You may recall the ads milk, cheese and yogurt producers have been running that claim three servings a day (3 a Day) of dairy helps burn fat.

The dairy producers rely mainly on one study from a University of Tennesse researcher that apparently is suspect because he receives funding from the dairy industry. Well, if you receive funding from an industry that you are conducting research for, then yes, I would call that suspect!

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, which advocates a vegan diet and led by Neal Barnard MD, feels strongly enough about the fact this is largely a way to get people to eat more dairy (and feel good about it - in my opinion), that they have filed suit against dairy groups to stop using the ads.

There is more than just one study that concludes that eating dairy keeps you at the same weight or increases it, but also the dozens of side effects and links to health problems. Can these be discounted against just one study?

Read more about the suit at the Washington Post.

Peace, joy and health!

Mark
http://vegandiet.blogspot.com

One of the things I've noticed since transitioning to a raw food diet is that the hunger 'pangs' I'd had in the past... stayed in the past :).

Sure, I may feel like eating something, although I no longer have intense feelings of hunger. I can often eat some fruit throughout the day and a nice salad for dinner and feel satisfied. More importantly I feel full of energy, light on my feet, relaxed and grounded.

This is how our bodies work naturally... and why eating fresh, organic and raw foods is optimal for your health... and longevity.

One of the reasons those on the SAD diet (standard american diet) get hunger pains is in part the additives in processed foods (MSG for example) and in part because the normal American stretches their stomach far beyond their normal size. Emotions and stress play a factor as well.

Go raw and feel great!

All the best for your health,

Mark

For some time I've been researching the role the sun plays in our life and how it relates to our diet and health. It's been fascinating to say the least what's been revealed to me.

Here's the story...

Nothing in our world could live without the sun. Can you imagine living in total and constant darkness? There would be no food, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds... any living food requires the sun to grow and mature. There would be no animals since animals need to eat the foods that grow from the sun's energy.

And humans would most likely become extinct since we need the suns energy to live. Those that live on a raw and living foods diet get the most vitality from the sun since they're getting it from every fruit, vegetable, nut and seed they eat. Do you notice that most of those around you that eat processed and 'junk' foods (the SAD diet) look less lively, are paler, normally heavier and don't have the best attitude?

Animals require it also and get the sun's energy in the plants, fruits, nuts and seeds they eat as well.

Do you see the importance, no, the vitality of the sun in our world?

I've also researched and interviewed those that 'sun gaze'. They gaze directly at the sun (during the early sunrise or late sunset when UV rays are lower) and enrich their bodies with the sun's energy. They've experienced tremendous benefits, including lowering your irritability, anger, frustration at first, then later a more peaceful approach towards living, less of a need for food (you're getting the sun's energy directly, rather than from the produce you eat), increased self-confidence, reduction or elimination of diseases and ailments (including depression) and much more. I have friends that sun gaze and have seen these benefits evolve over time as they increased their sun gazing. (For your reference, I strongly encourage you to visit these sites - and others - if you are interested in learning more about sun gazing and the power of the sun: www.SolarHealing.com and www.SunGazing.com)

Unfortunately most in our world today believe the sun is 'evil' and we need 'protection' from it, in the form of sunscreens and lotions. Interestingly, it's the sunscreen and other protection systems that are actually causing many diseases and ailments since the sun provides so many benefits, staying away from it and lathering up with chemicals only enhances the level of toxins in our bodies that lead to disease.

Our bodies need the energy of the sun, the Vitamin D that only the sun can provide which has now been a proven disease fighter and can prevent 77% of all cancers, as recent scientific studies have shown in women.

Why would the establishment want to keep us away from the solution to 77% of all cancer?

One word: MONEY

You see, there is significantly less amount of money to be made from prevention. By encouraging the use of sunscreens and other 'protection' the medical and related industries (health care, cosmetics, lotions, pharmaceuticals, etc) are guaranteed long term profits by treating those with one form of cancer or another. We see health care and treatment costs skyrocketing every day with the increase in diseases and ailments we are experiencing as a nation. Who benefits from this?

It's incredible to believe that this is happening to you and I, but nonetheless it's true.

I encourage you to take responsibility for your own health, to do your own research and do what you think is right for you and your family.

The sun has incredible energy, healing energy that we can't live without.

To your best health!

Mark

According to new research, breastfed babies typically won't have to be deceived into eating fruits and veggies like recent popular cookbooks encourage. Instead, if their mom regularly eats fruits and vegetables, the baby will acquire a taste for healthy foods.
Read more...

With all the parties during the holidays, there are many temptations and opportunities to get cooked.

I like to look at it a little differently.

Since this time of year is for celebration, giving and appreciation, I see it as an opportunity to grow stronger in your convictions and celebrate them... celebrate your path to awesome health through a vegan raw lifestyle.

By growing in your healthy relationship with yourself, you not only grow into better health, your relationships with others blossom as well.

And in addition to sharing gifts with friends and loved ones, what better time to give yourself a gift... the gift of awesome health (only you can do it).

Here are some ideas to thrive during the holidays:

• instead of attending a party, throw your own. Include raw and healthy alternatives to the normal heavy and fattening dishes.
• when attending dinner parties, bring your own dish. You can always eat your own dish if there are no healthy alternatives.
• if the topic of why you may not be eating something comes up, mention that this is what you feel like eating (the raw and healthy alternative).
• eat more fruit!
• focus on the social part of the events rather than the eating.
• take some time out for yourself and celebrate your life and raw journey.
• have plenty of fruit and salads handy to eat and share during the holidays.
• find raw potlucks or meetups in your area and visit with link-minded friends.
• eat a raw meal or snack before attending an event so you won't be hungry. Gives you more time to visit.

Celebrate and enjoy the holidays, vegan and raw!

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and yours!

Mark

Appetizers are great, especially when they're delicious and raw! Here's a wonderful dish inspired by Living Nutrition Magazine... "Poppers".

Here's what you'll need:

1-1/2 cups of sun dried tomatoes (soaked)
1 cup of macadamia nuts
Basil (about 10 leaves)
2 zucchini
1 pint large cherry tomatoes

Here's how you make them:

First, soak the sun-dried tomatoes for about an hour. Drain and save the soak water. Process the macadamia nuts in a blender or a food processor. Then add the sun-dried tomatoes. You'll want a nice pate-like consistency. If it's too thick, add the soak water slowly. Lastly add the basil and finish processing.

Slice zucchini with a madolin or peeler into long, thin strips. Add the pate and roll up the zucchini slices. Scoop out the middle of the cherry tomatoes and fill them with pate. Arrange on a plate and garnish to your preference.

These were a real hit over the holidays with my family and friends. Great for veggies and meat eaters alike (you might even inspire a few friends).

Enjoy!

Mark
"The Raw Guy!"
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