Raw Synergy > Blog > 2015 > July

Parasites

Parasites are one of the most misdiagnosed afflictions. Their symptoms mimic a long list of other illnesses and disorders which often make a proper diagnoses complicated. On top of that, once parasites are suspected, getting accurate testing is even more difficult because the only reputable lab that I knew of that gave accurate results merged with a new company and changed their testing process. Most people struggle for so long and often have no idea why. And, even if they do know why, they cannot find a solution. They try everything from prescription medication, herbs and essential oils, a strict diet, and even water fasting, with little to no success. 

I was one of those people, trying all of the above remedies with little success but thankfully, I finally found a solution that worked for me, as well as for my husband, family members and friends.

My Story
After switching to a raw food diet, my digestion was working perfectly for the first time in my life. No more bloating, no more constipation, I was feeling great and continued to feel great for many months. Suddenly, without making any changes, my digestion began to slow down and I started to experience constipation again. I became extremely bloated unlike anything I’d ever experienced. One or two bites of food and that was it, I felt so full, I couldn’t take another bite and even felt like I had a hard time breathing. I began experiencing headaches and my vision became blurry. I had no idea what was wrong after everything had been going so well. 

For nearly a year, my husband was experiencing muscle tightness, pain and severe swelling in his hands, wrists, knees and feet. swollen handsHe saw numerous doctors and was finally diagnosed with arthritis and sent home with medication. He was practically bed ridden. He was in a lot of pain and couldn’t even make a fist.

Fortunately for us, we didn’t stop searching for answers and went to see our sports injury specialist who always seemed to have the answers we needed when no one else did. He suspected parasites, not arthritis, and ordered a test kit for my husband. When his tests came back positive, I was sure I was infected too, and sure enough, I was.

Through expensive specialized stool tests, we were diagnosed with parasites on two separate occasions. My husband was diagnosed with Strongyloides, a roundworm that can mimic extreme arthritis symptoms. He also had pinworm and a protozoan parasite. I was diagnosed with whipworm and a protozoan parasite. I’ve never been one for taking medications, but reluctantly, the first time we were diagnosed, we took prescription medication to get rid of these critters. It seemed to work temporarily but we never got completely better. We got tested again months later and found completely different parasites in our systems. We decided prescriptions were out, because they obviously weren’t going to keep the parasites away and we needed a solution.

We tried taking herbs for months and achieved decent results but they weren’t perfect and their effects certainly didn’t last. We also had uncomfortable side effects of anxiety and general discomfort throughout the whole process. Each time we would finish a long cycle of herbs, about a week later, our symptoms would return. I was SO frustrated and really started to feel hopeless.

It was a long trial and error process, and after trying what seemed like everything, we finally found a lasting solution and the parasites are gone.

Thanks to many internet health forums, I found lots of people having great success with parasite zappers. Even though we were both very skeptical, we felt we had nothing to lose, so we bought a couple and gave it a shot.

These particular parasite zappers emit a low level electrical current throughout the body killing bacteria, virus, fungi, parasites, etc. without killing off your good bacteria. According to the manufacturer, parasites are positively charged and unhealthy tissue is also positively charged. zapper duoThe introduction of weak electric current (via the Zapper) destroys parasites by reversing their polarity. Negative ions are added to encourage diseased tissue to heal — healthy tissue is negatively charged. Parasites cannot defend their positive polarity (shortage of electrons) against the introduction of simple direct current and they die very quickly. Negative ions will repel parasites whether electric current, magnets, or orgone generates the ions. Parasites not only die when subjected to electricity, but also disintegrate and are easily assimilated as harmless nutrients or eliminated. 

After wearing the zapper for only 14 hours, when I woke the next day, my body felt completely different. I felt like I had taken a muscle relaxer. My body was so relaxed and at peace for the first time in a very long time. 

After that, things just continued to get better.

My digestion is much stronger. I don’t have the constant bloating discomfort I was experiencing 24/7 and my digestion is back to working the way it should. My vision began to clear up and the weird headaches I was having went away as well.

After using the zapper, my husband also completely recovered. Within a few days he noticed small improvements and within a month, he was well again. No more swelling or pain.

We both got the basic zappers first, because they were so affordable. After having such great results, I decided to upgrade to the Terminator. We made sure our entire family got a zapper and my dad, who was waking up everyday with arthritic-like pain throughout his body said, after wearing his for a day or two, that he was waking without any pain. He broke his zapper a short time later and was without it while he waited for a replacement and his pain returned. Then, it disappeared again when he got his replacement. I found this very interesting.

There are other zappers available on the market but they’re much stronger and you can only use them for a few seconds to minutes at a time because the side effects of the die off can make you really ill, which is why we chose to buy the low level, battery operated zappers. Thankfully, they don’t cause major side effects or discomfort.

It’s very important to change the battery every 4 days because 9 volt batteries lose the majority of their power after about 96 hours of constant use in a zapper. It’s also crucial to clean the copper contacts on the zapper daily, sometimes twice a day if they get really dirty. 

For best results, along with the above recommendations, you should wear your zapper 24/7 for at least 30 days. The zapper should be removed when bathing or during very physical activity.

If the zapper starts to tingle or itch, you must move the zapper so it doesn’t burn your skin. The only place you cannot get burned is on the bottom of your feet and the palms of your hand. When sleeping, it’s best to wear the zapper in a sock (or the wrist bands we offer) on the bottom of your foot or wrapped in the palm of your hand.

I believe in these parasite zappers completely after all of our successful experiences, and because I was constantly asked if I sell them, I decided to make them available on my website.

If you’re interested visit my Zapper Page for great prices and fast shipping. We also offer a non-toxic copper cleaning cloth that cleans the copper contacts quick & easy without any chemicals.

The Basic and Terminator zappers are safe for use with pets and children. 

With small children and infants, it’s best for an adult to wear the zapper and hold the child so your bare arm is touching their bare skin to transmit the frequency through skin contact. Or, by holding the zapper on their skin for short intervals, making sure to move the zapper to different locations on the belly every five minutes or so. NEVER strap the zapper to a small child or infant. 

According to the manufacturer, children and pets seem to heal very fast, compared to adults, and feels no more than a half hour of zapping per day is necessary for sick children and babies. 

With pets, it is similar to using on small children and infants. You can place the zapper on your pet’s belly area for 20-30 minutes while sitting with them, making sure to move the zapper from time to time. An hour a day in total time is likely all that’s needed. NEVER strap the zapper to your pet in any way. Be mindful to monitor your pet’s behavior, if they become uncomfortable, be sure to move the zapper to a different position. 

Here are some videos about my zapper experience and how to care for the zapper:

 

My personal experience with parasites and the zapper

How to clean your zapper: Quick & Easy

Parasite update and FAQ video

Testing:

As mentioned earlier, the most accurate lab for testing parasites, Metametrix, which is the lab that diagnosed me, my husband and my mom with parasites, has merged with a company called Genova Diagnostics and they’ve changed the way they test.

However, apparently there is a test procedure called PCR that is becoming more available for people to accurately test for parasites, bacteria and virus. 

“Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique that is used to amplify trace amounts of DNA (and in some instances, RNA) located in or on almost any liquid or surface where DNA strands may be deposited. The key to understanding PCR is to know that every human, animal, plant, parasite, bacterium, or virus contains genetic material such as DNA (or RNA) sequences (nucleotide sequences or pieces of DNA or RNA) that are unique to their species, and to the individual member of that species. Consequently, if a sample contains segments of DNA or RNA, PCR is a method used to amplify (make many more identical copies) of these unique sequences so they can then be used to determine with a very high probability the identity of the source (a specific person, animal, or pathogenic organism) of the trace DNA or RNA found in or on almost any sample of material.” – info from emedicinehealth.com

I don’t know the cost of PCR testing but when my family and I were tested, it was very expensive for the stool test kit. It was close to $400 per kit. For many people who have multiple symptoms, they find it much more affordable to just buy a zapper and start using it for 30 days. If their symptoms go away, they saved time and money, plus experienced relief much sooner. If their symptoms don’t go away, they’re only out a small amount of money after giving it a chance, and they can gift it to someone who will likely benefit from using it. 

Symptoms of Parasites:

Here’s a list of symptoms followed by the ways in which we can contract parasites that was shared with me by my dear friend Mikey, who’s been such a great supporter of my experience and who has generously contributed excellent information regarding this subject. Thank you, Mikey!

*Please note the rest of the information below was not written by me and I have made some suggestions in a couple areas as a healthier option.*

Common Symptoms of Parasites in Humans

Constipation: Some worms, because of their shape and large size. can physically obstruct certain organs. Heavy worm infections can block the common bile duct and the intestinal tract, making elimination infrequent and difficult.

Diarrhea: Certain parasites, primarily protozoa, produce a prostaglandin (hormone-like substances found in various human tissues) which creates a sodium and chloride loss that leads to frequent watery stools. The diarrhea process in a parasite infection is, therefore, a function of the parasite, not the body’s attempt to rid itself of an infectious organism.

Gas and Bloating: Some parasites live in the upper small intestine where the inflammation they produce causes both gas and bloating. The situation can be magnified when hard-to-digest foods such as beans and raw fruits and vegetables are eaten. Persistent abdominal distention is a frequent sign of hidden invaders. These gastrointestinal symptoms can persist intermittently for many months or years if the parasites are not eliminated from the body.

Irritable bowel syndrome: Parasites can irritate and inflame the intestinal cell wall, leading to a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms and malabsorption of vital nutrients, particularly fatty substances. This malabsorption leads to bulky stools and steatorrhea (excess fat in feces).

Joint and muscle aches and pains: Parasites are known to migrate to encyst (become enclosed in a sac) in joint fluids, and worms can encyst in muscles. Once that happens, pain becomes evident and is often assumed to be caused by arthritis. Joint and muscle pains and inflammation are also the result of tissue damage caused by some parasites of the body’s ongoing immune response to their presence.

Anemia: Some varieties of intestinal worms attach themselves to the mucosal lining of the intestines and then leach nutrients from the human host. If they are present in large enough numbers, they can create enough blood loss to cause a type of iron deficiency or pernicious

Allergy: Parasites can irritate and sometimes perforate the intestinal lining, increasing bowel permeability to large undigested molecules. This can activate the body’s immune response to produce increased levels of eosinophils, one type of the body’s fighter cells. The eosinophils can inflame body tissue, resulting in an allergic reaction. Like allergy, parasites also trigger an increase in the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE).

Skin conditions: Intestinal worms can cause hives, rashes, weeping eczema, and other allergic-type skin reactions. Cutaneous ulcers, swellings and sores, popular lesions, and itchy dermatitis can all result from protozoan invasion.

Granulomas: Granulomas are tumor-like masses that encase destroyed large or parasitic eggs. They develop most often in the colon or rectal walls but can also be found in the lungs liver, peritoneum, and uterus.

Nervousness: Parasitic metabolic wastes and toxic substances can serve as irritants to the central nervous system. Restlessness and anxiety are often the result of the systemic parasite infestation. (After completing a herbal cleanse, many people swear that their persistently grouchy mates or relatives have become a lot more pleasant and patient. “The most famous tapeworm of recent years belonged to the late opera singer Maria Callas. She had a serious weight and skin problem. When the tapeworm was detected and removed, “her weight dropped, her skin improved and her temperament mellowed,” says Gittleman.)

Sleep disturbances: Multiple awakening during the night particularly between 2 and 3 AM, are possibly caused by the body’s attempts to eliminate toxic wastes via the liver. According to Chinese medicine, these hours are governed by the liver. Sleep disturbances are also caused by nocturnal exits of certain parasites through the anus, creating the intense discomfort and itching.

Teeth grinding: Bruxism – abnormal grinding, clenching, and gnashing of the teeth – has been observed in cases of parasitic infection. These symptoms are most noticeable among sleeping children. Bruxism may be a nervous response to the internal foreign irritant.

Chronic fatigue: Chronic fatigue symptoms include tiredness, flu-like complaints, apathy, depression, impaired concentration, and faulty memory. Parasites cause these physical, mental, and emotional symptoms through malnutrition resulting from malabsorption of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and especially vitamins A and B-12.

Immune Dysfunction: Parasites depress immune system functioning by decreasing the secretion of immunoglobulin A (I&A). Their presence continuously stimulates the system response and over time can exhaust this vital defense system, leaving the body open to bacterial and viral infections.

The following conditions might also be tell-tale signs of a parasitic invasion: weight gain, excessive hunger, weight loss, bad taste in the mouth and bad breath, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, acne, migraines, and even the biggest killers: heart disease and cancer.

Causes of Parasites:

Food

We can get parasites from food that is not adequately cooked. Meat such as pork and beef that is undercooked is the means of transmission for tapeworms, as is undercooked freshwater fish. Vegetables and fruit may come from the field or the market carrying both protozoan (single celled, microscopic) and metazoan (worm) parasites. Parasites may be added to vegetables and fruit if they are sprayed, rinsed or washed in water that has not been properly filtered. And parasites may be transferred to food by the person preparing the food if impeccable hygiene is not followed. When you eat in restaurants you have a greater chance of ingesting a parasite if you eat uncooked food, such as salads. Cooking food will eliminate most parasites and since cooked food is often handled with utensils, there is less likelihood that the food was handled with bare and perhaps unwashed hands that may have come in contact with a parasite. However, some parasites are tough and can withstand sustained high temperatures as described above in the water category. At home, soak vegetables and fruit for at least 15 minutes in a solution of two ounces of hydrogen peroxide or one ounce of common pure chlorine bleach per gallon of properly filtered water and then rinse off with pure, properly filtered water. (I prefer to wash my food with Grapefruit Seed Extract available at most health food stores or a fruit and veggie wash that contains GSE. You can also use apple cider vinegar. Alicia) Wash your hands and scrub under your finger nails before preparing or eating food. This measure of hygiene is even more important if you have pets. Once again, enjoy your food but use common sense and apply your knowledge of appropriate hygiene.

Pets

Pets are often hosts to parasites and pets share many parasites with humans. Simply stated, pets are able to lick themselves almost anywhere and then pets groom themselves. Pets love to be petted and humans love to pet them. And so the parasite is passed from pet to person. Again, always wash your hands and scrub under your finger nails after touching an animal and especially before preparing or eating food. Avoid kissing pets or letting them kiss you. And it is wise not to let pets on the bed. It is a good idea to have your pet checked by the veterinarian for parasites on a regular basis. Veterinarians seem to be more adept at finding and treating parasites than human doctors.

Sex

Oral genital sexual activity can result in the transmission of some parasites. Be impeccable in your hygiene.

Air

Some parasites can be transmitted through the air. One example is Ascaris Lumbricoides, commonly referred to as roundworm. This worm is estimated to be the most common parasite on the planet, infecting maybe one in five people. While it is more common in other countries, it is very common in the U.S. Female worms may produce 200,000 eggs a day. In areas of poor sanitation, these eggs can survive for a time in relatively dry conditions where the eggs may become airborne and inhaled by a human. This is all that is necessary for that parasite to begin the lifecycle in a human host. The most common parasite in children in the U.S. is considered to be the pinworm, or Enterobius Vermicularis. Female pinworms come out onto the skin around the anus and lay their eggs. This can cause itching. The eggs can remain viable on bedclothes, bedding, underwear, clothing and the dust in the room for days and can be transmitted by direct contact and then into the mouth or through the air. Killing pinworms is not difficult. But getting rid of a pinworm infestation can be if proper care is not taken. Vacuum meticulously. All clothing and bedding should be washed and dried in a hot drier for at least 30 minutes. Chemicals are available that are added to the wash water to kill the eggs. Dry cleaning is also recommended. While getting rid of pinworms, wear underwear that is elasticized so they fit snuggly around the thigh for 24 hours every day until the pinworms have been eradicated. Carefully remove the underwear so that any eggs that might be caught in the fabric are not lost and set them aside to be washed as described above. Change the underwear when you wake up in morning and before bed at night. Remember, the females usually come out to lay their eggs at night.

Soil

Hookworms, such as Necator Americanus and Ancylostoma Duodenale can be contracted through the soil as well as from vegetables. These worms can enter a human host by burrowing through skin of the feet if one is in the dirt with bare feet. Be careful about going barefoot. These two hookworms exist in many areas of the world. The range for Necator Americanus includes parts of New Mexico.

Fecal Matter

If you work in areas where contact with fecal matter is possible, such as cleaning toilets or changing diapers, be careful. It has been documented, for example, that giardia has been passed around at some day care centers where children in diapers are cared for.

Travel

Although many human parasites are common in the U.S., parasites are much more common in many other countries and so easier to come in contact with. Be meticulous in your habits about hygiene and consumption of food and drinks. Take a portable water filter when you travel. These are available at most outdoor/camping stores and are designed to eliminate Giardia as well as other parasites. Also, build a strong immune system before beginning your travel and regularly take nutritional and herbal products to help prevent getting parasites while you travel.

Hydrochloric Acid

People who produce lower levels of hydrochloric acid in their stomachs either naturally or because of acid reducing drugs are more vulnerable to getting parasite problems. The hydrochloric acid “digests” the protein of the parasitic cysts, eggs or other transmission forms. Discuss hydrochloric acid supplementation or ways of improving your hydrochloric acid production with your kinesiologist. (If you have low hydrochloric acid, the practice of proper food combining can help, and so does taking raw organic apple cider vinegar. If that doesn’t work, water fasting is very helpful. Alicia)

Doorknobs

Although picking up pathogens from doorknobs has become a cliché of ridicule, it is certainly possible to come into contact with a number of parasites and other pathogens from doorknobs, toilet seats or any other surface (money perhaps) where people touch. This is even truer if the surface is near a toilet. As an example let’s use Giardia, since it is common and can survive outside the body in a range of conditions for extended periods of time. A person with Giardiasis uses the toilet in a restaurant or at the movies after which they do not wash their hands. This could result in one or more Giardia cysts on their hands and when they open the door to leave the restroom those cysts might be transferred to the doorknob. The next person to touch that doorknob could pick up those cysts. And even though that person has just washed their hands with care, if they return to the restaurant or the movie and eat food with their hands, there is a risk of contracting Giardiasis. While it would be foolish to never venture out into the world for fear of “getting something,” consider developing habits that help protect yourself from the very real possibility of coming in contact with a bug you don’t want. Use your sleeve, or a paper towel or a tissue to open the door as you leave a restroom. Carry small hand sanitizer packets, such as Purell, and clean your hands before eating or touching your mouth and nose. (I do not recommend the use of hand sanitizer. I think it’s best to wash your hands regularly with a natural soap like Dr. Bronner’s and avoid antibacterial soaps. You can use essential oils instead of sanitizer too. Alicia) Some types of parasites are considered communicable and are more easily passed around in families, relationships and communities. For example, many public health authorities require that cases of Giardiasis be reported.

Summary

Parasites are a fact of life. This was well understood by most people in America up to the middle of the twentieth century. Common knowledge about preventive hygiene and annual parasite purges was passed on within families. It is not difficult to evaluate what changing factors in society resulted in the loss of the transmission of that common knowledge. But it has occurred. The parasites continue to thrive. The time has come to raise awareness about how common parasite problems are as well as how to prevent getting them and how to eliminate them when we get them. Resolving a parasite infestation is one of a handful of essential components that is absolutely necessary in order to create a strong foundation from which we can maintain or reestablish our health.

To eliminate parasites safely and effectively through the use of a Basic or Terminator Zapper visit: The Zapper Page to purchase

Raw Vegan Dreamy Coco Date “Latte”

Coco Date Latte

This is the most dreamy, delicious, healthy beverage – warm or cold. It will make you swoon! It reminds me of a really sweet cafe latte or a Starbucks frappuccino, depending on how you make it. So it’s very helpful for those trying to get away from designer coffee beverages. It’s calorically dense, not too big, super satisfying and tastes Ahhhh-mazing!

Ingredients:
8 oz. of your favorite fresh dates (pitted) I love halawy, khadrawy, barhi or medjool dates
16 oz. of fresh coconut water from a young thai coconut
a pinch of vanilla (powder, extract or fresh vanilla bean)
*optional 5-10 drops of raw vegan organic coffee extract from medicineflower.com
The coffee extract is not necessary for this recipe and is really for those who want a coffee flavor. This drink is so great without it too!

*Increase the ingredients accordingly based on your personal needs*

Directions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth, pour into your favorite mug and enjoy! If you use a blender like the Vitamix, you can actually blend this drink until warm or hot on a chilly day for a more cozy “coco” or “coffee” experience.

Can also be poured over ice for a cold drink or blended in a Vitamix with ice, or frozen coconut water ice cubes, for a frappuccino-like, refreshing blended drink.

Dreamy, Delicious Raw Coco Date “Latte” Recipe Video

Delicious Fat Free Kale Chips

These yummy chips are actually good for you, easy to make, delightfully crunchy and Fat Free!

Ingredients:
1 large bunch of Kale washed, stems removed & cut into approximately 2×4 inch pieces (I used Lacinato Kale in this batch)
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 cups largely chopped celery
1/2 large red bell pepper, seeds removed
1/2 cup of sugar plum or your choice tomatoes
a handful of dilantro (you can use other herbs of your choice such as chives, basil, parsley etc.)

Directions:
Blend lemon juice, celery, bell pepper and tomatoes in a blender until smooth. Add cilantro and blend or pulse gently until herbs are cut up but not pureed. Place kale in a large bowl and pour mixture over kale and massage it in so mixture covers all parts of the kale leaves. Place kale on dehydrator trays evenly spaced apart for proper drying and dehydrate at 105 degrees F for 8-12 hours. Be sure to check kale from time to time for crispness.

Store in an air tight container, if you don’t eat them all as you’re removing them from the dehydrator. ;0)

Need a dehydrator? Get the best one HERE with FREE Shipping!

If you don’t have a dehydrator and want to bake them in the oven for a non-raw chip, you can bake them at 225° F for 7-10 minutes. Just be careful not to burn them.

Incredible Date Dip Recipe – Like Mock Peanut Butter – No Nuts

This is one of my favorite fall/winter recipes when dates and persimmons are at their peak of perfection. It often reminds me of peanut butter even though there are no nuts and it’s basically fat free. With the added flavor of vanilla and the fluffy texture, this recipe also reminds me of frosting. It’s so good, you feel like you’re eating something incredibly decadent. 

Ingredients:
1 large Fuji apple cored and sliced. Set aside and used for dipping.
27 Halawy dates or a little over 7 oz. or 200 grams of your favorite juicy dates (pitted)
1 small ripe, semi soft fuyu persimmon, approximately 3 oz., or 80 grams (peeled & make sure there are no seeds) If you’re not familiar with persimmons, be sure to check out my persimmon video. Using an unripe hachiya persimmon will ruin your recipe. 
2-3 Tbls fresh coconut water (I love young thai coconuts for their sweet, coconut flavor)
a dash of vanilla powder or approx. 3 drops of vanilla extract

Directions:
With a stick blender, blend dates, persimmon, coconut water and vanilla extract into a creamy consistency. Transfer to a small bowl or ramekin. Dip your apple slices and enjoy as a meal, snack or dessert! You can use a blender if you have a smaller container and you use a tamper, or just use a larger blender like a Vitamix and double the recipe. It will certainly keep for several days in the refrigerator. 

You can use your favorite apple for dipping. I love Fuji apples because they’re sweet, crisp and delicious.

Tomato Basil Soup

This is a great summer recipe to prepare when it’s hot outside and you have loads of vine ripe tomatoes bursting with flavor!

Ingredients:
4 cups of tomatoes (2 1/2 cups for blending and 1 1/2 cups chopped for garnish)
1/2 cup of fresh squeezed orange juice
1 heaping cup of celery
1 medium ripe, red bell pepper, seeds and stem removed (I like to leave my bell peppers on the counter for a few weeks until they get soft and wrinkly. This makes them much sweeter and more flavorful.)
2 or 3 small persian cucumbers made into noodles. I cut my noodles into small one inch pieces for easier eating.
A handfull of fresh basil (2 large leaves or 4-5 small leaves finely chopped)

Directions:
Blend 2 1/2 cups of tomatoes with orange juice, celery and bell pepper until creamy. If making this on a cold day you can blend until slightly warm in a high powered blender like a Vitmaix. (Not hot or steaming if you want your soup to remain raw – Keep it below 118 degrees F) The Vitamix is great for gently warming soups like this. Just don’t let it run too long or it will start to boil, unless of course, that’s what you want.

Pour into a bowl and garnish with 1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes, cucumber noodles and fresh chopped basil. 
It likely won’t need it but feel free to season to taste with salt and pepper.

Bon Appetit!

Fruity Porridge

This is a recipe often prepared at Dr. Graham’s retreats. It’s hearty, satisfying, delicious and super easy.
Fruity porridge
Ingredients:

3 very ripe bananas
2 large medjool dates (pitted)
1 medium apple (I love sweet, crisp Fuji apples)
a few dashes of cinnamon
* optional a handful of raisins 

You want to make sure your bananas are ripe with black spots, like these:
Ripe Bananas
Directions:

Peel the bananas and place them in a blender like a Vitamix or food processor along with the pitted dates. Cut and core the apple into large chunks and add them on top of the bananas and dates. Blend on low using a tamper to push all ingredients into the blades, or pulse in the food processor, until you get a nice chunky consistency.

Transfer porridge into a bowl, top with raisins if using them and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Makes a wonderful meal anytime of day.

Enjoy!


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What To Eat On An All Raw Diet

If you’re like me and a raw food diet completely makes sense to you, and you’re ready to jump in to this lifestyle head first, you might be wondering, “What do I eat now?”

Here is what works for me along with some helpful tips to guide you through the process:

1. Fruit for breakfast, fruit for lunch and some fruit for dinner. That may seem like a lot of sugar to some, if this has you worried, check out my FAQ page to alleviate any concerns.

Fruit is the ideal food for humans. It’s full of nutrients, fiber and water. It looks and tastes great without having to alter it by cooking or adding anything to it in terms of salt or other seasonings, plus, it’s easy to digest.

The idea is to eat simply for best digestion, more energy and vitality, overall health and wellness, and especially for convenience. Mono meals are a great way to achieve this. A mono meal is when you eat one type of food for a meal until you’re full or completely satiated. It can be a meal of just melon, just grapes, just mangoes, just figs, etc. Mono meals are always best because your body doesn’t have to work so hard trying to digest a variety of different things. It can easily digest one type of food, especially fruit which is higher in calories than vegetable matter which will keep you satiated longer. It’s quicker and faster to digest than anything else, leaving you with plenty of energy and vitality to accomplish everything in your day while feeling great! There will be no mid day crashes, just a steady stream of energy.

Pick a fruit you love, it can even be a big liter of fresh squeezed orange juice, which has been a morning favorite of mine for quite some time. Fruits that are in season locally, are usually best, especially when allowed to ripen on the tree or vine. However, many tropical fruits like bananas and mangoes that are affordable and convenient, are a great choice as well. Reach for the fruits that make your mouth water just thinking about them, fruits that smell good and that you feel good about eating. Let your body be your guide. Often, you’ll be drawn to what your body is actually needing in terms of nutrients, especially once you’ve been eating this way for a while.

If you don’t know what you like, start buying and trying new fruits to see what you do like. Visit your local farmers market for the freshest, tree and vine ripened fruits. Many of the vendors will often offer samples, if this is allowed in your area. Or go to your local health food store and ask the produce workers if you can try some fruits that are ripe and in season. Most likely they’ll be happy to cut open some fruit and offer you samples.

If you want to eat a variety of fruits, greens or other foods at each meal, it will be best for your digestion if you properly combine your foods. You can learn more about this in my video here: 

Some people prefer to juice their fruits and greens, especially when their digestion is sluggish or they’re wanting to do some deep cleansing and healing. Juicing is a great option to explore and there are lots of books, articles and videos out there if you choose to take this route. There are many ways to experience a raw food diet. Personally, I have found a higher fruit diet, that is relatively lower in fat to be the best for my health and body.

Guide to Proper Food Combining

And you can also purchase this awesome guide called The 80/10/10 Reference Guide for convenient reference of what fruits and foods combine well together and which ones don’t:   

For your evening meal, having some fruit before a big, green salad or savory vegetable dish is often a great way to satisfy your hunger, before getting the necessary minerals from your vegetable meal. The consumption of greens are important for obtaining the mineral content we require for optimal health and wellness. If you don't care for greens or vegetables and prefer to just eat fruit, supplementing with a product like www.dailygreenboost.com can be a great way to get those necessary nutrients without having to eat your vegetables. I take two heaping tablespoons of this product a day and still eat my vegetables because I really enjoy eating them but want to make sure I'm getting all the right nutrients since much of our soil is often depleted in many ways from unhealthy farming practices. This is just good insurance in my opinion.

One of the many reasons I love eating an all raw diet has to do with energy that is contained within the food. Everything in the universe is made up of energy, and each thing, including you and me, as well as every thought we think, vibrates at aCherry tomatoes different frequency which can be physically measured in hertz. Raw fruits and vegetables are very high vibrational foods and when you eat them, you raise your own vibrational frequency, which means you're going to feel better, lighter, more alive and have more energy. Dense, fatty, cooked processed foods, alcohol, drugs, including most pharmaceutical medications, and I'll add to this list - negative thinking, speaking poorly of others, foul language, etc.  - are all low on the vibrational scale and won't make you feel so great. Raw fruits and vegetables that are locally grown and harvested with love and care are going to be even higher on the vibrational scale than foods that were farmed on a grand scale and trucked half way across the nation, taking days or sometimes weeks to reach the produce section of your grocery store. If you have the ability to grow your own produce, even if all you have is a small space for a few containers on your balcony like I do in the photo to the left, that's a great way to save money and grow delicious high vibrational, healthy food that will nourish your body in multiple ways. If you've never grown your own food before, you have no idea how amazing food can truly taste! There's nothing like home grown produce. Pictured are Sungold cherry tomatoes.

For more ideas on what to eat, and to see what I typically eat during different seasons, check out some of my "What I'm Eating" videos below.

What I’m Eating Now All Raw *Summer 2015*

What I’m Eating Now All Raw *Winter 2015*

What I Ate Today On An All Raw Diet

What I Ate Today On An All Raw Diet

Cucumber Noodles in Mango Nectarine Sauce

This dish is so refreshing and light, and makes a great meal on a hot summer day. 

Ingredients:

Cucumber (2 large cucumbers peeled & julienned into noodles or 4 to 5 persian cucumbers unpeeled & julienned into noodles)
Mango (1 large mango like a haden, kent or keitt variety or 2 to 3 champagne mangoes peeled and pit removed)
Nectarine (1 medium to large nectarine pitted)
*Optional Fresh basil or dill for garnish

Directions:
Place the cucumber noodles in a bowl and set aside. 
Blend the mango and nectarine together in a blender until creamy and pour over cucumber noodles, top with fresh basil or dill if you wish, and enjoy!

See links below of the tools I love, to easily julienne or spiralize your cucumbers into noodles. *Persian cucumbers work best with the Titan Peeler. Regular cucumbers can be used by all three tools shown below.

Super Simple Mango Salsa, Dip or Dressing

This recipe is really easy, simple and delicious. You can add additional ingredients to make it more complex and flavorful but if you’re looking for simple, this is great for dipping romaine lettuce, cucumbers, jicama, celery or even bell peppers.  It’s also great as a salad dressing or even added to a big bowl of cucumber noodles for a refreshing summer meal.
The possibilities are endless!

Ingedients:

Mangoes (approx. 21 oz.) 4 small champagne variety or between 1 & 2 larger variety like Haden, Kent or Keitt mangoes)
Celery (approx. 4 oz. or 2 stalks)
Cilantro (approx. 1/2 an ounce or a healthy handful)

*Optional additional ingredients
Basil (approx. 2 or 3 leaves) Can be used in addition to or as a replacement for the cilantro
1 Cup of chopped Tomatoes
Red or Orange Bell Pepper – stems and seeds removed (approx. 2 oz. or half a large pepper or one small pepper)

Directions:
Peel and pit the mangoes. Chop the celery into large chunks and be sure all your produce is washed and cleaned especially cilantro. Place ingredients in a blender or food processor and mix on the lowest setting or pulse until you achieve a chunky consistency or you can chop all ingredients to desired size and mix together in a medium sized serving bowl.

Raw Vegan Zucchini Pasta With Marinara Sauce

A Raw Vegan Classic, loved by cooked food and raw food eaters alike. This simple, delicious dish is sure to be a crowd pleaser. 

It helps to have a simple kitchen tool like the Veggetti or a Titan vegetable julienne or regular peeler. For much larger noodle portions, the Paderno vegetable spiralizer is an excellent choice. See links to products suggested below this recipe article.

Ingredients:

For Pasta:
3 to 4 medium to large zucchini (around 1.5 – 2 lbs.)

For Sauce:
3.5 cups of fresh, ripe tomatoes (approx. 24 oz. or 1.5 lbs.)
4 oz. celery (approx. 2 stalks)
2 oz. red bell pepper (approx. half of a large pepper)
4 sun dried tomatoes soaked (depends on your sun dried tomatoes – 4 tomato halves. You many need more if they’re in smaller pieces)
3-4 medjool dates

For Garnish:
Fresh basil or your favorite Italian seasonings

*Optional additional ingredients*
You can also add fresh mushrooms like button, baby portobello or shiitake 
Raw olives
Hemp seeds

– Directions –
Spiral or julienne the zucchini into noodles

Blend sauce ingredients until smooth. Pour over zucchini noodles. Top with fresh basil or your favorite Italian herbs & seasonings. Add any additional toppings you wish, such as mushrooms, raw olives or hemp seeds, to add even more flavor.

It helps to have a high powered blender like a Vitamix because it can gently warm your sauce, while still keeping it raw, or it can bring it to a full boil if you blend it long enough. 
To receive FREE shipping on your very own Vitamix blender, click here: VITAMIX