Thankful Thursday I continue to be amazed by what raw foods do for my body and feel blessed that I found this info in a little documentary all those years ago! As you know, I'm not dogmatic "all raw is law" - especially for those transitioning and trying to increase their raw food intake. But I had to share a personal experience. You know I was adding lentils from time to time to my salads. Everything else was raw (minus maybe a little bit of walnuts I don't know if they were "fully raw"). A few months ago, I started experiencing knee pain, swelling, and stiffness. I also gained a bit of weight. Could have been menopause... and maybe those delicious Medjool dates too! (Let's be real - I love those things!) Here's what I did: Two simple things - 1 Started taking moringa powder again (I'd been slacking on it) 2. Last Friday, I went all raw, eliminating lentils even occasionally The result? Today - less than 6 full days later - I noticed I was sitting like a kid here at my desk with my legs all the way up in the chair, cris-crossed. I couldn't even bend them like that last week! Here's what I've learned about why this works: When you eat whole raw food, your body recognizes it in its natural form - it knows exactly what to do with it. Your body says 'oh hey, I know you!' and gets right to work using those nutrients and enzymes. The body is incredibly smart that way. But here's what I had no idea about before I started this journey: When you heat food above 118 degrees, you destroy enzymes and certain heat-sensitive nutrients, and you change the molecular structure of the food. High heat cooking can also create compounds like AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products) and acrylamide - substances that can contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. If you're brand new to raw food: Raw food is anything that's raw or not cooked above 118 degrees. That's why many people use dehydrators or light steaming - they stay below that temperature so you can create different textures and recipes while keeping all the nutrients intact AND avoiding those inflammatory compounds from high heat. For me, I even include a little bit of nuts that might not be "fully raw" and they still work well for my body.

Lettuce know what you’re having! Berry GRAPEful for you all 😁😆

My same old lunch 😀grapefruit & kale.. I’m telling you.. it might sound boring to others but I LOVE eating the same thing every day.. no decisions it really takes decision & emotion out of food although I still get excited about it.. it’s interesting! What are you having? Food share 😀👏- Coach JJ

If you are a beginner raw vegan or restarting again I want you to pause for a moment and take in something important. Do you realize how incredible it is that you are even trying this. Most people will go their entire lives without ever learning any of this or giving themselves the chance to experience what raw foods can do. The fact that you are here tells me everything I need to know about you. You care about your health. You care about animals. You care about becoming the best version of yourself. That alone makes you amazing. And I want to remind you of something that most beginners never hear. You do not have to let one comment from someone or one moment of doubt pull you off your journey. Most of the time the only reason we feel like we need to restart is because we think we did something wrong. When in reality the simple act of adding fruit salad greens and living foods is already helping your body in powerful ways. You are never starting from zero. You are always building. This is exactly why I use the phrase raw inspired. Years of coaching have taught me that people do not create change by taking things away. We change by adding the things that feel rewarding. When something feels good and simple your brain welcomes it. The moment you restrict yourself or chase rigid rules it pushes back and that tiny feeling of messing up can lead straight into the restart cycle. Raw inspired removes that pressure. It focuses on adding more of what lifts your energy and helps you feel steady. Fruit that you love. A satisfying salad that keeps you full. Encouragement community and tools that help you stay consistent. Soon you are creating a lifestyle instead of battling yourself and that is where real transformation happens. This is why I guide beginner raw vegans with a foundation that gives you an easy entry point. Fruit. Salad. Hydration. Movement. These steps are simple to start which means your brain feels safe and willing. This helps you stay consistent while feeling proud of every choice you make. You get to see changes without pressure or perfection.

Thank you all for your participation!