Merry Xmas

Happy new year healthy ones!

I hope you had a joyous christmas also.

Heres what weve been upto:

I took the twins on their 1st ride at a shopping centre,boy twin looked scared but then cried as we took him off lol.

This was the twins christmas present,of course it would be a kitchen.I am a fan of wooden toys versus plastic.I like to keep plastic to a minimum where possible because of chemical leaching.Its not always possible but i do always try.

They also got these wooden fruits:

Then they had their 1st real fight on christmas day.They were both trying to "fill up their jugs" under the tap but resulted in santa pulling a wrestling move around elfs waist and pinning to the floor.I have never laughed so hard because they were in costumes.lol.

We didn't do anything great for xmas dinner,last year the twins were 3 months old.It was easier to plan things.This year i realised how much further you need to plan with two 1 year olds.

I found this spread recently at Simply Organic in loughton,essex.I use it instead of butter.It has the essential fatty acids needed for brain development & growth in children.

I added it to gently heated unsweetened cashew milk to use in mash and a bunch of other things which made the BEST mashed potato ever.

I used

-organic boiled potatoes (non-organic has a bunch of pesticides)

-Himalayan pink salt (mineral rich)

-Nutritional Yeast Flakes (with B12)

-Onion Powder/Granules

-Garlic Powder/Granules

I also am trying out some raw banana cupcakes from this brilliant book i ordered from Australia:

She has an inspiring instagram also at @therawfoodmum.

The twins have stopped drinking out their smoothie cups which has been a problem.They were now consuming no nut milks or greens.I changed their cups to different ones incase of boredom and hooray its worked and they have been drinking ALL day out of them since.They are also really easy to transport too so now they can drink my liquids because gosh there is some rubbish out there for children.I fill them with coconut water,green smoothie or superfood nut milk like below.This dosent look so appetising lol,seperation is natural but with a shake its a purple creamy milk.

This one is cashew and almond.I added in some coconut flesh i froze recently,a kids 32 superfood berrblend,acai,reishi,Himalayan salt,chlorella,wheatgrass,raw banana flakes,kelp,maple syrup,vanilla,i think thats it.I just add what i feel at the time.

Ive been taking some time to think about a logo/theme for Rawnchy and i think im finally happy on what im going to do.

I also put forward Rawnchy for the Loughton Farmers Market this year and was accepted!

We will also be selling at Simply Organic in Loughton,exciting news!

I also made butternut-apple-cashew soup from the blog mamaeatsplants.wordpress.com .Her blog is much prettier than mine with some really great recipes.

Next year i plan to start early with homemade food gifts and lots of tasty creations,this year was a bit of a flop but i had my family and a promising future which is what mattered most.

Lots of love,

Jen xxx

Creative Goji Salad Dressing

My mind,my body and my spirit work best on an all raw diet (i love that statement i just stole from therawfoodmum.com blog,check it out its soooo good) so i am challenging myself to more fully raw days before the new year because come January 1st id like to become fully raw.The raw food mum blog also has some posts from a 30 day fully raw challenge she did whixh are interesting to read!.Ive been vegan for almost 4 years now and raw for 3 but it has taken all of these 3 years to educate myself and to it become a habit where it feels normal.I went through the different stages also,i went through the stages:

-raw desserts

-lots of fats like nuts and avo

-high fruit low fat (80/10/10)

But now i cant believe it i actually crave salads.I was a salad hater.I think during these years my body has focused on healing and pushed me towards the minerals needed at that time.

So ive been looking out for more salad recipes and tonights was @fullyrawkristina at fullyraw.com

I put my own touch on it by replacing the strawberries with goji berries as thats all i had leftover from my gift from Creative Nature.

 

Dressing-

Handful basil

Handful Goji Berries

Juice of 2 large peeled oranges

Handful pitted dates

All blended till smooth.This made enough for leftovers which are in an old glass jar in the fridge.

The salad was beautiful-

Rocket

Spinach

Kale

Radishes

Mandarins

Raw Pistachios

Alfalfa Sprouts (from tesco or sainsburys)

Cherry Tomatoes

Romaine Lettuce

Some more pitted and ripped dates

I also used up these YUM

And i just wanted to share this with you..My twins point to which ghost picture is theirs they made at nursery for halloween, how would you even know? Baffled me, they are only 1?

Oh yes after dinner i had some Rawr After Dinner Mint Chocolate and a lime mint yogi herbal tea.

Im going to fill up these bottles with raw smoothie for the nice ladies who look after my kids so well at nursery,do you like my xmas theme lol!

Its my birthday Monday! (23rd dec).Yay.I will be 28.Nay! 

Lots of love,

Jen

Xxx

Creative Goji Smoothie

A quick post on what i made for the twins breakfast drink-

Handful almonds (soaked 6-8hrs beforehand.Not essential but does activate the enzymes and full of calcium)

2 Ripe Bananas (That means they are brown spotted not pure yellow.This is when they are most nutritious and non-constipating)

Handful Creative Nature Goji Berries

2 Large glasses purified water

Squirt Agave Nectar

Sprinkle Himalayan Pink Salt (minerals)

2 Pinches of kelp powder (calcium)

This made enough for 2 full sized starbucks re-usable smoothie cups i got from a service station.

Goji berries are incredible for you and for your kids.Heres an article i copy and pasted from thesuperfoods.net 

Benefits of Goji Berries for Kids

Children even in developed world are the most vulnerable to infections since their immune systems are still not fully developed. Also since they are constantly exposed to various germs in the classroom, they are more likely to suffer from colds, coughs and other common infectious diseases. Antioxidants in goji berries strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of kids constantly developing infections.

Unless children have any specific allergies, they can safely consume this fruit. A 16oz or 28g serving of goji berries (dried) gives us 100 calories and no cholesterol and fat.  Apart from improving the immune system, goji berries can improve eyesight and these benefit kids who are constantly straining their eyes when studying, watching television or working / playing on the computer.

Goji berries also increase energy levels, strengthen muscles and bones and improve circulation. This increase performance levels during sports, gym classes etc.  Kids will have greater energy to take part in a wide range of physical activities – running, swimming, playing sports, dancing etc.

Carotenoids, polyphenols present in goji berries protect our kids from degenerative diseases, certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. It can also strengthen intestinal, respiratory and urinary tracts and promote healthy skin, teeth and hair.   Essential fatty acids can promote weight loss in obese kids.

Queenie is a sicko for goji berries!

Check out creativenaturesuperfoods.com to get yours

Lots of love,

Jen xxx

P.S exciting news for Rawnchys 1st trading day coming soon!

Raw Creative Choc Ice Cream

Raw vegan ice cream is super simple.

Its frozen bananas and water.Thats it.

You will have the softest,creamiest guilt-free indulgence ever.You can add what you like to the blender,get inventive.

Todays recipe was-

2 Pre-peeled & Frozen Bananas

2 Count of almond milk i made (I say 2 count because i didnt know the measurement just pour for 2 counts)

1 Tb of Creative Nature Raw Cacao Powder (raw chocolate and i have been posting continuously about how amazing this is)

1 Tb Almond Butter (I used raw)

 Then i sprinkled with raw choc nibs..

Ta Da! I was craving sweets and now im satisfied.This actually makes enough for 1 greedy portion.The bowl above is a small ramekin just for a rushed bit of presentation.

Lots of love,

Jen 

Xx

Overnight Oats

Been trying to rack my brains for a filling nutritional easy breakfast for the twins in the morning.Oats! Why didnt i think of that?

You dont even need to cook them,they are already heat treated.You can just heat gently if you wish on a colder morning..

...Like today brrr!

Overnights oats are the BEST breakfast to make before bed to enjoy in the morning because who has time to faff about?

The best oats are Organic because of cause they are free of pesticides and herbicides or i would also choose Gluten Free Oats.Mainly for the reason gluten is an irritant to the brain and intestines.It has been linked to depression because it literally effects the brain and if my children consume too much of it in the form of kids snacks they are literally wild and un-controllable.Its also no good for weight loss,it can make you hold onto water weight like crazy.Sometimes it can be un avoidable,these oats today are organic not gluten free and a little gluten here and there is ok,there is just a huge over consumption of it in todays foods.if weve stopped at a cafe for a baked potato and beans sometimes giving them a piece of bens toast buys us an extra 5 mins to eat our meal.And all kids love toast when teething.I actually have taken in 2 loaves of gluten free bread to keep in our local cafes freezer just for us.It toasts just great out of it.Usually people are very accepting and just love to have you for the business so a few slices of g.f toast for myself or my kids is no bother.

I had some nut milk i had made the night before which pleased me to get some more live nutrition in them.

To make nut milk,heres a pic i snapped of one of my favourite IG accounts @therawyogi because it looks much nicer than my rushed iphone snaps!

I had vanilla powder instead of a bean and left out the cinnamon.

You could also add a tablespoon or two of raw chocolate powder (creativenature.com are my fave) for a healthy chocolate milk (or also add to the oats!)

And heres how you make the Overnight Oats-

Just make up the oats according to the packet!

Ours was 50g a person to 300ml of oats.

I had only 600ml of cashew milk to 150g oats for 3 of us (ben got involved) but it was creamy and thick.Although i wouldnt take that as a measurement we may have been lucky.I would say 1/3 cup of oats to 1 cup of milk would be a good start for 1 person.

Then u can add what you like.

Protein powder?

Chopped nuts?

I add a tablespoon of raw banana flakes (again using up what i had but these are from detoxtrading.com.so nice!) ,

a couple of chopped organic dates for iron (from tesco), a large tablespoon of raw coconut sugar (mineral rich and i use coconom ) and a teeeeeeny sprinkle of kelp seaweed powder (from rawliving.eu) which adds a really small touch of salt to bring out the sweet flavours but yet power packed of nutrition.

You can add granola,more fruit,agave or maple syrup,add in whatever you need to sneak in your kids! Tiny bit of spirulina? (Would make it green,would they think thats cool?), probiotics for their tummy?

The list is endless.

Just sit in the fridge covered and by the morning it should soak up the milk lovely.It would even be ready in 1-2 hours.

Apologies for the lack of presentation and grammar/spelling mistakes!

They also had watermelon & mint juice on wakening i had made in 10 minutes last night with my slow pressed juicer which keeps the enzymes high for 3 days.

I heated the oats gently for the cold kiddies and it went down a storm.So happy! A hungry toddler is an unhappy toddler..and two unhappy toddlers is hell.I like to fill them up and this should fill a hole for a while.

If your ever in Liverpool, Oh My Goodness Raw Juice Bar also sell oats to go..yum!

Got to go now,

As usual i would like to stress i am not a doctor,i am just blogging my personal experiences and research over 8 years.

Lots of love,

Jen

Xx

Raw Creative Chocolate Fudge

Just a quickie!

Little experiment with my goodies from my friends at Creativenature.com!

I had a recipe in a book of mine which ive adjusted slightly. 

Raw Chocolate Fudge With Goji Berries

1/2 cup raw choc powder (or carob powder for little ones)

1/2 cup coconut oil (melted to room temp)

Pinch Cinnamon

Vanilla Essence (i used couple drops vanilla stevia but use a little a time to taste for regular vanilla.Maybe 1/2 tsp is enough)

1 tsp Maca Powder (optional)

Goji Berries (or dehydrated/freeze dried fruit)

Instructions-

Melt coconut oil gently in a saucepan on lowest heat.(Careful it melts quickly!).

Remove from stove.

Stir in the rest of the ingredients and pour into ice cube trays,silicone moulds or silicone cupcake cases.

Decorate with the berries,gently pushing it onto the surface of the mixture.

Let them set in the fridge, should only take 5 mins!

  

I used goji and some leftover dehydrated red fruits i needed using up

Creative Nature also sell maca!

Queenie most upset her twin brother had some left and she had gobbled hers.

Lots of love,

Jen

Xx 

This week..

This is more a random talkathon type post!..

So after finding this..

Ive been using a peeled garlic clove in my families green juices for increased immunity..

..A random fridge empty,i think was pears,grapes,oranges,cucumber,spinach,garlic..

..I won this pack of handy sachets in environmentally friendly tin from @tonicattack on twitter for being their 100th follower.Here are the benefits:

..Heres a little parent tip i use for a smooth dinner time (or herd control! Haha)

First i play music.I remember when i was studying that your left or right side (i forget which side but its the creative one) actually enjoys background music whilst the other focuses on concentration.My boy has a short attention span and this seems to work whilst he practises his cutlery skills..

I also add colour to the plate to stimulate them even if only for decoration, a few slices of beets,carrot,kale and it also is a practise at trying new things even ifthey aren't fancying it,they could surprise you. I read once it takes 10 days to change your tastebuds and 22 days to become a habit.

I also give a dip sometimes,the twins eat more when they think its a game.They like to dip their food and feel proud of themselves.I usually use an organic ketchup,this is a vegan mayo.My plan is to experiment with different raw dips (you can even make raw tomato ketchup).As i can actually get them to eat lambs lettuce (its like a small "buttery" type mild lettuce) dipped in my favourite blend of tamari,tahini and agave.

As you can see they are like any other kids and throw their (green) juice on the floor.

Forgive my quick oven dinner i gave them of a vegan mushroom pie and potato croquettes (neither home made)I know this is a health advocate blog but i too choose convenience at times!

My dinner tonight was quinoa stir-fried with veg in coconut oil.

I love to boil quinoa in vegetable stock (i like organic and gluten free) then add to my vegetables for a quick plant based meal.The benefits of quinoa are enormous..

The twins had a munch too..

Today i took a trip to my new favourite organic shop on my very own high street in Loughton.Here are my buys.

-Raw Cacao/Chocolate Powder (forgot i had creative nature at home!)

-Biona Organic Ketchup 

-Soupologie in Broccoli & Matcha Green Tea

-Tofu

-Biona Coconut Milk (Planning a vegan curry)

-Organic Quinoa,Corn & Rice Cereal (for the twins.I cant get my husband off his favourite meal of cereal and my son wants to copy.I tried them with my homemade rawnola but it is a little advanced munching for their lack of a full mouth of teeth.This will do for now till then,they also have a raw superfood smoothie for breakfast and some gluten free toast with raw honey).

-Fermented Botanical Cola and Lemonade with herbal extracts (for the Mr)

-Goats Cheese

..and these deserve a close up..

DROOL...

- Red Grapes (Romeos fave)

-Alfafa Sprouts (google these tremendous protein packed little beauty's)

-Organic Choc Chip Cookies (These are my bribe cookies for the twins.Dont judge you'll do it too lol) 

-Aloe Vera beverage (Bens fave)

..Up until the twins attended nursery 2 months ago the twins were pretty high raw (they are 15 months now).Almost 100%,But they had smaller portions then.I could make everything they ate.At nursery they like to give them cooked food although they still keep it plant based for us.For social reasons and the fact they are now eating me out of house and home i have relaxed a lot and they eat a combination of a lot of things.Their dad eats a pretty standard diet that includes processed things id rather he wouldn't but i have to respect how he wants to eat and if my children are going to be around it i get better versions.He is better than he was though.We dont consume cows milk but he likes cheese so ive got a goats cheese (gentler to digest than cows) if the twins/i/he should want it.My daughter gets severe gastric distress from soya so that is not an option...

..Yes theres more!

-Organic Womans time of the month products.Tampons can be bleached white and ive had pre-cancerous cells removed so i like to be a little cautious

-Organic Spinach (High in protein and iron)

-Inspiral Kale Chips (High in protein)

-Fennel (To use in hot water for a water retention drink)

-Organic low g.i gluten free strawberry sauce for vegan pancakes im planning

-Nannycare goats milk growing up formula 

....So i guess you could say some of these are vegetarian options as opposed to completely vegan.My mind is constantly open.Things change for us constantly and i am open to change.I have noticed a few of my raw vegan pioneers i follow give their growing children raw dairy.I wondered why and i learnt that the raw vegan diet is abundant in most but the bone minerals.My children gave up bottles and formula of their own accord at 11 months and i make sure they get calcium in the form of raw almond milk,dark leafy greens (in smoothies) and tahini.It may be enough,it may not be enough.But they were prematures and are so tiny.They cant have soya and i feel they need more in calories,fats,something.But not meat.That is not for us health wise and i dont want to offend anyone by including why.They are more limited also than an adult to what they can chew & swallow.They cannot chew down a large green salad for their nutrients because they understand it is good for them.I so wish i hadnt given up breastfeeding or i wouldnt have this issue.They are 15 months and in 9-12 months clothes.They are no cause for concern to the health visitor as they are growing on the scale as their premature rate but as their mother i feel different.my son is super lean with being so active (and running) and he looks a little alarming next to his chunkier (and slightly lazier lol) sister.He also had the more extreme case of GERD than his sister so he missed out a lot of chunking up in the vital periods.It dosent help with his prem shape head which is common and he looks like a lollipop.(A cute lollipop).They enjoyed nannycare for infants when they were younger for a short period whilst trying formulas after breastfeeding stopped so i guess i am trying to find a happy medium and hope they enjoy this in a sippy cup.

I tried raw dairy but it didn't work out for us.I have also been trying a little organic Rachel's yoghurt however which my son is having no problems with after having severe issues with dairy when younger.(His sister has soya problems so again trying to find a happy medium as goats yoghurt is bleurgh.I also cannot get hold of fresh coconuts to make my own or have a nearby coconut yoghurt supplier which i hope will change).

These are all small additions to a VERY varied diet.

The fruit and veg available to the uk is not like the produce in warmer parts.Ours are mainly shipped across seas,under-ripe and organic can get expensive.So i personally feel it is not enough for us as a main source only for our specific needs.

So i like to supplement with superfoods ,seaweeds,algaes and such other items.

As any mother would be i am constantly watching their health and growth and will do what i think is right for that moment.It may change again, i think listen to your intuition.Do your research.Watch how bodies respond because all it will tell you with symptoms.They will be offered vegan food and vegetarian options,raw and non raw,homemade..and yes some convenience foods like everyone else.I have gotten myself into too many states trying to be too perfect to be completely pure and i stress myself out missing sleep staying up all night trying to make everything we eat 100% from scratch from raw milk to raw bread.I cant control how they will eat when they are older so i think exposing them to society and educating them along the way is a better option.

So theres quite a detailed post on our families week.

As my raw friend Angie said to me "Dont be stuck with 100% raw.Do as much as you can and as much as you feel like.Being stubborn and hard is only going to get you into trouble.Be soft like bamboo :) . No one is the same. food, soil, health, mental conditions, you have to listen to your instinct first"

Lots of love,

Jen xx