Energy Foods For A Day At The Office!

There is a culture and lifestyle far from sky rise offices, commuting through congested city traffic, and tailored suits, and heels.
This is a profession for those whom prefer the fresh crisp air over air conditioning and thrive in the natural light from the sun.
In order to work for 8 hours in any giving weather condition, weighted with hundreds of little seedlings, and clinging on to the sides of unstable clear cuts stored energy is a requirement.
First thing all tree planters need is rest. Sleep is absolutely most important. Try walking on slippery loose debris down a steep slope tired or hungover! I have and it is super stupid! It is tough enough with fresh corks in your boots and totally alert.
Proper fuel is just as important.
You can't expect a whole lot of energy if you don't have food.
Every morning I blend myself a Super Green Smoothie and I drink the whole blender...
Throughout the day I snack on apples, dried fruits and mixed nuts.
Water consumption is so crucial. I don't think anyone drinks near enough! 6-8 liters is what I try to drink, even when it is snowy, rainy and frickin cold...I try but tend to not succeed. When the temp starts to rise into the 20-30's your water intake should increase as well.
Dinner should consist of lots of greens, veggies, and proteins. Raw/Vegan foods are super high in fiber and protein. Here are a few Fabulous protein sources.
Nuts and seeds, hemp protein powders or hemp seed/hearts, soy products, and green veggies.. Face it you can get protein from almost any whole foods.

Treeplanters have been slaving away in the hidden messes beyond the highways and tucked away in between mountain valleys where most spectacular views can't be seen. So next time you drive pass a clearing off the side of a highway on that steep mountain slope, picture a treeplanter climbing and planting one tree at a time every 2-3 meters apart. Logging is a way of life for many families, but the old growth forests can never been replaced, not even in 800 years......
I am passionate and care about the future of our forests. For every tree cut down many lives are lost.. creatures small and large.

Treeplanting and Energy Foods!!!(coming as soon as work is finished)

Super Bowl Fixin's

Super Bowl is really not my thing, but it is a social event which there is no shortage of munchies and snacks. It is like a sporting event revolved around finger foods and usually beer. Most people hosting these type of parties are pretty great at having an array of snacks that accommodate everyone. I always try to bring food that will please meat and veggie lovers. (most of the time people don't realize it is vegan or raw) This is a sure fire win!
So what if you have very little knowledge about football, enjoy and pick any team to cheer for!(I usually go for the under dogs)

Recipes To Come

It has been a while since my last post, but I was soaking up the tropical rays in Costa Rica.
I personally believe that monkey's have it down.... Living in the canopies of leafy greens, which they also feast on in between their siesta's. It would be more of a paradise if people just stopped building giant luxury resorts and high rise condos everywhere!
I love to travel, but sometimes it is truly heartbreaking to see local communities being over run by foreign developers pouncing on the opportunities to make a few bucks. Overlooking the long term effects on the land, water, and nature high rollers make their mark, and move on to their next destructive project.
www.savetamarindo.com

I am currently in the process of constructing my web page. Once it is completed I will be excited to launch my business "Susan's Raw Kitchen". It has been a dream of mine to one day own my own cafe, and this is the first stepping stone in achieving this dream.

The Kitchen seems to be the place of socializing at most house parties. This is exactly what Susan's Raw Kitchen is about. I want to create an atmosphere where recipes, ideas, lifestyle and health are the topics in the kitchen.
I can't wait to invite you all into my Kitchen.......

www.susansrawkitchen.ca

West Coast Winter

A typical winter day on the coast, windy and wet! Oh well get the rain gear on and make the best of it. Yesterday was the venture into book stores and coffee shops. Today I'm gearing up for a bike ride. Biking in Victoria is fairly easy if you find yourself sharing the roads with happy drivers. If you bike along the Galloping Goose Trail you avoid the motorized annoyances, and if you have the time and energy you can bike for hours. I also love hiking, but to get to the best scenic ocean trails you have to spend at least 30 minutes in a vehicle before your hike actually begins, and touring the city can become a wee bit exhausting if you know what I'm saying.(too many engines idling).

Victoria BC is surrounded by lush green, ocean view trails ideal for morning or afternoon walks. Best of all, you rarely see anyone all day so you get the feeling that you are somewhere far away from any cities. My favorite strolling spots are the ocean and forested trails that connect to the West Coast Trail between East Sooke and Jordan River. During the winter these trails are pretty wet, and muddy but the fresh ocean air and earthy scents will re-energize you. That stretch of coast is so pristine. There hasn't been a whole lot of development from Sooke to Port Renfrew, but it is starting to happen. The majority of that area was logged over 50 years ago, but there are some living old growth giants amongst some of the second growth forests.
Sombrio Beach has some beautiful old growth cedars lining the trails down to the water, and once you reach the beach sit back enjoy some tea, and watch for the sea lions, seals and surfers in the waves. Don't forget your toque and mitts, during the winter season!

Rainy Day Book Excursions...

I must say that I love finding wicked bargains, second hand book shops are loaded with all sorts of gems! It may take an hour, but when you find that book it's like finding a treasure without the map.

I lucked out by stumbling across Charlie Trotters and Roxanne Klein's book"Raw" at a used book shop. The pictures alone will lure you into your kitchen to create some gorgeous dishes. Don't be discouraged when some of the Raw recipes are a page long. Most Raw recipes are just very detailed.
Another amazing find was, John Robbins "Diet For A New World", and "Diet For A New America". Both books are a must read, if you haven't already experienced them.

I love receiving books as a gift! Cook books always are a score in my eyes. You can't have too many cook books. Most of my friends and family know that I am a Raw/vegan, but even if I receive a classic cook book I can get some great ideas that help me create living and vegan recipes.

My goal is to create a new recipe every day. If it is a smoothie, salad, appetizer, wrap, dip, main coarse or a beverage, whatever just have fun!!

Healthier Choices "The more we eat , the more they'll grow!"

While I was at home for the holidays in Red Deer, Alberta I found that a regular trip to the grocery store became more of an excursion. I realized that the fresh organic ingredients that I use on a daily basis on the Island just aren't available everywhere! I managed to rack up the kilometers on my mother's vehicle searching for ingredients to fix up vegan and living foods for the 3 weeks that I spent with my family.
I love any challenge, but this was hilarious!
It was great to see my Mother and 92 year old Grandmother enjoying everything I prepared for them.
I did bring an assortment of living foods that I prepared prior to flying home.
Cranberry & pistachio cookies, mocha chocolate chip cookies, chocolate & vanilla cranberry macaroons, chocolate cashew hemp balls, pear & pistachio crisps(amazing with raw vanilla ice cream)& classic nacho chips. I also did a wee bit of vegan baking, ginger snaps, gluten free pie crusts(sweetened & savory)I prepared all the pie fillings the day I made them for Christmas.

I really can't tell you how great it feels to know that you have been able to share and encourage family and friends to be adventurous with food. Just because its good for you doesn't mean it has to be drab, boring and flavorless!!!
Salads can be made a million different ways, dress them with the natural juices of fruits and veggies. Stir fry it up! Brown rice, sprouted wild rice, soba noodles, and rice noodles are a great base for any stir fry, steamed veggies or even marinated dehydrated veggies.
Even college and university students can top off their Mac&Cheese with fresh or steamed veggies! Come on buy Organic Fruits and Veggies! The more we eat the more they'll Grow!!
Stop eating out of a box! It is the simplest solution. Read labels, and if you don't know how to pronounce the ingredients or it says contains natural flavoring, you may want to seek out another option.

Make healthier choices this year!