~Raw Inspiration~

I love strong women

2011-05-27T22:58:00.000-07:00

I love strong women. I love women who have made interesting choices, walked their own path, taken risk, women who have lived from and through their hearts. I have cried with these women, laughed with these women, danced, sang, and watched mascara run down their faces through their tear soaked stories, or their endless laughter.

We are all strong women, at our essence. We are born with the ability to create life inside of our precious wombs. We are born to handle pain in ways that men are not. We, as women cycle with the moon, with the tides, and with our hearts. We are all strong in essence.

One amazing woman in my life I met in a small town, each of us with little beautiful girls. Babies at the time. What initially struck me about her was her beauty, and then her obvious authenticity, and that she was my age. In my opinion the perfect age to start my family. Young, optimistic, and full of energy. 23.

And so it started, a friendship that will follow us through our lives, through every experience, partner, and parts of the world travelled. We went through a lot together back then, raising children, parenting, finding our way as mothers, finding ourselves, lack of sleep, making a home, divorce, separation, balance, conception, miscarriage, birth, relocation, mortgages, businesses, new careers, education, young family, growth, love, sex, heartache, dating, laughter. Our families, grew, they parted, family shifted, location changed.

What blows me away is her spirit. Her sense of adventure, her depth of love, and her ability to laugh in any circumstance.

I love strong women... who are nurturing little lives, showing their children that life is what we make it. Modelling love and strength.

I love strong women... who embody and care for their temples, their physical body with love, respect, their practice.

I love strong women... who will dive into and swim in their feelings. Who will expose their raw essence and go after what they deserve.

I love strong women... who are misunderstood, who are full on, who are powerful in their way.

and I love strong women ... who can be soft, who can take off their costume, take off their makeup, let their hair grow wild and natural, let themselves be vulnerable for love, open to experience, and take the path less traveled.

I love myself.

I love strong women.

Love love love Ash

Just fall in love with as many things as possible....

2011-05-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

I have decided to use this blog not only to share my raw food information, but to share on of my true passions - writing.... Writing about this, writing about that, sharing what is in my heart. Here we go...

"Don’t be afraid to fall in love. It’s the only thing that matters in life. Just fall in love with as many things as possible"

I met a man once who told me that he loved falling in love. I though that this was the silliest statement that I had every heard! Not because I do not myself revel in and weave myself into falling in love with men and women, but because there is SO much to fall in love with. He, I realized had such a narrow view of falling in love that the thought of limiting yourself to falling in love with another human being seemed, well silly. Yes, we as human beings seem to be fixated on falling in love with each other. We are by nature meant to have a partner and be part of a social group. But as we detach ourselves from this, as we take a step back, we see that there is SO much to fall in love with.

I do not limit myself to falling in love, I rather enjoy loving. Not 'falling' in love but Loving. Loving the sparkle in a strangers eyes when you smile just to smile. Loving the way my daughter runs into my bed every morning and is full of the possibilities of her day Loving the way my soul feels when I finish my Yoga practice. But I told myself I wouldn't make a list...

Falling in love with as many things as possible. When I read this, it brings tears to my eyes. I have so much to love each day that my eyes have no choice but to well up.

Yet we run, we fear, we close of this precious area of the body that lets us fall in love. Our heart. Our heart is the reason that we are alive. Some silly scientists believe that it is our brain that keeps us alive. It is the pulsation of our heart, the rhythm bathes us in prana and the connection to our source. Our mind tells us this and that, lets us think that it can keep us whole, that it can give us the satisfaction, that it can make the decisions.... And indeed our mind has a lot to do with our existence, but it is our HEART that gives this existence rich substance.

How many decisions have you made with only your mind. When the heart begins to surface, when the heart offers it's wise intuitive input how often have your pushed the input back down. How many times have you let your mind intellectualize matters of the heart?

To organically grow any situation you must listen to the heart. Sit. Meditate. Do your Yoga. Do your Practice, whatever it may be. Let your heart well up, embrace it, love it, dance with it... FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR HEART'S DESIRES. Listen closely. Listen with curiosity to your heart and then follow it. Follow it with the curiosity of a small child chasing the fluttering butterfly through the sunlit field. We have all been there, following with absolute wonder the butterfly. When did we stop following the butterflies? When did we think that this was a 'waste of our time'? Follow your heart, sit with it, let the butterfly come to you.

I can't resist a bit of a list... falling in love with:
my endless creativity
the way I pick myself up
my daughter
my beautiful, strong girlfriends (you know who you are, you always inspire me)
my practice
Yoga
surprises
smiles
conversations with strangers
water
music

Ok, this could go on and on... what will you fall in love with today?

~ Ash ~

"Don’t be afraid to fall in love. It’s the only thing that matters in life. Just fall in love with as many things as possible"

Divine Fruitarian Pasta Marinara

2011-01-17T10:45:00.000-08:00

I have been super inspired by a more fruit based diet these days. I have been experimenting with a variety of recipes that are Fruitarian and 8-1-1 friendly and I would love to share this one with you!

~Fruitarian Pasta Marinara~

Pasta
1 large zuchinni

Marinara Sauce
4 large tomatoes
1/2 red pepper
1/2 c. fresh basil
4 Medjool dates
2 celery stalks
1/8 c. sun dried tomatoes
8 grape tomatoes

Spiralize your zucchini to make thin noodles. Place in a pretty medium sized bowl and set aside. Combine remaining ingredient (minus the olives and grape tomatoes) in your Vita Mix or blender and blend until somewhat smooth. Pour over your noodles and mix together. Place olives, grape tomatoes, and a sprig of basil in a beautiful design over your mixed pasta and let sit for 5 minutes or more. The longer you let your pasta sit, the more the sauce will thicken. Light some candles, sit down with your love and love this meal together!

This recipe always goes over well at dinners and pot lucks, so I recommend trying this when sharing Raw or Fruitarian meals for the first time with guests!

Love and Light always ~ Ashli Swann
Questions of comments? Leave a comment below or email me ~ rawinspiration@live.ca

~Fruitarian Fruit Porridge~

2011-01-17T10:26:00.000-08:00

I have a new favorite breakfast for myself and my daughter! In place of oatmeal we have created this Fruitarian Fruit Porridge. It is simple, super quick, and tastes absolutely divine!

This recipe is Fruitarian and 8-1-1 friendly as well as Raw Vegan! I encourage you to experiment, add and subtract depending on what you have on hand.

Fruitarian Fruit Porridge ~
1 large serving, or 2 small servings

1 banana
1 large pear
1 large Pink Lady apple
1tsp cinnamon to taste
2 tbsp. raisins
Blend together on medium speed in your Vita Mix or blender. It should be somewhat chunky still, the consistency of porridge! Pour in your breakfast bowl, sprinkle with a tad more cinnamon, and raisins and enjoy!

I love this breakfast because it leaves you feeling light but perfectly full. It is easy to digest and is in harmony with eating fruit for breakfast! For a sweeter taste, blend in 2 Medjool dates as well!

I hope this recipe inspires you to experiment with some alternatives to cooked breakfast cereals, I know you, your partners, and your little ones will LOVE IT!
Love and Light always ~ Ashli Swann

~Rawsome Mango Crumble Cobbler~

2011-01-13T16:52:00.000-08:00

This is my all time favourite blow your mind out of this world Raw dessert ever!!! This will take about 20 minutes to prepare, and even less time to eat! Prep it, share it, love it!

~Rawsome Mango Crumble Cobbler~

CRUST
2 c. pecans
1c. almonds
1/4 c. walnuts
1 vanilla bean
1/4 tsp. sea salt
3/4 c. pitted medjool dates

SAUCE
3/4 c. pitted medjool dates
3 Tbsp. raw coconut oil
1/2 vanilla bean
1/4 cup spring water, as needed

FILLING
3 to 4 ripe mangoes, peeled, seeded, sliced, about 6 cups or 3 cups fresh berries of your choice!

UnCook me!
To make crust, process pecans, vanilla bean, and salt into powder in your food processor, Vita Mix or blender. Add ¾ cup pitted dates and process until mixed well. Sprinkle half of the crust onto bottom of pie dish, and set aside.

To make the sauce, combine ¾ cup dates, coconut oil, vanilla bean, and water as needed to make a thick syrup in your Vita Mix or blender. Set aside this aside while you make the delicious filling.

To make filling, place sliced mango into a bowl. Mix it all up with the syrup. Pour onto the cobbler crust in the pie plate.

To serve, top with other half of the crust. This will keep in the fridge for a few days although, I doubt that it will last an hour!

SO lets see, you just make an amazing Raw creation, you didn't have to bake it, everyone in the house loved it, and there is no scraping baked on bits off of the pie plate. I think next week, your family should make this for you for all of the hard Raw work you have done all week! Notice how you feel after dessert as well. Most likely, full of love and very alive! Who would have guessed?

My favorite Raw memory of this dessert dish was last summer when the kids picked us fresh blackberries from the black berry bush outside. I made it into a crumble and we enjoyed it as the berries were still warm from the summer sunshine. Truly nurturing and divine and SO full of LOVE!!!

Raw Vegan Chocolate 'Smudge Cookies'

2010-12-27T11:58:00.000-08:00

Hi all of my Inspiring Friends! I have a delicious new recipe to share!

My daughter was delighted to make Santa our very own recipe of 'Raw Vegan Smudge Cookies' for Mr. Clause on his trip through beautiful Vancouver. My daughter Stella was however unsure if Santa had ever tried Raw cookies before?! So she came up with the brilliant plan to make half of the recipe Raw and the other half lightly baked.

The Smudge cookies gave me an amazing idea to make some recipes that require one prep, and some can be kept Raw for the Raw family members, and some can be baked for the others! Thank you Stella for the inspiration!

2 c. oat flour (raw oat hulls ground to a flour in the blender)
1/2 c. almond flour
1/8 c. flax flour
pinch french sea salt
1 vanilla bean
Hand stir the dry ingredients in a bowl

In the blender combine:
4 mandarin oranges juiced (about 1/2 c.)
3/4 c. fresh raw almond milk
4 Medjool dates
3tbsp. raw chocolate (raw cacao)
3 tbsp raw almond butter
Blend until perfectly smooth and creamy!

Combine the wet and dry ingredients together in your bowl. The consistency should be similar to cookie batter. You may meed to add a tad more almond milk if too dry, or a tad more oat flour if too wet! Place spoonful sized amounts on a baking tray, and the other half of the batter on the dehydrating tray. Bake the cooked half at 325 F for 8 minutes or until just hard on the outside and gooey on the inside. Dehydrate the Raw portion at 95 F for about 4 hours or until hard on the outside and fudgey (smudgy) on the outside!

We served these Smudge Cookies on a cute little plate, with a glass of Raw Vanilla Almond Milk and not only did our family love them, so did Mr. Clause himself much to my daughters delight ;)

Remember to start of 2011 right with a consultation of your choice and join my RAW 7 DAY or 30 DAY CHALLENGE!!! . Send me your e-mail address to join my monthly mailing list.

Love and Light xoxoxo ॐ Ashli Swann
p.s. I promise promise in the New Year to post tons more pictures! Yes I am listening to everyone, and yes pictures of me and my Raw creating will be coming in 2011. Also more 1/2 Raw, 1/2 lightly cooked creations to reduce meal time prep for you 1/2 Raw families! xoxo

2010-12-15T22:41:00.000-08:00

~Inspiring Raw Events Solstice 2010 and New Year 2011~

Hey Everyone,

It is the time of the year when we stop and collect ourselves in the darkest part of the year. We gather into our families and into ourselves. The Winter Solstice on December 21st is a time to celebrate the light coming back within ourselves, and on our beautiful planet Earth. The time is here regardless of what or how you choose to celebrate to focus inward on yourself. Many of us do this with a New Year’s resolution. I offer to you the opportunity to be inspired by amazing health. Erase any doubts that just surfaces, breath and realize that you are the most powerful influence on yourself. You hold the light with in you, and I want to inspire you to shine!

Your health changes every moment of every day. Make it fun, make it light, and make it Raw. Do a bit of Raw or a lot of Raw! Let me help you, teach you, inspire you! Check out my upcoming events, and offerings. E-mail me or post to my blog with comments, questions, or thoughts. I would love to hear from you all!

~ December 19th 2010, Holiday Open House, Healthy Skin and Raw Food 7-9 pm Vancouver East~ Join myself and friend Lynn Wiebe RN as we team up for an evening of information, beauty and fun! Raw food treats, MK Skin Care, enter to win a free MK robe, and a free Raw consultation for 2011. Come early and get a free Yoga pass as well! RSVP by Friday December 17th 2010. rawinspiration@live.com

~ Raw Solstice 2010 ~ Join me in spirit for a day of celebrating the resurfacing of light to our bodies, and the planet! Gather your friends and family close, light candles, have a Raw, Vegan, or Vegetarian meal tonight. Take out paper and colors, and write your positive thoughts, goals, and inspirations for this coming time. Do this with your loved ones! Kids can color and enjoy the time with their parents, loved ones can enjoy the pause together, and friends can come together with love and support.

As a powerful time for planting the seeds of intent within our hearts to allow them to sprout and grow to fruiting through 2011, I encourage you all to join me in spirit! Send me your Solstice plans and thoughts; I would love to post what others have planned! rawinspiration@live.com

~January 9 2011 ~ Choose either a 7 day Raw Challenge or a 30 Day Raw challenge! Join me and be inspired to start off this New Year, this new season by filling your body with Raw Live divine food every time you eat! Challenge yourself to be Raw for 7 days, 30 days, and beyond. Simply click on the link to pay, then e-mail me at rawinspiration@live.com , tell me a bit about yourself, your lifestyle, and we will go from there!

I have watched so many people’s lives, attitudes, emotions, relationships, and bodies transform and absolutely shine as a result of incorporating between 80% and 100% into their lives. Do it for yourself, do it for everyone your love, do it for the planet!

~ Raw in my home 2011 ~ But where shall I start? We start in your kitchen! Book a consult with me and I will come for a visit in your home. We will go through your cupboards, pull out that old blender, sharpen up your knifes and take stock of what you have available to use right away to be Raw even more importantly Successfully Raw!!! Want to be Raw in your home but don't know how to start? Email me and we will connect with your needs, and let the Raw fun begin! rawinspiration@live.com.

~ Take me Raw shopping 2011~ But what will I buy? Let's go shopping! Book a consult with me and we will take stock of what you already have, what is Raw and what is not, create a practical menu for your week and go to the store! On a budget, no problem let me take you shopping and see what we can find! Email me and we will connect with your individual needs, and I will show you the Raw way around the store!

~Take me home 2011~ Lets combine an individual menu for you, a look around your soon to be Raw kitchen, go shopping to stock up, and make a meal together. Being told is good, being taught and shown in priceless. So let's do it! Let's do the Raw lifestyle together. Planning a day to get together, talk, shop, un-cook and learn.

~I will teach you about ~
transitioning into a Raw liefestyle gently
amazing Raw recipes, breakfast, lunch, dinners, snacks, and of course desserts
sprouting
storing your fruits and veggies to last
properly stock your kitchen
how and where to shop
best Raw restaurants around
manage your life and be radiantly, successfully Raw
letting go of food addictions
emotional eating
managing allergies
cleansing and much much more!

To book any of the above events with me simply click on the appropriate Pay Pal button to pay, then e-mail me. I will be in touch with you and we will start the consult and get you on your way to Raw Inspiring Health! I welcome questions and comments!

Love, light and blessings coming into this Solstice time and festive holiday season!
Xoxo Ashli Swann
ॐ

2010-11-22T18:28:00.000-08:00

Hellooo all my Raw Inspiration Friends!! Blessings on this chilly Monday evening! I have put together some information for you all! I am running a few more Raw Challenges, I am also doing a trial run for a grocery delivery for my friends in Vancouver. I encourage those of you elsewhere to buddy up with each other and start a cooperative grocery delivery. It makes things fun/ supportive/ and easier! Especially for those of your without a vehicle! Get inspired you guys!

I haven't posted on it in a while, but I will be adding more soon! Please subsciribe to my mailing list below for updates to be e-mailed to you. This way you can stay connected to future challenges and events!

The dates for the next Raw Challenges are:

7 Day Raw Food Challenge December 5 - December 12 2010
7 Day Raw Food Challenge January 2 - January 9 2010
30 Days Raw! January 2 - January 31 2011

So for the challenges I have written articles, tips, reminders, and am available for help anytime through out the challenge. I am in the process of putting together videos so that i can actually demo HOW I am preparing meals which will be helpful. I am available via phone, or Skype.

**If needed we can book a consultation to meet in your kitchen to make a meal together and go grocery chopping together to actually show you how to do things/ shop if you are feeling challenged!

During the challenge I will give you the information on how to prepare meals at home, for on the go, and how to eat when you go out with others etc... We will talk about the detox process and what that entails, how to handle cravings, and how to stay on track. I am here to support and inspire you through your journey!

It is great to find someone else who is up for the challenge as well, it is super bonding and great to have someone on the same vibration / path as you!

I am looking into doing a delivery service for Vancouver friends for Organic fruits/ veggies/ fresh juices/ nuts/ seeds/ Spring water/ Raw gourmet items etc... once a week on Saturday delivered to your home.

I shop at a Saturday wholesale market in Burnaby that sells to Capers and Wholefoods. The produce is great quality and less expensive than the stores! I can also buy larger quantity items and split them down between us (10 pounds of carrots or apples split since none of us would use that many!) I will do most of the shopping there and if there is anything else that I can not find there I will do a run to Whole Foods. I can also go by the Spring in North Vancouver for fresh water, and stop by Organic Lives for any specialty Raw that you are craving! People come from all over the Lower Mainland for this water, but it is only accessible if you have a car! My intent is to make Raw more accessible to people who are inspired and interested!

I will be doing a delivery this Saturday December 27th if you want in. I will add $11 to the invoice per order to cover the cost of gas/ time. This will be a trial run on Saturday, then I will start up the service again Jan 2011 depending on how it goes/ how much interest there is etc... If you have any friends who may be interested let me know, pass on my e-mail address, and add me to your facebook if applicable!

If you are interested contact me and I will send you an e-mail with an order sheet on it!

I have helped a lot of people transform with an all Raw or mostly Raw diet. It is doable as soon as you get the hang of the tricks, and it really will make you feel amazing. It is very healing as well!

Have a great Monday! Om Shanti ~ Ash
rawinspiration@live.com
http://rawblissinspiration.blogspot.com/
find me on Facebook~ Ashli Suffron

~Raw Yoga Chocolate Bar~

2010-08-30T22:16:00.000-07:00

I have recently been inspired beyond belief with my new job at an amazing Yoga Studio! The Union, or Yoga that has been opened up within me is already bringing me to a new level of learning and awareness. Yay!

So, as we dedicate our practice to a person, idea or aspect of ourselves, I would like to dedicate a Raw Chocolate Yoga Bar to well, to Yoga! Yoga is a Union of so many things, and this concept can be incorporated into all aspects of our life including your diet! The union and synergy of food is vital to raising our vibration and nourishing our body. SO, working with synergy in mind I have made an amazing Raw Yoga Chocolate Bar!

Raw Coconut and Cacao butter for the base, Cacao powder for the dark bitter chocolate, working as a delivery for the maca. Stevia and or agave for sweet, cayenne and cinnamon for heat and warmth. Lastly soaked, rinsed, and dried organic almonds for crunch. This union comes together as one amazing tasting Raw, organic, everything you could possibly want chocolate bar! ~Namaste ~

Raw Coconut oil
Raw Cacao butter
Raw Cacao powder
Stevia
Raw agave
Cayenne
Maca
Cinnamon
Almonds, soaked, rinsed, and dried

I have no proportions this time ! To be honest, I was inspired and just combined it all, tasted it, loved it, and put it to set and enjoyed the tiniest bit after my Yoga practice! I encourage you all to do the same, experiment, taste, and make it your own! This is how we learn, and grow, and evolve…

I can offer you this guidance however… put the cacao butter and coconut oil in any heat able container over super low heat on the stove, or in a double boiler method with your glass container in very hot water. The latter method will ensure that all of your antioxidants and enzymes stay intact (aka Raw!). Stir until melted, add ingredients and put in fridge or freezer to set ~ about 30 mins. Since it is Raw it will melt at a low temperature, so store in the fridge and enjoy this beautiful Yogic Union of bliss!

Live, Laugh, Love Everyone! Xoxo

Inspiration in all Shapes and Forms

2010-08-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

Inspiration picks you up, motivates you, and puts light into areas that may have become cloudy! Inspiration can come in endless forms, and can come from outside your body or from within. I strive to be inspired every day and to let that inspiration guide me along my journey. Notice I say strive! This is a constant journey for us all as humans, if it wasn't would we need inspiration at all?

Some things that endlessly inspire me are my daughter for her sparkling eyes, her endless amazement with the world, her unconditional love, and her enthusiasm despite any circumstance. My mom inspires me with her wisdom, her profound knowledge with herbs, Reiki, healing and health, and her gentle guidance always allowing those around her to choose their own paths.

Yoga, or union constantly inspires me through the lessons which I learn on and off of the mat. Bringing my body and mind to new levels and complementing every aspect of my life. Yoga has made a huge cultural impact as it made it’s way to the West and permeated the lives of millions of people who now use this union in their daily lives.

Raw, amazing nutrition inspires me endlessly seeing the change which it has made in my life, my family’s life, and countless people around me. Seeing people take responsibility for their health and their bodies inspires me beyond belief. I love seeing people light up, and really change their lives!

Love, I love being in love without doubt, and strive to stay in love every day! Surrounding myself with love and opening my heart is a constant inspiration in the best way.

There are so many other things to draw inspiration from in nature, all around us in this paradise that we live in! The spring water constantly flowing out of the mountain, constantly being purified by the Earth, constantly moving, always changing, always remaining flexible. The mountains and their ever changing beauty, plants and flowers growing wild, the eb and flow of the moon and the tides, the possibility of change and growth with every choice which we make. SO much inspiration!

Every day, every minute you have a chance to change your thoughts, change your habits, change your food choices, change your relationships, change your clothes, change your associations, change your mind! Become inspired, follow the trail, and see where it takes you to make these changes, I promise we can all do this!

Remember allow the inspiration in, remember on those low energy days which we all have to stop, breath, and look around! Stretch, practice some Yoga, breath deep with your diaphragm, find one thing to inspire you and focus on it for 20 breaths! Walk outside barefoot to reconnect with the Earth and therefore yourself.

Another tool which I adore and practice often with my daughter is the ABC’s of gratitude. For every letter in the alphabet choose something that you are grateful for. This only takes a minute and when you are done you will feel the love around you, and feel more centered.

When old habits seem to be filling a space within you that you no longer need, or perpetuating a cycle which does not serve you, take a minute to reset, break the cycle and replace the habit! Try some 'inspiration in a glass' to reset any cravings or old food habits which you want to break. This does wonders to clear your palate and reset your mind!

~ Inspiration in a Glass ~
½ cups Spring water gently heated (do not boil)
1 tsp cayenne pepper or ½ a fresh cayenne pepper
½ tsp cinnamon
Juice of ½ lemon
1 inch fresh skinned ginger
1 tiny scoop green Stevia
~ blend on high speed in your blender. If you are having any cravings especially for refined sugar or processed carbohydrates, this will put a stop to those carvings. Great for evening before bed as a digestive aid, or in the morning to warm you up inside and get you going!

Another Raw Food Inspiration Week starts this coming Sunday August 29 2010! Great for the Fall season, as it can be used in place as a cleanse, to start a new habit, break old cycles, and best of all, become inspired!

Check out the bottom of the page to purchase a week of Raw Inspiration, one-on-one Raw food coaching. Always feel free to e-mail me any questions or comments!
~om shanti~

Why Eat Raw Breakfast Cereal?

2010-08-16T22:15:00.000-07:00

Today I want to introduce Raw Cereal. It has so many benefits that are essential to your Raw radiant health! I hope that you have all chosen to incorporate it into your diet!

Raw Cereal
¼ cup soaked nuts
¼ cup fried fruit including raisins, cranberries, pear or apple
1 tbsp flax seeds
1 tbsp chia seeds
2 tsp shredded coconut
1 tbsp. gogi berries
1 tsp hemp hearts
2 tsp. Raw honey or Raw agave nectar
Cinnamon, nutmeg, or all-spice to taste.
¾- 1 cup fresh almond milk, or coconut milk
½ cup fresh fruit cut into pieces (mango, apple, papaya, banana etc…)

Put all ingredients in a beautiful bowl and mix together dry. Add the milk of your choice and let sit for 10 minutes. The cereal will get a thick consistency upon standing. Stir, add a bit more milk depending on the consistency desired, and top with fruit. This is a very filling breakfast. I use it when I have exams and need to be grounded and focused for long amounts of time. It also travels well in a tight glass container! Experiment and personalize this to make it tasty and exciting every time!

The main benefit from the Raw cereal is that it is very high in fiber as well as filling, so it is a great base for the day when you will be busy, as well as supports your digestive health. Many people do not have regular bowel movements and carry pounds of excess sludge in their colons! This sludge slows or stops absorption through your colon, rots and causes many toxic side effects and pathologies, and leads to excess weight around your abdomen and body. Does anyone really want putrid sludge in their colon? That is a lot to carry around each step that you take! One thing I learned in my pathology class is that almost every acquired colon and heart condition can be prevented, improved and reversed by increasing your fiber intake. Bottom line, eliminate the sludge therefore decreasing weight, negative emotions, toxicity, and disease.

Raw cereal contains flax seeds, and or chia seeds. This both produce a gelatinous substance when exposed to water. This gelatinous substance will draw toxins out of your colon, bind them to the seed, and carry them out of the colon while scraping down blockages. Chia seeds serve the same purpose. Other ways to use the seeds are to put them in smoothies and patte’s which break the seeds up, making the Omega -3 oils more accessible, or grinding the seeds in a coffee grinder and adding them fresh to your meal. This is the best and most table way to consume them. Problems arise when flax or chia oil is used as it goes rancid quickly, and may have been exposed to heat during production or on the way to the store. If this is the case, you could be consuming rancid carcinogenic oil. Doesn’t this seem a bit counterproductive?
In addition to flax and chia seeds, Raw cereal has the option to incorporate a variety of nuts and other seeds. Nuts and seeds in general are a great way to get healthy fat into your diet. Remember on a Raw diet, the fat that you consume is recognized, your body knows what to do with it, so it is therefore good fat. Soaked nuts and seeds are easier to digest and remove the enzyme inhibitors. Go one step further and sprout your seeds, and you are in a whole other league regarding health benefits!

Soaked dried and fresh fruit add vitamins, minerals, color and sweetness to your meal! Additional super foods boost every aspect of your cereal, charging your body with concentrated, bio-available nutrients. Super foods to add to your cereal include soaked gogi berries or powder, maca root powder, raw cacao power beans or nibs, fresh sprouts, wild fresh berries (talk to your local herbalist about hosting an herb walk to discover wild eatables!), bee pollen, hemp hearts, spirulina, and chorella.

I add spirulina and cacao to my smoothies and cereals every day. Spirulina is a concentrated source of sunshine from the sea, it is very high in protein, omega 3 fatty acids, and among other things tryptophan. Tryptophan acts in our body to reduce stress by increasing the production of serotonin. Very important!

Super foods are a whole subject on their own as you can see as I have just scratched the surface!
As you are starting to see, your Raw cereal is starting to look like a super star, packed with essential aspects to a healthy life! Between incorporated more fresh Raw, Raw cereals and Raw smoothies, you are on your way to an incredibly amazing you!

Most Amazing Raw Chocolate Mango Banana Cream Pie...EVER!!!

2010-08-11T13:11:00.000-07:00

You guys just trust me and try this!

Most Amazing Raw Chocolate Mango Banana Cream Pie EVER!!! (in my humble opinion)

Crust
1 1/2 cups Soaked almonds, rinsed and hand dried
1/4 cup dry almonds
1/4 cup shredded coconut
1 1/2 tbsp Raw honey
2 tbsp Raw Cacao powder

~ mash up in blender of food processor until smooth and doughy. Spread out in a glass pie plate to for the base.

Filling
2 Mangos peeled
1/4 cup Raw coconut oil
tiniest pinch of Himalayan salt
1 banana peeled

~ blend until super smooth and pour into pie crust. Sprinkle with shredded coconut and eatable red rose petals. Out in the fridge to set for about an hour. Eat it for dinner, in the sun with someone amazing!

Raw Tabouleh mmm!!!

2010-08-10T19:54:00.000-07:00

I want to share a great recipe that I made a while ago. I really enjoy it and I hope that you will too. Make enough for the next day, and always make enough to share!

Tabuleh
½ head cauliflower
2 small heads broccoli
1 lemon juiced or whole if using a high speed blender
1 head parsley
¼ cup mint
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp. olive oil

In the blender or food processor, combine the cauliflower, broccoli, lemon. Cumin, salt and olive oil until chunky consistency. Chop the parsley and mint. Mix this together by hand and serve. Sometimes I find the broccoli is slightly sour. If this is the case, add a pinch more salt and some more olive oil, this usually tones down any sourness! This recipe is really amazing. Sometimes I double up the quantities and further mix the second half. I use this in my ‘rawiche’s’, Raw burgers, and as a dip with any veggie’s!

For more recipes, theres is an online starter recipe book available from me through PayPal. Please see the button at the bottom of the page! Happy eating...

Why Raw?

2010-08-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

~It is always ok to try something new, and always ok to change something that you do not like!~

Raw is the real way to eat. Raw food grows from the Earth and has provided every mammal on this planet with enough nutrients to live, grow, and thrive. Raw food uses less energy, retains all nutrients, and is alive and fresh with enzymes. Raw food has boosted my energy, cleared up my skin, and restored me to my natural weight. Raw food raises your vibration and sets you back on track.

I have watched people around me thrive, and heal on Raw foods like no other single healing modality. Over and over I receive comments on how clear my skin is now, how bright my eyes are and how toned my muscles are. This was not always the case! I had quite severe acne until the age of 25 and would not leave the house without cover-up. I was also gaining weight although I ate what was considered a healthy cooked Vegan diet. I tried every avenue that I could think up in the attempt to clear up my skin. I cut out gluten, wheat, dairy, and yeast. I bought nothing which was processed and made it all at home. I tried everything and nothing on my skin. I tried herbs and tinctures, supplemented with zinc, vitamin A, flax oils, vitamin D, B complexes and everything else it seems. I read books, tried different methods of Eastern healings, mud masks, glycolic peels, fancy facial treatments (I was an esthetician at the time) went through about every route you could imagine! Some things would help slightly, but inevitable not be resolved. I stopped short of taking Accutane although I was desperate and was really considering it! I am so glad I didn’t! Enter Raw foods…

I did a 5 day juice fast/ liver cleanse. My friend and I felt so great towards the end that we extended the juice fast to 7 and then finally 11 days. I felt fresh and alive, my skin was starting to clear up and my eyes seemed to sparkle! I felt on path, I was inspired, and my mind was sharp and clear. I knew from experiencing fasts and cleanses in the past that these results would last for a few days or a week, and then as old eating habits would take their toll that this would fade.

I had this overwhelming steadfast resolution that this was it! If I want to feel this good all the time then I am going to feel this good all the time! It just seemed so silly that I had ever settled for less! I decided to try Raw foods again (I had dabbled in it in the past but did not have the support, knowledge, or tools that I now had!). I headed to the book store and found my first Raw uncook book ‘Raw, The Uncook Book’ by Juliano. I was so excited and my creative energy and love of foods soared. The first night I remember making Raw Nachos with 2 types of hand chopped salsa and guacamole. These were served with Raw beet and zucchini chips. My friend and I were so thrilled we danced and sang as we were chopping and marveled that it was all Raw. We called the neighbors over to share the absolutely divine meal with us, and they too were very impressed! We all laughed and had such a great time that night!

As I was lying in bed that night I remember how alive I felt, as opposed to tired, bloated or gassy from the typical broiled nachos and cheese. It was then that I knew I was on a path that would change my life forever!

It was all right there in front of me, plain and simple. Eat Raw, natural, simple Organic foods and thrive!

As you can tell this is all very close to my heart and it is so special to share what I have learned and most importantly continue to learn and be absolutely inspired by the constant stream of new people with new knowledge!

Truly live with light, love, and happiness…

Ashli Swann Suffron
rawinspiration@live.com
http://rawblissinspiration.blogspot.com/
www.rawinspiration.ca

Inspiring people along their journey to health!

2010-07-28T21:21:00.000-07:00

I have designed Raw Inspiration to provide inspiration for you and others along their journey to health. The food journey is a path that we all walk daily. So many people have so many questions about Raw foods, have tried it, have heard about it, want to try it but don't know how, or simply do not have the support! I am here to offer that inspiration, answer questions, and help along your path!

I have been Raw now for over a year and a half. Through this journey I have learned so much about the Raw food diet. I have transformed thinking patterns, emotions, lifestyle, my physical body, and above all else my health! I have helped as people around me become inspired and choose to make change. I have helped people transition to, and maintain their raw food diet! I have shared my knowledge with anyone who wants to hear, I long for new information and seek it out daily. This truly is my passion!

On top of this, I have studied in depth the anatomy and physiology of the human body for the past two years in college. I have taken nutrition classes and on the flip side have sat through hours and hours of pathology classes studying diseases, their etiology and their destruction of the human body. I work with people's bodies on a day to day basis up close and personal providing massage, Reiki, and various other forms of body work. I have worked in spa's, wellness center's and teachers studios. I have touched so many people's bodies and spirits and I can truly say that your inner self is a direct representation of what you see in the mirror. I see it every day, I feel it every day, every ones physical body has a story to tell!

Every cell in your body has been built one energetic molecule at a time to make you. It takes 2 years to rebuild everything in your body except your bones which take about 7 years. This means that if you started feeding your body the most amazing, fresh, live, organic foods that in 2 years there would literally be a new you!!

When you start on raw, living, organic foods the change begins very rapidly. Puffyness and bloating go away, bad breath clears up, eyes look brighter, rashes and acne heal, unneeded weight leaves your frame, your body starts to dump out what it does not need and rebuild, re-mineralize, and celebrate all the nutrients that is coming to it! Really, I have not met one person who has not reaped amazing benefits from going Raw.

So shall we start with an inspiring 7 days of eating 100% Raw? I have compiled a Raw 7 day menu, shopping list, and daily video and e-mail support to inspire and support anyone who chooses! We will go through this together for 7 days so that you can get a great base for your Raw journey! I will share methods to prepare and enjoy Raw Foods on the menu, where to shop, how to stock your kitchen and so much more!

The first Raw Inspiration Week will start Sunday August 8 ~ August 15 2010. To join in please pay via pay pal through the link at the bottom of the page. After you have paid please e-mail me at: rawinspiration@live.com and write Raw Inspiration Week in the subject box! When I receive your e-mail I will send you the introduction to Raw with about what the Raw Food Diet is all about, and answer any questions about what the 7 days will entail!

I also offer 1 hour Raw Food Sessions via Skype or phone. This is time for you to ask anything regarding health concerns, current diet, how to transition to Raw food successfully, etc... This is a very valuable tool that will greatly enhance your journey! This can be done in conjunction with or separately from the Raw Inspiration week.

To get started with a Raw Food Session purchase a session or group of sessions at the bottom of the page via Pay Pal. Then e-mail me at rawinspiration@live.com and write Raw Food Session in the subject box! Please include a little about yourself, your lifestyle, your health goals, etc... Indicate when you are available for a coaching session including date and time as well as your location (on planet earth for time zone purposes!). Please include specific questions you may have including, detoxification symptoms if applicable, how to shop for and prepare raw meals, health conditions and concerns, weight loss goals, and/or anything else you want to discuss and focus on during our session! I will respond to you via e-mail to set up the first Raw Food Session via Sype or phone!

I am SO excited to finally be offering this to everyone! I look forward to answering any questions and hearing any suggestions on subjects to discuss on my blog. Email any questions to rawinspiration@live.com. I will also be posting the first of a group of YouTube videos about Raw Food. During these I will discuss various aspects of Raw Living nutrition. Check these out soon on my channel RawBlissInspiration!

Om Shanti Eveyone!

Live, Laugh, Love

~ Ashli ~