DAY SEVEN - 1/4 of the way there, YAY!

One week down, feeling lighter, clearer, more confident, with more resolve that next week will be even better and easier!  Four and one-half pounds, just about the same weight loss as the last time for the first week.  I don't know about you, but getting started is the hardest part.  By the end of the first week, things are looking good!  I am planning to increase my walking to 30 minutes morning AND evening . . . will I do it? I am going to set the alarm on the phone to remind myself!  I have time for everything else, so why not an additional 30 minutes for myself?  This IS self-care. Self-care is self-love and without that mindset, true wellness can never be achieved.  My reward for this week - 90 minutes this afternoon of PURE bliss having the cares of this world temporarily halted with a magical massage!

And what a great intention to begin the seventh day of this raw journey with - "Today I will do something for the fun of it.  I will find something to do that's just for me and I won't worry about what I "should" be doing.  I will learn how to make myself feel good and enjoy life to the fullest."  

That would be my ultimate goal - to feel good and enjoy life to the fullest.  I ran into the grocery store yesterday afternoon for a forgotten bunch of cilantro and noticed an older couple, she on her scooter and he, hobbling with his walker.  Seeing them, making a special run for one bunch of cilantro suddenly made more sense to me.

This is ALL about choices and our choices do make a significant difference - you and I, we CAN do it!

That cilantro was for a salsa I had made the night before, something I like to make, especially when the tomatoes are in season. I bought the first ripe ones this past week from the Farmer's Market and a good salsa was calling to me.  The flavors truly do need to meld, so refrigerate after making at least overnight for the best flavor.  My corn chips, which I make a little thicker for eating with things like this, were warm from the dehydrator - dinner last night was divine!

 Sue’s Sassy Salsa

Vegetables/ herbs should be washed, cored, peppers seeded, etc

 Use enough chopped fresh red & yellow tomatoes to almost fill a medium glass bowl

Add

1 finely chopped red pepper

¼ of a finely chopped medium-sized red onion

1 bunch chopped green onions

½ bunch coarsely chopped cilantro

1 jalepeno pepper finely chopped

3 large cloves garlic microplaned

6 T fresh squeezed lime juice

Juice of 1 lemon

1 t sea salt

1 T olive oil (optional)

1 T apple cider vinegar

 Combine, then let the flavors meld at least overnight.

I love this recipe! It is so great to have this made and refrigerated, always ready when you have a craving for something . . . at least it works for me!  Good to add not only to corn chips, but also on zucchini pasta, a salad topping, etc, etc.  Have a fabulous day and ENJOY!

Santé - To Your Health!

Sue Ansari, RN

CancerGuide

Raw Food Chef and Food for Life Instructor
www.santetoyourhealth.org

www.laughteryoga-michigan.com

http://twitter.com/#!/MICancerCoach 

DAY SIX - I VALUE myself

It's disappointing when the scale doesn't move from one day to the next, but that's okay, I have been here before, and I know that it will.  Today I will concentrate on moving more, increasing my fluid intake, increasing my greens AND decreasing my nibblings on almond pate!

I like the intention I drew for the day, "Today I will search for my own truth and I will allow others to do the same.  I will value the worth of my own vision and the vision of others.  We are all on our own paths, making the decisions that are right for us today."

Make the decision today about what feels right for you and your body - remember, NO SUFFERING! 

Today, because I am still tied up with other things, I will re-post what was a MAJOR finding to me in January 2011, chia pudding!  Divine, almost decadent, with a comfort food sort of feel, at least for me.  I hope you will enjoy, as well.

Sante!

Sue

January 23, 2011

Chi-Chi-Chi-Chia, where have you been all of my life?

A shocking revelation.....this stuff is sinfully delicious!  I say shocking, because ordinarily something so scrumptious must be filled with all kinds of unhealthy ingredients, but not this!  My friend, Anne, mentioned it, Rosemary asked me if I knew how to make it, so I bought a bag of Chia seeds,  searched the Internet for recipes and came up with one of my own.  I was going to add Medjool dates, but then at the last minute I thought it would be cheaper and possibly even more "therapeutic" to add prunes.  Am I glad I did!  This is incredible....I wish I had known about this when I had my assisted living center - the residents would have loved it and it would have loved them!  They used to love it when the cook would prepare prune whip for them - this is many notches above!

I didn't know much about Chia  seeds, so I researched this afternoon - it does, indeed, pack a powerful nutritional punch.  Not only does it have more Omega-3's than flax seeds, it does not need to be ground to obtain all the powerful nutritional benefits. The tiny seed is 20% protein and 16% fiber.  Long-term consumption results in lowered blood sugar, lowered insulin levels and reduced body fat!

Additionally, it is the easiest possible food to prepare....where have you been all of my life?!  Just stir the seeds into any liquid and watch it gel within minutes! Not only is it easy, it is the dieter's best friend - its ability to expand in liquid (it holds up to 12 times its weight in fluid) fills the stomach, keeping you full and satisfied for hours.

I experienced this effect after eating about a half cup serving this morning.  After my coconut almond smoothie, I decided to have some of the Chia pudding.  I won't lie, many days on this routine, I have found myself extremely hungry in between meals, but not today - I ate my salad because it was time, not because I was hungry.  From now on I will add one tablespoon of Chia seeds to all of my smoothies.  I can hardly wait to experiment with different spices and fruits, YUM!

Chi-Chi-Chi-Chia....ENJOY!!

Chia Pudding with Prunes

6 T Chia seeds

1 1/2 c almond milk

2 T maple syrup
1 t pure vanilla extract

1/2 c dried prunes, snipped into tiny pieces

Stir altogether and ENJOY!

Santé - To Your Health!

Sue Ansari, RN

CancerGuide

Raw Food Chef and Food for Life Instructor
www.santetoyourhealth.org

www.laughteryoga-michigan.com

http://twitter.com/#!/MICancerCoach 

Chi-Chi-Chi-Chiaaaahhhhh!!!

DAY FIVE - Preparing for JOY!

I am having another sleepless night, many things weighing heavily on my mind, so I decided rather than tossing and turning, I might as well post this blog early.  I gathered my decks of cards together and of them all, especially for these 30 days of raw, "The Language of Letting Go" seems the one I am most drawn to.  The card I pulled for today's intention states, "Today I will trust that the events occurring in my life are not random.  My experiences are not mistakes, and the Universe, my Higher Power, and life are not picking on me.  I am going through exactly what I need to go through to learn something valuable-something that will prepare me for the joy and love I am seeking." Preparing me for "the joy and love that I am seeking" . . . that is something to think about!

I did not plan for this 30 days of raw nor did I plan to be blogging again, but I am and I know none of it was a mistake.  Since I started five days ago, I have felt better than I have in a long time and I hope you do, too!

Last evening I looked through many "Mock Tuna" recipes, then came up with one of my own that I have simply named, "Almond Pate", because I don't like assigning animal protein names to plant-based recipes.  My mouth and brain are ready for tuna and although it might be tasty, it's always a bit of a disappointment.

This is a recipe that is good to prepare at the beginning of the week - one that will be readily available when you open your fridge and you're hunting for something more substantial than a grape.  Although the almond is one of the most alkaline nuts, it still has a high fat content . . . go easy!

 

 

Almond Pâté

1 c raw almonds, soaked for several hours, drained

one handful of  fresh basil or parsley

2 T raw almond butter

the juice of one lemon

1 T low sodium tamari

½ c chopped carrot

1 t dulse flakes (optional)

1/8 t sea salt

1 t turmeric

1 T maple syrup or 2 Medjool dates

Pulse above ingredients together in a food processor fitted with an “S” blade, until they it looks like a soft meal.  Set aside in a mixing bowl and add ¼ c chopped red onion, one celery stalk, chopped fine and one large dill or sweet pickle of your choice, preferably without any preservatives.

This pate can be used on crackers, as a spread for a collard roll-up or the “rice” in sushi.  Think CREATIVE!

Santé…To Your Health!

Sue Ansari RN

MICancerCoach

Raw Food Chef and Food for Life Instructor

www.santetoyourhealth.org

www.gogreencleanse.com

DAY FOUR - Finally Getting into IT!

I may be a raw food chef, but I am NOT a raw foodist.  In addition to being a three-year breast cancer survivor, I am also a registered nurse, a lymphatic therapist, laughter yoga teacher, holistic health counselor, wellness coach and a Food for Life Instructor.  I have spent hundreds of hours studying with The Center of Mind-Body Medicine (Food as Medicine and CancerGuides), as well as with Andrew Weil’s Cancer and Nutrition program, so it’s not that I am not well-informed.  From so many sources, I know and fully believe that a plant-based, low-fat diet significantly reduces the risk not only of cancer, but a host of other diseases as well. The ever present question in my mind is this, why it is so difficult for me to commit? Why has it taken me until day four to feel comfortable with this 30-day raw “challenge” when I know all the benefits?  Very simple, lack of self-care.

I found a list of 25 points to ask yourself which would indicate that you do, indeed, lack self-care and of those points, the following called out loud and clear to me –

• The inability to commit to exercise as an integral part of your day

• The inability to ever take time to serve yourself, but the superior ability to constantly serve others

• The inability to express that “something” you are so yearning for

• The inability to ask for help or support

• The inability to set healthy personal boundaries – or even know what they might be

• The inability and unwillingness to let go of something you know does NOT serve you

• The inability to praise yourself for a much of anything and the ability of being your own worst critic

• The inability to take time out just for yourself

• The inability to get out of a self-dug hole and move on

Maybe none of that applies to you, but it certainly does to me . . . however, being a part of a supportive group, sharing my knowledge and expertise with all of you is a MAJOR support for me!  Every day that passes makes ME feel better and I hope you are feeling the same.  I am busy taking baby steps toward self-care which is the heart and soul of wellness.  Four days have passed, I am down 3½ pounds and I am finally getting it, hallelujah!

Appropriately, this morning I pulled the card from Melody Beatie’s deck, “The Language of Letting Go” which will be the intention of the day,  “Today I will let someone GIVE to me.  Whether it’s a compliment, an offer to help or even a gift. I will stand there and take it joyfully.  I know that I’m deserving of good things, so I will simply say, “Thank you.”  Yes, receiving joyfully…. you CAN do it!

Below is the recipe for the quick and easy zucchini pasta I prepared yesterday which is fabulous, a TOTAL indulgent treat that I lost a pound and a half on!  In contrast to the pasta recipe from the day before, there is no need to salt and drain the zucchini before adding the sauce . . . just spiralize, shave or julienne the zucchini, add the Spicy Thai Sauce, the marinated tomatoes, Brazil nut parmesan and ENJOY!

 

Getting ready to make brueschetta. 

Cut organic grape tomatoes in half.

 

Chiffonade the basil. Very simple, I find the largest basil leaf for the bottom, pile the other leaves on top, roll them into a cylinder, then finely shave them off. 

Chiffonade is a French term meaning, to tear into ribbons.

 

See how nice and fine it is? It is a good way to break down the fibers....

ALWAYS the technique of choice for kale and excellent for basil, as well. 

And that's it, so simple and quick! I also chop again a couple of times across all of it, to eliminate long pieces.

 Place the basil on top of the tomatoes, add sea salt and black pepper to taste and enough olive oil to cover. 

Better to use a rectangular container, so you will not need to use as much olive oil.

 

I was taught to puree cloves of garlic which I really like, because then the flavor is easily spread throughout the entire recipe and NO ONE will be biting down a big chunk of garlic!

 

See, the garlic becomes a soft, thin paste

 

Mix it altogether.....and there you have it! 

It will keep for days in the fridge in an airtight container and the flavor improves with age! 

Endless ways to use this wonderful, simple and nutritious topping. 

It would be a smart thing to mix a batch of this up every week.

 

I spiralized 1/3 of a large zucchini for my dinner this evening and am dressing it with my Spicy Thai sauce that has been a staple for me ever since 2006 when I first developed the recipe during my training at 

Living Light Institute of Culinary Arts. 

The recipe is posted below. It can be used for so many things and again is a staple to be constantly in your fridge.

Rub the sauce into the pasta with your fingers, until well incorporated . . . this dish is almost dressed!

Fully dressed with the addition of brueschetta, avocado and Brazil nut parmesan from yesterday's post. Beautiful, nutrient-dense, flavor-friendly - who wouldn't be tempted to try this?

Spicy Thai Almond Sauce

6T raw almond butter

6T raw tahini

¼ c water

½ c + 2 t sesame oil

½ T toasted sesame oil

3 T tamari, low sodium

1 t turmeric

½ T crushed pepper flakes (or to taste)

2 cloves garlic, pureed

6 dates (I like medjool)

6 T fresh-squeezed lemon juice

¼ c agave nectar or maple syrup

1-2 t fresh ginger, pureed (use microplane)

Blend all ingredients together, stopping to scrape sides of blender.  Add a little more water if it is too thick.  This recipe can be used as a vegetable dip, as a sauce for noodles or a spread for spring rolls.

Cover and keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. A GREAT staple to always have prepared.

Santé…To Your Health!

Sue Ansari RN

MICancerCoach

Raw Food Chef and Food for Life Instructor

www.santetoyourhealth.org

www.gogreencleanse.com

DAY THREE - Taking Liberties . . .

Yes, so I made this "creation" yesterday, but it was lacking a name. About 10PM last evening, "Liberty Lasagna" hit me, because not only was it the week of the Fourth, but eating raw simply allows you so many liberties without unhealthy consequences. I don't even know when I have had a piece of the traditional fat and calorie-laden lasagna nor do I plan on ever eating it again (it always made me sick anyway), but not so with this type of nutrient-dense dish!  The flavors are through the roof with lots of textures and good mouth feel - a layer of zucchini, then one of marinara, followed by an amazing pine nut cheese, topped off with a dusting of Brazil nut "parmesan".  No miserable bloat afterward, but instead a pleasant feeling of satisfaction and well-being.

This recipe requires four steps -  preparing zucchini pasta, marinara, pine nut cheese and Brazil nut parmesan.  Despite the steps, it is really a very uncomplicated recipe to prepare, plus there will be plenty of leftovers to use in upcoming recipes.

Liberty Lasagna 

Zucchini Pasta

Wash and dry one LARGE zucchini, then spiralize, julienne or shave into “noodles” with a vegetable peeler – your choice.  Place pasta in a bowl, sprinkle with a little sea salt, fluff it up to make sure all is covered with salt.  Allow the zucchini to sit for at least 30 minutes.  The salt pulls the water out of the zucchini which if not done will destroy the look and flavor of your dish. This process also softens the zucchini and gives it a cooked feel.  Drain the water from the zucchini and place it in a colander.  Rinse with copious amounts of water to wash away the salt.  A handful at a time, squeeze the remaining water out of the zucchini. It is best if used the same day. 

Use as you would any pasta, but without the calories….enjoy!

Marinara Sauce

5 medium tomatoes

1 ½ T red onion, minced

1 ½ t garlic, pureed (I use a microplane)

1 ½ T fresh basil, chiffonade

1 ½ T fresh oregano, minced

¼ t sea salt

½ t turmeric

¼ t cayenne

½ t anise seeds

1 T agave or maple syrup

pinch of black pepper 

Remove stems from tomatoes and cut in fourths.  De-seed tomatoes, save the seeds and juice in a separate bowl.  Place tomatoes in a food processor fitted with an "S" blade and process very quickly – tomatoes should still have some chunkiness.  Remove tomatoes to a colander and allow them to drain for at least 30 minutes.  Place tomatoes, along with remaining ingredients in another bowl.  Mix well, then let the mixture set for at least 30 minutes.  With your hands, squeeze the juice from the mixture and place in separate bowl (the juice is worth drinking right now!).  Your sauce is now ready to layer with the pine nut cheese and zucchini pasta!  Will keep for two days in the fridge.

Pine Nut Cheese 

1 ¾ c pine nuts, soaked or unsoaked

3 T lemon juice

3 T nutritional yeast

two very small pinches of grey sea salt (or any other uniodized salt)

5 T filtered water

Place ALL ingredients in a mini-prep food processor and pulse until thoroughly mixed and is light and fluffy in appearance. Keeps for weeks refrigerated in an airtight container.

Use in place of ricotta and also as a veggie dip and sandwich spread.

Brazil Nut Parmesan

1 c Brazil nuts

two cloves garlic, pureed (I use a microplane)

1/4 t sea salt

Place all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor fitted with an "S" blade and process until fluffy.  A versatile garnish for many recipes.  Keeps for weeks refrigerated in an airtight container.

Assembly: 

It is your choice how to assemble.  It can be as simple as a pile of zucchini on your plate with a spoon or two of marinara next, followed with a dollop of pine nut cheese and a dusting of Brazil nut parmesan.  Or, layer it twice in a food ring, ending with zucchini.  Push out and garnish with Brazil nut parmesan and a sprig of basil.  The marinara, pine nut cheese, and Brazil nut parmesan will keep in airtight containers in the fridge for many days.

Liberty Lasagna

Food Form Method

Liberty Lasagna

The Drop Method!

For this morning's intention,  I am pulling from "Power Thought Cards" by Louise Hay - "I love and approve of myself.  I appreciate all that I do.  I am good enough just as I am.  I speak up for myself.  I ask for what I want.  I CLAIM MY POWER!"  To that, I say, YES!

Enjoy the cooler day, at least here in Michigan!

Santé, To Your Health!

Sue Ansari RN
MICancerCoach
www.santetoyourhealth.org
www.gogreencleanse.com

DAY TWO - Oh, How I Love a Concave Belly!

Don't you LOVE it, the feeling of empty and unbloated?  This morning my stomach already was actually concave as I lay on my back, contemplating getting out of bed. I passed my hand over my tummy . . . and oh wow, even the hint of pelvis, my iliac crest, could be felt, woohoo!  Honestly, I must tell you there was more than one time yesterday I seriously considered a few bites of cooked food.  Instead, I cleaned out my refrigerator, purged it of ALL things cooked, but I can tell you, it will be difficult the next time I get an order.  I have already decided what I will do with the leftovers, and there are always leftovers, I am giving it all away!  Being down another pound and a half this morning is more than enough incentive for me; had I drunk more water yesterday, it would have been even more.  Today, this morning, as in the minute after I post this, I am going to the kitchen and measuring out 64 ounces!

How perfect that today I pulled this card from the deck, "The Language of Letting Go" by Melody Beattie, "Today I will ask God to help me begin to take healthy risks.  I will ask for assistance in letting go of my fear of failure… and success.  I will ask for help in fully living my life so that I can start experiencing all the wonderful parts of my journey.”

I don't know about the rest of you, but for me, it is way past time for me to start experiencing all the wonderful parts of my journey and let go of the past!  Right now, before it gets blistering hot out there, I must run to the Farmer's Market in Royal Oak.  Raw spaghetti and, if I have time, perhaps even lasagna are on the agenda for today with photos and recipes to follow!

In the meantime, enjoy your day!

 My savory green smoothie (gazpacho) yesterday -

1 large red pepper

1 med yellow pepper

an entire little box of Campari tomatoes

3 small Persian cucumbers

1/4 avocado

1 handful of cilantro

juice of one lemon

1 LARGE handful of Spring Mix

a shake or two of cayenne

1 t turmeric

3 T sherry vinegar

2 T low sodium tamari

YUM!

Santé, To Your Health!

Sue Ansari RN

MICancerCoach

www.santetoyourhealth.org

www.gogreencleanse.com

DAY ONE of RAW for 30 DAYS!

Hello Everyone and Greetings from Michigan! 

Okay, we are going to do it again....30 days of RAW or as many days as you can handle.  For those of you who have never done this before, don't panic you CAN do it.  I never thought I could and I confess, I was plenty hard-headed when it came to certain things....like GREEN smoothies and salt water flushes! But you know what?  They are both GREAT, although it took me years of having my brakes on before I realized that!  More on that later....

Today we need to get started and I like to start the day with a BIG cup of hot water, the juice of half a lemon and a shake or two of cayenne.  Sip it slowly and I will tell you about the health benefits later.

To set our intention for the day, I am pulling from the deck, "WISDOM for Healing Cards" by Caroline Myss - "Identify one area of your own life where you're angry at yourself or where you've yet to forgive something you've done.  Healing requires forgiving oneself as well as others.  Your goal: LOVE YOURSELF enough to HEAL."

Love yourself up today.  Look in the mirror and say with gusto, "I LOVE YOU!"  Go ahead, kiss the mirror if you feel like it! Don't forget to LAUGH every chance you get....and for no reason.  Food is medicine, but laughter is the BEST medicine....they walk hand in hand!

Make your smoothie. Measure out your water....I know if you are at a job, this might be difficult.   Adjust to your various situations.  Try walking on your lunch break.  Take the stairs, instead of the elevator....and remember to BREATHE!  You CAN do this!

Have a GREAT day!

Santé, To Your Health!

Sue Ansari RN

MICancerCoach
www.gogreencleanse.com

www.santetoyourhealth.org
http://www.livestrong.com/article/164077-what-are-the-benefits-of-lemon-water-with-cayenne-ginger/