In the 1930's Dr. Paul Kouchakoff conducted research to compare the effects of cooked food versus raw food. He found that cooked food can be perceived by the body as a threat, setting off the immune response. When the immune response is chronically activated by something we do as regularly as having three or more meals a day, this causes a cascade of physiological problems This process, called Digestive Leukocytosis, occurs only when cooked or processed food is consumed. When we eat food in a natural, unprocessed state - food that has not been denatured or cooked over 118 degrees, there is no immune response. Another way of describing the optimal diet is one that contains a high percentage of "living foods."

This is completely alien to the way most of us have been trained to eat. Traditional pairings of meat and potatoes, chicken and rice, bread and processed meats (sandwiches), while comforting and customary, are really at the root of many of the chronic conditions that many individuals do not attribute to their food intake.

However, if you can relate to any of the following symptoms, they may be a result of years of digestive leukocytosis, our systems being in a constant "state of emergency" due to irritants of cooked foods with very little natural and unprocessed food to counterbalance:
Runny nose, post-nasal drip, sluggishness and low energy, prone to sinus congestion or infections, intestinal disorders, muscle or joint pain, chronic headaches. And the list goes on. . . Read more about Raw Fusion here

The foods you eat dramatically impact your health, mood and vitality.

Experience two hours that really could change your life.
· Boost energy and focus
· Manage your weight naturally
· Learn easy-to-prepare delicious nutritious alternatives to your favorite comfort foods
· Substitute healthy ingredients for sweets, salty and fatty cravings
· Get to the core of your emotional food dependencies
· Simple subconscious dynamics -- techniques to effect long-lasting positive changes
· Menu plans for a busy lifestyle.

My first session with LJ had a deep impact on me. I've had a dysfunctional relationship with food and was feeling lethargic, bloated and very low on energy. I came to her for peace and healing and felt so nurtured as she prepared a virtual feast, introducing me to foods and snacks that were unbelievably appealing and satisfying. Chocolate kale chips - pure deliciousness! 00 are my new chocolate indulgence. No more M&M and Chardonnay at night to deal with the daily stresses. In fact, I am learning to eat my way into a good mood! S.G.

To book a private consultation, contact

How many glasses of water do you drink a day? While some people find it easy to knock back the recommended 6-8 glasses a day, most of us struggle with filling our daily quota. Here are some creative hydration ideas.

* Make sun tea. In the morning I put 3 herbal tea bags in a half gallon wide-mouth Mason jar - You can buy these from Ace Hardware online (they usually only carry the quart size in the store) but instead of paying a premium to have them shipped to you, they can deliver them to your local store and you can pick them up there. Remove the string from the tea bags, fill with filtered water and cover. I just leave it on the windowsill for about 5 hours, sweeten with either whole leaf stevia or xylitol, recover and refrigerator. My favorite sun tea these days is Organic Cran-Aid from Traditional Medicinals. It has a combination of cranberry, uva ursi (an herb that supports bladder function) hibiscus, rose, peppermint and other herbs. HINT: I fill a glass with ice, add some fresh mint leaves and pour the sun tea over - AMAZINGLY REFRESHING!
FOR MORE HYDRATION TIPS CLICK HERE

Have you ever considered cutting back on animal protein? In this segment of the Daytime show I discuss the "flexitarian" approach of going a day or two a week without any meat or animal products, what is called a "vegan" lifestyle. Just cutting back one day a week can have a positive impact, not only on your precious health, but on the environment! (Click on the link to hear the amazing statistics)

I also make some very tasty and easy recipes - you can find the recipes for the vanilla almond milk on the Video Lessons tab. The TLT sandwich is below. We also have some versatile nylon and hemp bags for making your own nut milk at home in our online shop.

In Volume I of Raw Fusion: Better Living Through Living Foods, I approach the question "To Veg or Not to Veg" with sensitivity and insight. There are many fantastic meat-free recipes in both Volume 1 and 2 of the Raw Fusion Living series. Deciding whether to give up or curtail your meat intake is very personal choice, and one only you can make for yourself. An article that just came out July 18, 2011 --one of many that have appeared over the past couple of years - cautions about the dangers of a meat-centric diet: Eating Meat Linked To Disease, Report Says.

Tempeh-Lettuce-Tomato
Makes 4 sandwiches

Ingredients:
8 slices of sprouted wheat or gluten-free bread
1 package of tempeh or "fakin' bacon"
3 TB. extra virgin coconut oil
2-3 TB. vegetable mayonnaise "Vegenaise" is a good brand
1 large tomato, sliced
4 large romaine or butter lettuce leaves
Sea Salt as needed
Optional: Add 1 TB. of maple syrup when sautéing plain tempeh for flavoring and or 1 drop of liquid smoke flavoring
Sunflower, alfalfa or radish sprouts for garnish.

Slice tempeh into thin pieces (If you buy "Fakin' Bacon" it will already be sliced) and sauté in coconut oil until brown and somewhat crisp. Let the slices drain a bit on a paper towel. Toast the bread and spread the mayonnaise on all 8 slices.

On one slice of bread, place lettuce leaf and tomato slices, add tempeh and some sprouts and cover with other slice. Cut diagonally and serve.

NOTE: The Events page on the new and improved website will always have the most up-to-date calendar

Thursday, August 11 - 9:45-10 AM EDT Radio interview on Spiritually Raw on Mind Dynamics and Jungian Archetypes. This is my audition interview so I hope you will tune in and vote for me!

Thursday August 11th, 6:15 pm There is still some seats available for my 5 course Raw Fusion extravaganza @ The Rolling Pin in Brandon. Here is the menu:
Sweet Pea Pate with Onion Crackers
Angel'd "Eggs" in Tomato and Cucumber Boats
Crème of Celery soup
Fricasse of Corn, Asparagus and Shitake over Spinach and Arugula
Iced Lemon Blondies and Caramel Apples

Sign up online

August 18 - Abby's Health and Nutrition, Carrollwood area of Tampa 7 pm - Learn how to make Pimento Cheddar Nut Cheeze with Raw Tortilla Chips and Tropical Treasures Slushie. Free class with food samples.

August 24 - Interview with Kimberanne Weaver "The Spirit Weaver Radio Show" 7 -8 pm EDT (6 pm Central, this show is taped in Iowa)

August 19-29 - Master Cleanse Fast - Group Opt-In Experience. Would you like to detox in the comfort of your own home, but have a support group? The Master Cleanse is a very "do-able" fast. Read my article about fasting here. You can join in for just a few days or for the entire 10 day (plus one or two gentle "coming-back-to-solid-foods" days) with no judgment -only unconditional support and camaraderie. We will be checking in daily through the blog and our facebook page. if you are interested in participating - I will be posting a detailed description and shopping list no later than Friday, August 12th.