Day 17: Raw Food Challenge

What a relaxing and beautiful Sunday this has been.  Totally rested and ready for my work week.  Walked 2 miles this morning!  Weather was lovely!

I feel that I need to clarify a few things...First is that I am not doing this to loose weight.  I am doing this to be healthy...inner and outer body health are important to me.  I have had people say to me that if you work out you can eat whatever you want.  That statement confuses me.  Why?  Well, I feel that if you work out to look healthy on the outside, why would you put unhealthy things in your body?  Working out may keep your weight down but it doesn't stop the unhealthy affects of the bad food that you put inside your  body.  That's just how I feel.  There are a few circumstances that have me feeling this way.   I have had people in my family who are small in size, very little fat on their bodies, exercise regularly that have developed diseases that possibly could have been prevented if they had a healthier diet.  There are diseases that are common in my family that I am trying to avoid.  Being small and working out I feel is not enough and it has been proven to me that it is not enough.   I must be aware of what I am putting in my body and I am choosing to be inside-out  healthy.(smile)

Another question I am asked is..."What about protein, you need meat for protein".  My brother, who is a nurse asked me this question just a few weeks ago.  Here's the answer:  Vegetables have protein!!!
Here is a list of a few of them: Artichokes, Beets, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Green peas, Green pepper, Kale, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard greens, Onions, Potatoes, Spinach, Tomatoes, Turnip greens, Watercress, Yams and Zucchini.

Fruits with protein:  Apple, Banana, Cantaloupe, Grapes, Grapefruit, Honeydew melon, Oranges, Papaya, Peach, Pears, Pineapple, Strawberry, Tangerine, Watermelon.  Not to mention nuts.

Ok, now to what I've eaten today...First I will say that I did not have coffee.  Didn't have the taste for it this morning...peculiar???

I had a carrot and apple salad for breakfast.  Marinated in olive oil, red peppers, lemon juice, garlic, agave and a little sea salt.  It was delicious.  Also had some for lunch and snacked on raw almonds.

Dinner had been marinating since last night and I couldn't wait to taste it.

Red Kale salad.  It was worth the wait.  I used the same marinate as with the other kale salad.  This kale tasted slightly different but equally as delicious.  Drank plenty of lemon water today.  I must say that today my sinuses feel better  also...Day17 done 13 days to go!!!