Farm Fresh Greens

One of the basic philosophies of the raw food movement is that since humans evolved from primates, our most natural and health giving diet consists mainly of fruit. I love that philosophy…in theory.

Fruit is sweet and luscious and so delicious that I wholeheartedly embraced this way of eating  for the past few months. I embraced it until I noticed that I began severely lacking in energy and I kept getting sick (three times this winter compared to my usual one), and my skin wasn’t looking better, as all the raw food lessons, books and articles said it would. In fact it was looking a little worse. And I was craving protein. Even as I was studying my “Peak Performance” lesson which stated that protein was over-rated, I was severely craving protein. Something had to give. And so it did.

One day the image of a succulent, savoury piece of salmon wouldn’t leave my mind. No matter what I did or how I tried to lead my thoughts down another path, a path filled with raw carrots and bananas and mangoes, I couldn’t stop thinking about salmon. So, after much deliberation, I did what I had to do. I had to admit that the 80 -100% raw vegan life is not for me. Then I went out a bought the biggest wild salmon steak I could find. I jogged home with it, ripped my coat off, raced to the kitchen and covered my fish in lemon and capers and a thin layer of mayo. Then I proceeded to slow cook it at 180 degrees. The aroma was heavenly.

I really loved eating all of the recipes filled with sweet tropical fruit, honey and maple syrup but clearly I was consuming a bit more sugar, even if it was natural sugar, than my body could handle. So, as much as I like the ‘gorilla food’ theory there is also a theory that you should be eating food that is natural to your environment. So, if you’re living in the Yukon it would not be natural for you to be chowing down on kiwis and pineapple and if you’re living in Vancouver, eating wild salmon and greens and fruit that is indigenous to your environment would be the healthiest fare. Makes sense to me.

So, after a visit to the local farmer’s market, where I found the freshest greens and spouts I’ve tasted in a while, I have a farm fresh salad to share with you.  Enjoy.

• 1 cup fresh organic spinach or greens of your choice
• 1 heirloom tomato
• 1/4 cup minced scallions
• 1/4 cup various sprouts
• sprinkle of Manitoba Harvest hemp seeds
• Dressing of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, mixed herbs and fresh apple (all ingredients to taste, blended together)

Nothing beats the taste of home.

Thai Prawn Curry

It’s a lazy, rainy Sunday in Vancity.

So instead of the epic beach adventure I had planned with my dog, I’m spending the afternoon in the kitchen making something to help me feel warm, cozy and content this afternoon.

I’ve avoided making curry in the past as the ingredient list seemed way too daunting. But I finally decided to take the plunge, and creating a delicious curry was not at all as complicated as I had thought it would be. This is my own recipe (with my neighbor Cecilia’s help) and it’s pretty yummy, especially on a cold, rainy day.

• 1/2 cup prawns
• 1/2 cup medium firm tofu
• 1 cup Thai Kitchen full-fat coconut milk
• 1 T curry powder
• 1 T minced ginger
• 1 T sweet chili sauce
• 1/2 cup cubed onions
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup cilantro
• 1/4 cup Thai basil
• 1 cup thinly sliced red bell peppers
• 1 cup chunked sweet potato
• 1 T olive oil

Toss everything in a saucepan and sautee until sweet potatoes are soft, add prawns and basil at the very end. Pile on top of rice and you’re done.

It always smelled like it was raining outside, even if it wasn’t, and you were in the only nice, dry, cosy place in the world.

J.D. Salinger

Joffre Lakes Hike – Throwback Thursday

I’ve been dreaming of sunshine lately and thinking about all of the hikes I’m planning to do this summer. Hikes like Joffre Lakes.

Joffre is situated a little north of Whistler and is home to the most beautiful emerald and aquamarine water I have ever seen.

Here are a few pics from my 1st hike to this extraordinarily beautiful destination. I can’t wait to get back.

Just let go

I’ve been thinking about people who offer unsolicited advice to others (and the uncomfortable realization that I’m occasionally guilty of this behaviour).

This is on my mind today because I was out with the girls last weekend and a friend of a friend went on the attack over a decision I had recently made. I was surprised at her reaction but defended myself pretty well, the whole time thinking ‘why is this almost stranger so invested in my life?’ The whole exchange was emotionally charged though and managed to bring down what could have been a fun evening out.

By the end of the evening I had the sense that the only personal power this woman could muster was at the expense of others and with the conviction that her opinions were ‘right’. A very sad and, ultimately, powerless way to walk through the world.

The silver lining of this experience, however, is a wonderful one. It made me realize that if someone wants my opinion, he or she will actually ask and if they don’t ask, then my opinion is probably not needed. It also made me realize that I don’t need to defend or explain my life to anyone.

Imagine if we were all a little less judgy and just let people be who they want to be and do want they want to do. Imagine if we focused on understanding and acceptance instead of the upmanship (upwomanship) of judgement.

Imagine how much more wonderful the world would be.

Disclaimer: None of this applies if someone is being abused or harming themselves. Then it’s our duty to, with love, make their business our business.

Nice Cream

I’m loving the raw food recipes I’ve been sampling as I continue with my nutrition course.

You can’t be perfect though, and sometimes I just want to leave the uber-healthy green smoothies behind and indulge in a messy, gooey, rich and delicious dessert. But a dessert that won’t make me feel unhealthy and bloated and give me a sugar rush. Well, The raw food recipes I’ve been experimenting with have got that covered too.

Let me introduce you to Nice Cream.

• 3 frozen bananas cubed
• Splash of maple syrup
• One T coconut cream
• Two T raw cacao for chocolate (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries etc. for other flavours)

Blend all ingredients together and indulge in this rich, delicious ice cream-like dessert that is actually good for you!