MOMMA MANGO

Rethinking Toys for Tots

2011-08-17T17:06:00.000-07:00

As a semi Hippie-city Momma who is more eco-conscious, I often hear

buz words in the mainstream like Green-parenting, Green-Mommies...ect.

In mommie circles and get together s Mother's are always looking for better

and healthier ways to care for their little munchkins.

As a more Conscious Parent, what Toys are the safest for your little one?

Do you know?

I get this question a lot from other new mommas,

What if we take it a step further and rethink the whole toys store?

I read this blog post I ready today written by a sweet Mother re-inspired me.

I will give you the post that inspired me today in a moment,

but first I just want to say that as a already "on the fringe" mother,

I love finding ways that I can be even more mindful and improve Life as a whole.

This of course varies mother to mother depending on what feels

really good and where you want to focus your energy.

For me personally, I love to find ways I can lessen my consumer imprint.

Some ways we already practice with great excitement and ease are:

First we as a household always bring our own bags to stores.

This goes for grocery stores/farmer's market/ thrift stores /ect.

(bulk items and spices included)

Secondly we re-fill our stainless or glass bottles of water from our own 5 gallon

re-fillable jug.

This not only saves BIG MONEY, it saves the landfill of thousands

of used-once water bottles a day just from our home alone!

For example. 1 whole gallon of water at the re-fill station costs .30 cents!

Compare that to around $1.25 you will pay for 16 oz of water.

Free Spring water is always a treat too if you have the chance.

www.Findaspring.com

and lastly, we as a household use cloth rags instead of throw away paper towels.

I love towels because they are re-washable, durable and I feel better knowing no trees had to come down for me to wipe a counter or clean a mess that can easily we wiped with a regular towel.

so...what inspired me to re-think Toys for my son?

This blog comes from RoseGoddess from RoseGoddessBliss.com

http://www.rosegoddessbliss.com/toys

I loves her post because it shares her perspective about Toys

which come from a very sweet and honest space.

As a parent to an 20 month old I am reminded

everyday just how entertaining places such as our own back yard is for Zavi

and that it is not only free, but it is ever changing because of the seasons, the critters and even the weather. Being outside with just the elements encourages him to interact

with his environment and get some sun on his little cheeks on imagination!

What are your thoughts of the Blog by RoseGoddess?

Enjoy the post!

Exciting News to Share!

2011-07-28T13:03:00.001-07:00

Are you ready for some great Info! Stay tunes for the launch of my new site!

www.Melissa-mango.com

We are moving!

2011-06-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

Hi there!

I am embarrassed that it has been since December that I wrote.

Great news....

I will be buying a new domain name and moving all of you with me!

Details coming very soon!

My new site will have videos on healthy recipes, tips for new mommas, fitness tricks and much more!

See ya soon in my new digs!

p.s Zavi is doing great! We think his new word is Hot!

He knows what keys are what! enjoy the clip below.

~Melissa

Raw Food Recipe : Brownie Bites & Update

2010-12-11T12:32:00.000-08:00

Oh Dear Blog:
My apologies for neglecting you since this summer. Truth is, I have been doing more living, and less time on-line and bloggin’.
Wow! I had no idea that Zavi being mobile would need so much of my time to the point that I wouldn’t even have time to give you a quick update. So here it is. The Update and of course a lovely recipe just in time for the Holidays. Chewy-fudgy-Brownie bites!

Zavier is now a year young! We celebrated by going to Au Lac Restaurant in Fountain Valley Ca.
What an amazing little man he is! At about 1o-ish months he began taking his first steps! Since then he has been helping me with things like sweeping, mopping the floor with his favorite fruit and of course reorganizing the lower cupboards and drawers in each room. He absolutely loves the access to clean water found in the toilet and thinks the stick with the brush is a fabulous tool to bless things around the house.
If he can reach the baskets of seasonal fruits in the kitchen pantry shelves, he will pick out the perfect juicy one (persimmons this time of year) and have an elaborate ceremony all over the kitchen tile floor and himself. He really knows how it’s done and with such passion!
We purchased a high chair off of craigslist.org which was a brilliant purchase I must say! It is an Eddie Bower all wood high chair with a clever second table design for quick clean up without having to remove the child from the chair. Because we dine at a low to the ground table (similar to a large coffee table) with cushions around it I at first did not see the point of getting a tall chair for him to look down on us while we eat. We have a routine now that Zavi seems to be a huge fan of. We place him in his wooden throne and feed him the green smoothie while we stand near him and sip ours. This way we can all be together enjoying our meal at relatively the same eye level, connecting. When we take time to connect through the eyes or through close conversation with Zavi I have noticed makes a big difference in how he acts and behaves. Zavi sits calmly and talks to us (in his language) and feels “included” which is important.
Not only does Zavi sit still while we feed him his green smoothie every morning; it gives us a few moments of uninterrupted time to clean up after his reorganizing adventures and fresh fruit sacrifices.
Now onto the food. There is one recipe in particular I want to share today because I have given it out at least five times in the past two weeks for treat ideas friends can take to Holiday gatherings.
Brownies are one of the simplest recipes and are incredibly decadent!

Fudge Brownies / bites Serves however many are closest to the plate
2 c walnuts
2 c packed of medjool dates pitted
Pinch of pink salt
½ tsp cinnamon (more if you wish)
1/2c -3/4 c cacao powder ( the more you use, the more chocolaty it will be)

Step 1: In an emergency Must-Need-Brownie-Now situation you may omit this soaking the walnuts step. There may be a slight bitter flavor because of the walnuts not being sprouted, but it will still be delicious.
Two days before brownie time, place walnuts in water and soak 6-8 hrs. Rinse well then place in dehydrator and dry at 118° until all moisture is removed. Apx 1 full day.
Ding so will get rid of the “bitter taste” or tannins walnuts have when not sprouted.
Step 2: Place all ingredients into food processor and pulse several times until brownie consistency is reached.
Step 3: Using a small ice cream scoop or TB measurer, form brownies into fun shapes. You may also gently press the brownie mix into a lasagna pan or round torte pan and cut into desired brownie sizes/ shapes.

Place these brownies on a decorative platter and watch them disappear!

Recipe variation: You may press this into a pie pan as chocolate crust!

Enjoy!
Melissa Mango

For 112 more recipes, nab a copy of Melissa’s Ebook here!

Raw Food Recipe Raspberry-Orange Thumprints. agave free

2010-07-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

Good Morning everyone!

I often get emails from those wanting a sweet tasty treat that is light and agave free due to the controversy whether agave is too high in sugar or not.

Personally I do not use agave when making sweets for myself. I will not avoid it all costs, however I will always choose stevia or honey over agave any day!

Anywho...the recipe for today was inspired by the new Cafe Gratitude Thumbprint Cookies now available at most health food stores. These cookies are delish and I will not bat an eye at paying the 7.00 for 6 of those little suckers. However...home made is always more economical and fun!

I chose to sweeten these cookies with fruits and dry fruits for a nice alternative to agave. ENJOY!

Raspberry-Orange Thumbprint Cookies

makes apx 47 cookies

Cookie
3 c walnuts
2 c dry golden figs
½ c honey dates pitted. Soaked in water till soft if necessary.
1 TB orange zest
1/3 c Fresh squeezed orange juice
½ c pure water
1/8 tsp Himalayan salt

Filling
10 oz red raspberries
Blend raspberries gently in blender until smooth. Be careful not to over blend breaking the delicate seeds.

Step 1: Soak walnuts and figs over night in separate bowls. In the morning rinse well and strain.
Step 2: In food processor, pure all ingredients until dough-like and relatively smooth.
Step 3: Using a mini ice cream scoop or TB measure, scoop dough into balls, place in dehydrator sheet.

Step 4: using a ½ TB measure or small spoon gently press and scoop over the top of each cookie creating a little “thumbprint” for the raspberry sauce to go into.
Of course you may use your thump!
Once all cookies have a print, spoon filling into each hole made, then place into dehydrator at 110 until desired dryness is achieved.

Stores well in sealed container in fridge.

xxMelissa Mango

Postpartum Fitness & Food

2010-06-19T22:52:00.000-07:00

Photo: Parents connect

Over the past six months daily fitness and I have had an interesting affair. It will be smoking hot one week maybe two, then cold as December toes the next. Due to second guessing my strategy for optimal results, I will do bursts of kickass fitness routines followed by a week of internet surfin’ couch tater. I like most humans I know have a tendency to slippy-slip back into old patters of ___________. Like clockwork I find myself clawing my way out of my rut because I desire above average results and it is important to me!

Does this sound familiar to anyone? Maybe more than you care to admit?
I would drive myself batty with the internal chatter...

Am I getting enough calories to support my INSANE fitness routine as well as breastfeeding?
Am I doing the right fitness routine for the results I want bearing in mind my body type?
How do I fit fitness whilst juggling being a full time chef, mother, personal made to myself, one who loves sleep, garden and oh yeah…read books, and fit in a solcial life of sorts?
How often should I eat? And how much? Am I eating the right foods? Is there something I am missing?
How many fitness visions boards does one need in their house to have it materialize into reality?
After several emails I have received from other mommas, here are some helpful tips I created for new mothers and even those whom are finding themselves in the fitness dumps.

(only temporarily of course!)

How important is your fitness/health?
If reaching your goal is extremely important to you, then you should do what is necessary in order to achieve it. Do what fit people do! If this means getting up an hour earlier to get your routine in before the baby wakes up, then DO IT! If it means doing the routine and forgetting about laundry for a day then do it!
I found myself accidently skipping my morning routine all together because I would get wrapped up into emails, facebook, returning phone calls, laundering diapers and so forth. Then before I knew it the day flew by, I didn’t get “my routine done” and then I would feel guilty for missing it.
You can achieve your goals!

Give yourself the “soil” to do so! Do it for you! Give yourself the gift of self love and get your booty out of bed and onto the mat!
Your diet
This truly needs to be a whole book by itself but I will try to narrow it down the some very basic essentials to get you in the right direction.
Momma…you are what you ate! Period. If you are looking to lose weight now that you are no longer pregnant it will be easy as long as you are consistent and put the right foods in! It is really that easy.
Pounds will shed fast and in a healthy way as long as you are moderately active and eating wholesome foods.
For me, my body shows me when I am not eating my best and taking care of myself. When I am eating well and moving my body regularly my attitude is bright, my completion is clear, my eyes are wide and I can wear my skinny jeans!

Want sustained energy all day and lose weight? Start with what you put in your body for fuel.

Photo: Cashew-Hummus in Melissa's Book

Here is the skinny on food :
*Throw out anything in a can or box! Seriously…are we so busy that we need to eat crap out of aluminum and card board?
* Drink water, tea and fresh juices only. Nothing pasteurized or out of a friggen bottle. Waste of money and a waste of calories! Reach for fresh juices at home or at local juice bar, herbal iced or hot teas, and good clean water! (p.s Use a re-usable water bottle! Fill it up at home from a 5 gallon! seriously!)
*Prepare your meals using whole fresh ingredients no matter if you are doing Raw foods, vegan, vegetarian and so forth. This means use only foods found in the produce aisle and in the bins (as long as they are un-processed) If you do dairy, go with a raw and local dairy and in small amounts. If you are eating meat, buy from a clean source. Fast food is dead food and low quality meats are full of chemicals and garbage! Support a local source.
*To keep your metabolism burning and to fuel breastfeeding, eat 4-6 small meals a day spaced apart. Small enough meals to not over stuff yourself, yet enough food to satiate you until your next meal or snack of the day.
*Prepare snack to have on hand ahead of time! For example: wash and pre cut celery to have with almond butter. Make your own trail mix and put it in portioned out containers to snack on in small amounts. Every 3-5 days, make your own granola (Free recipe here). This will save on time and feed you right!

My Ebook has over 112 recipe that are all amazing, easy to prepare, lower calorie, energizing and Raw! Click here

Photo:cdnskenow
Achieving your Goals
True health and a fit body do not happen by mere accident. Above average results are attained through consistent life practices. Setting a goal to lose 30 postpartum pounds in one month is totally unrealistic and unhealthy for your healing body. Be patient with your gorgeous self! You just birthed a human into existence!
You may not see the visual results your desire two days into a new routine, but you will see results the more you stick with your practice. Whether it be yoga, kick boxing, dancing or other forms of ass kicking exercise the key is to do your routines often enough to give your body the chance to change and get stronger. Before you see visual results, you will feel the difference almost immediately. Set short term goals to keep yourself motivated.
Start off with setting attainable and realistic goals such as:
“I am going to do yoga at home 4 times a week for a month”.
“I am going out clubbin’ ever Saturday night for one month” =)
“I will jog Mon, Wed and Friday with baby in stroller this week”
Or “I will join the spinning class twice a week for 4 weeks.
Set realistic goals to begin with. Take into account your sleep patterns, house chores, the care for your baby, meal preparations etc. Make it simple for yourself.

Managing Your Time
If you feel that you don’t have time in your schedule for fitness, here are seven ideas on how to make it work that includes your little one(s).

1. Pop your baby in the stroller and head out for a 45 minute morning walk/jog first thing.
2. Nurse the baby, then place them in the bouncy chair in front of where you will be doing your workout DVD. They will love watching you sweat!
3. Put them in the fancy sling your sister gave you, and head out for a 2 hour hike around your neighborhood/hills if ya got em!
4. Sit them in the middle of the room with you while you do some stretches, or use their body weight for lifting exercises to tone your arms.
5. If they are older, have them join you in a game in the park like tag, upsies, red light green light or other childhood games I am sure you haven’t done since the 5th grade. Whatever it is, the game will get you to move your body and include your child.
6. If papa has the little one, hop on your bike instead of driving to your errands. Bike to the store, farmers market, post office, paying bills etc. How productive of you!
7. See if there are other moms out and about you can walk/jog with! Bring the kiddos along.

And remember….even if it is a nice walk around town, move your body every day! Even if it is a salad or a fresh fruit smoothie a day...you deserve it!
Start doing your routines and devloping your healthy habits today!

Every day gets easier! You will get the results you desire!

Raw Food Recipe Cherry-Fig Cereal

2010-05-18T08:25:00.000-07:00

Wondering the farmer's market two days ago looking for a recipe muse, I was inspired when my eyes came accross Dahveed sampling CHERRIES! oh my goodnessss! Finally!

I love the dark juicy cherries that are plump and ready to be devoured! I also like to use cherries in light recipes such as desserts and breakfast items!
Here is the recipe I did for Cafe Gratitude yesterday at Monday Night Live hosted by the amazin Shea Lynn Baird and her husband Steven of Every Body Cleanse Studio!

My food demo was focused on Nut Free meals inspiring others to go lighter on the daily intake of nuts. I love creating simple recipes that are both sustaining and have water content! Wet granola! what a concept!!

Let me know what you think! ~Melissa

Cherry-Fig Cereal serves 4-6
2 Fuji apples fine dice
1 c ripe in season cherries pitted/coursley chopped
1 loose c blonde figs chopped fine
1/2 c large sexy coconut flakes
1/3 c goji berries
4-5 TB chia seeds
Cinnamon
Vanilla bean powder
Optional: Add 1/2 c sprouted almonds chopped

You may adjust sweetness to your liking by adding a drizzle of pourable honey, clear agave or maple ryrup.
Place all prepped ingredients into large bowl and toss. Adjust sweetest to your liking by adding a drizzel of clear agave or pourable honey.
Before serving, cover your portioned bowl of cereal with (seed, nut, hemp or raw) milk to soften and activate chia.

Let sit for 5 minutes. =) Chia will begin to soften and plump.

With remaining cereal, place in fridge for later snack or quick breakfast the following day.

photo: entropy

Mango Mail & Raw Food Recipes

2010-03-11T17:10:00.000-08:00

Dear Miss Mango
As a breastfeeding Raw Momma do you find it sustainable? Do you find it lessens or increases milk production? What do you eat on an average day?

Thanks so much for your time!
Angie P. Madison Wisconsin

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Angie in Wisconsin! Thanks for your questions!
I am exclusively breastfeeding which typically demands an average of 500 to 1000 extra calories or "fuel" more than what I would normally eat in a day just to sustain.

Now I am not big on counting calories; however I do recognize my body needs more “fuel” in order to feed my baby as well as a intense workout or daily yoga I have gotton myself back into. It is important to plan smart.
I do several smaller meals or shakes throughout the day to keep me sustained and fueled for mega milk production. Doing so also keep my metabolism revved.

I find that my milk production now is perfect for my son’s needs! The only time I noticed a decrease was when I was figuring out how to pump so I could be away from him for periods of time. The more he eats, the more my body produces. He is well fed, has big bright eyes, is growing perfectly through me which tells me I am doing something right!
Based on the facts that I am breastfeeding a four month old, working out as well as eating a fairly clean diet high in raw foods; here is what I consume that is really working for me in this now.

Tuna pate inside a nori with bells, romaine and cabbage.

8am Upon waking I have 2c hot herbal tea or 3c water with lemon
8:30am Do my work out OR go right into my breakfast smoothie
*Post workout smoothie (recipe below)I drink this within 30 minutes of my INSANITY workout.
*Breakfast smoothie if not working out (recipe below)
12 noon Seasonal salad or nori roll with homemade dressing and tu-not pate (recipe below). Sometimes I do a little steamed quinoa.
2pm Deep Green coconut smoothie (recipe below)
4pm small seasonal greens salad with avocado and homemade dressing.
And or Raw soup gently warmed with sometimes quinoa
6pm Hot tea or a raw soup
10 pm Bed time
I try to make it a habit of having a glass of water every time I nurse Zavi Hope this helps!

Recipe note: I don’t mind a room temp smoothie, so if you desire cold smoothies I would freeze your bananas or place your smoothies in a sealed jar into the freezer for a few to chill. xx

Breakfast smoothie serves one hot momma
1 orange peeled / seeds removed
1 banana (frozen if you like it cold)
½ tsp Spirulina (or more if you like it reaaaaly green)
Three 4 inch dandelion greens from the back yard
OR 2 leaves of kale or 2 loose cups baby spinach
Blend all ingredients until smooth. add a litle water to help turn and get the desired consistantcy. Enjoy!

Momma tip: Iron in greens helps your body absorb the vit C! Momma's needs good amounts of Iron and Vit C.

Post workout smoothie serves one recovering momma!
1 banana (frozen if you desire a cold smoothie)
1 pitted date
1 c pure water
6 whole cashews soaked in water overnight
2 loose cups of spinach
3 wild dandelion greens from my back yard.
Step1: Place banana, date and water in blender. Blend till smooth.
Step 3: add remaining ingredients and blend for 5 seconds.

Deep Green Coconut Smoothie serves one breastfeedin’ momma
One whole Thai coconut water and meat
¼ tsp Spirulina
2 pitted dates
2 loose cups of baby spinach
Step 1: Open Thai coconut. Place water and meat in blender along with dates. Blend till smooth.
Step 2. Add spinach. Blend for 5 seconds. Enjoy!
If you want a colder smoothie, simply add a few ice cubes or place this in a sealed jar in the freezer for a little bit.

Tuna pate Yields 6c pate
2c sunflower seeds
3 celery sticks chopped
3green onions chopped
¼ c fresh dill
1 TB dulse flakes
Dressing
3/4 c pure water
1 c already soaked sunflower seeds (or cashews for a creamier texture)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/3 c lemon juice
3/4 TB salt

Step 1: Place sunflower seeds in water before you go to bed. In the morning, rinse and drain. Then they are ready to be used! Grind them in a food processor then place in bowl.
Step 2: Add celery, green onions, dill and dulse. Mix well.
Step 3: Blend dressing ingredients until smooth. Pour over seeds and veggies in bowl. Mix and serve!
This can be eaten with cucumber rounds, with celery, in romaine boats or atop salads!

Did I mention that I am currently a spinach freak! I will blend, chop and stuff it into anything and everything I eat throughout the day! It's in season too!

xxxMelissa

Raw Food Recipe: Momma's Oat Meal

2010-02-12T10:17:00.000-08:00

Good Morning lovely Momma’s! Today is a cloudy, rainy day in Watsonville California so I’ve decided to make something warming for breakfast.
Oats are sustaining for those who have a long morning like most Mommas, or for super active folks in need of slow burning fuel.
Need to increase breast milk production? This recipe is perfect!
They say oats help prevent cardiovascular disease. I wonder if this is because the people at risk are no longer frying up bacon and eggs in the morning; instead reaching or a bowl of oat meal? Hmmm Maybe the studies show a decrease in disease in people because they are no longer eating the foods that cause the dis-ease.
Anyway, I prefer my oats raw and whole as opposed to the steel cut flat versions found in the fancy packages. I find that they are less “sticky” in the body compared to cooked oats and they don’t leave me feeling sleepy as long as I enjoy them sprouted and raw.
Below is the perfect recipe for a delicious breakfast that warms the heart, prevents cardiovascular issues and boost abundant breast milk production!

Momma’s Oat Meal Raw Style

Serves 3-5 Hot Mommas

4 c soaked whole oat kernels

(soak 2 1/2c for 24-48 hrs) They will almost double in size.

2 c Fresh Thai coconut water
¼ tsp sea salt or pink salt
5TB agave nectar or 3-4 T Raw Honey
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp cinnamon
½ c black raisins folded in last
Step1: In a blender, blend all ingredients except for raisins at medium speed till texture is relatively smooth!

If mixture seems watery, you need to blend a little more. The measurments are perfect! Trust me. =)

Step 2: Once meal is the perfect texture, place in bowls, or in large container for storing then fold in black raisins.
Step 2: Before serving, garnish with walnut pieces, a sprinkle of coconut palm sugar and or fresh banana slices

Kitchen Tip: Preparing a batch of this delicious meal ever few days will help save time when you need a quick breakfast. Portion this out into smaller easy to grab and go containers for yourself or your little ones. Love porridge should last 3 days.
Be aware that this may ferment rather quickly if left out on the counter, so keep refrigerated!

Photo: HorrorShirts.com

Love! \m/ \m/ Melissa Mango

doing RAW on a budget!

2010-02-07T14:42:00.000-08:00

Two dollars for a few apples and eighteen dollars for a jar of almond butter sounds crazy to the average shopper not yet converted to raw. The price of organic produce and raw snacks can be obnoxious and even put a damper on your excitement into raw foods. Yet there is hope! When I first started purchasing foods for my raw food exciteo-prep, my grocery bill tripled which is scary for someone who already doesn’t have a lot of money to eat or set on fire. When I first began playing with raw recipes, I purchased all sorts of expensive foods and in quantities that were even wasteful.

Anything in the produce isle does cost more indeed yet try to look at your food from a new perspective. Instead of viewing your food in how high you can pile it on your plate, put the value in the nutrition and life force it brings to your body. When you are used to buying five, toxic, greasy burgers for the price of two organic raw apples, it can be difficult to see the value at first. By buying foods that do not clog your colon, make your butt bulge, skin erupt, or age you pre-maturely, the fresh raw foods are priceless! The cleaner foods you eat now, the less mess you need to clean up in the body later. What food have better value? Huge plate of processed man made cheap chow or apples straight from Eve’s flawless hands?

Ready for change? Ready to take the plunge into Live Raw Foods?

Have fun: Go ahead and buy all the fresh foods you wish to experiment with! Help yourself to the snackie-snacks offered in the raw food section. In the beginning of your raw food journey, there will be much to taste, enjoy and savor. Eventually there will come a point when you find balance and narrow it down to the nutritional and most delicious essentials, thinning your grocery bill back down to a more realistic expense.

Smoothe transition: Once our bodies get used to eating nutrient-dense food, our bodies run much more efficiently and need less food in portion and weight. For example the size of salad I ate when I first became raw was Gi-normous compared to the present. Back then, I ate what most families shared at the dinner table for holiday. Today, realizing that what I eat is far more nutritionally sound; I eat much less. My body is also cleaner (detoxified), there for utilizing what fuel (food) I do put in. I get much more out of my food because it is alive and organic and my body was able to utilize all that was consumed. Not to mention like mine, your body too will become more efficient as a result of being cleaner from years of sticking with the raw food program.

My transition and tailoring of food was gradual, so it was much easier on my psyche! Psychologically, you may feel that you need more food to be satisfied and that is okey. Just be aware that sometimes we eat more than we truly need.

Be reali-istic: By making major changes with foods or portions too quick, we can put a damper on the whole point and cause an internal conflict; even discontent. Do what feel best and that you can stick to constantly and make gently upgrades as you gain more momentum. Remember what your health goals are, the reasons for making the change and take pride in that you are doing better every day. Strive for consistency rather than perfection.
Budgeting more conservatively and enjoying the process may take time, so do not hurry to scale down your food for the sake of saving money unless that is comfortable with you. Expect to pay more in the beginning, and know that just like a newly tuned car, your engine will burn much cleaner and waste less. Less is more! Below are ways you can get more!

Get more Tip #1: Start or join a CSA in your local area. Getting fresh produce from local farmers is very economical and beneficial in all ways. Buying produce with friends or forming a co-operative can also help keep your costs minimal. Farmer’s markets are a great place for inexpensive produce as well.
Top secret Get more tip #1.5: When I first began eating raw foods, I would visit my local co-op’s composting bin in the back of the store for produce they were tossing out. Most of the produce was just fine just not perfect enough for the average shopper! I found pounds of juice able produce that equals pitchers of fresh juice that equals nutrients! Find out who is in charge in the produce department; make them a magnificent raw dessert and presto! You have a friend on your side and your in! They will set aside all kinds of delicious foods their store would normally toss out or let you know when the best dumpster diving time.
Get more tip #2: When I lived in Arizona, a friend of mine would walk the neighborhood scouting out trees with fresh oranges, grapefruit, lemons, olives, pomegranate, and persimmons even large gardens! I would knock on the door and offer to rake their lawn or do some yard work in exchange for fresh fruits. Ten times out of ten, they would say..”naw..just help yourself!” There are plenty of fresh, free foods growing in your neighborhood if you just look! There are even wild greens that you can snack on such as dandelion, malva, lambs quarters, persaline, and mint . You will never starve! Just have to think outside of the store!

Just recently I was surfin’ the net and found a fun site to be inspired by! Here is a woman who is proving you can eat fresh prepared raw food for $10. A day or less! Take a look!
She is not chewing on celery sticks for dinner. She has full on recipes and pics too!
http://rawon10.blogspot.com/

I will do this same experiment for a week using my own recipes and get back to all of you on the results!

\m/ \m/ Melissa Mango

Love simple recipes?

Even nut free dishes?

Get a copy of Melissa Mango’s Ebook here with 112 unique dishes.

Raw Food Recipe: Where the wild things are

2010-01-15T11:33:00.000-08:00

There is more buzz about "re-wilding" these days and it is not about stripping down to your wild self and bounding through the Forrest. Although that is much needed! Adding more truly "wildly grown" foods into your daily meals is taking your raw food meals to the next level. So how do we re-wild ourselves while in the city habitat? well....here is what I did today and I am certain you can do the same.

I live just outside Santa Cruz in a small neighborhood and have a large untamed yard. Our space around our home was just dirt when we moved in April. We have not sprayed or dumped any yukk into the soil. Aside from planting our own garden beds, we let what wanted to grow just GROW! We had kamikaze tomato plants under the deck, wild roses springing up next to the kale and huge thistles the size of Christmas trees bushing out amongst the peppers.

Wild greens are easy to find when you consciously look and notice they are everywhere! Thing is, most people pull up, burn or spray these nourishing plants because they don't recognize them as food or even "pretty". It is a shame we have been programmed to snub our noises at these wild foods commonly referred to as pesky"weeds". Wild edibles are free food and do not need to be cultivated like our average food supply that would not last in the wild.

Wild greens are packed, I mean super pumped with protein and other medicinal properties from the wild. Here are some examples of wild greens even you could find right this nano-second by rooting around in your back yard or un sprayed hiking trails.

Meet Mighty Mulva: This "weed" grows like wildfire! The petals are all sizes and resemble a Lilly pad. Malva Leaf is said to help loosen and expel phlegm and congestion from the lungs. It aids the body in expelling excess fluid and mucus, and because of its soothing, demulcent qualities, it not only removes phlegm, it also acts to soothe and relieve inflammation of the larynx and tonsils, dry coughs, sore throat, hoarseness, lung catarrh, bronchitis, asthma, emphysema and irritation of respiratory passages. Lovely Lambs quarter: Sometimes growing waist high with thin branches, this very common backyard snack strengthens our immune system much like most bitter greens. The only weed that round up cannot kill is you guessed it! Lambs quarter! Gimme sum! High in Vit A and C and calcium.
King Daddy Dandylion: The leaves amongst this ever famous yellow flower it use to be used to treat liver issues such as jaundice, gall stones, congested lymph, breast sores and swelling, suppresses lactation, diabetes, delayed menstruation and ulcers.

Here is what my WILD smoothie for today had:

Wild things are smoothies Served 2 yard snackers

2 c ripened on the tree in East LA mangos (organic)

1/2 c frozen Watsonville strawberries

1/2 c Grass fed organic blueberries

2 loose cups of back yard kale with stem

3 palm sized mulva leaves

2 c cage-free pure water

1/2c lambs quarter leaves. stem and bally things removed

Step 1: Place all ingredients into blender.

Step 2: Pour into your favorite recycled glass jar and enjoy!

Dahveed asked me "Aren't you going to take pictures of our smoothie in nice jars?"

well..no. This is just to show how wonderful it is to re-use your jars for your beverages. I you need to take it on the go, you simply snap a lid on and go!

Isn't it wild to know that those with manicured yards or pavement are really missing out.

~Melissa

SIX week postpartum update!

2010-01-09T15:40:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe it has been almost seven weeks since baby Zavier came into this world! WOW! It has just zipped by! Zavier has grown so much and is getting more and more expressive every day! There are days when he is showing all of this “daddy features” then the next day I will see a glimpse of me in those eyes or lips as they curl to laugh. I am in love with my son! He is just amazing!
Breastfeeding has been going very well. I have the hand of it now and feel like a super mom. The first week was a little rough and tough I must admit. My nips felt like they were going to crack and bleed. I was not getting any sleep at night and my back was in knots. A week into mother hood I was still high on “New mommie” yet felt rugged. There were moments I had to say “Are you kidding me! Am I really cut out for this!” Then…
I discovered ways of making my life so much easier and here are the updates!

BREASTFEEDING: It started with learning how to get Zavier to latch properly for comfortable and successful feeding. To my surprise it is not just a matter of giving the baby the nipple. There is a mastered technique to getting the nipple inside the mouth in a that prevents discomfort. My nipples were so red and sore that I thought I would have to stop breastfeeding because it hurt so bad. I would literally almost cry when Zavier would latch and to think it was more painful than childbirth! LOL
I perfected the technique of a proper latch as well as discovered how to breastfeed while lying down at night. YES! What a victory this was. It is most prized between the hours of say 10pm and 5am. Zavi would begin to stir in the middle of the night, I would sit upright, grab the bobby then get him all situated to nurse and try not to fall asleep and hunch over on him. Instead I now scoop him right into my chest, turn him on his side and like a ninja pop a nipple in for a comfortable feeding. He and momma can fall asleep and all is right in the world.

DIAPER LAND: This has been an adventure. I intended on being the ultimate nature lover by going all cloth diaper style and even danced in the world of Elimination Communication. “Diaper free. “ This was just plain nuts in the first week of being home because I had so much to adjust to, that waiting for Zavi to pee or poo and hold him over a bowl wasn't easy. Even though I couldn’t have been happier being a new mom, I found it boarder line irritating trying to master the EC so soon which is unrealistic. I am the kind of person that thrives on figuring things out and master them. HA! No diaper eh? Zavi laughed many times. I decided to just do what I could do with no stress and that was to use cloth diapers and sometimes the biodegradable ones at night or on car rides. I had to let go of the idea that I could or SHOULD be able catch every single poo and pee before it happened by having the bowl ready. I quit shoulding all over myslef! Our washer and dryer hasn’t seen so much action until now! Because I believe it could work with more practice, pacience and care, I will look more into EC at a later time. Phew

MY BODY: When we came home from the birthing center I was instructed by my Midwife to stay in bed naked for the first 2 weeks and bond with Zavier through breastfeeding and cuddlin'. Jeesh! twinst my arm! This sounded like a great plan. I spent many weeks lounging naked, nursing and admiring my little boy. I attempted to do some light house cleaning but what I didn’t realize how much trauma my body endured through birth and that I would need ample healing time. My hips, pelvis and everything else in between was very sore and tender. If I wasn’t careful to move faster than an old lady pace, I would begin to cramp and bleed. I realized I needed to truly take it easy and just relax. My body snapped back rather quickly. By the beginning of week two I was in my pre-pregnancy jeans yet very week muscularly. I was planning on getting into yoga right off the bat since it was mellow, but was hit with a dose of reality which takes me to our next topic:
MOMMA’S WORK OUT PLAN: Like most new mothers I had a whole workout plan and ideal on how I was going to get back into shape after giving birth. I was down to my pre-pregnancy size, however I hadn’t done an intense yoga session, ran, or anything aside from basic stretching in months! I was ready to gain back my strength, gain muscle and stamina.
After five weeks postpartum I was no longer sore and felt like I could begin to kick it up a notch. My new plan was to do yoga online every morning with YogaGlo, then three times a week I would do a ass kicking beachbody© workout called Insanity. Which turned out to be just that. Totally INSANE. I forgot to factor in breastfeeding, sleep and something called TIME! I had no realistic concept of what the demands of being a new mother would be. Dahveed would watch Zavier when I would do my yoga in the am, but then when it came time later in the day to do something more intense like the BeachBody dvds, Zavier needed me or Dhaveed was in class and unable to comfort him. Baby Zavi's needs are simple bless his heart. He wants to be held, a clean diaper and of course the boobies. I tried sitting Zavi up on the couch in front of where I could do my INSANE workout and he wasn’t into it. Maybe he really does know what is best for momma, and an insane workout isn’t it for now. This reminds me of a saying “Make plans; God Laughs”. After a few days of pouting and being resistant to what truly IS. I made a new plan. I love it and the best part is, I can change it moment by moment! In the morning I get up and do my yoga online while Dahveed has Zavi and some back up breast milk I pumped earlier. We then have breakfast together which is typically a smoothie, then a little while after that I take Zavi for a brisk walk and or other movement. It’s a nice fast passed walk and I have him in the MOBY™ which is fantasticly- hands free! Sometime I will even wear Zavier and the Moby and do a light workout video or do some fun stuff outside using him as my weight. This is much better than my INSANE plan and Zavi likes it too. With my old mindset and plan, there were several days in a row I wouldn’t even go outside even for fresh air because I wasn't "doing my planned workout"! I would then be bummed amd grouchie. With this new plan of having Zavi be apart of my fitness plan regardless if Dahveed is available, I find that going on a few walks in a day just to get out of the house ad move my body is vital too!

FOOD and DIET: My diet has been shall we say interesting the past few weeks. The equivalent of Mr. Toad’s wild ride. When I first came home from the Center I didn’t have much of an appetite. I was in LA-LA land nested in bed, so a few smoothies a day and a blended green soup was perfect and sustaining. As I healed and got out and about more I was craving all sorts of just ridiculously-crazy bizarre foods such as French toast, French frys (baked of course), Amy’s pizza and anything in the pastry case that was sweet and dirty. *blush* What on earth sparked this obnoxious-ness! I mean really!? I have to be honest…my diet was frightened there for a few weeks then I pulled my head out! I felt like complete crapola after I would indulge in this $%^&*! That's a no-brainer! So it has been easy to snap out of it. I deserve better and so does my baby. Thank goddess I am now having a deep craving for seaweeds which is a new “crave” for me. Last week I did not desire fruit for breakfast, I wanted soaked arame with minced garlic, lemon, and avocado all mashed up. I repeat FOR BREAKAST! I just went with the feeling and it tasted divine. I then soaked a big bowl of arame for future cravings and have been enjoying it every day at most meals.
Here is what I do and recommend you try:

For one serving:
About 3c salad green
1/3C of already soaked and drained arame seaweed
½ ripe avocado diced
6 cherry tomatoes halved
Toss all ingredients in bowl with my miso lemon dressing WOW! So satisfying.

In the next few weeks I will keep you posted on my routines, any new recipes and of course more baby pics to smile at.

Xx ~Melissa

Raw Food Recipe: Miso-Lemon Vinnie

2010-01-06T23:13:00.000-08:00

What’s the secret to eating more salad by the truck loads? A tasty dressin’ ya’ll! I eat way more beautiful alkalizing greens when I have a nice light dressing to kiss the leafy lettuces with. This dressing is easy to whip up and stores well in the fridge even if you are flying solo in your household. Why buy some shwaggy dressing when you can make your own so easily? Enjoy!

Raw Food Recipe: Miso-Lemon Vinnie Yields 1 ½ c

½ c pure water
½ c cold pressed olive oil
3 medium garlic cloves minced fine (thru press)
2 TB mellow light miso
2 TB lemon juice
1/3 tsp pink salt
1/3 tsp course black pepper
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

Gently blend on low low low or Wisk all ingredients well. Place in glass bottle and store in fridge.
Shake well before serving. Dressing will keep for 7 days.

Kitchen tip: I recommend saving a previously used glass dressing bottle or buying a nifty-decorative bottle from a second hand store to keep your home made dressings in. By keeping your dressing easily accessable and in a inspiring container, you make it fun and easy to enjoy salad and more salad! Yes please!

The Birth of Zavier Bendicio Haro

2010-01-01T19:53:00.000-08:00

Melissa Mango’s Birth Story
The nine months of my pregnancy was I must admit, well…..EASY! Not until the final weeks was I hobbling and having quite an entertaining time getting up from a seated position on the floor. My pelvis was creaking, cracking and shifting to prepare for labor so I was grateful for the weekly massages I was receiving to keep me relaxed.
Early in the pregnancy I hired Julie, a doula and watsu therapist local to Santa Cruz, who gave me some great books to read as well as documentary dvds of actual births. The dvds really inspired me to focus on the natural blissful birth I intended and also made me realize that each women’s experience with birth can be very different. A women’s birthing experience greatly depending on her state of mind, level of health, her relationship with the father as well as her connection to herself.
My state of mind during my pregnancy was very mellow having just moved to the Santa Cruz area. I spent most of my days reading, writing, stretching, sunbathing and working on my raw food home delivery service. Baby’s daddy Dahveed and I have a very nurturing relationship of open communication and loving companionship which I am grateful for.
My diet varied depending on the trimester, my needs and of course the weather. I ate a high raw diet during my entire pregnancy with the exception of steamed veggies, home-made soups and quinoa in the cooler months as well as raw goat’s cheese and truly free range eggs in my last 2 months. I must admit I did have a few non raw treats here and there which I enjoyed immensely with zero guilt! I have not eaten animal flesh in years and did not get that desire while being pregnant. I started each morning with a huge green smoothie which consisted of fresh whole oranges peeled, other seasonal fruit, our garden’s kale and Lifeforce Spirulina. Later in the day I would make myself what I call a warm frothy beverage consisting of nut milk, a few dates, cinnamon, vanilla and herbal tea which was like a raw-latte’ and would warm my heart and soul on cool evenings. Typically later in the day I would eat a large salad from our garden with a home-made raw dressing and sometimes a poached egg on top a few times a week. I felt like a friggen rock star when I ate this way! A high amount of raw foods, coupled with the small additions here and there when I felt the need really worked for me, I was balanced and very happy. I only gained 13 pounds during my pregnancy and my baby boy was growing beautifully. I believe that my choices of foods and beverages throughout really contributed to my easy pregnancy as well as keeping “unnecessary weight gain” under control. I did not experience the other “discomforts” I hear about such as swollen feet, acid reflux, bleeding gums, yeast infections, nor even stretch marks etc. The 2 times I got swollen feet or indigestion was when I would eat organic chips or something else more processed than I was use to. I am guessing most of these “discomforts” have to do with the cleanliness of one’s diet. A diet high in Live raw foods during pregnancy and always is the way to go for maximum benefits!
My doctor gave me the 17th of Nov as my due date, but when the 22nd rolled around I knew I was closer to my actual due date from my calculations. Just after midnight I laid down for the evening after a nice long day with my girl friends and dinner. Not more than five minutes after my head hit the pillow I felt a sensation very similar to a period cramp in my lower abdomen. This didn’t strike me as odd, because I had felt this sensation before, maybe even several times for weeks during the later months of my pregnancy. The sensation carried on for a minute or so then went away. Not more than a five minutes later, the sensation returned and that is when I started thinking “Hmm..could this be early labor.”
The pattern continued a few more times and that is when I mentioned to Dahveed to start timing the length. The next time the sensation came, I took a deep breath cuing Dahveed to start taking time then I continued with nice even, long breaths until it subsided. Dahveed timed several cycles and we discovered that they were roughly 30-45 seconds in length and 1-3 minutes apart giving us the idea I was defiantly in labor. Really? I was expecting a shaper sensation all over my belly as the contractions, as well as being able to fall asleep like most of the stories I had read. This was different than I expected however I was open to having my own experience. At 12:30am I had Dahveed call Julie our doula to share with her what was going on. She said it sounded like early labor and if I could go back to sleep for some rest, that would be the best thing since this part of labor could take hours.
I laid in bed and continued to breathe through each contraction though they did not hurt, they were too strong to sleep through comfortably. I kept thinking “Wow! Am I really ready for this?” I ran a bath and relaxed for a half hour or so then put on some cozy sweat pants, fuzzy socks and a beanie. I fiddled around the house, sat on the yoga ball and talked with Dahveed all while gently breathing thru the contractions. We called Julie once more to let her know I was unable to sleep and she said since the contractions are strong and consistent, if you’re ready for it, let’s do it!
My friend Joy was in town specifically for the birth which I was very grateful to have her solid sister support. Joy was interested in taking doula training, so naturally we thought it was perfect that she attend not only as my dear friend but as a women learning. She was upstairs sleeping in the guest room about this time. I thought I would let her get some rest and wake her just before we decided to go to the Birthing Center so that she could be well rested and ready to support in ways we had talked about previously that day.
Approximately 3:00am, my body started to shake uncontrollably with cold sweats. It reminded me of a major cleansing reaction or the flu. My body literally emptied out at least 5 times with solid matter within a short time. My body continued to tremble and I got back in the hot bath tub for comfort. For a moment I thought maybe I was progressing further into labor to point I needed to get to the Center. None the less I was getting excited! I knew my body was just prepping for the beautiful event.
At 4:00am Julie arrived and the shaking had subsided. We sat on pillows around the table and chatted. When each contraction came I would stop in conversation, drop my head on my arms and started the breath. I wanted to get my breathing rhythm down early in the labor, so that later as labor progressed I would have a flow going. After 30 minutes or so Julie suggested that I go for a walk to help things move along since I wasn’t getting any sleep. Julie and I went for a walk around the neighborhood and when we got back she suggested we go to the Birthing Center.
By 5:45am we were packing our things for our stay at Sutter Maternity Center. We took Organic produce and Spirulina for fresh smoothies, raspberry leaf tea, and of course the bad ass vitamix blender. A few days prior I had packed items such as amazing Himalayan bath salts, furry slippers and a shaman’s rattle given to our son at the baby shower. Heading to the Center my contractions were more intense or maybe it was the car ride that made them feel more pronounced than before. I was unable to sit in the front seat like a human, instead I laid the seat all the way back and kneeled on it in the reverse direction, wrapping my arms around the head rest for support. Dahveed drove with Julie and Joy caravanning behind us for the 12 miles to the center.
We arrived at Sutter at 6:30am and checked into a beautiful resort-style room with a jet tub, balcony, couch and hard wood floors. Julie and Joy quickly set up the room with a few alter pieces, stocking the fridge and inquired on how to hook up the tunes we brought. Shortly after our arrival, our nurse came in and wanted to check my dilation, take my blood pressure and take my temperature. She informed me I was about 6 cm and 100% effaced. This was exciting and very encouraging news! I thought wow! I could be delivering our baby boy in just a few hours!
Around 9:00am my midwife Timmie arrived and she checked in with me how everything was going. She said she would be in momentarily and that things were looking great so far.
The thing I loved about Timmie during this whole birth process was that when she would enter the room to check in with me, she would always enter quietly, sit and be still for several moments before even speaking or approaching me. She was so respectful, and gentle when entering my space.
For the next few hours I rode the waves of the contractions and began to tone through the length of each sensation. Julie and Dahveed took turns (more like hour long shifts) stroking my spine in rhythm with my breath or tone. The long firm strokes from the base of my neck all the way down to my tail bone coupled with the toning was key in staying centered through the labor process. Toning is when you use your voice, making a vibration of sound as an OM, UM, OOH or other variations. When the contraction would come, I would take a deep breath, close my eyes then exhale in the Ohhhh oooo mmmmm vibration keeping my pitch very low in the belly, feeling the vibration in my chest. At times I would complete the tone by forming a word like Ohhh-ppppeeeennnn. I would visualize the cervix opening, a flower softening or an eye slowly opening to the sun.
Time seem to go by very quickly for me. Before I knew it, the nurses were checking my dilation at 1:30pm then again at 3:30pm along with my vitals which was routine. My dilation seem to be still at 8-9cm. Timmie did not express any concern for further “progress” since the amniotic bag was still intact and there was no risk of infection. Most mainstream hospitals would be offering me pitocin to induce labor by now or talking me into another form of intervention to speed things along. I greatly appreciated the nurse and my midwife Timmie for allowing me to have my gentle process, take my time and allow my body to birth when ready.
By 4:00pm for some reason, my dilation was not going any further and the bag was not budging. I have to admit that when I would do lunges or low squats to help things along, the contractions would get much more intense and I would then back off for fear of hurting myself. This was all in my head and I recognized it as a fear that needed to go. Timmie said that since I had been at it for more than 12 hours already “naturally”, she would hate to have me and my uterus get exhausted by the time my boy was ready to come out. Timmie offered to break the bag in hopes he would “drop,” then I could birth naturally. I was resistant to the idea of breaking my waters at first, but I felt that it made sense to reserve my energy for the actual birth and it wasn’t too invasive or compromising my wishes for a natural birth. I crawled up on the bed and Timmie broke my waters with a little stick similar to a very small crochet hook. The feeling of the bag’s pressure popping inside and the warm water coming down felt amazing I must say. Timmie cheerfully said the water looked nice and clear and the bag was quite tough which may have been the reason it was being stubborn. I was a little scared because I was anticipating this huge rush of pain, or crazy intense contractions or the feeling of a big head ramming against my pelvis once the sack was broken. None of that happened thank goodness, but I did feel things start to move along on a more energetic level. The feeling was subtle at first, then as the next two hours came and went the intensity gradually rose. I went from the birthing stool to the mat on the floor then onto the yoga ball. I bounced a little and swayed my hips, hoping it would help him drop into the birth canal. I asked Joy to put on some Astarius on the mp3 player in hopes of some stimulation. Astarius’s chants were triggering some emotional stuff in me almost immediately. Stimulation is exactly what I got! His words were so vivid and empowering; seeming to shake my very core. Here I was bringing life into this world! I will now be responsible for encouraging him, teaching him, empowering him and being the example in his life. This was a very powerful moment in my life as a woman. I was overwhelmed with emotion.
I was on the yoga ball and Dahveed was in front of me holding me close. Having Dahveed right there in my face, massaging my back and even holding me close to his chest and toning along with me felt amazing. I began to sob uncontrollably. Not out of pain, it felt more like a realization of my feminine power and a release of old blockages of fear and self worth. I had flashes of past relationships, moments of vulnerability and more. I felt so grateful for this ability to bring forth life and feel strong in my capabilities as a woman. I was ready.

Astarius: "Let there Be" Lyrics
“Let there be power in the word of my mouth
I conquer all fear and doubt.
Let there be wisdom as a fuel of my knowledge
Let it be a blaze within my heart….
I must be consistent in the game of life that
wisdom will finish what knowledge did start.
Let there be love in the word of my hand my life is a blessing under god and man.
Let there be joy of truth bubbling within my soul; destroyer of sadness come make me whole.
Let there be abundance raining down on me, my life now rich with prosperity.
And there is fulfillment of Let there be. For life will always give me as far as I can see.”

While Astarius continued to play, Dahveed shook our son’s rattle and pounded on the little drum in front of me. I continued to sway my hips and use the yoga ball to move the pelvis and make room for him to come down into the birth canal. I continued toning and reserving my energy by focusing inward. As the intensity of the contractions rose, there were times my voice or tone would change and I would make a more “ahhhh” sound and that is when I noticed it “hurt” more. I realized quickly that if I made more “human” noises, the pain would increase. Yet by dropping my voice to a lower octave and toning deep in my belly, the pain would transcend into just a sensation and there was relief. I now understand how so many women “lose it” during labor, or can easily take labor into a painful space. I believe labor can be a pleasurable-empowering experience for all women if given the right tools and encouragement before laboring.
Timmie wanted to check my dilation and needed me up on the bed which I preferred not to go. I crawled up into the bed, let a contraction pass then got situated for Timmie to quickly check. After she checked, I rolled over onto my right side, grabbed the bed rail and prepared for another contraction.
“Oh wow..your dilated fully and he is in the birth canal!” I heard as my contraction came and went.
With the next contraction came an enormous urge to push coming from my lower gut and I exhaled forcefully almost as if someone was pushing on my guts. There was no mistaking it! My whole insides exhaled with a huge “Ugggggg” and for the first time ever I knew exactly what they meant by “bearing down.”
It hurt to be in the bed and on my back, yet being on my right side felt much better. I grabbed Dahveed’s sleeve so that I wouldn’t claw him or squeeze too tightly. I was not in pain, but these sensations were incredibly intense. It was vital for me to realize that my body was just doing what it was designed to do and I trusted in that process. When what felt like my flower started to open, I could feel more pressure. His head was gently making room by expanding my petals, then going back in. Although I did not feel pain, my bottom felt like it was going to just shoot right off. I had never felt before, and because of this I could have easily called it pain. But because I kept my cool and just witnessed this sensation, I was able to stay more calm. I had been told this feeling would come by several momma’s so I was anticipating the “My bum is going to burst and I need to poop!” sensation.
After a few good pushes, to me it didn’t feel like he wasn’t moving very far, but I didn’t want to get discouraged. Dahveed asked for my hand and placed it on the opening where my baby’s head was starting to crown. I felt around for a moment, then got back to work, wanting to stay focused and strong. Dahveed continued to hold my hand and Joy held my top leg up since I was on my side, so that my pelvis stayed open. I did not plan to give birth on my side, but I wasn’t about to get up and move at this point.

I pushed for at least 30 minutes or so maybe less, when I heard Dahveed say that his head was out. The nurses had used hot compresses all during my pushing so that I wouldn’t tear. With his head out the nurses were now instructing me to wait before pushing again. I heard them tell me to breathe and wait, yet I could not control the urge to push and when I did let my body push, he slipped out like a lil’ fishie. Before I completed my thought of “wow! He is out!?! “ the nurse put my baby boy right onto my chest. I put my arms around his warm squirming body and held him up by his little bottom. I cupped his little butt and remember my first thought being “wow…he has huge balls!”
I looked at my baby boy and I was in complete awe. There are no words. I couldn’t believe how long his limbs were and that I had just birthed a human through my body! The nurses quietly did their thing in the low light of the room as he was waving his arms and legs around and catching his breath. While I loved on my baby boy the nurses cleaned up and never once asked to take him out of my arms. I was in love!
Although we requested a Lotus Birth, The center told us we could keep the cord attached until it was done pulsing but that we would then have to take home the placenta separate. Our midwife left the cord on as long as she could, almost forgetting it! Dahveed gently cut the cord as he blessed our baby boy; his son.
We requested not having his genitals cut thru circumcision as well as passing on any immunizations and other vaccinations.
Our boy latched on almost instantly and cuddled on my chest the rest of our stay at Sutter. Friends and family waiting patiently outside of our room until our boy arrived, then blessed us with gifts, love and good food!

We had a few names picked out that we liked, yet we wanted to meet him first. It wasn’t until 30 minutes before leaving the Center that we settled on a name just in time to put on his birth Certificate.
Zavier Bendicio Haro was Born November 23rd 2009 at 7:01 pm. He was 7lb 1 oz 19 inches long
We left Sutter Maternity Center Thanks Giving day around 12 noon and arrived home for a celebration with our family and close friends! It was a beautiful day!

T'was the Night......

2009-12-24T17:25:00.000-08:00

T’was the night before Christmas, and all thru the hut
Not a smoothie was twirling and all markets were shut.
All blenders were silent, the spring water had gone dry.
There was not even island grub or left over cashew pie.
Hemp stockings were hung, our bellies were rumblin’.
Let us all manifest to stop this late night grumblin’
So I in my long johns, and they in their jammies.
Headed up to bed, dreaming of superfood phatties.
Dreams of ripe mangos and mame fill our heads
As we snuggle up tightly in our bamboo fiber beds.
Then in the jungle, there arose such a clatter
I yelled turn on the salt crystal lamp!
As I investigated the matter.
Thinking it was a crazy lost monkey, or Avocado himself
It was quite a surprise to see Santa stocking our shelf.
Sporting only board shorts, No reindeer was he draggin’
He was hot! Cruisin in his Bio-Volkswagen.
He polished off his green juice
And popped up his hat
He grabbed a bunch of hemp sacks he had stashed in the back
“No way!” I explained this simply can’t be
“Your Santa of course”, and also a glowing raw-foodie!
“sweet sister…” he said in a Santa sort of way
I need a vitamix to use, got any nut milk coming my way?
“Ill hook you up!” I said with jonsen glee
Any of those gorgeous sacks reserved perhaps for me?
Giiirl! He grinned, would I tease you that way
there is only abundance
For you on this Christmas day!
I took him inside for a blender to use
Santa, I don’t get it, raw food is your muse?!
Thanks he said as he dropped into lotus
An elf tipped me off
And the best is before us
Out of his bags he pulled out the power
Followed by Crystals, tinctures and, jit powder.
No longer am I clouded by sugar cookies or fear
I’m going to keep it raw, year after year!
All the goodies he brought with him
Were the highest and kind
He also had durian pods
I’m going to blend some, do ya mind?
Be my guest I said as I took a big wiff
“get ready!” he laughed! “For the most outrageous lift!”
He finished up the blending, and poured us each a full mug
It was powerful indeed! Then he gave us all a hug.
“later sister!” he said in a tone loud and bright
Late night power smoothies for all, and to all a good night!
I waved Santa goodbye with much enthusiasm as cruised on
He holla’ed back, “Ill see you next year just before dawn.”
I then looked into the sky, and winked at the brightest star.
This Christmas IS THE BEST EVER!!! The Best ever……. by far!

Love ~ Melissa Mango

Raw Food Recipe: Omega La la latte'

2009-12-16T11:05:00.000-08:00

They may be tiny, but they are mighty MIGHTY! : Flax and Hemp! While it’s not technically a grain, the flax seed has a similar vitamin and mineral profile to grains, while the amount of fiber and antioxidants in flax leaves grains in the dust. Additionally, flax seed is very low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for people who limit their intake of starches and sugars. And its combination of healthy fat and high fiber content make it a great food for weight loss and maintenance -- I have found that flax seed has been a key to feeling satisfied after healthier and lighter meals.

Hulled hemp seeds have an ideal balance of Omega 3 and 6 for sustainable human health, it has a full amino acid spectrum meaning it provides complete protein, and it has a massive trace mineral content - truly one of nature's superfoods at 33% protein.

Flax and hemp are both rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which aid in development of the baby's brain and nervous system as well as mother's well being. Omega-3 fatty acids are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are indispensable for human growth and development, yet are not synthesized by humans. These must be obtained from the diet, specifically from either fish or flaxseed oil. However, a "standard American diet" is severely deficient in these critical nutrients.

This deficiency in omega-3 intake is compounded by the fact that after a woman's first pregnancy, her maternal stores become depleted, rarely returning to pre-pregnancy levels. Subsequent pregnancies continue this depletion.

This frothy warm beverage I came up with in hopes to get in large amounts of nutrients without sacrificing flah-vah! Often I am not hungry for a meal, yet a power packed drink is just the thing my body needs to keep up with the demands of breastfeeding! Enjoy!

Omega La-LA Latte' serves 1 momma

1 bag of Decaffeinated Good Earth Herbal Tea. (Sweet & Spicy)

1 1/2 TB Morning Jing powder by Shaman Shack

3 big and juicy medjool dates pitted

1/2-1 TB golden flax seeds

2 TB Hulled hemp seeds

1 tsp vanilla extract

tiny pinch of pink salt

Step 1: Steep tea bag in 2cups of hot water for 5 minutes, pour tea into blender.

Step 2: Grin flax seeds in coffee grinder.

Step 3: Place all ingredients into blender and blend for 30 seconds.

Recipe Note: The flax in this recipe will thicken the drink. if you are weirded out by thicker drinks, just use 1/2 TB flax seeds. Also, be sure to grind them fresh for optimla nutrition!

Pour in your favorite cup and enjoy! I like to drink my hot beverages in this snazzy coffee cup that is NOT paper! This fantastic cup is ceramic with a flexie lid and can be used again and again and again!

Enjoy 112 raw vegan recipe in Melissa's E-book HERE

Morning Jing: Get the best protein powder out there with Ho sho Wu and other super foods HERE

Birth. In the movies.....

2009-11-21T10:15:00.000-08:00

A few nights ago I went to a movie hosted by the Birthing Network of Santa Cruz called Born in the USA. Bruce Springsteen is not who I saw wailing and sweating throughout this flick, instead it were women giving birth, using various methods practiced today. In the film you meet three birth caregivers—a obstetrician, a nurse-midwife, and a licensed home birth midwife—each with a dramatically different idea about what constitutes best care for birthing women. The film show how these women see their work and what factors—medical, legal, and cultural—influence women's choices in the birthing room. In general the film was very informative and "neutral", letting the viewer truly see what happens in these different circumstances under various forms of care offered to pregnant women today. Al thought there was a lovely home birth that took place that was so fluid and relaxed compared to the birth that took place in the hospital, what made my stomach turn was the fact that women today in my opinion are "brainwashed" when it comes to birth. Now I am just generalizing here.....most women today have this perception of birth as painful, stressful, and potentially dangerous procedure! A procedure that our bodies may fall apart during and desperately need intervention! We have movies, media and of course our culture in general to thank for this warped and twisted view on one of the most beautiful events any human can experience or be apart of. What would be different if we taught our daughters what a blissful experience it is? and prepared them from a more positive and encouraging outcome?

Born in the USA, features on the Oxygen channel, was insightful as to what is really going on in the birthing rooms of the general public. It got me fired up! I instantly had the desire to share more natural and less stressful forms of birthing with women all over the planet. Women shouldn't have to enter into pregnancy with fear, worry and doubt just because someone else experienced that "version". Our society is being programmed to accept the tv shows and movies's version of birth. A women will enter into the birthing process with fear right off the bat if showed nothing but other women's massive freak outs, scratching, screaming, agonizing pain and intervention to the rescue. This false picture of what birthing really is and what could be, leaves little room for another "outcome" to be the "norm". Actually enjoying birth or the potential that HEY! maybe she can do this natural after all and feel loved and nurchured in the process IS infact a reality Heck! We were built for birth and dang it...we've been at it since the beginning of time with no sterile face masks, gloves, needles, and certainly not flat on our backs in a stiff bed not able to move!

I noticed in Born in USA with the exception of the home birthing momma, not a single laboring women was in the squatting position which happens to be a very helpful position to help guide the baby's head on through the mother's pelvis with gravity. Why didn't the doctors suggest this to the laboring women? I was hoping they did and just not film it. However, there they were on their backs, stuck on the bed and hooked up to monitors, IV and other equiptment. (One women was concidered low risk and still connected to all this crap) Of course the position and all the cords would not help cope with the sensations of birth! How could any women relax and let go? The movie mentioned that some culture's find it offensive to be on all fours odd to tone with their voices, and un-lady like to squat for birth. ARE you SERIOUS! So you mean to tell me the obvious position of being upright in a squat so gravity can help is viewed as not so nice, but laying flat on your back, legs strapped into stirrups and 5 people peering in on your vagina with plastic shields over their faces is totally fine and normal?? wow. That "picture" is the picture given to us in the "movies" our whole lives and it does happen in real life! I was upset and I felt sadness for the women in the documentary which represents a hugs number of women that deal with this as "normal" everyday in the USA!

Momma Mango's Manifesto: I would love to see truely empowering birthing classes that dig into the "untraditional" methods and offer it to every single pregnant Goddess. These classes would teach breathing techniques, beautiful movement and that it is natural and OK to sway those hips, squat, vocalize, visualize and be primal in the birthing process. I see a birthing class where instead of concentrating on all the drugs they an be doped up on, they concentrate on all magic their bodies are designed for and encourage ways the body can relax and truely birth naturally. I believe that cultivating these somewhat lost yet basic natural instincts would lift the layer so that all women would realize that maybe, juts maybe they can do this and they are this rightous and most gorgeous goddess in the birthing process!

From a young age, if we were all taught that birth is sacred, poweful, magical and yes full of sensation that may be intense at times.....I believe we would have a very different world! A world where more women stepped into their power and other women rejoiced in lifting one another up!
mmm...that feels so good!

Raw Recipe: Carrot cake shake

2009-11-19T14:13:00.000-08:00

“C” is for cake! Carrot that Is!

I have been big into smoothies lately mostly because I prefer to drink my food rather than sit down and eat it, being so close to my due date! There is little room in there these days, but there is always room for carrot cake shake!
With fall and winter flavors making their ways into my daily foodie routine I craved a morning smoothie that would deliver the nutrition I have been used to as well as boldly take the place of my orange-banana green smoothie. Mmmm…who can say no to cake first thing in the mornin’? This smoothie is the real deal! Delicious, nutritious and very simple to make! Enjoy!
Originally from Asia, the mighty carrot is easily assimilated by our bodies even left raw; with numerous health benefits. (Why am I not surprised that ever fruit or vegetable has amazing health benefits!) Chinese practitioners say that carrots are not only a tasty sweet root vegetable; it is good for the health of spleen and stomach. It is also believed to improve impotence (lower sexual drive), sexual dysfunction, night blindness, long term cough (or call hundred days cough in Chinese medical prescription) besides strengthening kidney and eliminating excessive wind and cold in our body. Can you turn orange from too many carrots? Sure…but that would take A LOT!
When picking carrots, try shopping at your local farmer’s market and seek out the organic, smaller, more “rustic” stubby and fat carrots. Over the past 150 years of modern day agriculture, carrots have been hybrid (altered genetically) to be the size of walking sticks! Most if not all hybrid produce is a far cry from what nature intended, yet still fine to eat. No need to completely avoid hybrid produce like carrots, juts be aware that these foods should be enjoyed minimally and that if you have a choice for the OG (Original) v.s the perfectly nubby carrots: go that route! Hybrid foods do contain a little more sugar than the non hybrids. Again, awareness is fine. Fanaticism isn’t. Now, back to the cake part!

Get 111 more recipes in Melissa E Book HERE!

Carrot cake shake Serves 1
1 c ice
1 small ripe banana (Frozen is suggested for thicker texture)
½ c fresh carrot juice
½ c almond milk OR: ( ½ c water + 1/3 c soaked cashews)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ TB Pumpkin pie spice
3 big, juicy medjool dates pitted
Place all ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth
Garnish with ground pecan pieces and cinnamon

* Optional health-nut kick: Add ½ tsp of Spirulina if you need a boost of protein. This may slightly change up the flavor, but deliver the nutrition you deserve.

To nab a copy of Melissa’s Amazing E-book Click HERE!
A total of 112 delicious recipes! Nut free & agave free options!

xxMelissa

Due date, doc visit and food cravings update

2009-11-18T19:23:00.000-08:00

The visit with our OB/ Midwife yesterday went well. I saw her on the 17th of Nov. on the day she gave me as my official "due date". The due date is an interesting topic for me, I am so glad you brought it up! I remember when I first went in for care and the nurses were trying to calculate my due date based on the last day of my period. Apparently this is just how they do it. Funny thing is and I hope you don't mind me sharing this bit with you: The due date they were giving me I was resistant to accept for the simple fact that one needs to have sex in order to become pregnant right! As the nurse was calculating the date for me, I was explaining to her that she can not count my "last period dates" because I was not sexually active at that time, so how could I possibly be pregnant???

The two different nurses I saw totally ignored my comments almost as if I was speaking Japanese or a total idiot. It was too funny. I was upset and annoyed at first because I do in fact think it is silly to count days of pregnancy when there couldn't possibly be a fertilized egg! Then I just laughed at the ridiculous of it all. Why am I counting a week or two of pregnancy that couldn't possibly of happen? Oh well, Ill let then play their game and calculate away on their Iphones.

Nov 17th was the due date they gave me and I knew better so I made my own date based on factual-sexual contact! =)

The rest of my check up yesterday went well. My midwife told me that I am currently dilated to 2 cm! She said that this means my body is preparing yet it does promise I will go into labor anytime real soon. She did mention that it is common for women to dilate from 1-3 cm and stay there for 2 or so weeks! Before our time was up, she said there was no need to book anymore appointments. Hint hint....

The past few days I have preparing the house for guests and baby, sunbathing, sleeping and working on my new ebooks! People often ask me in these final days of waddle

"Are you nervous?!

Truthfully, I am not nervous eventhough I joke about it and make scary faces when asked if I am getting an epidural. I am more excited about my own body's birthing process and curious about how it will all go first hand. In preparation for this great unknown, I have read many uplifting birth stories online, viewed home videos on YouTube of women laboring in their bathtubs and beds, watched movies on water birth, orgasmic births and conscious birthing techniques. Over the past few months I have read all kinds of interesting articles from Elimination Communication, to A Lotus birth all part of the many facets of natural child birth. I know that all of this information has been wonderful and encouraging resources, however my experience will be all its own! Yeah! So excited!

FOOD!? YES! New developments in the topic of food and my pregnancy has taken place.

A few months into my High Raw-Vegan pregnancy I began to crave eggs and raw-goats cheese in a major way. I made the decision to eat these foods and to my initial suprise, felt absolutely amazing as a result! I am guessing it was due to the combinations and the frequency I was eating these new foods, as well as the other fresh foods in my diet. For example, I would poach one or two eggs and enjoy them over a nice green salad instead of toast or pancakes. I would typically do this once or twice a week. This felt very balancing for me personally and I let go of my personal judgements I had about incorporating non raw-vegan foods into my diet. I had fully intended on having a High Raw Vegan Pregnancy and was excited to write about it and share it with the world! I learned I had to go with the flow and love myself as well as my process no matter what changed or shifted from my origional "plan" and expectations. What can I say? The additions to my diet just felt right so I sought out high quality local eggs and prepared these foods with much love coupled with amazing fresh greens!

When I first introduced these foods in, I didn't share that info with anyone except family and my OB for fear of not living up to my "raw status" as a coach and chef in the movement. I quickly realized that I was being too hard on myself and that it was ok! Whatever I was doing was A-OK.

To my relief I found there were and still are many "raw women" out there that once they became pregnant..everything changed. They too added foods like fresh eggs, raw goats cheese and other whole foods such as quinoa and steamed veggies. Some of these women have shared their stories to encourage other mommas and some have chose to keep their pregnancy dietary "changes" to themselves due to the risk of being judged by the Raw World. Sadly I think this is mostly because men or women who have never been pregnant could not possibly understand a mother to-be's reasons for adding certain foods that are not in the raw-vegan category during pregnancy. and who wants to have to explain themselves when being a role model in the raw food realms? This topic I will go into at a later time. <3

For my entire pregnancy, almost like clockwork, I religiously enjoyed green smoothies every morning that had spirulina, fresh kale from our garden, local oranges and a ripe banana. I also for the first time ever- craved fresh nut milk drinks from cashews, almonds and sometimes brazil nuts. I chowed down lots of other various raw salads/dishes throughout the day. I felt excellent! I felt strong and awesome! Then shift happened!

Sometime last week I noticed a shift in my food cravings/needs. It started with a dream I had where my baby boy told me something like "momma...I have had enough eggs and raw cheese, I don't need it anymore."

I woke up from this dream, and was grinning! There was a noticeable shift inside me that I could not ignore. From that moment I had no desire for eggs nor cheese so I followed that feeling.

I have also noticed a drop in my appetite in the sense that instead of say 4 to 5 small meals and snacks a day, I only eat two meals and a snack. I feel fine, I feel satisfied. I feel different! YES!

I feel as though my baby inside is fully developed and ready to hatch therefor his needs nutritionally have shifted and my body is responding. I am so grateful for my body's intelligence!

Other amazing high raw conscious mommas I have been in contact with have shared with me similar stories about food I am excited to see how my body shifts once I begin breastfeeding! I hear it's a gunna be a fun ride!

Oh goodie! Ill let you know how it goes!

xxMelissa

The Anti-Nut Gut way to go!

2009-11-14T13:31:00.001-08:00

A few months back I did a 5 minute interview with Shea Lynn Baird, organizer of the Monday night live events at Cafe Gratitude. She is an amazing woman who organized inspirational speakers to come to Cafe G every single monday for FREE!

After our 5 minute teaser phone interview, I did an hour talk at the cafe in detail how we can all gain balance within the raw food lifestyle.

Say Bye Bye to the ever-popular Nut-Gut I see a lot of raw foodist sporting these days unfortunatly. Success without distress!

Listen in on why so many Live-Food enthusiasts lose their enthusiasm! and how you can soar on Live Foods!

LISTEN HERE

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Honest Meals: What parents consider food

2009-11-13T14:12:00.000-08:00

Honest Meals:

I have a few close girl friends back home who have one or two babies either breastfeeding or eating adult foods by now. All of my friends have seen me go through my transition towards more live foods over the past 8 years and have been intrigued about the whole deal but thought it was too extreme therefor not interested in applying any of the info I would share.
Wanting me to be proud of her, my friend Emily boasted about drinking “Naked” brand Juices and feeding her baby the “Organic” version of Gerber foods as fulfilling nutritional requirements for herself, her baby and her unborn only 12weeks into gestation. Emily, like most parents in the general public today, (me included 8 years ago) are under the impression that eating healthier means choosing whole wheat cereals, canned soups with less “fat” or sodium, brown bread verses the spongy white and making your own pizza from scratch instead of calling up Dominos for delivery. Some of these options are “better” yes; however there is plenty of room for improvement. I have realized just how much more information is needed to steer mommas towards truly healthier ways to not only feed their babies better but nourish themselves on a deep cellular level. Many parents are mislead on what is best for their children through creative advertising campaigns, commercials and poor public information about what is really food.
Now, eating an all raw food diet may seem a bit extreme to take on, but there is no need to feel intimidated. I invite all parents to just take a educated look at the types of foods in their fridges and cabinets and then take easy steps to improve the quality. This is not about taking on a all raw food diet, or even an all vegetarian diet. This it is about introducing more fresh, wholesome and alive foods and removing the junk.

How and what we eat has been taught to us mostly by the “industries” and food companies. What we percieve as "food" MUST be re-evaluated.

1. Canned and bottled foods are dead foods period. The nutritional information on the back of these packaged foods are measuring the nutrition of the fruits and vegetables before they were preserved. Once these foods are canned or bottled for preservation, they offer nothing but flavor. This is because once a food is cooked, canned or oxidized in preparation; it loses most if not all nutrition.
What to do: Blend your own baby foods fresh in a blender, food processor or baby food mill. Use fresh and ripe fruits, vegetable and even a tiny bit of seasoning. You can find recipe ideas to get you started free online. Purchase a case of small ball jars to store these fresh creations in so that you have them handy for convenience. This will take you literally 10 minutes twice a week to have a stock of fresh baby food available to your child. They are so worth it!

2. Plan simple. Receive complex mineralization! A well balanced dinner does not have to include the whole food pyramid scam. A well balanced meal is simply a meal that offers high nutrition. One or two dinner items are sufficient in feeding your family especially if these dishes are made of fresh wholesome foods.
What to do: A huge dinner salad made with mixed greens, leafy lettuces and or spinach with avocado, tomato, cucumbers and sprouts served with a side of cooked and seasoned lentils, quinoa or wild rice is a perfect meal! There is protein from greens and quinoa, and plenty of other rich minerals found in the fresh greens and vegetables. Eating this way may be very different than what you are used to offering your family. I invite you to try something new all for the purpose of feeding them right!
If your family is not quite ready to go all vegetarian (without meat) that is totally fine. Maybe go all veg a few nights a week as a test run or general practice. When you do cook meat, serve small portions with a large fresh salad to help digest. (bread with meat is a “sticky” internal situation and hard to digest) Most children do not have a taste for meat products. These preferences are taught to them thru repeated feedings from eager parents. Do not worry if your child is getting “enough” protein. They are getting plenty as long as you are feeding them fresh fruits and vegetables.
Eating more simple meals save big bucks as well as digest easily in you and your child’s bellies.

3. Boxed verses Real foods: Of course boxed foods are convenient and even fun to pack into lunch boxes. You must realize that anything on a shelf in a box is seriously lacking nutritionally and a waste of your money.
What to do: No matter what the colorful and catchy label says to sell you the product, think logically and rationally. Foods that have been man-made are no comparison to fresh whole foods found in the produce section. The bulk of your everyday meals should come from fresh produce not cardboard boxes and cans. Cans and boxes are cheaper and last longer yes. But at what cost to your health? HUGE!
If you want to indulge in a cookie here and there or make some brownies, go for it. But do not rely on this stuff for fuel, nutrition or as a true meal.
French fries, Cheerios, Mickey Mouse cheese sammich or a canned bean and cheese enchilada off the kids menu is not going to cut it nutritionally as a balanced meal for your child. Your baby’s are better off eating a single apple, orange slices or handful of grapes as a meal. And more times than not, a child will eat just that intuitively. If your child eats a few bites of fruit or fresh veggies and takes off to play again, let them. Their little stomachs are only the size of their fists and if they get hungry again, they will be back for more nibbles. There is no need to force them to eat more “bulk” or to eat foods void in nutrients just to “fill them up”. Parents must make the connection and feel confident that fresh foods grown from the ground are nutrient dense and will nourish their child far better! A little goes a very long way!

Examples of easy trade outs for superior nutrition:

Old option VS Better option

Instead of : bottled juices/drinks spend your cash on Fresh fruits blended in the blender or Home fresh pressed OJ.

Toss out the boxed Pastas and try Quinoa or wild rice.

Instead of Boxed dry cereals make Quick & Fresh granola (recipe in last blog post).

Instead of your regular Wheat or white Bread reach for Ezekiel brand sprouted bread.
Cows milk can and should be swapped out for Rice milk. Home-made nut milk (recipe). We are no baby calves! Instead of the normal routine of Meat based tacos try use More sauteed vegetables or nut meats (recipe).
Canned marinara sauce is nothing compared to Freshly blended marinara (recipe) .
Spaghetti noodles can easily be traded for better option called Kelp noodles . When warmed and added to any dish they are amazing and very low calorie!

Curious cat? Get Melissa's Ebook HERE!

XX Melissa

How you like ‘dem apples!? Quick Winter Apple Granola Recipe

2009-11-09T17:58:00.000-08:00

Winter fruits are my absolute favs! For the next few months we are going to indulge in the pleasures of several varieties of apples being at their best and most vibrant state! Why? Because they are in season! Produce is so much more vibrant and delicious when enjoyed in the right time of year. I notice for myself, I snub apples thru the rest of the year yet once fall and winter are here I am sniffin’ them out like an apple monster, fondling each variety and scouting for the perfect one to crunch into.
A few common varieties that are at their peak in November are Lady, Pippin, Liberty, and McIntosh. When picking apples you want to go for organic first of all for obvious reasons. Locally grown apples are a treat if you have that opportunity and you need choose those varieties that are in season for the best flavor and texture. At a glance, look for a nice, solid and colorful apple. Imperfections or lack of shine is no biggie they are only “grocery store cosmetic conditioning”. Those apples are usually the treasures over the waxy or “oddly perfect looking ones”. The perfect apple should not have any soft spots when gently squeezing it. Most health food stores will offer the perfect apple during the winter months so don’t be shy to ask the produce clerk which variety they think is best. Typically they love giving samples to customers who ask.
Like all food grown out of the ground, apples have great health benefits! This fist-sized snack that needs little or no preparation is packed with health-boosting properties :
Help protect bone health
Help prevent asthma, heart disease, and cancers such as lung, breast, colon, and liver
New research also suggests that the phyto nutrient called quercetin may help to prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinsonism
Pectin in apples can help to lower LDL cholesterol
Good for diabetes and weight management
Good source of vitamin C
Good source of soluble and insoluble fiber
Excellent source of flavanoids and antioxidantsRead more: http://food-facts.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_nutritional_value_of_apples#ixzz0WPwR4IUJ

If you are like me and prefer not to dehydrate your snacks because of time or personal preference or the fact that you do not have a dehydrator, this recipe is for you! This granola is so simple to make and is very satisfying for a power packed breakfast and time of the day! Enjoy!

Quick Winter Apple Granola Serves 6
6 apples cored and roughly chopped
1 loose cup of dates pitted
1 c sprouted almonds
Pulse above ingredients in a food processor until well combined and mixture resembles granola in texture. Do not puree.
Place ingredients in large bowl, then fold in
1 c large style coconut flakes
½ c goji berries
1 tsp Pumpkin pie seasoning
2-3 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of pink salt
1 tsp vanilla powder
3 TB cacao nibs (optional) crunch
3 TB dry mulberries (optional)

Store granola in sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Serve with fresh almond or cashew milk or sprinkle over yogurt or your fav smoothie for an added meal boost.

For more delicious recipes get Melissa’s amazing E-book here!

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Sunn Rooibos-Cinnamon latte

2009-11-06T19:16:00.000-08:00

Warming the heart fall beverage:

Rooibos-cinnamon Latte. Dairy and sugar free! All raw-Vegan
Fall is full on and I am feeling the need to curl up on the couch with a warm frothy beverage and a heart-warming flick! Why get in the car and drive to a coffee shop when I can prepare a much healthier version of my latte I use to indulge in quite frequently.
Because of the pregnancy, I prefer to go caffeine and dairy free, so in this recipe I love to use Rooibos tea which is fantastic. My favorite brand is provided by a company out of Eagle Idaho called Sunn. I am sure you can use any brand if Sunn is not available in your health food store.
Rooibos is sometimes referred to as red bush tea, providing great hydration, replenishes electrolytes, a natural detoxifier and super energizing without the caffeine jitterz. Interesting enough It also shows anti-mutagenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activity. Rooibos is a legume from the Cedarberg Mountains in South Africa. It began its modern history around the turn of the 20th century, when local inhabitants discovered that the fine needle-like leaves made a delicious and aromatic beverage. Little did they know the amazing qualities.
Rooibos is said to slow the aging process! Well that is great news! The aging of our bodies is caused by toxic compounds called free radicals which are produced as a by-product of normal cell function. These free radicals attack our healthy cells and over our lifetime, will contribute to aging and a weakened immune system . This is why it is so important to keep the electrolytes and antioxidants into our daily routines.

Recently, Japanese scientists have found that Rooibos tea contains a mimic of the enzyme Super Oxide Dismutase (S.O.D.), an antioxidant which attacks the free radicals and limits their damaging effects.
Rooibos also helps to relieve stomach ulcers, nausea, constipation, and heartburn.

Rooibos-Cinnamon Latte Serves 1
Step1: Steep 1 bag of Sunn™ Rooibos tea into 2 c of water. Then place in high speed blender.
Step 2: Add remaining ingredients and blend on high for 1 minute. When you leave it to blend, a natural frothie texture will appear and be the perfect topper to your delight! Yummmm
2 TB soaked cashews
2 large, soft and juicy medjool dates pitted
½ tsp vanilla powder or vanilla extract
½ tsp cinnamon
Tiny pinch of pink salt
Pour into your favorite over-sized coffee mug or mason jar and smile!

Find more delicious and healthy recipes in Melissa’s Ebook All raw All good!

Raw Foods & Pregnancy: Avoiding deficiencies

2009-09-15T14:25:00.000-07:00

Sitting in the pastel colored office of “Dr. G” waiting for my first prenatal exam I had a gut feeling I was in the wrong place. “Dr. G” is a MD/ OB who shutters at the mere whisper of words like natural birth, home delivery, water birth, midwifery, etc. I didn’t even mention to her my diet choices of high raw for fear of a colorful debate. After three what appeared to be a waste of insurance money-visits to her un-supportive to my personal needs- office I made the decision to go elsewhere. Due to my insurance plan’s coverage I was unable to have the privilege of a home for the awaited November birth. To our relief we had the option of The Sutter Birthing Center where they are fully staffed with licensed Midwives, and actively initiate more natural birthing methods with water tubes, specialty beds, stools and ropes. Even though they do offer C-section surgeries, epidurals and emergency surgeries, I felt well supported. The Center is free of noisy intercoms, white walls and the token lame cafeteria. Sutter offers private plush rooms that look more like luxury hotel rooms with large jet tubs, shady balconies and stereo systems for your plug in Ipod music for the mood. I exhaled in relief. This was a beautiful option to our original Home Birth dream.
Visits with my new OB/ Midwife Dr.”A” & her partner “T”, were routine so I am told. I tried not to get offended when they asked me to take a gestational diabetes test and other blood work to insure I was healthy. One month prior to this visit I had some tests done back at “Dr G’s” that showed my blood was dynamic and I was clean as a whistle. G’s office was surprised by my results given the fact they knew I didn’t eat meat. This was a strange and dangerous concept to them. After getting my test results from the diabetes screening, Dr A’s partner had a different opinion. She said I was borderline anemic and that I needed to get on supplementation right away and even suggested I eat meat to make up the difference. I declined her offer to write me a prescription for something generic from the standard pharmacy and polity asked what other optioned I had.
“You’re a vegetarian right?” She prodded while listening to the baby’s heart beat through a monitor.
I hesitated for a moment keeping in mind I didn’t want her to be alarmed I was eating primarily fruits and vegetables.
“Yes…yes I am.”
She looked a bit disappointed “Where do you get your iron?”
“All leafy greens have iron!” I answered “couldn’t I drink a few fresh green juices a day to get enough?”
“Where is the scientific proof that will work?” she asked adjusting her glasses and grinning as if I had said something completely outlandish.
Her response was disappointing to me. At that moment I knew once again that my inner voice and intuition was right on track with my dietary choices. According to these test results what made me borderline anemic and how could I remedy the situation in a realist manner and still follow a cleaner diet for my baby?
In closing to my visit, “T” mentioned to me her experience with vegetarian mothers and that most of them were very unhealthy. She went on to say “They don’t eat meat but they eat chips, breads, cakes and doughnuts.” I understood where she was coming from. She was placing me in a category of her experiences of the standard junk food vegetarians and the poor unbalanced choices they make especially during pregnancy. I assured her I eat lots of leafy salads, fresh fruits and super foods along with my New Chapter prenatal vitamins.
I found out most if not all women who are pregnant experience iron deficiencies, so I was not out of the ordinary. This is because when a woman becomes pregnant, her blood volume increases to help support the growth of a new being! Since iron is needed for the production of hemoglobin (an oxygen carrying protein in red blood cells), if pregnant women don't have enough iron it leads to anemia. It is suggested you need about 30-60 mg of elemental iron during pregnancy a day.
Symptoms of anemia are fatigue, weakness, irritability, short of breath and fainting spells. There's some research that shows babies of anemic mothers are at a higher risk for prematurity as well as risks for the mother during labor.
Most doctors and magazines will advise mothers to eat more meat to make up for the need of more iron. If you are like me, and prefer to go vegetarian or the high raw route here are ways to get balanced and be sure there is no need to be freaked out about not getting enough iron.

Bread is Dead: Like “T” mentioned, most vegetarian proudly drop the meat, yet pick up the bread, and refined processed foods to feel full and get the recommended whole grains in. This is a very common slippery slope. Drop the meat, but pick up on loads of fresh or lightly steamed vegetables, fresh fruits and maybe a little steamed quinoa. Quinoa is a great clean food that is a complete protein as well as light on the digestion. Breads today do not offer anything but a clogged colon and pasty completion.

Eat more fruits and Veggies!: Dried fruits such as apricots are great sources of iron, and they're easy to snack on. Be sure to only eat a handful so you stay hydrated and keep the bowels “flowing”. Large amounts of dry fruit can not only hurt your teeth, but be very dehydrating especially during pregnancy.
Other good sources of iron include spinach, pumpkin, collards, kale and turnip greens. Beans such as green peas, sprouted lentils and chick-peas are also good sources of iron. Now I am going to offer the same advice that was given to me by another raw mother just recently. During her pregnancy she went to a local organic farmer and purchased eggs. She blended one in her nut milk everyday and that seem to work for her. I was squeamish and a bit judgmental at first, yet now I understand and respect that if having an organic, truly range-free egg a day keeps momma’s iron and other nutritional needs up, I am supportive of that. Eggs are a complete food, so it is up to the individual where they stand with eating eggs.
Most fruits and vegetables have nonheme iron, which is why “T” wasn’t a big fan. These foods are a little harder for the body absorb so it's very important that you take these iron-rich foods with iron helpers such as Vitamin C so your body absorbs the iron rather than flushing it away.
My secret iron boost is spirulina. I try to do at least 3 tsp a day on salads, in smoothies or stirred into fresh juices.

Eating food high in Folic acid is key as well to prevent anemia and insure your baby is free from potential birth defects. For a folic acid boost, enjoy foods like fresh organic peanut butter on celery, asparagus, collards wraps, sprouted almonds (pate’), ripe peaches, oranges, bananas, marinated broccoli, and wild mushrooms such as shiitake.

Increase the “C”: It's not enough to just increase the amount of iron you eat; you also need vitamins that will help you absorb the iron. Vitamin C is a great "helper" in iron absorption. Try drinking a glass of fresh, non pasteurized orange juice or using OJ as a base in your smoothies as you eat foods high in iron. If you can't stomach that due to morning sickness, add a side of brightly colored vegetables such tomatoes or bell peppers to your meal.Steer clear: You can be eating all the right foods, however known that there are foods that can decrease your absorption shouldn't be taken with iron-rich foods. Calcium and caffeine both decrease the absorption of iron. To best insure you are absorbing iron properly, avoid food items such as caffeinated teas, all animal milks, soy protein, and coffee to name a few. While you shouldn't cut calcium out of your diet, a better solution is to enjoy calcium rich foods between your meals so that your body can fully absorb the iron. See nut milk recipe below.
Fresh Live Foods rich in calcium such as sesame or sunflower milk, parsley, fresh figs, dandelion greens are among the many choices you can feast on. There is no need to be fanatical, just be aware of what foods and in what combinations you are eating to best serve you and your little one.

Over the past six months I have become more and more comfortable with my natural ability to use my best judgment when it comes to my nutritional needs during pregnancy. Deciding to take a truly more unconventional-natural route with fresh live foods especially during pregnancy takes great care and knowledge. Educating yourself on your food choices and being prepared for the occasional skeptical doctor is important. I found that it is easier not to argue or try to battle the “system” and the opinions of the average doctor, rather take full responsibility and go for it! The doctors have a reason to be concerned because most mother-to-be vegetarian that stroll into their office are not balanced and it stuffs the rest of “us” into an uneducated/junk food vegetarian category.
Needing scientific proof that fresh fruits and vegetables have what it takes to feed my body right during my pregnancy is not my concern. I have all the proof I need when what happens when you do not consume fresh foods as a lifestyle choice and that happen to suffer from bloating, pale skin, weight gain, diseases, deficiencies and other lack of health foods related issues. These issues can easily be taken care of through a high mineral rich diet, adequate rest, proper hydration and of course belief. Making sure your pregnancy is a healthy one is not simply a matter of consuming the commonly recommended diet of 2500 calories, tons of meat for iron and so on. A pregnant woman’s daily calories need to be of high quality and nutrient dense from whole natural and plant based foods. Your must source your nutritional needs from a large variety of fresh foods.
If you are a woman who hopes to have a healthy child someday or as an expecting mother, stand strong in your decision to take great care of your health and diet choices during your pregnancy. No need for fanaticism or fit into a hardcore “ideal”, simply use common sense when choosing foods for fuel and building blocks. It is every woman’s responsibility to tap into her primal instincts and feel confident in her decision to thrive on primarily fresh, live foods which will give her baby the greatest gift!

Melissa Mango
MelissaMangosGreenCuisine.blogspot.com
Kitchen Tips: For a nutritious, energizing and clean breakfast, I personally recommend making a huge green smoothie that includes the following:
1.) A base such as nut milk, water, or Orange juice
2.) Fresh, ripe and seasonal fruits such as peaches, berries, mangos, pears.
3.) 1 tsp spirulina
4.) 1 leaf of kale, collard, rainbow chard or big handful of wild lambs quarters.
5.) If you need it to be sweeter, try using bananas, mangos or a few drops of stevia or a touch of raw honey
This smoothie below is packed full of iron, contains vitamin C for smooth absorption as well as mega protein fit for your baby.
Have at least one glass of fresh sesame milk (the highest source of live food calcium) with vanilla, cinnamon and sweetened with stevia or honey 2-3 hrs after breakfast, an hour before a meal or whenever you need a snack.

Perfect smoothie Recipe
Mango kisses Serves 2
1 c mango
1 large banana
1 orange peeled, seeded
1 c lambs quarter greens
Or 2 handfuls of kale
Blend well, enjoy!

Get Motivated! Book review.

2009-08-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Raw Food and Lifestyle Book. By Marcus Rothcrans

Im a firm believer that if you want results...seek out those who have the results that you desire! Why take health advise from sickly, pastey, overweight people with a fancy pill or book to sell? And trust me, there are plenty of charlettins out there trying to sell their crap-ola to people that just want results and to live better.

I met Marcus a few years back through web surfing, chatting as well as hearing him at the The Raw Spirit Festival in Sedona 2 yrs ago. First of all, the 40 something guy is Hot! I mean..really great looking and in serious shape! I remember scrolling through Marcus's web site Go Raw Now and thinking IS THIS GUY FOR REEEEAL! How cheesy! His web site reminds me of an high budgeted slash infomercial/ graphic puke party with some great footage of him and his tan muscules. You could tell right off the bat that this guy was in showbiz and theatrics. Well done marcus! Amongst the fluff, flash and dash there is some great info the average American needs to hear and see! There are interviews of the successes that people have had taking on a Live Foods Diet and I think that is great!

Yes the web site is a bit over the top, however this guy is livng it, breathing it...and is rockin'!

In person Marcus is very sweet, motivating and a "cut to the chase" kinda guy when it came to speaking about The Raw Lifestyle. I was so happy to hear that he put a book together of a well rounded, practical way to thrive on Live foods no matter what platform you are starting from.

The Raw Food and Lifestyle Book is modivating, action packed with information and a no-nonsense guide to get results like yesterday!

Click here to visit HealthCures101.com website!' Get a copy and start looking and feeling amazing!

Blackberry Season and some routine testing..

2009-08-14T13:25:00.000-07:00

Today I get to go in for a "routine" so they say, gestational diabetes screening. Now when I was first given the paper work to go this done from my OB, I thought.."Are you nuts!" I don't have diabetes..and my baby certainly does not and will not have that issue!

The nurse told me that when a women is pregnant her blood sugar is all over the place, no matter how healthy they eat. Hmmmm..

I guess this is yet another hoop I must leap through because I am after all seeing a hospital midwife which is covered by my insurence.

My midwife Kris, is actually very down to earth, encouraging and has given birth to both her babies at home (2o yrs ago). So she does not have the mindset that hospitals/brightlights/conventioanl medicine is the way to go. Pheww
I will tell you later about my last Ob I was seeing that was not so encouraging...eeee Let's just say that is why I am no longer with her and moved over to Kris.

Back when Kris gave birth there were not many women taking a more natural route, so home birth was her savior!
Today we have wonderful places like birthing centers, birth networks and a whole movement of women encouraging other women into bringing their little one's into this world by ways in which we were designed and are capable of doing. Naturally!

So, I guess I don't mind being poked and proded just a little as long as I can still enjoy the miracle and power of natural birthing.
Earlier this morning I went foraging for Blackberries for my routine walk then morning smoothie! Dahveed (Baby's Daddy and of couse my lover ) and I picked about 3 cups of juicy berries on the side of an abandon road near our house in Santa Cruz. We go at least 4 times a week in the morning and each time there is a gold mine of berries to be feasted on! This beats the 6.00 pack in the store!
It's important that we get more greens into our diets especially if we are carrying a little one. My breakfast smoothies have been fruit based and included wild greens growing in our back yard! Freeee! The smoothies have been suprisingly amazing and really satisfying.

Here is our eat-more-greens but not taste it Black berry smoothie recipe .

Blackberry Shake serves 2+ little one

3 c fresh blackberies

2 c pure water

Gently blend then strain in nutmilk bag and place liquid back into blender.

Then add:

1/2 dropper of vanilla cream stevia

2 ripe bananas

1 leaf of swiss chard or 2 leaves of kale de-stemmed

6-10 leaves of lambsquarters

Blend well. enjoy!

I am off to get poked for my screening test....this smoothie is going to keep me going for a few hours! They say I can't eat for 3 hrs. Should be good!

xxMelissa Mango

MOTHER'S INTUITION : New-trition

2009-07-31T13:05:00.000-07:00

The week I found out I was pregnant in Feb 09 I was over-joyed, scared, curious, anxious and friggen hungry! Wow what a surge of "feelings" to experience all at once. As a predominately "rawFoodist" or what I like to call "High-Raw"advocate, I was experiencing some interesting cravings already.
"Gimmie the Mexican Food!" my body demanded.
After giving in a few times to my inner Mexican demands at a local Organic Mexican restaurant, I thought why the heck am I craving this stuff I rarely eat anymore? Tons of Cheese, re fried beans and soft warm tortillas? My mother along with many others suggested that I must have a nutritional need that my body is trying to make up for since I am now building a baby. The fact I need more "building blocks" makes total sense to me however blocks from processed dairy, canned beans and the oh so sinful soft melt-in-your-mouth tortilla? really? I wasn't going to argue but I was not going to just eat whatever.
My school of thought about your average super market's pasteurized dairy products is that dairy is highly mucus forming (especially cow) and that it digests slow in the body, makes one sleepy and of course leaches calcium from the bones. Hmm....my body knows better than this right?
With a mouth stuffed with the most delicious veggie and cheese burrito I could reach, I thought to myself...there has got to be more to these cravings! If I keep going at this rate I am going to have corners on my butt and it won't be due to "healthy pregnancy weight gain".

After a few weeks or so I began experiencing morning sickness. Oh goodie! My morning sickness took place most of the day at odd times. I was told that morning sickness was the body's natural way of wanting to cleanse the liver for the baby and that I should drink 1 liter of room temp water with lemon to aid this "flush" first thing in the morning. I was also instructed by experienced moms, close friends and my partner Dahveed to eat little bites of food all day and even in the middle of the night to rid the morning sickness. I force-snacked myself only few times and that wasn't working for me. Fact was, I could not stand the thought of food most of the day, so I just ate lighter. What was even more confusing is that the thought of anything green like salad, most vegetables made me even sicker. But greens are building blocks of life!

Knowing the vital nutritional value of fresh fruits and vegetables it was hard for me to pass up my normal raw food cuisine and reach for the only thing I could stand to put in my mouth and that was a sprouted bread : Ezekiel toast with tomato, avocado and sometimes a few slices of raw goat cheese. Finally! Something I could eat! And I felt great with my decision.
I continued this way of eating for sum weeks and felt good as long as I didn't over do the cheese or the bread. If I overate the cheese and bead I wouldn't poo for 3 days and I would have mucus in my eyes referred to as "sleepie". Sleepie in the eye is a sign your body is trying to get something out of the system.
I also enjoyed fresh raw vegetable soups made from blended tomatoes, avocado, onion, pink salt, spirulina for protein and other various spices. I usually had red raspberry leaf tea in the mornings, or a fresh fruit smoothie with fresh OJ or almond milk as the base. This routine seem to really work for me. I very rarely ate "Mexican" food and if I did, I would make it at home or have lot sof veggies added and toss the tortilla and rice. I was feeling better about the type of foods I was feeding my unborn child.
As the pregnancy progressed I felt better emotionally and physically. My morning sickness went away and so did my cravings for Mexican flavors. I came to realize that my cravings were not dietary calls for help, it was simply my system calling out for help with coping with the shift to pregnancy. Pregnancy can be a lot for women to adjust to and prepare for. I notice a pattern in my food cravings and it flares the most when I am "stresses" or feeling as tho I have a lot on my mind and need the comforts. This would explain the insane dash to the Mexican restaurant only 2 weeks pregnant.
Instead of reaching for processed, dry and greasy foods I try to make my own soups, lucious salads of fresh fruit smoothies. To relieve tension I try to go for a walk, yoga, or dance. What has been successful for me so far is to have back up plans for when those feelings or emotions arise and have foods ready for an easy transition.
Here are a few tips

1. I keep the fridge stocked with fresh foods you can easily dive into such as ripe juicy fruits, avocados and tomatoes.
2. Have a nice rich salad dressing already made to satisfy the need for something more substantial like a hemp seed ranch dressing.
3. Have sweet little snacks pre-made so you don't need to wait an hour to have what you are craving at the time it is needed. Make raw macaroons, Date and pecan balls or raw chocolate truffles. Recipes can be found on line.

In conclusion: I realize it is my soul responsibility to eat like I give a damn. All women who are carrying babies are responsible for feeding their babies high quality foods so that they too can then live better lives through proper nutrition and healthy eating habits. New-Trition needs to be taught to our children through our practices. This is a matter of choosing the best foods available to you that will insure a healthy prenancy, give you more energy and make childbirth much easier on the body.
If mother's are going to consistantly eat junk all through their pregnancy and expect to feel better, we are fooling ourselves. We must choose pure, clean foods, move our bodies and prepare for giving birth to the next generation who will learn from our example.
What an amazing gift!