Healthy Apple Crumble dessert recipe

What do you say about low glycemic yet decadent desserts? Impossible? I’d say very POSSIBLE! This was the theme for the raw food class at Whole Foods here in Tucson a few days ago and we had an amazing time! 32 people, 4 desserts, and 3 lovely ladies who helped me organize and run the class – Laura Kruszewski from Whole Foods, Rosemarie Alfaro, and Sarah Hart.

Raw Food Passion

Introducing Elaina Love – A raw food passion story of decadence, beauty, and health: One beautiful woman is changing the raw food movement from “broccoli again?” to “holy amazing joy, have you tried that chocolate dessert?!”

16 Ways to Access Pure Joy

Did you know that Joy is your birthright? The only thing that keeps us humans from experiencing it is because we are bogged down by toxins (either physical, emotional or spiritual). Here are some ways I’ve found to get my daily dose of Pure Joy and to keep it coming forever…

Dry Fasting For People Who Want To Be Free (For A While)

Dry fasting (DF) is so fun and so Free-ing! I mean when else can you have no requirement for anything except air? ! I’m at hour 22 of no food, no water, no juice, (I know you want to say no fun) but…YES fun! I don’t feel hungry, I am not thirsty, and I don’t have to pee every hour like I do on juice or water fasts.

It’s a Lovely Day to chose Love

Love is in the air here at Pure Joy Culinary Academy. Ever since I got myself into raw food (many Valentine’s days ago), it has been my mission to share ​Love everywhere I go — through acts of kindness, inspiring words, simple sharing with friends, and most especially through the food that I prepare.

Gorgeous Green Juice

I just finished teaching at Whole Foods in Tucson. Here’s a quick video on how to make Gorgeous Green Juice with just a Vitamix.

Today Is Intermittent Fasting Day

Today is my intermittent fasting day. I fast 2x per week for 32-36 hours each time (or longer if I’m feeling like it). Sundays and Wednesdays are the best days for me. What have I noticed over the last 6 weeks of doing this? 1. I am getting very lean again, especially around my abs and waistline (yay!). 2. I am not as hungry on my fasting and non-fasting days, so I am eating less overall. 3. I feel happier and more energized all the time.

Intermittent Fasting (IF) and How It Compares to Other Fasts

I have been practicing a clean, plant based diet since 1997, and Intermittent fasting has been a big part of my healthy lifestyle. The first fast I ever did was my when I did an Arise and Shine Intestinal Cleanse in 1997. Back then I had no idea what I was really doing, I just followed the instructions that came in the box. Needless to say I do not look back on that cleanse with fondness as I went in blind and had no guidance (other than the book). In 1997 there was no google, no place to research these types of things or to get any kind of support online. Because of my first experience without support, it is my intention to help and support others as much as I possibly can, and to make your journey easier as you cleanse and fast your way to a healthier, leaner and more joyful life.

Eat Local, Eat Seasonal, Eat Less!

When you eat foods that are growing right now and that are local, it helps your body to adjust to the climate you are living in. If you live in the desert (as I do) then nopal cactus, prickly pears, wild greens (otherwise referred to as weeds) can be some of the best foods on the planet when it comes to comforting, healing and nourishing your body. Did you know that mesquite (you’ve probably experienced it as a super food powder that you put in smoothies) is a pod that grows all over Tucson and Phoenix AZ (among other warm/hot places such as Costa Rica) and helps cool the body down? That’s why it’s important to eat them when they are in season (in the summer vs. winter).