Good morning! I hope this finds you all well and I hope that you had a beautiful weekend! As you would know I am on a RAW food journey at the moment due to health issues. I have been put in touch with many wonderful people along the way but this Mum has been the most encouraging, supportive and helpful answering my many questions that I have been confused about.
I am pleased when Sarah agreed to be interviewed by me to share her story and her passion….I hope you enjoy this….
Sarah “The Raw Food Mum”
Tell us a little bit about you and your family…
Im a raw food loving mum to a little girl Isabelle and Partner to Raw Foodie Hamish. I have been living a 100% Raw at some stages to 80% raw food lifestyle since 2009. I live on the Surf Coast of Victoria Australia with my family and I own and run The Raw Food Mum where I promote raw food for kids and mums, with a book coming out soon all on Raw Food Kids! Im calling it my go to raw food bible for mums who want to introduce raw nutrient dense foods for their kids the easy way!
Please tell us more about your business and what a typical workday looks like for you?
My typical day is being a mum to my little girl. I try to get to the beach as much as I can in my spare time. Im also preparing a lot of raw food which I also take pictures of and share them on a daily basis encouraging others that raw food can easily be incorporated into a child and family’s life. Im currently completing my ebook too. I also run a freelance graphic design business so I occasionally have some graphic design jobs as well! Im loving just being a mum to be honest!
How big a part does food play in your overall daily health?
Food plays a massive part in my overall health and the health of my family! We believe that by living a raw food lifestyle and eating Organic where possible this is our health insurance. A raw food diet encourages a alkaline body, an alkaline body helps fight disease and ill health. I also see numerous benefits of a raw food life style increase energy, weight loss etc.. I was diagnosed with fructose intolerance by the medical system years ago – my system was so compromised, I used to have stomach aches, bloating, headaches, lethargy, and the list goes on! So I had made a lot of food changes over time before I Meet Hamish who introduced me to raw, but when I went 100% raw It took me three months after going raw when all these symptoms had basically disappeared. I was glowing, I felt younger, healthier had more energy and I still do today.
What inspires you?
What is one piece of advice you could pass on to other Mums?
Throw out the microwave and replace it with a blender or juicer.
If you could have dinner with any 3 people in the world who would it be and why?
Gabriel Cousens – Leader in the Raw Food World movement, he has a very well researched outlook on raw food.
He is an amazing athlete and Im a big fan of surfing.Please tell us 3 fun facts about yourself….
RAW MUSELI BAR!
Buckwheat! Energizing and nutritious, buckwheat is available throughout the year and can be served as an alternative to rice or made into porridge for yummy breakfast cereals or you can make this yummy muesli bar for the kids school lunches!
So this is my The Raw Food Mums Muesli Bars….
Ingredients
- 2 Cups of buckwheat
- 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds
- 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
- 1/2 cup of shredded coconut
- 1 Cup of dates
- 1/2 cup of Sultanas
- 1 cup of blueberries
- 1/4 cup of agave or honey
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Method
- Soak Buckwheat for at least 20 mins.
- Place one cup of buckwheat into blender with dates, agave, and vanilla and blend until smooth. Then place the sunflower seeds remaining buckwheat and pulse just enough so that it is blended with texture but not smooth. You can also do this in a food processor.
- Place all remaining ingredients into a bowl and fold, mixing gently.
- Place mixture onto teflex sheet creating a rectangle.
- Place into dehydrator at 115c for 4 hours then mark into bars using a sharp knife.
- Dehydrate for another 12 – 16 hours or until nice and crunchy. You should be able to easily break away the bars where the knife marks were.
And most of all ENJOY!
I hope you love this recipe and I would love to hear from you!
Many Thanks, Sarah x
Website: www.therawfoodmum.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRawFoodMum
Instagram: http://instagram.com/therawfoodmum
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/TheRawFoodMum
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/therawfoodmum1
Thanks heaps Sarah for sharing your story and this recioe I can not wait to try it…after much consideration I decided to purchase a dehydrator and after a lot of research I went with the Excalibur 9 Tray with a timer….I purchased mine through Sarah and almost hugged the postman as it arrived today…..I can not wait to use it! Sarah has been so beautiful and kind to offer the same discount she gave me to YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
opening it up this morning….eeek so excited!
Buy a 9 tray Excalibur Dehydrator with timer for $499 plus postage ($15 within Australia) and enter the code cutoutcrap and get $60 off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
where do you put something this size….in the laundry! being OUT it will get used ALL the time!
How great is that…..would love to hear from you if you get one and what you make….or if you have one already and what your favourites are….I’m going to head out to the garden pick some Kale and get dehydrating….
Have a FANTASTIC day!
Take Care of You,
Collette x
The RAW food mum!
The RAW food mum!
Good morning! I hope this finds you all well and I hope that you had a beautiful weekend! As you would know I am on a RAW food journey at the moment due to health issues. I have been put in touch with many wonderful people along the way but this Mum has been the most encouraging, supportive and helpful answering my many questions that I have been confused about.
I am pleased when Sarah agreed to be interviewed by me to share her story and her passion….I hope you enjoy this….
Sarah “The Raw Food Mum”
Tell us a little bit about you and your family…
Im a raw food loving mum to a little girl Isabelle and Partner to Raw Foodie Hamish. I have been living a 100% Raw at some stages to 80% raw food lifestyle since 2009. I live on the Surf Coast of Victoria Australia with my family and I own and run The Raw Food Mum where I promote raw food for kids and mums, with a book coming out soon all on Raw Food Kids! Im calling it my go to raw food bible for mums who want to introduce raw nutrient dense foods for their kids the easy way!
Please tell us more about your business and what a typical workday looks like for you?
My typical day is being a mum to my little girl. I try to get to the beach as much as I can in my spare time. Im also preparing a lot of raw food which I also take pictures of and share them on a daily basis encouraging others that raw food can easily be incorporated into a child and family’s life. Im currently completing my ebook too. I also run a freelance graphic design business so I occasionally have some graphic design jobs as well! Im loving just being a mum to be honest!
How big a part does food play in your overall daily health?
Food plays a massive part in my overall health and the health of my family! We believe that by living a raw food lifestyle and eating Organic where possible this is our health insurance. A raw food diet encourages a alkaline body, an alkaline body helps fight disease and ill health. I also see numerous benefits of a raw food life style increase energy, weight loss etc.. I was diagnosed with fructose intolerance by the medical system years ago – my system was so compromised, I used to have stomach aches, bloating, headaches, lethargy, and the list goes on! So I had made a lot of food changes over time before I Meet Hamish who introduced me to raw, but when I went 100% raw It took me three months after going raw when all these symptoms had basically disappeared. I was glowing, I felt younger, healthier had more energy and I still do today.
What inspires you?
What is one piece of advice you could pass on to other Mums?
Throw out the microwave and replace it with a blender or juicer.
If you could have dinner with any 3 people in the world who would it be and why?
Gabriel Cousens – Leader in the Raw Food World movement, he has a very well researched outlook on raw food.
He is an amazing athlete and Im a big fan of surfing.Please tell us 3 fun facts about yourself….
RAW MUSELI BAR!
Buckwheat! Energizing and nutritious, buckwheat is available throughout the year and can be served as an alternative to rice or made into porridge for yummy breakfast cereals or you can make this yummy muesli bar for the kids school lunches!
So this is my The Raw Food Mums Muesli Bars….
Ingredients
- 2 Cups of buckwheat
- 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds
- 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
- 1/2 cup of shredded coconut
- 1 Cup of dates
- 1/2 cup of Sultanas
- 1 cup of blueberries
- 1/4 cup of agave or honey
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Method
- Soak Buckwheat for at least 20 mins.
- Place one cup of buckwheat into blender with dates, agave, and vanilla and blend until smooth. Then place the sunflower seeds remaining buckwheat and pulse just enough so that it is blended with texture but not smooth. You can also do this in a food processor.
- Place all remaining ingredients into a bowl and fold, mixing gently.
- Place mixture onto teflex sheet creating a rectangle.
- Place into dehydrator at 115c for 4 hours then mark into bars using a sharp knife.
- Dehydrate for another 12 – 16 hours or until nice and crunchy. You should be able to easily break away the bars where the knife marks were.
And most of all ENJOY!
I hope you love this recipe and I would love to hear from you!
Many Thanks, Sarah x
Website: www.therawfoodmum.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRawFoodMum
Instagram: http://instagram.com/therawfoodmum
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/TheRawFoodMum
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/therawfoodmum1
Thanks heaps Sarah for sharing your story and this recioe I can not wait to try it…after much consideration I decided to purchase a dehydrator and after a lot of research I went with the Excalibur 9 Tray with a timer….I purchased mine through Sarah and almost hugged the postman as it arrived today…..I can not wait to use it! Sarah has been so beautiful and kind to offer the same discount she gave me to YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
opening it up this morning….eeek so excited!
Buy a 9 tray Excalibur Dehydrator with timer for $499 plus postage ($15 within Australia) and enter the code cutoutcrap and get $60 off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
where do you put something this size….in the laundry! being OUT it will get used ALL the time!
How great is that…..would love to hear from you if you get one and what you make….or if you have one already and what your favourites are….I’m going to head out to the garden pick some Kale and get dehydrating….
Have a FANTASTIC day!
Take Care of You,
Collette x
The RAW food mum!
Wednesday, 22 May 2013
RAW update & recipes ....
Good Morning! I hope this finds you all well. I have Master and Miss 2 battling with a yucky cold at the moment, they are so snuggly (which I love!) as at this age they normally just don’t stop running long enough to give me cuddles! They have been having restless sleeps which is making me have some nice quiet days with them at home or just walking to your local park or duckpond (although not today – the rain is pouring down!)
I am on DAY 23 of my ‘at least 3 months’ RAW diet as directed by my Naturopath. To be honest with you I am having UP and DOWN moments.
I am missing HOT food! I believe that this RAW diet would be easier for me in the warmer months – as more fruit is in season and fruit, salads and green juices is basically what I live on then. I am missing soups and simply the warmth and comfort of food at the moment, however, I do think its my mind playing tricks on my slightly….wanting them simply because it knows I can’t have them!
I am staying positive though and telling myself that I have no choice….my health depends on this!
I was pleased to confirm with my Naturopath that I simply have to do RAW food (as in uncooked!) I don’t have to be Vegan.
I am trying to cook meals for my family that I am allergic to (rather than my favourite cooked meals!) so then I don’t feel like I am missing out as much – as I haven’t had things with tomato, corn etc for years so I am use to not eating it!
Chicken and Corn Soup for the family from my book COTC for Kids – I haven’t had corn in years so I don’t feel like I am missing out on this warm meal!
My aim has been to get a few ‘favourites’ with RAW meals and just keep rotating these……and if all else fails, as long as I have fresh fruit and veg in my pantry I can always whip up a green juice as this fills me, gives me energy and satisfies me (I am having one as I type!)
My green juice – I make one for breakfast and one to drink throughout the day
An example of what goes into my green juice, zucchini, baby spinach, celery, apple, orange, carrot, ginger and maca powder. I change this depending on what I feel like at the time.
Miss 8 felt likes cooking on the weekend and oh so sweet of her she wanted to make something that I could eat and she could take to school….we decided to throw a few RAW things together and this is what we came up with …… so very yummy and we will make it again! The pineapple made a nice change to ‘dates’ that are normally in raw sweets.
RAW Pineapple slice – In a food processor place 1 cup shredded coconut, 1/2 cup dried shredded pineapple, 1/2 cup buckini, 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, 1 heaped tspn cinnamon, 1 tblspn coconut oil and 4 tblspns agave syrup – blend REALLY well (1-2 minutes) and then push into a lamington tray lined with baking paper (push it down well using your fingers) — freeze for 1 hour. Cut after this hour when ready to serve – leave any uneaten in the freezer.
Some of my other meals I have come up with and thoroughly enjoyed …… I did this ‘Salmon 3 ways’ ….which hubby and I both ate as there was so much!
baby spinach, diced raw salmon, cucumber, macadamias, dulce and lemon juice
Raw salmon drizzled with hempseed oil, a sprinkle of herbamare and topped with carrot
Raw salmon topped with fresh orange and lime juice, orange and lime zest and sesame seeds
salad of cos lettuce, cucumber, carrot, celery, persimmon brazil nuts, parsley, coriander, dill and a side of homemade mayo!
I was SUPER excited after failing to ‘sprout’ brown rice to eat RAW, that I succeeded with quinoa….. it is going to open up so many different recipes and meals for me….
My quinoa ready to be eaten!
Late in the afternoon I placed 1 cup of raw quinoa in a bowl and covered it with cold water. I covered the bowl with a tea towel and let it sit overnight.
I then drained the water out and gave them a good rinse and then sat them in the sieve all day….I rinsed them again 3-4 times during the day today.
By 5pm (ish) they all had ‘tails’ and tasted like cooked but cold quinoa woop woop!
I made sushi for dinner for myself last night …. with the quinoa, avocado, cucumber, red capsicum and a sprinkle of herbamare
My sushi – its not a great photo as I was comforting Miss 2 feeling yuck and crying at the same time. It tasted absolutely beautiful and I can’t wait to have it again!!!!!!!!!!
I would like to say a massive thank you for all the messages I have been getting suggesting RAW websites and offering kind words of encouragement - it really means so much to me!
Wishing you a wonderful rest of the week!
Take Care of You,
Collette x
RAW update & recipes ....
RAW update & recipes ....
Good Morning! I hope this finds you all well. I have Master and Miss 2 battling with a yucky cold at the moment, they are so snuggly (which I love!) as at this age they normally just don’t stop running long enough to give me cuddles! They have been having restless sleeps which is making me have some nice quiet days with them at home or just walking to your local park or duckpond (although not today – the rain is pouring down!)
I am on DAY 23 of my ‘at least 3 months’ RAW diet as directed by my Naturopath. To be honest with you I am having UP and DOWN moments.
I am missing HOT food! I believe that this RAW diet would be easier for me in the warmer months – as more fruit is in season and fruit, salads and green juices is basically what I live on then. I am missing soups and simply the warmth and comfort of food at the moment, however, I do think its my mind playing tricks on my slightly….wanting them simply because it knows I can’t have them!
I am staying positive though and telling myself that I have no choice….my health depends on this!
I was pleased to confirm with my Naturopath that I simply have to do RAW food (as in uncooked!) I don’t have to be Vegan.
I am trying to cook meals for my family that I am allergic to (rather than my favourite cooked meals!) so then I don’t feel like I am missing out as much – as I haven’t had things with tomato, corn etc for years so I am use to not eating it!
Chicken and Corn Soup for the family from my book COTC for Kids – I haven’t had corn in years so I don’t feel like I am missing out on this warm meal!
My aim has been to get a few ‘favourites’ with RAW meals and just keep rotating these……and if all else fails, as long as I have fresh fruit and veg in my pantry I can always whip up a green juice as this fills me, gives me energy and satisfies me (I am having one as I type!)
My green juice – I make one for breakfast and one to drink throughout the day
An example of what goes into my green juice, zucchini, baby spinach, celery, apple, orange, carrot, ginger and maca powder. I change this depending on what I feel like at the time.
Miss 8 felt likes cooking on the weekend and oh so sweet of her she wanted to make something that I could eat and she could take to school….we decided to throw a few RAW things together and this is what we came up with …… so very yummy and we will make it again! The pineapple made a nice change to ‘dates’ that are normally in raw sweets.
RAW Pineapple slice – In a food processor place 1 cup shredded coconut, 1/2 cup dried shredded pineapple, 1/2 cup buckini, 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, 1 heaped tspn cinnamon, 1 tblspn coconut oil and 4 tblspns agave syrup – blend REALLY well (1-2 minutes) and then push into a lamington tray lined with baking paper (push it down well using your fingers) — freeze for 1 hour. Cut after this hour when ready to serve – leave any uneaten in the freezer.
Some of my other meals I have come up with and thoroughly enjoyed …… I did this ‘Salmon 3 ways’ ….which hubby and I both ate as there was so much!
baby spinach, diced raw salmon, cucumber, macadamias, dulce and lemon juice
Raw salmon drizzled with hempseed oil, a sprinkle of herbamare and topped with carrot
Raw salmon topped with fresh orange and lime juice, orange and lime zest and sesame seeds
salad of cos lettuce, cucumber, carrot, celery, persimmon brazil nuts, parsley, coriander, dill and a side of homemade mayo!
I was SUPER excited after failing to ‘sprout’ brown rice to eat RAW, that I succeeded with quinoa….. it is going to open up so many different recipes and meals for me….
My quinoa ready to be eaten!
Late in the afternoon I placed 1 cup of raw quinoa in a bowl and covered it with cold water. I covered the bowl with a tea towel and let it sit overnight.
I then drained the water out and gave them a good rinse and then sat them in the sieve all day….I rinsed them again 3-4 times during the day today.
By 5pm (ish) they all had ‘tails’ and tasted like cooked but cold quinoa woop woop!
I made sushi for dinner for myself last night …. with the quinoa, avocado, cucumber, red capsicum and a sprinkle of herbamare
My sushi – its not a great photo as I was comforting Miss 2 feeling yuck and crying at the same time. It tasted absolutely beautiful and I can’t wait to have it again!!!!!!!!!!
I would like to say a massive thank you for all the messages I have been getting suggesting RAW websites and offering kind words of encouragement - it really means so much to me!
Wishing you a wonderful rest of the week!
Take Care of You,
Collette x
RAW update & recipes ....
Wednesday, 15 May 2013
What is in my pantry "Breakfast"
Good Morning! I hope this finds you all well! I am doing well here, I am busy editing my third book …. did you see it has a name!!?? I am SO excited and can’t wait to share it with you all….will have to wait until October though….self publishing takes time!
I have had a lovely week, was spoilt on Mothers Day and had a gorgeous picnic in the afternoon with my family….
Me with my 4 blessings!
I am still trying to wrap my head around my 3 month RAW detox diet (up to day 16 today)…more of that another day…today I am bringing you another part of ‘whats is in my pantry’ ….
BREAKFAST
Oats (aka Porridge) – whilst they are NOT Gluten Free, they are additve free and all 4 of my children love this for breakfast in winter (they have no food intoelrnaces at all) – topped with a little honey & banana or Berry Choc Chunk sprinkled on it from Super Foods for Kidz and its perfect to warm their little bellies!
Organic Rice Puffs – Gluten, Dairy and Additive Free. The only ingredient is RICE. Yes they taste a ‘tad’ like cardboard by themselves (but I am comparing them to the awful additive and sugar filled version!!!) I add mixed nuts, seeds, fresh or stewed fruit to these and I have myself a delicious cereal! I normally buy these from the supermarket health food aisle or health food store.
Chia Seeds – people that know me, know I throw Chia Seeds into everything….I love love love Chia Pudding for Breakfast! Here is my version of Chia Pudding! You can buy Chia seeds from health food stores, online and most health food section supermarkets. They are SO good for you too!!!!!!!!!!!!
Carmans Fruit Free Muesli - This is hubbys cereal of choice. It is NOT gluten free but it is wheat & additive free. Ingredients are: Wholegrain rolled oats, seeds 10% (sunflower seeds, sesame seeds), nuts (almonds 7%, hazelnuts 2%, pecans) honey 8%, sunflower oil and cinnamon.
He often throws extra nuts and seeds in or a banana on top. I buy this from the supermarket.
Buckini – I buy this from LOVING EARTH and I am in LOVE with it. I have both the caramel and the plain …. check out this link for more info …. YES it is Gluten Dairy and Preservative Free! and an extra YAY for me at the moment as it is RAW!
My breakfast this morning – Nashi Pear, plain buckini, pepitas and a little drizzle of agave nectar! YUMMO!
Superfood Bars – from NUTRA ORGANICS (and now available through my website) – these are perfect for ‘on the go’ breakfasts – when hubby runs out the door at 5am or when Miss 10 and Miss 8 can’t stomach anything too much on their tummies before swimming squad training early in the morning – these are perfect!
The other thing I normally have in my Pantry is “rice flakes” (that makes rice porridge) but I used the last of them on Anzac Day making Anzac Slice!
Of course when time allows and on weekends we LOVE cooking Pancakes or Eggs!!!!!
I hope you have a beautiful day!
Take Care of You,
Collette x
What is in my pantry "Breakfast"