Celebrate Your Choices

Earlier this week I started a posting listing the reasons I choose not to eat meat and dairy, but it rapidly became depressing. So many disgusting and ethically questionable subjects arose: animal treatment, genetic engineering, antibiotics, hormones, toxins, environment stuff, the way meat packing employees are treated... It just felt overwhelming and a bit crushing. I decided that my blog isn't the place for negativity on this level, not that we should ignore it, but I don't have to integrate it into my personal life.

To be honest, my number one reasons were rather selfish. Eating mostly vegan, raw, and organic makes me feel good, physically, mentally and spiritually. I really don't want to minimize any of the issues with our food supply, particularly the health and environmental issues associated with animal foods BUT I think the most important thing we can do for ourselves and the world is do what makes us feel best as individuals.

Getting to the point that we can clearly make these choices is another story. Advertising, addictions, and self destructive defenses can muddle our ability to know and feel what is best for us. I do not mean for this to be a discouraging hurdle! Exploring the self is exciting and fun as long as we accept that it's all a continuing process and remain free from judgement. For me, food is a way of exploring my physical body by means of sense, feeling, and function. It also gives me a perspective on perspective! When I eat _____, my thoughts tend to focus more on _____ or I feel ______ when I'm eating _____ etc. etc, etc. I happen to be EXTREMELY sensitive to food and overly analytical so I don't expect most people to have this experience but I encourage everyone to explore their own experience however it may manifest.

Food should be celebrated, never guilt driven :)

And now, food!

Sprouted whole grain bread, raw almond butter, organic blueberry jam, bee pollen :)

Failed oatmeal pancakes made from ground oats, banana, baking soda, and water. They still take a nice picture!

Salad with organic romaine lettuce, carrots, scallions, balsamic braggs dressing, and brown rice pasta topped with avocado.

Organic popcorn with olive oil and sea salt, popped in a regular pot. I'm pleased to say that Jesse and I have decided to leave the microwave unplugged in the new apartment! We still have it available for occasional use but it's important to me that we use it as little as possible.

Vegetable soup with kidney beans, onion, carrots, celery, cabbage, and potatoes.

My new favorite summer treat, a Raw Vanilla Orange Frosty Smoothie!

Orange Frosty
1/2 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup filtered water
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp agave nectar
2 large oranges divided into segments and frozen

Blend all ingredients minus the oranges until smooth. Add the oranges and blend until liquified. Add a few cubes of ice if it's too rich and blend until smooth.

Another raw vegan winner! In my experience thus far, nut milk + vanilla + frozen fruit = a guaranteed winner. Strawberries, cherries, blueberries, mango, pineapple, banana... Yeah, there's no wrong answer. Remember, for easy nut milk just blend 3-6 tbsp raw almond butter with 1 cup filtered water!

And to finish, I'd like to show off my new succulents. I love having plants in my home but can't seem to keep them alive for long! Succulents are supposed to be drought resistant, so I have a good feeling about these guys :)

Have an amazing weekend everyone! <3