Sugar and Cookies and Cakes..OH MY!

It has been a long process to get to this point in my postings.

This blog is dedicated to LONGEVITY, RUNNING, YOGA & THE EXPLORATION of HEALING OUR BODIES.

That being said…I sometimes wonder if the name VEG888 keeps viewers from finding this blog, if the subject matter keeps people from commenting, or maybe people just don’t like it…

I am hoping you have arrived here because you are on a journey to heal  your body or maybe looking for some healthy options and/or information.  However you ended up here at the VEG888 Blog I welcome you!

I will however continue to dedicate my time to ALL SUBJECT MATTER ABOVE!

On to health…

I have said it before and I will say it again. If you talk to people about their diet or their God you will receive some level of hostility.

The internet is alive with all of the stories and commentaries regarding Paula Deen and her Type 2 diabetes.  

Ok Yeah the woman is going to become ill with her general menu she shares with everyone.  However, no one is a victim here.  Each time she took in a sweet butter cake, each time she ate whatever it is she cooks and shares with the public she made a deal with disease.  She made this deal WAY BEFORE her unscrupulous deal with the pharmaceutical company she is supporting! 

This woman is literally full of… well I think you know what the next word was going to be!  Taking a pill for a problem is not the solution.  I tweeted the other day a quote I had found while researching Kombucha.  “The prevention of disease is better than the cure.”  And that is sooo true. 

Lots of delectable treats out there with refined sugars, eggs and dairy.

Whatever refined Sugar is mixed with becomes ONE of the secret killers in society.  

I’m not talking about dates, fruits, honey, etc.  I am talking about soda, candy, juices from concentrate and colored and sweetened waters, cakes, pies, cookies, breads, and anything manufactured with chemicals.

Holidays are infamous for extra pounds and feeling full along with feeling bloated. I suppose at times the psyche of “It’s a celebration!” or “It is just around the holidays and then I will start new over the new year!” set in.

Truth be told.  It is a killer.  90% of diseases begin in the belly! 

Work ethic and physical laziness are two very different modes.  I think society confuses them at times.  Simply Paul Deen is lazy.  Taking a pharmaceutical pill for her type 2 diabetes is lazy! 

Now, the woman has built an empire selling her delectable treats and all her other “products”.  In order for her to have built this empire, she has some form of work ethic.  My question is: Will she take the Peta Vegan Challenge to heal her body?  As much as I hate to see someone ill, if you have been informed of a kinder road to follow and you totally dismiss it…

There are so many instances at this point which would show her there are options.  Don’t be lazy Paula! Fix it with food, fix it with herbs and definitely EXERCISE!  Come on!  You don’t wake up with weight gain and disease.  It occurs over time!

I cannot say that anyone should place too much condemnation on the woman for having Diabetes.  We are all guilty of various bad behaviors.  We are all guilty of not always making the best call for our bodies.

My taste tester always says…”Don’t point fingers at anyone, because there will be 3 pointing right back at you!”  I found that to be true!  So I will not condemn her.  Some say she should have been more honest.  Some say she should have said something earlier. But realistically is it anyones business?  

All in all her health is her business…and much more of a business than ever before!  I think the only way to fall into positive grace with the public would be to do the vegan challenge and heal herself!  Return the money and LIVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE!  Drop the butter and the fat Paul Deen! Embrace vegetables.  Embrace all of the different forms of information out there.  See the RAW for 30 days video! 

Can I have someones opinion out there? That is all I would like to say about Paula Deen.  I just had to get that out there!

Onto Race Day Morning Treats…

The evening before the race I had broccoli and mushrooms with some spicy tomato sauce and a good 5 hours of sleep.  I admit I would have liked to have slept longer, but I wasn’t able to since we had company.  I must say having the kids at the house is a delight so it was well worth it! (Thumbs up)

Before we got to the race I drank water and a Blackberry Chia.

After the race I enjoyed a wonderful Coconut Mango Mama Chia, a Yoga Bar and a RAW Spirulina Bar!  They were great!  I also tried the new Kombucha Chia Drink by GT’s.  That was absolutely DIVINE!

 Have you tried a great energy bar you think I should try?

Well it is 10 days until the Chinese Firecracker Race and I am totally excited!!! The hill leading up to Dodger Stadium is my goal to conquer!

Thanks for reading!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

Questions, Experiences and Life!

Hey guys!  How are you this week?

I didn’t want this week to pass without sharing some pictures, experiences and articles!

Saturday – March 26, 2011

Saturday evening, my taste tester and I attended a concert.  Closed the store early and drove to UCLA.  The college was hosting an event called “Acoustic Africa”.

Each artist brought their own flavor to the performance.  I don’t know if you are familiar with the Putumayo company, but most CD’s produced by this company are GREAT.  The company itself was established to introduce people to the music of the world’s cultures. It is nice to have a compilation of world music when you are relaxing alone or spending time in a social setting.  I really enjoy music from ALL OVER THE WORLD!  What about you?  Do you like world music?  Do you get out to see performances of any kind? TELL ME!

The artists received a standing ovation.  I was hypnotized by the performance!  There was so much talent on stage!  Whew!

My taste tester and I drove to our FAVORITE late night spot – PURE LUCK!  To my extreme dismay they closed at 11:00!  They are usually open until midnight!>:( BOO!!!!

We got back in the car and headed home.  On the way home we saw a CRAZY 1 car accident!  Scary!  People were definitely driving drunk! Another BOO!  Don’t get me wrong, I am open to a wonderful cocktail or two but NEVER EVER DRIVE DRUNK!  Know what I mean???

SUNDAY – March 27, 2011

Sunday was the Buena Park Knott’s Berry Farm 10k Snoopy Run.  The race started at 7:00 am which meant we needed to leave by 5:30am.

Something happened between midnight and 6am…My taste tester and I were watching a movie, talking and laughing.

I got up to grab some water.

My taste tester asked “What time we needed to be out of the house?”

I responded 5:30 a.m  Why?  You don’t want to run anymore?

No, I do.  But it’s a little after 6am…

Needless to say we didn’t run!  We still needed to register and there would not have been enough time.  We went to bed after realizing the time.

We took advantage of being at home and I cleaned the fridge, he did laundry and I rode the bike 11 miles.  It was nice day!

~FAST FORWARD 7 Days~

FRIDAY – April 1,2011

Kept the store open until 9pm.  We headed to Whole Foods for pre race/post race goodies!

I wanted to maintain a light and ALL RAW theme until after the race.  We have been drinking rejuvelac and maintaining out rythem in that aspect. I also made a drink that helps us feel really energetic!

Here is our Salad we had for dinner the evening prior to the race!

The next morning we got up at 5am and began our usual stretching, morning elixr and “The Spirit of the Marathon” DVD playing.  I think I am ready for a new RUNNING DVD.  Any suggestions out there???

About 30 minutes before we left I made this MAGIC POTION!

CHIA-FIRE-LOBO

1/2 cup soaked Chia

16 oz FRESHLY SQUEEZED LEMON JUICE

2 tbs Agave Syrup

2 tbs Cayenne Pepper

Directions:  Place all ingredients in a glass jar.  Make sure the jar you use has a lid.  Once all ingredients are in the jar, Cover it and shake it up. This makes (2) servings. (NOTE: To make the Chia gel – 2 tbs + 1/2 cup water – Allow to soak for 1 hr.)

SATURDAY – April 2, 2010

I attended the RUN SEAL BEACH 5k/10k.

The course receives 2 stars out of 10

PROS:

• Everyone out there got up to exercise and experience fitness!
• The course had A LOT of women show up today!  I always find that SOOOO positive.  I love to see women taking care of themselves, being social, and just pretty much happy!  Women are beautiful and I think it is important to be supportive and kind to each other!  To many people are negative toward other in life.  Let’s all be positive forces during these rather trying times in life and earthwise.
• A 15 year old holds the course record for the 5k as of today!

CONS:

• Horrible course.  We ran along the street and there were STRONG FUMES from all of the vehicles.
• All of the trash I saw along the way!  Especially the cups! Please runners hold your cup/stash your cup in your pocket! Something! PLEASE DO NOT THROW THE CUP ON THE GROUND! Better yet-come with water in a RECYCLABLE CONTAINER!
• GROUCHY SEAL BEACH OFFICERS!

This successfully makes the 7th race I have run since December! YEAH!

This weekend is the ARCADIA DERBY 5k – Saturday April 9,2011!  So exciting!  I am also hoping to do the Lake Balboa 10k on Sunday!

I will continue to eat superfoods, chia, and RAW this week!

Check in with you later!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

THe neW Veg-zO0 REvIEw..

Does anyone remember Gary Gnu???

Hello ! This is Gary Gnu…

Gary Gnu was a puppet.  He appeared on television and gave the “news” via a show called “The Gary Gnu Show”.  It was televised during the VERY EARLY a.m. hours of the day.  I may be aging myself with this one but I thought I would share his picture before I gave my own “Veg-Gnu-Chia-Goo” Review!

“Veg-Gnu-Chia-Goo” Review!

I spent the last week reading a book called “Born to Run”.

This book covered really interesting points in fact and diet.

It is a fast and easy read.

Engaging, while at the same time humerous.  Many of the descriptions of various theories will open a few areas in the mind and stimulate thought in others.

The book is about a place and time within the contemporary human experience.

As humans on this planet we must remember we have the ability to experience absolutely anything we would like to.  Our only barrier is our mind.  Our mind controls so much of our actions.  Some good and some bad.  Figuring out that “Daily Balancing Act” is the best thing we can do for ourselves.  Love others, while continuing to LOVE OURSELVES. Being kind and patient.  Believing in Karma and knowing that what’s done in the dark – must come to light. All the theories we have all experienced by the time we are in our teens.  It just takes some of us longer to be AWARE of our inner conciousness.  Don’t you think?

The book tells the tale of 1 man traveling into the deep Sierra Madre mountains in Mexico.  He runs within the mountain ranges of the mountains and answers questions to the cause of injuries, endurance (mental/physical), strength (mental/physical), and diet thanks to the Native Raramuri / Tarahumara Indians.

I was encouraged by the RAW Food and Vegan Food Movements covered in this book.  Vegan Ultra-runners, Chia Seed, and Pinole were some additions to the Veg888 Kitchen!  Stay tuned!  I was also happy to see many of the statements were fully researched and were not just vague statements of ethereal situations.

Although the Spanish translations are a bit off, you can get the idea of what the energy was in any situation the author shares with you.

The presentation of information was great.  I will look for more articles written by Christopher McDougall – author of this book.

I would also like to mention his thanks and gratitude to those that supported him emotionally and financially.  It is nice to see when someone remembers to say PLEASE and THANK YOU!

If you are a reader and enjoy a good story then I would say this is a definite read!

CHINESE FIRECRACKER

Tomorrow I will be running another 5k.  It is in the Chinatown District of Los Angeles.  The course is an uphill course for both the 5k & the 10k.

The race begins in Chinatown and ascends up the hill to Dodger Stadium. I will review the race this coming week.

Veg888 Kitchen Update

I have continued to take E3 live and I am still brewing REJUVELAC! Maintenance with this elixr seems easier than the Water Kefir.  Although I have no idea why?

I hope you are all doing well!

I send you LOVE and LIGHT!

Namaste!

Rejuv*e*LACK there of !

All last week I DID NOT HAVE REJUVELAC!

Talk about feeling like I LACKED! And definitely the Healing Elixr of 2011 on the Veg888 Food Blog!

Luckily, I had buckwheat on hand and was able to sprout it!

Sprouted the buckwheat and made REJUVELAC in the usual three batch method.  LOTS AND LOTS of jars in the FRIDGE! YES!

Did I feel a difference without the REJUVELAC?

YES! YES! YES! ABSOLUTELY!

Although I was quite busy last week, the emotional strain of the week, compounded with no LIFE in my body was horrible! (RE: Rejuvelac – still had live foods of other sorts!-salad, E3 Live, etc)

Last Monday I received a call from my mother telling me about a family member going into the hospital.  Since this is the only forum where I share EVERYTHING, I thought I would tell you what has been happening.

My cousin was admitted into the hospital Sunday evening with a swollen liver and extreme fluid retention.  Within 12 hours the entire family was called and informed he had 3 hours to live.

Now, me being me I knew that this is and was totally NUTRITIONAL! or I suppose LACK THEREOF!  It hurt me.

It hurt me to know what his body was going through.

It hurt me that he isn’t even 50 years old and his liver was that of a severe 70 year old alcoholic.

It hurt me that I don’t speak to him unless I happen to come across him at a family function.  Which in and of itself is a RARE OCCURANCE!

To cut a LONG STORY SHORT…HE IS ALIVE AND WELL!   Not out of the woods so to speak, but coming back!

All last week my taste tester and I sent him healing energy and just kept telling him to fight and live!

I had been telling my taste tester that I felt like something was going to happen.  I didn’t know what and I couldn’t tell to whom…

I never expected it to be him.  Not because of any reason other than his age, I don’t see him.  Etc.

So, I don’t know how I will reach him but I will try.  If nothing else maybe tell him “You are loved and love yourself!  Take your life and nutrition to an entire NEW LEVEL! Love You cousin and I hope you will read this one day!

Now on to the Veg888 Kitchen Update:

The rejuvelac made out of buckwheat is quite sweet smelling, however tastes the same!

I am currently sprouting some wheat berries and will make the next batch from wheat.  I am planning on trying the Quinoa next.  I saw a BLACK quinoa at Whole Foods the other day and may mix the red and black together.

What will I do with the sprouted buckwheat you ask?

MAKE CHIA ENERGY BARS!

I found a great recipe in the Brendan Brazier book “Thrive Fitness”!  I will be making these tonight and hope to update tomorrow.

What about the wheat sprouts I dried?  I will have to update with my pictures tomorrow, however for the time being, I will tell you!

First I placed the DRIED the wheat sprouts (Thanks to my Excalibur), I then placed the dried wheat sprouts into the Food Processor which turned into a FLOUR!  I then made a dough with the wheat flour, olive oil and sage.  From this dough I made 2 bagels, 2 pizza crusts and 1 “french” loaf.  They were in the Dehydrator for 5 hours on Sunday and another 4 hours yesterday.

I will update my pictures of culinary delights tomorrow!

In other news of the Veg888 Kitchen - CHIA!

Now yes I have spoken about Chia before, however I would like to discuss it a little more and discuss what my plans are for the next two weeks as I get ready for the 10k I hope to do on January 29, 2011.

The initial post I did regarding CHIA seed is HERE!

Chia gel causes a slow release of carbohydrates and an equally slow converting of carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar) for energy. The outer layer of chia seeds is rich in mucilloid-soluble fiber, intended to keep the seeds from drying out in desert air. When chia seeds are mixed with water or stomach juices, a gel forms that creates a physical barrier between the carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down. The carbohydrates are digested eventually, but at a slow and uniform rate. There is no insulin surge or spike needed to lower the blood sugar level after eating chia.

I am hoping to do at least 12 races this year.  Maybe one a month.  Not all 5k and 10k’s.  There is a 13.1 Half Marathon hosted by Disneyland in Anaheim.  That seems quite interesting to me.  Least a fun filled day! Although known as the happiest place on earth…it will be the most tiring place on earth that day!  I am sure there are many PARENTS who feel that at the end of the day with their KIDS! Am I right?

I’m just really trying to be fit and centered. Whew!  That is always a challenge, however it is one that I am up and ready to do!

I ran on Sunday.  38 minutes for the usual course.  1 minute off of the New Years time and 3 minutes OFF of the desired time.  I will hope to add .25 miles each day until next Wednesday.  The race falls on a Saturday and I am hoping to be up to 4-5 miles by then.  Considering that the race is a 6 mile race, I certainly should be ready! (Fingers Crossed!)

I didn’t run last night since I had to get some paperwork ready for my taste tester.  He needed to be ready and out the door by 8am so we were in bed pretty early! (least early for us!)

I will run this evening and update tomorrow!

Love and Light!

Namaste!