Banana Bandit! Ode to Bananas

I think I found my new nickname.  BANANA BANDIT!!!  What do you think?  I love me some bananas!  They go with everything!  Someone even told me that they go with broccoli....I have yet to try this but I sure will.  Bananas make smoothies creamier and mask other flavors like kale in your smoothie.  I love me some kale all by itself too.  I just wanted to illustrate how wonderful they are at masking tastes.  There is even a whole website dedicated to them; well many really.  30 Bananas a day!




Do you know how to pick out a ripe banana?  The bananas below are not ripe!  Most people eat green bananas which are not ripe.  Did you know that the flavor and nutrients of a banana is far greater when they are ripe?!

Ripe bananas actually have little brown spots (below) on them and no green anywhere.  We are taught to believe that those bananas are "bad" when in all actuality that is when they are good.  

So grab a bunch and watch for the brown spots and go to town!  Blend bananas with romaine, celery, mangos, peaches, blueberries, and so much more in the blender with water for a yummy and healthy treat!

Get Moving People!

Today I am wishing I was outside running, cycling or playing somewhere.  The weather is a bit cooler in the mornings and evenings and in the shade right now in Houston.  I really need to get more exercise in.  It is so important for sleeping patters, expelling toxins and excess calories.  Twenty minutes minimum each day is what I am planning on.  What will you today to achieve greater health emotionally, psychically or spiritually?  I challenge you to set a goal and stick to it!  Let's do this together folks!

Above is a picture of Lani kai on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It is one of my favorite beaches.  I was there last summer and I find myself missing it alot.  I wish I had my feet in the sand right now or I was in a canoe or on a paddle board headed in between those two mini islands.  


Another thing I started to relax and unwind is drawing words, phrases and sketching with my non-dominant hand.  I added this to my journaling time.  It is quite relaxing and I find it very therapeutic.  Try it!  Make sure to use colored pencils and a blank piece of paper so you can express your feelings with the colors and not be bound to lines on the paper.  Below is something I drew with my non-dominant hand believe it or not.


Stay tuned.........Hugs and Aloha!

Raw Veganism - Cultivating Contentment

So I have come to realize that I was scared to say "I am a raw vegan 80.10.10-er".  Like there is some stereotype that comes with it.  That I would be some hippie freak granola chic instantly in others minds.  I am not coming to the realization of who cares what they think!  Not only that but if optimal health is right in front of me and I can achieve it that who are they to hold me back from that right?  


On Friday I gave notice at my corporate america job to pursue something I love.  It is so freeing to be in this spot.  God will provide for me and I am excited to see the journey unfold.  I have so many amazing friends. I really am appreciating the simple aspect of life.  If I have God, food, shelter, clean water, transportation, family and friends..........what more could I need right?  

Cultivating Contentment!

Rawfully Organic Co-op

I am so encouraged each time I volunteer at Rawfully Organic Co-op here in Houston no matter what day/location it is!  I am contemplating how fun yesterday was and Tuesday as well (even though Tuesday was HOT!).  I have made so many amazing friends that I now call family there.  It amazes me how when you get like minded people together that have the similar goals; to achieve health and pay-it-forward what can happen!  God is good....all the time!


I am now on a high raw diet.  Last weekend I ate pasta with chicken out at a great restaurant.  The taste was great, but I got really sick afterwards (almost immediately) and I thought it was the food.  I ended up with a stomach flu and sinus infection afterwards.  It amazes me that the trigger was that food though, or so it seemed.  I am becoming more in-tune with my body through this journey emotionally, physically and spiritually.  


I am now mostly raw/hi-raw.  If I do not have that option as I am still learning how to be best prepared I chose the vegan option and definitely vegetarian.  The scale is not showing much yet, and I have been having insomnia but my clothes are loser and I feel better.  My outlook is also more positive as is my stress level.


Stay tuned for more adventures with Jovial Jenny!  I plan on posting fun videos and pictures soon.  Hugs and Aloha!

Going bananas!!!

This morning I had five of the ripest bananas for breakfast.  They were nummy nummy!  I still drank my morning coffee, but I am trying to wean myself off so I do not get caffeine headaches.  I have not been drinking as much of it lately though so it should not be too hard.  Growing up in Seattle coffee is more of a comfort food and something to have with friends and family.  Even if I drink decaf, there is just something about a good ol' cup of joe that brings warmth and comfort to me.  So I am on the hunt for a raw solution that can substitute this craving that I have.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  Drink a smoothie in the morning instead?

Reflection

As I sit here reflecting on my blessings I have today and the lessons of yesterday; I feel so grateful. I am blessed with a great circle of friends, an awesome church and health. I am at the beginning of a wonderful road. I look forward to updating you on my raw food journey and all that it entails.