If there is one thing I am certain about,
it is that there is no certainty in this life.
It is inevitable that things must constantly be in the stage of evolution.
Think about it:
We are not meant to be little babies for the entirety of our lives.
{though we can argue some might mentally remain like infants}
We were created to change:
Physically.
Emotionally.
Spiritually.
Mentally.
Relationally.
And thank God that this is true because this is our portal to freedom, really.
If we do not evolve, we get stagnant;
fearful of the unknown;
reminiscent of the things in the past;
unable and unwilling to break out of labels that keep us in captivity.
I have been thinking about this concept of evolution recently
and how I am such a different person now than I was 5 years ago.
I couldn’t be any more thankful for that.
I bring this up because it naturally transitions into my eating habits.
Talk about evolution!
I’m not one for labels
{and maybe this is my psychosis speaking}
but I feel like it doesn’t give me room to grow;
so constricting and permanent.
Though I deeply believe in God, I wouldn’t call myself religious.
Though I might cook mainly vegan, I wouldn’t call myself one.
I’m simply someone with varied tastes who are apt to change on a moment’s notice.
I have found that not labeling myself has given me the freedom to evolve.
With all of that said, my diet is changing.
I have allowed myself certain food pleasures that have caused great suffering in my body
over the past several months.
So I decided to “detox” <–eek! so many negative connotations to that word,
for the next week on a mainly raw diet to see how I am feeling.
[Hold on, Cara from 5 years ago is having a good laugh at this statement
because she is convinced hell just froze over].
It’s Day 4 and I can already tell you 8 things:
1. The little white bumps called acne on my face have cleared immediately.
(Greg commented on how clear my skin looked last night on Skype)
2. My stomach flattened by Day 3 (no gas or bloating).
3. I am not jittery, nervous, or spaztic when talking to people.
4. My tongue has rid of strange, burnt-in-the-mouth type bumps.
5. I realized that I really don’t need to eat as much as I thought.
6. My cravings are for things like beans, grains, and oats. Not sugar.
I could care less about sugar! Everyone heard that one, right??!
7. I had no idea you were supposed to eliminate this much in a day <–gross! sorry…
8. My energy levels are higher than they have been for awhile.
So you might be hearing more updates from me on how I am doing next week,
and maybe in the near future you will see a shift in more healthier options over here.
Or do a little bit of both?
Who knows.
It’s best to keep the options open and go with what the day brings me.
So while you eat one of these tasty graham cracker sandwiches
(did someone say peanut butter and chocolate??!)
I will be sitting over here, contently sipping my fruit and veggie juice…
Chocolate-Covered Graham Cracker Sandwich Recipe
Gluten, egg, dairy free
makes 4 sandwiches
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 squares GF/Vegan Graham Crackers (recipe here)
- 1/4 c. peanut butter
- 1/8 c. powdered sugar
- 1/2 c. melted Enjoy Life chocolate chips (you might need more)
- Candy Corn Hearts to top with
DIRECTIONS:
- Combine peanut butter and sugar in a bowl until thoroughly mixed in (should be a thicker consistency than with the peanut butter as is).
- Place about 1-2 Tbs of peanut butter mix between 2 graham crackers.
- Gently dip the sandwich into bowl of melted chocolate. Using a spoon or fork, pour chocolate on the top and sides, making sure every point is covered.
- Place on top of a piece of parchment paper. Using the back of your fork, gently allow the chocolate to drip over to get those fun bumps on the tops. Place candy corn heart on top. Freeze for 10 min or until set.
Just made a paleo version of your recipe yesterday using honey, sunflower butter (thickened with coconut oil and arrowroot starch), replacing the teff with coconut flower and using your instruction for the GF flour using almond/coconut/arrowroot. [actually I have no idea if the molasses are paleo, but my son can actually eat this without getting sick 🙂 ] Amazing texture and taste! Thanks so much for your excellent website.
Love it! I am so impressed by your knowledge and moves in the kitchen to accommodate your son’s needs. So inspiring! And I’m super grateful that you sent me this comment and that you liked this recipe. Does my heart good <3
Simple and quick. That’s the kind of dessert recipe I like. 😀
I like the kind that I can eat 🙂 hehe.
Haha, that’s the most important requirement for dessert!
Amen!
Oooh Cara, this sounds AWESOME! Something I might do when the wetaher warms up. Because a). it’s too hot to eat anything other than salads and fruits and b). all my tummy wants right now is stick to the ribs stews, casseroles and PIES!
But it’s something I’m really drawn to so watch this space.
xx
Mmmmmm pies 🙂 I cannot wait to see what happens for you when the weather heats up. I tell you, I am really contemplating going longer on raw because of how I feel–it’s quite incredible!
Ugh, I’m proud of you, but far less ambitious–I’m completely addicted to sugar. These sandwiches look delicious though! Perfect for a semi-healthy sweet craving : )
Oh I totally understand the addicted to sugar thing! I think I started that 🙂 ha. It has definitely been a progression of sorts. Thank you for the encouragement and comment love, Ntepper! xo
Love the cookies and the raw diet update. Been wondering. Would love more updates!
More updates coming on Tuesday, Veronica! Stay tuned…
I love the idea of healthier (and possibly raw?) options on here! The longest I’ve been on raw was 30 days and it was truly amazing. Like you said I had clearer skin, great digestion (TMI? lol), and gone was that weird snacky my-stomach-is-a-bottomless-pit feeling. I’m on a bit of a raw bender now because I just invested in a dehydrator and am already feeling that much better for it. Looking forward to hearing how yours turns out!
I am sooooooooooooo jealous about your dehydrator. I think I need to invest in one too. I’m already thinking about how to rawify everything I have already made 🙂 And you are so right about that bottomless pit stomach. What is up with that??? I’m amazed at how little we need to eat in comparison with what the American diet tells us to, you know? So glad to know I have another partner in raw…
Aaaah, I miss you! But I understand about needing to take a break from treats sometimes. You can blog about healthy stuff too though… we’ll still read it and love it!
I MISS YOU!!! And I HATE the fact that I cannot post any comments on your blog anymore. I have been desperately trying for a WEEK now and nothing. This seems to be happening with other blogs similar to yours with blogspot and it is angering me! I have had to go to yoga to calm down about it (seriously). Congrats on baby Wren! Give you and your husband a high five for procreating ADORABLE kids! 🙂 xoxox
Oh, weird! I wonder why that is. Do you get a particular error message or does the page just not load or…? I had some problem commenting on blogger blogs during MoFo, just from my work computer, and I don’t remember how you fix it but I know I wrote it down… maybe it’s something similar.
And thanks. 😀 High fives will be exchanged.
It is just whenever I push enter, it says I entered the catcha code incorrectly and despite the fact that I did enter it correctly, it never allows me to comment. Sooo frustrating. Someone else’s blog did the same thing to me and once she updated the blogger, it worked fine. Lame.
Congratulations on the baby Nikki! cara, deep breaths.. its software.. there are always bad coders out there. 🙂 as for the blogger problem…. change the comment settings to anyone can comment , and also update your blogger dashboard tot he new interface:) hope this helps!
Richa, you are a blogspot genius 🙂
Looking forward to hearing all about your cleanse!
Thank you so much! I am actually excited to share more next week so keep your eyes peeled… (How does one peel their eyes, by the way?)
1. awww.. that is so sweet.. on skype:)))
3. we should start talking to each other.. maybe 2 nervous peeps will make a positive non nervous situation. super cool that the detox is working!
6. i always crave beans ans salt more.. i think some days i get too much salt.. actually mom says i eat bland.. so maybe she eats too much salt.
7. ew.. really! i think its could be the raw enzymes.. i cannot digest most greens and some fruits raw very well, so i steam or cook them lightly for my smoothies. it works better on tummy and also absorbs better.. esp greens.. coz they have too much acid when raw, which interferes in the nutrient(like iron) absorption. i guess they need to be raw for the proper detox.
those hearts on the sammishes are so cute..
i am currently freaking out coz i dont know what to do for my 7 yr wedding anniv next week. hehe unloaded on u again:)
Are you trying to think of something to bake/make/or do for your anniversary? This is right up my alley. Let’s discuss all possibilities… 🙂
P.S. I love how you called them sammishes. I call them sandies. hehe. <–we are dorks.
P.P.S. Sending you non-nervous vibes your way. xo
dont know yet.. i always cook up something new for him..i cant beat myself every year:)..will have to think of some of his favorite non vegan foods to veganize..i think i might try some daal baati and ghevar.. totally authentic marwari dishes..(he is a marwari from north eastern india and i am a punjabi from north and our cuisines are very different) i have no clue how much of this makes any sense to you.. 😀
None makes sense to me but I always love learning new things. Especially if we are talking Indian food 🙂
I am glad you are feeling better Cara! I’ve always wanted to try a raw diet for a week to see how I would do…I am such a protein girl though I might have a hard time! Any advice?
As for these sugar-laden treats – they are SO tempting and delicious looking! Your little candy corn heart just takes the cake….or ugh, the sandwich! 🙂
My advice? Eek. I am so not the person to ask advice from. But I will tell you what worked for me: Taking it slooooooooowwwllllyy. This entire diet evolution has been a long process (which works best for me) from vegetarian, to gluten free and mainly vegan, to now being able to stand a raw diet for a week. I would have DIED (not really) had I tried this 2 years ago. About the protein, you will probably have some interesting symptoms I’m guessing the first few days from not having it but they will subside and I am assuming that you will be amazed at how well your body can adjust. However, I wouldn’t take my word on it and would do what you know your body would respond well to, you know? How fun of an experiment for you, though. Please let me know if you ever do it!
These look Amazing, and I love this whole post!! Looking forward to seeing how your body reacts over the next week or so! I’ve really cut down on grains lately, and its amazing how much less bloating I have had. Especially giving up Kashi cereal for breakfast, I no longer have that heavy, bogged down feeling all morning!
It’s sad/difficult to let go of daily rituals but it is hard to argue with it when you feel a huge difference. Thank you so much for the sweetness and encouragement! Keep me posted with your less grain consumption as well 🙂
these look amaaaaazing!!
Oh shucks, thanks Ellen 🙂
Cara, they look wonderful! Thanks for your lovely comment the other day by the way. I’ll get round to doing some replying soon – I always have so many to reply to!
It’s difficult being popular isn’t Nick? ha!
It is, it is!
Bah! So much for humility 🙂 At least I can be popular too through association of “knowing” you…
I love this! I am on the final day of a three day juicing myself (we really ARE in sync, right??) and have many of the same observances as you. well, I’m not skyping Greg, but you know… 😉 Jason IS out of town right now, so we really still are in step on that one, too.
glad it is going well for you… but how dare you tease us with this deliciousness?? I LOVE chocolate covered grahams… yours look perfect and lovely!
It is as if I am looking in the mirror 🙂 If you were skyping Greg I’d be cool with it, however. It’s always good for him to be introduced to more awesome people. hehe.
I know, I know–I am a big tease. Is it taunting you? Honestly, I could care less about sweet treats at the moment, which I find strange.
These look great! I really think I need a week of raw food. My body has had an overdose of food 😉
Chinmayie, that really is why I did this too. Major overdose and lost a sense of balance once I started to crave sugary treats. Come join me 🙂
I cannot wait to hear more about your Raw Adventure and hope you do share some of your new fond rawness with us! I know it will help inspire me to move forward with transition to a more raw diet ( tummy issues too 🙁 ) It is amazing the changes that happen within a few short days, I will be rooting for you and I hope you feel better 🙂
I was just looking at a terrible burn I have on my finger and noticing it is totally healed! Up to this point, it has taken forever for it to do so and I am in awe that since this detox, it is gone. It *is* amazing what happens within a few short days. I cannot wait to share more with you so you can heal those tummy issues as well (when the belly isn’t happy, no one is happy) 🙂 But I am thinking you are more of the raw dessert expert over here–we are all waiting for MORE of your incredible ideas!!! xo
Glad to hear you’re feeling better with the detox. It’s something I’m working on too after all the holiday sugar. The only problems I’m having are that the juicer, the blender and the fruits and veggies are all in the kitchen and I’m not! Cute twist on the cookies and hearts. I always loved chocolate covered grahams. I’m looking forward to the new mix of recipes too. I think the reason we make so many treats is that they’re so much fun and they make my 7 year old heart sigh. It feels good whether I eat them or not. You almost remind me of Sesame Street when The Cookie Monster started eating veg. xox
HAHA. I love that imagery of the Cookie Monster, Laurel!!
You are right about making the 7 year old heart sigh. That is really why I do it as well. Plus, it is just soooooooo rewarding for me! My problem is snacking too much on the work-in-progress and then finished product. Always nice to get put back in balance every now and again, isn’t it?
Hoping you are feeling better today, sickie poo 🙁
Glad to hear it’s going well. I like doing a lot of raw, too. And yah – beans are a big craving when doing raw. I’m sticking with the “it’s all about balance” mantra and listening to my body and trying not to be too extreme.
So far, that’s workin’ for me these days. 🙂
That {balance} is what I am hoping to get back into once this week is over and my belly tames down a bit with the inflammation. Your blog is of great inspiration and help for me, Deanna! xo
I am glad you’re feeling better! PS There’s a birdhouse in my soul…
That’s strange because there is a bowl of chicken soul in mine.
Was that lame or what??? ha
Do tell more about your raw food adventure!
Peanut butter + chocolate + graham crackers = possibly the best combo ever.
I absolutely will, Kierstan! xo
Fork and Chocolate!! hehehe
BAHAHAHAA! I snorted when I read this. Hilarious, Kirsten.
that’s so awesome that you are doing a raw detox. and it must be so satisfying to see results immediately!
and your sandwich cookies look delicious, too 😉 i love the little hearts on top!
It’s been an interesting last 4 days, that is for sure. Eating raw isn’t as mysterious and difficult as I once kept it in my head, nor do you starve yourself as some people would think. Okay, okay, maybe I used to think that back in the day 🙂 I am always surprised at how full I can become from these foods. Thanks so much for the support, Cait-oh! xo
Cute cookies! Mostly though – good for you! So glad you are feeling well.
Thank you Dawn!! So appreciate your support and encouragement. Makes me smile, really 🙂 <–like that
Strange…although I find your post to be enlightening and applaud how well you are doing and feel…that you offer a decidedly sweet sugary recipe…I worry that this “vicarious” enjoyment or sharing might actually be displacing a desire to partake of the same treat..This smacks of eating disorder mentalities..and I do hope that is not the case…I speak from years of personal experience in this realm…(anorexia nervosa and bulimia) and hope this is not the case..
Your blog is extremely well-written and insightful and offers all who visit it a healthy mix of nutritious fare and the once-in-a-while special treat fare…I respect you and thank you for promoting this idea.
Hi Anonymous! Thank you for this comment–I really appreciate knowing your care and concern. To address your issue about the vicarious sharing, sugar doesn’t have a hold on me at the moment, like I said. I don’t crave it at all–I want rice and beans more than I want chocolate 🙂 So in my mind, just because I am detoxing, doesn’t mean that I want to stop sharing with all of YOU (who are not detoxing) all of the Valentine’s Day treats that I have had planned for the past month. As for an eating disorder, I am not really sure why this would come up as so. As stated in the post, I am doing a little detox just for a week or so to heal my digestion. I have been having strange symptoms and with advice from my doctor, I am nurishing my body with fruit, veggies, nuts and seeds (and soups) <–I cannot give that up. hehe. I never have once been anoreix nor bulimic (maybe in highschool I dabbled with not eating for like, 1 day, but I knew better and couldn't go through with it).
I hope this clears it up a bit. Again, I truly am grateful for your comment because I know it comes from a good place. Much love, xo Cara
Dear Cara,
I am very happy to know that everything is “ok” with you and that you are simply not in a “sugar phase” and following wise doctor’s advice at present…
Anyway…thank you again for the rapid reply and I am glad you’re feeling better…
For some reason I thought it was en error just because the email was shown with your name (SO SORRY!!!!) Didn’t know it was a private thing. Hope you don’t mind that I erased it for your sake. Again, deeply apologetic–it was an honest mistake.
I’m rootin for yah! So glad you are feeling better. 🙂 I think that one of coolest parts about stopping sugar (I gave up sugar about 2 months ago..) is how much clearer my brain is! I feel like I can think more clearly than ever.
Beautiful sandwiches too my dear. 😀
Is that the sugar then? Because, as I said in my top 8 list, I don’t feel weird and nervous when talking to people. I actually maintain eye contact without getting jittery. That actually might be the coffee no longer working in me really, but maybe a combo of both? Regardless, I don’t want sugar really. I don’t think I ever really did, I would just eat it because it was there. This detox is bringing out my actually desires for food now, which is rather refreshing.
Did you give up sugar to help with your health?
I did! I was really feeling bad towards the beginning of December and I could tell something needed to be changed in my diet. After doing it I’ve felt like a million bucks… and you are right the flavors of real food are so much better.
(I eat a paleo diet, so a lot of veggies and meat a little fruit- total 180 but soooo much better!)
I hope your sugar detox continues to feel good !:)
That is awesome to hear Reid! Not only are food flavors better but life is as well. The clarity I feel when looking at things is fascinating–have you experienced this too?
Oh yes, exactly! Positive clarity and focus…(which is what I needed to keep going with my research…) Like mental floss…:D.
Mental floss (hehehe) Hilarious!