Michigan Raw Food

Free Raw Food Holiday Recipes

2011-11-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

Here are some free raw food holiday recipes from Chef BeLive. Super nice guy, and he always has the most amazing recipes- I'm sure these will dazzle and impress your holiday guests!

Recipes Link

Review of Jason Jonca, law group in Livonia, MI

2011-10-05T18:29:00.000-07:00

I sometimes do reviews of local businesses or companies that are not food related, if they particularly impress. Jason Jonca's law firm is one of them. They were very professional, courteous, and handled my friend's case.

If you need a lawyer in the Livonia area:

Jonca Law Group PC
33039 Schoolcraft Rd
Livonia, MI 48150
Office: 734-838-0755

Bored in Downriver?

2011-10-03T13:35:00.001-07:00

Check out this new website that will list all of the fun things going on in downriver, Michigan.

What's Happening Downriver

Natural Sore Throat/Strep Throat Tea

2011-08-02T16:14:00.001-07:00

I had a really bad sore throat this past weekend...stuffy nose, headache, full body ache (never had that before!)I tried everything I could think of as I still do not have health insurance...and I really don't like taking antibiotics (if you ever do take them, make sure to take probiotics too so you don't get a secondary infection.)

Anyways, I finally found something that started to work! My sore throat is almost gone today, so I only had it for three days (Friday it was just starting, and today it's tailing off...so technically five...but only three with really bad symptoms)It would have been even less if I had done this sooner. I didn't take it until the third day.

Normally when I have a bad sore throat it lasts over a week, and usually requires antibiotics to go away.

Here's what I did(INGREDIENTS):

I took oregano and basil from my spices. I suppose you could buy them in a tea or get them in the leaves...I just used what I already had.

I mixed in some cinnamon and cayenne also.

Then I had Manuka Honey and boiling water.

*Manuka honey works better without heat, but it's active ingedients are not completely destroyed in the hot water. I had the Honey alone too, but it got too sweet and I liked it better warm in the tea.(the cinnamon works with the sugar in the honey also....cinnamon regulates sugar levels in the body,great for diabetics as well!)

If you want the honey at the strongest strength, have a spoonful of honey, and then drink the tea. The honey really makes the drink more tolerable though.

That's all there is too it!

Oh, and I sliced half a clove of a garlic and put it in my nostrils for twenty minutes. I know, sound gross, but it worked and my nose instantly became clearer.However, it does burn a little. Take it out if it starts to sting lol

Why did I pick these ingredients?

These are just a FEW of the reassons (these ingredients have a lot of other health benefits, but these are just the ones specific to colds, flu's, and strep throat)

According to Worlds Healthiest foods:

Oregano:
An Effective Anti-Bacterial

The volatile oils in this spice include thymol and carvacrol, both of which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus . In Mexico, researchers have compared oregano to tinidazol, a commonly used prescription drug to treat infection from the amoeba Giardia lamblia. These researchers found oregano to be more effective against Giardia than the commonly used prescription drug.

Basil:

DNA Protection Plus Anti-Bacterial Properties

The unique array of active constituents called flavonoids found in basil provide protection at the cellular level. Orientin and vicenin are two water-soluble flavonoids that have been of particular interest in basil, and in studies on human white blood cells; these components of basil protect cell structures as well as chromosomes from radiation and oxygen-based damage.

In addition, basil has been shown to provide protection against unwanted bacterial growth. These anti-bacterial properties of basil are not associated with its unique flavonoids, but instead with its volatile oils, which contain estragole, linalool, cineole, eugenol, sabinene, myrcene, and limonene. Lab studies show the effectiveness of basil in restricting growth of numerous bacteria, including : Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O:157:H7, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Essential oil of basil, obtained from its leaves, has demonstrated the ability to inhibit several species of pathogenic bacteria that have become resistant to commonly used antibiotic drugs. In a study published in the July 2003 issue of the Journal of Microbiology Methods, essential oil of basil was even found to inhibit strains of bacteria from the genera Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas, all of which are not only widespread, but now pose serious treatment difficulties because they have developed a high level of resistance to treatment with antibiotic drugs.(September 8, 2003)
Studies published in the February 2004 issue of Food Microbiology, have shown that washing produce in solution containing either basil or thyme essential oil at the very low concentration of just 1% resulted in dropping the number of Shigella, an infectious bacteria that triggers diarrhea and may cause significant intestinal damage, below the point at which it could be detected. While scientists use this research to try to develop natural food preservatives, it makes good sense to include basil and thyme in more of your recipes, particularly for foods that are not cooked such as salads. Adding fresh thyme and/or basil to your next vinaigrette will not only enhance the flavor of your fresh greens, but will help ensure that the fresh produce you consume is safe to eat. (March 25, 2004)

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

The eugenol component of basil's volatile oils has been the subject of extensive study, since this substance can block the activity of an enzyme in the body called cyclooxygenase (COX). Many non-steriodal over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), including aspirin and ibuprofen, as well as the commonly used medicine acetaminophen, work by inhibiting this same enzyme. (In the case of acetaminophen, this effect is somewhat controversial, and probably occurs to a much lesser degree than is the case with aspirin and ibuprofen). This enzyme-inhibiting effect of the eugenol in basil qualifies basil as an "anti-inflammatory" food that can provide important healing benefits along with symptomatic relief for individuals with inflammatory health problems like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel conditions.

Cinnamon:
Anti-Microbial Activity

Cinnamon's essential oils also qualify it as an "anti-microbial" food, and cinnamon has been studied for its ability to help stop the growth of bacteria as well as fungi, including the commonly problematic yeast Candida. In laboratory tests, growth of yeasts that were resistant to the commonly used anti-fungal medication fluconazole was often (though not always) stopped by cinnamon extracts.
Cinnamon's antimicrobial properties are so effective that recent research demonstrates this spice can be used as an alternative to traditional food preservatives. In a study, published in the August 2003 issue of the International Journal of Food Microbiology, the addition of just a few drops of cinnamon essential oil to 100 ml (approximately 3 ounces) of carrot broth, which was then refrigerated, inhibited the growth of the foodborne pathogenic Bacillus cereus for at least 60 days. When the broth was refrigerated without the addition of cinnamon oil, the pathogenic B. cereus flourished despite the cold temperature. In addition, researchers noted that the addition of cinnamon not only acted as an effective preservative but improved the flavor of the broth.

lood Sugar Control
Seasoning a high carb food with cinnamon can help lessen its impact on your blood sugar levels. Cinnamon slows the rate at which the stomach empties after meals, reducing the rise in blood sugar after eating. Researchers measured how quickly the stomach emptied after 14 healthy subjects ate 300 grams (1.2 cups) of rice pudding alone or seasoned with 6 grams (1.2 teaspoons) of cinnamon. Adding cinnamon to the rice pudding lowered the gastric emptying rate from 37% to 34.5% and significantly lessened the rise in blood sugar levels after eating. Am J Clin Nutr. 2 007 Jun;85(6):1552-6.
Cinnamon may also significantly help people with type 2 diabetes improve their ability to respond to insulin, thus normalizing their blood sugar levels. Both test tube and animal studies have shown that compounds in cinnamon not only stimulate insulin receptors, but also inhibit an enzyme that inactivates them, thus significantly increasing cells' ability to use glucose. Studies to confirm cinnamon's beneficial actions in humans are currently underway with the most recent report coming from researchers from the US Agricultural Research Service, who have shown that less than half a teaspoon per day of cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels in persons with type 2 diabetes. Their study included 60 Pakistani volunteers with type 2 diabetes who were not taking insulin. Subjects were divided into six groups. For 40 days, groups 1, 2 and 3 were given 1, 3, or 6 grams per day of cinnamon while groups 4, 5 and 6 received placebo capsules. Even the lowest amount of cinnamon, 1 gram per day (approximately 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon), produced an approximately 20% drop in blood sugar; cholesterol and triglycerides were lowered as well. When daily cinnamon was stopped, blood sugar levels began to increase.

Cayenne:
Clear Congestion

Capsaicin not only reduces pain, but its peppery heat also stimulates secretions that help clear mucus from your stuffed up nose or congested lungs. Capsaicin is similar to a compound found in many cold remedies for breaking up congestion, except that capsaicin works much faster. A tea made with hot cayenne pepper very quickly stimulates the mucus membranes lining the nasal passages to drain, helping to relieve congestion and stuffiness. Next cold and flu season, give it a try.

Boost Immunity

Cayenne peppers' bright red color signals its high content of beta-carotene or pro-vitamin A. Just two teaspoons of cayenne pepper provide 29.4% of the daily value for vitamin A. Often called the anti-infection vitamin, vitamin A is essential for healthy epithelial tissues including the mucous membranes that line the nasal passages, lungs, intestinal tract and urinary tract and serve as the body's first line of defense against invading pathogens.

Fight Inflammation

All chili peppers, including cayenne, contain capsaicin, which in addition to giving cayenne its characteristic heat, is a potent inhibitor of substance P, a neuropeptide associated with inflammatory processes. The hotter the chili pepper, the more capsaicin it contains. The hottest varieties include habanero and Scotch bonnet as well as cayenne peppers. Jalapenos are next in their heat and capsaicin content, followed by the milder varieties, including Spanish pimentos, and Anaheim and Hungarian cherry peppers.

Capsaicin is being studied as an effective treatment for sensory nerve fiber disorders, including pain associated with arthritis, psoriasis, and diabetic neuropathy. When animals injected with a substance that causes inflammatory arthritis were fed a diet that contained capsaicin, they had delayed onset of arthritis, and also significantly reduced paw inflammation.

Natural Pain Relief

Topical capsaicin has been shown in studies to be an effective treatment for cluster headaches and osteoarthritis pain. Several review studies of pain management for diabetic neuropathy have listed the benefits of topical capsaicin to alleviate disabling pain associated with this condition.

In a double-blind placebo controlled trial, nearly 200 patients with psoriasis were given topical preparations containing either capsaicin or placebo. Patients who were given capsaicin reported significant improvement based on a severity score which traced symptoms associated with psoriasis. The side effect reported with topical capsaicin cream is a burning sensation at the area of application.

And last, but not lease, manuka honey:
For thousands of years, honey has been a popular folk medicine around the world for ailments ranging from ulcers to infected wounds. Recent studies have reinforced honey's superiority to standard medical treatments. Researchers have focused on one type of honey with an exceptionally high level of antibacterial activity. They have found that this special type of honey, known as Manuka Honey is even powerful enough to combat antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria such as MRSA and capable of clearing Staph infections.

All types of honey have some antibacterial properties, partly due to the combination of a high concentration of sugar (glucose and fructose) and acid. In addition, scientists have come to understand that honey's antibacterial properties are also due to hydrogen peroxide which is formed in a slow-release manner by the enzyme, glucose oxidase present in honey. Manuka Honey has an additional antibacterial component which has become known as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF as well as a compound known as Methylglyoxal.

Studies demonstrate that Manuka Honey hastens the healing process while avoiding the risks associated with traditional medical treatments. For example, antibiotics cause cell damage, and topical hydrogen peroxide in high concentrations cause tissue damage. However, the moist environment created by Manuka Honey is not only essential for tissue re-growth but Manuka Honey also reduces pain and cell damage. In addition to having a potent antibacterial activity, Manuka Honey has a debriding action, an anti-inflammatory action and a stimulatory effect on wound healing and tissue growth.

The recent outbreak of Staph infections, MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria are making doctors and other medical professionals rethink the use of antibiotics and explore more natural alternatives such as the use of Manuka Honey. Manuka Honey is the only honey that is rated and tested for its antibacterial properties. Manuka Honey's high potency comes from the nectar of the flowers that grow on the tea tree known as the Manuka bush which grows wild throughout New Zealand. Honeybees carry twice their weight in nectar back to their hives where they produce this unique type of honey.

Manuka Honey also has the ability to retain its potency, more so than other types of honey, even when diluted or exposed to heat. For example, hydrogen peroxide is diminished or destroyed by contact with the catalase enzyme present in the blood and other bodily fluids. A similar destructive scenario occurs when honey comes in contact with boiling water. In other words, taking honey with hot tea for a sore throat might be counterproductive. However, Manuka Honey retains a high degree of its antibacterial activity in both of these scenarios.

Studies have been conducted around the world demonstrating that honey produces faster results with fewer complications in comparison to traditional forms of medicine and pharmaceuticals for everything from eczema to ringworm. In addition to antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, Manuka Honey has been determined to have natural anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties making it effective for the treatment of arthritis, muscle and joint pain, athlete's foot and other fungal conditions.

Raw food cafe in Hamtramck, Michigan (Near Detroit) Detroit Zen Center

2011-07-30T17:46:00.001-07:00

I have not visited yet, but someone let me know about a raw food cafe in Hamtramck, at the Detroit Zen Center.

They are only open on the weekends, and it's both the food and atmosphere that make it worth a visit. Here is their website:
Detroit Zen Center

If you are in the area, go support them if you can!

Juice bar opened in downriver-southgate, MI Nutrition Unlimited

2011-07-30T17:43:00.001-07:00

Nutrition unlimited, in Southgate, Michigan, is already a wonderful health food store. It has saved me MANY times from making a trip out to whole foods or Zerbo's in Livonia. If you live downriver, or the Detroit area, there aren't many options. Nutrition unlimited has a wide variety of supplements, and organic produce.

Even better news? They now have a juice bar!! It's only open until 4pm, but they are looking for someone part time to work it later. So, if you are looking for a health food store job, go apply fast! I'm sure the position won't be open long.

They don't have a website, but for location and review go to their Yelp review page: Nutrition Unlimited

How Jenna Marbles stay's super hot...

2011-06-22T19:41:00.001-07:00

I just discovered Jenna Marble's videos, and she's freakin' hilarious. Not only that, but she's Vegan! (I knew she seemed awesome for a reason!)

She's only 23, but she seemed to have figured out what it took me lots of trial and error to do. (even though she complains about being broke, I'm pretty sure she has had more steady jobs then me...so that might be why she's been able to figure this out sooner lol)

Anyways, I really like her diet plan, and think it's pretty good advice:

Jenna's typical daily meals

The Raw Cafe Detroit Review

2011-05-25T18:32:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to have found the Raw Cafe in Detroit. It's a lot closer than the Cacao Tree in Royal Oak for me, although they are both great. In fact, the owner of the Cacao Tree is the one who told me about the Detroit restaurant since I said it was a bit of a drive for me.

The outside is really nice, and it's easy to find parking too. (although I had to pass a homeless guy, who thankfully didn't bother us. I'm not passing judgements, just some can get scary. I wish I could help everyone who asks, but I just can't and that bothers me.)

The inside is beautiful, and the food was really good. I am embarrassed to admit that I was in such a hurry to get back home to work that I actually forgot to tip! I have never forgotten to tip before!

Ahh, well when I go back I will make sure to tip extra. We only got take out, but still, I feel a tip would have been appropriate and I want to help support raw food restaurants.

I got a lasagna and an amazing raw cheesecake,and some ginger carrot juice. I also found this wrap, but I didn't order it. I discovered it when I got home. Not sure if it was a mistake or something they throw in with your meal, but it was pretty good also.

Anyways, if you get a chance to check out this restaurant please do. It's a great alternative for those of us who can't get out to Royal Oak and also a nice place to go out to eat if you are in downtown Detroit. Their food is amazing, the restaurant is decorated very nice and the staff was super friendly. What more can you ask for? I only wish their hours were a later because they are closed by the time I get off work, but I think their summer hours will be a little later according to their website.

The end is nigh...

2011-05-21T14:30:00.001-07:00

Ok, maybe not. The end of the world didn't happen, but Harold Camping and his family are a lot richer. I grew up in a religious home, and I studied the bible for two years in bible college, so I could see the flaws (and I've done some online marketing as well so I could see the marketing genius in his work as also) in his theories, but there will always be some who can not, or will choose not to(a quick google search would help anybody see his faulty calculations). I have seen how much damage religion has done in people's lives, including my own, and it just makes me angry...and sad.

In sales, if only a few people buy in to your product you did well, and Harold Camping has done VERY well. He should have just stuck to being an engineer if he likes math so much...oh wait, there isn't as much money in that. I'm pretty sure in the bible it doesn't say the person who is the best at math and with the most free time will go to heaven, but he sure knew how to play on people's not wanting to be left out or not being on the "watch"for the end times. Ugh. Makes me so mad. I have also never, ever understood why Christians are excited about the rapture. Just morbid. Ok, I get the going home and eternal happiness crap, but not the part of people being left behind to suffer. Do you just ignore that part? What kind of heartless people would do that?? I mean, ok if God wants to do that that's his call...but me, I would NEVER enjoy that idea, and believe me, there are a lot of people I dislike.

But while there are definitely a lot of people out there taking advantage of people, there are some doing good too. So instead of dwelling on the negatives, I'd rather take a look at something more positive.

You just never know when your life will change, such as this organization helping women in Uganda. I especially love this charity because I love how life can change so quickly, and especially that it helps women out of poverty. To think they were so poor and then one day, they were able to make more than their wildest dreams! If it can happen to them, imagine what you can do in a country not in poverty?

To read about the lovely story about how things got started:

Bead For Life Story

Another really fun charity is Skip1

What I love about this charity is it's so easy. You just skip something. Like the other day I was sick of the food and my house and I was going to get something. Instead, I found a fun recipe to use up some ingredients in my house and ate at home. I donated the $6 I saved to Skip1. And guess what? You get a receipt so it's tax deductible. Little things like this do add up.

While it wasn't the end of the world today, it was for many people living in poverty.

According to one website:

"About 25,000 people die every day of hunger or hunger-related causes, according to the United Nations. This is one person every three and a half seconds, as you can see on this display. Unfortunately, it is children who die most often.

Yet there is plenty of food in the world for everyone. The problem is that hungry people are trapped in severe poverty. They lack the money to buy enough food to nourish themselves. Being constantly malnourished, they become weaker and often sick. This makes them increasingly less able to work, which then makes them even poorer and hungrier. This downward spiral often continues until death for them and their families."

So if you have enough money to buy organic foods, and exotic superfoods, if you have a roof over your head...you are doing better than many people. I feel SO blessed and happy to not only have a big, beautiful kitchen and enough money to buy what I want right now, but a little extra to give back. I can only imagine what I would do if I made as much money as most people I know. If you aren't giving back, well, it's your choice, but I just don't see how you couldn't want to help!

Anyways, end of rant :)

Enjoy living another day :)

Raw Way bars made in flint

2011-05-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

I haven't tried these out but I have a half off coupon, and I'm pretty excited to try them out. Not only are they raw food bars, but they are made in Flint, Michigan! I didn't know anything was still made in Flint? (sorry Flint!) I am so excited to hear about a new business in flint let alone a raw food one :)

Check out their website: Raw Way

Cacao Tree Cafe Royal Oak Review

2011-03-11T16:44:00.000-08:00

I FINALLY made it in to the Cacao Tree Cafe in Royal Oak, and I'm so glad that I stopped in! I just haven't been out in the Royal Oak area in awhile, and I'm not a big fan of parking in downtowns. (parallel parking and parking garages give me mild panic attacks, lol) If I can manage it by myself, than you can too. Don't let the parking stop you from visiting. I passed the place up a couple of times before I saw it (and I have been to the Tasi juice bar that was at that location previously!) because it's very small. It's right after the train tracks, and before Noir Leather.(Which has a huge sign, and hard to miss.) There is a parking garage right by, and that's nice because Royal Oak was crowded at lunch time. I had to park on the top of the parking garage, but at least I found a place. (they could label the exits and direction in the parking garage a bit better though!) Parking was free for two hours before 5 pm, which is a bonus as well. Inside, it is very nicely decorated and fun! It's crowded, and I had people cutting in front of me, and kids climbing all over me as well (who, by the way, had the same name as me. Weird.Lol.)The people working were very friendly and happy. You can tell they really enjoy what they do. The food was amazing! I wish my camera phone was working so you could see what I had, but it wouldn't do it justice anyways! I had a tostada, and the crackers were amazing.(and I've been to a LOT of raw food restaurants that mess up the flavor of dehydrated crackers) The ingredients were fresh and crisp. My smoothie was great, and I had the BEST EVER blueberry cheesecake. Oh man, I wish I had the talent for making this stuff! It was sooo good! My only complaints about the place? There were too many great options(I wanted to spend $100 here!), and that they were closer to my home!! So, those aren't really complaints. There were no negatives at all. Yes, it's crowded and small...but well worth it, in my opinion. Prices were a little high, but that's expected with raw food and fresh ingredients...you get what you pay for, and every penny is worth it here. In fact, you pay more,but you will be less hungry later. All I have had today was lunch at Cacao Tree Cafe and I am not hungry still, 8 hours later. When you eat healthy, fresh food you eat less. So, the prices were about what you would expect for the type of food they offered. I wish they had a menu online, but I am guessing they probably change it often. They had a lot of daily specials. So, I will let you just stop in and find out what they offer...you won't be disappointed! Oh, and I heard the owner mention that they will be selling some of their food in the Total Health Food Store in Wyandotte, Mi. I am super excited about that! Definitely stop in, even if you aren't near Royal Oak. It's worth the trip! There are so few places like this in Michigan (although there are more being added each year) and it's a unique place to check out.

Swag Bucks...

2011-03-04T13:11:00.001-08:00

Ok, so this has nothing to do with raw food (well, guess you could use your points to buy a juicer?) but it's a lot of fun and my friends on facebook have said it works. You get points for watching fun videos, and searching the internet. The videos are actually interesting unlike a lot of these sites,and I'm already searching online all day for work, so why not?

Nutrition Unlimited Southgate and Total Health Foods in Wyandotte...downriver's healthy hot spots!

2011-03-03T17:53:00.000-08:00

Maybe I'm a little late to finding out about these great stores downriver, but I'm thrilled to find them! I'm always excited to find health food stores somewhere other than Oakland County or Ann Arbor!

Nutrition Unlimited has a really nice selection in a large store, and friendly staff. I really hope to see this store around for a long time! I'm most excited though about the Juice Bar which should be opening soon. Please come out and support them, juice bars are expensive for a business to run-but we are so in need of fast, healthy food. Especially in places like Southgate and other down river areas. The store is kind of hidden in a shopping mall that you wouldn't expect to see a health food store in. Like I said,I really hope they stay around for awhile and I want to see them succeed. People in Wayne County need healthy foods. In fact, we need it more probably. Here is their information:

14185 Eureka Road
Southgate, MI 48195-2065
(734) 284-2357

(and I should have told the owner,but didn't think of it- if they need help putting together a website or even a blog,facebook, or myspace page...I'd be happy to put it together for free!)

Total Health Foods in Wyandotte is a lot smaller, but it's large on charm. They have lots of supplements and a pretty good frozen food and dried food selection. You can also find a lot of unique products there. Also, they had a very enthusiastic and fun Zumba class going on. The staff was also very friendly. My concern was parking (hate parking in downtown's-I can't parallel park to save my life!), but there is actually a lot of room in the parking lot in the back of the store. Their website is:
Total Health Foods Wyandotte, MI

So, don't feel like you need to drive out to Livonia, Ann Arbor, or West Bloomfield to be healthy! Have fun downriver, you have some really great options now!

Happy Chickens create healthier eggs...

2011-02-20T09:52:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I'm not sure how much "research" has been put into this video I saw, but still...to me, it's just common sense and I don't tend to need a lot of research to back up my gut feeling. I've been telling people for years, if you don't care about animals and how they are treated in factory farms because, well, you are a decent human being with feelings....then please, do it for yourself? Animals who are treated like crap will tend to create crappy food. You really, honestly think you put animals in disgusting, unnatural conditions and then eat them-that it won't have a negative effect on you? I just don't understand people sometimes. I have no problem with eating meat occasionally. I'm not a die hard vegan. I think eggs are an amazing food. I just think we tend to eat too much of it, and the quality is not good. There is no ethical reason to treat animals the way we do. If we are going to kill animals for food, we can do it humanely. I'm not saying we have to spend money to put them up in the Ritz hotel, but we do not need to treat them like a car in assembly lines. They are living, breathing and can experience pain and emotions. They are not just dollar signs.

Animals Have Emotions Videos

Stevia Warning

2010-11-04T21:14:00.000-07:00

I posted some recipes recently with Stevia in them, and just wanted to warn that too much can cause stomach upset. Some people might have a bad reaction with even just a little. It really depends on the person. I didn't have any issues until I started using a lot of it, every day. I have completely eliminated ALL other sources of sugar other than Stevia and fruits, for the last 2 months...and I may have gotten a bit carried away :) I recommend you start off slowly, and use it in moderation.

Grand Opening of Cacao Tree Cafe-new Michigan Raw food Restaurant!

2010-11-04T21:06:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited for Cacao Tree Cafe in Royal Oak. I haven't had a chance to check it out yet, but I will be soon and I'll post a review!

Hours are from 9a.m to 7p.m, closed Sunday. We are located on 4th Street, between Main & Washington in downtown Royal Oak. We are right at the railroad track, on the northbound side of 4th.

For easy access to the cafe, there is a parking garage that is located directly behind us, our property is literally connected to the south-west corner of the garage, at the stairwell. If you enter before 5p.m, parking is free for 2 hours. After 5 though, it is $5 and $.50/hour. Enter garage from Center Street.

Raw Chocolate Brownie Recipe

2010-11-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

So, I wanted something sweet tonight and put this together with the ingredients I had around the kitchen. It turned out pretty good so I thought I'd share:

Mix avocado, almonds, and coconut butter in a food processor. Add a little water, but make sure it's not too watery.

Mix in vanilla stevia, and chocolate stevia with raw cacao powder.

*Chia seeds optional
*Cinnamon optional

Once you have a nice "dough" batter, put in metal brownie pan...

You can add cinnamon sprinkles on top, cacao nibs, agave, almonds, walnuts, etc. on top

Place in freezer until brownie consistency.

:)

HCG Diet Review + Healthy Spaghetti Recipe

2010-11-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

Wow, I've been neglecting this blog! I did the HCG Diet which helped reset my metabolism, and have lost over 35 lbs (and have kept it off!)

When I originally started on the raw food diet I was unable to commit to it fully, and when I'd go back to a regular diet my body freaked out and put on a ton of weight, and also made it tough to lose weight afterwards. I knew this was a risk of crashing on the raw food diet, but I REALLY wanted to do it successfully and stick with it. My life had other plans though :)

I have more stability now(although not a whole lot lol), and that is why I was able to stick with the HCG diet.The HCG diet is definitely NOT a quick or easy fix despite your fast results-but you do get a lot of support and the help of the hormone that is used in the diet (which I believe really helped me with food cravings despite what you find on the internet about it being a placebo effect...believe me, it's not...my stomach didn't even growl....I can assure you I don't have that kind of will power naturally :))

The HCG diet forces you to do things more slowly, and I encourage it for anybody (get your doctors approval first if you have any health issues) who has a stubborn metabolism and can't lose weight (including thyroid issues) or who wants to do the raw food diet but like me lacked the will power to commit to it 100% either for money, work schedule, or whatever reasons you have. After you complete the HCG diet you will have the willpower and changed eating habits to commit to the raw food diet much easier.

You can purchase HCG on a lot of sites, but if you want to get it from where I got my results from (and a couple of my friends got great results also) and where I'm a distributor for, you can get it here: Your HCG

Just make sure when you buy your first order that you contact them first to make sure you buy the right amount (it varies based on how much weight you want to lose) You must do the program a minimum of 23 days, so if you have less to lose than 23 lbs, definitely make sure to call them first.

On to the Healthy Spaghetti Recipe. I'm on phase 3 of the HCG Diet which is transitioning back to eating a less restricted diet (if you want) By less restricted, I do not mean you need to go on a raw food diet afterwards, but that you can eat more calories than what is allowed in phase 1 and 2.

When you are in phase 3 it is the maintenance phase and you can eat anything you want except sugar (except from most fruits), starches, and carbs. Well, I'm learning sugars and white pasta type carbs are in EVERYTHING in the grocery store. I'm kind of being forced to eat a modified raw food diet in this phase, but it's been great. I'm really learning new ways (like using stevia instead of sugar) and other healthy habits.

I wanted spaghetti today, but of course, no sugar from processed sauces, and no noodles. So I had to be creative. Here is what I came up with (with modified versions if you want to make it less raw and vegan...and add cheese)Warning...I don't really go by recipes so there is a lot of variation and room for you to make this how you want:

Healthy Spaghetti Recipe:
Process half an avocado + 1 portabello mushroom (you can add more avocado or mushrooms depending on how large you want the serving size to be...I used half an avocado since it was just for me...I added the mushrooms to cut down on fat, but still give it the avocado consistency)

Mix in enough water to make it process better, but not too watery. Add water SLOWLY.

Add in seasonings (I used himalayan salt, onions, garlic, and an all natural italian seasoning mix)

In processor add tomatoes. I used one small tomato,but you can definitely add more if you have them.

Mix in a little olive oil and a tiny bit of apple cider vinegar to taste. Not necessary, but adds a nice kick to it.

Add either mozzarella cheese, or for the raw/vegan version you can add in Brewers Nutritional Yeast for a cheese flavor substitute if you like that stuff (It's not my favorite, but it does the trick if you are trying to keep this all raw/vegan.)

Rinse off kelp noodles with water and cut them to size you want.

Heat up spaghetti sauce on low heat if you want, than add the kelp noodles and mix it up.

The kelp noodles don't need to be heated up, so add them in after you heat up the sauce only.

There you have it! Gluten free, raw, vegan spaghetti! Despite it's brown color, it was really good!

I'd love to hear any of your ideas for kelp noodles as this is the first time I decided to try them!

I'm very happy they didn't have a "sea vegetable" taste to them, in addition to the many health benefits I found about them. There are way too many health benefits to kelp noodles, so just google it (yes, I'm being lazy but I work 7 days a week!) and I'm sure you will love these noodles as much as I do, if you don't already!

Two great events...Sept. 18th and 19th Michigan Raw Health Ecofest and Matt and Angela Monarch Speaking

2010-09-15T18:51:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18 - 10:00AM
$10.00

SPEAKERS * RAW FOOD DEMOS/ SAMPLES * RAW FOOD COURT
ORGANIC FARMERS MARKET * EXHIBITORS * RAFFLE DRAWINGS
Concert Begins at 7:30PM
http://rawhealthecofest.com/ for complete details on this amazing day!!

SPECIAL WORKSHOP

MATT & ANGELA MONARCH
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 19 - 1:00PM - 7:00PM
Investment in your health $95.00
Delicious Delectable Live and Raw & Food Dinner and Desert Buffet by Joyce Oliveto

http://rawhealthecofest.com/ for complete details and registration.

Holistic Healer in Dearborn Heights

2010-05-16T17:49:00.000-07:00

I know I've talked about them before, but this is such a great place and I'm so happy to have a place like the Holistic Healer in Dearborn Heights! They have a wide variety of healthy snacks made my Samantha Bushnell of Color Wheel Meals which are wonderful (You HAVE to try the brownie and cheesy kale chips!) and home made herbal teas, beauty products, and herbal supplements. If you are in the area, you definitely will want to stop by!

Great movie! Letters to God.

2010-04-18T17:15:00.000-07:00

Letters to God is a great movie. Go out and support it! I grew up in a very religious household, and our family church did NOT support me going into the film industry. I wanted to get involved, to make quality movies like this though. Film is a very powerful way to get a message across, and a great ministry. Even more ironic, that same church now has a tv department...

Anyways, everyone is so quick to complain about the violence and sex on tv and movies, yet when a great movie comes out, it stays on the bottom of the list. Yes, it may be a sad movie, but it is also an inspiring one and one with a good message. It may not have the special effects or the flashiness of Alice in Wonderland or Clash of the Titans, but it has a good plot and story line...something that I have found lacking in a lot of movies today. While I love what they can do with special effects, my favorite part of any movie is the plot! :) Look at Casablanca-they used a paper airplane and a really short person in the background in the last scene, yet it's a classic to this day!

So many church groups are quick to protest movies they don't like, but when something like this comes out, where are they?? You vote with your dollars what Hollywood makes. You can complain all day, but in the end, they only make what WE buy. I know plenty of church people who went out in groups to see movies like Batman, but what about this?

Anyways, enough lecturing :)

Watch this movie before it becomes illegal!!

2010-04-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

I have been telling people for years that soybeans are almost all genetically modified-even organic. Yet, people still think soy is healthy! I have been telling people since I was 12 that tap water is bad, yet finally it's starting to come to light that chemicals and medications are in high amounts in our water supply. If you think the government or the food industry (and they are the same people) give a crap about your safety, you are naive and misinformed. They care about MONEY. Not you. YOU, however, buy the food! If you stop buying it, if farmers stop making this food (yes, they will get sued-but if everybody worked together instead of just giving in-they would have nobody to make the crops!) Please, stop this madness!! If it costs you more to eat healthy, who cares? If every last cent of your extra money goes to healthy food, than GOOD!(I know it is a struggle for me also) You may not ALWAYS be able to purchase the best food, but the majority should be!! Every bit helps!Food is one of the single most important things you can buy! Anyways, enough of my preaching, I will post the link for the video soon. I just want to add that yes, this movie is from a site that puts movies up for free. I would much rather that everybody pay to watch this movie, but I think it is too important of a movie to let somebody who can't afford to buy it NOT see it. I worked in TV for ten years, so while I don't advocate taking $ from people who make an actual GOOD movie like this, it's not about the $-it's the MESSAGE. If you can afford to donate to the makers of the movie, great. If not, watch the link I provided-and like they say in the movie...vote three times a day for better food! (with the brands and foods your purchase!) Here is the movie: Watch "Food, Inc." Movie

Valentines Day-Ultimate Raw Vegan Chocolate Recipes

2010-02-12T13:14:00.000-08:00

Every Valentines Day I try to blog about a special holiday deal. I really love this holiday, mainly because I love sappy movies, chocolate and flowers (with or without a man!) I think you will like the one I have picked! :) I'm always looking for fun raw food recipes, and it looks like Kristen has a really great recipe ebook to try out this Valentines Day! It's only $11.95, and you will get it in 1-12 hours! Plenty of time to be making amazing raw chocolates by Valentines Day :) I haven't personally tried this ebook out since I have not been home to make any recipes, but I am friends with Kristen on facebook and the pictures of her food she posts always looks amazing! Here is what she has to say about her chocolate recipe ebook:
101 Pages
58 Raw Food recipes, including:

* Introduction to Raw & 6 Basic Raw Recipes*
* 30 Chocolate Desserts
* 11 Chocolate Drinks
* 11 Chocolate Snacks, Soup, Salad Dressing, Crackers & Breakfast
* View list of recipes in the book
* View photos of recipes from this book

This title is also available in print from Amazon.com

Page 61 - Goddess Cream Cake
This dessert is so amazing, we delayed the release of this book to include a photo of it on the cover!

Eating the world's healthiest food and enjoying lavishly indulgent and decadent food are not mutually exclusive! Why not? Because RAW CHOCOLATE is one of nature's most amazing superfoods!

This book is the ultimate introduction to chocolate in its most pure, natural form. Using raw, dark chocolate (also called "raw cacao nibs"), raw chocolate powder, raw cacao butter, and raw cacao liquor, Kristen has released this much-anticipated collection of her favorite chocolate-based recipes — both sweet and savory — that is certain to make you look at this amazing ingredient in an entirely new way and open a whole new dimension in your enjoyment of delicious food.

Format: My ebooks are delivered as Adobe Acrobat .PDF files that I email to you personally in 1-12 hours (much sooner during business hours).

Happy Valentines Day!

Tooth Soap and Juice Fast (Feasting) Update!

2010-01-21T20:45:00.000-08:00

I have been using tooth soap for awhile now, and had to update on it! I have also stopped using tap water, and added in vitamin c and baking soda like the tooth soap regime recommends (among other things you can read about in their helpful book) I think because I ordered so much they threw in the book with my order :)

Just wanted to report my teeth and gums have never felt better! I wish I would have found out about tooth soap sooner, seriously!

I still swish with water afterwards, but my teeth feel so clean now that it's hardly needed.

I'm on day 9 of a juice feast! If you know anything about juice feasting you know your tongue can get coated as you detox, and it's pretty disgusting! So far that's my biggest complaint, although it's not that bad since I have lost 9 lbs and feel amazing! I have been using tooth soap tooth swish I'm really glad I bought that in addition to the soap, since it makes my mouth feel a lot better. I think it works because of the natural salt in it promotes saliva production. If you suffer from dry mouth, it's a really great product to have! It tasted a little funny at first, but I like it so much now.

I guess I should have started updating about my juice feasting sooner, but when I started it I had no idea if I would last or not. It seems when I tell people too early, I give in. Juicefeasting.com is a great site for support and information on juice feasting. I don't think you need all of the extra supplements and stuff, but I already did most of them anyways, and that seems to be helping (msm, rebounding, dry skin brushing, spirulina, etc.)

I think the best part about juice feasting so far though is my cravings seem to have changed! I am now craving healthy food only, and not junk food. It's really amazing. I feel like my entire body chemistry is resetting! I recommend it if you want to jump start your metabolism, or help your body heal from any type of illness or injury. I know you won't regret it!

Dr. Oz is jumping on the raw food bandwagon!

2010-01-05T21:52:00.001-08:00

I love watching the Dr. Oz show. I feel like he reads my blog to get ideas sometimes (ha, yeah right.) because we agree on so much. I'm not naive though, and I know he has a lot of pharmaceutical sponsors and he even supports soy milk, which has so much controversial information. I think it's best to just stay away from soy. I wish he would recommend something like coconut milk, almond milk (although these have carageean in them sometimes, which is horrible for the skin) or even hemp milk. Oh, well. I know from working in the TV industry that it's almost impossible to not have to sell your soul a little bit, and if that's what he has to do in order to get most of his messages of good things out there, than oh well. For the most part, I think the good outweighs the bad. It's kind of frustrating how everybody just believes what he says to things I've been saying for years. I know, I know, I'm not a doctor (although hey, doctors have very little nutritional classes also so they aren't exactly experts in that area either!) I never profess to know more than a doctor, but I do go by common sense and read other people's research to make decisions! I'm not blaming doctors, they are too busy to constantly study nutrition. They are there to TREAT, not cure (although I think this model is wrong, that is the way it is set up) Many wish they could prevent, but most people wouldn't take their advice anyways. You really need to look out for yourself in the case of prevention, until things change. Anyways, for more info. on his raw food challenge go to Dr. Oz's website.

Henry Ford Food Revolution

2010-01-05T21:47:00.000-08:00

I had to visit a family member at the new Henry Ford Health Center in West Bloomfield, and wow, what a wonderful hospital (as far as hospitals go!) While nobody wants to be in the hospital, if you have to be, it makes sense to have healthy food, doesn't it? Henry Ford seems to think so, and even better, they are offering training classes for chef's-and for patients! How great is that? While you are at the hospital, you can learn how to make healthier food when you get home.

Guide to Green Products

2010-01-05T21:43:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it can be confusing figuring out what products are truly healthy and organic. A lot of companies just seem to be jumping on the "green" bandwagon, but without really offering anything different other than fancy marketing.

A couple of really interesting sites are Local Motion Green (which offers a lot more than just a guide to great products) and Good Guide which is still in beta, but looks like a promising idea. It offers a rating system for products, and helps you decide what to buy when shopping. I think this is especially important as a woman since we use so many products and we're usually in charge of what goes on our children as well. They have a really good blog as well.

Tooth Soap!

2009-12-28T19:54:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, I love this stuff! My gums recently started bleeding, which, well freaked me out. I tend to brush really hard and my dentist had yelled at me for it, but I do it without thinking. My teeth just never feel clean with toothpaste. I haven't drank tap water since I think i was 12, and use a filter in the shower, but yet, I brush my teeth with it? So, I immediately stopped using tap water to brush my teeth, and I have been swishing with just water also after every meal! I'm not sure people appreciate me spitting my water out in restaurants, but I don't care! It makes my teeth feel so clean! I also added tooth soap and I'm just amazed! I bought the tooth swish also with the tooth soap. My teeth have NEVER felt this clean! It's the best stuff EVER, seriously. I had to become an affiliate and promote this stuff, it's amazing. I will never, ever go back to regular toothpaste! I usually hate natural toothpastes, but this is different. I feel like food doesn't stick to my teeth anymore, if that makes sense. There just is no coating or anything on my teeth, and I wake up feeling like I already brushed my teeth! It's weird, but the tooth swish tastes like mineral salt, which you would think is gross, but it actually makes your mouth feel great. I think it's because I tend to have a dry mouth, and the salt stimulates your natural salivary glands, and that automatically makes your teeth feel better. Your body knows what to do, it doesn't need fancy toothpaste or chemicals like flouride. Your own saliva, some water, and the right foods, and some tooth soap made out of natural ingredients,is all you need for great teeth! Have I mentioned yet that I love it? lol

Get some at:

I have also been doing Dr. Judd's protocal of 1 teaspoon of asorbic acid powder (vitamin c) with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in one inch of water. (after it dissolves you dilute with 8 oz. of water and drink it.) I haven't noticed a huge result from that, but it's only been a few days.

The bastard saffron that helps reduce belly fat...

2009-12-28T19:24:00.000-08:00

Belly fat. Oh, boy. I hate it!! It seems the more I work out, the bigger my mom stomach gets! Nothing more fun than having your sister announce she is pregnant with her third kid, and feeling like YOU are the preggo one! I think it has to do with stress, and 2009 has been the most stressful year of my life! While I've included daily meditation/visualization and the flex belt (which, by the way, definitely works! Of course, you won't see the muscles too well unless you lose the fat, but the belt definitely builds up your stomach muscles...and I'm not even an affiliate for them, I just love the belt so far! I do have to warn you though, they try to upsell (convince you to buy related products) a ton of products after you purchase the belt, which is annoying, but worth it.) but I recently stumbled across an article on safflower oil in a magazine and did some more research. I guess it helps reduce stomach fat, and build lean muscle. The study was for postmenopausal diabetic women, but I've seen results for men as well. I may not be postmenopausal or diabetic, but I do tend to store fat in my stomach (ok, in my booty as well, but I don't mind it there haha) and it's all natural. I guess you want CLA, or polyunsaturated, but all I can find are the monounsaturated (or oleic) or safflower oil that doesn't really say what the difference is. I guess you can tell by how you store it, even if it doesn't say on the bottle, but I don't want to take any chances. I'm just going to buy it as a supplement. I guess they don't add anything to it, it's just safflower oil in a pill and it's called Tonalin. I will report back on how it works. Oh, and safflower oil is often used as a cheaper alternative to saffron oil and has been called bastard saffron. haha

30 day Green Smoothie Challenge

2009-12-28T19:13:00.000-08:00

Be sure to check out michigan raw foodist Samantha at Color Wheel Meals and Rawkin Mom-she is doing a green smoothie challenge that you don't want to miss! I know personally that just adding a smoothie a day really changes you. Somehow, when you start your day off right, you don't want to wreck it by eating junk the rest of the day. Not to mention, green smoothies just make you feel really great! After the holidays, you will need to detox, and for $10 you can't beat the price. More info. can be found on Samantha's Rawkin Mom blog.

Merry (late) Christmas, and happy holidays! Raw Cheesecake :)

2009-12-28T19:09:00.000-08:00

This year I was asked (ok, demanded!) to bring cheesecake. Since I punked out for thanksgiving and didn't make anything, I went all out for the cheesecake! I would recommend you do not wait until Christmas Eve to buy raw food ingredients since I had to go to THREE stores to find everything, and when the stores closed early (I accidentally bought figs instead of dates!!) I was out of luck. I know this is common sense for most people, but sometimes you just can't go until the last minute. Unfortunately, with raw food, this is not a good idea. I suggest you just pick up a regular cheesecake if you are going to do that! :) Ok, maybe not, I'm just venting ;)I just added some cane sugar to the recipe since I bought figs instead of dates, but I really think this would have turned out a lot better if I had used dates. Plus, I love that dates actually are sweet AND good for your teeth! I liked the cheesecake better than regular cheesecake because I felt less full after wards. Here is the recipe for Raw Cheesecake

Just Like Cheesecake
- by Emily Lee Angell

Makes: 24 slivers
Special Equipment: Food Processor

For the Crust:
2 cups raw macadamia nuts
1/2 cup dates, pitted
1/4 cup dried coconut

For the cheese:
3 cups chopped cashews, soaked for at least 1 hour
3/4 cup lemon juice (or lime juice)
3/4 cup honey
3/4 cup coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon celtic sea salt (optional)

For raspberry sauce:
1 bag frozen raspberries
1/2 cup dates

DIRECTIONS
To make the crust, process the macadamia nuts and dates in the food processor. Sprinkle dried coconut onto the bottom of an 8 or 9 inch springform pan. Press crust onto the coconut. This will prevent it from sticking.

To make the cheese, blend the cashews, lemon, honey, gently warmed coconut oil (do not use microwave), vanilla, sea salt (if using), and 1/2 cup water. Blend until smooth and adjust to taste.

Pour the mixture onto the crust. Remove air bubbles by tapping the pan on a table.

Place in the freezer until firm. Remove the whole cake from the pan while frozen and place on a serving platter. Defrost in the refrigerator. (I didn’t defrost it all the way)

To make the raspberry sauce, process raspberries and dates in a food processor until well blended. (Do not use a blender for this or the raspberry seeds will become like sand.)

I put strawberries on it instead. Yummy!

Michigan Raw Food Forum

2009-12-20T10:56:00.001-08:00

The forum is also still available.

You can access the Michigan Raw Food Forum at: Michigan Raw Food Forum