Health in High Heels

This afternoon I was walking through a beautiful snowy park here in Montreal watching families skate on an outdoor rink. Classical music piped into the air and I couldn't stop smiling. Even if Spring is just around the corner, winter has been spectacular. The most beautiful ever.

Our dear Amy is now already 5 months along with the pregnancy of her second child. We've got another diva on the way, and it's exciting!

While the nesting urge hasn't quite set in yet, it's clear that around here on The Raw Divas sites, cleansing is definitely in the air!

Tera has been going through cutlery drawers and nooks in cupboards and digging in for some deep cleaning, and it feels AMAZING! She's getting participants of the Body Enlightenment System all primed for their big adventure kicking off around the first day of Spring. If you've not yet signed up for the next version of the BES, then PLEASE do that now. There are only a handful of spaces available and this really will be an experience to remember.

Just imagine feeling your home in order, junk out of the drawers, clothes you don't wear off to the thrift shop, and you looking leaner and more gorgeous than ever after a month on raw foods!

This week we've got great treats from Monique and Tracy and some community updates about what's cooking in Raw Diva land, since we know it's not food!

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.

...especially when all the menus, shopping lists and meal plans have been laid out for you and you've got support.

Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons fresh, squeezed lemon juice
2 Tablespoons maple syrup, organic Grade B is best
a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste
a tall glass of about water

Directions:
This is the recipe that many of our divas are preparing regularly right now as a few of us have decided to take on the Master Cleanse! If you'd like more information about it, you can check out My Lemonade Cleanse blog. We're just getting started, but are enjoying the process a lot so far!

In the name of cleansing this week, Tracy brings you a fantastic Detox Facial Treatment that you can do at home!

Diva Detox Facial Treatment

detox

The purpose of the detox facial is to release any stored toxins, clear any congestion in the skin as well boost cell metabolism and encourage cell regeneration. The treatment has the ability to soothe and heal the skin as it stimulates circulation.

Beauty Note: This treatment is appropriate for most skin types, except for clients with a sensitivity to seaweed or algae.

Kelp is a type of marine algae or brown seaweed that grows in regions with a cold coastline and belongs to the Fucaceae family. Seaweeds come in three different color varieties, red, green and brown. Seaweed nourishes skin with trace minerals while it rejuvenates and revitalizes the skin. It is rich in amino acids, polysaccharides, vitamins and is a rich source of iodine, sulfur, calcium and silicon. Seaweed has the added benefit of having antibacterial and disinfectant properties excellent for treating acne prone skin. Kelp contains beta-carotene which has anti-inflammatory properties to help slow the aging process of the skin.

aloe

Aloe Vera comes from the aloe vera plant Aloe barbadensis and is a succulent plant native to the dessert in Africa. The sap from the aloe plant has anti-inflammatory properties and is widely used as a salve to soothe burned or wounded skin.

Beauty Note: It would be wonderful to use the sap from the leaves of the aloe vera plant, however you may also use 99% pure aloe vera gel.

Honey is a by-product of honey bees when they collect the flower nectar in their mouths and the nectar mixes with enzymes and then it is turned into honey. Raw honey is honey that has not been heated for pasteurization, filtered or strained to remove the wax, pollen or propolis. Honey is a natural humectant that attracts and binds water to the upper layers of the skin.

True Lavender (L.officinali,) is extensively cultivated in France and Bulgaria and is the most common commercially grown aromatic member of the Lamiaceae family. Lavender essential oil is steam-distilled from the flowering tops and stalks of L. angustifolia. Lavender oil is widely known for its wound healing properties and with caution can be used on the skin neat. Lavender Essential oil is generally used in skin care for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiseptic properties.

Recipe:

1 TBSP Kelp Powder
½ TBSP Aloe Vera Sap or Gel
½ TBSP Honey (raw if possible)
5 Drops Lavender Essential Oil
Combine kelp, aloe vera and honey in a bowl and then add the lavender essential oil and mix and apply to a clean face. Leave masque on for 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.

Apply your favorite moisturizer and relax with your favorite green drink!

Happy Detox!!

I am looking for a face cream / moisturizer .. that will also have a bit of a sunscreen in it .. .. Got any suggestions? MOM

Welcome MOM!

This is a great question, as I'm sure you know, there are so many different types of products on the market that are both a moisturizer and sunblock combined. By you researching what type of product would be best for your skin, I think it would be great for you to understand more about your skin and how it behaves. Here are a few things to ask yourself, what is your skin type, are you dry, sensitive, oily or are you a combination skin type meaning are there areas where you are drier or oilier on your face. skin

Have you ever used a product on your face and your skin started to itch or get red, were there any breakouts? Have you ever used a product if your skin was dry and a few minutes later it was as if you had never applied a product to your face? Another scenario would be if you applied an oil-free product to your skin to relive the oiliness and after a few minutes the product felt heavy and you noticed a shine on your face especially in the t-zone area (forehead, nose and chin). These are just a few things that go into finding the right product for your skin.

My suggestion would be first figure out what your skin type is and then look for a moisturizer/ sunblock that is at minimum an SPF 15 or if you have fair skin maybe a SPF 30 product. If your skin is oily look for an oil-free moisturizer sunblock. If you have normal to dry skin look for a product that has some healing botanical properties to not only protect your skin from the sun, but to also nourish your skin.

If you have sensitive skin, I would stick with a product that has a physical sunblock in it that is either zinc or titanium dioxide. They are both less irritating for sensitive skin types.

Remember healthy skin starts from the inside out.

Be well!!

Remember that sun is natural and vital to health. Without it we cannot absorb Vitamin D and our calcium levels are also affected. Beware the marketing of pharmaceutical companies that keep us from Natural Health.

As the sunny season approaches GRADUALLY increase your exposure in the sun. I rarely to NEVER use sunscreen and try to strictly avoid it on my children. Unless we will be in unprotected areas (which are inherently unnatural) for extended periods of time. Even then, I much prefer to use hats and sleeves to prevent burning than toxic chemicals.

If you take the time to introduce your body gradually to the sun, you will build up natural resistance to burning with your melatonin levels. I feel very strongly that increased skin cancer is more likely associated with putting massive amounts of toxic chemicals on our skin. Whether you subscribe to these ideas or not, try and use shade, hats, and sexy long, white sleeves to protect your body from excess sun. Don't go out in peak sun, but be observant to times of the days.

In nature most animals snooze during the heat of the afternoon, and eat and go about their daily affairs in the cool morning and early evening.

But don't let sunscreen selling fear mongers convince you that sunshine is a "bad" thing. It's a beautiful thing, and without it, there would be no life on earth.

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me HaPPYYYYY when skies are grey..."

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!

Dear Monique,

I really enjoyed your short article on fat and the need for it. You didn't coco

mention whether we should be including oils like flax, hemp, coconut, or olive in our diets, or should we just be consuming the fats in their natural states, such as the seeds, whole coconut, or olives...

Thanks for your reply.

Lindy

Answer:

Hi Lindy,

avo

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it. As to your question, it is always better to get our fats from our foods. This way you are getting it in it's most natural state. But you can including oils like flax, hemp, coconut, and extra virgin olive oil in your diet well. Just be careful how much you use, as a little can add up to a lot of fat. So if you want to make a dressing using some oil for a salad or your in the mood for a piece of raw cheese cake, have it, just remember not to over due it. The largest part of our diet should be lots of fruits and vegetables (sprouts). Nuts, seeds, in smaller amounts. Your oils, like flaxseed oil should be used in much smaller amounts. For example: the average person should only take 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil a day not half the bottle. That's just one example. Remember our bodies on need a certain amount of fat each day, and this again depends on our size, age, lifestyle etc. I hope this answers your question.

Take Care
Monique

Hello, Raw Divas,
smoothie

I have been eating 100% raw for 9 months, now (high fruit, low-fat, with a green smoothie and wheatgrass shot daily). I am a 21-year-old young lady. I have always had trouble with my bones “cracking and popping” and cannot even jog because of a knee injury when I was over-exercising in my “pre-raw” days. My bones have not yet improved, and I was wondering if there was something I was missing in my diet to promote healthy bones and eliminate my “cracking and popping.”

Thanks for your weekly inspirational newsletters. I have been one of your fans since the beginning, and you are a blessing to so many of us!

Mindy Ramsey

(Note from the Divas: We looove you, Mindy!! Thanks for the support!)

Answer:

Hi Mindy,

It's interesting that you've had this for a long time. My question is, how long? And have you seen a doctor or chiropractor about this?
I'd also like to point out that any deficiencies you might have had while your bones were growing (inside your mom- until 16-18 years of age), will not change the state they are in simply being on a raw diet. All that a raw diet will do in this case is slow down what ever is causing this or stop it from getting worse. I'm just guessing here, as I don't have your health background, and I cannot diagnose what is causing it, nor would I try, as I am not a doctor. I suggest that you see a doctor and find out what's causing this and make sure to tell the doctor how long that this has been going on.

All the Best

Take Care
Monique

Here's the preamble to the question:

dentist

I have recently embraced a 100% raw food lifestyle. However, after exercising a great deal, i noticed my gums visibly receded. I have had this problem in the past and nothing has reversed it, though I hear (from alternative health people that this is possible). So my gum recession problem is pretty bad. Finding my gums receding as if before my eyes, I immediately ate cooked foods (like eggs), knowing that this happens when my body is so malnourished that it is taking calcium from my bones (jawbone).

Do you think it possible to restore lost gum tissue? Again, some say it is possible, though my dentist and hygienist say my only hope is surgery to replace lost gum tissue. If possible can I have healthy gums and a possible restoration and manage to rebuild my nutrients (wherein this happens due to malnourishment that is longstanding)on an all raw diet? After having this problem worsen on the raw diet, I researched and found this not to be an uncommon problem among raw foodists, but raw foodists tend to shy away from any indication of not getting enough nutrients through raw foods. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance. dentist

In peace, love, and light,

Rev. Gwendalin Qi Aranya

Answer:

Hi Gwendalin,

Sounds to me that since you've had this problem with your gums even before going Raw, that it's not because your eating a raw food diet. So please don't assume that because it is getting worse now, that it's the raw food. It's not. This is most likely a problem with absorption. When our bodies are not absorbing the nutrients in the food we are eating, then we will become malnourished. This problem would be centered in our digestive system. People who eat cooked food in our society, (even though we have an abundance of food), are malnourished. There bodies are running on reserves as well as any raw foods that they are consuming, (that means even a slice of tomato and lettuce in their hamburger). Not much, is it. Anyway I would check and see what's going on with your digestion. It's up to you. Hope things will get better for you.

All the best.

Take Care
Monique

One of the best sources of information that we have found about dental health can be found here: Perfect Prescriptions.Com. Karen Adler is a big Diva Fan and vice versa. She's recently been posting Youtube videos on her site. You can see them there. She also has a fantastic ebook discussing many of your stated questions and others like remineralizing teeth. She does address diet and her experiences and observations on this subject, and I'm sure you'd find her resources very informative. I brush with Toothsoap and wouldn't dream of using anything else, after what I've learned from Karen and the results i've noticed after my own use.

I actually wrote her about the above question and here's a piece of what she said:

"SURGERY DOES NOT REPLACE LOST GUM TISSUE BECAUSE IT CUTS MORE OF IT AWAY!!!!! I say start brushing with soap and follow Dr. Judd's advice on how to knit gums back to the teeth (phosphate and vitamin C)."

Karen sent us some samples of her new liquid toothsoap in fruity flavors for kids, and while it got some interesting reactions at the kitchen sink the first few times, my kids are now both convinced toothsoap users!

As promised, she will be joining us for an exclusive interview, it's just we've been having a heck of a time catching up with her since she's on the road a lot! We'll keep you posted, and all divas will be invited to attend this valuable call! line

Whoooa! We can hardly keep up with the action. It's totally exciting to feel our community growing larger in number, stronger in spirit and getting more fun by the minute.

While sometimes we like to write feature articles, this week there's just been so many changes and so much going on, that we thought we'd take the time to let you know what's shaking around here.

After a successful Green Smoothie Queen 3 Day Challenge finished up last week, we were already flooded with new registrations for our St. Patrick's Day version that will be coming around the corner! We'll be calling on the luck of the Irish and having a totally playful and cleansing green adventure when four leaf clovers start to speckle the scene.

This program is IDEAL for introducing new people to the Raw Food Diet and healthier eating habits. We strongly encourage you to sign up as 60% of the proceeds go to an organization promoting action and awareness in the name of environmental responsibility.

So, instead of green beer this season, get your boyfriends, uncles, aunts and friends inspired about Green Smoothies, better health and more energy!

Before this adventure kicks off, however, Raw Divas who have registered for our program

How To Handle Cravings and Emotional Eating are in for a major treat. When we released that program, we promised to keep providing updates as we learned more about cravings, and how to handle some of the many common concerns that plague our Raw Divas, such as:

How to replace cravings for unhealthy foods with more healthy alternatives, overcome overeating, late night snacking and much, much more.

Well, this weekend participants of our How To Handle Cravings and Emotional Eating Program, will be participating in an exciting craving-buster cleanse! We're taking them on a monomeal adventure that will really help participants to get in better communication with natural hunger signals and help them implement tools for living that leave them empowered and confident about their relationships with food.

Soon the snow will start melting, mittens will be flinging back into the closets and those little fingers of yours should be getting busy spinning poi in the park! If you've not yet ordered your set of poi, you'll definitely want to do that before the 13th of March, when Tonya Kay is coming for a first time ever interview where we get to ask her all our questions about poi. She's got lots to say and tonnes of tips to help you make this creative form of exercise more inspiring and enjoyable than ever.

When bikini season strikes, you'll be feeling sexy and sculpted, but because poi is so fun and enjoyable, it won't even feel like hard work! I'd be flinging strings in my living room if I didn't have such low ceilings and so many plants! Can't wait for spring!!

Every month we'll give you the chance to join in on one of our Sisterhood teleseminars. We have an incredible line-up and it's just getting better. Last week's call with Peter Glickman, author of Lose Weight, Have More Energy, Be Happier in 10 Days, had some incredible tips and information to share about cravings, detox and transitioning to a raw food diet. Many of us were so inspired by this call, that we decided to jump on board the lemonade train and start some cleansing ourselves!

Tonight we have an interview with Triatholon and vegan hero, Brendan Brazier. His friends have warned us he's shy, so Tera's pulling out the juicy questions to see if we can get an upclose and personal with superstar!

Anthony, the Raw Model, is coming to let us ask the questions that dig and find out what his latest plans and projects are as well as his recommendations for making raw food work. He's a compassionate new spokesperson for Raw Foods and we're excited to get a behind the scenes look at what he's up to!

Renee Loux, of Euphoric Organics and author of several well known books will be coming for an exclusive Raw Diva interview to discuss the importance of Organics, taking a deeper look at what can be done to move toward safer, saner eating habits and how to take action to .This will be the first time we take a really indepth look at organics, and we're honored to have the chance to do it with Renee.

Yuri Elkaim of TotalWellnessConsulting.ca, who has been a fantastic contributor to our Sisterhood Gold fitness programs, will be coming to share his wisdom and experience for men, as well. He'll be passing on some inspiring information about fitness and getting you motivated to get in shape! Spring is going to be in the air before you know it. Skirts, tank tops and swimming suits always feel better on a tight, toned body! Let this call be the inspiration you need to get in shape feeling great.

And I'm really, really, really excited because this spunky Raw Diva you see featured to your right, is none other than the editor of Get Fresh magazine, supermom, and crusader for a better world, SARAH BEST! She is coming the first week of March, and YOU'RE ALL INVITED!

You'll be receiving a special invitation in your inbox this week, so watch for it. We want to include all our Divas in some Sisterhood fun, and this call is NOT to be missed, because we're going to look at what it's going to take to get raw food mainstream. If you've ever wondered how to get your loved ones on the path to better health, you will NOT want to miss this call on March the 4th. (The Recording will be available for those who miss the live event!)

Whew! If that's not enough, then you'll be pleased to know there's even more, but we have to keep a few secrets up our sleeves to keep life interesting.

After spending more than two years on an electronic shelf waiting to make her appearance into the world, the Raw Mom speaks, and with more grace, wisdom and compassion than we could have hoped for.

We, at The Raw Divas are thrilled to announce the unveiling of an exceptional community of extraordinary women, whose lives, while often devoted to little ones, can appear to go unnoticed.

And yet, these are the builders of tomorrow's leaders. The hands that guide, nurture and love today will ensure that when our children meet their time to step up to pedestals and pulpits of the world, their voices will be compassionate, hopeful and inspiring.

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.