As many of you know, over the last year I have been on a journey to change my diet in a big way. This all began with a mission to figure out what was going on in my little munhckin’s diet to cause eczema type skin reactions as well as heal some tummy issues.

My journey began with a full on elimination diet which is pretty hard core, but as most doctors will tell you is the golden standard in trying to figure out what exactly is causing the allergic reaction. Without going into too many details, let’s just say it was very difficult and a long process because ANY slip-up would be like going back to the first day of the diet. After much stress an quite a few of slip-ups…we FINALLY made it through 3 months of a very narrow diet. By the way, I chose to go on the elimination diet along with my son for a bit of camaraderie as well as to address some skin and minor health issues that had been haunting me for years.

The amazing things that came out of it were:

• we had a good idea of what caused both of our skin issues: gluten & dairy
• we tried LOTS of amazing new foods & recipes
• we felt great!

That was the first step in my journey. Since then, I have begun my self-education in a raw food lifestyle – taking classes with amazing raw chefs, buying and inhaling incredible Raw Books by fabulous raw food chefs Ani Phyo, Russell James and the Boutenkos.

Now, with my BlendTec blender creating my daily green smoothies, raw fruit & veggie juicing and my increasing knowledge of raw foods, I feel healthier than I even have. I get compliments on my skin almost daily…and I’m about to turn 35…which is the time when many women begin dealing with fine lines etc.  I will be sharing many recipes for raw beauty, raw meals and my raw journey. I’m not 100% raw or perfect, but I am passionate about eating for health and beauty.

Here is one recent recipe I tried that is easy, yummy and will be fabulous for the whole family.

Raw Diva Bliss Balls
The original recipe was sent to me by my hubby who found it online & forgot to save the page – I haven’t been able to find the source. I’ve changed quite a few ingredients. When I find the original recipe source – I will post it here right away.

1 cup dates, pitted
3/4 cup soaked almonds
1/4 cup sunflower or pumpkin seeds soaked
1/4 cup raw almond butter or raw macadamia nut butter
1/4 cup raisins, soaked in 1 cup filtered water
1 1/2 tsp cacao powder (raw if poss) – can sub with carob powder
1 tsp spirulina powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
1 cup coconut flakes

Step One
Place dates and almonds in a food processor and process until smooth. Place in a large mixing bowl with remaining ingredients and mix well with hands
Step Two
Form into small balls or egg shapes and roll in shredded coconut to cover.

Step Three
Enjoy the bliss!

Truly, the raw food lifestyle is not about taking things away from yourself, it’s about adding health, beauty and a new perspective on the way you eat and how it affects the world around you.

Have questions about going raw? I’d love to hear them and share my experience…leave a comment and let me know your thoughts on raw.

Enjoy!

Signing off…EcoDiva

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