Rawpower

      by Michelle Ovens, Naturopath

Shedding the kilos is easy when you avoid these weight loss traps. 

As a society, we are obsessed with dieting. We are fed so many conflicting messages on how to stay slim, trim and terrific, we are inundated with images of stunning Hollywood celebrities in all their finery, and the latest health crazes just keep getting crazier!

But the secret to maintaining a healthy body weight does not lie in food deprivation or fly by night fads. In 2007, researchers at the University of California examined 31 weight loss studies and found that dieting doesn’t result in permanent weight loss and many dieters regain the kilos they shed. So what is the answer?

Eating healthy, fresh, seasonal foods in moderation, get lots of fresh air, exercise to your body type and get some good nourishing sleep. Make this a way of life – not just a short lived diet strategy and steer clear of the most common weight loss landmines.

Trap 1: Dieting

Fat free, calorie restriction, zero carb, cabbage diet, water fast – how do all these sound? Pretty tortuous don’t they. And for good reason too. Most are based in illogic. These are rigid, hard to maintain – both mentally and physically for long periods of time. This is one of the root causes of yo-yo dieting. Also, yo-yo dieting has been linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and compromised immunity. [1]

Instead, make eating well a lifetime goal, not just something you do for a month or so every year. Learn to read the labels at the grocery store. Additive Alert by Julie Eady is full of vital information. You will also be surprised at how much sugar is hidden in foods to make them more palatable!

Regularly shop at your local farmers market or organic market. When your fridge is full of healthy food, you will want to eat more healthy food.

Trap 2: Skipping Your Greens

We’ve all heard it before – eat your vegetables. Current research being conducted (studies not yet released) suggests a minimum of 10 cups of vegetables per day though the current daily Australian guidelines suggest 2 fruit and 5 vegetable serves per day.

Green vegetables are the ones that are the most lacking in our diets. These are key building blocks for successful weight loss, giving strength and energy while helping to shed excess weight. A 2007 study supported by the National Institute of Health discovered that people who eat more water rich foods like vegetables, reduce their ‘dietary energy density’ and lose a third more weight after six months than those who only decrease their fat intake.

Trap 3: Skipping Meals

You woke up late and skipped breakfast and missed lunch to finish that deadline. By 3pm, you’re ravenous and grab a chocolate bar from the vending machine with a coffee to tide you over before stopping for a gluten free vegetarian pizza on the way home. Been there, done that. Whether you’re late, lazy or just trying to shave calories from your bottom line, skipping meals is a bad idea. It leaves you more vulnerable to overeating. As for the weekends, this is the time we are prone to binge eating. A study published in the Autumn 2009 journal or Public Policy & Marketing found people consume on average of 37 more calories per meal on weekends and for those who overeat at all six meals, could push that out to 400 extra calories!

People worry that if they eat regularly, they will gain more weight yet that is often incorrect. By scheduling and planning healthy meals and snacks, you will always be filled on the finest nutrition.

Trap 4: Diuretics

The use of diuretics will only result in water and fluid weight loss, not fat loss, the ultimate aim of any weight loss program. Diuretics have the potential to cause severe electrolyte imbalances, low blood pressure and dehydration. Long term diuretic use often results in the body’s ability to remove excess water being impaired and the person will end up storing more water instead.

Foods such as cucumber and celery are natural diuretics filled with life giving potassium. Next time you feel a bit bloated, reach for a glass of celery and cucumber juice or nettle tea and feed your cells instead.

Trap 5: Not Asking For Help

Have a support group around you. An accountability partner is fabulous for helping to keep you on track and focussed on your end goal – long term health and vitality. It is hard enough in this life trying to have a successful career and family life without having to be superwoman or superman when it comes to health and nutrition. Find yourself a health coach or join a health membership program. It is worth it for the support and knowledge you will gain

References

[1] CNN: How Crash Diets Harm Your Health

CDC: U.S. Obesity Trends

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): Overweight and Obesity Statistics

Life Clinic: Yo-Yo Dieting Tugs on Your Heart's Strings

RECIPE

Chocolate Raspberry "Ice-cream"

- 1 cup of frozen raspberries (mixed berries would also be lovely)
- 1 avocado
- 1 handful of baby spinach leaves
- 2 tablespoons (or more) of raw cacao powder 

- 1 tablespoon lucuma powder
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla powder
- Coconut nectar to sweeten

- water as needed if the ice cream gets too thick

Blend all ingredients together until it forms a thick, smooth ice cream consistency. If you don’t have a high powered blender like a Vitamix or Vitacrush, you might want to add more water. Or try blending in parts

      by Michelle Ovens, Naturopath

Everyone knows the word Superfoods. And everyone is aware of some of the more popular items such as acai, spirulina, cacao, chlorella and other well known products. Those are all valid and important superfoods, yet there are many others that have just as many amazing health benefits that are not talked about in magazines or mainstream media that I feel are just as important to our health.

These are my top 5 health ‘powerhouses’ that I love to use in my clinic. I use them with men, women, children and even animals. Having lived on a 2,000 acre farm in a rural setting, I’ve helped all kinds of animals in the area: dogs, cats, horses, cows, even alpacas.

It really is worth giving these nutrients a try. Experiment with them in your foods, your smoothies, your raw puddings, raw ‘ice creams’, salads, on your kale chips, or other dehydrated foods, dips and more. They are so versatile and only limited by your imagination. For more ideas, remember to pop over to our Facebook page as we regularly post up meal ideas, nutritional information and more.

Bee Pollen

Bee pollen is the most complete superfood found in nature. It contains all 22 essential amino acids.

One little known fact about bee pollen is that it has high antioxidant levels that help increase longevity by neutralising free radicals.

For women who are looking to either increase their fertility or optimise their hormones would benefit from consuming bee pollen.

Bee pollen is amazing at building up the stress defence shield and increasing longevity in humans and animals. The most famous record of bee pollen use in animals demonstrating enhanced longevity is with Bluey the cattle dog who lived to 29 years of age. This was reportedly due to the fact that Bluey regularly consumed wild harvested organic honey and bee pollen. If it works in our animals friends, it certainly works for us humans.

Bee pollen is a source of 18 vitamins, including nearly all the B vitamins (except B12), C, D, E, rutin, carotene, beta carotene, lecithin/choline, the 22 essential amino acids, 14 fatty acids, 11 carbohydrates, RNA & DNA, a plant hormone similar to the human pituitary called gonadotropin and there is still more being discovered!

Pollen contains up to 11 major enzymes such as diatase, phosphatase and transferase, high amounts of catalase, amylase and pectase – all of which aid in digestion. Just 130mg of bee pollen can assist in the digestion of 1.5kg of food.

According to research by doctors in France, Italy and USSR, pollen is one of the richest sources of bio-available protein in nature being approximately 25% protein.

Always start off slowly with the smallest amount of bee pollen and build up your use.

Warning: on first trying pollen, some people and animals may occasionally experience minor gastro-intestinal irritation and a laxative effect due to the richness of the product. Please cut back use of the pollen, and if need be, cease for a few days and then try again. IF symptoms persist, it may indicate an allergy to bee pollen.

Another potential yet RARE allergic reaction can involve swelling, heart palpitations, and minor to moderate difficulty in breathing. For those who are new to using bee pollen, it is wise to start out with a SMALL dosage – about 1/8 of a teaspoon and work up from there.

Lucuma

Lucuma is an under-used superfood. It is especially abundant in beta-carotene, niacin and iron with significant amounts of calcium and phosphorus.

The beauty of lucuma is its versatility. I love to use it in combination with mesquite to create a divine maple like caramel flavouring in my smoothies, raw ‘ice creams’ and raw chia puddings. It is naturally sweet, often used as a sweetener.

The State University of New Jersey reported a study that evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of lucuma extract on wound healing and skin aging. Results of the trial determined that lucuma significantly increased wound closure and promoted tissue regeneration. The report of the study concluded that lucuma may have anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and skin-repair effects on human skin.

Read more

Mesquite

Mesquite has been used safely by diabetics as it has a low glycemic indext of 25. Because its sugar is in the form of fructose, which does not require insulin for metabolism, mesquite helps maintain a constant blood sugar level for a sustained period of time.

Some of my clients have used mesquite in breads, biscuits, pie crusts, and other raw or baked goods. I’ve even had some report using it in coffee and tea to provide a delicious molasses caramel like flavour.

Mesquite is rich in Lysine, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Iron, Zinc

Maqui Berry

Maqui berry (pronounced mock-ee)  is a relatively new superfood to the Western World though it has been consumed by the Chileans for thousands of years.

There is limited but continued research showing enormous potential in many areas of health such as an anti oxidant, in cancer prevention, diabetes, as an anti inflammatory, anti bacterial, in heart health and even in weight loss.

Maqui berry has been reported to increase metabolism. To keep you energized and going, you will need something to keep you up with all your activities. Maqui berry can help in boosting the energy levels of a person to help them become physically active.

You can find maqui in Raw Power's own Berry Ultimate Antioxidant Blend [Ed.: receive a 100g sample of the Berry Ultimate with every purchase over $300] and Merry Berry Blend.

Barley Grass

Most people are familiar with Wheat Grass powder, chlorella or chlorophyll and often overlook barely grass powder. Barley grass is an intensely enzyme rich live food with naturally occurring co-factors and synergistic compounds. It’s a life giving whole food containing hundreds of nutrients with more being discovered constantly.

Nutrients such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, beta carotene, phosphorus, vitamins B1, B2, B5 and B6, Vitamin C, folic acid.

Barely grass is very high in organic sodium which dissolves calcium deposits on the joints. It also replenishes organic sodium in the lining of the stomach. This is valuable because it aids digestion by improving the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. When you have the correct ratio of hydrochloric acid, heart burn disappears.

Barley grass contains 18 amino acids, of which it contains the 8 essential amino acids. It is also extremely alkaline. A body that is alkaline has a greater resistance to disease.

RECIPE

Maqui Hummus

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp Maqui Berry Powder
• 1 cup chickpeas soaked overnight
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 1 tbsp unhulled tahini paste
• 1 lemon, squeezed
• ¼ cup cold water
• Pink Himilayan Salt to taste 
• Organic cold pressed Apricot kernal Oil or cold pressed avocado oil for garnish

Place all ingredients in blender or food processor – blend until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and sprinkle apricot kernal/avocado oil on top. Dip veggies and enjoy!

Try adding some lucuma and mesquite to your smoothies with some frozen bananas, some cold pressed avocado oil and or cold pressed virgin coconut oil, a cup of mixed berries (frozen is fine), a dash of coconut nectar and the flesh & water of one young drinking coconut

EVENT - Brisbane, Gold Coast & Canberra

Dr Gabriel Cousens 'Enduring, Radiant Health'

Gabriel Cousens, MD, at 70 years, is the picture of enduring, radiant health.

He has cultivated his health through a lifestyle he now shares with audiences around the world.

This is a lifestyle inclusive of organic, plant-source foods in their live, natural state. It is a lifestyle that includes regular prana-building exercise (yoga, qigong), service and charity, spiritual inspiration, meditation, and shaktipat (energetic transmission from a liberated teacher).

Listen as Dr. Cousens shares his wise perspectives on how to integrate these components into a holistic lifestyle for a length of days full of vitality and joy.

"Enduring, Radiant Health" offers gentle instruction of how we can be like the biblical Moses, who, when he passed on at 120, "his eyes had not dimmed, and his natural powers had not left him".

• Brisbane: Wednesday March 13th 6:30pm
  • Tickets: www.lotusholisticmedicine.com.au/events or 07 5313 3577
• Gold Coast:Thursday March 14th 7pm
  
  • Tickets: www.lifechangingevents.net.au/wp/current-events/ or
    
• Canberra: Monday March 18th 6:30pm
  • Tickets: 02 6295 6700 or stella.ashton@principlesofhealth.com.au
    

      by Michelle Ovens, Naturopath

I was inspired by the book written by Marci Shimoff, who appeared in the world wide phenomenon movie The Secret. Being an NLP Trainer and Hypnotist as well as a Naturopath, I would often find clients expressing a deep sadness or unfulfillment within themselves. They often expressed this as:

• I just feel that there is something missing inside me
• I don’t feel like I’m living my passion
• I know there is more to life than what I have
• Or the great big one: is this all there is to life?

I discovered that by incorporating certain foods and supplements with a few psychological shifts, specific mental exercises, some  belief changes and adding in specific exercise suited to the individual, there were massive increases in the natural happiness of people.

It has been theorised by Dr David Lykken, a scientist at the University of Minnesota USA, that our happiness set points (from the perspective of how much is nature and how much is nuture), that approximately 50% of our set point is genetic and 50% is learned! The latter is determined by your thoughts, feelings and beliefs formed in response to your life’s experiences. Further to this original study, 3 psychology researchers Sonja Lyubomirsky, Kennon Sheldon and David Schkade discovered that the 50% learned happiness is broken down further into a 10% which is determined by circumstances (such as wealth, marital status, job) and the remaining 40% being determined by our habitual thoughts, feelings, words and actions! This is fantastic news as this means it is within our control! We all have the power to reprogram our own happiness set points to a higher level of peace and well being!

There are multitudes of personal development courses, workshops, seminars, retreats, books, DVD’s, CD’s, downloads and more that can teach you to teach yourself tools, techniques and strategies to increase your happiness. Even I have my own set of programs and seminars that I have designed.

Yet, one thing that many of these miss out on, is the nutrition component. By using specific foods and nutrients, you can enhance the effect of all these programs. So many therapists and practitioners forget that the body is a whole – mind, body and spirit. They are all one. They cannot be separated. You need one to facilitate optimum functioning of the other.

I have included a small list of everyday foods that you can access to increase your happiness set point and listed some of the reasons why they work

I’m not talking about milk chocolate or confection chocolate that exists in supermarkets & grocery stores. Quality raw organic dark chocolate contains amazing compounds such as Anandamide, which literally means “internal bliss,” is a lipid that binds to and activates cannabinoid receptors within the brain, mimicking the psychoactive effects of cannabinoid drugs, such as heightened sensitivity and euphoria.

Another group of compounds found in chocolate are the biogenic amines, most notably tyramine and phenyl-ethylamine (PEA). Biogenic amines are naturally occurring, biologically active compounds that act primarily as neurotransmitters and are capable of affecting mental functioning and regulating several bodily processes such as blood pressure and body temperature.

PEA occurs naturally as a neurotransmitter in the brain and is thought to stimulate the nervous system and produce feelings such as those experienced when a person is “in love.” For that reason, PEA has been touted as the “love drug” and has been credited for chocolate’s aphrodisiac properties.

Chocolate contains approximately 50% fat and close to 50% carbohydrate; this combination of nutrients results in a powerful effect whereby all brain chemicals (specifically serotonin, dopamine, and opiate peptides) are positioned at optimal levels for positive mood and euphoric feelings.

2. Silverbeet

Silverbeet is often overlooked yet it contains a bucketload of magnesium. Magnesium is used in scores of enzyme and biochemical processes within the body. A study in 2009 in the “Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry” discovered that lower magnesium levels were associated with higher depression scores.

3. Asparagus

You will find me often singing the praises of this versatile vegetable. It happens to be one of my most favoured vegetables as it is so incredibly nutritious. Asparagus has high levels of folate and tryptophan. Low levels of folate have been linked to depression in half of all cases of depression, according to recent research. Tryptophan is also used by the brain to make serotonin, which is one of the human brain’s main mood-stabilizing neurotransmitters.

Some people complain is makes their urine smell. The best way to avoid this is to ensure you are hydrated sufficiently before hand. You can also try to drink a couple cups of nettle tea a day to detox and cleanse the body.

4. Raw Organic Honey

Honey contains kaempferol and quercetin, which helps to prevent depression (and keep your brain healthy) by reducing inflammation in the brain. It also won’t send your body into “fat-storage” mode, like regular sugar can, by having less of an impact on blood-sugar levels.

5. Coconuts!

Coconuts are another favourite food of mine. They are extremely versatile and nutritious. Look for young green drinking coconuts that you can also utilise the flesh for. Drink the water it contains and eat the flesh. Coconuts contain medium chain triglycerides. Medium-chain triglycerides are special fats that fuel better moods and promote general brain-health.

SUPPLEMENTS:

Being a Naturopath, I find that many of my clients cannot get the nutrients they require for optimal functioning from food alone. These are some of the nutrients/supplements I often recommend in my clinic (most are Practitioner only products and you won’t find them on health food store shelves – you need to ask a Certified Health Practitioner).

1. 5 HTP (Practitioner Product)

The nutrient 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan, is a precursor to serotonin that may help support mood. It is also on the pathway of melatonin so those who cannot take melatonin, 5 HTP is perfect. It also helps you sleep peacefully at night.

2. SAMe

All living things contain SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine). The body makes SAM-e from the amino acid methionine. However, you may not be able to obtain sufficient methionine levels simply by ingesting food. In addition, because of age or other factors, levels of SAM-e can fluctuate or decline.

Supplementation with SAM-e is the easiest way to increase intake. SAM-e is involved in over 35 biochemical reactions involving enzymatic transmethylation.** (The methylation process is the mechanism by which the body rids itself of potentially damaging compounds, synthesizes neurotransmitters, makes components of cartilage, regulates enzyme activity within the cell and maintains the flexibility of cell membranes.)**

Science has been looking into this remarkable supplement and time after time clinical studies have drawn the same conclusions, SAM-e:
• Promotes healthy joint function and comfort**
• Boosts mood and emotional well-being**

3. Cognisense (Orthoplex)

Orthoplex Cognisense has been specifically formulated to promote and maintain the functional integrity of the neural tissue and to support general brain structure and functioning including stress response, memory, cognition and neurotransmitter function.

Cognisense may be beneficial in a multitude of situations. From simply maintaining optimal mental health to supporting brain function in a range of areas from children’s learning and behaviour, to stress, anxiety and depression and neurodegenerative conditions in the elderly.

4. Glutamine (Optimal Control)

Glutamine is one of the principle fuels for the brain cells. It stimulates mental alertness, improves intelligence, normalizes physical equilibrium, detoxifies ammonia from the brain, improves and soothes erratic behaviour in elderly patients, improves the ability to learn, aids in retaining and recall in memory, helps with behavioural problems and autism in children, stops sugar and alcohol cravings, may improve IQ in mentally- deficient children, enhances peptic ulcer healing, and may be used to treat schizophrenia and senility.

Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid found in the muscles of the body. Because it can readily pass the blood-brain barrier, it is known as brain fuel. In the brain, glutamine is converted into glutamic acid—which is essential for cerebral function—and vice versa. It also increases the amount of Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), which is needed to sustain proper brain function and mental activity. It assists in maintaining the proper acid/alkaline balance in the body and is the basis of the building blocks for the synthesis of RNA and DNA. It promotes mental ability and the maintenance of a healthy digestive tract.

5. Alpha GPC (Optimal Control)

Clinical Research in humans and animals has demonstrated that GPC (l-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine) helps support higher brain function, mental acuity, and the release of human growth hormone. GPC is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and the membrane constituent phosphatidylcholine. Research suggests that it is more bioavailable than other forms of choline for the maintenance of learning and memory.

6. Bioactivated B Complex (Dr Vera’s)

B group Vitamins may help with depression, reducing fatigue, reducing alcohol cravings, reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack. Activated B Complex is a superior high potency mix of B group vitamins. It contains the active forms of vitamins B2, B3, B6 and folic acid making it one of the most advanced B group vitamins on the market today.

The benefit of activated B group vitamins is that you don’t have to rely on your liver to convert the inactive forms of B group vitamins into their active form. This is beneficial for people suffering from a sluggish liver or liver disease. Activated B group vitamins also have the ability to bypass any metabolic abnormalities that may contribute to low cellular levels of B group vitamins.

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Adrenal gland support
• Liver detoxification
• General wellbeing
• Stamina and endurance
• B Vitamin deficiency states

The active ingredients in Dr Vera's Pure Innovation Activated B Complex, when professionally prescribed, may assist patients suffering from specific health conditions. 

7. Salmon Oil (Herbs of Gold)

Natural Salmon Oil is a natural source of the long chain Omega-3 marine essential fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA play an integral role in many of the body's metabolic functions and are also an important component of cellular membranes.

8. Theanine (Strictly Practitioner Only)

Theanine is a miracle in a capsule. I use it for times of stress, anxiety, nervousness, tension, inability to sleep and in most of my clients on the Autism Spectrum.

Theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid often found in green tea.

L-theanine’s effect on the brain can be visualized on an EEG. Brain waves are actually smoothed out—but not flattened out—by supplemental L-theanine.16 The body is relaxed, the mind is calmed, but no drowsiness occurs.5 This is exactly the type of relaxation prescribed by sleep therapists. The person seeking help will be asked to listen to music or engage in a similarly relaxing activity immediately before retiring. Studies show that pre-sleep relaxation is very effective against insomnia, even in tough cases.*

Falling asleep is one thing; staying asleep and getting quality sleep is another. Researchers in Japan gave volunteers 200 mg of L-theanine daily and recorded their sleep patterns on devices worn around their wrists. The L-theanine didn’t cause the subjects to sleep longer, but it did cause them to sleep better. It was documented that sleep quality, recovery from exhaustion, and refreshed feelings were all enhanced by L-theanine. Those taking L-theanine felt like they slept longer than they actually did. This is good news for people who don’t get enough sleep, or those who want to sleep less and do more.*

One of the other effects of the tea ceremony is that it leaves people in a better mood. Knowing that L-theanine can cross the blood-brain barrier and positively affect brain chemistry, scientists investigated its mood-modulating effects. The results of those studies have led to L-theanine being patented as a mood enhancer. How it works is not completely understood, but one thing researchers have discovered is that L-theanine changes levels of amino acids affecting serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain.*

Theanine helps balance brain chemistry especially those associated with stress.

* http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2006/jan2006_report_theanine_01.htm

Being happy for no reason is a goal most of us wish to attain. It can be done and it does take some work, personal commitment and continued practise. The only person you ‘need’ to do it for is yourself.

RECIPE

Raw Chocolate ‘Ice Cream”

• 1-2 young coconuts flesh and water separated
• 4 tbsp raw cacao powder
• 1 tbsp lucuma powder
• 2 cups raw cashews soaked and drained
• Raw Dark unfiltered agave to taste

Blend the raw soaked and drained cashews with the coconut flesh until it is a paste. Add in the raw cacao powder, the lucuma powder and the agave. Give another quick blend until well mixed. If the ‘ice cream’ is too thick, add in coconut water as desired and portion off into small containers in the freezer until needed.

REMEMBER: HOLIDAY CLOSING TIMES

Our last shipment before Christmas will be on the morning of Thursday December 20th so get your orders in before then! Our office will then be closed for the holidays with shipping recommencing on Monday January 7th.

CHRISTMAS CHOCOLATE EBOOK

Third time lucky! The past two newsletters have either had an incorrect or broken link to this great eBook. Apologies to readers (and Pamela). Get heaps of fantastic Christmas raw chocolate recipes with Pamela Vinton's Amazing Guilt-free Chocolate ebooks. Over 80 amazing recipes. Find out more here >>>

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL OFFERS

	CHOCOLATE COCONUT MACAROONS ON SPECIAL - while stocks last 6pack for $10 (was $12) 12pack for $20 (was $24)
	VITAMIX BONUS Get a free 1L Green Smoothie Bottle and a Free Vitamix Spatula with every Vitamix Standard or Super Package.
	PROGURT BONUS One free 100ml Magnease with every Progurt sachet purchase.
	Buy one David Wolfe Raw Omega-3+ Astaxanthin 60 caps and one Ocean's Alive Marine Phytoplankton and get one Estroblock 60 caps for fr.ee! Click here and add this bundle to your shopping cart.
	KUVINGS BONUS Buy a Kuvings Silent Juicer and get a Kuvings 6.7" Ceramic Knife (value $69) and Kuvings/NUC Antibacterial Chopping Board (value $39) as your fr.ee bonus.
	KITZ SPECIAL 10% off all Kitz Crackers and Chunks.

GIFT WRAPPING  

We are offering free gift wrapping for the following great gifts:

• Spirooli
• Spiralizer
• Fill2Pure Stainless Steel 800ml Water Bottle

Just select this free option when adding it to your cart.

 

Base

• 1T raw cacao powder
• 4 large medjool dates. pits removed
• 1/8t sea salt
• 1/2C raw almond meal

Banana Caramel "Cream"

• 1C raw cashews soaked for at least 2 hours, then drained
• 12 large medjool dates, pits removed
• 2T raw lucuma powder
• 1/2t sea salt
• 3t lemon juice
• 1/3C coconut oil (liquid)
• 2 very ripe bananas
• 1 vanilla bean, scraped of it's seeds, or 1tsp pure vanilla extract
• 4T agave syrup

1. Pulse the base ingredients together in a food processor until a soft crumb is formed.  Push into a non stick spring form cheesecake pan... compacting down firmly.  Place in the fridge.
2. In a food processor or high speed blender like a Vita Mix, whizz together the "Cream" scraping down the sides as necessary.  Mix until super smooth.
3. Pour on top of base, and place in the freezer for about 4 hours.
4. Transfer to the fridge to soften slightly before serving.
5. Garnish with raw cacao nibs/greated raw chocolate or sliced banana and a sprinkling of raw cacao powder.

I received my first box of goodies to review on Tuesday and have been munching my way through them since then. Included were five Righteously Raw cacao bars, the Berry Power Trail Mix and the Mild Baby Wash and Shampoo (which Bodhi our 6 month old baby will be trialing)

Lets begin with the Righteously Raw Cacao Bars. I have noticed that up until now the raw chocolates being offered in Australia were pretty straightforward and nothing too fancy. They were delicious, but not really gourmet. I wondered when a more sophisticated, soft centered raw chocolate would appear on the market. I even considered making them myself, but I am way too busy! The Righteously Raw Cacao Bars fill this niche perfectly.

I first tried the Lucuma Caramel Cacao Bar and was immediately impressed by the smooth texture of the chocolate and the soft lucuma/caramel centre. If you are expecting the sickly sweet taste of conventional caramel chocolates, this bar is not for you. The caramel/lucuma flavor is subtle and not at all too sweet which I prefer.

Next I opened the Maca Cacao Bar. Like all the Righteously Raw Cacao Bars it has a soft centre. This time filled with maca powder, mesquite and date. When I took a bite the predominant flavour (apart from the cacao) was delicious maca powder with a hint of salt. Yum! I really enjoyed this one.

The Acai Cacao Bar was next. The subtle flavour of Acai berry enhanced the taste of the creamy smooth rich cacao.  Again a very good bar, packed full of antioxidants.

The Goji Caco Bar did not disappoint. The creamy centre has crunchy Goji seeds through it and this was my second favourite of the 5 bars.

My #1 favourite, however, was the Rose Maqui Cacao Bar. With Rose hips, Maqui Berry Powder, Red beet powder to name a few, it tasted exotically and delicious and is packed with great medicinal plants. You can have your chocolate and eat it too!

If you are looking for a different raw chocolate experience I recommend giving the Righteously Raw Bars a go. Try one of each and decide for yourself.

I also enjoyed the new Berry Trail Mix. I always thought Raw Power should offer a trail mix but I didn’t get around to making it when I was running the show. The mix Valerie has developed has an excellent balance of raw cashews and pepitas (pumpkin seeds) providing energy, good fats, zinc and tryptophan and the Inca Berries and Goji Berries giving it an antioxidant zing.  A perfect healthy addition for kids lunches, hiking trips or a quick healthy snack.

One other product I found particularly good was the 600ml Shaker Bottle with ball whisk. Runi was using the blender and I wanted to make a quick Sunwarrior protein shake so I grabbed the Shaker Bottle put in 2 scoops of Sunwarrior with some coconut water and gave it a good shake. To may amazement the result was a very smooth and drinkable shake. Now when I am making shakes using just  powders i.e. Sunwarrior, spirulina, maca etc., I more often than not choose the Shaker Bottle as it is so quick to make a shake and easy to clean. It would be ideal for travelling too.

I will let you know how Bodhi goes with the Mild Baby Wash and Shampoo in another newsletter.

Stay well

Anand