| Vol. 1, Issue 2: July 5, 2007
518 strong and counting... That's how many gorgeous divas have climbed aboard since last week's ezine. Isn't that EXCITING? Thanks to each and every one of you. We really do appreciate your enthusiastic support as we start out on this adventure. This week we're answering a few of the questions that have come in from our clients. Also, in honor of the fact that the 7 Day Diva Detox is starting up on July 14th, this week's article has some helpful pre-detox tips that we would all benefit from heeding any time of the year. But first, here is the latest from our readers: Lloyd asks, "Is your site for women only?" While our site is marketed for women, anyone is welcome to join and participate in The Raw Divas website and programs! Gentlemen, please don't feel that you are not welcome, but be aware that women are what we know best, and our content is written and created to appeal to women specifically. I definitely think our information can be valuable and inspiring to anyone, so as long as pink doesn't turn you off too much, please enjoy everything we have to offer! Sylvia asks, "Do I have to do 100% raw right now? Some things like arthichokes, potatoes, and bread would be hard for me." First of all, as far as we are concerned, you never HAVE to do anything in terms of diet and lifestyle changes. Sometimes thinking in this way can actually work against your efforts, as any slip up in your goals can snowball into guilt and disillusionment, and we all know that often leads to the fridge! Any positive step you make towards improving your health and well-being is an accomplishment. If you are not ready to let go of some of your cooked food favorites, observe those feelings and instead of swearing those foods off, try cutting back on them. Another great thing to try, is to really clean up your diet for a pre-planned amount of time. The 7 Day Diva Detox is a perfect example of what you might want to try. I find that after eating a very simple, and fresh diet for a few days really motivates me to push myself to make better and better food choices. The first 3 days are the hardest, but if you can get past those, it really does become a lot easier! Stefanie wrote, "Hey girls, ...I'd like to know about rapid weight loss. I have always heard it isn't good to lose more than a couple pounds a week since that probably suggests that you are dropping muscle. Please explain about how the rapid drop in weight is accomplished and if it is just fat or fat/muscle that is lost." In the beginning, the amount of weight loss will depend
on how much detoxification your body needs to undergo, and how much
water you are retaining. This is not a starvation or low-calorie
diet, so your muscle retention should be fine. A lot of the weight
lost initially is water-weight, but believe me, you'll look and
feel so better without it! Also to note is that the quick weight
loss tends to happen in the first week or two. You would not be
likely to lose 7lbs per week on an ongoing basis, and yes, that
would be a cause for concern for many people!
Raw Food Kitchen Tip #2: SIMPLE, YET BRILLIANT As we transition to the world of raw fruits and veg, we're often unprepared for the juiciness of it all.
Also, prepare yourself for the dramatic increase in
compostable material by asking around with neighbors and eco organizations
for people that might be interested in using your compostables if
you don't have the space, time or inclination to rescue them yourself.
JUICY TREATS Gazpacho Soup Blend all ingredients together
except cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of cucumber (finely diced). Before
serving, add cherry tomatoes and cucumber for texture and presentation.
Enjoy the perfect healthy treat for a summer afternoon!
Feature Article: Helpful Tips to Prepare Yourself for a Detox
First of all, let me just say that I've given up on the idea that there is ONE right way to eat. The fact is, each of us are dealing with an entire history of experiences, most of which we're not even conscious of, that continually affect our cells and their ability to operate efficiently and optimally. I knew a woman who ate buckets of peanut butter for about a year and a half and SWEARS to this day it brought her tremendous relief from depression. I also know another woman, who if you breathe peanut on her, she'll collapse in a state of epileptic shock. The example is extreme, but the point is obvious: two people can have very different reactions to the same food. Which is why as I see the comments and concerns that come in relating to how to approach a raw food diet, or a detox diet, I just want to say off the bat that the first thing you're going to need to do is BE YOUR OWN JUDGE. Observing the Obvious You don't need to drown yourself in piles of articles and nutritional debates. If your gums are sore, if your hair is falling out, if your energy is low, you have indicators and can use these to measure and observe your process. As you prepare and proceed with a detox, use your body's clues to observe your reactions. And just observe what is happening for what it is. Dramatic changes in diet can trigger all kinds of reactions. Be patient. Just observe the process and see what happens. There are certain laws of nature to which we are all subject, yet we all have very different histories, environments and emotional states that will ultimately have an enormous influence on our overall ability to absorb, assimilate and digest foods. Keep your own counsel. You know your body better than anyone, but still allow yourself to push your limits and fall outside of the comfort boundaries as you progress with the detox. What at first is uncomfortable, may quickly turn and become a new state of calm, control and clarity unlike anything you've experienced before in your relationship with food. Avoid the Pre-Detox binge. The classic pre-detox move of: 'Well, since I'm detoxing next week, I should just eat as much spaghetti and ice cream as I can this week' is destined for disaster. Why double the workload? I mean, the point of the detox is to give your body the opportunity to cleanse and release some of the junk it has been storing up. Don't double the workload for yourself by eating poorly leading up to the detox. Take the time to start being conscious and preparing your mind and your body for what is to come. Here are some suggestions of things that will help: Drink. Drink. Drink.
Hydrate in the mornings and then really WAIT to eat until you're hungry. Don't just eat because it's 'time' to eat, or because that's just what you 'do.' Observe your body's reactions. Are you REALLY hungry? If you're not sure if you're REALLY hungry, then you're not hungry. Waiting for real hunger is one of the most satisfying things you can do. On our detox, you'll get the chance to do this. (Lucky, you!) Otherwise, if you've got to hit the road in the morning, pack a snack, hydrate some more, and get on with the production of the day until you feel genuinely hungry. Just getting busy and being productive can take your mind off food. When true hunger kicks in, the message will come in loud and clear. Start Simplifying Your Foods
When you're truly hungry, you'll eat it and it will be delicious. As you're approaching the detox, start making efforts to simplify your foods. Limit the number of ingredients. During the detox, we'll have several monomeals that will be completely satisfying in the integrity of their perfect simplicity. Avoid Eating Late at Night
There are plenty more tips we could cover, but baby steps, baby steps! In our 7 Day Diva Detox we'll be covering many more tips and tools for health and high-energy living. Take the time this week to start putting in place the habits and tools that will support you throughout your detox. By simplifying your foods, hydrating first thing in the morning and avoiding eating late at night, you're already going to be well on your way to experiencing huge energy improvements. That's the juicy scoop for this week. Have an amazing weekend, and we look forward to detoxing with many of you very soon. With love from us both, Tera & Amy
The Divas Recommend:
The Best Way for Anyone Join us for the 30 Day Body Enlightenment System that has helped hundreds of women and men find out the raw food diet that works for them! That’s right! It’s back and it’s back to stay!
If you would like to send The Raw Divas feedback, suggest a "Health in High Heels Newsletter" topic, or ask a question that could be featured in a future issue of "Health in High Heels", please do not hesitate to send us a message customerservice@therawdivas.com. Please note that we are unable to offer medical advice.
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From
The Desk of The Divas
One
of the simplest, yet smartest raw food kitchen tips we know, is
the tea towel trick. Take a tea towel, roll it up and stick it between
you and the counter top as your slicing your mangos and melons.
You can also place it just along the edge of the cutting board.
Once the mangos and melons start getting chopped up in significant
quantities, the juice can be more than the standard apron is willing
to take. 
2
cups tomatoes
It's
been great looking over the surveys that have been coming in for
those of your preparing for the 
As
soon as you take your first bite of food in the morning, you get
the appetite wheels turning, and the party started. Hold off. Hydrate
first.
One
of the things that is magnificent about our 
As
you're leading up to a detox program, start to give your body the
rest it needs and avoiding eating late at night. As a single, self-employed
mom, I know this situation too well. I'm often guilty of working
until very late, and then giving in to late night snacks.
