Vol. 2, Issue 6: February 14, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day!

This issue of Health In High Heels is PACKED with juicy information. A real Valentine's Day treat. We wanted to give you as many goodies as we could, since we won't be sending you chocolates! ;-)

Check out Monique who is a veritable fountain of well-researched information and responses to your burning questions, and mine;-). This week a discussion on the importance of fat, potential causes of bloating and *drum roll, please*

Aphrodisiacs! Hehehe..

What would the spirit of Valentine's be, if we didn't make a bit of noise in the name of sensuality and steamy romance.

Speaking of steamy romance, I have absolutely NOTHING to report on this subject. But, I am very, very excited about the fact that tonight is our exclusive interview with Raw Vegan Elite Althlete and Running Star, Tim VanOrden. This call is going to be LOADED with amazing information for anyone who is interested in athleticism! He gets hundreds and hundreds of emails from people asking him the secrets to his success, and tonight, he'll be sharing them with us!

Okay, with no further ado, here's what we've got for this Valentine's Day. May Cupid's arrow strike softly and in all the right places. And be sure to take advantage of another adventure in self-pampering and beauty with Tracy's refreshing and soothing Peppermint Foot Treatment.

Gotta do it, even if it does cramp our style:

DISCLAIMER: The Raw Divas

No material in this newsletter or any of the materials associated with The Raw Divas is intended to replace professional medical care. Always work with qualified medical professionals, even as you educate yourself in the field of Raw Food Nutrition. We are not medical professionals and are not offering medical advice of any kind, nor can we attempt to treat, diagnose or prevent disease or illness.

The information in Health and High Heels and in The Raw Diva's products and programs are offered for informational purposes only and the user of this information assumes all risks for its use or misuse. In no event shall The Raw Divas, or any other person or entity involved in the production of this information, be held liable for any damages stemming from the use or misuse of this information.

Your continued reading of this website indicates your acceptance of these terms and conditions. While every attempt has been made to ensure the information on this site is accurate, it is not guaranteed to be free from typographical errors, incorrect statements, or errors in reporting or research.

The Secrets of Seduction Every Woman Should Know

Skip the chocolates and Hallmark cards. The really present is you, feeling your best and more sensual and confiden than EVER!

More Easy Raw Food Recipes

Naked Parsley

Ingredients:
1/2 cup water
4 bananas
2 cups chopped papaya
2 cups parsley

Directions:
We’re not going to hide it. This is an unabashedly parsley recipe. Place ingredients in the order listed, blend and serve for a deliciously naked parsley experience.

Tracy's Beauty Tips for Young, Healthy Looking Skin
by Tracy Neely

Peppermint Twist Foot Treatment

Peppermint belongs to the labiatae mint family of plants.  Peppermint Essential Oil is highly regarded for soothing digestion.  It is also widely used in foot treatments to relieve sore feet.  The primary constituent of peppermint oil is menthol, which causes a physical reaction when inhaled or applied to the skin.  The essential oil is both soothing to the spirit and energizing to the body.

Personally speaking when I have had a migraine headache, I apply peppermint essential oil to my temples as well as my shoulders to relive any tension I may be feeling.

Sea salt is obtained from evaporating sea water and is harvested through ocean water into large clay trays that allow the sun and wind to evaporate it naturally

Grape seed oil is extracted from the Vitis vinifera variety of grape.  It is one of the most versatile carrier oils to use with essential oils in beauty treatments and is one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin E.  As one of the fat-soluble vitamins, Vitamin E helps retain moisture in the skin and prevents dryness.  Store grape seed oil and away from direct sunlight.

Recipe:
5 drops peppermint essential oil
1 ½ cups fine sea salt
¼ cup grape seed oil

Instructions:
Combine sea salt and grape seed oil together in a glass bowl (a plastic bowl will retain the smell of the peppermint oil)
Add 5 drops essential oil to mixture and mix well.
Massage the mixture into your ankles and feet paying close attention to any areas that need extra tender care, Rinse feet and ankles with warm water and apply your favorite foot crème.

Beauty Note: Please be careful to avoid any areas where you may have a cut on your skin. Put on a pair of cotton socks and relax as your feet feel refreshed and relaxed!

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The Fun Begins on Monday...

Ask Monique: Our Raw Food Nutritionist!

If you're looking for the low down, cold-hard facts on nutrition, then you're going to love the fact that Monique Bastien, Raw Diva and in-house nutritionist is on board, ready and willing to answer your burning questions! 

Question:
How long can you go with eating fruits and green smoothies with little fat for?

Answer:
Here's the skinny on fat.

Question: How long can you go with eating fruits and green smoothies with little fat in the diet? Lets take a look at some facts first.

There is a lot of different information out there on fats. Here is a few examples:

How much good fat should we use daily?

According to Udo Erasmus about 15% of calories from good fats is a minimum, 10% might be too low. But the quality of the fats you eat is much more important than the quantity.

According to the Dietary Reference Intakes published by the USDA 20% - 35% of calories should come from fat.
 
According to some Raw Foodists about 9-13% of your total body weight should be fat if you are a guy and for a girl about 12-19%. The average Olympic 'Cardiovascular' Athlete's body fat ranges from 8-12%.

So who's right? Think about it! In the meantime let's look at why we need fat in the diet.

Why Do We Need Fat to Survive?

Although fats have received a bad reputation for causing weight gain, some fat (like linoleic and linolenic acids) is essential for survival.  We need these fats for the following:

Normal growth and development
Energy (fat is the most concentrated source of energy)
Absorbing certain vitamins ( like vitamins A, D, E, K, and carotenoids)
Providing cushioning for the organs
Maintaining cell membranes
Helps in the prevention of cholesterol build-up and hardening of the arteries.
Provides healthy hair and skin
Contributes to normal glandular activity
Essential fats cannot be manufactured in the body

Essential Fatty Acids (Vitamin F) can be found in nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds and their oils, walnuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, pistachios, and coconut), fruit (avocados, olives), spinach, seaweeds, parsley, and broccoli.

By replacing saturated and trans fats in the (SAD) diet with unsaturated fat, (found in foods like olives, avocados, nuts, and seeds) has been shown decrease the risk of developing heart disease.
 
The Importance of Fat Cells

Once upon a time, experts believed fat cells were no more than inert tissues that merely stored energy, enlarged extremities and generally got in the way of people trying to move around. Popular opinions have changed, however, thanks to the intense interest in fat in order to find solutions to the obesity crisis.

Experts are realizing fat cells are dynamic and complex structures that affect many crucial bodily functions. These new insights are helping scientists better understand:

• How fat forms on bodies
• Why it hangs on so long
• How it causes disease

Fat cells work to dispatch many potent signals to tissues throughout the body, including reproductive organs, the brain, liver and immune system.

Fat does a great many things, far beyond regulating a body's energy system and creating new fat cells:

Turns the body's immune system up or down
Influences blood clots and when blood vessels constrict
Regulates when a women can reproduce

Some scientists theorize there are dozens more functions waiting to be discovered, including a few that may affect mood and behavior beyond eating and hunger.

Opinions began to change a decade ago when scientists identified leptin, the hormone produced by fat cells, that tells the brain a number of things, including how much fat a body has.  The discovery of leptin also created a way of looking at fat as an endocrine organ not unlike the thyroid and adrenal glands.

Part of that complex communication systems between fat and other organs is adiponectin, a hormone that lowers the production of blood glucose in the liver and increases muscle burning to make energy. Scientists say this hormone also affects the sensitivity of cells to insulin, which may explain how obesity increases one's risk of diabetes.

After the importance of adiponectin was recognized, scientists found resistin, (another fat cell hormone) that may play an important role in storing energy and insulin sensitivity.

Researchers have also recently discovered fat tissue is made up of much more than fat cells. In fact, fat tissue, combined with macrophages--key immune system cells--produce powerful substances that assist in regulating the body's immune system. Some theorize that fats became closely connected to immune function over time because the body needs energy when threatened.

But a surplus of these substances, researchers say, triggers unnecessary inflammation which could explain why obesity increases the chances of many ailments like cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

There you have it. Fat is important. We need it daily to survive, these things are not in conflict, however how much we need is. But if you look at what the experts say, the amounts are very close. To play it safe, you can try to stay within the 15% range, remember we are all different (man, woman, children, big, small, tall, short) and we all have different needs. I do not believe that we all fit into the same mold, so to speak. Some of us will need more fat and some of us will do better on less. So bottom line I think that it's safe to say that you should base how much fat you have in your diet on the facts, as well as how your body feels, trust iyour body and adjust your fat intake as your needs change.

Question:

Morning ladies;

It is Barbara here in Montreal...with a quick question

My lovely 16 year old daughter, Caroline, has decided to give the world of Raw a go - and has been doing so now faithfully for 10 days - green smoothie for breakie - salad, fruit, nuts at school, and lots of veggies, hummus for dinner.  She has always been a big water drinker - around 3L a day - which she is still doing...

However - she is VERY bloated....and feeling grumpy....any idea what that is about?  Her bowels are regular, a little softer, and she is working out daily - and feeling pregnant!  She is a beautiful 5'9", and a perfect 140 lbs....but is verrryyyy grumpy about her bloating - and her personality has definitely been effected by raw???

Even she recognizes she's grumpy....

Any ideas????  Help needed desperately in Montreal!!!"

Answer:

Many people assume that all raw vegetables are good for them. But raw vegetables are only beneficial as a food source IF you can digest them, which is more of a widespread issue than most people realize.
 
Additionally, some raw vegetables are better than others, so be careful with what you munch and learn to choose the best raw vegetables of the bunch.  Vegetables are nature's most perfect foods and are also the most abundant foods on earth. They are alkaline-forming and rich with the vitamins and minerals needed to heal your body.
 
Raw vegetables are said to be enzyme-rich and are therefore widely believed to be an excellent source of enzymes that aid digestion. For many, gas, bloating and abdominal pain are common reactions after eating a meal that includes raw vegetables this is because most people's digestive systems are simply too weak from the (SAD) diet, to digest raw vegetables.
 
Poor digestion of raw vegetables is more common than you might think, but there are ways of getting around this. Here are some ideas: 1. you can marinate (ferment) your veggies, 2. shred them into smaller pieces in the food processor, 3. you can liquefy them into a nice soup, or smoothie. 4. you can juice them. Try some of these ideas and see if this helps. 
 
Yes, raw foods do contain enzymes, but raw vegetables also contain cellulose, a fiber that is poorly digested by humans. Fiber is very important for intestinal health and for helping to form a healthy stool.

The enzyme needed to digest cellulose is called cellulase and it's produced by intestinal bacteria. Cellulase enzymes break cellulose fiber down into blood sugar. Since humans cannot digest cellulose, taking a digestive enzyme might be a good idea. Fermenting raw vegetable is also good because this process breaks down, (pre-digests) the fiber.
 
Ancients cultures new that raw vegetables were difficult to digest; for example, in Chinese Medicine, it is well known that raw foods are best eaten by someone with a strong "digestive fire." A major cause of poor "digestive fire" is that our adrenals and thyroid are both poorly nourished and taxed by the toxins and daily stresses that most of us have put our bodies through on a western diet.
 
The first thing you need to do is focus on creating this "digestive fire" by creating a healthy ecosystem in your digestive tract; the foods you should focus on need to be teeming with friendly micro flora (good bacteria) that live in our intestines and keep us healthy and strong. Rhio's book "Hooked on Raw" has some wonderful suggestions.
 
Until your inner ecosystem is healthy, you may have trouble digesting raw vegetables and still become bloated. For this reason, if the 4 suggestions above are not helping, then for now we suggest cooking your harder vegetables by simmering, sautéing or lightly steaming them to make them more digestible. Simultaneously you need to focus on strengthening your digestive fire by eating cultured foods. Cultured vegetables have an abundance of enzymes and contain beneficial bacteria that are very helpful at digesting all the foods eaten in your meals. Raw fermented, cultured vegetables, will provide you with important plant enzymes and healthy micro flora to repopulate your digestive tract and build your digestive fire.

Again here are some key ways to make digesting raw vegetables easier:

• Include fermented foods and drinks in your diet so you can build a healthy inner ecosystem to help you digest your food and assimilate the nutrients.
• Chew your vegetables completely -- at least 20 times per bite.
• Simmer, sauté or lightly steam your vegetables to make them more digestible.
• Blend your vegetables in a raw vegetable smoothie
• Take Enzymes to boost your digestion Beware! Some Vegetables Should ALWAYS be Cooked
• Eventually as your digestion improves, certain raw vegetables can become a part of your daily diet.

Remember, when you ferment any food, you increase its nutritional value. Here is a list of a few vegetables that most people can comfortably handle raw.

But remember you are unique, so see if they work for you.

Cucumbers
Celery
Carrots
Red, yellow and orange bell pepper
Summer squashes like yellow squash and zucchini.

Question:

Dear Monique,

In the spirit of Valentines' Day, have you got any wisdom to offer us about aphrodisiacs?

Answer:

Hi Tera,
 
I've never really put much stock in aphrodisiacs, let alone thought about it. So it was interesting to do some research on it. Of course I made sure to only look at raw/vegan aphrodisiacs. Here's what I found, hope you can use some of what I found.
 
It is a universal belief that certain food and beverages can act as strong aphrodisiacs due to certain chemicals they release in our bodies, as chocolate has been proven to do. But most of the times they excite many of our senses through a combination of taste, texture and appearance. The shape of some foods is highly associated with arousal in humans. But whatever may be the reason, it's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with some foods that can act as aphrodisiacs, if you are planning a romantic dinner, here's something that will keep you right on track!
 
Check out these delicious food:

Chocolate - Legend says that the Mayan civilization worshipped chocolate, believing it was "food for the Gods." Scientists have studied this, and found that chocolate releases serotonin and phenyl ethylamine, chemicals which make people feel blissful. Some researchers also claim that chocolate may affect the brain the way marijuana does, putting the consumer in a state of temporary euphoria.

Bananas - Are rich in potassium and Vitamin B, bananas are a feel-good food. They also increase blood sugar levels.
 
Chilies/Spicy Food - Chilies can literally add "spice" to your life! These invigorating spices have an exotic reputation and can stimulate endorphins, which in turn, can really turn you on. (Be careful as eating to many raw chilies could give you an ulcer).

Honey - Honey is made through pollination and is a symbol of procreation. The word "honeymoon" got its name from mead, an alcoholic beverage made from honey, which was given to the happy couple. 

Fennel - In the 1930's fennel was found to be a source of natural plant estrogens. Use of fennel as an aphrodisiac dates back to the Egyptian times where it was used as "libido enhancement".

Ginger and Garlic - Extremely strange, but true! Both these spices have been known to increase blood circulation, and hence libido. But make sure to brush your teeth or use a mouth freshener later or you might not get the response you anticipated!

Vanilla - This vanilla bean is said to induce passion due to its erotic scent and fragrance. Using fresh vanilla beans seems to heighten both the flavor and the desire!

There is no scientific claim or tests that prove any of this to be true, and yet people like to believe in Aphrodisiacs. Does it really work? You can find some basic theory and explanations by doing some research if you'd like to know more. As for me, I say that ultimately, its our feelings and the company of a loved one which makes any occasion special. True, some foods can effectively change our hormone levels, and hence put us in a buoyant mood. Some say it's just in our heads! Well, it really doesn't matter; as long as you have love in your life then any day and any food can be an Aphrodisiac!
 
Take Care
Lots of Love
Monique 

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Valentine's Day Treats

A Few Special Treats for Valentines' Day

As part of our constant efforts to change and improve what we do, we'll be making some exciting upgrades and adjustments to our Sisterhood Membership program. Sisterhood Gold and Basic members who have been with us from the beginning, and those that climb on board in the next several weeks, are in for some MAJOR surprises as we make these adjustments. And if you're not familiar with what we do, or what the Sisterhood offers, then you're about to get a better taste of that.

This Valentine's Day, we wanted to give you the chance to experience the Sisterhood. And in so doing, we get the chance to really honor some amazing people who contribute to the world of raw foods, and what we do here at The Raw Divas.

You see, we've just DOUBLED the number of guests we're having each month, and let's just say, our little black book is starting to get miiiighty interesting. You'll really love checking out some of the people we've got in store as future guests in the Sisterhood.

Best Friend & Lovers Making Raw Food and Rock 'n Roll A Sexy Thing To Do

Two people definitely worth acknowledging at this time of the year are best friends and lovers, Heidi and JS Ohlander. These two superheros got VERY up close and personal with us in a cozy interview not too long ago. You see, a diva has to know how to ask the right questions, and with Heidi and JS, there simply were no filters. What fun. Until the end of the call, when technical difficulties pulled Tera out of the came and Bob, our Love Male Diva, came to the rescue. 

Enjoy this behind the scenes look at Heidi and JS Ohlander of Raw Food, Right Now, and send them loads of good vibrations this Valentine's Day! I'm sure they'll be wrapped in love and snuggles!!

"Smooching": Where Passion, Creativity and Courage Come Together For an Explosive Experience

And, if you ever wanted a story of love that triumphed over pain and difficulties, this one is a juicy one. Oscar Grimm and Tanja Andrews of Freshtopia graced our Sisterhood stage with their presence very recently, and it was an honor to have had a closer look at who they are and how they love.

Their creative and courageous contributions to the world of Raw Food and sustainable living are significant. And so on this day when smooches and snuggles are at their peak we definitely thing you should send some lovin' energy to these two crusaders for a better world.

Catch this interview HERE.

And for you single New York Divas...

Recently, we had an AMAZING interview with Dhrumil of We Like It Raw and Give it To Me Raw.

What can I say…?

I mean, we can see he’s got all kinds of amazing things going on, and the pictures portray a kind-looking fellow, but when we actually had the chance to get up close and personal with him we were BLOWN AWAY.

I can’t even tell you how many “WOW!”s I got in my inbox after that call finished.

And so, with no further ado, as part of our Valentine’s Day treats to the Divas, we’d like to offer you the chance to sit back, pull up a cozy couch and grab yourself an OJ, then get acquainted with a man whose middle name should be Integrity, but is probably something much more creative and inspiring.

Anyway, you know what I mean! Give It Up for Dhru who, in this exclusive interview with The Raw Divas, Gives It To You RAW!!

We love you, Dhru, and just want to say, “Thanks for making the world a brighter, more loving place to be!”

Oh, and pssst..

…he’s still single! hehehe… If you’re in his area, definitely, DEFINITELY take this prince for a night out on the town! But be prepared to meet his sisters on the first date!

This Valentine's Day Tribute would not be complete...

...unless we honored two people whose love, witty comments, and constant support and encouragement are no small part of what we do here at The Raw Divas. They also happen to be huge supporters of the other above named lovers and crusaders for a peaceful world.

This week I received a notice in my mail box calling me to the post office for a parcel waiting. "Hmmm...What could THAT be?" I wondered to myself.

When I got there a perfectly cubic box was waiting to be opened, and open it I did within seconds of getting it into my hot little hands. I wasn't expecting to find what I found there. I had no idea that I would feel as moved, as loved as I did when I found an artfully prepared arrangement of sparkly cards, calligraphy letters and a GORGEOUS, i do mean GORGEOUS, purple, snuggly, wooly scarf that was handmade by Keely and sent with love by both she and her husband, Bob.

Every day since last July, we have received some note of support, a gentle reminder, a word or two of love and appreciation from these two people. And, so, on this Valentine's Day we really wanted to make sure we thanked these two for the love they have given us, and the remarkable and inspiring ways they love each other.

Thank you, Bob and Keely. We wouldn't dream of doing this without you two at our side!

There are many more people who send us support and love from behind the scenes, and in time we will come around to bringing their contributions to ligh, too! Until then, know that we are grateful for all the support and kindness we receive.

So that's it for this juicy issue of Health In High Heels! We hope you've enjoyed a bit of Valentine's Day Lovin'. We do want to tell you how thankful we are for the love and support we get from you, and how that keeps us smiling and inspired every day.

Now You Can Have The Fountain of Youth Easily Connected to Your Kitchen Sink!

(All Body Enlightenment System and Sisterhood Gold members qualify for an additional $300 off the regular price of a Countertop LIFE Ionizer!)

Contact us to put your great ideas here!

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