I'm back!

You would not believe the adventure we've been on! :-O Thankfully we have now moved into a home of our own, are unpacked, and I have internet again. Yippee!!!

I've been having green smoothies everyday, usually 1.5 litres (quarts) per day. My skin is so smooth and glowing that it's amazing. Sadly I've slipped back into having processed/cooked food, so will need to plan a 'comeback' to 100% raw again.

Hubby has started planting seedlings for me: English spinach, eschallots, Lebanese cucumbers, tomatoes. My mouth is watering just thinking of it!

I'm a contributor to the Green Smoothie Blog, and am greatly enjoying it. I recommend you check it out and try the recipes being shared. My latest is for a Tabouli Smoothie, which is fantastic for a savoury evening meal.

Gypsy Queen

Going Offline

We're going to be moving, and I'm not sure when I'll be online next. I'll see you once we've settled and my computer is unpacked. :-)

Gypsy Queen

Monday, 22 Sep
2 cups water
6 cups smoothie: 3 bananas, 500gm strawberries, 200gm spinach, 1 cup water
2 breadrolls, butter
2 cups Dare Espresso
bowl of ice
1 large biscuit
1 breadroll, butter
3 cups Dare Espresso
Gypsy Queen

Sunday, 21 Sep
2 cups water
6 cups smoothie: 1 cup water, 500gm strawberries, 4 bananas, 1 tblspn honey, silverbeet
bowl of salsa soup: tomatoes, red capsicum, 2 avocados, juice of 1 lemon, 1 tspn kelp granules, salt, basil leaves, small clove of garlic
2 cups Dare Espresso
3 Snickers biscuits
bowl of ice
bowl of salsa soup

Gypsy Queen

Ups and downs

Saturday, 20 Sep
2 cups water
6 cups smoothie: 100gm spinach, 1/2 cup water, 500gm strawberries, 4 bananas
2 slices bread, butter, cheese
2 cups Dare Espresso
bowl of ice
bowl of salsa soup: tomatoes, red capsicum, 2 avocados, juice of 1 lemon, 1 tspn kelp granules, salt, basil leaves, small clove of garlic
small bowl of hot chips
bowl of ice

Gypsy Queen

Good day!

Wednesday, 17 Sep
2 cups water
6 cups smoothie: 100gm roquette leaves, 4 bananas, 500gm strawberries, 1 tblspn honey, 1 cup water
bowl of soup: tomato, capsicum, basil, garlic, kelp granules, salt, lemon juice, avocado, grated carrot
3 cups juice: watermelon
1 bowl of ice
1 breadroll, butter, hot chips, tomato sauce
3 cups Dare Espresso

Feeling better today. :-) I really enjoy my raw soup (although it is rather solid, so I probably should add some water! lol). I'm looking forward to experimenting with more raw dishes. It will be wonderful when I have both a dehydrator and sprouter, as I'm going to make sprouted bread/crackers to eat.

Gypsy Queen

Small improvements

Tuesday, 16 Sep
2 cups water
6 cups smoothie: 100gm baby spinach, 1 cup water, 500gm strawberries, 5 small bananas, 1 tblspn honey
3 cups juice: watermelon
1 cup soup: tomato, capsicum, basil, garlic, kelp granules, salt, lemon juice, avocado, grated carrot
1 bowl of ice
3 cups Dare Espresso

I only had the coffee because I needed to stay up. lol I'm aiming at being 100% raw again, and the nasty outbreak of psoriasis behind my right ear (due to eating bread and having the milk) has given me very good incentive to do so!

Gypsy Queen

Ho hum...

Monday, 15 Sep
2 cups water
4 cups juice: watermelon
1 Irish Nut Creme Latte, decaf
6 cups smoothie: silverbeet & bok choy, 4 bananas, 500gm strawberries, 1 cup water, 2 tblspn honey
2 breadrolls, butter, vegemite
Ice cream


Gypsy Queen

Saturday

Saturday, 13 Sep
2 cups water
6 cups smoothie: 1 cup water, 100gm baby spinach, 500gm strawberries, 4 bananas, 1 tblspn honey
1 breadroll, butter, baked sweet potato
1 breadroll, butter, vegemite
1 large bowl of ice
Butter chicken, basmati rice

I'm really enjoying my green smoothies, and have no desire to change the strawberries unless it is to buy frozen mixed berries as a special treat. I'm looking forward to having my watermelon juice tomorrow: I was sidetracked today!

Gypsy Queen

Just a day

Friday, 12 Sep
2 cups water
4 cups juice: watermelon
6 cups smoothie: 200gm baby spinach, 1 cup water, 500gm strawberries, 5 med bananas, 1 tblspn honey, a few drops of concentrated vanilla extract
2 cups Dare Espresso, 3 Ferraro Rochet chocolates
2 slices bread, butter, vegemite


Gypsy Queen

Thursday, 11 Sep
2 cups water
6 cups smoothie: 1 cup water, 4 med bananas, 500gm strawberries, 2 tblspn honey, celery leaves, silverbeet
2 breadrolls, butter, vegemite
2 cups Dare Espresso

Ummmm........ I forgot to update, and can't remember what else I had! lol

Gypsy Queen

It's Wednesday!

Wednesday, 10 Sep 2 cups water 6 cups smoothie: 4 med bananas, 500gm strawberries, celery leaves, 1 cup water 2 cups Dare Espresso 1 breadroll, butter, vegemite 1 large biscuit
wedge of watermelon (size I use to make 4-6 cups juice)
3 cups Dare Espresso
1 chocolate eclair, 2 cups Dare Espresso

Gypsy Queen

Tuesday, 09 Sep 2 cups water
6 cups smoothie: 5 small bananas, 500gm strawberries, silverbeet (chard), 2 cups water, 2 tblspn honey
3 cups Dare Espresso
1 spinach & ricotta pastry
1 finger bun
1 cup lemonade

Gypsy Queen

Tomorrow is another day...

Monday, 08 Sep
2 cups water
5 cups smoothie: bananas, strawberries, celery leaves & stalks
4 cups watermelon juice
3 cups Dare Espresso
1 hamburger roll, butter
1 giant biscuit
4 mint slice biscuits
2 cups water

We were moving rooms today, so I've been on the go. Tomorrow is another day...

Gypsy Queen

Beautiful day

Sunday, 07 Sep
2 cups water
3 cups smoothie: 4 bananas, 1 cup water, silverbeet
bowl of ice
6 cups juice: celery (stalks & leaves), 3 green apples, 1/2 pineapple, ginger
2 cups Dare Espresso
bowl of ice
bowl of pumpkin soup with sour cream
1/2 basa (fish) fillet - battered
small bowl ice cream

It's a lovely, sunny, 'happy' day today. Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there!

Gypsy Queen

Improving

Saturday, 06 Sep
2 cups water
6 cups smoothie: 100gm mixed organic greens, 500gm strawberries, 4 bananas, 1 cup water
4 cups juice: stalks from bunch of celery, 3 green apples, ginger
2 cups Dare Espresso
3 cups juice: watermelon
bowl of ice
2 cups raw soup: tomatoes, cucumber, carrot, lemon juice, salt
bowl of ice

I'm feeling much better today, although the psoriasis behind my ear is TERRIBLE after yesterday's indulgences. :-( I really enjoyed my smoothie. Fresh strawberries are SO yummy! My soup was very nice, too. I think I'll add avocado to it next time for a creamy version.

Gypsy Queen

Nothing...

Friday, 05 Sep
2 cups water
5 cups green smoothie: spinach, frozen mixed berries, banana, water
4 cups green juice: celery stalks, green apples, bosc pear, ginger
1 decaf Irish Nut Creme Latte, 2 cinnamon donuts
Junk food, too much of it

Today was horrible - no other way to put it. I know that eating processed, cooked, 'dead' food is a reaction in order to numb my senses; however today I didn't care. I've made up a green smoothie and some green juice for tomorrow, so hopefully I will get back on track.

Gypsy Queen

Cold & raining - how wonderful!

Thursday, 04 Sep
2 cups water
1.5L (6 cups) green smoothie: leaves from one bunch celery, 1/2 pineapple, 2 oranges
1 hamburger roll, butter, bread
3 cups Dare Espresso
1 large chocolate biscuit
2 hamburger rolls, butter, vegemite
1 hamburger roll, butter
pancakes & cream

It's cold and raining, and I just love it! What a beautiful day it is. :-) My smoothie is very nice, although I didn't blend the celery leaves finely enough before adding the other things so it's a bit 'chewy'. I won't use that much pineapple again, as my tongue was rather sensitive for the rest of the day!

I'm afraid that my raw went all downhill today. :-( Never mind ~ tomorrow is the first day of the rest of my life! I ordered the poi set from Raw Divas and can't wait until it arrives! I also bought the dessert book, and am looking forward to trying out some of the yummy recipes there.

I also bought a 2 litre drink bottle, sealable plastic container, plastic spoons, and cold bag to make it easier to remain raw and to avoid temptation when I go out. The car has been booked in for a major service tomorrow, so I'll be at the shops for a few hours. So I've made up my juice tonight and will make my smoothie first thing in the morning. We'll see how my plans go.

Gypsy Queen

Going strong

Tuesday, 02 Sep
2 cups water
Mud Pudding - 2 cups
4 cups juice: celery stalks, bosc pears, ginger
1 hamburger roll, butter, vegemite
2 cups Dare Espresso
4 cups watermelon juice
lettuce & tomato
deep fried fish
ice3

Wednesday, 03 Sep
2 cups water
4 cups pudding: leaves from bunch of celery, 4 frozen bananas, 2 tablespoons honey
2 cups juice: celery stalks, bosc pears, ginger
2 cups water
1 breadroll, butter, vegemite
2 cups Dare Espresso
chicken breast
2 cream lamington squares
2 cups Dare Espresso
bowl of mulberries

I've been reading "Raw Emotions" and it is powerful! My computer was offline yesterday and the evening before that, so I'm just updating everything now. I've started recording answers to questions asked in "Raw Emotions" and it will be interesting to see how my feelings change as I make more changes regarding going raw.

After reading the first part of "Raw Emotions" (click on the link, and you can buy a copy as part of the Raw Diva's emotional package) I've decided to cut myself some slack and not forcefully give up bread as I'm not ready to yet. I feel much better! :-)

My 12yo son asked to try my juice today and liked it! Yayy!!!! He has also asked to try my green smoothie/pudding tomorrow. It's so exciting that one of my children is interested in the raw food lifestyle.

Gypsy Queen

Water fasting

Monday, 01 Sep
2 cups water
2 cups water
2 cups water
ice
2 cups Mud Smoothie: 1 cup green juice (celery leaf, silverbeet), 500gm strawberries, 4 bananas, 2 tablespoons honey (this made up just under one litre)
2 thick slices toasted fruit loaf, butter
small serving butter chicken & veggies

Today is going to be all water! It's great timing as I'm 'almost' fully recovered from this virus, so a good time to get rid of those toxins. It wasn't until 3.30pm that I started feeling hungry. :-) I had almost forgotten what true hunger was! The ice I ate helped me to feel as though I had eaten, so that was good. Reading through "Raw Emotions" by Angela Stokes (you can buy this as part of a package at Raw Divas) has been a big help, too. It's an amazing book, and well worth investing in.

The Mud Smoothie was very nice, although rather filling! I only got through half of it this evening, so will have the rest tomorrow morning. I'm thinking that adding some water or celery juice would be good, otherwise it might be more like Mud Pudding!

Gypsy Queen

Spring days

Sunday, 31 Aug
2 cups water
1 regular Irish Nut Creme latte - decaf
1 thick slice fruit toast, butter
4 cups watermelon juice
6 Snickers biscuits (oops!)
4 cups juice: celery, green apple, ginger
very small serving: chicken breast, stuffing, potato

Well, for the last day of winter it is absolutely beautiful! It is an absolutely glorious day and I'm looking forward to spring. It will be wonderful once I can take the children swimming again.

I ate later than I was going to, however am starting a 24 hour fast with the help of the Raw Divas. So water only until tomorrow night! I think I'll break my fast with a strawberry smoothie (the greens are already juiced, so I just need to add the berries). Mmmm..... I'll see what happens.

Gypsy Queen

Good day!

Saturday, 30 Aug
2 cups water
1 cup juice: spinach, celery
3 cups juice: apple, celery, ginger
2 cups Dare Espresso
1 large chocolate chip biscuit
2 cups watermelon juice
1 small plate hot chips

The spinach/celery juice was very rich, and I drank it down like medicine. lol I really enjoyed the celery/apple/ginger juice as it was so light. I mashed bananas with honey & raw cacao powder, however then didn't feel like eating it. I'm thinking that I might puree some apples with my juicer to have this afternoon. mmmm...... We'll see.... lol

Gypsy Queen

Water...

Friday, 29 Aug
2 cups water
1 chamomile tea/honey
1 breadroll, butter, banana
3 cups green smoothie: 3 small bananas, 1 stalk celery, large handful baby spinach, 1/2 cup water
1 breadroll, butter, vegemite
1 breadroll, butter

The green smoothie was rather thick - I could have made up 1.5 litres. The smoothies are a nice change, but I think I prefer juice overall: more hydrating. I seem to always be thirsty: a result of being dehydrated for most of my life? After reading up about water, I'm really wanting to buy a water ionizer! It would be fantastic to have healthy water on tap. The Raw Divas have some great ones.

Gypsy Queen

Going green

Thursday, 28 Aug
2 cups water
1 large choc chip biscuit
4 cups juice: celery, green apple, ginger
2 cups dare Espresso
1 breadroll, butter, chicken (breast)

Today I purchased the Green Smoothie booklet from Raw Divas. It's good! I'm looking forward to printing it out and using the recipes.

Gypsy Queen

Oranges & carrots

Wednesday, 27 Aug
2 cups water
2 cups Dare Espresso
2 finger buns
1 piece apple slice
2 finger buns
pears & sultanas
2 cups orange, carrot, & ginger juice

My orange juice was very nice, although I put a tad too much ginger in! lol

Gypsy Queen

Ho hum...

Tuesday, 26 Aug
2 cups water
3 cups juice: celery, green apple, ginger, beetroot leaves
2 cups lemonade ice
3 cups Dare Espresso
1 lamb pastry triangle
1 finger bun
4 cups watermelon juice

Mmmm........ I had way too much processed food today. :-( I've signed up for a free 7 day detox with The Raw Divas and am looking forward to doing this with support. It's a great website - check it out!

Gypsy Queen

Small improvements

Monday, 25 Aug
4 cups green smoothie: 1/2 bunch celery, LOTS of parsley, 150gm alfalfa & radish sprouts, 6 small bananas, raw honey, vanilla (greens juiced first)
4 cups watermelon juice
1 breadroll, butter, potato chips
1 large chocolate chip biscuit

The green smoothie was surprisingly nice! I only drink 3 cups before feeling full, though. It was rather bitter due to all the parsley, so next time I make it I'll put a different green in. Perhaps bok choy as it is nice & sweet. The honey I bought is advertised as raw and is from Byron Bay. It is quite sweet.

Gypsy Queen

Breakthrough!

Sunday, 24 Aug
2 cups water
1 litre lemonade
1 spinach & ricotta pastry
1 lge choc chip biscuit
1 mandarin
ice
butter chicken, rice, 1 slice bread with butter

After an absolutely terrible night of hard coughing, I think this virus is on the way out! Yippee!!!! I feel much better today, even though I'm still coughing up some phlegm and I'm still a little congested.

I missed my juice this morning, and am looking forward to it tomorrow morning.

Gypsy Queen

Green juice

Saturday, 23 Aug
2 cups water
4 cups juice: 1/2 bunch celery, 1/2 bunch red silverbeet, 3 large green apples, 1 lemon, 1 orange, 1 huge chunk ginger (I made 6 cups, but couldn't drink it all - I think the citric acid was too much for my stomach)
2 cups Dare Espresso (I've had a few of these lately, but forgot to put them down!)
1 breadroll, butter, banana

This flu/bug/thing is just going on and on and on..... I can't wait for it to pass. Today I felt nauseous, however am thankful that I didn't bring anything up. The phlegm on my chest and mucus in my sinuses is truly revolting. I didn't drink my juice at once, but slowly as my stomach wasn't feeling very stable today.

It was very interesting to read people's answers to Victoria's questionnaire in her "Green for Life" book. Here are my answers, from when I first started having green juice each day:

1 - Was it hard to drink one quart (1 litre/4 cups) of green smoothie each day?
No!

2 - Did the rest of your diet change as a result of the green smoothies?
Yes - I eat less and don't crave as many unhealthy foods

3 - Did you notice any changes in your health?
Yes - my skin stopped being so sensitive (symptom of fibromyalgia)

4 - Did your cravings for unhealthy foods lessen?
Yes

5 - Have you noticed any change in your weight?
I initially lost 5kg (approx 11lb), however haven't weighed myself for some time

6 - Did your sleep change?
Yes - I'm sleeping better

7 - Did your elimination change?
HUGE yes! My bowel movements are more frequent, and constipation has gone

8 - Did your energy change?
Yes - I have more energy

9 - Did anybody comment on how you looked?
No, however I've noticed that my skin looks clearer and feels softer

10 - Did you have any symptoms of detox?
Yes - diarrhoea. I've had a severe virus 'thing' for the past three weeks, and some symptoms from this match up with detox symptoms

11 - Did you have any negative experiences?
No

12 - Would you like to continue drinking green smoothies?
DEFINITELY! I am so thankful to have come across Victoria's book. :-)

Gypsy Queen

More books!

Friday, 22 Aug
4 cups water
4 cups juice: celery, spinach, bok choy, cucumber, apple, ginger
1 breadroll, butter, banana

I received more books in the mail today. :-) "12 Steps to Raw Foods: How to End Your Dependency on Cooked Food" and "Green for Life" by Victoria Boutenko. I'm looking forward to re-reading "12 Steps to Raw Foods". I now have a few books on my reading list!

I had four cups of water this morning as when I finished my shower I was feeling very dizzy and faint. This virus really is horrible, and I hope & pray that I recover soon.

I read "Green for Life" and it is FANTASTIC!!!! I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to improve their health.

Gypsy Queen

Juicing fun

Thursday, 21 Aug
2 cups water
1 casgara sagrada capsule
2 cups juice - lettuce, celery, silverbeet, cucumber, apple, ginger
banana sorbet
6 cups watermelon juice
1 breadroll, butter, egg, tomato sauce, salt
1 breadroll, butter, vegemite

I won't be using butterhead lettuce in my juice again as it is very bitter. I didn't enjoy my green juice today. :-(

On the other hand, I had fun making kiwi fruit sorbet and banana sorbet with my new juicer. :-) I especially enjoyed the banana sorbet. I only had a spoonful of the kiwi fruit sorbet and found it a little bitter. I also made some apple puree for my friend a few days ago and she quite liked it. I've discovered that if I'm wanting apple with my green juice, then it's best to add it with celery. If I want apple puree, then I use the fruit screen.

Gypsy Queen

Small victory

It's official - we're all coming down with this virus/flu/thing again! :-( OK... so that's not the victory. lol The small victory is that I bought some watermelon when I went to the shops and juiced it to drink instead of buying a coffee! I'll be having chicken for dinner, as I need to slowly detox again due to this nasty virus.

Wednesday, 20 Aug
2 cups water - 1 casgara sagrada capsule, 1 flaxseed oil capsule
4 cups watermelon juice
ice
chicken, thai sauce, rice

Gypsy Queen

It's here!!!!!

My Hippocrates Greenpower juicer arrived this morning - wooohooooo!

Tuesday, 19 Aug
2 cups water
4 cups: celery, cucumber, cos lettuce, beetroot leaves, ginger
4 cups: celery, cos lettuce, beetroot leaves, green apples, ginger
ice
1 spinach & ricotta pastry triangle


It is so exciting to start on my juice journey. I'm looking forward to trying out different recipes. I won't be getting the recommended 4-5 litres of juice today, however I plan on building up to it.

I was doing well until this afternoon when something happened and I felt 'down' as a result. I went for pastry as comfort food. At least I had 2 litres of green juice, so tomorrow I'll start fresh again: one step at a time! I think I might see what's in the fridge now....

Gypsy Queen

Still waiting...

Thursday, 14 Aug
2 cups water
Not bothering to record the rest!

Well, my juicer didn't arrive today, although I did find out that the book on Salad & Diet by Dr Norman Walker is on back order. I've decided to read the book on juicing first since I'm longing to do a juice feast.

Gypsy Queen

Juicer isn't here yet :-(

Wednesday, 13 Aug
2 cups water
1 piece mummoora (semolina slice) & atter (sugar syrup)
1 reg decaf Irish nut creme latte, 1 slice toasted banana bread & butter
lemonade
Lebanese bread, hummus, tabouli, falafel

My books arrived, however my juicer didn't. I do hope that it arrives tomorrow! I'm looking forward to setting up my first tray of wheatgrass sprouts. Wheatgrass juice is delicious! I'm really looking forward to being able to have it on a daily basis.

Gypsy Queen

Getting dry...

Tuesday, 12 Aug
2 cups water
1 chamomile tea/honey
2 wheatgrass shots (30ml each)
fruit salad - banana, orange, apple, watermelon, mango
1 regular Irish Nut Creme latte decaf, 1 slice banana toast & butter
ice
chicken breast, lemon sauce
pizza: Lebanese bread, tomato paste, roast chicken, onion, eschallots, pineapple, capsicum, corn kernels, cheese, sour cream
lemonade

Well, I'm certainly not drinking anywhere near enough since I stopped having my green juice. I'm really looking forward to getting my new juicer.

Gypsy Queen

Things that make you go, "hhmmm....."

Monday, 11 Aug
2 cups water
1 cup orange/apple juice
ice
1 cream donut
Battered fish
Korma curry chicken breast, celery, green capsicum, rice
lemonade

OK - the reason for the binge made itself known this morning: 'that' time of the month. I need to figure out what I can use to binge on instead of cooked food before next month rolls around...

Gypsy Queen

Time for a new juicer!

Sunday, 10 Aug
2 cups water 1 shot (30ml) wheat grass juice
2 cups watermelon juice
1 lamb, rosemary, garlic pastry
2 dinner rolls with butter
1 chunk bread with butter
1 cup juice - bok choy, spinach, celery, cucumber, green apples, ginger
snickers biscuits, ice cream, chicken nuggets

Well, I'm thinking my juicer is 'dead'. Waaaaaaayyyyy too much pulp in the juice this morning. So I bought a shot of wheat juice grass instead. It was really yummy! I wasn't sure what to expect, however it tastes very nice. I'm looking forward to my next shot. :-) Hubby has given me the go ahead to buy a good juicer!!! I've ordered a Greenpower Hippocrates Twin Gear Juicer, and hope to have it by Wednesday. I'm very excited!

BIG BINGE!!! :-O I'm really seeing the need to go 100% raw, and to be 100% organised about it. I ordered some books along with the juicer, and am looking forward to curling up somewhere and reading them. It will be soooooooo good to be on a Juice Feast, too.

Gypsy Queen

'Tis Saturday

Saturday, 09 Aug
2 cups water
4 cups juice - celery, cucumber, bok choy, red mignonette lettuce, spinach, green apples, ginger
1 small decaf Irish Nut Creme latte, 1 slice toasted banana cake with butter
small serving chocolate pudding
1 spinach & ricotta pastry
Small serving raw chocolate slice
ice
2 cups lemonade

Lazy days.... Don't feel like doing much. I re-read the Juice Feaster's Handbook, and would like to get a copy of Victoria Boutenko's book on going raw. I've decided on the juicer I would like to invest in, however it costs $750 so I won't be buying it any time soon.

Gypsy Queen

Blue skies

Friday, 08 Aug
2 cups water
4 cups juice - silverbeet, bok choy, celery, cucumber, green apples, ginger
1 decaf Irish Nut Creme latte
1/3 slice chocolate cheesecake
Spinach & ricotta pastry
Korma curry chicken, rice, papadums
ice


It's an absolutely glorious day today! What a blessing to have fresh air and sunshine. :-) Just what I need to get over this virus.

My voice still hasn't come back and I'm still coughing up phlegm, however I am feeling a bit better. Prayerfully I'll be back to normal by the end of the weekend.

I enjoyed my cooked food, and bought a few more things to be ready for a Juice Feast. I'm going to look for a good juicer online, as I really am feeling a great 'need' to start Juice Feasting.

Gypsy Queen

Refocusing

Thursday, 07 Aug
2 cups water
4 cups green juice - celery, silverbeet, cucumber, green apple, ginger
2 cups orange, carrot, ginger juice
2 cups watermelon juice
2 cups water
400gm tinned apricot (no syrup)
4 pieces battered fish

I really enjoyed my juices today. It will be wonderful when I am able to do a Juice Feast. I think that I'll experiment a little with juices first, so that I know which combinations taste better.

OK - I was tempted by the freshly cooked fish. It actually tasted good, although I will no doubt 'pay' for it sometime during the night!

Gypsy Queen

Having a whinge...

Wednesday, 06 Aug
2 cups water
8 cups green juice
2 cups carrot, orange, ginger juice
2 slices bread, butter, vegemite
2 slices bread, butter
2 cups lemonade
ice

Well, this virus has taken a turn for the worst and I feel absolutely miserable today. My mouth is sore (scraped the roof of my mouth and gums with the corn chips), my teeth hurt, my body aches, my skin hurts, and my head feels as though it's about to fall off. OK - that's my whinge done with.

Gypsy Queen

...and we're still sick!!!! :-O

Tuesday, 05 Aug
2 cups water
2tsp Bowel-biotics, 2 glasses water
1 1/2 bananas, 1/2tsp maca powder, honey, 75gm cashews
3 corn tortillas, refried beans, salsa, mozzarella cheese, carrot, tomato, lettuce
2 cups lemonade
corn chips, salsa, cheese

This comes under TMI!! - My bowels have been rather 'quiet' with the cooked food I've had recently, but this morning I passed a very pale yellow movement. Whether this is cause for concern or not I really don't know. I'm planning on slowly changing back to raw again, so we'll see how things pan out. I bought some corn tortillas and refried beans to have with salad for lunch/dinner today. I'm looking forward to it.

I now realise what triggered my 'binge' on cooked foods: PMS! Ugh! So I will have to keep a closer eye on my cycle and avoid food courts, etc., around that time each month. Being sick hasn't helped, either, as my body is craving 'comfort' food.

Reading Matt's and Angela's blogs is an encouragement. I'm wanting to go to Iceland to live after reading how wonderful it is there! lol Well, that isn't going to happen so instead I can look forward to having our own home and being able to grow our own organic fruit & veg, taking out my dehydrator and experimenting with different foods, and generally settling down somewhere! Perhaps this time we can stay in the one home for more than one year.

Gypsy Queen

Still sick...

Monday, 04 Aug
2 cups water
5 cups green juice
5 tortillas
ice
lemonade
3 choc-rollettes
pureed potato & pumpkin

Uggh! We're still all sick, and it isn't pleasant at all. I started taking senega & ammonia today, so hopefully that will get rid of the 'ick' from my chest and nasal passages.

Gypsy Queen

Note to self:

DO NOT EAT MEAT!!!!!!

Last night I suffered like you would not believe for my binge. :-( Lesson has been learnt! I've not been feeling very well today, but am slowly recovering from this cold.

Sunday, 03 Aug
2 cups water
black muscat grapes, 1 banana
2 cups water
cashews, macadamias
5 tortillas
puff pastry & veg

Not knowing what is happening, and not knowing where we'll be living is very unsettling; and I'm finding it hard to stay in routine. Prayerfully I can start physiotherapy again this week, which will help a lot to get me back on track.

Gypsy Queen

I'm sick!!!!!!!

Saturday, 02 August
2 cups water
1 bread roll, 1 burnt sausage, burnt onions, tomato sauce
1 mini spinach/ricotta pastry
1 Thai chicken filo
1 sm decaf Irish Nut Creme latte
2 cups orange juice (shop bought)
Sour cream & chive Pringles
ice
Milk ice block

OK - everybody is sick!!! My head feels as though it's about to fall off. I smelt a sausage sizzle cooking, and gave in. Then I figured that I felt sick, didn't care, and may as well have some more cooked/processed food at the one time.

Well, I guess my body is getting rid of toxins, and that's why I'm wanting the meat, etc. I'll have to be stronger next time and resist the temptation to give in. I'm hoping that hubby takes up the challenge to become a gourmet raw food chef so that he can create some delicious meals for me. :-)

I did buy some dandelion herb tea today. There was also dandelion root, but that didn't seem as appealing. I've also bought a B12 supplement, though after the meat today I won't start taking them until next weekend.

I do hope that this cold/flu goes away soon..... My head feels as though it's about to fall off. Tomorrow is a new day, and I'll be starting over again.

Gypsy Queen

Juice day

Friday, 01 August
2 cups water
7 cups green juice
3 cups water
35gm raw, organic chocolate
2 cups water
65gm raw, organic chocolate

I REALLY enjoyed my green juice this morning! After not having it for two days, it just tastes soooooo nice. :-)

My friend was cooking red lentil & veggie patties for breakfast, and they smelt VERY good. I was tempted to "just have one", but then thought of how that heavy, dead food would feel for my insides, and decided that I would resist.

My body feels as though it's ready for a Juice Feast. I need to buy a new juicer first, however. I've had my Breville Juice Fountain for about 4yrs now and it doesn't separate all of the pulp. I'm thinking it's the screen bit that needs replacing. So I'll talk to hubby about buying a Champion juicer: it costs a bit more, however will be more efficient at juicing so we'll save on the cost of fruit & veg.

I was out this afternoon, and was really wanting something to eat. When I found the raw chocolate I decided that would be just right!

Gypsy Queen

Purging

Thursday, 31 July
4 cups water
1 avocado, 1 tomato, eschallots, alfalfa, carrot, lemon juice, salt
ice

After refraining from having green juice last night, I've come to the conclusion that it definitely aids in the purging process. I didn't quite get so far as making green juice tonight - I was side-tracked with researching my family tree.

Gypsy Queen

Moving towards a Juice Feast

Wednesday, 30 July
4 cups water
1 chamomile tea/honey
blended bowl of: bananas, dates, honey, sunflower seeds, almonds, cashews, macadamias
2 cups orange/carrot/ginger/pineapple/apple juice
1 avocado, grape tomatoes, eschallots, alfalfa, carrot, sugar snap peas, lemon juice, salt
ice

Today I really enjoyed my juices, and am looking forward to starting my juice feast. I'm finding that I'm very thirsty, and prefer juice over food. Once I get past this weekend, I'll have to go through my Juice Feast book and decide on a new 'food' routine. I'll probably continue crunching on ice whilst I'm feasting to keep my jaws working. :-)

Gypsy Queen

Sunny days

Tuesday, 29 July
4 cups water
1 chamomile tea/honey
blended bowl of: bananas, dates, honey, sunflower seeds, almonds, cashews, macadamias
butter lettuce leaves freshly picked
2 cups water
5 cups green juice

Today is a beautiful, sunny, warm day. :-) Absolutely glorious! I drove to Bribie Island and visited the health shop there. I found raw, organic cacao powder!!!! Yippee!!!! I've been using cocoa powder (100%, no additives), however it just isn't the same. I also bought some maca powder, psyllium, bee pollen, and bowel biotics with digestive enzymes. I was hoping to find goji powder, but they only had the berries. They did have a blueberry powder, but I think I spent enough for one day!

Gypsy Queen

PS: It seems that the liquid diarrhoea is a result of cleansing after having the green juice. I'm thinking that because I have it after having food (ie: fibre), it is more cleansing.

Wintry days

Monday, 28 July
2 cups water
ice
2 bananas, cashews, dates, sunflower seeds
2 cups water
6 cups green juice

It has been rather chilly here just recently, although not as cold as in Tasmania! The sun is out, the wind is blowing, and it is a glorious day. :-) It's a great day for a walk.

I think I'll have to look through my raw recipe book today and see what catches my eye. I've enjoyed the different tastes from adding carrot, etc. to my avocado.

I'm also looking forward to starting my Juice Feast. I had liquid diarrhoea again tonight, and am wondering if it's a result of having the green juice at the end of day. Possibly it's a cleansing thing. I hope so, anyway!

A few changes

Thursday, 24 July
2 cups water
1 chamomile tea/honey
4 cups green juice
1 avocado, alfalfa, kelp granules
chocolate slice
1 banana, cashews

Friday, 25 July
2 cups water
1 banana, sunflower seeds
4 cups green juice
1 avocado, 1 tomato, carrot, alfalfa, eschallots, salt
1 banana, sunflower seeds, cashews, cocoa

Saturday, 26 July
2 cups water
2 cups green juice
1 cup water
1 avocado, 1 tomato, carrot, eschallots, alfalfa, salt
2 cups water
chocolate slice

Sunday, 27 July
2 cups water
5 cups green juice
chocolate slice
2 large strawberries
1 avocado, 1 tomato, alfalfa, carrot, broccoli, salt
ice

Well, my bowels sure didn't appreciate those slabs of bread with butter and vegemite!!! :-O I won't be doing that to myself again. I guess that I've discovered for myself what Matt Monarch has been saying at his blog: once you make a step forward with healthy choices, then your body is far more sensitive to unhealthy choices! My friend's daughter cooked sausages wrapped in puff pastry for dinner tonight, and the smell was tempting. I didn't give in, however, as my insides are still letting me know how unhappy they were with the bread!!!

I've been enjoying raw chocolate slice, and have varied the ingredients. Sometimes I have just banana, sometimes just avocado, and sometimes both for the topping. I've used cashews, macadamias, almonds and sunflower seeds in various combinations with dates for the bottom. I'll have to go through my recipe book and look for more dishes that catch my eye.

Gypsy Queen

Pig out!

Monday, 21 July
2 cups water
1 chamomile tea/honey
1 banana
4 cups green juice
1 banana
ice
chocolate slice

Tuesday, 22 July
2 cups water
1 banana
1 chamomile tea/honey
chocolate slice
4 cups green juice
1 avocado, eschallots, lemon juice, salt

Wednesday, 23 July
2 cups water
1 chamomile tea/honey
1 apple
baby carrots, baby peas, beans, broccoli: fresh from the garden!
2 slabs bread, butter, vegemite
ice
chocolate slice
1/2 avocado, alfalfa, salt, cucumber

My friend's daughter made some bread today and it just smelt sooooooo good! I ended up having two slabs (they were too thick and large to be called slices) with real butter and vegemite. I did feel rather sluggish this afternoon and I'm not sure how my insides will feel tomorrow, however I enjoyed the indulgence and don't feel guilty at all.

Tomorrow is a new day and I'll be back on track. :-) The bread is the first non-raw food I've had for two weeks. Wow! :-O That is good. I'm looking forward to settling down into our new home and learning how to make bread and crackers with my dehydrator as well as starting my own permaculture garden.

Gypsy Queen

Detox continues...

Tuesday, 15 July
2 cups water
2 chamomile tea/honey
4 cups green juice
chocolate slice
1 chamomile tea/honey
ice

This was an exceedingly stressful day for me emotionally, and one I don't care to repeat.

Wednesday, 16 July
2 cups water
1 chamomile tea/honey
chocolate slice
2 chamomile tea/honey
2 cups water
3 bananas
1 avocado, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, salt

Thursday, 17 July
5 cups water
5 cups green juice
cashews, macadamias
2 bananas
strawberries
ice
1 avocado, eschallots, alfalfa, salt

Friday, 18 July
2 cups water
1 chamomile tea/honey
pecans, dates
1 banana
4 cups green juice
1 banana
chocolate slice

Saturday, 19 July
2 cups water
1 1/2 avocado, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, kelp granules
1 chamomile tea/honey
chocolate slice
4 cups green juice
ice

Sunday, 20 July
2 cups water
1 chamomile tea/honey
dates, pecans
1 banana, cacao powder
3 chamomile tea/honey
1 banana
strawberries
1 avocado, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, salt

Detox is continuing with bouts of liquid diarrhoea, bad breath, and body odour. It is time to make some changes to how I'm eating, however am not ready to do so at an emotional level.

I'm taking life one day at a time....

Gypsy Queen

Detox happening

Sunday, 13 July
2 cups water
1 chamomile tea/honey
1 banana, cashews, macadamias
3 cups green juice
1 chamomile tea/honey
1 avocado, 1 tomato, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice3, kelp granules
1 chamomile tea/honey
dates, banana

Monday, 14 July
2 cups water
1 chamomile tea/honey
2 bananas, cacao powder
1 chamomile tea/honey
4 cups green juice
1 banana, cacao powder
ice
1 avocado, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, kelp granules

I'm thinking that detox is really happening, as I've been feeling a bit sluggish, psoriasis has appeared on my eyelid even though I've not been having dairy, and I had liquid diarrhoea today (sorry if that's TMI). I've really been wanting greens, too, which are great for cleansing. I sure hope that detox keeps going well! I'm starting to think that I really should organise a colonic irrigation, but am not settled enough emotionally to do that just yet.

Gypsy Queen

Caffeine free!

Friday, 11 Jul

2 cups water
1 chamomile tea/honey
1 banana, cashews, macadamias
2 chamomile tea/honey
1 banana
3 cups green juice (no cucumber)
1 chamomile tea/honey
1 cup water
2 avocados (small), 1 tomato, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, kelp granules
1 chamomile tea/honey

Saturday, 12 Jul

2 cups water
1 chamomile tea/honey
ice
2 bananas, cacao powder
2 chamomile tea/honey
1 avocado, 1 tomato, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, salt
4 cups green juice
broccoli, cauliflower, red capsicum, cabbage, olive oil, salt
1 chamomile tea/honey

It has been a few days since I last had a decaf coffee, and I no longer 'want' it! Yippee!!! I have been munching on ice more often, however that's ok by me. :-)

I'm thinking that I really should have colonic cleansing done, but think that will have to wait until we have moved into our new home.

Gypsy Queen

Another day...

Thursday, 10 July

2 cups water
1 chamomile tea/honey
1 avocado, 1 tomato, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, salt
2 chamomile tea/honey
1 banana
dates, macadamias, cashews, large banana

Long post - catch up time!

Sunday, 29 June
2 cups water
6 cups green juice
2 chamomile tea/honey
2 avocado, alfalfa, eschallots, lemon juice, salt
dried apple rings
raw chocolate
cashews, macadamias
dates
1 chamomile tea/honey
2 cups water
1 chamomile tea/honey

Monday, 30 June
2 cups water
3 cups green juice
2 mugs chamomile tea/honey
small handful cashews, macadamias
1 avocado, alfalfa, lemon juice, kelp granules
1 banana, cacao powder
chocolate
cashews, macadamias
small Bailey's & milk
**mild headache late afternoon - possibly caffeine withdrawal?

Tuesday, 01 July
2 cups water
6 cups green juice
1 banana, cacao powder
2 small Bailey's & milk
2 chamomile tea/honey
1 avocado, 1 tomato, alfalfa, eschallots, lemon juice, kelp granules
200g strawberries
3 chocolate
1 small Bailey's & milk
1/2 coffee
1 slice of bread with butter & peanut butter

Wednesday, 02 July
2 cups water
2 cups chamomile tea/honey
1 banana, cacao powder
5 cups green juice
1 cup chamomile tea/honey
2 avocados, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, kelp granules
1 banana, cacao powder
2/3 decaf
dates

Thursday, 03 July
2 cups water
4 cups green juice
1/2 banana
pecans, dates
1 chamomile tea/honey
1 very small piece garlic bread
1 avocado, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, kelp granules
cashews, pecans
1 glass red wine
1 decaf
dates

Friday, 04 July
2 cups water
4 cups green juice
1 chamomile tea/honey
1 banana, cacao powder
1 chamomile tea/honey
1 avocado, 1 tomato, alfalfa, eschallots, lemon juice, kelp granules
dates, cashews, pecans
1 decaf

Saturday, 05 July
2 cups water
5 cups green juice
1 chamomile tea/honey
1 small Bailey's & milk
cashews, pecans, dates
1 avocado, 1 tomato, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, kelp granules
1 small piece chicken, curry
1 small piece lamington
1 banana, cacao powder
dates, pecans, cashews
1 banana, cacao powder
1 decaf

Sunday, 06 July
2 cups water
1 cup green juice
1 chamomile tea/honey
1 avocado, 1 tomato, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, salt
2 bananas, cacao powder
4 cups green juice
dates, cashews, pecans
1 chamomile tea/honey
100gm organic chocolate/almonds
3 decafs

Monday, 07 July
2 cups water
1 chamomile tea/honey
1 cup green juice
1 avocado, 1 tomato, alfalfa, eschallots, kelp granules
5 cups green juice
1 chamomile tea/honey
dates, cashews, macadamias
2 bananas, cacao powder
1 chamomile tea/honey
cashews, macadamias
1 decaf
50g organic chocolate/almonds
1 decaf

Tuesday, 08 July
4 cups water
1 avocado, 1tomato, alfalfa, lemon juice, salt
2 chamomile tea/honey
1 banana & cacao powder
2 decafs

Wednesday, 09 July
2 cups water
1 chamomile tea/honey
1 green juice
macadamias, cashews, dates
3 green juices
raw chocolate pie filling
1/2 banana
1 chamomile tea/honey
raw chocolate pie - YUM!
2 chamomile tea/honey

Wow!!! It has been great catching up with family, and it is wonderful that they have been so supportive of my change to a raw food lifestyle. I feel ready to give up decaf now, and think that it's time to start looking very seriously at a Juice Feast. I'll see how things go this week.

Gypsy Queen

Last blog for a while

Saturday:

2 cups water
6 cups green juice
2 mugs chamomile tea with honey
2 avocados, 2 tomatoes, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, salt
Chunk of raw chocolate
Large handful raw cashews & macadamias
3 decafs
More raw chocolate

I ate too much chocolate as a result of 'comfort eating' after being a little upset about things today. Good thing is that I didn't binge anywhere near as much as I normally would.

Tomorrow I'm off to the wide blue yonder, and won't be posting anything online for close to two weeks. I'll endeavour to write down what I eat each day so that I can keep track. Mum hasn't been able to find a juicer to borrow, so I'm going to pack mine up and take it with me! lol

Gypsy Queen

Detox

Friday:

2 cups water
6 cups green juice
6 cups watermelon juice
1 cup chamomile tea with honey
2 mashed bananas with raw cacao powder
1 mug chamomile tea with honey
2 avocados, lemon juice
Big chunk of raw chocolate I made myself!!!
2 decafs
1 mug chamomile tea with honey

I didn't feel like eating today until after I had my first go at making raw chocolate. lol The smell got my taste buds going, so I indulged with the bananas and cacao powder. Very nice treat. I think I'll have another cup of chamomile tea later, and will then see if I'm hungry or not.

I felt very 'blah' again today, and the mild diarrhoea came back again. I'm thinking that the next 'layer' is coming off my colon. I'm starting to think that my body will let me know when it's time to do the Juice Feast, and so I'm listening to it. :-)

It is interesting to note that my mouth didn't feel "furry" after eating the chocolate, even though it had heaps of palm sugar. Natural, non-processed food is much kinder on my mouth.

Gypsy Queen

New keyboard - back in action!

The wind is positively ROARING today! How beautiful. :-)

My keyboard 'died' last night, and I wasn't able to do anything online. Hubby bought me a new one - a curved one - and it is quite nice to use.

Wednesday:
2 cups water
chamomile tea with honey
choc chip biscuit
dandelion tea with honey
slice zucchini bread
2 avocados, 2 tomatoes, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, salt
1 banana
5 cups green juice
2 decafs

I went visiting yesterday, and politely took what was offered since these friends are unaware I've gone raw, and it was my last visit before moving far, far away.

Thursday:
2 cups water
5 cups green juice
2 mashed bananas with raw cacao powder
2 mugs chamomile tea with honey
2 avocados, 2 tomatoes, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, salt
2 mashed bananas with raw cacao powder
125gm dates
3 decafs

I'm flying interstate on Sunday, so am going to make the most of this opportunity to give up decaf altogether! I'll be flying around the time I usually have decaf, so will drink water or herbal tea instead, and will do the same from then on. My children and I will be staying at my mother's for a week and a half, and then will spend a couple of weeks with friends. I don't know if I'll be online much before 9 July, but I'll endeavour to keep a food diary to keep myself honest. Mum is just wonderful: she asked what food she should buy for me, and is going to ask a friend to borrow her juicer! I feel so blessed. My raw food lifestyle won't be impacted at all.

Gypsy Queen

Surprise!

What a wonderful surprise in today's mail: my order for raw cacao powder and raw cacao butter arrived today! Yippee! It smells soooooooo good. :-)

Tuesday:
2 cups water
5 cups green juice
2 bananas
1 cup lemon & ginger tea with honey
125gm dates
1 cup chamomile tea with honey

I've been feeling 'not quite right' this past week, and today I have a mild case of diarrhoea. Not sure if it's detox, or a mild virus. Either way, I'll get over it! Even though I'm feeling off colour, I still feel much better overall than I did previously: I feel cleaner inside as well as out.

It will be interesting to see if the dates help or hinder me! I did enjoy them very much, however. :-)

Gypsy Queen

PS: Time to confess: I 'binged' on *5* rows of dark chocolate and 2 decafs tonight. It's interesting to note that before this my mouth felt clean still, but now it feels really gross and I can't wait to brush my teeth!!!!

Things are looking up!

Last night's munchies (cashews, macadamias, ginger/lemon/honey tea) really did the trick! I have very little desire for coffee, and am looking forward to the nuts and my tea. :-) I'm really feeling MUCH better for not having the decafs last night.

Monday:
2 cups water
5 cups green juice
2 bananas
2 avocados, 2 tomatoes, eschallots, alfalfa & broccoli sprouts, lemon juice, salt
1 mug ginger & lemon tea (tea bag) with honey
raw cashews & macadamia nuts
1 mug ginger & lemon tea with honey
2 decafs
2 rows dark chocolate

I'm looking forward to replacing our rock salt with iodised Celtic sea salt. I keep forgetting to put the kelp granules on my avocado to see how that tastes: I tried them with juice, but that was a disaster!

I gave in to having some chocolate and decaf, even though they now taste "dead". I will get there - tomorrow is a new day.

Gypsy Queen

Head cold or detox???

I'm feeling really "blah" today, and am not sure if it's a head cold or just detox. I 'indulged' with a peanut butter sandwich and some dark chocolate (70% cocoa), so will no doubt know about it tomorrow.

Sunday:
2 cups water
5 cups green juice
peanut butter sandwich
didn't count how many decafs - I think 4?
raw cashews & macadamia nuts
1 cup ginger, lemon juice & honey (not raw - I'll have to find some of that soon) steeped in boiling water

I'm thinking it was the nuts my body was craving more than anything else, so hopefully now that I've bought them it will settle down the cravings I've had. I also bought some dates in case I want something sweeter.

I'm thinking that the ginger-lemon drink will be a good one for winter, for comfort as well as to help ward off any colds.

I've ordered some raw cacao powder and raw cacao butter. I'm really looking forward to making my own raw chocolate! I wonder if the local health food shop would have agave syrup? I hope so, as I'm not sure what else I would use to sweeten the chocolate with.

Well, here's to hoping that I'm 'suffering' from detox and not a head cold!

Gypsy Queen

Relaxed and feeling great!

This morning (Saturday) I made the effort to do my stretching exercises after my first 2 cups of water, then went for a short walk. I had 2 cups green juice when I came home, then showered. I can't believe how soft and healthy my skin feels :-O Using the body brush and tongue scraper have made a huge difference, and I know that eating healthier has made a difference, too.

What is really good, is that I am no longer 'stressing' about my weight (well, at least for now) and am happy to just go with the flow. My addiction to coffee/milk is stopping me from going 100% raw, so I need to figure out what I can do as a next step to getting rid of this addiction.

Saturday:
2 cups water
6 cups green juice
2 avocados, 1 tomato, eschallots, alfalfa & onion sprouts, lemon juice, salt
2 decafs
2 slices coconut bread

I think that I'll ask hubby if he is up to the challenge of being a Gourmet Raw Food Chef so that he can make me some tasty sweets for when I'm wanting something sweet to munch. That will save me wanting to cook cakes!

Gypsy Queen

Week's end

Well, technically that would be tomorrow, however Friday feels like week's end to me. :-)

Friday:
2 cups water
4 cups green juice
2 cups water
1 banana & 1tsp coconut oil
1 cup green juice
2 avocados, 2 tomatoes, alfalfa & onion sprouts, eschallots, lemon juice, salt
3 slices banana cake
2 decafs

I was doing well until the banana cake kept calling my name! Funny thing is, it smelt better than it tasted. :-O Weird... It had me thinking about live food and dead food, and cakes really are dead food! I didn't enjoy it as I thought I would, and I don't particularly want any more. The thought of cooked food being an addiction is constantly in my mind (whether at the forefront of my thought or somewhere in the background) being further processed. I bought a sweet potato today and plan on trying it with pumpkin, carrot and ginger tomorrow as a juice. I might keep that for evening when I feel like picking at food. Hopefully that will give my stomach that 'full' feeling!

Gypsy Queen

Victoria Boutenko

I came across Victoria Boutenko at the Raw Reform pages, and our local library actually has a copy of her book, "12 Steps to Raw Foods: How to end your addiction to cooked food." So I borrowed it, and have read it already! This is another wonderful book, and one I would like to buy. It is excellent. I understand a lot more about the challenges I've been facing with my choice to go raw and why it has been hard.

Thursday:
2 cups water
1 decaf
4 cups green juice
2 cups water
1 cup green juice
2 avocados, 2 tomatoes, eschallots, lemon juice, salt
30 cherries (YUM!)
2 decafs

I really need to find something to drink instead of the decaf. I have been craving the green juice, so am thinking I should probably make up another litre of that for the evening, and see how I go with that.

Gypsy Queen

It's Wednesday again!

2 cups water
4 cups juice: celery, spinach, pak choi, continental cucumber, apple, ginger
2 cups water
4 corn thins, 2 avocados, 2 tomatoes, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, salt
2 decafs
1 small glass port

Well, whilst this is not ideal it IS getting back on track. I am really starting to crave raw chocolate, even though I've not yet tasted any! lol Talk about strange.... I'm looking forward to next month and knowing what's happening with money & moving so that I can settle into a routine properly. Then I can start my Juice Feast without worrying about it being interrupted.

Gypsy Queen

'Tis Tuesday

Well, I'm getting back on track! My insides sure didn't like that processed food, and it's good to be eating properly again. The extra green juice I had yesterday really helped a lot.

2 cups water
4 cups green juice
Dry coleslaw: cabbage, carrot, celery, sutanas, grated cheese (very little), sunflower seeds, red capsicum
3 corn thins, 2 avocados, 2 tomatoes, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, salt
1 decaf
ice cream
2 decafs

Gypsy Queen

Good day!

Monday:

2 cups water
4 cups green juice
2 dinner rolls, onions, potato salad
small bowl ice cream
1 decaf
3 cups green juice
2 decafs
1 large bowl ice cream
1 bowl potato salad

OK - so my sense of smell over-rode my sense of what is healthy! I did enjoy the extra green juice and think that if we can avoid bbq's for a while (given that it's winter, I'm hoping that is a real possibility), then I can get back on track. Only two more weeks until we go to visit family & friends, and then we move. It will be interesting to see how I go whilst on the go.

Gypsy Queen

Minor Setback

Well, we had a farewell party this afternoon/evening with friends coming over, and I indulged! Today (Sunday) I had:

2 cups water
4 cups green juice
2 cups water
dip & Jatz
1 decaf
several more decafs as well as 3 white bread rolls (buttered) - 2 with caramelised onions & tomato sauce, 1 with banana;potato salad; coleslaw; pumpkin; and ice-cream in a cone.

So tomorrow I'm going to have a one day juice feast with green juice and water only! I just KNOW that my insides are going to be feeling VERY unhappy!

On the up-side, my skin feels HEAPS better after using the body brush and this is something I look forward to using every day. Even the skin on my face is feeling better because I've been remembering to exfoliate twice a week.

Perhaps this will be just what I need to launch into a juice feast!

Gypsy Queen

Continuing my journey

Friday:
2 cups water
5 cups green juice
3 corn thins, 1 avocado, 2 tomatoes, 1/2 baby red capsicum, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, salt
2 decaf
chocolate
2 slices toast, butter, 2 steamed eggs, salt
1 decaf

Saturday:
2 cups water
5 cups green juice
2 cups water
lightly steamed: zucchini, baby red capsicum, carrot, parsnip, brussel sprouts
2 sausages, bread, butter, tomato sauce
3 decafs

I've decided that I will have green juice & water first up in the day, followed by either the avocado feast or lightly steamed veg, and then I can indulge in cooked food, chocolate, and decaf in the evening. As I detox, then I'll cut out the cooked food, etc.

This morning I used my body brush for the first time, and it felt FANTASTIC! I'm looking forward to using it each day as part of my normal routine. I've started doing stretching exercises each morning first up, and am becoming more organised regarding exercise.

So..... I guess I'll see how it goes. :-)

Gypsy Queen

New start!

After having a wash out day yesterday (Wed), a book came in that I'd been waiting for at the library: "The Raw Food Detox Diet" by Natalia Rose. It was just what I needed! This is one book that I'm definitely going to buy. It has helped me to refocus, and confirms the information I read at Raw Reform. Today I bought a body brush, and I will start using that tonight. I now have a better understanding of what is happening to my body during the process of changing to raw foods, and am more at ease with the changes in general.

My plan from now is to have 2 cups of water followed by 4 cups of juice each morning, then have an apple/pear/ whatever fruit, 4 cups of water, raw vegies, and try to cut down my decafs to one at the end of the day. If I have chocolate then it will be the 70% cocoa type, which is much better for me. I would like to buy the ingredients to make my own raw chocolate eventually.

Thursday:
2 cups water
2 cups green juice
1 cup decaf
2 cups juice
Chicken, rice, leek, broccoli, green capsicum, snow peas, onion, carrot, korma curry, coconut cream
1 decaf
2 rows (10 squares) Rum'n'Raisin chocolate
1 decaf
1 row (5 squares) Rum'n'Raisin chocolate
1 decaf

Gypsy Queen

Interesting...

Today (Tuesday) I had:

2 cups water
4 cups juice: cucumber, zucchini, celery, apple, ginger, spinach
2 cups water
1 cup juice: zucchini, beetroot, red capsicum, broccoli, brussel sprouts, parsnip, carrot
2 decafs
4 rice thins, 2 mashed bananas, 1 tsp coconut oil
1 decaf
4 squares rum'n'raisin chocolate
6 marshmallows

I had a craving for junk food, so bought the chocolate and marshmallows. Now previously I would have eaten two rows (10 squares) of chocolate and at least half the pack of marshmallows. It is a BIG leap ahead that I had so little and then had no desire for more at all. Even though it's sitting right here in front of me, I don't have any desire to eat it! Yippee!!!

Well, as you can tell, I'm not on a juice feast yet. I'm thinking that with all that will be happening these next few weeks that it would be a good idea to wait until we actually move, unpack, and have settled in before doing the juice feast. That way I can have everything on hand and we'll be in a routine.

Gypsy Queen

Last day for food!

After realising that I've not lost ANY weight at all this past week, I've decided that tomorrow I'm going to start my Juice Feast!

Sunday:
2 cups water
3 crumbled corn thins, 1 avocado, 1 tomato, alfalfa, eschallots, lemon juice, salt
1 decaf
4 cups water
6 cups green juice
3 crumbled corn thins, 1 avocado, 2 tomatoes, alfalfa, lemon juice, salt
2 decafs

Today (Monday):
2 cups water
1 decaf
2 bananas
3 cups green juice
3 crumbled corn thins, 2 avocados, 250g grape tomatoes, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, salt
1 vegemite sandwich
1 decaf
1 cup green juice
2 decafs

So we'll see how well I do on the juice feast. I was REALLY wanting to have a sausage sizzle (sausage on bread with sauce & onions) tonight, so compromised and had the vegemite sandwich instead: figured the vegemite would be easier on my insides.

Gypsy Queen

This & that!

Friday:

2 cups water
4 cups green juice
5 crumbled corn thins, 1 1/2 avocados, 2 tomatoes, eschallots, lemon juice, salt
1 decaf
2 rice thins, 1 mashed banana, 1 tsp coconut oil
1 decaf
4 cups water
1 decaf

Saturday:

2 cups water
1 decaf
salad: avocado, lettuce, green capsicum, cucumber, tomato, eschallots
1 cup water
1 decaf
2 cups green juice
soup: green beans, potato
1 small bread roll
1 cup water
1 decaf
3 rice thins, 1 mashed banana, 1 tsp coconut oil
3 cups green juice

Making sure that I drink 6 cups of water and 4 cups of green juice EVERY day is very important! My body really notices it (and objects!) when I don't manage to do this.

Having supper away from home tonight was interesting. I enjoyed the bread roll (I've not had bread for a while now), but didn't feel the 'need' to go back for another one. I had a very small bowl of the soup, and fished out the bacon (which I would normally be looking for eagerly), and also didn't feel the 'need' to go back for more.

I've decided to wait until we move before starting a juice feast. By that time my body should be well and truly ready for it. I find that I'm not very hungry and am only eating because it's easier than extending my poor brain to organise the juice feast.

Gypsy Queen

Blah day...

2 cups water
1 decaf
5 rice thins, 2 mashed bananas, 2 tsp coconut oil
1 decaf
steamed: cabbage, green capsicum, leek, broccoli
1 decaf
1 banana
3 cups green juice
1 decaf

I'm feeling quite sluggish today, which is probably a result of overdoing the walking yesterday afternoon. FM really is a pain on more than one level! I guess I "fell off the wagon" today, so will need to get it together again tomorrow.

Gyspy Queen

A good day ~ Wednesday

2 cups water
1 decaf
5 crumbled corn thins, 1 avocado, 1 tomato, alfalfa, eschallots, lemon juice, salt
1 decaf
4 cups water
steamed: almond slivers, garlic, carrot, brussel sprouts, broccoli, zucchini
1 decaf
2 mashed bananas, 2 tsp coconut oil, 4 rice thins
1 decaf
4 cups green juice

I was thinking about meat today, and realised that it really doesn't appeal to me anymore. I will try some steamed fish if hubby & sons catch some, but am not sure if I will enjoy this or not. Eating live food is really changing my palate. I like the crunch of the corn thins with the avocado mix, but I'm thinking of maybe using celery or something similar instead.

Gypsy Queen

Splurge!

Today I had a bit of a splurge, and I didn't quite get the last 4 cups of water drunk! But it was a nice splurge. :-) No more chocolate until my weight has a 7 in front of it!

2 cups water
1 decaf
1 avocado, 1 tomato, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, salt
1 cup black leaf tea (no milk)
1 small bar dairy free chocolate (70% cocoa - nice and satisfying)
1 decaf
steamed: garlic, carrot, broccoli, zucchini, brussel sprouts, slivered almonds, snow peas
1 decaf
5 cups green juice

Gypsy Queen

Coasting along - Monday

2 cups water
1 decaf
1 mashed banana, 1 tsp coconut oil, 2 rice cakes
4 cups water
5 corn thins, 1 avocado, 1 tomato, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, salt
1 decaf
6 cups green juice
1 decaf
2 rice cakes, 1 mashed banana, 1 tsp coconut oil

Hubby didn't juice any extra today, however the celery must have been a lot fresher than usual! I am looking forward to when we have moved, unpacked, and settled in and can look for a good source of organic fruit & veg.

My 16yo dd likes the coconut oil on its own, and so is allowed to have a teaspoon of it each day as a 'treat'. lol I will certainly make the most of any of my children enjoying good, healthy, raw food!

Instead of spreading the avocado mix onto the corn thins tonight, I crumbled the corn thins and mixed them in. It was very nice, and much easier to eat!

Gypsy Queen

Progress!

2 cups water
1 decaf
4 cups water
steamed: broccoli, cauliflower, onion, garlic, zucchini, brussel sprouts, carrot, slivered almonds
1 decaf
chocolate
4 cups green juice
1 banana
1 decaf
1 banana, 1tsp coconut oil, 2 rice cakes

I weighed myself this morning, and I'm down to 89.0kg! Yippee!

Hubby & children had roast chicken & roast veg for dinner tonight, and I asked for a little bit of chicken. Well, it just didn't taste that good: it tasted dead (yes, yes, I know - it was dead! lol). I'm getting used to the taste of 'living' food, and cooked food is losing it's appeal already. Even the two pieces of Cadbury Fruit'n'Nut chocolate didn't taste as nice as I remembered.

I'm very much looking forward to starting my juice feast! I think that this will really be a huge blessing to me in many ways.

Gypsy Queen

Doing better

1 decaf
6 corn thins, avocado, tomato, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, salt
6 cups water
steamed: garlic, ginger, onion, carrot, broccoli, cauliflower
1 decaf
4 cups green juice

I was VERY sluggish today, and my brain was in some sort of foggy-haze. Think I'll go to bed earlier than usual, and hope that a good night's sleep will help things.

Gypsy Queen

Oops!

2 cups water
1 decaf
2 cups water
1 decaf
6 corn thins, avocado, tomato, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, salt
1 decaf
1 banana
4 cups green juice
2 bananas, 6 corn thins
1 decaf

I know, I know - not exactly balanced!

Gypsy Queen

Another day...

1 cup water
1 banana
1 decaf
3 cups water
1 decaf
1 banana
Steamed: zucchini, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, eschallots, green capsicum
1 decaf
1 banana
4 cups green juice
1 decaf
1 banana

Hhmmmm..... My monthly cycle started yesterday, and I can see the pattern of "emotional comfort" in the form of bananas and decaf! I will have to think and pray about this, and figure out what I can do next month to avoid this.

Gypsy Queen

Smoother journey

1 decaf
1 small mandarin
1 banana
6 cups water
5 rice cakes, avocado, tomato, eschallots, alfalfa, lemon juice, salt
2 small mandarins
1 decaf
4 cups green juice

Today was really good. I've overcome the urge to make a decaf this evening just because it's a habit, and I'm starting to feel good. Our fridge is full of fresh produce, and I'm looking forward to maybe making a nice salad tomorrow.

Gypsy Queen

Detox is working!

The detox is working - I'm breaking out in pimples! Not attractive, but the toxins are coming out. I guess I should be thankful they aren't on my face.

Today I had:

5 cups water
banana
1 cup water
5 rice cakes, avocado, tomato, eschallots, alfalfa sprouts, lemon juice, salt
4 cups green juice
1 banana
2 cups water

I think I'll have a banana when I first get up, and then have the rice cake, etc, at dinner time. This seems to work better for my hunger pangs.

Gypsy Queen

Old Habits Die Hard!

I ate steamed veggies for dinner again last night, and had the rice cakes and avocado mix for lunch today, but had leftovers for dinner (veggies in a tomato sauce mix) with a slice of bread & butter. I'm thinking that I'll need to work out exactly what I need to do the juice feast, and just make the break cleanly.

Our fridge looks healthier with lots of green veg :-) I'm enjoying the green juice and am looking forward to trying some other juices, too.

Gypsy Queen

PS: I tried something new tonight. Instead of giving in and making a decaf, I've been drinking water instead. I will probably be up and down a few times during the night, but it just HAS to be better for my body! I chose the healthier option. :-)

Confession time

Last night I 'fell off the wagon', so to speak. Hubby and children had sausages & salad for dinner, and there were left over sausages. The smell was too much for me and I gave in and had a sausage with tomato sauce. This in turn triggered something, and I went on to have two more decafs. :-( I ate a banana afterwards, but don't think that really corrected the problem.

Today I'm feeling a bit sluggish, and am finding myself wanting processed food. So now I know this is a trigger I can do something about avoiding it in future.

Gypsy Queen

Keeping track

It's time to start tracking exactly what I'm eating each day. This will help me to be accountable for my choices.

2 cups water
2 cups green juice - celery, cucumber, parsley, spinach, apple, ginger
5 rice cakes, 1 avocado, 1 tomato, 1 stem eschallot, lemon juice, rock salt
4 cups water
steamed: 1 potato, 1/2 lge carrot, 1 onion, 2 brussel sprouts, 1 small head broccoli
decaf coffee, 2 squares chocolate
decaf coffee (OK - I really do need to cut this out!)
1 banana
2 cups green juice
1 banana

That's looking a lot healthier than what I was eating. Today I started reading the book, "Take Control of Your Health and Escape the Sickness Industry" by Elaine Hollingsworth. It looks like an interesting read.

I'll have to start thinking about different meal choices. :-)

Gypsy Queen

Detox has started

My body is starting to detox. Today I was feeling rather sluggish at hydrotherapy, so eased off a little. Today I've eaten: large bowl of steamed veggies (onion, carrot, potato, broccoli, brussel sprouts) with a little rock salt; four rice thins with a mix of avocado, tomato, eschallots, lemon juice and a little rock salt; and four squares of orange truffle. I've had about one litre of green juice, water, and two decaf coffees. So I'm slowly making changes. Tomorrow I aim to have only one decaf.

Hubby and sons had pizza for dinner tonight. The look and smell of it made me feel queasy. Yippee! My body is adapting to real food much sooner than I thought. :-)

I'm starting to have cravings for my green juice. :-) I'm looking forward to starting the Juice Feast. I'll do some experimenting with juice now, while I'm still eating food, and will then have a better idea of which combinations I like better.

Gypsy Queen

Making Progress

Today I had my first green juice: celery, cucumber, spinach, parsley, ginger, apple. It is quite nice. I had it with only the greens, but it didn't have much flavour and tasted like it needed some salt and pepper. lol So I added the apple & ginger, and it was quite nice. I had two large glasses of it, and two large glasses of water.

For lunch I spread avocado, lemon juice, chopped tomato, and rock salt on rice crackers. I really enjoyed them and felt quite full afterwards.

I "caved in" at dinnertime, and had a toasted chicken & avocado sandwich. The bread didn't appeal to me as much as it used to, even after such a short time of change. I did VERY well with weaning off coffee and had my first cup - decaf - at 6.30pm.

I do not like the green coconut water very much, and neither do the children. DD likes the coconut oil, boys don't, and I think it's ok. I will have to figure out how to add it to my diet. I will try to remember to give some to the animals tomorrow.

So little by little I'm making progress towards a raw food lifestyle.

Gypsy Queen

Slow changes

I've started with making healthier choices in the food I'm eating. Today I had two rice thins with avocado, a little lemon juice, and rock salt. Very nice. :-)

Coffee is still on my list of staples, however I'm aiming at going caffeine free, too. This will be an interesting experiment to say the least.

Hubby bought me some dme, organic coconut oil (butter) today and I'm looking forward to trying this. I'm going to see if my cat likes it, too.

Tonight I had steak with caramelised onions & tomato sauce on toast, and a Father O'Leary's Irish Creme with milk. My final red meat and alcohol! It feels kind of strange, but really good at the same time.

My husband is reading the notes I made when reading the e-books by Angela Stokes and is preparing himself for the changes to our shopping.

Slow and steady wins the race!

Gypsy Queen

Chewing my juice

Weird title, I know. But it really works! Today I tried "chewing" my carrot and orange juice instead of just swallowing it, and it changed the taste. Very interesting. I also discovered that my saliva "ran out" before I finished, so am going to start adding celery to hydrate my poor body.

It is fun learning all these little things, and I'm looking forward to putting them into practice.

Gypsy Queen

The first day of my new life

This is a photo of me taken today: 18th May, 2008. I weigh 94.3kg :-( I didn't weigh this much when I was nine months pregnant with my children!

Enough is enough, and I'm being pro-active in my health care. Having fibromyalgia and then having my L1 vertebra fractured as a result of a car accident (1st Feb, 2008) has NOT been beneficial to my health!

Good news is that hydrotherapy and physiotherapy are both going well and my back is healing very well. Now that I'm able to do gentle exercise my metabolism should pick up.

I've been doing research about a raw food lifestyle and highly recommend the e-books written by Angela Stokes. Her story is a very inspiring one, to say the least. I've read three of the four books (last one is recipes) and have started writing notes in an exercise book as a quick reference.

I aim to blog here at least weekly, so keep your eye out for updates.

Gypsy Queen