tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18075359108271475722024-03-13T07:48:48.019-07:00Via811,The Road to Health and Happiness: Train as if your life depended on it, Dr. Douglas GrahamVia811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-39141899686599090552012-10-13T06:49:00.001-07:002012-10-13T14:36:27.810-07:00Snowbird LifestyleFall is here. The leaves are gorgeous, but the temperature is not!!! There is already lots of frost every morning. Hot water bottles are my staples every night to keep warm. In previous years, I used to look upon the upcoming harsh Canadian winters with much dread. SAD ( seasonal affective disorder) was a regular condition of mine while spending the winters in Canada. <br />
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What can be done about SAD? If you do an internet search about the subject, you'll quickly discover that medical treatments for the condition include "luminotherapy" or light therapy which involves exposing yourself to artificial sunlight or UV light from the various types of lamps available on the market. I tried this in the past with little success and much inconvenience. Next on the list of medical weapons for the condition are anti-depressant drugs (insert anti-drug rant here...). Anyone familiar with my blog (despite the recent addition of ads to the contrary which I'll explain later) knows how I love the prospect of making the drug cartels rich over my misery-NOT. Aside from all the short and long term, known and unknown side effects of these drugs, a person like me that has had serious kidney issues in the past does not want to be putting those said poor kidneys in any further danger! Likewise my liver which is not fundamentally designed to detox the complex chemical poisons of the 21st century, thank you. What's left? Winters in the south...<br />
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Most people dream of adopting a snowbird lifestyle for their
retirement. They work hard and save for their pensions so they can
retire in the sun one day. How many of those people actually make it to
their retirement in a healthy state to be able to enjoy it??? How many
people save for most of their lives for this dream only to lose it to poor
health??? I determined long ago that if I was going to make it to
healthy and happy old age I would need to take proper care of my
health. Dealing with SAD has to be on the top priority list of things necessary for my health and happiness. How have I gone about it? I'm still far from retirement age after all. I still need to earn a living, despite rumors to contrary, I am not a wealthy person.<br />
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For years, since childhood really, I have been winter holidaying for short periods of time-usually Florida. Many years ago, I also took a vacation to Costa Rica where I immediately fell in love with the country. I inherited a little money. I bought a small property and built a small cottage on it. I started spending longer and longer vacations in Costa Rica, but I was still far from living a snowbird lifestyle in which I avoid almost all of the Canadian winter. This was my goal. I set about to train myself to work in summer seasonal jobs. For me, it turned out to be horticulture. There are many other options. I work long, hard hours in this field during the summer so that I can earn enough revenues to spend my winters in the south. I rent temporarily while in Canada and put all my personal stuff in storage when I go south. I keep my Canadian expenditures to very basic levels so I can earn enough money for the winters. I have a property in the south to go to, but if I didn't, I still would spend my winters in the south. How? Couchsurfing is one possibility. Housesitting is another. Homestays and home-exchanges are yet another. Cheap temporary rentals can be found in many southern destinations also. Where there's a will, there's a way. If I ever get tired of my lovely garden in Costa Rica, I'll probably investigate these options further. I can't imagine ever getting tired of my garden however.<br />
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There you have it, my example of how to live a snowbird lifestyle on a small budget. Make your dreams come true now. Don't wait for some hopeful future to start living the life you want. You might not get there. Worse still, you might get there in such a sorry state that you won't be able to enjoy it.Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-10146167430017978842012-06-01T16:59:00.000-07:002012-10-13T14:37:17.589-07:00Ideal Job for MeI've been back in Canada for one month now. I started my ideal job a few weeks ago. I am now working as a city landscape maintenance and gardener for the summer. I love it. I'm outside everyday getting plenty of sun, even on cloudy days. I get to work in the city's most beautiful green spaces. Best of all, I still get my winters off to go south. I'm getting tons of great exercise, and getting paid for it!!! The rest of the crew working with me is always ribbing me about my fruity diet they see me eat every day, but they're growing more and more respect for it when they learn my age and they see me work. Since I started working, every person on the team, except for me, has already taken at least one sick day. Even the young folks in their early twenties complain very often about aches and pains as well as some ailment or another. I quietly munch on my bananas at those times and think to myself how strange the matrix we live in really is.Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-75842576310675673752012-03-03T11:05:00.004-08:002012-03-03T11:58:16.209-08:00Success!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Md_9p-Wuhi4/T1JzudViKII/AAAAAAAAAYA/tx-2QYKsRBQ/s1600/Puerto%2BViejo%2B029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Md_9p-Wuhi4/T1JzudViKII/AAAAAAAAAYA/tx-2QYKsRBQ/s200/Puerto%2BViejo%2B029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715758119072704642" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hsbB7KuQvk/T1JzXMzYXsI/AAAAAAAAAXo/xoCOQerrWaw/s1600/Puerto%2BViejo%2B023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hsbB7KuQvk/T1JzXMzYXsI/AAAAAAAAAXo/xoCOQerrWaw/s200/Puerto%2BViejo%2B023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715757719497498306" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYWqmfppXXw/T1JzW5i69JI/AAAAAAAAAXY/foZzr0esVfo/s1600/Puerto%2BViejo%2B020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYWqmfppXXw/T1JzW5i69JI/AAAAAAAAAXY/foZzr0esVfo/s200/Puerto%2BViejo%2B020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715757714328188050" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-rTCx9zdEg/T1JzWQ4ebAI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/N5t-pGxtW3c/s1600/Puerto%2BViejo%2B019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_-rTCx9zdEg/T1JzWQ4ebAI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/N5t-pGxtW3c/s200/Puerto%2BViejo%2B019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715757703412739074" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PgCyiBBvDss/T1JzVwL8qbI/AAAAAAAAAXE/cyLMJIT3R0I/s1600/Puerto%2BViejo%2B001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PgCyiBBvDss/T1JzVwL8qbI/AAAAAAAAAXE/cyLMJIT3R0I/s200/Puerto%2BViejo%2B001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715757694636042674" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8dJ4Hfd0wlA/T1JzX2oLlYI/AAAAAAAAAX0/95fcJauOuxM/s1600/Puerto%2BViejo%2B024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8dJ4Hfd0wlA/T1JzX2oLlYI/AAAAAAAAAX0/95fcJauOuxM/s200/Puerto%2BViejo%2B024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715757730724812162" border="0" /></a><br />Hurray! I managed to find some durians in Puerto Viejo!!! What an adventure.<br /><br />A week before I was scheduled to leave Costa Rica for several months, I found one of my favourite fruits of all time-the infamous durian, and it was organic, almost wild grown. How did this happen?<br /><br />Last time I wrote, I had been in contact with another 30bad member who posted pictures of himself eating a bunch of durians in February 2012 in Costa Rica. This is unheard of because the season doesn't usually begin until June at the earliest. Apparently, the funny weather patterns have caused this strange occurrence, even rambutans are fruiting now and they usually fruit in September. I contacted this person only to be told that he wasn't interested in sharing his source, nor was he available to send me or provide some fruit that he purchased.<br /><br />I was very discouraged. To top it off my partner and I were at the other end of the country visiting friends so the likelihood of making it to Puerto Viejo was very poor. I had to do a lot of sweet talking to get a trip to Puerto Viejo because neither my partner nor I like to leave our little patch of paradise, the bus rides are horribly long and driving is very stressful on the curvy, trafficked, often potholed roads of Costa Rica. Nor is my love an aficionado of durian-although it is growing on him. This pleases and worries me at the same time because up til now, I haven't needed to share any of my durian with him, but I do relish eating the same food as him!<br /><br />After a very long day on the road we finally got to Puerto Viejo. I started making inquiries about possible fruiting durian trees. A friend on facebook connected me to someone in the area that might know. I contacted him. He told me of a farm he knew that had some. After much searching, we found the farm-only to find the durians way up their huge trees-impossible to climb!<br /><br />Happily, another lady at our hotel told us of another possible source. I called up the owner and bingo! He confirms that he has lots of fruit that are tree ripened and falling out of the trees naturally. He collected over 45 fruits for me!!!! I was really impressed with the fact that he had the foresight to plant his trees over 25 years ago. For the first time, he said there was a real interest in his fruit. I asked him if I could write about him on my blog with more detail, but he said he'd rather not. He's a quiet man-the man who planted one of my favourite fruit trees (I love the story 'The Man Who Planted Trees', btw). In my own humble way, I too am planting as many fruit trees as possible on my little patch of land. Plus, I spread and share fruit seeds and saplings to as many people as possible.<br /><br />There was only one problem with my little pot of gold-the infamous durian smell. I personally love the smell now, although it did take some getting used to. The lady from my hotel truly regretted leading me to a durian source because the smell of 45 of them in our car bothered everyone in the hotel!!! The car will never be the same again...<br /><br />p.s. the one red durian fruit pictured was the first red fruit to ever produce on this farm. Sadly, it was past by the time I got it. Also, the seed was not properly formed to be viable-but there's hope for the future...Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-3851640217805887322012-02-20T09:41:00.003-08:002012-02-20T09:49:30.481-08:00Major Fruit Hunt!<p>Ok, rumour has it that some farms on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica have DURIAN in season right NOW, mid February 2012!!! This seems unbelievable to me. Every place I know of here in Costa Rica that has durian trees produces them only around June/July time. Sadly, I'm never in Costa Rica during that time since I go back to Canada to work at my seasonal job. Finding them here now before I leave would be a dream come true because they cost a fortune back in Canada, in the Asian markets@$50 a fresh fruit. Not to mention that I ADORE them.</p> <p>So...the hunt is on.</p> <p>The first evidence of this elusive fruit comes from another 30bad member who dares post pictures of himself gorging on these delicacies now in February-in Costa Rica!!! Not Borneo, not Thailand, not the Phillippines, not Hawaii or any other fabulous location, but right here in the country I'm in. He even dares to say he's eaten so many that he's sick of them-the nerve! Ok, so I send him a message pleading for some help. He probably doesn't access his e-mail very often because it took a few days to answer back. Doesn't he know how much I want durian??? I do some net surfing and find farms that advertise having durian. I call them. None of them have any right now... The 30bader writes back to me finally. He suggests the best thing for me to do would be to travel to the Caribbean side, but doesn't he know how far that is for me? Doesn't he know how I hate leaving my little piece of paradise, even if it's for another little piece of paradise? He gave me some hope, but it still seems highly unlikely that I'll get durian before I leave Costa Rica :(((</p> <p>I'll keep you posted. Wish me durian, please.</p><p>Update: The 30bad member told me he wouldn't give me the name of the farm that has the durians because he doesn't want people to make a run on his cheap source if he makes it public!!! I can sort of sympathize with him because Costa Rica doesn't have the privilege of being able to import much food, especially the exotic, expensive kind from the far east like North American or European countries can. BUT, the more the word gets out, the more will be planted and sold and the cheaper they'll become for everyone.</p><p>I still have a little hope that I can get some shipped to me before I leave CR-argh.</p><p>Keep sending those durian wishes in my direction, please.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-45506130525865918912012-01-15T11:06:00.000-08:002012-01-15T12:11:44.596-08:00Corruption, Fraud and Greed in Science?!!!"The China Study" by Dr. Campbell is one of my favorite books. It was such an eye-opener for me. It was a catalyst for the dietary and lifestyle changes I have made since reading it.<div><br /></div><div>In the last chapters of the book, Dr. Campbell expounds especially about one of the worst aspects of science which is what he calls "reductionist" science. This is what commonly happens when scientists isolate a nutrient or ingredient from its original "whole food" source in a pill or supplement form in an attempt to achieve the same effects as the natural source. This is like trying to use a piece of Humpty Dumpty after he'd fallen off the wall as if he was still whole!!! This usually backfires and causes more harm to people, for which the beta-carotene supplement fiasco is a prime example.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is common knowledge that corporate greed has often misrepresented scientific studies and results in their advertising campaigns promoting their products. However, the corruption, fraud and greed goes much further than that. Some scientists are now fraudulently fabricating results in the hope of "getting in on the action" of the pill industry, to strike it rich. Here is one of the latest headlines that left me shaking my head:</div><div><br /></div><div>The chief "<a href="http://retractionwatch.wordpress.com/2012/01/12/resveratrol-fraud-case-update-dipak-das-loses-editors-chair-laywer-issues-statement-refuting-all-charges/">resveratrol</a>" scientist is being cited for fraud and fabrication of evidence. To make a long story short, "resveratrol" is an artificially produced replica of an ingredient originally found in grapes that is supposed to improve cardio-vascular health and longevity. Remember all the headlines about a glass of red wine a day supposedly being good for your heart? Or even better, the magical "resveratrol" pill that will cost you a fortune, but will supposedly give you a long and healthy life? Wrong.</div><div><br /></div><div>Folks, what's good for you is not red wine and even less so "resveratrol". Grapes are what's good for you.</div>Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-60177686172427707002012-01-15T10:39:00.000-08:002012-01-15T11:02:36.810-08:00Mother TeresaHere is another fantastic story about Mother Teresa.<div><br /></div><div>I have a childhood friend who was born in Goa India. We went to elementary school together. I was often invited to her family home back in Toronto. Her father, Mr. D., was an especially charming and well loved man. The first time I visited her home, her dad asked me if I would like something to drink, to which I replied yes. He went to the fridge, brought me a drink and said: "This is your first time to our house and I will serve you as a guest. After today, you are a friend, so you will have to serve yourself!" What a memorable first impression.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mr. D. used to be a journalist back in India before the family moved to Canada. Here is one of his stories that I will never forget: Before they left India he had an opportunity to visit Mother Teresa's orphanage. He arrived very early and was greeted by Mother Teresa herself. "Ah, you've come to help", said she. She immediately puts Mr. D. to work moving beds, doing laundry, sweeping the floor, whatever needed done for the day. After a long and hard day's work Mr. D. was exhausted and ready to take his leave. Mother Teresa approached him and said: "You're welcome!" Mr. D. was somewhat taken aback by this response as he was expecting gratitude for his volunteer labor, so he said: "Welcome for what?" Without blinking, Mother Teresa said: "You're welcome for having been given the opportunity to help in the work of a noble cause. I knew you would be grateful." And so he was.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, Mr. D. would embellish this story so beautifully. I wish I could remember all the specific details. Yet, I hope I got the most important part of this story right.</div>Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-92218601797265541042011-12-25T23:49:00.000-08:002011-12-26T00:35:19.054-08:00The Fruit HuntersI started a group on the 30 BAD forum called 'The Fruit Hunters'. For me, one of life's simplest, yet most exquisite pleasures is finding seasonal fruit at its source.<br /><br />Finding a fig tree laden with figs and gorging on the fruit (memories of Italy and France come to mind)...<br /><br />Wearing a protective helmet while under a fruiting durian tree-I've sadly only been in Costa Rica when they weren't in season, so this is a dream I've yet to realize...<br /><br />Hiking in the woods, coming to a warm, sunny meadow filled with blueberries or wild strawberries. I have so many fond memories of this in Canada as a child with my parents, then carrying on the tradition with my young son years later...<br /><br />Even finding wild blackberries in the suburbs of the UK, which are usually completely neglected by the city dwellers...<br /><br />These are some of my life's sweetest dreams.<br /><br />Here is my most recent sweet dream. On Christmas day 2011, after coming home from a 2.5 hour beach walk, I saw that one of my neighbour's abiut trees was full of fruit. I asked permission to pick some and they gave me six of these beauties.<br /><br />In the picture, only two are left!!! Here is the link to <a href="http://www.30bananasaday.com/group/the-fruit-hunters/forum/topics/my-christmas-gifts">my group</a>. Any fruit hunting adventure you'd like to share?Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-48846298018460937732011-11-27T12:15:00.000-08:002011-11-27T13:41:31.079-08:00Before & After Pictures & Updates<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x0Td69IVYQs/TtKc3RrN1-I/AAAAAAAAAWg/BYThlKWHfcg/s1600/photos%2B2010%2B006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x0Td69IVYQs/TtKc3RrN1-I/AAAAAAAAAWg/BYThlKWHfcg/s200/photos%2B2010%2B006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679774553519020002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IqXZSWdk5xs/TtKclye-nOI/AAAAAAAAAWU/OdMOib0s8LQ/s1600/Qu%25C3%25A9bec%2B2011%2B008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IqXZSWdk5xs/TtKclye-nOI/AAAAAAAAAWU/OdMOib0s8LQ/s200/Qu%25C3%25A9bec%2B2011%2B008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679774253088414946" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ok, so how is my progress on 811rv?<br /><br />Here are some pictures for comparison:<br /><br />The first picture of me in the sleeveless dress was taken in January 2010 after doing 100% 811rv for over 6 months and mostly 811rv since May 2007.<br /><br />The next picture of me was taken in November 2011 after much traveling and other difficult circumstances for nearly two years caused me to eat very high raw 811 vegan, but not 100% 811rv.<br /><br />I am now 6 kilos more than when I was 100% 811rv. I have some of my previous cellulite return and I have much less muscular definition and more body fat. My periods are not as easy as on 811rv, but definitely not as excruciating as on my previous SAD diet. My skin is not as nice either with occasional small candida break outs on my face, especially around my mouth. I also have occasional respiratory problems like I used to have on my SAD diet. I have had two very bad flus that lasted for over a week since re-introducing regular servings of cooked food.<br /><br />My face is plumper, less defined, but that also means that wrinkles show less which is not necessarily bad either. My blood results this year showed a difference too. For the first time since I began this journey my B12 levels were low. Granted, the last two years have been very stressful which probably depleted my reserves faster than usual. Also, I very likely, although this needs to be tested, lack intrinsic factor from my previous colitis history. I now supplement my diet with methyl-cobalamin (B12) sub-lingual tablets. Once I get my levels back within a healthy range, I'll probably stop them again and get re-tested some months later to test my theory about intrinsic factor. I don't like to take any supplements; hopefully, I will be able to get off all pills one day for good!<br /><br />Over all, I would still categorize my health on 811 vegan (basically more a Dr. McDougall diet) as excellent, but I felt much better on 100% 811rv or Dr. Graham's diet.<br /><br />For me, it is 100% 811rv that is still the optimal diet and the more days I hit this bull's eye target, the better I feel.Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-20598425051648760012011-11-17T16:41:00.000-08:002011-11-17T17:05:39.591-08:00PomegranatesPomegranates have long been one of my favourite foods, but making a meal of them can be quite challenging because they take so long to peel and eat the individual seeds.<br /><br />They are in season now and very good deals can be had on them in the grocery stores. The most efficient use for them I've found is to juice them with an orange juicer. The left over fruits and pips that don't get juiced can be blended into very tasty smoothies.<br /><br />Here are a few of my favourite pomegranate smoothie recipes:<br /><br /><br /> 1) Pomegranates, grapes and lettuce<br /> 2) Pomegranates, oranges and lettuce<br /> 3) Pomegranates, oranges and celery<br /> 4) Pomegranates, oranges and fennel<br /> 5) Pomegranates, kiwis and lettuce<br /> 6) Pomegranates, kiwis and celery<br /> 7) Pomegranates, kiwis and fennel<br /><br />Another great use I've found for pomegranates is a substitute for the popcorn I used to eat when watching a movie. I usually wear old clothes that I'm not afraid of staining when doing this because eating pomegranates while distracted by a movie always ends up making permanent stains in any material they come across.<br /><br />Finally, pomegranate seeds add lovely texture and colour to any acidic or semi-acidic salad dressings as well as to other types of smoothies when they are added at the end.<br /><br />Warning: pomegranates are quite astringent and can be very constipating. I usually need to eat them with lots of other good soluble fiber foods like tender greens in order to keep things moving smoothly.<br /><br />Here is a link to some lovely images of pomegranates : <a href="http://www.google.ca/search?q=pomegranate+picture&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=f9s&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=sq3FTr7HL8W30AHEp9S3BA&ved=0CB4QsAQ&biw=962&bih=449&sei=y63FTr3VOeX50gHuiIGZDw">Picture</a>Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-52821274130975450742011-10-26T14:41:00.000-07:002011-10-26T17:32:29.243-07:00Health Compromises That Have Not Killed Me YetDisclaimer: What I am about to write is not a promotion of health compromises, but a simple acknowledgement that there are compromises and then there are COMPROMISES when it comes to the best health achievable under a given set of circumstances. Optimal diet and optimal healthy lifestyle is best. Striving for optimal health and happiness should be everyone's birth right and never challenged, but it is not realistic, nor healthy to only expect the best no matter what. Perhaps the healthiest viewpoint is to accept the best choice considering all of the external environmental forces, influences, and exposures that are beyond a person's control. In other words, make the best of every situation, but don't expect the best.<br /><br />What specifically am I talking about? Considering that this is a blog dedicated to the 811rv diet and lifestyle, it should be no secret that I am referring to cooked foods and less than perfect lifestyle habits.<br /><br />Since I turned my health around in May 2007 by finding out about 811rv and implementing it to the best of my ability, I must admit that I have yet to perfect this diet and lifestyle. I feel best when I am eating 100% 811rv and following the best lifestyle habits; therefore, I always return to it as soon as possible when I stray, but my strays are frustrating considering that I know better. Dr. Graham suggests an adaptation window of 7 to 10 years as a reasonable and probably average result. This is also in line with normal turnover and regeneration of living cells where it takes between 7 to 11 years to completely replace almost every cell in the body. Some cells are never renewed; ova in a woman, for example are never renewed. A woman is born with all of the ova she will ever have and they never renew. Since I am only in my fourth year of 811rv diet and lifestyle and I have many years of unhealthy diet and lifestyle under my belt, I am satisfied that I am following a 'normal' course for anyone that undergoes a major diet and lifestyle change. Hopefully, practice will get better with time. Yes, I realize that only 'perfect practice makes perfect', but who the heck wants to be 'perfect' all the time??? Nonetheless, feeling one's best all the time can't be beat!<br /><br />I was recently introduced to AA by a new friend of mine. I'm not an alcoholic, even before discovering 811rv, I never drank. I tasted alcohol when I was in my teens and I even got drunk a couple of times in my life. However, I've never liked the taste of alcohol, much less its effects on me. One of the AA messages that I found most striking is that once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic even if you've been sober for decades. Furthermore, one of the tests of AA to determine whether a person is an alcoholic is whether such a person turns to alcohol for comfort when things are stressful and times are hard. Does this not bring to mind most people's notion of 'comfort foods'? Food should only be consumed for normal nutrition, not as a medicine or sedative-ie. eat to live, not live to eat. My conclusion to the AA information is that I am a cooked food-aholic. Intellectually, I understand that when times are stressful/difficult that it is MOST important to stay on course with 811rv diet and lifestyle, but I have yet to achieve that goal. Sadly, I have come to realise that eating any cooked foods is a slippery slope for me. I wish there were something like AA or Al-Anon in place to give the support necessary to stay on course, but I have yet to find one. Visiting the raw food boards is often a frustrating, negative process that doesn't fulfill the proper need for support.<br /><br />So what are the health compromises I have made over the past four years? I will try to rank them in the order of most harmful to least harmful. Please note that these 'findings' are ONLY based on my personal observations with my limited, non-medical interpretations of what is going on in my own body.<br /><br />1)Salt or sodium chloride (not to be confused with natural sodium found in whole plant foods). Salt affects me horribly and my body immediately reacts negatively to it, especially in the form of oedema.<br /><br />2)Heated, processed, non-whole food fats (ie, oils and their many derivatives). I might be Italian, but my Italian body does not react well to the mediterranean staple of olive oil, especially if it is heated. Interestingly, when I visited Israel a couple of years ago, I learned that 2000 years ago, nobody ate olive oil. It was only used for lamps. I wonder when and why this changed?<br /><br />3)Gluten and other grain products. Again, pasta and fresh bread are many Italians' staples and very appealing to the palate, but they irritate my digestion and even affect my respiratory system.<br /><br />4)Dairy and any of its many derivatives. Happily, I gave these up long before I even became vegan, let alone 811rv! I made the connection between dairy and my excruciatingly painful kidney stones many years ago, so I haven't dared go near them for years.<br /><br />5)Cooked tuberous starches (ie potatoes, yams etc). I do not feel any immediate effects from eating these. However, I must assume that in the long run I am not doing myself any favors because nutritionally they do not stack up in comparison to fresh, whole, ripe, raw, organic fruits and vegetables. The lack of nutritious food is certainly no help. I do not check my blood sugar regularly either because I am not a diabetic, but it can not help but be affected by these starches considering their high glycemic load. Another interesting fact is that the potato was only discovered in the new world. It was introduced to Europe only a few centuries ago. Europeans at first reacted very badly to it. Russian czars actually tricked people into wanting it by posting guards around planted potato fields, thus tempting people into thinking it was a special delicacy only to be indulged in by the rich. To think that it is now such a staple only a few centuries later!!! <br /><br />6)Steamed vegetables. Again, I feel no huge immediate negative effects from eating these, but they are certainly not as nutritious as the raw versions. The main problem I experience with steamed vegetables is the lack of fiber since it is destroyed by the cooking process. If I could check my white blood cell levels on a regular basis, I would probably also see a spike after eating them, but I do not, and can not check my blood after each meal!!! Speaking of which, I only get my blood medically checked once a year and so far so good with my results-YAY! <br /><br />Here's a typical example of a compromised daily menu when I eat cooked foods:<br /><br />Breakfast: Raw fruits<br />Lunch: Raw fruits with raw vegetables<br />Supper: Raw fruits with raw vegetables and some cooked food. I try to make the cooked food a 'condiment' rather than the main calorie source. Steaming, the crock pot and a microwave are my weapons of choice in the cooked food domain. Lots of greens with the cooked food helps me maintain fiber levels high enough for better digestion. Again, my previous colitis lets me know immediately if I do not have enough of the proper fiber in my diet.<br /><br />Again, I make no recommendations to do as I do. I just like to speak candidly through my own biases.Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-7146694049195206372011-08-23T06:46:00.000-07:002011-08-23T08:01:13.257-07:00Poisons and AntidotesFirst off, I must apologize for not writing in a long while. My only excuse is that what started off to be a crazy year has turned into longer with no immediate end in sight.
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<br />Which leads me to the title of this blog post.
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<br />My present and continuing circumstances have made me come to some interesting conclusions:
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<br />1) Goodness, is it ever difficult to stay 811rv while constantly moving around and being exposed to lots of personal and environmental stresses (no, I won't go into the personal stresses so don't bother asking).
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<br />2) There are ways to counter these negative effects to one's health and happiness which I will share with you in my always hopeful attitude that this blog is helping somebody, somewhere out there.
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<br />Forewarning: What I am about to write is not meant to be apologetic or exculpatory in nature. It is still my firmest belief that each and every capable adult of us is the primary person responsible for their own health and happiness. Therefore, the responsibility for the pitfalls that I have fallen into these past few months lies solely with me. If I had planned better, if I had reacted better and most importantly if I had acted better I would not be in this see-saw act of trying to balance the poisons with antidotes. That being said, there is no point in adding insult to injury. I, just like most of us less than perfect humans, have to make the best of the situation and try to recuperate what is possible of our losses and find a way forward.
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<br />Mantra to this blog post: It is easier to stay on course than to find your way back.
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<br />Poison 1: Not breathing enough clean air properly.
<br />Antidote: Hold your breath while in the company of smokers or other sources of extreme pollution, make a mad dash away from such an environment and then breathe in deeply as soon as possible. Practice deep breathing exercises when exposed to good quality air asap.
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<br />Mantra: It is easier to stay on course than to find your way back.
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<br />Poison 2: Not eating proper food best adapted to our physiological needs in the quantities needed to thrive.
<br />Antidote: Dilute the pollution with some extra water, swell up like a balloon, abstain from a meal or two then try to stretch your stomach beyond its capabilities when you do start to eat again thus starting a vicious yo-yo cycle. Go back to proper food asap.
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<br />Mantra: It is easier to stay on course than to find your way back.
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<br />Poison 3: Not getting enough proper exercise to sustain a machine made for appropriate motion in quantity and quality.
<br />Antidote: Workout like crazy to compensate, sustain a stupid injury, be bed ridden, atrophy some muscles, try to start moving again. Go back to proper exercise asap.
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<br />Mantra: It is easier to stay on course than to find your way back.
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<br />Poison 4: Not getting enough sleep in quantity and quality.
<br />Antidote: Catch up on some zzz's, over sleep a few hours, days etc, thus disrupting your circadian rhythms (aka jet lag), be groggy during the day and unable to sleep at night. Go back to proper sleep asap.
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<br />Mantra: It is easier to stay on course than to find your way back.
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<br />Poison 5: Not getting enough sun in quantity and quality.
<br />Antidote: Expose yourself to too much sun to compensate. Burn in the most sensitive of areas. Start getting sun damage. Or, don't expose yourself at all for a while becoming paler and more sensitive than ever and depriving your body of the vitamin D and other essential nutrients the sun provides. Go back to proper sun exposure asap.
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<br />Mantra: It is easier to stay on course than to find your way back.
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<br />Poison 6: Exposing yourself to high stress people or high stress situations and not dealing properly with it by using emotional poise.
<br />Antidote: Become a social recluse, do not participate in any activity that might challenge you either physically or mentally. Justify your actions by saying they're not worth it anyway and you're better off without them anyway. Or, conform to their behavior, join the pack, become like every one else, drink your beer, smoke your fags, be a couch potato, take your pills and SHUT UP already.
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<br />Mantra: It is easier to stay on course than to find your way back.
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<br />Moral to this story: We are all exposed to and will forever be exposed to potential toxins that can undermine our health and happiness.
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<br />811rv DIET AND LIFESTYLE is still the best option to life's many challenges.Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-84503978116098473792011-02-08T00:34:00.000-08:002011-02-08T00:39:52.155-08:00Home sweet homeTraveling so much this year has been exciting, yet exhausting. Living out of a back pack is fun for a while, but does get old.<br /><br />I'm working at settling into permanent residency in Costa Rica. This is where my heart and soul feels best.<br /><br />It feels so nice to be back here, where I belong.Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-63554970267660103102010-10-14T06:36:00.000-07:002010-10-14T07:05:36.445-07:00Global Gypsy TravelsHonduras on the beach for 3 months.<br />First on my itinerary of travels is minding a small beach front hotel, during its rainy season closure, for a friend in Honduras. The location is stunning;however, some adjusting is needed. Unfortunately, my partner and I are here during the rainy/hurricane season. In fact, we just missed hurricane Paula by the skin of our teeth. I've never been in a hurricane prone area during the season, so experiencing the strong winds and blowing rains has been a little concerning. Nonetheless, the winds keep the normally very hot caribbean weather much cooler and I prefer feeling the cool ocean winds to the stifling, stagnant heat.<br /><br />With regards to my food necessities, I quickly found the local fruit and veggie market. I've been feasting on the best rambutans I've ever had for peanuts. Organic food has been difficult, if not impossible to find. The selection, in general, is not as good either in choice or quality as Costa Rica. I must say, that I'm very spoiled in CR in that regard. I've also discovered the local fruit truck that will deliver to the door every week.<br /><br />Honduras is nice, but some things are disappointing. Normally, the beach here is pretty clean, but the seasonal rains and winds have brought up much plastic and other rubbish onto the beach, which makes the water unswimmable and the beach unwalkable even during calm, clear days. I'm so used to CR's pristine beaches that this has been quite a shock for me. Local culture is still in the habit of littering. The hotel owner pays for the beach to be cleaned up once the weather clears up, but that won't be until December at least. We will hopefully get a few weeks to enjoy the cleaned beach before we leave.<br /><br />I'll post pics soon once I upload them.<br /><br />Living life with no regrets, Via.Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-7006702606734323052010-09-05T15:20:00.000-07:002010-09-05T15:39:13.228-07:00Global Gypsy-Living Life With No RegretsSo...my big news is that I have decided to become a Global Gypsy for the next little bit of my life. Now that I have a good understanding of, as well as good application of the 811rv diet and lifestyle, it is time to focus on other important aspects of my life. I only have one life to live after all.<br /><br />Traveling has always been one of my main passions in life. Since I first took to an airplane as a little girl while immigrating to Canada, the travel bug has never left me. <br /><br />Internet is not likely to be a sure thing at any or all times, but I will post about my adventures and how I go about making my dreams come true as the inclinations and opportunities present themselves.<br /><br />Hopefully we will meet up one day, if not in person, than at least in spirit during my time of wandering.Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-64572967720945583452010-07-31T17:36:00.000-07:002010-07-31T17:39:09.717-07:00Big changes are coming....I have been experiencing some incredible changes in my life. Details to follow...<br /><br />p.s. Still 811rv-now more than ever!!!Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-69889163381079681502010-02-06T10:17:00.000-08:002010-02-06T10:44:43.347-08:00Nutty is nuts for meAn interesting development has occurred with my rooster Nutty that I would never have predicted.<br /><br />If you recall, Fruity and Nutty were the two baby chicks that I hand raised from the egg last year when I was down in Costa Rica. I used to carry them around everywhere with me and sometimes they would sleep in my shirt or tucked behind my ears in my hair. At night time, they would sleep in a little box beside my bed. They couldn't stand to be separated from me. They would scream their heads off and come running if ever I ventured too far. I knew that they were imprinting on me as happens with most precocious birds such as chickens or ducks that will imprint on the first caretaker, no matter what the species. However, I had no idea that the imprinting would continue onto adulthood. This seems to have happened with Nutty. Here's why I think so.<br /><br />A few days ago, I went up to feed the chickens at my neighbor's house. Nutty came charging at me and pecked at my finger. I thought he was being his usual bossy, macho self. I thought he was trying to scare me away from the hens. I picked him up and scratched him around the ears, which he has always liked, to reassure him that I meant the hens no harm. That seemed to calm him down.<br /><br />Today, when I went up to feed the chickens again, Nutty came charging again, but first he did the rooster chicken dance around me before pecking at my leg! Roosters only do this to hens that they're trying to dominate and impress. He was treating me as if I was a hen to woo and seduce! I picked him up again and scratched his ears.<br /><br />After putting him down, I starting eating some bananas. I tossed some pieces to him. He also did the usual rooster cluck, cluck call for me to indicate that there was food to be had. Roosters let hens eat first when they come across a food source. When he saw I wouldn't eat the banana on the ground he did another impressive rooster dance to show off to me!<br /><br />Should I be flattered that he thinks his adopted mama is a hot mama?!!! I saw a video recently of a wildlife cameraman being jumped on and humped on the neck by this wild crazy bird. I hope that's not what Nutty's intentions towards me are. I'm a much more respectable chick than that.Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-67159850732865512222010-01-25T03:53:00.000-08:002010-01-25T04:21:58.582-08:00Pictures of Costa Rica 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12KW_jev9I/AAAAAAAAAVg/fs2Jx9CZjjk/s1600-h/IMG_3195.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 139px; height: 104px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12KW_jev9I/AAAAAAAAAVg/fs2Jx9CZjjk/s200/IMG_3195.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430648853300690898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12KQflX8NI/AAAAAAAAAVY/vccCaTxjdEY/s1600-h/IMG_2964.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 139px; height: 104px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12KQflX8NI/AAAAAAAAAVY/vccCaTxjdEY/s200/IMG_2964.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430648741639483602" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12KHdPQojI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/oGsR5h9kQkg/s1600-h/IMG_2954.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 104px; height: 139px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12KHdPQojI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/oGsR5h9kQkg/s200/IMG_2954.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430648586391036466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12KBEIJunI/AAAAAAAAAVI/0e7FdpViL9M/s1600-h/IMG_2953.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 104px; height: 139px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12KBEIJunI/AAAAAAAAAVI/0e7FdpViL9M/s200/IMG_2953.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430648476571122290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12J683XqoI/AAAAAAAAAVA/fObFQ5rm8Js/s1600-h/IMG_2947.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 104px; height: 139px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12J683XqoI/AAAAAAAAAVA/fObFQ5rm8Js/s200/IMG_2947.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430648371542469250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12IqfYWm0I/AAAAAAAAAU4/Tw-wQArbb2g/s1600-h/IMG_1171.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 139px; height: 104px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12IqfYWm0I/AAAAAAAAAU4/Tw-wQArbb2g/s200/IMG_1171.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430646989238213442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12Ikt2HE6I/AAAAAAAAAUw/lkev5jkz3oQ/s1600-h/IMG_3354.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 139px; height: 104px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12Ikt2HE6I/AAAAAAAAAUw/lkev5jkz3oQ/s200/IMG_3354.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430646890041906082" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12IPAlIN8I/AAAAAAAAAUo/AHHD68BeH_Y/s200/IMG_3290.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430646517113829314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12IJsvf5MI/AAAAAAAAAUg/WQ4snkNE0Sc/s1600-h/IMG_1122.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 139px; height: 104px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12IJsvf5MI/AAAAAAAAAUg/WQ4snkNE0Sc/s200/IMG_1122.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430646425889268930" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12IDXlkfWI/AAAAAAAAAUY/uInbUkCuRRI/s1600-h/IMG_1053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 104px; height: 139px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12IDXlkfWI/AAAAAAAAAUY/uInbUkCuRRI/s200/IMG_1053.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430646317131267426" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12H6lTjrvI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/3d-53UMDCqo/s1600-h/IMG_1031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 139px; height: 104px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12H6lTjrvI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/3d-53UMDCqo/s200/IMG_1031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430646166194990834" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12Hw7H3f5I/AAAAAAAAAUI/84nkBVnsBbk/s1600-h/IMG_1019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 104px; height: 139px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12Hw7H3f5I/AAAAAAAAAUI/84nkBVnsBbk/s200/IMG_1019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430646000252845970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12Gz8_5nlI/AAAAAAAAAUA/2yOQEprHDB8/s1600-h/IMG_3396.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S12Gz8_5nlI/AAAAAAAAAUA/2yOQEprHDB8/s200/IMG_3396.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430644952784281170" /></a><br /><br />1)Home sweet home<br />2/3/4/5)Kinky the sweetest most magical creature<br />6)My little waterfall shower<br />7)Plant& Nature Master Eleacib giving us some pointers<br />8)2 Lucky gals<br />9)Piggy & I<br />10)Let's share a meal together<br />11)Anty investigating the goods<br />12)Rollinea treatsVia811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-33954042751319184272010-01-04T05:58:00.000-08:002010-01-04T07:16:06.932-08:00The Rooster Chronicles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S0IEKIHic1I/AAAAAAAAAT4/GpIMVGrJu0Y/s1600-h/IMG_3290.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 104px; height: 139px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S0IEKIHic1I/AAAAAAAAAT4/GpIMVGrJu0Y/s200/IMG_3290.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422901473331802962" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S0IEJ14xmlI/AAAAAAAAATw/0kOgnhe4j7Y/s1600-h/IMG_3293.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S0IEJ14xmlI/AAAAAAAAATw/0kOgnhe4j7Y/s200/IMG_3293.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422901468438043218" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S0IEJ5DZmpI/AAAAAAAAATo/1aV7Msc63q4/s1600-h/IMG_3292.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 104px; height: 139px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S0IEJ5DZmpI/AAAAAAAAATo/1aV7Msc63q4/s200/IMG_3292.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422901469287914130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S0IEJvRCVaI/AAAAAAAAATg/GXOM3HF9Ugk/s1600-h/IMG_3301.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 139px; height: 104px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GRpkwI3jThw/S0IEJvRCVaI/AAAAAAAAATg/GXOM3HF9Ugk/s200/IMG_3301.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422901466660754850" /></a><br />My love affair with chickens continues...<br /><br />As I got back to my little cabin in Costa Rica, I immediately went to visit my chickens who have been taken care of, in my absence, by my wonderful Tico neighbors. <br /><br />I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Lee and Moody's babies had almost all survived to adulthood-only one was eaten by a wild animal. My chicken caretakers let the chickens roam free during the day. They head off into their cages at night on their own. Some of my other chickens, that are being taken care of by other neighbors, sleep in the trees at night. <br /><br />My deal with my neighbors that I give chickens to is that they don't kill them. I pay for any extra feed they give them and they can eat the eggs. So far, I have about 10 chickens spread out amongst 3 families, but the chicken family is growing. This is my little way of giving at least some chickens a decent lifespan with excellent quality. My chickens get to live free and hopefully will live out their natural lifespan. My neighbors are also happy with the situation because they get good quality eggs. I wish I could convince them not to eat the eggs because they are horrible for one's health, but they would buy even worse quality ones from the store anyway, so there's no point in trying to stop them.<br /><br />Back to Lee and Moody's babies, which are in fact, mostly only Moody's babies because Lee's eggs were eaten by a snake last year. It was a tragic thing to watch as the eggs kept disappearing right from underneath her. I had no clue what was going on with the eggs until I finally spotted the big black mica snake just above Lee's nest in the shed. The snake would slither down and steal the eggs right from underneath her, until finally all were gone before I realized what was happening. My neighbor gave me 7 eggs from different hens that were mostly fathered by Moody to replace in Lee's desolate nest. I replaced the eggs quickly because Lee had worked so hard. The eggs were almost to term. A chicken sits on her eggs night and day for 21 days and only comes out to eat a little, once a day. You should have seen her sorrow when all her eggs disappeared, her cries gave me goosebumps. Lee took to her adopted eggs easily and she did an amazing job of raising her adopted family, after I made the shed snake proof. It was beautiful to watch both Lee and Moody parent their babies. Both were so tender and gentle with them, yet fierce at protecting them.<br /><br />The batch has grown into beautiful chickens, but there's one problem. Three of the babies are roosters-two of which are spitting images of their father Moody! Adult roosters will not tolerate other roosters around their harem of hens. Thus begins the rooster chronicles.<br /><br />I managed to find another home for one of the roosters, but two are left. Moody, my original Costa Rica rooster, is a proud, macho, fierce father and harem leader. Today, I witnessed an example of his fierceness. Tiki the family's dog followed me up to the chickens' cages as I let them out for the day. As soon as I let Moody out of his cage he jumped on Tiki and chased him away from his family! The dog whimpered off and didn't return. <br /><br />Only one of the other roosters gets into trouble with Moody, he happens to be Nutty the little chick I hand raised with his sister Fruity. Fruity and Nutty are still very tame and will easily let me pick them up and pet them. Nutty has reached adulthood-he has started to sing, so Moody feels threatened by him. Moody, who is older, bigger and more experienced, chases him away from the hens. Nutty often has to forage on his own, although Fruity often joins him because they were raised together apart from Lee's other babies. They truly care for each other.<br /><br />Today, Nutty got into trouble with Moody again. As I let Fruity out of the cage, Moody did his chicken dance around her (the chicken dance is the funniest thing to watch) and then mounted her. This is the usual chicken foreplay-the sex seems even less appealing because it barely lasts a few seconds! Fruity was not in the mood to be mounted so she protested. Nutty came running to the rescue of his sister, forgot about his fear of Moody, and jumped on Moody's back! Moody was in too compromised a position to fight back. Nutty managed to run off before Moody got his wits back. The whole event had me in stitches!<br /><br /><br />Pics:<br />1)Lee (far left) with her beautiful adopted family.<br />2)Fruity and I, not likely Moody's offspring because of her colors.<br />3)Nutty and I, Moody's young & inexperienced but equally fierce son.<br />4)Moody, my fierce, macho rooster.Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-2653626497619500072009-11-20T06:05:00.000-08:002009-11-20T06:17:01.710-08:00Letter of Encouragement/AdviceThis is a letter I wrote to a girl asking for advice on vegsource during the fall of 2009. It was a time of turmoil on the board because there was an internet troll present regularly posting doomsday, disrespectful trash. Hope it helps.<br /><br /><br /><br />Dear Hannah,<br /><br />I've been thinking a lot about you lately, so I decided to write a letter of encouragement and advice. A letter that I would have appreciated receiving at your age. A letter you can choose to ignore or enjoy or get mad at, but whatever your reaction-isn't it amazing to know that you have the choice to choose any of these emotions? You are in control of these, if you want to be.<br /><br />I know you are 19 years old and are sometimes struggling with staying 811rv as well as other issues like high stress at school. Boy have I been there, in more ways than you can know. How did I get through these issues? Certainly not as well as you have the possibility to do because I was not exposed to 811rv at your age. Going through University for me was often hell. I was eating crap. I wasn't sleeping well. I wasn't exercising. I gained the usual 15 school pounds. I was totally stressed out most of the time. But, I survived.<br /><br />I wish so much more than survival for you. I wish you could thrive during this experience just like every future challenging experience you will face. 811rv diet and lifestyle can give you the opportunity to thrive, all you have to do is choose it, each day. Don't look back at the past or worry about the future. Choose to do the right thing each day-it is never wrong to do the right thing. You know what is right for you. This knowledge is in each and every one of us. Guidance is also here, if you need some of the details spelled out more clearly.<br /><br />Hannah, there are far more formidable opponents to doing the right thing than cyber "people" on this board that only give a capital letter to identify themselves with. Close friends and family will put pressure on you to do all sorts of things, mostly because they want you to act like them to justify their own actions. My mother was famous for trying to make me feel guilty when I refused her food, which to her symbolized her nurturing and sacrifices she made to raise me. Now she has Alzheimer's amongst many other diseases. In a weird way, I wish she was still able to try to manipulate my feelings like she used to because that would mean that I had not lost her to this horrible "walking dead" disease. <br /><br />Authority figures with lots of fancy sounding initials attached to their names will use their positions also to try to stop you from doing what you know is right for you also. They do this for all sorts of reasons, even if they appear well meaning, they are often spoken out of self-interest.<br /><br />This outside pressure will intensify when things are not going as well as they should be. For example, you lose some sleep, get stressed, look horrible and almost everyone will point to your differences and say "see, I told you so". You can even get hit by a bus and people will still say "see, I told you that bizarre diet was going to do you in." This is the usual behavior of arrogant, whiny, negative, sick people who prefer negative attention to no attention at all. You will constantly be challenged by these energy guzzling types-but it is your choice how you react to them. You can choose to let them get to you or not. Isn't it amazing to have this choice?<br /><br />Hannah, look at yourself in the mirror. Do you have eyes on your face above your nose and mouth? Can you feel your heart beating in your chest? Is your brain in between your ears (not like others whose brain is up their butt)? If the answer to all of these questions is yes, then the chances are that you are a human.<br /><br />What can a human like you accomplish? Perhaps, if you're lucky (living under correct knowledge), you'll be as happy and healthy as one 56 year old man that I know. This man is only a human, but he is taking care of a beautiful family, he regularly runs marathons, he teaches people that are interested to learn what he knows, he writes books, he hosts internet forums for an often hostile public, he holds quality transformational events for people that are interested, he gives amazing conferences, he laughs a lot, he cries when it's appropriate and much more. He does this all quite humbly too. To me these are all parameters of well-rounded excellent intellectual, emotional and physical health. As you know, all of these are connected, as is everything else in life.<br /><br />In contrast, the vast majority of other 56 year old men I know can barely get up in the morning to go to their 9 to 5 cubicle for corporate slave wages. The vast majority of other 56 year old men I know have many, many health issues, chronic and acute. So what is so special about Dr. Graham? Nothing, except his diet and lifestyle.<br /><br />Hannah, I wish for you, that in 37 years you will have surpassed your wildest dreams for health and happiness, simply by choosing to do the right thing each and every day.Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-28468999981133488162009-11-12T12:05:00.001-08:002009-11-12T12:32:03.289-08:00Don't Undersell 811rvAs you know, my journey to 811rv began with an omnivore diet for 38 years, followed by a vegetarian diet for 3 months, followed by a vegan diet for 9 months then 811rv as of May 2007. I have had some slip ups since May of 2007, but I basically have not looked back. I keep moving forward, happier and healthier than ever on 811rv.<br /><br />Many people ask me about my diet. If I perceive a real interest I'll pass on information. My usual route has been to introduce people to the principle veg authors, in the sequence that I have followed-namely John Robbins, Dr. Campbell and then Dr. Graham. Today, I learned that I have probably been shortchanging 811rv to many of the people that have inquired by presuming that they would follow my own route to 811rv.<br /><br />How did I learn this?<br /><br />Six weeks ago, a neighbor, friend and construction worker that has many, many health issues, including a severe addiction to coffee (Hi B, if you're reading this!) was working at my house for some repairs I needed done. B has basically been eating a SAD diet for over 50 years. <br /><br />He's known about my dietary changes for awhile, although he didn't know the exact details. I teased him, while he was working one day about the scanty amount of fruit he eats. I dared him to have one of my real fruit meals of 7 ripe bananas and several figs. He proceeded to enjoy this meal very much. He showed an openness to try so I lent him all of Dr. Graham's material that I have, including "Grain Damage" and "The 80/10/10 Diet". B, has dived into the diet head first and he's loving every minute of it. He says he's never felt better in his life and many of his health issues are resolving. He says he's not going back to his old diet at all. He even says that he will be giving up a lifetime addiction to coffee before the Christmas holidays!<br /><br />B is truly inspirational to me and I wish him the best of luck (luck=living under correct knowledge). May the fruit be with you B.Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-74201807317208552042009-11-12T11:53:00.000-08:002009-11-12T12:04:32.844-08:00My Torments and Victories with Kidney StonesThis was the article I wrote for Dr. Dave Klein's "Vibrance" e-zine which can be found at <a href="www.livingnutrition.com">www.livingnutrition.com</a><br /><br />I was terribly woken up one early morning in the autumn of 1998 with a searing pain on the right side of my lower back and right side. The pain was excruciating, making me vomit and almost faint. I had a searing urge to urinate; my urine was pink indicating blood. My husband rushed me to the emergency room of our nearest hospital which was 45 minutes away. The whole trip, I was screaming with unbearable pain-worse than the childbirth pains I had experienced 2 years earlier. My poor son, strapped into his car seat and having been rudely awakened was also screaming with terror, not understanding what was going on with his mother.<br /><br />The nurses and doctors took one look at me and rushed me off to have x-rays taken.<br />The x-rays showed nothing, but the doctors informed me that I had probably passed some kidney stones.<br /><br />One and half years later, in the spring of 2000, I was once again awoken with the same horrible, horrible pain. “Oh my God, not again!” were my only thoughts in between bouts of vomiting and screaming.<br /><br />Off to the hospital again and more x-rays were taken. This time the x-rays showed that I had 6 kidney stones. Three were trapped in the passage between the kidney and the bladder and three more were still in my kidney. I was rushed off immediately for surgery to remove the stones blocking my passage. The stones left in my kidney would have to wait while I recovered from my first surgery. Until surgery, I had to keep a catheter in place to keep the passage open to be able to urinate-boy was that a lot of fun (NOT!). Several months later, I was finally treated with ultrasound to blast the kidney stones out of my kidney. While visiting me in recovery, my adorable son kicked one of the nurses, thinking she was the cause of my pain.<br /><br />So what did cause this? My urologist said that she didn’t know what causes kidney stones, but that they were made principally of calcium. A friend, who’d also suffered with kidney stones, told me that she had cut out milk and cheese and that seemed to work for her. I thought about my habits prior to these events. I had never paid much attention to nutrition and health, except in my ever constant battles to not gain excessive weight in my youth. I was never anorexic, but like most young women I wanted to be slim and attractive. Things changed when I discovered that I was pregnant. I started reading parenting magazines, pregnancy magazines and pregnancy and parenting books. These publications were readily available at my gynaecologist’s office. One thing that stood out in all my readings was the importance of calcium for strong bones for both me and the baby. I had never much liked milk, but once I got pregnant I got into the habit of drinking one huge mug (the equivalent of at least 4 cups) of warm milk every night as well as in the morning when I awoke. After all, I needed 8 cups worth everyday to meet the government RDAs, right? I gained 65 pounds during my pregnancy.<br /><br />Were my milk drinking habits the cause of my kidney stone problems? At the time, my only concern was for the pain. I did not want to experience that pain ever again so I dropped the milk considerably to one cup a day; but, I did not completely ban it because I was still concerned about osteoporosis since my mother had just been diagnosed with that disease. I knew I wasn’t meeting government recommendations for calcium so osteoporosis was still a big concern. Today I know that those recommendations are completely wrong and based on the unnatural eating habits of most of the population, as well as being hugely influenced by powerful industrial lobbies. Osteoporosis seemed far away and I thought it was better to avoid the kidney stones now and deal with osteoporosis later. It seemed the lesser of two evils.<br /><br />Have I ever come a long way since those thought processes occurred to me!?!!! And what’s worse is that I have now learned that milk causes both of those diseases!<br />Imagine, thinking I had to choose between having one horrible disease or another when radiant health is the real choice?!!!<br /><br />Yes, radiant, vibrant, and optimal health is my choice now. What’s more, it gets easier and better every day that I follow my natural diet as outlined by Dr. Douglas Graham’s “The 80/10/10 Diet” and a natural hygienic life style. My only regret is that I did not discover this sooner.<br /><br />So much has changed for the better since becoming an 811rv (80/10/10 raw vegan) in May of 2007.<br /><br />It’s hard to begin listing the benefits I’m experiencing because there are so many and they are so far reaching. Of course, there are the visible, superficial benefits of losing almost 50 pounds and dropping my body fat percentage to the teens which I’m very happy about. I’m pretty tanned now too which looks great. My skin and hair are now naturally, inexpensively managed and look great. I exercise more and can even run now. I sleep better too. These are all great, but there are also many other added benefits like the knowledge that I’m acting in a more compassionate manner to all life forms: human, animal and plant. Also, that my footprint on our planet is a healthier one. I have such a better outlook on life in general now that the mysteries of being healthy have largely been explained.<br /><br />Of course there are many people to thank for my successes, not least of which is Dr. Klein and this magazine. Thank you so much!<br /><br />If you want to follow my story, please join me on my blog or Dr. Graham’s forum or Dr. Klein’s forum as well. I love sharing this information with as many people as possible because health is truly our only wealth.<br /><br />Ciao.Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-53923839282268098712009-11-12T08:36:00.000-08:002009-11-12T08:40:39.887-08:00Forewarning-Why I Created This BlogWhy did I create this blog?<br /><br />At the beginning of “The 80/10/10 Diet” book by Dr. Graham, he described a poignant Indian legend of blind men examining different parts of an elephant and coming to different and wrong conclusions about what the elephant truly is. This legend accurately describes the current state of most human’s fragmented and erroneous, health knowledge-especially when it comes to nutrition and fitness, environmental knowledge and animal rights knowledge. Dr. Graham has, with his lifetime work, best combined this knowledge to form a very accurate whole picture of true health in all of its diverse aspects. This blog seeks merely to add to that foundation with some more detail, but certainly not in any exhaustive fashion. Much more detail of true health can and should be added for those like I, who want and need it. Any that are up to the cursed yet blessed challenge of fine detailing in three dimensional quality the health elephant, please step forward. The world needs you.<br /><br />This blog is not for the faint of heart who wish to dilly dally with compromised nutrition, compromised fitness, compromised environmental health, compromised animal rights. For me, improperly fitting compromises have always been too difficult half measures that are not truly sustainable. In the end, the ill-fitted compromises serve no one.<br /><br />This blog is written for those who recognize the world’s health problems as well as acknowledge that we can no longer afford baby steps in the right direction-one step forward, two steps back, if you will. It is written for those courageous enough to realize that the time has come to run, with exponential time, in the opposite direction that humanity is presently going.<br /><br />Enjoy my blog and may your life be fruitful.Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-86777433398993976792009-11-12T08:33:00.000-08:002009-11-12T08:35:45.533-08:00Curses and AcknowledgmentsThere are so many people to thank and also many people to curse for me embarking on a blogging adventure. The most important is Dr. Douglas Graham. Ever since I first heard of him, read his books, listened to his conferences, followed his advice, began practicing, and slowly perfecting the 811rv diet and lifestyle, my world has been turned upside down. It is so much better than I could have ever imagined! <br /><br />Yet, with the fantastic health and happiness benefits 811rv has procured me has also come the sometimes overwhelming responsibility and need to share this knowledge. My clumsy, inexperienced attempts to do this have often left me cursing with frustration at our world’s current state of affairs and my seeming insignificance to make a difference.<br /><br />Yes, I refer people to Dr. Graham and I often reread his published works, often with great success, but this has proven insufficient for me. I remember when I consulted him after practicing 811rv for almost two years because I wanted to increase my fitness levels as well as cut out all non 811rv cheating in my diet-at the time, I was having approximately one cooked meal per month. He had the audacity to refuse my hard earned money. He told me that he thought I could figure it out and do it on my own without his help; although he left the door open for assistance if I decided I needed it. How dare he tell me I am smart enough and competent enough on my own! In all seriousness, encouraging people to think and act with informed free will is the best thing Dr. Graham has ever done for meVia811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-8785853745258257972009-11-12T08:32:00.000-08:002009-11-12T08:33:25.878-08:00DedicationI dedicate this blog first and foremost to my DH and DS. It is my most earnest wish that you both find the courage to strive to be the healthiest minds in the healthiest bodies, but even if this never occurs, know that I love you for what was, is and will be. <br /><br />This is also dedicated to Billy Jo (1969-2006). We never met, but I know we were kindred spirits. May the example of your abused life and untimely death not be in vain, but instead be helpful to other kindred spirits.<br /><br />To my parents and family: “Ti voglio bene asai”.Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1807535910827147572.post-7170824276851699872009-11-12T05:17:00.000-08:002009-11-12T08:30:26.151-08:00The Half-Baked StoryThis is the story of the low-fat, high cooked-starches diet promoted by Dr. McDougall.<br /><br />Dr. McDougall is a relatively successful doctor that promotes preventative/curative health practices through diet and lifestyle. He has helped many people become healthier, including one of my heroines Dr. Ruth Heidrich who overcame her breast cancer through a low-fat, mostly raw, high fruit, vegan diet. Dr. McDougall has dispelled, through scientific study and promotion, many of the myths regarding the consumption of animal products and especially fat, including plant fat such as coconut oil. I appreciate many of his health articles.<br /><br />However, it is my opinion that Dr. McDougall's approach is not optimal. He has not followed through to their scientific and logical conclusion his diet research and application. This is obvious by the majority of vegans that follow his recommendations, yet are still very often acutely and chronically sick. Colds, flus, allergies, arthritis, celiac disease, obesity, digestive disorders, cancers and many other diseases are still extremely prevalent in the cooked vegan population. It can not be otherwise because a cooked vegan diet is a nutritionally deficient diet.<br /><br />All epidemiology studies, as well as individual nutritional studies, have shown that the higher the level of whole, fresh, raw, organic fruits and vegetables promotes the best health. Even Dr. McDougall recognizes that raw fruits and vegetables are nutritionally superior to cooked starches.<br /><br />Let's do a cursory nutritional comparison of a typical cooked starch diet vs a typical 811rv diet, I'll use a simple program like www.nutridiary.com for the comparison:<br /><br />811rv day one menu plan, p. 176 "The 80/10/10 Diet": 4lbs. watermelon, 1lb. bananas, 1lb peaches, 1lb mangos, 8 oz mango, 8 oz heirloom tomatoes, 1 lb romaine lettuce, 8 oz each cucumbers, mangos, and red peppers, 4 oz tomatoes. With this menu you get approximately 2000 calories, 102% RDA for iron, 1278%RDA for vitamin A, 2292% RDA for vitamin C and 291% RDA for fiber. Plus you get lots of the best quality water and many other nutrients not yet even known to science.<br /><br />If you were to do a McDougall half-baked 80/10/10 diet and replace 1000 calories of 811rv with cooked starches-even the best quality cooked starches like a baked potatoe with skin and without salt (only 3.5 large baked potatoes=almost 1000 calories), you would immediately notice all of the most important vitamins dropping significantly, the water source dropping drastically, the fiber source becoming sticky and binding which causes bloating and constipation. Therefore, you would have a significant decrease of important nutrients. Not only that, you would increase exposure to scientifically proven toxins such as cancer causing acrylamide and other maillard reaction products with each bite. All of this for 3.5 measly potatoes!<br /><br />It would be even worse if you were to add gut shredding whole grains, with their broken glass like fibers, gluten and predominantly acid minerals.<br /><br />Is it any wonder that cooked vegans, who follow this low-fat, high starch diet only displace their cardio-vascular disease symptoms with allergies, celiac, arthritis, cancer, and more?<br /><br />Dr. McDougall's only quibble with a raw diet is that he doesn't believe it's possible to get enough calories from raw foods. This is a lame and sorry excuse because it is more than possible to eat enough calories from raw fruits and vegetables. It does take some adjustment, mostly by overcoming psychologically our culturally conditioned bad habits. But it is very possible and even delicious to do so.<br /><br />He also claims that no successful society has lived exclusively on raw fruits and vegetables. This too is false, because all archeological, paleo-botanical, anthropological evidence clearly shows that there has been NO successful human society since we left our original tropical forest home. We've just been destroying one habitat after another and moving on to plunder different ones with each successive boom/bust cycle we have created. Now we realize that it's a small world after all, and we're running out of resources to plunder.<br /><br />In conclusion, Dr. McDougall's diet is a step in the right direction. It is healthier and more sustainable than an omnivore diet. However, it doesn't make it to the finish line. Sorry Dr. McDougall et al, I and many others have been there, and done that. I'm not buying your half-baked story anymore.Via811http://www.blogger.com/profile/15932306830908723066noreply@blogger.com0