Day 1

The journey of 1000 miles begins with one step. This is a classic cliche that we have all heard at one point or another, as we are at the threshold of a change. Sadly, cliches were useless today.

So began Day 1 of my raw foods transformation, and may I joviantly point out that I woke up joyful, and ready to go. The morning was actually fairly peaceful, despite the kids eating donuts and the smell of Panera coffee torturing me. Despite the momentary setback, I set off to make my breakfast-- a Red Berry Smoothie, containing raspberries, strawberries, OJ, rice milk, spinach and kale, and 3 small scoops of vegan protein. I do have to admit that the OJ was not freshly squeezed, nor the rice milk homemade. For that, I do not have the time or the equipment. As for the protein powder, this was raw protein powder that contained no soy or any other processed material-- just fruits, veggies, and vitamins. Despite that its color was resembling a mud puddle, my tastebuds sang as I got the first bit of what tasted like an orange dreamsicle. It was utter bliss.

Next, I had to stock up on a supply for my smoothies, salads, and otherwise raw yummy creations for the next week. Budget in mind and list in hand, I trecked off to Meijer, practically needing super strength to avoid crashing my car on account of the wind blowing my car out of my lane. If this wasn't enough, I had to chuckle under my breath a little bit when I was perousing the store, and I kept getting sideways glances from the slough of strangers staring at my cart-- I could practically hear their voices in my head reciting from my kids favorite book Click Clack Moo... "No milk?? No eggs??" Nope :-) There was also no bread, no juice, no sweets, or meats-- instead, my cart was loaded with every color vegetable under the sun, amounting to over $125 in raw produce, and the kiddos milks (almond and rice)... okay, I grabbed 2 cartons of coconut milk for myself too. It makes my smoothies creamy, and it is a healthy fat.

Overally, I can honestly say that I didn't have much to complain about. I was practically whistling as I de-spined the 5 bags of kale and separated it all into bags for smoothies, salads, and kale chips. (Is that weird that kale was the bulk purchase of the day?) Anyway, I prepped the kids' lunches, and began to make my own. I looked through my downloaded recipes and realized that I hadn't soaked the almonds for the entree I had hoped to make. So, quickly putting them in water and putting them aside for tomorrow, I quickly tossed together a spinach and kale salad with apples, pecans, and raw caramel apple dressing. The sweetness of the dressing combined with the crisp Michigan apples and the naturally salty pecans was amazing-- perfection truthfully. It couldn't have come out better.

It wasn't until the kiddos were napping that I began to remember something else-- that childhood line used to tease friends who were either better than you or ahead of you-- "First is the worst." This came very clear to me as I began to get the migraine of a lifetime. I knew it was a detox migraine, but with my head pulsing and throbbing to the extent that it was, I have to admit that Day 1 was not a great success; it was after an hour of migraine that I did indeed, cave. I ate a chocolate mocha muffin that Billy had brought home from the donut shop for me that morning (during his donut run for the kids), and then went to lay down. Shortly after, I could smell homemade chili from the kitchen, and knowing it wasn't vegan or raw, but still unable to resist, I enjoyed a small bowl of homemade chili that could have warmed the snowmen in Alaska. It was just spicy enough to make me remember why I absolutely love comfort food on a freezing cold day. I'm sure I had a vegan version I could have made, but either from pain or laziness, it wasn't happening today. I finally took 4 Aleve (800mg), and waited for the pain in my head to subside.

Despite the setbacks, I would say Day 1 wasn't terrible. having 2/3 meals raw, and no junk outside of that muffin, it is certainly a step in the right direction. I took the liberty of downloading the recipes for tomorrow so I'm better prepared...that, and making sure I have enough Aleve to get me through any upcoming migraines. Also, before pictures will be posted tomorrow, as will pictures of some of the recipes. :-)

Until tomorrow,

Savor and Smile :-)