Finally! Locally Grown Organic Food - Super Qi!

Eating organic food is important - we all know that. Eating locally grown organic food is even WAY BETTER! For years, I've longed to taste fresh, organic produce grown on land local to me in Arizona. Unfortunately, every time I went to a farmer's market, there wasn't anything that was both local and organic. So, I ended up opting for Whole Foods (I'm a real stickler for organic). Even though I shopped at Whole Foods, I made it a point to choose foods that traveled the shortest distance, for both environmental and nutritional benefits.

Well, all that has changed for me now. YIPPEE! A short while back, a friend of mine turned me on to a local farmer, Doug (of Lewis' Hen House & Veggie Farm), who sells his locally grown organic produce at a nearby farmer's market. Doug's farm just became certified organic this past February of 2008. Congratulations to you, Doug, and THANK YOU!!! (That's Doug weighing my broccoli in the picture.)

So, off I went to the farmer's market to meet Doug and try out his fresh organic goodies. I purchased all kinds of produce: oranges, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, baby bok choy, carrots, cabbage, yams, romaine lettuce (the biggest and most gorgeous ever!), and more. I was like a kid in a candy store... smiling from ear to ear. I couldn't get home fast enough to make some delicious Raw vegan dishes with my treasures.

What happened was a little unexpected. With my first bite, I was quite moved in an emotional way. I was so proud and excited to be participating in something that is so important - supporting a local farmer, tasting food grown by his very hands, minimizing my carbon footprint, and experiencing nutrition at its very best. I swear it tastes so much better than what is bought at the store, and why wouldn't it? It's local and organic! There is more nutrition in it because it's picked fresh, maybe a day or two before being brought to the market to sell. There is a saying in Traditional Chinese Medicine that a food's Qi (pronounced "chi") decreases the farther it gets from its source or origin. Qi is known as life energy, which is thought to be intrinsic in all things. Pretty important stuff. So, I lovingly refer to my locally grown organic fruits and vegetables as Super Qi Food!

When you buy food from the grocery store, it's usually been packed and waiting in the refrigerated area for many days, even weeks, plus the travel time and distance (Qi-loss). That's not the case for me anymore though. Now that I've found Lewis' Hen House & Veggie Farm, I'm blessed to have Super Qi fruits and vegetables year round - local, organic, and awesome. I can't wait to go back this Saturday.

EASY Raw Vegan Soups - Now Available in Print!

Whoo-Whee!!! I'm excited to announce that my 6th book is now available in print - Kristen Suzanne's EASY Raw Vegan Soups! This book is filled with super delicious, EASY, and satisfying soups.



Here are 3 reasons I love Raw vegan soups!

EASY!
I can whip up a delicious Raw soup fast (anywhere from 5-15 minutes) and have enough servings to last a few days. Raw soups are a quick, nutritious, and hearty solution. Plus, they’re easy to transport and consume. When I’m running errands, I simply drink my Raw soup straight from a glass mason jar.

ENERGY!
Raw vegan soups are a staple in my diet because they give me loads of energy. (They're a blended food so they're easier on digestion).

VERSATILITY!
These soups can be an entire meal, a mid-day snack, or complement a meal as an appetizer or side dish. They also can be enjoyed all year long. During the summer months, I enjoy cold and refreshing Raw soups, and in the chilly winter months I simply warm my Raw soups up a bit to give me that cozy comfy feeling (without cooking them of course).

Which photo(s) do you like best? I'm taking a survey and would love your opinion. Check out the photos here: Kristen Suzanne's EASY Raw Vegan Soups (photos) (Be sure to view the larger image.)

Next up: My 7th book should be available in print from Amazon as early as next week - Kristen Suzanne's EASY Raw Vegan Smoothies, Juices, Elixirs & Drinks

New Year's Resolutions

It's that time... New Year's Resolutions are at the forefront of many people's minds, including mine. I love this process - thinking about the future, planning, getting excited about the projects and things I want to work on. It fills me with hope.

Every year, my husband and I stay "in" for New Year's Eve. We light candles, play fun music, turn on the Christmas lights and write our resolutions. I do it BIG style though. I take the opportunity of the new year and really take a look at my life and what I want to accomplish for the coming year. So, I take the practice of setting "resolutions" and kick it up a notch.

First, we get out last year's boards (I'll explain "boards" in a moment) and we go through everything we wrote about last year. We talk about how far or close we came with certain resolutions/goals, cross off the accomplishments, and use this info to help formulate plans for the following year.

We each get out a big piece of poster board (hence, the "board") and work on our resolutions for the coming year. I separate my life into facets such as: Health, Leisure, Relationships, Finance, Career, etc. Then, I write individual short term and long terms resolutions/goals in all of these categories. I make the whole process really fun and go all out! I use colored pens, stickers, glitter, and highlighters.

When I'm all done with it, I hang it on the wall by my desk so I can see it every day and be reminded of all the Big and Little Resolutions I set for myself. This REALLY helps me stay on track and MOTIVATED! And, it's fun building my New Year's Resolution Picture (i.e., the poster board).

Want to get started yourself? Here's a great site to help you - myGoals.com.

Pre-Planning Raw Food Menu - Motivation Trick To Stay Raw

If you're struggling to add more Raw to your life or you're having some challenges sticking with it, here is a tip that can really help! Have your menu totally planned out for the day before you start your day. By listing everything you're going to eat, you give yourself something to really look forward to, as well as a reason to stick to it. After all, it's already planned out - much of the work is already done!

In the past, I've written about the important role a food journal can be. But, this kind of journal is a little different from what I'm mentioning above. A food journal is usually filled out after you eat. Some people fill it out after each meal and some people wait until the end of the day. I also keep a food journal of this sort, but I do it for a different purpose (and, I don't do it all the time). This kind of tracking is useful for attaining certain goals, such as when I want to lose weight or when I get pregnant I will track my food intake to ensure I'm getting enough calories, nutrients and protein. Again, though, this kind of journal usually gets filled out as the day goes on. It's different from a "pre-planned day's menu" which can be a driving force for staying Raw and keeping motivated and excited to do so.

Therefore, while it's only 2am on Monday, I've written down the food I'll be enjoying. Today's menu is filled with DELICIOUS, high-energy, Raw vegan food. Oh, I can't wait! (See? I'm totally stoked about my food plan for the day and this will help keep me on track for sure!)

Here is my menu for today:

1 quart Plant Blood (kale, celery, orange)
orange (whole)
-------
1 quart Plant Blood (broccoli, apple)
orange (whole)
-------
Huge salad (romaine, cucumber, carrot, prunes, King Garlic Hemp Dressing)
Creamy-n-Soft Cauliflower Soup
-------
Huge salad (romaine, cucumber, carrot, prunes, King Garlic Hemp Dressing)
Creamy-n-Soft Cauliflower Soup
-------
DATES!!!!!

Great Documentary - A Delicate Balance

I am always eager to read more books and watch more movies / documentaries on the subject of plant based nutrition. I find it tremendously motivating, encouraging, and inspiring.

Step in: A Delicate Balance. My husband and I watched this online (only $4.95) and we both thought it was fantastic. Grab a pen and paper while you're watching it to take some notes because it's filled with information and facts worth throwing around at your next party. This is the kind of stuff that is perfect when answering the many questions like "Why do you eat the way you do?" Better yet, gather some family and friends around your computer and watch it together. I kept thinking while I was watching it... "So-and-so should see this. Oh! And, so-and-so should also see this!"

It featured some of my heroes:
~ Dr. T. Colin Campbell (author of The China Study - The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-term Health)

~ Dr. Neal Barnard (author of many books, including Breaking the Food Seduction: The Hidden Reasons Behind Food Cravings---And 7 Steps to End Them Naturally)

~ Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn (author of Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease - The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven, Nutritionally-Based Cure )

Here is a description from the main website:
A Delicate Balance documents the latest discoveries of some of the most prominent experts on nutrition in the world. Over 50 years of research is skilfully woven into what feels like a detective unravelling the mysteries behind the disease epidemic which has struck affluent countries with a vengeance - disease has been escalating over the last 50 years resulting in 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women being diagnosed with cancer.

Watching this film will help you make informed choices about your health and the environment around you and how to reduce your personal impact.

The Winner of My 5th Awesome Giveaway - MANDA!

Congratulations MANDA!!!! You won!!! Your prize: 2 body care gifts from Terressentials: A 2-ounce bottle of Organic Real Soap for Hands - Lovin' Lavender (this smells amazing!) and a 3-pack of Exfoliating Loofah Complexion Rounds (for a glowing, clear complexion).

Simply send me an email with your address so I can get your gift to you right away.

Here is what Manda had to say when asked, "What is one of your New Year's Resolutions for 2009?"

Goodness.. everyone's resolutions are beyond awesome! I think I have a little bit of all of these goals stirring within me. However, my resolution is to learn how to do what I can within reason. I am slowly learning that quality work in college cannot be done when I am trying to do everything (ex: 2 jobs, seven classes, exercising, eating as many raw foods as possible, seeing my family and trying to relax a little). I will most definitely be working on prioritizing or modifying how I do things this coming semester.

My next Awesome Giveaway is scheduled for January. Check back for details. Thanks to all of you who participated!

Kristen's Raw 5th Awesome Giveaway - Terressentials Goodies!

I already had one giveaway for the month of December, but tis the season for giving so I'm having another one! Yeehaw!

This giveaway includes two body care gifts from Terressentials. If your name is drawn, you'll win a 2-ounce bottle of Organic Real Soap for Hands - Lovin' Lavender (this smells amazing!) and a 3-pack of Exfoliating Loofah Complexion Rounds (for a glowing, clear complexion).

Excited? Want the chance to win? Simply answer the following question in the comment section for this post. At the end of two days (Friday night, Dec. 19th @ 11:59pm) I'll enter everyone's name who answered the question into a drawing and announce the winner on my blog Saturday. (Please note: While I would love to hear from everyone around the world in answering this question, I have to limit the winner to someone living in the continental United States.)

Question:
What is one of your New Year's Resolutions for 2009?

A Look Ahead - Obama's Cabinet

Vilsack might not be a bad choice for Secretary of Agriculture after all. According to Michael Markarian (featured through Wayne Parcelle's Blog of The Humane Society):

Vilsack has a solid record on animal protection, and he was the top choice of HSUS and HSLF to lead the USDA, the agency that oversees our federal laws on animal welfare, humane slaughter and transport, horse protection, animal fighting, and others. Nearly 90,000 animal advocates contacted the transition team through our website, expressing how important it was to pick an animal-friendly Agriculture Secretary and recommending Vilsack as an excellent choice. The Obama Administration listened to your views, and this appointment demonstrates what an important voice animal advocates can have as a political constituency.Read more here.

And, according to the Washington Post... Vilsack pledged that the agriculture department would play a role in "providing American leadership on climate change and making America a nation truly dedicated to health and nutrition."

I'm relieved he's animal friendly - that's for sure. I just hope he smartens up about organics, too. It's his job to follow Obama's lead, which according to his campaign - Obama is pro-organic!

My Raw Food On A Rainy Cold Day

It was cold and rainy here in Arizona, but that didn't stop me from filling my body up with super nutritious foods. To stay warm, I layered on extra clothes and squishy thick socks.

Today's Menu
3 cups Plant Blood (purple cabbage, apples)
1 Super Shake
1 quart Plant Blood (broccoli, carrots)
1 large salad with King Garlic Hemp Dressing
Raw crackers with hummus
3 cups Plant Blood (cucumber, celery)
4 dates
herbal tea
1 cup hemp milk
1 large salad with King Garlic Hemp Dressing

News to Peruse

Interesting News to Peruse

You Look Fat In That Pesticide

Colorado Schools Ban Soda

FDA: Mercury Fillings... BAD! Glad I had mine removed in preparation for having a baby in the future.

King Garlic Hemp Dressing

I wanted food today that contained plenty of chlorophyll, nourishment, and was EASY to make.

Monday's Menu
Super Shake
4 Brazil nuts
1 quart Cucumber Plant Blood
Super Shake
Huge salad featuring King Garlic Hemp Dressing (pictured here, recipe below)
Large bowl of Spicy Thyme Bisque
For dessert? DATES!

I whipped up a super easy and delicious dressing, King Garlic Hemp Dressing. I use the word "King" before "Garlic" because in my mind, garlic is indeed the king of spices. (Ginger is the queen.) Garlic is loaded with antioxidants, and it's one of the world's oldest medicinal foods. Back in the old, old days, garlic was given to soldiers to keep them healthy and fight infection, as well as to Egyptian slaves building the pyramids to give them stamina. It's also been said that it helps ward off vampires... but, ehem... we, Twilight fans, know that notion is so silly.

Here are a few ways garlic could help you
Lower cholesterol ~ Prevent blood clots ~ Anticancer properties
Fight the common cold ~ Lower blood pressure
Antibiotic ~ Antiseptic ~ Antifungal ~ Antimicrobial

But! In order to get the opportunity to reap any of these benefits, the garlic should be consumed Raw (yeah, that's right up our alley) and you have to smish (yes, that's a technical word - ha!), chop, blend, or crush the whole thing (don't go swallowing a whole clove, not likely to do you any good). When you smish, chop, etc., you release the amino acid alliin, which mixes with the enzyme allinase, yielding allicin - responsible for most of garlic's super powers.

Storing Garlic
The best way to store your garlic is in an open container in a cool, dark place (or in one of those cute garlic jars, as pictured above). No refrigeration needed. If you properly store it, unbroken garlic bulbs could stay fresh for up to 6-8 weeks. However, once you break off a clove from the bulb, the clove will last about 3-10 days.

Odor Issues
Yes, when you consume garlic, it sticks by you for hours... sometimes it seems like days! Sure, you can chomp on parsley to help (a little). But, you want to know the tested, tried and true way to make sure no one smells garlic on you? Simply make sure the people around you are eating garlic. Seriously... that's the sure-fire way.

Recipe Time
For a super, nutrient-packed dressing loaded with essential fatty acids, nutrients, and chlorophyll, whip this up in about 3 minutes and you're all set!

King Garlic Hemp Dressing
Kristen Suzanne of Kristen's Raw
Yield 1 1/2 cups

1 cup hemp oil
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
3 large cloves garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon Himalayan crystal salt

Blend it all thoroughly (I let my high speed Blendtec run 30-45ish seconds). Stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator, King Garlic Hemp Dressing will stay fresh for up to five days.

Lazy Sunday

Today is turning out to be somewhat of a lazy day for me... I have work to do that I'm putting off, but I'll get to it eventually - probably in the middle of the night :) I'm also taking the day off (plus yesterday and the day before) from the gym. Uuugghhh! I need to get back there. "Will do tomorrow, Kristen!"

Right now, I'm drinking my Super Shake - I really love this thing! Then, we're off to our weekly dinner at my momma-in-law's house where we play games, read by the fire, have dinner and hang out. I'm bringing a few "Raw" goods to complement the dinner she makes us (flax crackers to dip in the hummus and dates for dessert - I love dates... this week I ordered over 5 pounds online - nature's candy indeed!!!!!).

aaaahhhhh! How sweet is this... in the middle of writing this blog, my husband steps away from his desk and comes over to me unexpectedly. He kneels down by my chair and gives me a huge hug and says, "I want you to always be happy, baby." Then, he got up and went back to his work. He is so sweet and romantic, it warms me from head to toe - *grin!*

Daily Conversation Question:
What would you most like to do for someone else if you had the money and time?

EASY Raw Vegan Entrees - Now Available in Print!

Whoo-Whee!!! I'm so happy! My 5th book is now available in print - Kristen Suzanne's EASY Raw Vegan Entrees! I'm extremely proud of this baby. It's filled with scrumptiously delicious, fun, and satisfying Raw vegan entree recipes!


You know the drill - I'm taking a survey of your favorite photo(s). Warning: They'll all probably make you drool, so get a napkin or a tissue before clicking the link for the photo gallery ;)

My Super Shake

I came up with a great protein shake recipe that is filling and nourishing. I feel like it's strengthening me from the inside out when I'm drinking it. I'm calling it my Super Shake, and my husband and I have been enjoying it every day for the past few days as our breakfast (and I'm sneaking it in for my snack when we see the midnight showing tonight of The Day the Earth Stood Still).

Super Shake
approximately 3 cups / 1 serving

1 cup water
1 cup raw hemp seed milk* (or more)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
2 tablespoons Manitoba Harvest Hemp Protein Powder
1 tablespoon rice protein powder (been using chocolate flavored)
1 teaspoon Vitamineral Green powder
1 teaspoon Fruits of the Earth powder
1 banana, peeled

Just blend it up, drink it down and feel the power from the essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants go to work for you!

*I've been making my raw hemp milk by simply blending water with Manitoba Harvest's hemp seed butter (this is also known as my "1-Minute Hemp Milk"). Sometimes I add a touch of raw agave or a date to it as well.

EASY Raw Vegan Recipe Books - Two More Available in Print

Exciting news! My third and fourth books are now available in print on Amazon.





Kristen Suzanne's EASY Raw Vegan Desserts









Kristen Suzanne's EASY Raw Vegan Sides & Snacks






Also! We have new photos uploaded in the photo gallery and I'm taking a survey... What are your favorite photos for both books! Check out the photos here:
Photo Gallery - Desserts
Photo Gallery - Sides & Snacks

Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days

This post is short and sweet, because the bulk of the details are in the link I provide at the end. I saw a post featured on Raw Food, Right Now!'s blog and wanted to pass it along. This is good stuff!!! It's important information whether you have diabetes yourself or not (if you don't have it, it'll inspire you to keep the Raw vegan lifestyle a priority). Or, maybe you know a friend or family member with it. Again, this is great information to learn and pass along. Visit this link, watch the video, and see for yourself.

Simplicity Noshing All Day

Today's Raw food is simple... and I mean super simple. No equipment is needed (other than a knife for the avocado). With my crazy schedule lately from getting all of my ebooks published into print books, I'm attracted to noshing in its simplest form. Today is comprised of lovely, flavorful, organic whole foods.

This menu is fresh, delicious, and fills me with tons of energy.

3 persimmons (yes, I'm still crazed for them... forever)
3 bananas (always appreciative of how inexpensive and versatile these are)
1 avocado (tons of fiber and vitamins, love the squish factor)
3 carrots (adore their light sweet flavor, price, and CRUNCH!)
1/4 cup hemp seeds (chlorophyll, essential amino and fatty acids: these are one-stop-shopping)
3 stalks celery (green, crunchy, and slightly salty)

uummm.... okay, and Laughing Giraffe's Snakaroons will be in my tummy tonight (still falls in line with my simplicity theme since I didn't have to make them!). We're going to see the movie Four Christmases and I'm Sneaking in my Snakaroons! :)

The Winners of My 4th Awesome Giveaway - Alison & Faye

Well, as you can see, there are TWO winners for this giveaway. I was so excited by the number of participants that I decided to draw two names!

Congratulations to both Alison and Faye! You've each won a copy of the print version of my book, Kristen Suzanne's EASY Raw Vegan Holidays. Simply send me an email (or respond on this post) with your address so I can get your gift to you right away.

Here is what the winners each had to say when asked, "From the following 'types' of Raw vegan foods, which is your favorite to eat? a) Beverages (smoothies, juice, elixirs) b) Soups c) Salads d) Desserts e) Entree-like foods (pate, lasagna, burritos, quiche, etc) f) Sides/Snacks (cheese dip, hummus, veggie crudite, etc)"

Alison: Mmmm.. Beverages. I love smoothies!
Faye: ENTREES ARE BEST! THIS WAY I can "sneak in some rawness" for my kids!

If you weren't a winner but would like to purchase a copy of either the ebook or the print version, visit my website here. I have received loads of praise for them... for example, here is what Lannette in Twin Mountain, NY had to say:

Wow! What a bargain this ebook is! I’ve just sat and read it all and can’t wait to try some of the recipes. I particularly love the fact that preparation isn’t too difficult and also that you list which recipes freeze well. Thanks so much! I’ll be buying more ebooks from you. I'm also going to recommend your books to my clients interested in adding more raw foods to their diets. Really good stuff, keep it coming.

My next Awesome Giveaway is scheduled for January, but that seems like an awful long time so I might do another one this month. Check back for details. Thanks to all of you who participated!