Greetings love ones! Inhale this through your senses!

ARIEL’S BANANA ALOE REJUVENATOR

2 bananas frozen, chopped
3 carrots
2 oranges
1/2 apple (your favorite choice)
1/2 c pineapple
1 c aloe juice
2 tbl sunflower seed nibs

juice carrots, oranges & apple, add to blender.
add other ingredients, blend until smooth and creamy.

BE REJUVENATED!

LOVE & LIGHT,

A

2 Apples
1 Carrot
1 knob of Ginger
1/4 tsp cayenne
2 stalks celery
1 cucumber
1 Beet

Juice, stir and pour over ice and Enjoy! Mmmm…

1/2 c Grapes
1 large Rainer apple
1 c Cashew yogurt
1 tbl Lime juice
2 frozen sliced Plums
3 dates
2 tbl lemon verbena
2 c cashew or pecan milk

Blend until creamy! Enjoy!

1/2 avocado
1 ripe plantain
1 kale leaf
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tbl cacao pieces
2 c pecan mylk
4 ice cubes (or freeze bananas)
4 dates
1 tsp Chia seeds

Blend all until smooth & creamy! Enjoy!

1/2 avocado
1 ripe plantain
1 kale leaf
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tbl cacao pieces
2 c pecan mylk
4 ice cubes (or freeze bananas)
4 dates
1 tsp Chia seeds

Blend all until smooth & creamy! Enjoy!

1/2 avocado
1 ripe plantain
1 kale leaf
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tbl cacao pieces
2 c pecan mylk
4 ice cubes (or freeze bananas)
4 dates
1 tsp Chia seeds

Blend all until smooth & creamy! Enjoy!

Now I have fell off a couple of times,but, you know what, that is what learning is all about. I got back on and keep it pushing forward one step at a time and you want to know something, I am so appreciative of this amazing journey to learn myself and guess what, when you taste that first creation you make it will be LOVE AT FIRST BITE! Don’t ever be discouraged nor disappointed, just log what happened and focus on what you will do going forward, this is what matters. Here is where you begin to make an agreement with yourself, that YOU will not put YOU down, YOU will discover, remember to reach out to us and know we are in this together!

In thought It dawned on me how wonderful what I am doing is for myself and those that want to try, so for those that encourage me, for those that want to try and for those that have continued the path from a recipe, thought, tip or love share from anyone that is raw…   PLEASE, RAWK ON!

Lets do this!

I SO TRULY, LOVE YOU ALL THAT HAVE TRANSFORMED MY LIFE and encouraged me into the student, educator, lover and discoverer of this beautiful universe through each fresh bite!

Start your morning off with this smoothie:

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp nutmeg

1/8 tsp cardamom

1 c yerba mate tea, steeped and cooled

1 c fresh squeezed orange juice

1/2 c mango

1/2 c pineapple

1 tsp chia seeds

7 spinach leaves

Blend together, enjoy!

Soak cashews in water for 2 hours. Rinse, then add to blender with 3 c water. Push through cheese cloth. (I keep cashew pulp to add to other recipes, like crackers or burgers).

Add Cashew milk & Chia seeds to blender. Puree 60 seconds, add other ingredients, puree again until blended.

I like to add spices to my mylk, try cinnamon, nutmeg or any other of your favorite spices, most of all truly enjoy this healthy delight!

Did you know this wonderful fruit oil can be stored for 3 months unrefrigerated?

Grapeseed Oil can be used in any dish & is an awesome substitute for canola or vegetable oil in your gluten-free baked goods & desserts!

Walnut is a Healingfood & this beautiful nut energizes, renews & reduces ones risk of DISease & body ailments!

Grab some walnut oil for use on salad dressings, marinades, in smoothies & take a tbl to get your Omegas, my vegan loved ones!

Juice apples & ginger through your juicer, stir in cayenne.

Enjoy the healing of these living beings as they transform you!

3 collard green leaves 1 c Peaches 1 tbl lemon juice, fresh squeezed 1 c mango 1 c raspberries 3 tbl soaked sunflower seeds Add to blender, blend! Enjoy your Super Greens With love, Ariel

1 c raspberries, frozen           

1 c hemp milk
1 banana, frozen, sliced         

1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 c cilantro

Add all ingredients to blender, blend and enjoy!

Try this little delightful healthy treat!

1 c pomegranate beads

1/4 c frozen pineapple pieces 1 c coconut milk

1/4 c coconut meat

1/4 tsp cinnamon

Blend! Enjoy!

My smoothie creations are created based upon what is on hand, many times the food I grow, I eat half and the other half goes in the freezer if it is fruit or certain fruits that are like vegetables to many of us, the cucumbers, celery and sometimes the kale (which is only, I mean only if I have too much, in which case I will freeze and use them in my smoothies). On the occasion that I have to jet to the store, for something like chia seeds, sesame seeds, or some produce that I am unable to grow, I usually purchase enough for me to munch on and then the remainder goes into the freezer if it does not create a delightful lunch or dinner option. I have loved smoothies since I was little, my mom would NEVER allow me to have store packages juices, sodas, actually nothing that had lots of salt or sugar in them, she would create them. So, water, homemade teas, juices and smoothies. This was one of my favorite smoothies she made me, which I had no idea until I made one for she and I and she said “this tastes like the one I made you when you were a bambina” occasionally the italian kicks in throughout our talks! So, this little cherished smoothie I share with you now! Enjoy and remember KEEP IT SIMPLE!

Love and Light,

Ari

Imagination Creation

7 Dates

2 Bananas, Frozen and Chopped

1/4 c cilantro

1/4 c Aloe Vera

1 c coconut water

1/4 c Almonds, soaked for 4 hours or overnight

Puree Nuts and coconut water until nuts are ground, add other ingredients. Blend until smooth and creamy!

Enjoy!

Try strawberries, cherries and avocados

Strawberries protect against UV Radiation, reduces inflammation, preserves skins cells, reducing wrinkles;

Cherries are known to relieve soreness after a workout, drink a glass or eat one cup of cherries before your work out to try this out, they are full of antioxidants, anthocyanins and reduce inflammation

Avocados are full of MUFA’s, lowers blood pressure, improves blood fat levels and lowers LDL cholesterol.

Other wonderful superfoods: Kale, Apples, Currants, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley, Oranges, Broccoli, Oats, Kiwi, Apricots, Grapes, Mango, Papaya, Raspberries, Almonds, Brazil Nuts, Cashews, Hazels, Sunflower Seeds, Asparagus, Fava Beans, Bell Peppers, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Chili Peppers, Collards, Garlic, Onions, Butternut Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Watercress, Adzuki Beans, Chickpeas, Lentils, Navy Beans

Now that you are excited again about SUPERFOODS, try this superfood smoothie

Breakfast Bouquet

1 c Blueberries, frozen

2 ripe Plantain

1 c Strawberries, frozen

1 tsp allspice

3 Orange, juiced

Add all ingredients to a blender, blend until smooth and creamy

Today is such a fabulous day, I arose feeling the momentum of the last few days and seeing the changes that must be made, the congratulations I must give myself and the attention I begin to pay more and more to. As I prepare for the upcoming juice fast, I find myself extrememly excited about it, this is another step towards my journey, which I welcome with openness and excitement. My openness is to the healing that occurs when connecting with the whole foods that I smell, taste, touch, see and feel as well as the gratitude for them being so that I can be. In all reality I pay homage to every plant that I eat, because they are ancient, provide extreme nourishment and are in their own space of harmony just because they are what they are. Now if that isn’t deep and doesn’t bring you to awareness of how amazing all beings are, I don’t know what does!

See myself I have been on my journey openly from bottom to where I am now for about seven years now, so this is my year of rebirth, Saturn Return as a sistar of mine mentioned to me years ago. Now, the healing that must happen when we go through our life communications with all beings, is meant to educate, for us to grow, heal, transform and change aware of our steps. My journey has become more and more clear to me each time I focus on my raw journey. Now this journey is not just about eating, it is about appreciation, gratitude, thankfulness, awareness of all living beings, recognizing that in the entire universe, little me, I am a piece of the puzzle of existence! Wow, now that gives me chills thinking about it, but it makes me so excited to be such an influential part of this beingness called, well who knows what its really called, but I will call it sunshine!

My sunshine is guided and directed by the truth that there is only now, and in the now, we must not live in the past, relive any of those old situations, we must  focus on right here and now, I AM SUPER AWESOME and I WILL DO WHAT MY BEING SAYS I SHOULD, THAT IS POSITIVE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE AMAZINGNESS THAT IS ALREADY AROUND ME! Yes, I capped that one for you, why, because many of us are caught up in the life around us that we don’t stop to frequently to recognize our roles, to be free to be and to appreciate the path we walk! A part of my goal with healingfoodculture is to share my experiences and to encourage the beauty of right now!

So, as I think of the now, where I have come from, why I am here and step on this path, I enjoy my sunshine and encourage you to do the same, well after you have give gratitude to the most high or the universe, or whatever you connect with, meditate in silence, and then enjoy my sunshine!

1 cup frozen pineapples

1 c frozen banana

1 c aloe

1 cup fresh orange juice

1 c kale, chopped

1 tsp nutmeg

1/2 c blueberries

Blend these colorful givers of life together and when its all blended and creamy, taste this and you will want to face the blender, but resist the urge…!

HAHA!

Pour into a glass and enjoy!

SHARE with someone you care about or save it for later!

What do you think?

I was given a few more cherimoya’s this early morning!

What a delightful share!

For breakfast this is a delightful, flavorful and super yummy morning inspirational drink!

Here is the recipes, try it and tell me your thoughts!!!

5 Cherimoyas

1 cup blueberries

3 bananas

1 cup orange juice

1/2 cup coconut meat

1 tsp cinnamon

Blend!

Oh my goodness!!!

Beet apple juice!

2 medium  beets

2 apples

2 stalks celery

1/2 bunch parsley

1/2 bunch cilantro

1 Pear

A whole lot of yummy!

1 handful of spinach leaves

4 stalks of celery

1.5 cucumbers

1 bunch cilantro

1 c baby bok choy

1 Apple Juice!

Pour into glasses and enjoy!

Then enjoy the rest of your day!

½ c fresh cranberries                                          1 tbl maple syrup

1 c Almond Milk                                                   1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. flax seeds or chia

In your blender, add almond milk, maple syrup, apples, cranberries and cinnamon, blend until smoothie consistency, add more milk if you want to change the consistency, next add vanilla, blend for 10 seconds, add flax or chia seeds and pulse until combine, 5 seconds. Add ice if you want it cold and milkshake consistency. Pour into 8 oz. glasses and enjoy for breakfast. Put remaining into a to go container to enjoy as you go about your day!

Now smoothies, I believe are my love, why, for some reason observing so many lush and vibrant colors coming together from completely who beings to a cool, thickened smoothie right before my eyes, I am equally mesmerized as with the juicing, but I find myself feeling like I am eating or drinking for this matter an ice cream sundae…mmmm…mmmm…mmmm! EXCITING and EXCITED RIGHT NOW!!!

The fun of juicing and smoothie cleansing is that you can add what you desire to it, freeze fruit and vegetables add water, fresh squeezed juices or left over juices for this matter and next thing you know you are ready to go about your day or sit down and enjoy as you meditate about your upcoming day! I have a loving relationship with the different super foods and am constantly rejuvenated by their amazingness. So as you continue to read, I encourage you to be open, excited and look forward to the seven day juice and smoothie cleanse that will commence after the pre-detox whole foods eating plan that we will enjoy together for the next seven days.

A little bit about my perspective and experiences when I have juiced. In my opinion as well as in numerous conversations with other juicers, raw vegans and those seeking healing within, juicing is a way to allow your entire being to heal from the long term effects of the constant day to day activities from eating and drinking things that are full of sugar, salt, chemicals, pesticides and such daily stresses, the day to day interactions our body has when walking through life.

The beauty of juice fasting for us is that we get a beautiful opportunity to become one with Mother Earth by appreciating every fruit, herb, vegetable and spice that we indulge in. During your juice and smoothie cleanse, I will provide you with recipes as I post them, but I want to also encourage you to make your own fun with combinations of various fruits, vegetables, nutmilks, herbs, spices, waters and fresh squeezed fruit juices. When we juice or make smoothies we allow our body to heal without having to work as hard as it does when we eat animal products, refined sugars, too much salt, processed and prepackaged foods. It is a gentle cleanse, gentle nourishment and a cleansing spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically as well as metaphysically. We embrace the beauty of what I can do when in my own natural space of being; this is what I refer to as HEALING THROUGH FOOD!

Mostly in juicing and smoothie cleansing you are dealing with a mind over matter situations, where you have to retrain your brain that you are not eating, that you are not being deprived, that you are doing something amazing that is healing you each moment.

The second important part of juicing and smoothie cleansing is to know that having a support system is important, writing your feelings down for you to go over later, you have affirmations to refer to, to continue to encourage you and that you allow yourself to feel your feelings and not feel bad about any of the process when juicing and smoothie cleansing! I mean none, if you juice and then eat, don’t feel bad about it, pick yourself right back up, make a rawkn juice or smoothie and sip away reading some very awesome motivational book, like Eckhart Tolle A New Earth or another book that motivates you.

When juicing and smoothie cleansing it is important to remember that your body is getting natural, complete nutrition! Vegetables, herbs and fruits are beautiful hosts of fiber, protein, vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, GOOD FATS, minerals and all these wonderful nourishing sources heal you one sip at a time! You will begin to have clarity, sleep better, have more energy, smile more, and feel better as each day goes by! Now, also remember that when you are juicing and smoothie cleansing you are DETOXING, so expect to sugar detox first, so you will have cravings, may even have emotional highs and lows…STAY WITH IT! This is where support systems, affirmations and journal writing come in as a necessity! Also, ALWAYS REMEMBER, before you speak, think! Because when uncomfortable, we get super emotional, I mean anything from sadness, anger, depressed feelings or even frustration and irritation EASIER THAN YOU HAVE EVER KNOWN. My recommendation is meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, 20 minute walks daily and having a place in your home, maybe your room, where you can light candles, put on some healing sounds (like rain fall, ocean sounds, birds singing or something that is free of words and just healing peaceful sounds)!

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: The point of the juice and smoothie cleansing is to heal, but if you are stressed throughout, it makes no sense to do it because the goal of juice and smoothie cleansing is to cleanse and not to focus on losing weight as the goal for doing it and to enjoy the healing your being is going through. If your reasoning for juicing and smoothie cleansing is to lose weight, contact me immediately for a program of whole foods the raw way!

Some of the effects to keep aware of when juicing and smoothie cleansing is that you may experience headaches, tiredness, acne, body odor. My first juice and smoothie cleanse, I didn’t have these issues, but again I drank lots of water daily, meditated, and took it a day at a time. Wait, I did break out, but after about seven days it went away and I was glowing!!!

Before juicing and smoothie cleansing, it is important to do a seven day detox from animal proteins, dairy products, sugar, caffeine and nicotine by consuming a meal plan of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts if you are not allergic, herbal teas and lots of water! These will help you to ease into your juicing and smoothie cleansing.

Now for the juicing and smoothie cleanse:

When I normally do my juicing and smoothie cleanse I have 12-24 oz. of juice or a smoothie for breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner. In between I drank 12-24 oz. of water. I thank the MOST HIGH as soon as I am aware that I have awakened to see another day. Next I meditate, sitting up or laying down, is up to you, I don’t focus, I just concentrate on my breathing and when my being says its time, I rise and go ahead with my day. Before I leave the house, I prepare my juice or smoothies for my breakfast and lunch. For my juices I add ice to make sure it stays cold, because I don’t gulp it down, I savor and enjoy all of the flavors. For smoothies, I cut my fruit up, freeze them on a baking sheet individually and then once frozen put them in zip lock bags and freeze until I am ready to blend.

For my juicing and smoothie cleanse I only use fruits and vegetables with not chemicals on it, from a farmers market or local garden, not a store, because the produce in grocery stores normally have chemicals sprayed all over them and are possible gmo produce, which are not good for your body short term or long term. If you are not able to get organic or chemical free and gmo free produce, get fruits and vegetables that can be peeled or the other option is to get a vegetable wash and clean your produce with them, pat dry and use.

Bright colored produce combinations are best: red and oranges, green and yellows, purple and greens. Here is some information that I found in researching about colored fruits, vegetables and herbs of different colors.

Green produce has lots of chlorophyll and fiber (vegetables like dark leafy greens): are colored by natural plant pigment called “chlorophyll.” Some members of the green group, including spinach and other dark leafy greens, green peppers, peas, cucumber and celery, contain lutein. Lutein works with another chemical, zeaxanthin, found in corn, red peppers, oranges, grapes and egg yolks to help keep eyes healthy. Together, these chemicals may help reduce risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness if untreated.

The “indoles” in broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables may help protect against some types of cancer. Leafy greens such as spinach and broccoli are excellent sources of folate, a B vitamin that helps reduce risk of birth defects.

Some examples of the green group include:

Green apples             Artichokes          Asparagus                           Peas

Avocados                    Green beans      Broccoli                                Brussels sprouts

Green cabbage         Cucumbers         Green grapes                    Kiwi

Lettuce                         Limes                                    Green onions

Green pepper           Spinach                                Zucchini

Red produce has: natural plant pigments called “lycopene”. Lycopene in tomatoes and watermelon may help reduce risk of several types of cancers. Anthocyanins in strawberries, raspberries, red grapes and other fruits and vegetables act as powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage. Antioxidants are linked with keeping our hearts healthy, too.

These are some examples of the red group:

Red apples                    Beets                      Red cabbage                         Cherries

Cranberries                   Red grapes            Red peppers                         Pomegranates

Radishes                                        Raspberries           Strawberries                         Tomatoes

Watermelon

Orange and Yellow produce has: are usually colored by natural plant pigments called “carotenoids.” Beta-carotene in sweet potatoes, pumpkins and carrots is converted to vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy mucous membranes and healthy eyes. Scientists have also reported that carotenoid-rich foods can help reduce risk of cancer, heart disease and can improve immune system function.

One study found that people who ate a diet high in carotenoid-rich vegetables were 43 percent less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration, an eye disorder common among the elderly, which can lead to blindness.

Carotenoids also may be good for your heart. One study found that men with high cholesterol who ate plenty of vegetables high in carotenoids had a 36 percent lower chance of heart attack and death than their counterparts who shunned vegetables.

Citrus fruits like oranges are not a good source of vitamin A. They are an excellent source of vitamin C and folate, a B vitamin that helps reduce risk of birth defects.

Some examples of the orange/yellow group include:

Apricots                       Butternut squash                             Carrots                                         Lemons

Mangoes                     Nectarines                                          Oranges                                       Papayas

Peaches                       Pears                                                     Yellow peppers                                       Persimmons

Pineapple             Yellow summer or winter squash              Sweet corn

Sweet potatoes        Tangerines                                          Yellow tomatoes

Purple produce has: are colored by natural plant pigments called “Anthocyanins.” Anthocyanins in blueberries, grapes and raisins act as powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage. They may help reduce risk of cancer, stroke and heart disease. Other studies have shown that eating more blueberries is linked with improved memory function and healthy aging.

These are some examples of the blue/purple group:

Blackberries                               Blueberries                         Eggplant                                                      Figs

Juneberries                                Plums                                    Prunes                                                       Purple grapes

Raisins

White produce has: are colored by pigments called “anthoxanthins.” They may contain health-promoting chemicals such as allicin, which may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure and may help reduce risk of stomach cancer and heart disease. Some members of the white group, such as bananas and potatoes, are good sources of the mineral potassium, too.

Some examples of the white group include:

Bananas                       Cauliflower                         Garlic                     Ginger

Jicama                           Mushrooms                       Onions                  Parsnips

Potatoes                      Turnips

An option to add to your juice and smoothie cleanse for the first time is to drink smoothies and juices during the day and for dinner eat a hearty salad with each of the colors. An option would be spinach and mixed greens salad with carrots, red bell peppers, corn, dried plums and orange vinaigrette. (www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/yf/foods/fn595w.htm)

Seven Day Pre-Detox

Day 1 thru 7:

Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetable combinations

Drink lots of water: 64 oz. minimum per day

Drink chamomile and/or peppermint tea in the evening

Begin to reduce your salt, sugar and caffeine intake

Start journaling how you feel daily

QUESTION: DO YOU HAVE ANY ILLNESSES?

QUESTION: DO YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH ISSUES OR CONCERNS?

If you answer yes to these questions, contact me immediately.

Day 1:

Breakfast: Green Smoothie: 1 green apple, ½ bunch parsley, 1 c kiwi, 1 banana and 1 ½ c water

Lunch: Massaged kale salad with carrots, red bell peppers and avocados with a balsamic vinegaratte

Snack: Green Smoothie

Dinner: Carrot Soup: 3 Carrots, 1 Potato, 1 Red Bell Pepper, 1 c unsweetened almond milk, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 stalk celery (On 350 roast chunks of carrots, potatoes and bell pepper for 20 minutes, remove and add to blender, add other ingredients and season to taste LIMIT SALT)

Day 2:

Breakfast: Red Juice: 1 Large Beet, 3 stalks celery, 1 cucumber, ½ bunch cilantro and 2 apples. Juice

Lunch: Spinach salad with sugar snap peas, mushrooms, scallions, bean sprouts and fresh cilantro vinaigrette (2 tbl cilantro, 4 tbl olive oil, 3 tbl lemon juice, 1 clove minced garlic, whisk and pour over salad)

Snack: Red Juice

Dinner: Lettuce cups: Wash 3 lettuce leaves; mix avocado, corn kernels, spinach leaves, tomatoes, garlic and onions with cilantro, and lime juice. Toss to taste and enjoy

Day 3:

Breakfast: Pineapple Orange Smoothie: 1 c orange juice, ½ c pineapple, 1 banana, 1 tsp cinnamon. Puree

Lunch: Green Smoothie: 1 c kale, ½ c spinach, 1 c strawberries, ½ c blueberries, 1 apple. Puree

Snack: Apple with Almond Butter and raisins or cranberries

Dinner: Mixed Greens Salad with Pecans and three vegetables, your choice dairy free dressing

Day 4 – thru Day 7 experiment with combinations for breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner

Try juice combinations, smoothie combinations, whole fresh food combinations with dairy free sauces, dressings, etc.

Contact me for more suggestions and questions! See you for Day one Juice and smoothie cleansing!

Enjoy and we will be in touch! I will posting the recipes and anything specific for the detox and cleanse on my blog! Please copy and paste, and start to follow the posts. Feel free to post comments, ask questions and share with your loved ones!

www.healingfoodculture.wordpress.com

Love and Light,

Ariel

This is an awesome smoothie!

1 c pineapples

1/2 c frozen banana slices

1/2 bunch cilantro

1/2 cucumber

1 c coconut water

1 tsp cinnamon

Blend!

Posted from Ariel Bangs, Culinary Director, Co-Creator, Taste International After School Culinary Program

Welcome to HEALING FOOD CULTURE! Where my passion is to learn & share about healing through food, the experience of every whole food as the ediblegasm it is & when recognizing the beauty in every culture we are surrounded by, by birth & when we interact with others how encouraging it is for us and those we connect with!

So, a flavorgasm to you… as you come explore healing, food, recipes & the amazing cultures of this world!

Let’s start with an awesome tip for your meal preparation!

When preparing for your week, grate your carrots, parsnips, jicama or your tubers (sweet potatoes, purple potatoes, yucca, etc.) put them in bags and your ready to add them to salads, salsa, tacos, wraps or put into burgers, soups or even blended beverages!

This tip can save you from frustration in the evening when you are too tired to even think “what do I make,” “what to eat”