New Utah Raw Foods Support Group! JOIN NOW!!

I have received alot of phone calls lately about putting together a raw foods support groups for Utah so I finally did. Here is the link to join: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/utahrawfoodssupport/

This group has been up and going for awhile now and we have some AWESOME people really helping each other. It has been an honor for me to be a part of something so intimate in so many people's lives. I have already learned so many insights and ideas from others experiences.

As you join, please read the description about the group and feel free, when ready to do so, to introduce yourself. We will all be very excited to have someone new as part of our little group. I would like us all to get to know each other better and really help each other through our process of incorporating healthier lifestyle changes. Please, email with any questions or concerns you may have about joining. I would love to answer any.

Here is an INSPIRING quote from a good friend of mine who has chosen incorporate a raw foods lifestyle. She is part of our AMAZING yahoo group, along with so many others, who have been feeling the safety and kinship of sharing their transitioning experiences with each other. I just wanted to share it with all those who jump onto my website in the hopes that it will inspire you, the same way it inspired me.

"I think we've all made a decision to start on a path that moves forward and if raw does nothing else, I think it forces you to live more consciously and deliberately. I think about why we all came to earth, why we're even here and why we bother to continue breathing in and out each day, and it just makes me think, this is why we are here--to fight it out and to show what we are made of, that no matter what happens to us in this life, we will remain hopeful and we will keep moving forward. These experiences that we're having are what are helping us to fulfill the measure of our creation. These things are what are molding us in to the women and men of character who we so much want to become. So to each of us wherever we are on our path, hooray for us and hooray for God. I have a friend who says, "God is good. Snaps to God," and that is exactly how I feel. Snaps to God. He really does know what He's doing. And I love that each of us is trying to do his or her part too."

~Danielle Palmer

What Do We Eat?

Many people ask where I do my shopping to get the best deals on produce and other healthy items. My secret is to shop multiple locations. Also, I always make sure to check the weekly ads that come in the mail. This tells me which stores have the BEST deals. Most of the items I buy is produce that is in SEASON. Remember, if it is in season it is most likely cheaper than other produce and will taste better.

I usually do my shopping on Saturdays and in response to the many inquiries I've decided to inform you of which stores I shop at and what items I might get at each. Some of this changes, so keep posted as I find new items and stores to shop at. If I find any screamin' deals, I will make sure to pass them on to you. Happy shopping!

Costco is where I do my main shopping. This is the easiest. There prices are usually the cheapest or one of the cheapest. Costco is great because they are starting to get more and more organic items. I read an article which stated that they plan on doing mostly organic. Make sure your voice is heard and let the managers of any store know you are interested in organic food.

Good Earth is the next. I get most of my organic items here. I also buy the odds and ends that I can't get in just regular grocery stores.

Ream's is usually where I buy items that I couldn't get at either of the previous 2 stores. I buy my cases of oranges here. You can also purchase them at Macey's.

Chao's is an oriental store on University Ave. just north of Center Street in Provo. I really LOVE this store. This is where I get my seaweed which my children eat by the bagful. It is called "dried laver". I also purchase my basil, coconuts and oriental veges here. She has pretty good prices on a lot of items you can't get elsewhere.

The Asian Market which is on 300 South and 300 East in Provo. It is next to the Thai restaurant. I just recently found out she has DURIANS!! My favorite food in the whole wide world. She also has a lot of the items that Chao's has. I buy mint, coconuts and cashews from her. Yum!! When you go in make sure you tell her that Rachel sent ya!

Lastly, Azure Standard Co-op! I just love being part of this because I can get so many things for cheaper. Plus, I can get my organic items in bulk like raisins, dates, tortillas and sprouted bread for my family. They have LOTS of other things I get too. Make sure you check it out. It's a GREAT way to save money when shopping has become more expensive because of dietary changes.

Now that it is summer, I will do a lot of my shopping at the local farmers market. I will try to keep this updated as to what deals I might find at what stand. My family lives MOSTLY on fruit and greens in the summer.

Here is a list of the foods we usually buy every week. It varies as foods come in and out of season. Whatever is in season we buy the most of and eat EVERYDAY!!

Raw Items:

• Lots and Lots of organic greens. We probably go through 20 to 25 lbs. Of greens a week
• Mangos
• 2 cases of Bananas. We go through about 80 lbs.or more of bananas a week.
• Celery
• carrots
• Zucchini
• Chinese Eggplant
• Basil
• Mint
• 1 case of Coconuts
• 3 fifty sheet bags of seaweed
• 1 case of oranges. We usually buy a case of whatever citrus is in season.
• 20 lbs. of apples
• durians
• pine nuts
• almonds
• pecans
• walnuts
• cashews
• frozen fruit-mangos, blueberries, papaya, pineapple, and melon
• frozen veggies-corn, green beans, peas and veggie mix
• Olive oil
• Spices--these I buy in bulk through the co-op
• Dates
• Raisins
• Sunflower Greens
• Garlic
• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Red Bell Peppers
• Dried coconut
• Sweet Potatoes or Yams
• Avocados
• Cilantro

Usually whatever fruits and veggies are on sale is what I will buy most of during that week. Like lately melons have been on sale and my family LOVES them so that's what we have bought ALOT of.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

My Story: Why Raw?

Raw food has saved my life more than once. Whether it was curing my Hasimoto's throidistis or pulling me through when I was in the intensive care unit, it is something I will NEVER give up. Raw and living foods have changed me more than I ever imagined. Along with the physical ailments it has cured, the awakening that has taken place in my life began as I committed myself to 100% raw food diet. Cleaning my internal temple aided in clearing my head and my heart. I became "in tune" with who I was and what God expected of me while in this life. The transformation and progression that has and still is taking place is the sole reason "why" I eat raw food. I believe it can serve others the same way it has me. That is why I LOVE to share it with the world.

Before and After Pictures

Before:

Now:

Nutritional Counseling

I LOVE to spend time with people. It is my FAVORITE pastime. To teach someone their own power of creativity and empowerment over themselves and their lives is MAGNIFICENT. I feel honored that anyone would trust my opinion to aid in what changes they might be making in their lives. I am grateful to be blessed with some knowledge to be able to help in anyway I can. I am a certified nutritional herbologist. I have educated myself by reading the course work offered through Dr. Christopher's School of Natural Healing. This, along with dozens of nutrition books, is where I have received the education I have. With this information and through my personal experiences, I hope I can help wherever and whenever I might be needed. I do not have a set price that I charge for nutritional counseling, I only ask for donations.

Energy Work

Science has now proven that we are all energy. Einstein showed this truth with his mathematical equation of E=MC². Through our unique system of charkas, our energy is in constant motion. This aids in homeostasis. When energy becomes stagnant, homeostasis cannot take place. Our own bodies and souls are EXCELLENT healers, and when we give them the tools amazing miracles take place. Energy work is just one of the tools to bring about MIRACLES!

Co-Op Questions

Often times people ask me about the co-op I belong to. It is called Azure Standard and anyone intersted in joining can contact Charlene Stott at 785-0943.

The benefits include getting organic food for a wholesale price.

Here is a link if you want to view the kinds of products that are offered, but again, contact Charlene if you want to join up.

Transitioning Tips

Educating yourself will be one of the best things you can do to stay focused. A good goal for me was trying to read a book a week. Be prayerful as you decide what books to read. Utilize the internet. It is the most inexpensive way to learn! I love it! Here are a few guidelines to help you along the way:

Sugar: This is the first thing I cut out and I believe the most important. You will stop some strong food cravings just by doing so. Read Sugar Blues, by William Dufty and any other book that can teach you about the addictive qualities of sugar. Replace sugar with honey, xylitol, agave nectar, or maple syrup.

Whites: These include rice, breads, tortillas and pastas. Transition these with 100% whole wheat products. With bread, make sure it is honey whole wheat. As time passes, you can make another transition moving into sprouted grains. Once again, read books discussing the side effects of processed foods. A good book is Beating the Food Giants, by Paul A. Stitt.

Pasteurized Dairy Products: Extremely mucus forming! The book called Milk The Deadly Poison, by Robert Cohen tells of what effects it has on the body. Replace pasteurized milk products with unheated dairy or soy products. Lars Woolsey has state licensed unheated goat and cow milk. It is excellent. His number is: 362-6586

Avoidance of Meat: Try to cut out as much meat as possible. Read books on eating large amounts of meat and the negative effects it has on the body. There are studies that show that consuming large amounts of meat can cause cancer. Replace meat with steamed vegetables and squashes. A excellent book that discusses this is called The China Study, by T. Colin Campbell.

As you begin, eat at least a 50 percent raw food diet. That really is not difficult. Replace one meal a day with a large salad. While going through your transition, eliminated more and more cooked food from your diet and replace it with raw food. Also, read as many raw food books as you can (see some great recommendations on the right-hand column of this webpage). Search the internet - there are tons of recipes. Pay attention to how you are feeling. Be grateful for the abundant health and happiness you will be creating for yourself. Remember, this is FUN and EXCITING!!! Enjoy the ride.