It's been a very interesting 8 months! As you may know I've been focusing exclusively on raw, whole foods and have avoided most everything else including raw 'junk food'. This includes high fat avocados, dehydrated foods, processed foods, sauces, oils, bars and other foods that contain raw ingredients but have been processed. Basically I've eaten locally or organically grown fruits and veggies with a very limited about of nuts or seeds.

There have been many benefits to this but the one thing that stands out for me has been the ability to feel how everything I eat affects me.

I was fascinated with what I've learned.

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Tonya Kay, professional dancer, performance artist, actress and raw foodist talks about how she overcame manic depression by switching from a vegan diet to a raw vegan diet.
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Something most Americans overlook in today's increasingly active and busy world is one of the simplest and most effective ways to avoid getting sick and dis-ease...

Sleep.

Our bodies are designed to heal themselves of anything, given the right environment and opportunity. Popular wisdom tells us to take this or that... although it normally only masks the symptoms and doesn't 'heal'. Only your body can heal itself of anything if you let it - nothing else. And that's the key... letting it.

If you're feeling under the weather or not yourself, the most effective and natural way to return to a state of good health is to take it easy! Rest, sleep... do nothing and let your body heal itself. Of course popular wisdom tells us that we need to get over that cold, flu or other illness fast (or even faster!) and get back to whatever you were doing (work, school, work :).

This idea of resting has been presented to me several times in the past few weeks and I'm certain it's for a reason. We can easily get caught up with too much on our plates and not take the time to sleep properly and rest. Sleep deprivation and insomnia are at epidemic rates in the US and the decline in health and increase in obesity are equally staggering. A coincidence?

I believe it's time to get back to basics, simplify our lives and take time to rest and get adequate sleep to allow us to live fully with health and happiness always.

What do you think?

To your best health!

Mark

www.VeganRawDiet.com

You may know that I've been vegan for over 12 years. I had success with losing weight... in fact, in addition to the obvious health benefits, it's one of the reasons I decided to transition to a vegan lifestyle.

When I decided to transition further to a raw diet, something interesting happened... I lost more weight! 12 pounds in 2 weeks to be exact. This was interesting because I actually ate more food than when I was vegan. There is a reason for this and I'll it share with you in a future post.

Here are some interesting and very rewarding benefits about transitioning to a vegan/raw food lifestyle:

• You can eat as much as you desire and not gain weight
• Your body will find it's optimal weight naturally
• You can choose from a wide variety of delicious foods and never get bored
• You'll have abundant energy
• Your taste buds will come alive
• You'll lose as much weight as you need naturally
• You will become more aware of what your body wants (and needs)
• Your thoughts will be sharp and clear
• Most if not all your aches, pains and irritations will go away
• You'll lose taste for unhealthy foods and crave fresh, living foods

These are just some of the benefits I've experienced recently. I feel blessed for this experience and will share more in future posts.

If I can help or answer any questions, feel free to email to: vegancoach(AT)gmail.com (replace the AT with @).

Blessings,

Mark
http://vegandiet.blogspot.com

Looking for convenient, organic and raw whole foods? I highly recommend Whole Food Farmacy!

Ran across a very helpful web site for vegans and vegetarians looking to eat out and shop at veg-friendly restaurants and shops.

The site offers world-wide coverage, although most of the reviews are for locations in North America.

Nice site design makes it easy to use and you can review and suggest your favorite places. Many listings include pictures and links to a map - very handy! Looks like my local favorites are well represented

http://www.vegguide.org

Enjoy - go vegan!

Mark
http://vegandiet.blogspot.com

This is a colorful and delicious italian style recipe - Raw Ratatouille! It's fast and easy to make, great for a filling fall dinner.

Here's what you'll need:

1 Avocado
2 Tomatoes
1/4 cup of Cilantro (optional)
2 cloves of Garlic
1 Squash
1 Tblsp Raw Tahini
1 Tsp Raw Honey
Celtic Sea Salt to taste

Here's how you make it:

Chop up all vegetables and put in serving bowl. In a separate bowl, add tahini, honey and celtic sea salt. Mix well. Top the vegetables with this thick and tasty dressing! Serves 2.

The dressing can also be used for other dishes, including salads.

Inspired by Storm and Jinjee from their Garden Diet series.

Enjoy!

Mark
Vegan Raw Diet

This video shows how Scott Jackson lost over 100 pounds by switching to a raw food diet. He mentions that he didn't do any exercise. Imagine what he could have done with some added activity. Congratulations Scott!

If you're looking for a place to start learning more about the raw food diet, visit: RawFoodHowTo.com