We Like It Raw

Moderation, a meaningless word

2010-03-17T11:00:31-04:00

The word moderation is a funny word. I was recently at a seminar where I heard someone use it to describe the changes the NYC public school system should and shouldn't make to the dietary options it presented students.

"I believe in moderation," the speaker proclaimed. "Sugary snacks and sodas aren't a bad thing, as long as we allow the kids to eat and drink them in moderation. We can't get too extreme."

Most people use the word moderation in a way that makes others feel that it has a set definition. But the challenge with the word is that it doesn't. Moderation is almost always code word for "what I feel is normal." And what "I" feel is normal is greatly influenced by what the current society feels is normal.

Moderation isn't set point. Moderation is this weird middle point that people create in their mind by using two extreme reference points. Here's an example:

Person A feels, based on their experiences, that kids drinking soda every day of the week is extreme. But they also feel that kids who never drink soda, ever, is also extreme. Naturally, their moderation point is going to be "kids should be allowed to drink soda a few times a week."

Person B has had difference life experiences, and thus, has different reference points. These different experiences have led her to feel that drinking soda even a few times a week is extreme. On the flip side, she sees giving kids access to only water as extreme too. Her moderation point might look something like "kids should have access to fresh fruit juices and carbonated natural sweetened fruit sodas."

Both people feel that their version of "normal" is correct based on their reference points. And their reference points have been anchored by their life experiences. Of course both of them are correct, because their reality is their reality.

Saying something like "I believe in moderation" is basically like saying, "I believe in my experiences." Yes, it is true, but it is meaningless because your experiences are all that you know.

Change Agents & Zen Masters

The takeaway for all you Change Agents out there is that the more you create, teach, and help others broaden their experiences, the more likely their reference points will shift. It only takes a few committed people to build momentum that eventually changes what "normal" looks like.

And if someone drops the M-Bomb on you, instead of arguing with them, take a step back and try to understand what their personal reference points are. When you argue with anyone about their reference points, their ego feels that you are literally questioning their experiences. From the point of view of their ego, you might as well be calling them a liar. Don't call people liars.

What's the best way to help someone see something they can't see? Help them experience it. Until they experience it, it isn't real.

Dr. Junger Learns How Coconut Oil Is Made

2010-03-11T19:07:48-05:00

My homeboy Dr. Alejandro Junger MD was just recently chill'n in Fiji and he sent me this dope video of how coconut oil is made. Fascinating!

Philip McCluskey's Top 5 Raw Desserts In NYC

2010-03-09T17:41:32-05:00

Philip's Loving Raw Channel on YouTube and Lovingraw.com

Effective Herbal Based Head Lice Treatment

2010-03-05T10:43:22-05:00

Speaking of James Wong, I thought this neem oil head lice treatment recipe was a great example of the power of herbal remedies:

From an NPR interview with researcher James Wong:

Introduction: With up to 80 percent of head lice now resistant to conventional treatments, the hunt is on for an effective and safe insecticide to treat nits — the tiny eggs that are notoriously hard to eradicate. This natural recipe, free of organophosphates, uses plant extracts with known insecticidal properties to kill both lice and the nits.

Neem Nit Treatment

Makes enough for 5-10 doses

20 tbsp (approx. 100 g) fresh rosemary leaves
20 tbsp (approx. 25 g) fresh lavender flowers
3/4 cup (200 ml) neem oil
3/4 cup (200 ml) almond oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp tea tree essential oil

1. Strip the rosemary leaves and lavender flowers from their sprigs.

2. Combine the neem and almond oil together in a measuring cup.

3. Crush half the rosemary and lavender in a mortar and pestle with a little of the oil to help ease the crushing process. Place the mashed-up herbs in a saucepan. Repeat with the second half of the rosemary and lavender, again adding a little oil for crushing.

4. Place the crushed herbs and the neem and almond oil in the pan, and add the minced garlic. Heat gently for about 20 minutes.

5. Strain through a sieve lined with cheesecloth. Add the tea tree oil to the reserved oil, stir, then filter into a sterilized 1⁄2 pint (500 ml) bottle.

Usage: If using immediately, apply to dry hair, making sure that the hair is completely covered and that the oil penetrates to the scalp. Cover with a towel and leave on for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible. Then wash off with two applications of shampoo. Apply conditioner, and comb through with a nit comb. Use the next application 7 days later, to deal with any nits that may hatch during that time. Comb through with the nit comb every 3 days.

Storage: Keeps for 6 months.

James Wong wants you to 'Grow Your Own Drugs'

2010-03-05T10:34:18-05:00

A fantastic sto ry from NPR on UK based author and researcher, James Wong, and how his movement to encourage people to grown their own planet based "drugs" has spread.

Listen to the full story here.

The Best Brunch Spot of All Time: Quintessence

2010-02-28T15:04:30-05:00

Some raw spots are known for their desserts, others for their shakes. Quintessence, in my book, is known for its Sunday Brunch.

Bagel + Cream Cheese, Chai Latte and fruit Crêpe.

Is that a pear? Jamie Oliver reveals how little school children know about food

2010-02-27T13:54:08-05:00

When I was four I probably didn't know what eggplant was, but tomatoes? Pretty crazy!

On a brighter note, how cool is it that this show will be on ABC? I wonder what the commercials will look like and if the advertisers will try to push back. I love it. Series Premier Friday March 26th.

Also, did you see that Jamie Oliver won this year's TED Prize? I really support his general education message and respect that Jamie Oliver is doing.

Watch his acceptance speech here:

Support Jamie Oliver make his Food Revolution vision a reality. Visit his Ted Prize page and offer your support.

WISH and Sacred Awakening, two fantastic teleseminars

2010-02-26T00:31:47-05:00

Here are two really dope (dope = awesome) teleseminars that are happening / about to happen:

Sacred Awakening
40 Days with 40 Spiritual leaders from every major tradition all focusing on one question, "How can we live a truly sacred life?"

WISH - Women's International Summit for Health
40 of the world's leading experts in health and wellness all focusing on the topic of women's health.

Isn't it awesome + synchronistic that these non-related events both have 40 speakers each? Pretty sweet if you ask me.

[Video] Raw Chocolate Turtles and Spirulina in NYC

2010-02-20T13:19:27-05:00

Courtney Pool, Philip McCluskey and Heather Pace.

Courtney's fav brand of spirulina. And Heather's contact details for her chocolate turtles: heathypace [at] yahoo.ca

Crazy Stat: No. 1 Source of Calories for Americans

2010-02-15T07:01:05-05:00

Via NY Times article: Soda: A Sin We Sip Instead of Smoke? By Mark Bittman

"Sugared beverages are the No. 1 source of calories in the American diet, representing 7 percent of the average person’s caloric intake, according to government surveys, and up to 10 percent for children and teenagers. These calories, they point out, are worse than useless — they’re empty, and contribute to a daily total that is already too high."

I knew they were high, but I had no idea they were the number 1 source. Crazy!

The Benefits Of Trampolining

2010-02-14T09:32:57-05:00

This guest article comes to us from researcher, part-time writer and angel investor, Rita G.

The Benefits Of Trampolining

One type of fitness and recreational activity that is often neglected or forgotten about is that of trampolining. This can be a very enjoyable type of workout and will also provide a number of fitness benefits.

For many people it will not even feel like they are doing a workout at all, therefore is a great resource to turn to when you're just plain bored with your classic gym routine.

Here are some of the main benefits you'll get from trampolining.

Extreme Stomach Strengthening

One of the biggest benefits you'll get with regular trampoline sessions is a great abdominal core workout. If you're searching for a six pack, this is one exercise type you won't want to miss.

Each and every time you rebound into the air your body will have to tighten up to support yourself for landing, which will primarily be accomplished by the abdominal muscles tensing up. This constant tensing-relaxing cycle is enough to help strengthen the core and also improve posture in the process. In fact, the abdominal muscles are going to be called into play to a larger extent during trampolining than in most of the boring sit-up movements you may have performed in the past.

Low Impact

The second big benefit of adding trampolining to your workout program is that it is very low in overall impact. You may have thought the opposite – after all, you are rebounding up and into the air, but remember that because you are heavily cushioned when you land back on the trampoline, this takes much of the pressure right off the joints.

If you usually suffer from knee pain during normal exercise such as running or biking, this is a good substitution.

Lymph System Improvements

A third nice benefit of trampolining is that it tends to help out with lymph system drainage. This will aid with the removal of any toxins or other poisoning substances that may be present in the body, ensuring that your immune system stays nice and strong.

Cardiovascular Benefits

One of the most common goals of any fitness program is to enhance your overall cardiovascular system. This is what ensures that your heart stays working effectively and that you have blood pressure readings that are within the healthy range.

If you can keep up with your trampolining for a good twenty to thirty minutes you will get these cardiovascular benefits and also help to enhance fat loss as well. It is a very calorie demanding activity if you are continually jumping up and down and you can almost burn as much as you would if you were skipping.

Bone Strengthening Benefits

Maintaining strong bones is also an essential element for promoting good health and being able to stay active for many years to come and trampolining will also help you accomplish this task.

Any weight bearing activity is often regarded as bone strengthening and since each and every time you jump up and down on that trampoline you will be bearing your weight, it is just as effective as running would be.

If you are bouncing on a smaller rebounder rather than a larger scale trampoline you will see greater benefits with regards to bone strength since the number of impacts per minute will be higher.

Enhanced Coordination and Motor Skills

Finally, the last benefit that you'll see from participating in a regular trampolining routine is improved coordination and motor skills. Being able to effectively control the body as it moves through space especially at the accelerated rate that it will be after coming off the rebounder takes a lot of coordination. Then you must also prepare the body for landing and ensure that you maintain proper form to rebound up again.

This improvement in balance and coordination can transfer over to any other recreational activities or sports you might perform improving your overall performance there.

So if you're looking for a change of pace with your usual workouts, why not consider trampolining? You can purchase small rebounders at a very cost effective price and you may even want to check your gym or a local gymnastics facility for adult rebounding glasses.

It's a great way to get out, try a new activity, and get more fit in the process.

About Rita: Rita G. is a soon-to-be author, nutrition researcher, and part owner of Snubbr, a site that recommends gift ideas to consumers.

Baja Taco Wraps by Ani Phyo

2010-02-13T12:43:03-05:00

The making of a raw chocolate ad campaign

2010-02-11T14:16:41-05:00

I love this video from Gnosis Chocolate. Great work by my friends Vanessa Barg and Jeff Skeirik.

Zukay Live Food Beverages

2010-02-08T01:39:56-05:00

Zukay website. They currently don't have any details about their beverages on their website.

Interview with Scott Grzybek. Friend up Scott on Facebook.

Juniper Ridge: 100% wild-harvested Incenses

2010-02-07T10:15:16-05:00

I came across these incenses last week at a small little health shop in Vermont. The idea of "100% wild-harvested incenses" sounded very real. I love me some Indian incenses, but many of them have harmful perfumes in them that become toxic when burned.

Cedar was good, but White Sage was better.

Just one thing, these incenses don't really smell like traditional incenses. They smell more like a campfire than an Indian temple.

Enjoy.