Today is April 25th, Reversing Diabetes Action Day

(This article posted earlier on RawRifficFood.com)

The diabetes epidemic is out of control! Over 246 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes or pre-diabetes! Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the Untied States alone. Every year the number of people diagnosed with diabetes continues to increase, and the age of these people inflicted are getting younger and younger. It is no longer an adult disease – children as young as 5 and 6 are suffering from this disease. This epidemic truly is out of control! “And do you know what the saddest part about it is? Most diabetes, if not all, can be reversed naturally. That’s right – diabetes is reversible!

Today April 25th, which marks the second annual Reversing Diabetes Action Day. The start of a week where health experts come together to spread accurate and effective information on how to reverse diabetes.

In honor of this day the team behind the film “Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days” is giving away their film for an amazing 50% OFF the regular price.

If you haven’t yet seen this film, which features the actor Woody Harrelson, peak performance coach Tony Robbins, Rev. Michael Beckwith from “The Secret,” Morgan Spurlock from “Super Size Me,” Dr. Gabriel Cousens and David Wolfe, then I highly recommend you see the trailer on the page
below and pick up a copy today.

You can see the trailer and read about what the Simply
Raw team is doing here:

Documentary Trailer: Raw for 30 Days

Whether you’re in perfect health or suffering with diabetes or any other health issue I highly recommend you watch this film. It’s a powerful, emotional and educational film that is a must see for anyone who cares about their health.

Along with offering “Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days” for 50% OFF they’re also offering the companion “Raw for Life” 2 disc DVD set for 50% OFF the regular price!

It’s all being done in an effort to raise awareness on how to reverse diabetes and other illnesses with raw and living foods.

When you pick up a copy today you’ll also get a laundry list of amazing bonuses. So take a minute to watch the trailer for this amazing film by visiting the site below.

Documentary Trailer: Raw for 30 Days

And remember, diabetes is a pandemic situation with over 246 million people suffering worldwide. If you or anyone you know is dealing with diabetes make sure that they watch this film. It just may save their life…

To your health!

Peace! =)

Debbie Marsh

P.S. – The 50% OFF is a ridiculously low price for the film. With the bonuses they’ve added on it’s almost a no brainer. It shows how passionate they are about getting this information out to the public. Make sure to check it out:

Documentary Trailer: Raw for 30 Days

Cleansing time again!

Well, I finally did it. I started my cleanse. I've been procrastinating for over a month now, and finally decided to go for it. Last year I was able to complete a 9.5 day Master Cleanse. This year I hope to go the full 10 days. It will be rough, since my birthday is just around the corner, and I'm surrounded by all kinds of delicious foods - but I can do it!

I needed to do this cleanse, since I have had some extra weight find it's way back to my but, thighs and stomach. I know it's from all the delightful raw food desserts I made for myself and others over the holidays. Plus the lack of consistent exercise, rest, and eating late at night. It all adds up...literally! Plus cleansing is always good for the body and soul. I chose the Master Cleanse again because it's simple, and I don't feel hungry while I'm on it. Someday I'll take the plunge and do a juice feast - just not ready to yet.

I'll try to blog about my cleanse, but can't promise that it will be daily. I've had such a tight schedule these days that I don't have enough time to get everything I want done. In fact, for those of  you who subscribe to my "so-called" monthly e-newsletter "Raw-Riffic Happenings" I'm a bit behind - about 2 months behind. I hope to bring it back soon, but working on other promising projects at the moment.

I started my cleanse yesterday, Sunday, March 7th. I felt fine, and suffered no cravings, headaches, or hunger whatsoever. However, today, was a little harder. I don't know if it was the cleansing that made me very tired, or not getting enough rest, or the cold air. Maybe it was all of it. But today I felt pretty blah. I didn't feel hungry, just blah. I did have moments of cravings, but they eventually went away. I wasn't able to drink a full 8 servings of my lemonade drink either - only 6. But I feel fine overall, and hope that tomorrow will be a better day.

Tomorrow I plan to practice my yoga at home (since my class I was going to was cancelled - :( ). So more to come.

Have a great night, and a super tomorrow!!!

Peace!:)
Debbie

Just released - Raw Food Basics!

Raw-Riffic Food’s Raw Food Basics
Raw-Riffic Food’s Raw Food Basics, Transitioning to a raw food diet and lifestyle is the perfect book for anyone who is looking for a simple and delicious way to transform the way they eat to a diet high in raw and living foods.

With over 250 creative and inspiring raw food recipes, information, and resources, this book is sure to be referred to again and again.

Raw-Riffic Food’s Raw Food Basics is a “must have” un-cook book!

e-Book – only $6.95!


ISBN: 978-0-615-35538-2 (7 X 10, 310 pages)
Copyright: © 2010 Deborah C. Marsh Standard Copyright License
Publisher: Deborah C.Marsh
Language: English
Country: United States

Purchase Raw-Riffic Food’s Raw Food Basics today!

Coming in March 2010 – Soon to be available in Paperback!

World Diabetes Day is Crazy...

Today, Saturday November 14th is World Diabetes
Day.  The theme for the years 2009 to 2013 is
"Diabetes Education and Prevention."

It's funny though how "Education and Prevention"
can mean totally different things to different
people.

For the International Diabetes Organization and
the over 12 drug companies that sponsor World
Diabetes Day it means educating people about how
they can "manage" their diabetes with insulin.

For the team that made the film "Simply Raw:
Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days" it means educating
people on how they can prevent and even reverse
diabetes with a raw and living foods diet. 

Now don't get me wrong, insulin is an absolutely
amazing thing that has saved countless lives, but
it's not something you want to use regularly.  The
goal should always be to get off of medication
whenever possible.

And if that's the case how come there's no mention
of eating a raw and living foods diet on the World
Diabetes Day website?  Kind of crazy don't you
think...

To help with the real meaning of "Education and
Prevention" for World Diabetes Day the team behind
the film "Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days"
is offering a huge 50% OFF discount on their film
and the companion "Raw for Life" 2 disc DVD set.

You can see the trailer for the film and what they're
doing here:

Raw for 30 Days

Also, when you pick up a copy of Simply Raw or Raw
for Life today you'll also get ALL of the bonuses
listed below.  One of the really cool things about
theraw food community is how we all come together
to supporta cause like reversing diabetes.

A lot of people have stepped up to contribute amazing
bonuses for this event. 

Don't miss out on getting all of these bonuses...

* Bonus 1: "Kitchen Gadgets" 40 Minute Instructional
Video by Raw Food Chef Cherie Soria of The Living Light
Institute($14.99 Value)

* Bonus 2: Jennifer Cornbleet's Favorite 5 Recipes from
her Book "Raw Food Made Easy"($4.99 Value)

* Bonus 3: A One Month Raw Menu Planner by Tera Warner of
"The Raw Divas" ($14.99 Value)

* Bonus 4: Audio Interview with Ani Phyo on How to Stay
Raw While Traveling ($4.99 Value)

* Bonus 5: The entire "The Raw Life: Becoming Natural in
an Unnatural World" E-Book by Paul Nison ($14.99 Value)

* Bonus 6: The entire "Revealing the Physical Changes"
E-Book by Angela Stokes - 63 Pages! ($19.95 Value)

* Bonus 7: The entire "Revvellutionize Your Life In 30 Days"
E-Book by Revvell Revati of Rawkin Radio ($19.95 Value)

* Bonus 8: The entire "Raw Success " book, written by Matt
Monarch - ($15.95 Value) plus a 12% Discount Coupon for his
Raw Food World Online Store

* Bonus 9: Chapter 1 of Susan Schenk's book "The Live Food
Factor" ($4.95 Value)

* Bonus 10: CD #1 and #5 of Nomi Shannon's 5 CD "21 Days to
Better Health" Program ($37.49 Value)

That's a lot of great extra health insight and education...
and you get it all FR@E when you purchase the Simply Raw or
Raw for Life for 50% off.

Go here right now to see all the details and get your copies:

Raw for 30 Days

Until next time...

To Your Health!

Peace! :)

Debbie

P.S. - This special half off World Diabetes Day Sale ends at
midnight on Friday, November 20th. If you'd like to get this
revolutionary film that so many people are raving about...
and save 50%, then go here now:

Raw for 30 Days

Where have I been lately?

I know I haven't been around for a while. Truth of the matter is I have been busy writing articles for my raw e-newsletter, posting recipes on my recipe blog, and writing raw food articles on Squidoo.com. I also have been coaching a few people with their slow but progressive raw food diet transition - which I'm very proud of! So I apologize for not keeping up with my personal blog.

Anyway, it's been crazy, but crazy fun! I have been posting away on my recipe blog, until today when I got temporarily banned from updating it. Wordpress.com is trying very hard to correct the matter, but still have not successfully removed the block. You can still visit my blog and get recipes, I just can't post anything new at this time - bummer, I know! Hopefully it will be corrected before the end of the week. I always try to post at least 1-2 recipes per week. I lost one recipe because of this - and unfortunately never wrote it down (so it's kind of lost in my mind somewhere deep). I do have another recipe for another superfood cookie ball, but it will have to wait.

As for my e-newsletter, I've been pretty proud of myself. Although I don't consider myself much of a write, I have enjoyed writing about the various topics on a raw food diet, and health in general. I feel pretty good about the information, and if anything I always promote that people take the time to research for themselves - and I always provide resources!

I love the newsletter deal, but I'm also getting into creating "lenses" for Squidoo.com on the topic of raw food, health, and personal empowerment. It's a great format, easy, fun, and it get's the word out real well! I think I'm addicted to it now!

I'm still out there promoting my superfood smoothie book, and actually making progress with a lot of non-raw foodies, who are actually athletes and into taking all kinds of supplements. So the superfood smoothie book has been really working on this crowd. I'm happy about that!

I'm also proud to say I officially broke my addiction to the Trader Joe's organic corn chips. I no longer crave them, buy them, or eat them - yeah for me!!! Oh, and the other good news is my son is slowly crossing over to the "dark side" (as they tease me at work), to eating a very high raw vegan diet. He's been doing this for about 3 weeks now, and getting more and more into the full transition...it's very cool! My husband is also slowly moving over...not completely, but enough to help share with his buddies at the gym and get them interested. So it's all very cool, and very positive!

Well, that's all for now. That 's the update on my life. If you're interested in visiting my recipe blog, go to http://www.rawrifficfood.wordpress.com/. You can also sign-up for my newsletter there or from my main website at http://www.rawrifficfood.com/.

To find me on Squidoo.com, just search for Debbie Marsh. Easy enough!

Till next time, keep it safe, keep it fun, and keep it HIGH RAW!!!

Peace! :)

Debbie

You know you're a raw food red-neck when...

You know you're a raw food red-neck when...

• your food processor breaks, so you duck-tape it to stretch the life of the appliance for as long as you can
• your Nesco dehydrator turns itself on and off as it overheats - but you keep using it, taking twice as long to dry your foods
• use your mini-blender from Walmart until the blades just don't cut any more
• make raw ice cream in your non-high speed blender, and freeze and stir until it's done (still just as amazing - if the recipe is good!)
• borrow high quality appliances every chance you get

...I could go on, but you get the idea...

So anyway, the reason for this post is to make a point. I've been doing the raw thing for about 2 years now, and love it. As you can see, I don't have any of the high quality appliances that would make my life easier, but are currently out of my wallets reach! That doesn't mean my recipes and food are not high quality.

You see, I am of the belief that it is more important to spend the money on the high quality food (fresh, local, organics) and good raw food supplemental ingredients (raw carob, raw coconut butter, etc.) then to worry about the initial investment in the equipment. Don't get me wrong, as soon as I can afford these items I will be immediately purchasing them. But for now, I'm satisfied and grateful to have the equipment I do have to continue preparing delicious raw food recipes, and eating high quality raw and living food on a daily basis!

So, don't get discouraged if you can't afford to live the "glamorous" raw food lifestyle from the get go. If you are investing in the quality of the actual food you are eating, and eliminating the crap your body doesn't need, than you are "living the glamorous" raw food lifestyle!

And, the day I can afford to get the quality equipment I'd like, I'll be posting it on my blog so you all will be the first to know and see! :)

Peace! :)

- Debbie

Raw food, weight loss, health, and life - To your health!

Thinking about diets and weight loss made me think back to a blog post I added, back on June 7, 2008. It was all about my personal experiences with the diet-food roller-coaster, and one of the reasons why I transitioned to a raw food lifestyle. As most of you will agree, “DIETS DON’T WORK!” They just don’t! Oh sure, you might initially lose weight, and even keep it off for a while. But the truth is, unless you change your overall view on health and well-being, and make permanent lifestyle adjustments, you will gain the weight back – and in some cases, gain back a lot more! Or worse yet, you will become quite ill from the diet you did do, causing other problems as well. Your body just can’t keep bouncing back and forth with the weight gain and diet changes, without major long-term repercussions. So doesn’t it make sense to make permanent long-term changes to your health, and not worry about “DIETING”? It’s a lot less to hassle with, and your body will appreciate the consideration. Plus, think of the time and money you will save, that you can expend on other ventures much more satisfying? It’s truly worth giving your full attention too!

Before going any further…let’s get one thing clear. Weight gain is mostly caused from one key factor – the inability to eliminate! Think about it. What is the main purpose of diet pills, diet plans, fasts and cleanses? To eliminate! Because, when you can’t eliminate the food waste that you put into your body, it just hangs around, and has nowhere to go but build-up and take up space – hence ‘WEIGHT GAIN!”

With that all being said, let’s get started with what I consider to be the best option to permanent and maintenance free weight loss – “The Raw Food Diet!” Truly a lifestyle change!

First off, for those of you who are new to the raw food diet, let me simply say this, “The raw food diet is one in which food is alive, unheated, unprocessed – and predominately consists of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, sea weeds, some grains and legumes”. That’s right, animal flesh and dairy are not a big part of the raw food diet. However, that does not necessarily mean that there are not some options within those categories that can’t be eaten or that should necessarily be restricted – such as raw goat’s milk, bee pollen, honey, and possibly fish depending upon how it’s raised. But for the most part, a raw food diet is a high vegan diet. Basically, you will need to see what works best for you as an individual to determine how extreme you could possibly take it. I personally, consider myself a person who eats a high raw vegan diet – although I do consume bee pollen and raw honey.

So why then is a raw food diet considered to be the most healthful diet? From my research, it is due to basic food science. Our bodies require enzymes to function and live. You could say that enzymes are basically “the source of life”! Without enzymes our bodies could not digest the food we consume, which would then make it impossible to absorb the necessary minerals and nutrients to feed the cells and allow our bodies to grow, move, adapt, heal, function and live!

Since we need to consume things that will provide us with the necessary nutrients and calories to exist, we need to eat those things that can provide this. So we eat animal flesh, plants, seeds, nuts, and such for that purpose. All these things have enzymes. However, some of these things we eat can not be eaten in their natural living state. We are not equipped to breakdown these things, such as animal flesh, in order to properly digest it and benefit from the enzymes and nutrients. So we cook it. That just doesn’t make sense does it? I mean, if we have to eat things that are alive in order to benefit – than why would we cook it? Cooking renders the food DEAD! Obviously, when an animal is killed to eat, or a plant is pulled from the ground to eat, they are basically “dying”…so we do our best to consume them as quickly as possible to benefit from the enzymes, and the nutrients within. Sometimes we will freeze or refrigerate the food to cause the food to be dormant so that we can extend what’s left of its “living” state in order to eat it later. But with animal flesh, it’s more than just storing it for later. We just can’t break it down or digest it in a way that makes it worth the time to consume. Plus, when you eat food that is not alive or fresh, as it tries to pass through the body, it begins to get stuck and ferment, and become highly toxic, leaving you sick, sluggish, and eventually leads to weight gain, and malnourishment. “So why bother?” Better choices would be from the garden and the sea – dark leafy greens, sprouts, vegetables, fruits, seaweeds, nuts and seeds, and grains.

Now, one thing you should know is that seeds and nuts, as well as grains and legumes, aren’t necessarily the best food to eat in its dried, picked state. They are actually dormant – which means that the enzymes and nutritional value are locked within. The only way to release them is by soaking, and allowing them to sprout. It’s as if you have planted them so that they can grow. The difference is you can eat them before they actually mature. It’s important that I explain that to you, because many people will consume way too many nuts and seeds, which are actually high in fat (although a much better choice than processed fats), which leads to weight gain. Also, being dormant makes them more toxic to the body, since it is much harder for the body to digest them. Legumes and grains can also be highly toxic for the same reason. In fact, some legumes and grains should be avoided altogether.

Which leads to the obvious – the best foods are dark leafy greens, seaweeds, vegetables and fruits!

Well, the next question or concern would probably be, “What if you have trouble digesting vegetables or fruits? Then what?” Well, since I used to fall into that category to some degree, I have found for me personally that smoothies and juices were some of the best ways, and still are, to consume those vegetables and fruits that caused me digestive grief. Plus, from what I have researched, juicing and smoothies is also one of the fastest ways to absorb the necessary nutrients into the body. So you see, you don’t need to heat your food and permanently kill it to eat it!

And, if you think that eating raw and living food will be tasteless and blah – that is so far from the truth! In fact, the only reason why cooked food tastes good is because of all the added oils, sugars, spices, and (with processed foods) the chemicals and preservatives that have been added to make it worth eating. “Get my point?” If you have ever had the opportunity to taste fruit right from tree, or to pull vegetables and greens right from the ground, you will definitely agree that the flavors within are the BEST and FRESHEST flavors you could ever imagine possible! LIVE FOOD TASTES GREAT! So again, why heat your food – why kill it! Don’t get me wrong, I would be lying if I said I didn’t love cooked food. I used to cook and eat a lot of cooked food – and it was great. But truth be told, I didn’t feel great. I felt very bad. For years I had been suffering with all kinds of chronic digestive, bowel and joint conditions – all from food related issues. It was my body’s cry for help and relief. At some point you have to make the decision that the quality of life is better than giving in to unnecessary addictions that serve no purpose but to give immediate gratification. That’s what cooked food does for most people in this day and age. We live in a world of great abundance and phenomenal technology. There is absolutely no reason for people to be forced to prepare and eat foods that are unhealthy – especially not in countries such as the USA. We have OPTIONS!

As I stated in the first paragraph, DIETS DON’T WORK. However, long-term or lifestyle changes to your diet does work. By adapting to a diet high in raw and living foods, there would be no reason to count calories, or to necessarily plan meals, or to worry about when you could eat “dessert”, or spending hundreds of dollars every week purchasing special foods. Just grow it, or pick it, or purchase it from the local farmer or grocer – wash it and eat it! That’s it!

I know many of you have seen all the beautiful raw food entrees and desserts that include dehydrated delights, or specially prepared cuisines. This is considered to be “gourmet” and is more of a way to help those transitioning to a raw food diet, to not feel so deprived and to enjoy the change. I love gourmet raw food. But, you don’t need to eat gourmet food to be raw. Truly food serves one purpose, and one purpose only – to feed and heal the body. The rest is what we make it. So, you can eat simply, to simply live! It’s all good!

If we all took the time to truly analyze how food affects our lives both physically, mentally, socially, spiritually, and economically, we could all see that changing the way we eat could have a positive, global impact for all. Eating healthy comes with healthy body weight, increased energy, overall health and well-being, clear mind, and the ability to function effectively. These physical improvements will help individuals to maintain their health naturally, making it unnecessary for costly health care maintenance. Eating a diet high in raw and living food also eliminates the need for costly diet supplements and vitamins. Proper nutrition – balanced nutrition comes from eating a well-rounded diet high in raw and living food. The money saved from that can be used towards other necessities, like protecting our natural resources. Eating a high raw and living diet will also help reduce the cost of grocery spending. Buying fresh foods from local farmers and grocers also reduces the high costs of living – since the food bill will drop dramatically. Processed foods are very expensive and wasteful. This also helps to protect our natural resources. By not heating food, this helps save on energy, which also helps with our natural resources, and reduces the high cost of living. So you see, there are so many benefits to eating a diet high in raw and living foods. Weight loss is just one small part of it! You want to be GREEN, save the planet, and protect our natural resources – EAT RAW!

A foot note to this article. To make a point of how a raw food diet truly works. Please note my personal experience. I have been raw for about two years now. Since changing to a raw food lifestyle I lost over 30 pounds, and have been symptom free from most of the long-term chronic conditions I suffered from. When making this change it is important to remember, that although in life modifications are inevitable, it does not mean that you can completely stray from what is working for you.

When the holidays came around in 2008 I began to fall off the wagon a bit. I gave in to my emotional addictions (a topic for a future article), with “comfort food” and began to eat “lightly processed” organic corn chips. I also began to eat way too many nuts, and consumed way too much “raw junk food”. Just because something is packaged “raw” does not mean it is necessarily healthy to eat – at least not a lot of it. The “raw” junk foods are mainly produced for transitioning purposes. But at some point you need to be honest and realize that unless it’s living and raw – it’s still not truly RAW FOOD. Because of my emotional behaviors, and consuming these foods, I have put on at least 15-18 pounds of this weight – which I’m not proud of. I am personally “transitioning” again to release this unnecessary and unwanted weight. I am also dealing with my emotional addictions to assist me with avoiding this type of relapse in the future. This proves to me that the raw food diet works for me, and that it has to be a life-long commitment.

I mean every word when I say the best and most healthful diet and lifestyle is the raw food diet. I am at my best when I live as close to 100% as possible. You don’t need to be a purist, but you do need to be honest with yourself and with your body’s needs to have the best health ever, and to enhance the quality of your life. Here’s to your health! Eat RAW!