30 Days Raw...

Today I started a 30 day raw food program. For at least the next 30 days I will be eating a raw food diet.
My goal is to lose at least 15 pounds in the 30 days. I have done this several times before, but then fall off the wagon and gain it all back eating cookies and cake!
When I am eating raw I feel amazing. The only thing that I don't like is that I need very little sleep..only about 4 hours a night. I love my afternoon naps and not needing them makes me nuts.
I'm going to have to find something to keep my occupied.
I will post my before pic in a few days when I get it from the photographer.

I have included a recipe in today's post for a negative calorie food salad.
Enjoy it!

Ingredients:
1 red bell pepper sliced
1 cup strawberries sliced
2 cucumbers seeded and sliced
1 15oz can mandarin oranges in mandarin oj (save the oj to add to salad)
2tbs fresh basil
2.5 Tbs balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Throw it all in a bowl and toss

Approximate calories 210 ...not that it really matters!
Servings 4-6

Negative Calorie Foods

Lately I have had alot of people asking me to repost information about negative calorie foods. There seems to be some confusion as to what these foods are...Negative calorie foods are foods that require more calories to burn than they contain. As you can see from the list below all of these foods are fruits and veggies. To get the benefit of the negative calorie effect they must be eaten raw.
Eat all you want from the list and lose weight..at least thats the theory.
I have personally had great success on this program.
Remember, not all program work for all people.

Vegetables:
Fennel, aubergine, gourd, broccoli, leek, cabbage, lettuce, carrots, marrow, cauliflower, peppers, celery, radish, chicory, spinach, cress, tomato, cucumber, turnip, hot chili peppers, garlic, beet, endive, green beans, onion, mushrooms, brussel sprouts
Fruits:
Apricot, mandarin orange, blackberry, melon canteloupe, blackcurrant, peaches, clementines, plums, damsons, raspberry, grapefruit. rhubarb, guava, strawberry, honeydew melon, tangerine, lemon,lime, kiwi, watermelon apples, mango, papaya, pear

I hope this helps..happy eating.

The Health Benefits Of aloe Vera Gel

The health benefits of aloe vera gel are numerous. Taken both internally and externally aloe can be a valuable part of any healthy routine. It has been used historically as a soothing balm,applied externally for cuts, scrapes and burns.

The health benefits of aloe vera taken internally include:
*heals ulcers
*improved circulation
*blood sugar regulation
*regulation of blood pressure
*heals internal tissue damage*reduces itchiness in psoriasis
*strengthens the immune system
*defends the body against bacteria
*promotes healing of bones and joints
*improves and even eliminates constipation

Drinking two to four ounces a day is all that is required to gain the many benefits of aloe vera juice. Taken daily aloe can aid your digestion, improve your circulation , cleanse the blood, detoxify your body and cleanse your colon.
Aloe vera can also act as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent, helping to prevent the onset of disease in the body. Taking aloe vera juice daily helps to maintain good health and provides a sense of wellbeing and increased energy.
I have been taking aloe vera gel daily for almost 15 years. It has helped me control the severe cystic acne I suffered from as a teen ager, it has helped me maintain a 70 pound weight loss and I feel it has kept from getting colds and flu in all the time I have taken it.
You can find aloe vera gel at any health food store.
It is tasteless and works well mixed with juice. It can take some getting used to because of its thickness...aloe vera juice is another alternative..
As with anything you want to find an organic raw aloe vera product to use.
I know some people who just buy an aloe plant and tear off a stalk to suck on every day.
Whichever option you pick you are sure to see some benefit from this wonderful plant.