My Name is Melissa and I live in beautiful Nauvoo, IL. This is a blog to record my journey on raw food. I will share with you my first 30 days on raw food, some of my favorite recipes, and some very helpful websites. I am sharing because so many people have asked. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at ctradams@juno.com



My Favorite Raw Salad Dressing
Garlic, Ginger Dressing
1 1/2 c. Cold Pressed Olive Oil
1/3 c. Garlic Bulbs
2 Tbs. Ginger (about a 1-2 in. section depending on thickness)
3 Tbs. Nama Shoyu
1/2 c. Fresh squezed lemon juice

Blend all ingredients in a Vita-Mix or high power blender until smooth. This dressing is VERY yummy!

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

30 days and beyond. . .new healing!

I ate some yummy raw corn chips today w/fresh salsa! My favorite snack has always been chips and salsa (usually w/cheese). I am so grateful to still have that! For over a year now I have had a very painful corn on the bottom of my right foot. Lately it has just been peeling off. This morning the rest of it came off. My husband was rubbing my feet (yes, I told you he was the best husband) and notice that my corn was gone. Sorry, there is no way around it; that HAS to be this raw food eating! The large wart on my right thumb is nearly gone as well. It was burned off twice w/no success. I am going to schedule an appointment with my favorite Nurse Practioner tomorrow so Tom and I can get our cholesterol checked. We both have a family history of high cholesterol and blood pressure. I am curious. I am excited to get some raw food classes going! I am doing lots of research and praying to find out what and how to teach!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Day 30 July 28, 2008

Wow! It seems as though this should be the close of my journey; like doing a cleanse, "My time is up." I don't feel that way at all. I actually know that this was just the first 30 days of the rest of my life. Raw has changed my life, my body, my way of thinking (it's much more clear now), and even my spirituality. I feel more in tune to my body then I have ever felt. I can actually pick up a food and know whether my body needs it or not. I am no longer addicted to food!!! I now eat to live and nourish my body instead of living to eat. I dont' have a constant thought of food anymore. My love affair of food hasn't stopped, it has just gone to a new level. Instead of thinking about the tast I love, I think about the good it can do for my body. I have much more grattitude for food instead of fear! I no longer fear lack of control. I no longer fear the affects the cooked food will have on my body. I am so very grateful to my Father in Heaven for giving me the knowledge I have. I will take this new vigor and energy and give it back to Him in service! Thank you, thank you!!!

Monday, July 28, 2008

Day 29 July 27, 2008

Tom made some Jello-O & Chili. I took 1 bite of each. Other then that, I was all raw today. I didn't eat anything today until about 2pm. I still had a stomach ache this morning so I just decided not to eat until I felt better. I felt like my digestive system needed a break. I feel SO much better now. I am so happy to be going to bed earlier tonight. Boy, it is raining hard. I had to go to the cabins and dry up some water in the Ferrin and Homestead.
I am so happy w/this way of eating. I feel different and I look different. However, I am buying too much food. My fridge is over flowing. Jamie said today how happy she is on this "diet". She is losing so much weight and looking SO good.

Day 28 July 26, 2008

Today was all raw! But boy, did I feel yesteday's mistakes today. I had a stomach ache all day. Most of the morning I felt like throwing up!
I was irritated that I had messed up. The thought of cooked food just made my stomach turn. I took some bowel stimulants to hopefully move stuff out. I hate feeling so sick!
I may just eat oranges all day tomorrow. That sound good to me right now. I will see how I feel in the morning.
My wart is very tender today.

Day 27 July 25, 2008

Wasn't a very good raw food day. Cooked foods I ate today: 2-3 fried shrimp, 3 fried okra, popcorn,and bowl of spicy noodles. I am feeling miserable right now! What is wrong with me!? My day started off bad. I didn't get to sleep 'til after midnight the night before. I woke up late, didn't do my yoga, didn't do my walk, & didn't have my shake. I just seemed to have the munchies all day. Cooked food tempted me so much today. It's ok, this is not a lifestyle for perfect people. I LOVE this way of eating too much to give up now. Tomorrow is a new day. Goal tomorrow: 100% raw & bed by 10pm!

RAW ROCKS!!!!

Day 26 July 24, 2008

Today was a pretty good raw day. I enjoyed the chocolate I made yesterday. The french fries which were made out of Jicama were distgusting:-(! However, the oatmeal cookies were the yummiest thing I have made so far. The corn chips were ok, but I put too much flax seed meal in. For some reason they tasted really fishy to me. They were still good w/gaucomle and "sour cream" on it.
I didn't have any almond milk made tonight and I was REALLY craving it. I made some so I could have it for in the morning. Maybe I'll have cookies and milk for breakfast. :-)

Day 25 July 23, 2008

Today someone brought us ice cream, and this time I wasn't even tempted. Third time is a charm. I took it straight to the neighbor's and didn't give it even a FIRST thought.
Made lots of things today; corn chips, chocolate (very yummy), french fries, and soaking stuff for oatmeal cookies. The chocolate was done today, but everything else will be finished tomorrow.
I had lots of energy and motivation today. I am so grateful to my Father in Heaven for blessing me w/this knowledge.
Still going to bed too late! Tomorrow-10:00pm! I promise myself!

Day 24 July 22, 2008

UGH! I ate a bowl of noodles tonight. Actually, it was only a 1/2 a bowl, but still. However, I was tempted again by ice cream today when closing the Cabin and I again did NOT give in. I know I am going to make mistakes. I am 100% raw, but that doesn't mean I will always do it 100% of the time. This is NOT an excuse or a way out. It is merely to say that I will NOT let this discourage me. I did take some enzymes so my tummy ache wasn't too awful.

Day 23 July 21, 2008

Good raw day today. Poor Emma Jo is really struggling, but sticking to it. I ordered some more raw bars for her on Saturday. Tom says he is going to eat raw when he is at home in order to support her. How sweet!
Today Viv, Sylvia, and Jamie came over. I demonstrated how to make raw sour cream, veggie dip, almond milk, and banana ice cream. They LOVED the banana ice cream. We put strawberry topping over it. Yummy! I need to make some more fun recipes.

Day 22 July 20, 2008

I really struggled today. Besides going to Sacrament for 1 hour, I spent the entire day at the Log Cabins.
I ate a 1/2 bag of popcorn. It actually gave me a stomach ache. It was a deciding factor that I do want to stay away from popcorn. I'm not sure if I was just bored or what.
I was also very tempted by the ice cream left in the freezer in one of the cabins. I was tempted, but I did not give in. I did take a swig of Root Beer. Today seemed to be a hard day. I hate that I had to work on the Sabath.

Day 21 July 19, 2008

What a crazy day. I went to the temple w/Jeff and Julie. I made banana "Ice Cream" w/strawberry topping for everyone. Jeff and Julie LOVED it! So did Jamie.
Then I went to Nauvoo Log Cabins for 7 hours and cleaned, did laundry and paper work. I will be working there for the next few weeks. While there, I slipped and had a few handfuls of honey roasted peanust. I need to start bringing raw cashews or almonds w/me.
Yeah! Tom came home today! He said they fed them awful and wanted more raw food. He told Emma Jo he would pay her .50 cents a day if she ate raw. I have more people asking me about this lifestyle. I never expected this! My body craves my Vitalherbs. I get tempted not to take them and my body won't let me. They are Christopher's Original Formulas Vitalherbs Powder. I order them from my friend Jessica Blatter.

Day 20 July 18, 2008

What a glorious day. I am so full of joy and grattitude. This eating habit has, and is changing me. I feel so much more intune to my surroundings.
I was 100% again today. For dinner I had "angel hair" zuchini w/marinara sauce and marinated mushrooms. Yum!
I started Emma Jo raw today. She has several warts (same very large & painful). I know it will help, but it is SO hard to keep an 8 yo on raw. I pray for help.
Jamie is loving the raw diet. She loves the way she feels. I am so grateful I have her to share this with. I pray this will change her life. Jeff, Julie and Walker came for Pageant. I miss Tom.

Day 19 July 17, 2008

Another 100% raw day. Yeah! 132.8 was my weight tonight. I lost another 1.2 lbs. That is a total so far of 5.2 lbs. That really is a lot for me. It takes FOREVER for me to lose weight. The only time I get this low in my weight it when I do the cleanse. I am truly amazed!
My wort on my thumb is getting smaller! I have had that thing burned off 2 times by a doctor. Both times it grew back bigger and harder and sometimes painful. That is amazing!
I started my period today which ALWAYS come w/bloating, cramps, and fatigue. Obviously, I didn't have bloating or I wouldn't have lost weight. My cramps were so minimal that I didn't even recognize them as cramps. Instead of a 2 hr nap that I take when I am on my period, I took a 15 min nap and felt great. I can't believe I wasn't wiped out and in pain. Thank you Heavenly Father.
I am SO EXCITED!!! Jamie has decided to go raw w/me! I can't believe it! I cannot wait to see results for her. I think I may be more excited over her progress then my own. YEAH!!
I just feel so much peace and calmness. I am SO happy with this lifestyle. Tom is at Youth Confrence and I really miss him :-(. Jamie and I went grocery shopping after WW. Oh yeah, Viv (Jamie's mom) and her friend Sylvia came today and tested some of my raw cecipes. Sylvia, Jamie, and I walked today.

Day 18 July 16, 2008

Major headache tonight. UUGGH! I'm not sure if it is the detox or just old contacts.
I had a ton of energy today! I did yoga, walk, bike ride, & and another walk. I had so much energy and did so much my feet hurt tonight!
Today was the mommy/daughter lunch for Activity Days. We served stuffed tomatoes, salad, and watermelon. It was great! Today was also Court of Honor for Josh & Cambron. They served donuts & milk. Yuck! Usually I am ALWAYS tempted by donuts, but the thought of it made my stomach turn. I had NO desire! I jouined a 100 day raw pledge @ rawfu.com I am looking forward to the ideas. I met Viv's friend Sylvia today. She knows a lot about nutrition and raw food. I look forward to learning some new things.

Day 17 July 15, 2008

100% Raw today! Yeah! I worked @ concessions for Pageant tonight. They gave me a coupon for 3 free items. I had no interest whatsoever! The food really turned me off. I can't believe how my cravings are leaving. They are just gone. I wasn't even tempted by chips and cheese. I used to LIVE for chips and cheese!
My need for lots of food is getting less now. I was satisfied w/an apple for dinner. I am curious to see what the scale says on Thursday. I say that, but really I don't care anymore. I only care about my health!
I LOVE yoga. It has changed the way I look at my body. I love my body. Thank you Heavenly Father!

Day 16 July 14, 2008

Wow. I was so cranky today. However, I have been reading the book: Living on Live Food by Alissa Cohen. Tonight I read that the begining of this diet may cause detox. Irritability was one symptom. I have that!
So far, I have been 95-99% raw. After my reading today, I am motivated to go 100%. I know I CAN and WILL do it!
I have noticed my temptation lessening a lot! Tonight I got the munchies and I had a headache and had been cranky a lot. I decided I would "cheat" tonight. I opened the fridge and prepared myself a snack w/out much thought. It was such a joy to me when I realized I had prepared an all raw snack! I did it naturally! It was what my body wanted. I was so excited. My body's needs are finally taking over my mind's wants. This is so much bigger then anyone can realize!!!! I come from a family of food addicts (myself included). I feel so much joy, accomplishment & grattitude; Grattitude to my Father in Heaven. Thank you Father for this yummy, nutritiuos, and healing food you have given us. I pray for wisdom and strength to do this the rest of my life! Oh yes, my wheat grass is looking great!

Day 15 July 13, 2008

Wow! Can't believe it has been two weeks now. With the exception of a few slips ups, this has been easy. I look forward each morning to my green smoothies.
I noticed today that I still have a "security" issue w/food. I was at church and I realized I didn't bring any "snack" or water. I almost felt panic, and wanted to go home and grab something. I also noticed I felt very sleepy at church. Probably detoxing.
We went to a pot luck later. It really impressed me how I had very little to no desire to eat the cooked food. However, I did have a few bites of potato. I brought my own carrot pecan burger and ate raw fruits and veggies. The Bedards came over after to taste almond milk, sprouts & left over raw "meat" loaf. It was fun to share.

Day 14 July 12, 2008

I LOVE this journey I am on and I love what I am learning. I made pecan carrot burgers in my dehydrator today. I am really liking that dehydrator. They were pretty good, but not my favorite. They were very easy to make.
It seems like I just wanted to eat all day. I constantly felt hungry. I wan't sure if it was bordome, hormones, or true hunger. I just listened to my body and ate what I felt I should. It seemed like a lot, BUT was all raw!! Yeah!
We had a get together w/the Cox's, Allen's, and the Peterson's. I brought my raw "burgers" and ate cucumber and tomato slices. We have antoher pot luck tomorrow. You can do raw and do pot lucks!

Day 13 July 11, 2008

It has been a very amazing and confusing day all at once. My raw Larabars came today. Much yummier the the Revalution Bars. It has 3 flavors; lemon, cherry, apple. Apple & Lemon are my favorite. Cherry is good though.

GOOD NOTE: I walked into KFC/Long John Silver's w/Tom w/the full intention that I would "cheat" and have a little cooked food. When I walked in, the smell and look of the food made me so sick that the temptation fled! I coudln't believe, emtionally, how good that felt!

BAD NOTE: I ate 2 small pieces of chocolate :-(. That wasn't as bad as the sliver of cheese pizza! YUCK! I won't do THAT again. I had a tummy ache for 2 hours. I took some enzymes to help digest it . From now on I WILL listne to my body. I am worth it!

Day 12 July 10, 2008

Wow! I lost another 2 pounds. 134 now. I weigh when I go to WW (I'm the leader in Nauvoo). I haven't even kept track of anything. No fat, calories, points; nothing. It goes to show my body is getting what it needs.
Alexis and I made raw fake "meat" loaf in the dehydrator. It was a LOT of work, but VERY yummy. I've been doing yoga and I am LOVING it so far!

Day 11 July 9, 2008

Date night! Tom and I went to David's Chamber for a picnic dinner. Abigail & Emma Jo bought me a picnic basket for my b-day.
I loved sitting there eating my raw dinner w/my raw almond milk. I left feeling satisfied. When we go out to dinner, I ALWAYS leave feeling miserable (even if I didn't over eat).
I really enjoyed the company, the food, the outdoors, and the time. My raw cashews & Excalibur dehydrator came today. Yeah! I gave Sis. Brown some cashews. It made her very happy! :-) She is leaving next month :-(! I have to learn as much as I can. Can't wait to use my dehydrator.

Day 10 July 8, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GABRIEL!! For Gabriel's b-day breakfast I put some fresh strawberries & a little agave in some almond milk & blended it. Yummy raw strawberry milk. Almost everyone loved it.
Once again, I didn't do perfect today, but I'm ok with that. I have to realize going to 100% will take time. Most days I'm between 90-95%.
I love seeing live things in my kitchen. I have sprouts, wheat grass, & soaked raw nuts. It feels like a "raw" living kitchen. It just has a drifferent feel. My fruits & veggies are spilling over into my spare fridge. I am still in love w/this. Got up realy this morning & did my yoga. It felt so good. I also bought a bike today.

Day 9 July 7, 2008

With the exception of a handful of popcorn, I was all raw today. It felt so good. I ate lunch @ 1pm & didn't eat again until 7:30 (1 banana). Then I ate dinner after 8. I just started to get hungry. Alexis made a very yummy salad dressing today : 1/2 c. fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 c. olive oil
2 Tbs. minced ginger
1/4 c. minced garlic
3 Tbs. Nama Shoyu
Blend. It is the best dressing I have had yet! I have been eating my sprouts and loving them. I orderd an Excalibur dehydrator & raw cashews today. Alexis & I made almond milk tonight. I also made the "Sour Cream".

Day 8 July 6, 2008

I ate some cooked food today. It wasn't much , but it REALLY discouraged me. I thought to myself, "Why can't you do this? What is wrong w/you?!" Just as I was feeling this despair, I remembered how long it took me to become 100% vegetarian & even longer to become vegan. I have to be patient w/myself. I KNOW this is something I want to do. I know I will do this and I know I am worth it. I just have to be patient. This isn't just a change in diet; this is a change in my life! Alexis is going to do raw for 1 week and learn all about it so she can do a 10 hour project w/it for her Personal Progress. I am so excited to work w/her. Abigail says she is willing to be a vegetarian. Yeah!

Day 7 July 5, 2008

Much better day today. Had kind of a rushed morning. Ate a banana for breakfast. I really missed my morning shake:
1/2 c. almonds (soaked) or almond milk
2 bananas (frozen)
to taste- frozen berry of any kind (only one kind per shake)
2 dates
hand ful of Kale or other greens
agave to taste.
Yummy & very filling. Had banana & raw veggie salad. My RAW revolution bars came in today. Wow, 15 g. fat! I got the Raspberry & Chocolate ones. Pretty good. Started 24 hour fast about 3 pm. Look forward to a lift spiritually & physically!

Day 6 July 4, 2008

HAPPY INDEPENDANCE DAY!!! Tom & a few of the kids really LOVE the almond milk I make. Gariel & Emma Jo helped me squeeze it. Alexis asked me to teach her how to make it. Cool! Soak almonds over night
1 cup almonds
4 cups pure water
4 dates (pitted)
2 Tbs. Agave
Blend in Vita-Mix (blender), then pour through a cheese cloth & squeeze. The left over "pulp" can be used in other raw food recipes. Very easy!
We went on a picnic today for the 4th. I ate way more cooked food & pop then I should have. I felt so sick, bloated and miserable afterward that I vowed never to do that again. That was actaully a very good experience for me. It made me appreciate the raw lifestyle that much more. I will eat raw the rest of my life. I also sat at the door of a store today. 90%+ people I watched walking in and out were over weight. It is an epademic in our contry today. It made me so very sad. Some even had to walk w/a limp! I don't want to be there. I want my body to be healthy and active so I can serve the Lord longer and with more vigor!
I took some enzymes to help me digest the dead food I ate today. It has been hours and I can STILL feel it. Don't worry, I was still 100% vegetarian. We sold our house today. YEAH!!

Day 5 July 3, 2008

I have lost 2 pounds from when I first started this. I weighed myself the first day & weighed 138. Now I am 136. I have never lost that fast unless I am on the clease (Master Cleanse by Stanely Buroughs). Everyone should do this clease. I do it a couple of times a years.
I have noticed a slight change in my skin. In summer, I get dark blotchy spots on my cheeks & above my lip. They seem lighter to me today. I have been using cocunt oil on my face & hands. I wash my face w/"green soap" called Master's Miracle II. I order it from missdaisyshealth.com. It goes a long way (1gal). I wash my hair & body w/it.

Day 4 July 2, 2008

My almonds & Agave came today. Yeah! 53 pounds of raw almonds (www.cinn-almonds.com) and one gallon of Agave. I can't believe the almonds came so fast.
I started sprouting Mung Beans. Tonight I am soaking walnuts, cashews, almonds, & zesty sprout mix. I am also attempting to sprout wheat grass.
I did eat a few pretzels today & a bag of popcorn. I have not been tempted by ANYTHING, but popcorn. I'm not sure why. Oh well, I'll decide if it is something I need to give up or if it is ok to keep.
I took my dinner to the parent visit night for Cambron's scout camp. I LOVE RAW!

Day 3 July 1, 2008

I actually woke up this morning excited at the thought of eating raw all day. I worked 2 Weight Watchers meeting today. I knew I'd be gone all day so I packed a lunch. I LOVE this eating style. I feel so lite & energetic.
I was able to buy a lot of ingredients I need to do raw. I bought sprouting seeds, tahini, namo shuyo, flax seeds, and some other things. I am excited to start sprouting.
I am very pleased w/how regular I am :-). This is the first time ever that I don't have constipation issues. I need to go to bed earlier.

Day 2 June 30, 2008

I went to Sis. Brown's house today & tired some VERY ymmy raw recipes today. I also bought some Kale and lemons from her. She even gave me a sample of raw chocolate. YUM!
I ordered my raw almonds today. I will be splitting on order of raw cashews w/the Browns when I have more $ on Thursday.
I had a very yummy dinner. It was a large stuffed tomato. The stuffing was hummus, carrots, celery, cucumber, broccoli, jalapenos, sesame seeds, Braggs liquid aminos, salt, & pepper ground in the food processor. It was good.
I have a mild headache tonight. Detoxifying maybe? Went to lunch w/Jamie. Enjoyed raw sald from Hy-Vee (added my own raw dressing).

Day 1 June 29, 2008

This log will become a log or record of my next 30 days or more. I hav felt the strong impression to go 100% RAW with my diet. I've known for a while that this would be the healthiest route for me; I just haven't had the will power or knowledge to do so. I feel very srongly about this. I am also very excited. I have also felt the impression to record my changes I both see & feel. I know this diet/lifestyle will change my life for the better, and I look forward to seeing what those changes are.
I did pretty good today. All of my meals were raw with the exception of a few bites I took of left over b-day cake & ice cream (I turned 34 yesterday). I also had some popcorn tonight. I may or may not give up popcorn 100%. If I don't give it up, I will eat it very sparingly. I ordered some Agave and some Raw Raspberry & Chocolate bars. I will need to order some raw almonds soon. I am so grateful to have support of my sweet hubby. Sister Brown has given me some great web sites to order some of my things (f00d) from.