OK, I know this is a topic usually reserved for women... but it's important to guys too :).

Now about 6 months after transitioning to raw foods I've noticed something interesting. Very smooth skin. Especially my hands.. normally they're dry during the winter months but not this year.

Others that I've spoken to and read about report similar experiences... a glow to the skin, more elasticity, fewer wrinkles, youthful look. It's the ultimate anti-aging diet.

Just another benefit of a vegan, raw and whole food diet.

To your best health!

Mark
The Vegan Raw Diet

Here's a quick healthy snack.. especially for those times when you're transitioning and hungry for something sweet.

Banana Treat

• 1-2 Ripe Bananas
• 1-2 Soft, Pitted Dates
  or
• Handful of soaked raisins
• 1/2-1 Tbs Raw Almond Butter

Mash the bananas in a bowl, add raw almond butter and dates (cut them into small pieces) or soaked raisins and mix together well. Quick, easy and delicious. Enjoy without guilt!

To your best health,

Mark
Vegan and Raw - The Ultimate Diet For Weight Loss, Healthy and Life

A major, comprehensive new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in January shows that the less meat is eaten, the lower risk of colon cancer. Previous studies have show similar findings, but this is the longest (20 years) and included a large group of people. In fact, related studies show your risk of colon cancer on a vegetarian diet is 50% less than if you ate red meat regularly. If you need another reason to eliminate meat from your diet, here it is!

Related link:
PCRM Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine - News Release

If you live in the Phoenix metro area, you're in for a tropical treat.

As we near the end of the citrus season here, other tropical fruits
are becoming available at local stores. I'm particular to organic
pineapple, and when I noticed it at my local Fry's, I stocked up.
The brand is the same one carried by our now defunct local
co-op, so I feel comfortable with the choice.

Our local Safeway as well as Sunflower Market also have an
abundant selection of organic bananas and mango... all reasonably
priced.

Enjoy these tropical treats!

Mark

Being green is popular today and many people are looking for ways to have less of an impact on the environment in their daily lives.

Well, eating a raw food diet is the original, and in my opinion, best way to be green!

Read more...

Greetings from my first 'raw roadtrip'! I'm currently in Amarillo, Texas traveling from Chicago back to my home in Arizona and the first roadtrip since starting my raw journey.

Many of you have written to share your experiences when traveling and here's how I'm doing it.

My first stop before leaving Chicago was Karyn's, the popular raw vegan cafe, restaurant and marketplace. Picked up a few ready to eat meals (garlic pizza and california rolls... both were great choices) along with some pumpkin seeds, raw crackers and small salad from the buffet. I dropped these into a cooler with some ice packs and went on to Whole Foods Market just minutes away.

At Whole Foods I picked up spring water, 5 bunches of bananas, a quart of fresh strawberries, a bag of dates, and some apples (all organic). Dropped everything in the car and with plenty of food for 2.5 days of driving was ready for my first raw road trip!

In addition to the food I picked up, I had placed an order for the Phi Plus (raw whole food) I've mentioned before and had several bags ready to go.

I started the day with several glasses of water and then several hours later added a few bananas and strawberries. Throughout the day I added dates and grabbed a banana whenever I got hungry. At dinner time I pulled out one of the prepared meals from Karyn's along with some raw crackers. Evening snacks included Phi Plus and dates. I drank less water than I normally do to minimize the stops along the way!

I'm in my last day of travel now, feeling great and still have plenty of food. Eating fresh whole foods I brought along made it easy to eat whenever I was hungry, make fewer stops and gave me lots of energy to be able to drive as long as I wanted.

Share your travel experiences by leaving a comment!

Thanks for reading and all the best for your health...

Mark

Here are some pictures of delicious raw food dishes I've prepared during the last month. The Blackberry Tahini Salad is especially rawsome! Enjoy!

Create your mini album at ShowMyPics.com

To your best health!

Mark
Vegan Raw Diet
How To Make It On The Raw Food Diet