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Meet Meredith :: PureMamas Contributor

Juli Novotny — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 22:58:32 +0000

I'm so so so excited to introduce everybody to Meredith. Not only is she one of the coolest, most stylish, interesting, talented and healthy girls I know, but she is now an official PureMamas contributor. I'm so excited in fact that I just couldn't wait until Monday to tell everybody.

Stay Tuned for some amazing fresh juices, salads and wonderful surprises from Meredith in the upcoming months!

I hope you're as intrigued as I am. For now, sit back and get more acquainted with Meredith via our intimate Q&A.

Juli: So what got you into Raw or Vegan food?

Meredith: I have toyed with vegetrianism since I was about 12 and went cold turkey (no pun inteneded) when I was 16. I've always been drawn to the diet and lifestyle. It just made sense.

I was born and raised in South Carolina which was definitely not vegetarian friendly. I am sure that the influence was due to my close family and cousins all being strictly vegetarian, but it definitely resonated with me. I've always loved to cook so the challenge was fun for me.

I did my high school senior paper on vegetrianism and through that I learned more about vegan, and raw food. In college I ate mostly vegan, but also became very interested in gourmet cuisines and culinary arts- because I do appreciate all types of food I've always tried to steer clear of labels.

As a senior in college, while living in France, I actually became totally obsessed with raw food cuisine. By day I would shop the streets of Paris, and by night I would be on the internet researching raw foods! Not only was it fitting to my preferred way of healthy eating, but I also thought that it was a really interesting way to prepare food. I saw that there was so much potential to make it really cool.

With no solid plans after my college graduation, I asked for raw food culinary lessons at Living Light Culinary Arts in California. Everyone thought that I was crazy. "Hippie" Culinary school in a random town in Northern California was a complete stretch. I went, had the most amazing time of my life, and absolutely everything that has happened since then has been serindiptous. I stayed in California for a while and committed to making a career out of raw food.

Juli: Do you only eat vegan food?

Meredith: No. I have gone through periods of being strictly vegan, but I find that a balanced approach is much better. I don't really believe in "faux" foods and would much rather have the high quality real thing than something made with soy, or highly processed. The beauty about raw food is that the cheese, and milk alternatives are totally natural and easy to make at home. The nutritional benefits are totally different, and I don't consider those an alternative or compromise! I usually go for goat or sheeps dairy, and I don't eat any red meat or chicken, but will eat high quality fish occasionally.

Juli: What is your favorite drink?

Meredith: Green Juice and Wine. Wine and Green Juice. I don't know which comes first. (Well, the Green Juice does because I don't drink wine in the morning! ha) I am a certified wine educator, so wine is definitely a passion.

Juli: What else do you enjoy outside of food?

Meredith: Fashion and Design/Art. Until I went for raw food I always imagined that my career would be in one or the other. My enthusiasm for those things is probably equal to food.

Juli: I hear you've co-authored a few books? What were they?

Meredith: In 2008 I moved to New York and partnered with Matthew Kenney. One of our first projects together was Everyday Raw Desserts. Wow. I have learned SO much since then. Writing recipes, organizing photo shoots etc. was an amazing challenge, but a lot of fun! We then wrote Everyday Raw Express which was really great, because the concept of that book is something that I feel strongly about. My first official co-author was Raw Chocolate (but he will tell you I was the main player in all of the above ;-)

I am currently working on a book Design Your Detox that is about easily incorporating detoxifying foods into your diet . Including healthy foods into your diet shouldn't feel like an all or nothing challenge, even one healthy meal a day can make a huge difference!

Juli: Any other projects in the works?

Meredith: TOO MANY. We have Matthew Kenney Academy in Oklahoma City that proves to be very successful. We have students who come from all over the world to learn this type of cuisine. It is truly amazing. The students produce some of the most mind blowing food. The school is positioned to expand this year.

We are also opening a restaurant in Highland Park Chicago this spring, In the Raw. I am personally very involved with this project. It is a stylish casual concept that will offer an extensive program of juice cleanses.

What else? A lot. I am shocked every day by how many people are interested in raw food. I could have never imagined that the potential would be as great as it is.

Juli: Why is raw fresh food important to you?

Meredith: I like to feel good (Don't we all) Food is crucial to your feeling of wellness. When you start eating more fresh raw food you will be amazed at how much better you feel, and more energy you have. People are numb with bloated stomachs and have a lack of passion and energy. Aesthetics also play a part in it for me. To me fresh food is more vibrant, alive, beautiful and interesting! Think about the vibrant colors in a fresh salad vs. a monotone piece of cooked meat! Raw Vegan Food is ABSOLUTELY more beautiful to look at!

Juli: Where do you live and with whom?

Meredith: I currently live in an amazingly beautiful coastal town in Maine with my boyfriend and cat. My home is an old restored bank turned law office, that was built in 1876. My closet is an airtight vault so if anyone fights it makes a good threat. :-) Maine is full of amazing food, and is an easy place to live a healthy lifestyle.

Juli: What makes you happy each day?

Meredith: It sounds cliche, but the little things. I simply love waking up and having my tea and breakfast in the morning, juice in the afternoon, and wine with a delicious meal at night. Good company and a healthy routine is such a blessing! I feel very lucky in that department.

Juli: If you could go and do anything in the world right now where/what would it be?

Meredith: I would basically pick up my exact life and put it in Kelly Wearstler's designed Malibu Beach Home, or a modern Venice Beach bungalow. I love southern California and it fits my life and work very well.

Juli: Do you want to be a mama one day?

Meredith: Ah... this is a loaded question. Right now my baby has a lot of fur and a tail, but I imagine someday I'll want one that looks more like me :-) The concept of family is very important to me. I definitely believe strongly in the value of a family unit.

Juli: If so, name one important lesson you want to teach your child.

Meredith: My mom was the worlds best. She always treated us like people. I believe that it it is important to honor your children by educating them through your influence, and not be dictator.

Juli: Lastly, do you have a blog, interest or twitter account you'd like to share with us?

Meredith: I have a tumblr that I keep up with called BEInspired, it is all the random things that I like. I enjoy doing it

More professionally we have our company's website

And of COURSE... I tweet too. If you want to follow me, HERE I AM.

Juli: I LOVE YOUR BLOG BY THE WAY! It's so pretty and stylish! Thanks for sharing all of this info with us! Can't wait to get your first juice post up! +

Christine Talks Fish, Marine Phytoplankton & Parenting

Juli Novotny — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:40:42 +0000

OK, So...Since I'm not the expert on the subject of fish and marine life, yet I think it's an important subject, I had Garden Eats' Christine Dionese address it for me! Thanks Christine.

Reader Question #1: As a guy who surfs and lives by the sea, I have a lot of respect for what’s swimming around. I just turned 40 and am an expecting father-I want to be sure that what I eat and raise my child to is ethical and safe. Please offer some insight into ethical seafood, sushi and what I should be paying attention to when it comes to choosing fish. Thanks!

-Grant, Almost Dad, Surfer & Safe-Fish Lover

Christine’s Thoughts: Grant, that’s a perfect question and great way to start off your parenting career! With over-fishing causing endangered species concerns, recent and continued eco-oceanic threats from all around the world, this is a timely topic that falls right in line with the philosophy of minding our food sources. I know it doesn’t thrill me to think that most American seafood is imported from far reaches, farmed in un-ethical ways (similar to massive chicken farms with antibiotic and hormone fed animals) and often caught by methods that endanger other species. Read on below for my top tips to selecting safe and tasty seafood.

Getting Started: Here Are A Few General Rules To Go By

Choose wild-caught whenever possible. If you must select farm-raised, be sure to opt for fish that were vegetarian fed an un-treated with antibiotics.
Choose fish that are caught without endangering other species of marine life, including reef and were caught with sustainably approved methods.
When in doubt, consult the Environmental Defense Fund’s eco-safe seafood guide.

Don’t Exploit: There’s Plenty Other Fish In The Sea

If you’re strict when it comes to sustainable sushi, the “the big three” are going to generally be off-limits. You could be eating an endangered species if you’re consuming any type of tuna at all (unless otherwise noted by your chef, grocer or on a menu) These include:

Eel
Salmon
Tuna: Bluefin is endangered while other species of tuna (with the exception of Skipjack according to the World Wildlife Fund) are over-exploited.

Remember, being a savvy food consumer these days is to be a responsible one- this includes what we pull out of the water. With the ecology of the oceans holding the future of valuable medicinal compounds and healing agents, how we interact with and treat the oceanic terrain means everything for our offspring.

Questions To Ask Yourself: The Best Answer To Each Question Is Yes

Did my fish get stamped with a marine stewardship approval?
Was my fish wild-caught, line-caught, heirloom or heritage breed?
Is my fish on the World Wildlife Fund’s “YES” list?

But I LOVE Sushi

I love sushi too, no problem. The same standards that exist for your purchase should for your sushi chefs. Many restaurants engage in marine stewardship programs and have altogether boycotted exploited or un-safe fish. If salmon and tuna are your regular go-tos, it’s time to kick up your adventurous spirit and try something new. Telling the chef about your tastes is a fun way to order-the chef creates your menu and you get to experience new varieties.

Hannah Wallace of The New York Times Magazine recently named four sushi restaurants in four locales for their outstanding eco-conscious menus. If you’re in the following areas, check out these top-notch sushi and fish houses:

1. Portland, Oregon: Bamboo Sushi. Ony US sushi restaurant certified by the international marine stewardship. They avoid using Bluefin tuna.

2. New Haven, Connecticut: Miya Sushi. Menu lists “invasive species” that threaten East coast shell-fish. Invasive can be tasty- try the crab and snails suggests Hannah.

3. San Francisco, California: Tataki. Offers fish from surrounding Monterey and sources alternative fish choices when more popular types are unavailable.

4. Seattle, Washington: Mashiko. They serve everything from Oregon, Washington and Canadian fish that come from operations that do not return waste from the ocean.

5. San Diego, CA: Harney Sushi & Catch {in Carlsbad}

Know of an awesome, ethically conscientious seafood or sushi restaurant in your area? Please share with other readers in the comments below!

---------------------------------

Reader Question #2: Is marine phytoplankton a healthy nutritional source?

Christine Answers: marine phytoplankton is an excellent choice for many everyday health concerns, or, to say it better- preventing everyday health concerns from becoming concerns at all! So ask yourself, how’s my energy level? Do I tire easily? How’s my concentration and focus? The phyto-ceutical properties (plant containing medicinally valuable therapeutic properties) of marine phytoplankton primarily center around energy, vitality and endurance.

Think back to science class and the energy production cycle. ATP sound familiar? Marine phytoplankton is an excellent source for energy production and endurance, leaving you sustained rather than “high and dry” like most energy tonics. A true tonic is one that acts to accentuate and maintain physiological processes in an effort to mutually accentuate another. This makes marine phytoplankton an integrative therapeutic because of its multi-systemic affects.

The healthy benefits of regular marine phytoplankton use include:

sustained energy
boosting energy
improved memory, focus and concentration
marine phytoplankton has an alkaline ph making it an ideal complement to most American diets.

Some of you may have reached this point and are asking, “what is marine phytoplankton?” Marine phytoplankton is one of the most abundant life forms on earth. Producing approximately 90 percent of our planet’s oxygen, it is one of the most nutritionally dense super foods in existence containing amino acids, protein, vitamins, chlorophyll, minerals and trace elements. You’ll also love hearing that marine phytoplankton is yet another rich source of the essential fatty acid, omega-3 (DHA/EPA).

When choosing which is best, you’ll want to follow the general rules that you would when purchasing all nutriceuticals by asking yourself the following:

Is it bio-available?
Was it made in a small batch?
Does the manufacturer offer independent assay (this second party research ensures what they say is on the label is in the body)?

Answering these questions may not be the most obvious and why I suggest you speak to your integrative health care professional who has a background in nutriceutical therapies.

-----------------------------

Christine's Bio

Christine is an integrative health care specialist, medical journalist, food writer and business development consultant. Popularized by health care professionals and patients alike, her blog, Reaching Beyond Now features a socially conscious take on integrative medicine and the future of lifestyle design. Christine loves teaching people and families how to sustainably design health through food and organic gardening at home. Check out her latest endeavor, Garden Eats to learn more about seasonal kitchen gardening and medicinal culinary therapy.

RUG photo credit | FISH photo credit | PLATE photo credit

QUINOA FOR BREAKFAST & DINNER

Juli Novotny — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:35:15 +0000

Quinoa:

2c water
1c quinoa

In a saucepan combine water and quinoa. Let it boil. Then, put to flame on low, cover the pan, and let cook for 20 minutes.

When done, save 3 cups for breakfast and then use the rest for the dinner dish.

Toppings:

1 large avocado
1 lemon, juiced
1 ear corn, raw
1/2 -1c parsley, chopped
4 Tbls olive oil
sea salt, 5-6 pinches

In a large bowl combine avocado and lemon. Mash until large pieces are no longer visable. Add corn and parsley. Then, add the quinoa, salt and olive oil. Toss until well mixed up. Add more salt and olive oil until perfect for you taste buds.

You can also add shredded cheese or sour cream on top. It's up to you and your daily diet and/or dietary needs.

Mushrooms:

2 large portabello or shiitake mushrooms
1 Tbls vegan worchestire sauce
2 Tbls soy sauce
1 Tbls balsamic vinegar
2-3 Tbls olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
pinch sea salt

In a saucepan heat oil, add garlic. Add mushrooms, sea salt and sauce. Let saute on medium, flipping mushrooms, until sauce has thickened and mushrooms are browned. About 8 minutes.

On a plate arrange mushrooms on the bottom. Top with quinoa. Or, add mushrooms to a bowl of quinoa.

Breakfast:

Using the quinoa set aside for breakfast, separate into 2 or 3 bowls. You can literally have a lot of fun with this dish. I poured almond milk over the top, 1/2-1 Tbls of raw honey and 1 tsp coconut oil. Blended it all together. Then sprinkled hemp seeds and dehydrated persimmons. You can use any fruit you'd like on top like berries or bananas and any variety of spices {i.e. cinnamon}.

Enjoy!

Thanks to Elissa Rocabado for the beautiful pattern that I used in my collage.

Mellow Yellow

Juli Novotny — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:56:15 +0000

panton chair | little girls dress | glass jar | modern crib | ladies tkees flip flop | boys jersey polo | bird piggy bank | zig zag material {in the center}

RAVISHING RED

Juli Novotny — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:28:44 +0000

red food nutrition | polka dot blanket | red chair | striped onsie | native shoes | trench coat | radio flyer | clock | rody | bathing suit bottoms {middle pic}

A LA ORANGE

Juli Novotny — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 04:11:21 +0000

Orange! Try and eat orange all week. A lot of orange foods are in season right now!

Love it all. Enjoy!

Bliss Bars!

Juli Novotny — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:17:50 +0000

These Bliss Bars are nut-free raw vegan. It's not too often you find tasty raw vegan snacks without nuts. Superfood extravaganza. Snack up!

{thank you Bhagvant for lovely the treats}

Happy Valentines Day!

Juli Novotny — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Wishing you lots of love on Valentines Day 2012.

Make today one full of joy, hugs, kisses, hearts and LOVE.

Chocolate & champagne = OPTIONAL!

Happy Valentine's Day!

{eco} organic reusable wraps :: my new fav thing!

Juli Novotny — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I spent the afternoon purusing my new obsession: Harabu House!

You will absolutely LOVE it. Check it out, you'll want to spend way too much money, so beware.

While I was drooling over everything, I fell especially in lust with this company, Chewing The Cudd. They make the cutest reusable {organic cotton} wraps that can be used as gift wrap, make-shift bags, wine carriers, etc. And they even make adorable bag containers.

Not sure why I was so excited about this company. I just thought - what a brilliant, yes super simple, idea! Sort of like the reusable grocery bag concept. I think this trend would also be great for our planet.

Organic Kids Valentines :: Part II {plus a special gift for you}

Juli Novotny — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:14:27 +0000

This project was actually really fun to do, at least compared to the tedious building of the cereal bracelets. I felt like a kid again, getting really excited to sit down and be creative.

what you'll need:

an array of embossing powders
embossing heat gun
stamp of choice {fairly small}
clear stamp ink
white piece of paper
organic yummy earth lollipops
brown paper bags {grocery or department store}, cut into 3 inch strips
scissors
tape glider
colored pen {I used white pen but you can used something else like gold or pink, etc.}

instructions:

After you cut the paper bags into long 3" strips {as shown below}, lay the strip down on white piece of paper. Using the same heart stamp as I used with the bracelets, I stamped into clear sticky ink, stamped the long paper strip powdered up the heart with lots of of the powder. Then pour the powder off onto the white paper. That way, when you're done, you can pour the glitter/powder back into it's container and reuse the excess.

When the strips are all finall embossed, you can write on them - whatever you want. I chose to write my sons names so kids knew who the lollipops were from.

Of course, if you don't want to emboss, you can just use a pretty color ink for the stamp...like I did in my last valentine's day post. I thought the embossing added a really unique touch. OR if you don't have a stamp, you can just hand draw and write on each strip.

Idea: maybe your child wants to hand write and draw a special something on each strip for each person in his/her class. My kids are too young for this, otherwise, I might have done so.

That's it. Good LUCK & Happy Valentine's Day.

OH...and if you're really lazy, want to spend NO money on this, or your just plain doing valentines last minute, DON'T STRESS, I made a unique printable card for you to print up at your house. Just cut each one out and write in your child's name. Couldn't be much easier than that: HERE it is in pdf version. {you're welcome}