A Note To Rebecca (Just take the first step.)

Hello friends. I've been gone awhile I know. I needed to direct my focus on creating my new website and fabulicious programs for divine health & wellness. I can't wait to share everything with you.

My lovely new friend Rebecca sent me a comment about my 4 Day Raw Organic Cleanse. I wanted to address it because I believe many of you feel the same way. You want to change your eating and cleanse your body, and you know in your spirit that you should BUT...
Trust me I do understand. Years back I began experiencing an intestinal condition similar to that of my dad, who had passed away from stomach cancer. Around that time I had also developed at blood disorder from living in black mole-infested environments. I knew that these problems along with reoccurring eczema had to be cut off at the root. I also knew that cleansing my blood through a serious detox and diet change was my only hope. Years came and went, with one reason after the next not to give up sugar, dairy, unhealthy meat and all refined foods long enough for my body to heal. If only I knew back then that all I had to do was detox for a week or so and follow it with a 50% raw organic / 50% gluten and sugar free cooked-food lifestyle. The problem was, I had no idea what gluten free and healthy sugar free food options where. I didn't know that I could still have my afternoon tea with cookies and cake. I didn't know that I didn't have to live on rabbit food for the rest of my life.

All I'm saying is that you have so many amazing, delicious food options that can slim you down, give you energy and heal your body. Just take that first step in the right direction and know that I will be there for you.

Love, Carmen
P.S. The picture above is a delicious appetizer I through together with a veggie/barley/lentils "meat" I made, on brown rice tortillas with organic salad and my homemade sweet mustard dressing. (I'm chasing the yum!)

SPROUTING 101

Hi friends. As promised here’s the skinny on sprouting. I began my love for sprouting back when I went shopping at my first health food store. I was in high school and living with my two older sisters. I just had a natural unction to be healthy back then. Sadly, I did’t continue my love affair with healthy living once I began college. My poor food choices along with environmental conditions took their toll on me eventually. In any event, the purpose for soaking (most nuts just require soaking) and sprouting is to activate the enzymes to bring out the amazing life giving, nutrients of raw seeds, nuts, grains and legumes. Soaking and sprouting also increases their digestibility. Another good thing about sprouting is that it is economical. One teaspoon of alfalfa seeds can yield 2 pounds of sprouts. Some say that sprouts are the perfect food because they are alkaline energy food. In addition they are so rich in vitamins and minerals. What’s more is their proteins, carbs and fats are broken down into a usable form.

Soak seeds, nuts, grains and legumes by placing them on a large enough bowl that will allow you to cover them completely with purified water. Soak overnight or for at lease 8 hours. The next morning, or after 8 hours pour them into a colander for rinsing. Rinse completely. Nuts and seeds only require this process to made them ready to eat or use in recipes. I prefer to spread them out on a large flat pan or cookie sheet that has been covered with paper towel. They will dry free from mole this way. If using them right away in a recipe it does’t matter it they are wet. As for grains and legumes after 1st rinsing you will have to leave them in the colander covered with paper toweling, away from bright sun another 8 hours. Repeat the rinsing process for at lease 2 days, 2 to 3 times per day until they actually sprout. Drain and place paper towel underneath them and store in the fridge. Sprouts will keep about 4 to 5 days. It's gonna be FUN!!
Blissful Blessings, Carmen

MORE RAW VEGAN DELIGHTS

Here we go - more raw vegan delights for you to enjoy next week. You see, you won't starve. You will need to decide on what you want to make and prepare a shopping list. I highly suggest shopping at your best local health food store. Everything in these recipes are super nutritious, healing and life giving. These items will be the start of your glorious "food for life pantry".

CHUNKY MONKEY GUACAMOLE LETTUCE WRAP
2 Organic Avocados (diced into medium chunks)
¼ Cup of Organic Onions (diced medium/small pieces)
1 Medium Organic Tomato (diced medium/small pieces)
2 Tablespoons Organic Olive Oil
Sea Salt (to taste)
Finely Chopped Cilantro (Optional)

[Gently mix together and wrap in any soft green lettuce leaves.]

COULD BE TUNA SALAD
½ Cup Raw Soaked Sunflower Seeds or Almonds
3 ¼ Cups Of Assorted Sprouts
½ Cup Onions (diced)
2 Celery Stalks (diced)
1 Sheet of Nori (cut up in small pieces)or ¼ Cup Seaweed
1 to 2 Cloves of Garlic (grated)
1 Tablespoon Kelp
4 Teaspoons of Fresh Lemon Juice
1 Teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning (or sea salt to taste)
½ Cup *Avocado Mayo
[Puree seeds or nuts in food processor until fine and scoop into a large bowl. Next place sprouts, onions, celery, nori and garlic into processor and pulse chop just to mix and add to puree. Now add kelp, lemon juice, old bay, braggs liquid aminos and blend until smooth. Finally mix in nut butter or avocado mayo. Wrap in any soft green leaf lettuce or nappa cabbage with sliced tomato or enjoy over salad]

CARMEN’S ORGANIC COLESLAW
4 Cups of Organic Green or nappa Cabbage (shredded)
1 Cup of Organic Carrots (shredded)
¼ Cup Organic Raisins (Optional)
½ Organic Red Onion (thinly sliced)
¼ Cup *Avocado Mayo
1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice
1 Tablespoon Agave Nectar or Honey
½ Tablespoon Mustard and or Celery Seeds
Sea Salt and Pepper (to taste)

[Place cabbage, carrots, raisins and onions in bowl and set aside. Next place vinegar, agave, and spices into another bowl and mix together. / Finally spoon mixture into bowl with the cabbage and toss until all is combined. Refridgerate]

* AVOCADO MAYO
You can also call this green mayo.
1 Cup Pine Nuts
1 Large or 2 Small Avocados
1 Teaspoon Lemon Jiuce
2 Teaspoons Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
1 Teaspoon Mustard Seeds (Optional)
6 Medium Pitted Dates
1 Clove of Garlic

[Blend in blender on food processor until creamy. Keep in fridge]
Tomorrow I’ll post a how-to on sprouting and making your own easy, nut butters and nut cream for creating creamy dressings, sauces and desserts.

Stay encouraged, you can do this. Please let me know how I can help.
And don't forget to signup for my newsletter below.
Blissful Blessings, Carmen

JOIN ME ON A 4 DAY RAW, ORGANIC CLEANSE

Since my health has turned around I have been eating more cooked food than raw, organic vegan meals. All organic, wheat, gluten and sugar free, but cooked none the less. About 10 months ago my blood specialist and dear friend Alsuna, who helped me save my life suggested that I start eating cooked food again. I was so committed to healing my blood that when I first went to see her, I was under 90 pounds. Needless to say though a little hesitant I was thrilled that I could have a hot meal. Before then my diet consisted of raw fruit and veggies in their natural state. I also prepared tasty raw dishes by dehydrating spouted seeds, beans and veggies in my oven set no higher than 100 degrees. I have since gained most of my natural weight back. I was about 120 before I became ill in January 2007. I'm about 110 now. The problem is most of my new weight is around my waist. Everything else is looking pretty good. I'm so grateful that I'm getting my bootie back. When I was raw my stomach was the most flat it has never been in my adult life. So now the trick will be to get rid of the bloat, the gas and the fat around my waist, while cleansing my entire body temple. I also want to nourish my soul and feed my spirit. It's funny how not feeding your body can feed your spirit. So I'm going on a Four Day Raw Organic Cleanse. I said 7 days at first but Anthony (my husband) suggested that I start with 4 days. He says I'm always so radical, so I'm taking his advice.
Why don't you join me? This is going to be very simple - nothing crazy. If you're familar with the "lemonade diet", you may use the "tea" as your between meal support, or try my "detox tonic" (recipe forth-coming). Meals will be ORGANIC (more about that later) fruits and veggies, big salads and green smoothies (more on that later). Email me with any questions. Lets start Monday of next week. We're gonna be fabulicious.
Love You, Carmen
www.AScentimentalJourney.com