Many of you know some of my story of healing. I suffered with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) since I was a young teenager. Over the years, I began putting on more and more weight until I was nearly morbidly obese. I learned a lot about PCOS and how there is always an accompanying issue with Insulin Resistance.
Countless overweight women search the Internet looking for help in dealing with PCOS, hoping to find a natural cure to the harsh medications often prescribed that tend to cause other health concerns in our bodies. One of the most often asked questions is from women who have a pretty good understanding of PCOS. They want to know if they need to be careful with fruit consumption if they have PCOS and are trying to lose weight.
Read more: Fruit Consumption with PCOS and Insulin Resistance
[Sorry, we lost the pic in a web update... will repost if we find it!]
Last night, Jim ate the first warm food he's had in over a year! I created a dinner that was placed in the dehydrator for about an hour before it was served. This dish is delicious at room temperature, also, but I thought it might be more special if I served it a bit warm. Jim thought it was a nice change to the colder temperatures of the smoothies he's been practically living on!
Here's the recipe, if you think you'd like to try it.
   
Jim here... Conventional wisdom says we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, right? Well, what about recipes? Should we judge them by their names?
When KDcat was young -- well before we followed a raw diet -- her friends sometimes scoffed at our typical vegan fare. After all, few kids would voluntarily eat "Pasta with Spinach Sauce."? But, we discovered, change the name and suddenly they're lining up for seconds. Instead of "Spinach Sauce," Wendi came up with "Jungle Sauce"! How exciting, right?
   
I am very fair-skinned, with light eyes and medium-colored hair. For as long as I can remember, the sun made me feel ill. The older I got, the sicker I'd feel. I felt uncomfortable in the heat, my skin would feel all prickly, I got horrible headaches, and sometimes I even got sick to my stomach. I've always loved being out in nature, but on really sunny days, it bothered me and I'd try to stay in/near the woods and the shade.
   
   
This is Part II of a two-parter on raw food restaurants. Yesterday, we listed a half-dozen challenges that one might face when opening a raw restaurant. Today, we're focusing in on the more enjoyable side -- the potential advantages that opening raw restaurants offer over their cooked-food counterparts.
Let's dive into it... Here are six things we believe are advantages!
Read more: Some Thoughts on Opening a Raw Foods Restaurant -- Part II of II!
All this week we're continuing to feature a variety of answers to the question "Are Raw Foodists Crazy" from various friends of Pure Jeevan. If you're just now tuning in, please read the back story and introduction to this, as posted on Monday.But, for now, let's continue with posting more of the excellent responses sent in! Enjoy!! :-)
   
Jim here... Today is April 25, 2009 -- Wendi Dee's Birthday!!? She's asleep now. It's 1:30 in the morning & I've been up for hours assembling something stunningly amazing to share with you. You see, this year, I asked some friends, family, and foodies to take a page of a sketchbook and offer Wendi some Happy Birthday wishes -- and then send it back to me so I could bind it all into a large book!? WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!! Check out the response from 40+ people from around the globe. It's a little overwhelming to see this much positive energy in one place. What a momentous day she's in for in another 5 hours or so when she gets up and is greeted by such a surprise! If you'd like to say Happy Birthday, just leave a comment here! Thanks to everyone!
Clarifications: (1) Yes, as some of you may have guessed, Wendi's body has circled the sun more than 25 times. If you visit the site, I explain what the "25th" birthday means a little more. It's basically about the amazing power of raw foods. (2) No, I didn't send messages to David Wolfe, Gabriel Cousens, Woody Harrelson, or other raw food celebrities Wendi isn't friends with. However, if they are huge fans of Wendi's, they are more than welcome to contribute via email or comments! LOL ;-)
Below, we have included the original comments from this blog post. Additional comments may be made via Facebook, below.
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
  Happy 25th Birthday Gypsy!!!
  
  I so wish to be there with you celebrating this amazing day, but as I can't, I send you lotsof e-love.
  
  *hugs tightly*
  
  I LOVE YOU!!!
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy Happy Birthday Wendi.............wishing you al the happiness your heart can hold, on this special day of birth and always...........you inspire so many!!!!!
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
  Happy Birthday Wendi!
  
  I had posed this question in another post on this site, can't remember where now!
  But I will post it here too
  On my birthday I like to look back to last year's birthday to see what about me has changed!
  What about you Wendi? What has changed about you 
  
  
  Hope there are lots of ovely surprises in store for your big day!
  Sheryl Miller
  Austrlaia
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
wishing much peace, love and joy to you on this special day... Happy Birthday, Wendi!
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy Happy Birthday, Miss Wendi Dee! I hope your day is a joyous as ever. ;)
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
  Very, very Happiest of Birthdays, Dearest Wendi. You give so much of your essence and touch many souls. I wish you a day that is beyond beautiful and filled with joy and blessings as you embark on another wonderful adventure around the sun. And love LOVE love abound...always. xo
  
  Blaq Berry
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday lovely lady!!! I'm sure you'll be glowing all day! :)
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Seesmic video reply from Disqus.
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
  That is the best present ever!
  And Wendi, if you did not know it before, I think you now are sure....
  You Are Loved!!!!!!!!!
  Happy 25, can't wait for your 24th next year!!!
  love love love deb
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday Wendi. Thank you for being such a light in the world.
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
  Happy Birthday Wendi!
  What a beautiful book!!! I am so happy to be part of it, and thanks Jim for posting the whole thing! It is just beautiful.
  We love you!
  ~ Melissa
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
  Hey Girl! Happy, happy day to you and thank you Jim for inviting Bo and I to be a part of this special day!
  
  Revvell
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
  Hey Girl! Happy, happy day to you and thank you Jim for inviting Bo and I to be a part of this special day!
  
  Revvell
  
  (Did this twice since I had to figure out the system)
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
  Happy Birthday Wendi GIRL!!!
  Have lots of fun in this, your 25th year. Blessing and love all around. Kisses riding on the wind for you.
  Much love!
  P. Lis
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
  Have a wonderful amazing Day of Incarnation, the sweetness of your eternal spirit always shows!
  
  XOXO!!!
  
  Jill
  
  p.s. thank you to Jim for being such an awesome partner :)
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
I'm glad to know Wendi's birthday was as special as she and her family are. And I love the phrase "Wendi s body has circled the sun more than 25 times." I'm gonna try to remember that one for birthdays!!
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
  Not even having met you, Wendi, I can always feel your love for others online. Thank you so much for all you do for others. You are a true jewel in this world!!
  
  Much love and birthday hugs,
  
  Jenny
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
  May this be the beginning of the happiest birthdays of your life.
  love joy and peace
  fatima
On April 25, 2009, wrote:
  Happy Birthday, Wendi!!
  Best wishes!!!
  Keep shining!!!
On April 26, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday, Wendi! Thanks for all the gifts you've given us!! XOXOXOX
On April 26, 2009, wrote:
  Hi Wendi ~ I'm sending HUGE birthday wishes all the way from Washington State! I hope you have a wonderful day!
  
  Debbie *�*
On April 26, 2009, wrote:
  Wendi have a blessed day as you have so blessed others.Because you have sown so
  much enjoy the returns! Have many more circles around the sun, Love Diane
On April 26, 2009, wrote:
let your light shine and radiate in every nook and corner of our beloved planet and beyond, and let me whisper happy birthday in your ears,thank you for being here
On April 26, 2009, wrote:
Happy Happy Birthday Wendi!!!!
On April 26, 2009, wrote:
  Happy, happy, happy birthday Wendi Dee!
  hugs from Florida where the coconut grows :)
  love
  sheila
On April 26, 2009, wrote:
  One happy birthday is never enough, here is another one :) <3
  
  I will add to the notebook! I was afraid to sign the real thing, in case it got lost in transit after sending it back :(( I would have felt so awful. I hope you're having an amazing week!
On April 26, 2009, wrote:
  Wendi,
  So Happy Birthday.I had no idea it was your birthday.I was gone for a few days off computer.BUSY! And still wanted to wish you a Happy belated Birthday! Bye Dianne (DianneRawGirl)
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Happy Birthday beautiful Wendi!!
  
  You are such a light in this world....I hope your day was filled with light and joy and wonder!
  
  Hugs, Tina
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Ulol, my love!!! *blows kisses*
  
  This birthday was THE BEST EVER! Even though you weren't physically here with me, it was extra special because I had your special contribution to my birthday book! It made me cry so much to see your page in the book. It was VERY special to me!
  
  I miss you so very much! Thanks for stopping by the blog and leaving a comment, but most of all for always sharing your love and friendship with me.
  
  I love you, too!
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Thank you so very much, Mary!! It was THE BEST birthday EVER!!
  
  I'm so happy that I can inspire others--all of you have given me so much love in return and that has meant the world to me!
  
  Lots of love to you,
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Thanks, Sheryl!
  
  I responded to your original question a few minutes ago on the other blog post. :-)
  
  Thanks, again!!!
  
  Lots of love to you,
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Thanks so much, Carlos!! Thanks for being a special part of my birthday gift, and for saying Happy Birthday to me on your blog, too!
  
  I love you!
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Thanks so much, WendiLou!!! It was The BEST birthday EVER!!
  
  Lots of love to you,
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Blaq Berry!!! You are always so loving to me. *hugs* Thanks for your sweet comment. :-) Thanks for being such a special part of my birthday gift!
  
  I love you!
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  I've been glowing all weekend, Rawbin!! It was THE BEST birthday EVER!! It lasted all weekend and continues through today as I read and respond to all of the love-filled comments that have been shared with me. :-)
  
  I love you!
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  My first video reply on the blog!!! I LOVE IT! I LOVE YOU!!
  
  *blows kisses*
  
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  It really IS the BEST PRESENT EVER!!! Jim says he's screwed for next year--no way to top this one! ;-)
  
  I think you know me so very well. Yes, I didn't truly realize how much everyone does love and care for me. After this, how can I ever doubt? I am blissfully blessed.
  
  Thank you so very much for being a part of my special gift, Debbie!
  
  I love you!
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Elizabeth!
  
  Thanks so much! I had THE BEST birthday EVER!!
  
  Lots of love to you,
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Thanks so much, Melissa! Thanks for making my birthday celebration continue through Sunday, also! You are such a dear friend to me.
  
  I love you!
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Thank you, Revvell and Bo!! I LOVE that you were both a part of my gift! It has been THE BEST birthday EVER! It's one I'll NEVER forget!
  
  I love you both!
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Thanks so much, P. Lis!! Thanks for being a part of my gift, also. Jim said he was impressed with your artwork--he hasn't seen your paintings, yet, I told him! You are truly gifted!
  
  Lots of love to you,
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Jill! Thanks for such a sweet comment. It was THE BEST birthday EVER! I can't even imagine a better one in another incarnation! :-)
  
  Lots of love to you,
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Oh, it WAS!! It was so very special Allison!! Thanks for being a part of my gift!
  
  Lots of love to you,
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Jenny! You are very welcome--I love helping others.
  
  I hope to one day meet you in person--maybe while we are on our cross-country tour!
  
  Lots of love to you,
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Fatima! This was definitely the happiest and BEST birthday, ever!! Thanks so much!
  
  Lots of love to you,
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Thanks, R_Eli! I had a fabulous birthday!!
  
  Lots of love to you,
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Thanks, Jacki!
  
  You are very welcome for all of the gifts! I love giving to others!
  
  Lots of love to you,
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  More birthday wishes from Debbie! Thanks so much!!
  
  *blows kisses*
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Thanks so much, Diane! It was surely a blessed day for me!
  
  Lots of love to you,
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Anasha! Thanks so much for your beautiful birthday wish!!
  
  Lots of love to you,
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Thanks, Vebanmimi! I had a wonderful day!!
  
  Lots of love to you,
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Sheila! Thanks so much! I had the BEST birthday EVER!!
  
  Lots of love to you,
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Thanks for all of the birthday wishes, Joanna!
  
  Yes, please add to the special notebook. I welcome a page from anyone who wants to contribute. It is such a special gift to me; it's one that I will always cherish!
  
  Lots of love to you,
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Thanks, Dianne! It was a fantastic birthday!!
  
  Lots of love to you,
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  Thanks so much, Tina, for your sweet comment!
  
  Yes, my day was absolutely filled with light and joy and wonder!! It was THE BEST birthday EVER!!
  
  Lots of love to you,
  
  Wendi
  XOXOXO
On April 27, 2009, wrote:
  The pleasure was all mine, I hope you pass that Birthday love down to all the future generations.. are you listening Kat ??
  love you too!
  Deb xoxoxo
  PS Sam had fun with her drawing too, lest you think I drew that!!!!!hee hee
On April 29, 2009, wrote:
You're very welcome. It was our pleasure and what a GREAT idea Jim had!
   
Jim here... Well, I may have lived 100% raw for nearly one year now (and mostly raw for a few additional years), and I have definitely witnessed the reversal of many physical ailments during that time, but I can say with certainty that, if raw actually cures people of allergies, it looks like I still have a ways to go before reaching that milestone. Here's a snippet from an article I published a few years ago in a book:
I believe I was roughly 12 upon learning of my allergy to poison ivy (the hard way, naturally). By age 14, I'd heard all of the poison ivy folk lore and "wisdom" out there -? that sensitive people like myself can inadvertently contract it via smoke from a nearby brush fire, that ingesting the plant's concentrated essential oil can reverse one's sensitivity to outbreaks (even, some said, to the point of complete immunity), that scratching spreads the rash, that scratching does not spread the rash, that going to get the shot and the steroids makes it fade more quickly, that calamine is best, that it's not, et cetera.
We have two events scheduled for this weekend and we are looking forward to both of them! The first is a Raw Food Potluck Meetup. I haven't decided what I'm creating, yet. So far I'm thinking I'll make either an apple pie or some beet noodles with alfredo sauce, but I know how things usually go when it's time for me to prepare something special. I usually feel like I don't want to make what I had planned, and I search around in the fridge to see what pops out at me. I almost always go by what I'm inspired to create at that moment. So, who knows what I'll end up making. I'll try to take pictures of my creation as well as pictures of the other raw food dishes that others bring.
This will be our first raw food potluck. When I first went raw it was something I was doing special for myself, by myself, so I didn't join any of the raw food meetups and didn't want to make it a group activity with my friends.After two years of raw (a little over one at 100%), I've done (and continue to do) what I needed for myself.Now, I'm ready to share my experiences with everyone and to be an active member of the raw food community.So, I'm looking forward to the raw food potluck tomorrow!? You are welcome to join us at the potluck if you are in the area!
Jim just thought it was interesting how he could easily substitute "raw food" in place of the ROM machine and have their advertisement make sense for the raw food movement.We will NOT be purchasing a machine like this. ;-)
?
   
Read more: Interesting Link Between ROM Machines and Raw Foods?
 
   
Our weekend is going to be filled with Spring cleaning. Many may not think of any type of cleaning as fun, but there's something special about Spring cleaning. Maybe it's because when we do Spring cleaning in our home, we tend to make it a family event. When we do things together as a family, even though there may be a little bickering here and there, but for the most part we have fun. There's something truly rewarding about working together as a team for something that is going to benefit everyone.