscar vitalmax 900 juicer.

It is so cool! There was a great special on at Sprout.

I've been using a Breville which has done a great job but I have so much juice that could still be extracted, it seems such a waste. I'm supposed to be able to get an extra 20-30% more juice.

The juice from centrifugal type juicers (Breville) oxidised quicker in comparison to the Oscar which is cold pressed.

Choice magazine did a comparison of many types of juicers and found that the vitamin and mineral content of cold pressed juices was up to 50% higher than the centrifugal. The juice from a centrifugal can also get warmed up from the spinning action and break down the digestive enzymes that are so important for raw foodists.

As I'm really getting into the health benefits of raw I wanted to maximise my nutrient intake as well as have my juices last up to 48 hours, unlike the few hours I'm getting now before it just doesn't taste quite the same. My grocery bill is quite large I must admit so I'm hoping to see a difference here.

Days 10 - Phew !

Blissed out !

Well I never thought I'd actually stick to something for this long, let alone 10 days on a juice feast! I feel so proud at the moment.

The sun has come out and is just glorious today - the air has that wonderful Spring smell - I feel totally blissed out!

I've come to realise that it's not the destination that I should be solely focused on - that destination may not be the one I end up at. This is all about the journey, the tiny blessings in every new day. Each day brings me closer to being my true self. I feel cleaner, clearer and happier. It almost feels as if I've been living my life buried under years of guk!

As I'll be heading to Melbourne for a fortnight camping I came across a Peace festival being held on the weekend I arrive. It sounds fantastic - a bit of Woodstock in there me thinks!


Juicy blissings

I've had the most fantastic juices so far today; watermelon, pomegranate, zucchini, orange and some organic barley greens to give it a kick - YUM!

Day 9

Gratitude

Today was filled with anger, frustration, shouting and flared tempers ......

But what I'm grateful for as this day comes to a close is:

• The gorgeous leadlight bunting a truly dear friend gave me today.
• My sister who I love so very much offered to take one of my teenage sons so I could have a some time for myself.
• The much needed maths resources my mother-in-law dropped off this evening to help with homeschooling.
• And the incredible words of wisdom from a friend who rang just when I needed it.
• And when I thought I couldn't face juicing anymore, having the courage to stay present, be in the moment and not undo all that I believe in.
  

Isn't it serendipitous when the Universe provides just what you need when you most need it !

Thank you x

Day 8 of 92

Give peace a chance

"Waking up this morning, I smile.
Twenty-four brand new hours are before me.
I vow to live fully in each moment,
and look on all beings with eyes of compassion."
morning blessing by Thich Nhat Hanh

It's amazing how the sun's rays bursting through the trees on a frosting morning can give such hope and clarity that this new day will be different to the last few. Teenage tempers have flared and whether I try to mediate or stand back in disbelief I don't seem to be making headway.



I woke up this morning my body feeling strong and light. My head feeling crystal clear. My mind focused and prepared for another day in the battle ground. My walk with Gaia this morning showed me all the wonders that nature has to offer and gave me a much needed inner calm. That ever day is a new day, with new beginnings.



I could hear her telling me not to think the worst before it's even happened. Then all I could hear was John Lennon singing ' all we are saying, is give PEACE a chance'. At that point I just had to smile. I'd been gifted with insight and I felt blessed. Today is going to be alright.


Juicy blissings

This morning my celery, cucumber and green apple juice was just delicious!

Day 7 of 92 - Healing & passion

Well I've completed my first week! YEAH!!!

It's been a lot easier than I ever thought, but .... can I make the distance?

Juice feasting is all about not fasting but having all your daily calorie requirements, hence 'feast' not 'fast'. I just don't think I'm having as much as I should so I've started tracking what I have in juice through nutritiondata. At this point I'm not sure how I can possibly stuff more green juice in!

I've found inspiration and magic today in reds, pinks and greens. The most gorgeous antique sari's that are now beautiful ribbons care of the fantastic LaShell came to me today. I'm thinking of using the pinky/red to include in the jacket I'm knitting. Sleeves and back complete, only right & left side and a most interesting cabled collar to go.


I'm coping miraculously well cooking for the family. Not only is it food you can chew, but it's cooked and includes meat (not the thing a raw vegan really wants to do). But some days, like today I would have loved a salad for lunch or even a banana smoothie. So, I just can't help myself, always having to have more than one knitting project going at once, I've started a sleeveless vest with high roll over neck. One of Jo Sharp's patterns in grounding browns, greys and copper.


Well I can hear my knitting calling - "I'm coming" - bye ...

Day 6 Juicing Feast

I love the countryside


Today was an incredibly early start for a Sunday morning - 5.45am with two hockey games at opposite ends of the city. The last game was played in the hills.



It was just one of those days that the flowers were more gorgeous, the green was greener than ever before. It's almost like I'm seeing things differently and am more in tune with my surroundings as the toxins get flushed slowly and steadily from my system.

Needless to say I was busy juicing very very early. I decided not to let the day become a stressor and had 1.5 litres of fresh juice ready to go as everyone was walking out the door.

It was just what I needed - that connection with mother earth!

My taste buds aren't completely happy with the amount of green juice I'm needing to have and I find myself putting one extra apple or orange in the mix to make it more palatable for the moment. As a quick fix I'm mixing a tablespoon of organic barley greens into a glass of juice just to get the green quota up a little bit more.

I have this obsession - trees - and particularly trees with lichen on them. I just love the stuff. So as we were driving around the winding roads we came across a tree that I just had to stop at.

Today was a good day .........

Day 5

Market day - YEAH!

I just love going to the market on Saturday mornings. It's still dark as we head off. I love that time when it feels as if everything is asleep except you. It's usually 7am when we get in, hardly anyone around. All the colours and textures it's a veritable treasure trove of wonder. I head to the organic stand, everything is fresh and alive, you can almost feel it buzz.

It was a major mile stone for me this morning. I always sit down with my wonderful husband and have my one treat for the week - a delicious soy latte. But ..... I'm juice feasting (and loving it). I thought this was going to be more of a problem than it actually was. While he was getting his coffee I headed off to the juice bar and got a scrumptious watermelon, orange and carrot juice in a huge cup - yumalicious!



By this afternoon I felt like I was going through another mini detox again - a little flat but nothing major. I'm sure it will be like this a few more times before it starts really getting better.

Saturday afternoon is also the day my daughter goes horse-riding. She's only had 4 lessons but is doing so well and thoroughly enjoying it. In the hills where we go there is this gorgeous stillness and the world stands still - I love it!

Day 4 of my 92 day juice feast !

Feelin' fine

I was only thinking yesterday "what if I don't make it to 92 days - I'll have failed at yet another something!". And then I thought it's definitely not a failure by any means. Anything I give to this juice feast will have been a blessing to myself.

So it's not about making it to 92 days but thanking me for each and every day that I give to it. Day 4 is a much better day. The intermittent dull ache inside my head has lifted. My energy levels are through the roof and I'm not normally an energetic person.

Spring is definitely close, you can feel it in the air and with that some much needed bottoming of the house was achieved. I must say that that I'm finding it hard to fit in 4 litres of veg/fruit juices. As my hunger subsided dramatically by day 3 I found that I've only been able to drink around 2 litres max. I'll just have to wait and see if it's enough. I've beem managing to have 2.5-3 litres each day of water which is a huge achievement for me.

My skin is definitely looking much better. A definite plus!



As I've found it hard not indulging in a glass of red wine each evening my knitting has had to come out again. I just love knitting but haven't done any for myself in a while. So as it's still the last few weeks of winter and I'm feeling the cold quite intensely, a quick chunky knit to warm the heart and sooth the soul is in order.

Day 3

My juicing slump

Yesterday wasn't a happy day for my poor head.

Here's me thinking 2 months being raw, prior to my juicing feast, would have got all the nasties out of my body. I think not! Then again it could have been the one thing I allowed myself that wasn't raw (yummy freshly brewed coffee). I'd been having 2-3 cups per day the week before when I would normally have 1 a week. I suppose when you think of all the years of not being kind to myself it's going to take most of my 92 days feel cleansed and balanced.



I hadn't truly fathomed how many greens and fruits I would need to buy to last the week. What I would normally get, I've had to go out twice to replenish - which is OK but I've run out again. A bonus though is all these gorgeous eye popping colours and textures on the kitchen counter has got the kids really enjoying them aswell.

More than anything I'm feeling the cold. It's winter still but I don't usually feel the chill on the air like this. The warm water and organic lemons from my next door neighbour definitely puts pink in my cheeks on these frosty mornings.

My head is much better today. It's said that it takes the first 3 days to flush out the toxins enough that you don't have these throbbing beauties anymore. I've been drinking 3 litres of filtered water each day, on top of the juices, to help with the headaches ,and it has.

Not having much left in the kitchen and needing a juice NOW! I blended up the mung bean sprouts that I'd grown with a little water and strained the liquid into some fresh orange juice. Not having the best juicer I didn't think I'd be able to extract enough liquid using that method. Quite nice I must admit. My son Josh just looks at me in despair, shaking his head. I'm always kind enough to offer some but the response I'm expecting is 100% always in the negative (in the nicest possible way of course)!

Saturday is market day, but not being able to wait that long I best head off to the local organic shop and get some supplies or their could be tears and they would definitely be mine.

Existential fog

Day 2 of my 92 day Juice Feast

'Frantically scrubbing floors and walls. I knew the raging bush fire was almost upon me but the urge to stay and cleanse my home was over powering. Finally I forced myself into the car and drove as fast as I could, my heart pounding wondering if I'd ever make it out of this nightmare.'

Then I woke abruptly, almost in a panic. And I thought to myself 'well if that's not a metaphor for cleansing mind, body and soul, rising from the ashes renewed and alive, I don't know what is.' My 92 days juice feast had started with a bang!

From the distance she could hear 'Grumpy' singing 'Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work I go'. No No .... Snow White was not ready to get up from her slumber. How could she face the day. Stuck in this existential mind fog, her mouth feeling as if a thousand fuzzy bunnies had invaded it overnight, a thick coating on her once pink tongue and blocked nose.

Then 'Grumpy' rang on his forest phone to tell Snow White that there was the most gorgeous fog hovering majestically around our home. He knew this was one of Snow Whites 'most favourite things'.

Dragging herself from bed she just had to get those teeth brushed quick smart. She also knew it was now time to start the journey with Grandmother Nettle.

The kettle whistled and the infusion ready to make. With her healing elixir, notebook and camera in hand Snow White ventured outside.



She was truly mesmerised by the stillness. It was that magical time between times when the light is returning. A gentle rain started to fall and the sound of the fountain trickled in the background. Gaia was showing her that fog doesn't have to be all grey and sad, it can still fill you with feelings of empowerment and clarity and the start of a great healing process.

The existential fog lifted from her head and heart. She sat sipping her nettle elixir.

Subtle messages were hers to be found all over the garden as the Spring Equinox drew closer.



Even though there were 4 gorgeous children still in dreamy land, that would be waking soon, this moment was hers to enjoy - even if for just a moment more.

Amazing RAW food journey !

Day 1 of my 92 day juice feast

6 years ago being vegetarian seemed the only way - for the animals. It's been an on and off again ride since.

But - very slowly the way I look at this wonderful planet and the many people around me has changed. Maybe on some level you can't eat more consciously and not be aware of what is happening around you.

And so a few months ago I knew it was the right time to adopt a vegan lifestyle. Those 2 days were the most fulfilling for a very long time.

I read and researched and what I did find that really aligned with who I've become is raw vegan. Living foods - delicious! Elixir for mind, body and soul.

I lost 7kg that month, had clarity of mind, no more morning head fuzzies, feeling angry and constant joint achiness.



I've come across an amazing woman, Angela Stokes , and her complete body and mind transformation. She really is an inspiration.

What I'm hoping for is to reverse some of the damage of years of treating myself badly and to stop anything happening in the future. To drop many unwanted pounds, to see my skin glow again and my hair to be lush and thick like it used to. Although I'm not sure if the damage done to my once gorgeous hair can be fixed (it's been falling out for years - I'm so very lucky I started with more than my fair share!), and to feel that miraculous connection with nature that has been dulled.

And so without hesitation I embarked on 'day 1' of my 92 day green juice feast and I have to say it's pretty darn scrumptious!

I do have a 2 week camping trip right in the middle of it but I'm determined to let nothing get in the way. I truly haven't felt this good physically and mentally for such a long time and from what I hear it's only going to get better.