Is Eating a 100% Raw Foods Diet Healthy?

Eating a 100% raw and living foods diet is absolutely healthy only if it is done correctly and with the right intentions, however it is not necessary to eat a 100% raw and living foods vegan diet in order to enjoy all of the benefits that it can offer.

A raw and living foods vegan diet is a diet made up of mostly organic and fresh uncooked and unprocessed nuts, seeds, sprouted grains, fruits, vegetables and superfoods. It is a diet that does not advocate for any animal flesh or dairy products. Some would think that it is impossible to eat this way and it is as there are some nuts on the market that say they are 100% raw and living, but actually they are not. Also there are many organic fruits and vegetables on the market that are actually not 100% organic either.

Even though I eat a mostly organic raw foods diet, I do not strongly advocate for anyone eating this way. What I do suggest is that everyone eat as healthy, as organic, and as raw as possible as eating foods that are natural, unprocessed, and living are more gentler to the body and healing. That is basic common sense.

From years and years of experience, I have noticed that people who eat a 100% organic raw foods diet are not necessarily the healthiest looking people and this does not mean that it has anything to do with the diet. There are many other factors at play in determining the reasons behind this. Many people who eat a 100% raw foods diet could be struggling with emotional, metaphysical, mental, and spiritual challenges that directly affect the organs especially the digestive organs in which the digestive organs are extremely important in determining the health of the body. Therefore these other factors could take part in the physical components of breaking down foods and allowing the foods to properly nourish and sustain the body thus still creating disease in the body.

Overall eating a well-balanced diet that caters to your personal tastes and your body's health needs is of the most utmost importance. Embracing change in one's diet is also extremely important as it is not healthy to keep eating the same foods over and over again especially when the seasons change.

Our bodies are constantly changing as we age, as the seasons change, as we change environments, as we change our minds, etc and therefore our needs change as well.

Eat a well-balanced diet, one made up of different colors, textures, etc. Eat foods that are in season. Listen to your cravings as they are telling you what your body needs. And learn to eat different foods constantly. Do not become constipated or stuck on eating according to a rule. That is the worst thing you can do for your body and for your psychological health. And overall embrace change.

10 Top Eco-Sustainable, Green, and Economically Efficient Trends for 2010

The best gift that the current economic state has given to us is that it has exposed all the ills of our planet on a metaphysical, psychic, mental, emotional, spiritual, economic, physical, and social level. Because of the economy, people have been forced to make different decisions about their current lifestyles. Some of these decisions are actually birthing new movements throughout our planet that serve the entire and greater whole as opposed to a small part of the whole. Check out some wonderful trends for 2010 that people are embracing.


* Raw & Living Foods Diet - Because the trend now is eating healthier because everyone has made the connection that our diets are directly connected to how healthy we are, people are especially interested in getting more living foods into their diets. Incorporating living foods into one's diet entails not only transforming your eating habits, but it involves transforming your kitchen, your home, how and with whom you socialize with, and it also transforms your entire life and decision making process. The benefits of a mostly raw and living foods diet are unlimited and it serves the individual, the community, and the environment.

* Alternative Housing - With the mortgage crisis still in effect, people losing their homes, etc, many people have looked into alternative ways of residing and living. I've heard of people purchasing commercial buildings and operating their home-based businesses out of the same place they live as well as taking in relatives and friends to help pay the mortgage. As well I've seen two or more unit families move into multi-family housing units to cut down on costs. Many folks find this to be encumbering however, communal living is going to be the wave of the future starting in 2010.

* Home-based businesses - Now this is a trend that has taken off in so many directions. It is clear that the internet has leveled the playing field when it comes to how we do business. People are now making hundreds of thousands and millions of dollars running home-based businesses via the internet. Home-based businesses cut down on morning traffic in urban cities because people are conducting business at home, it empowers people to create more income and leave a legacy to their children, it feeds and nourishes the individual as we are doing what we love in the comforts of our home and making money from it, it allows us to spend more time with family and children, it creates more income for less work, and it still creates jobs for people.

* Car Sharing - Being bi-coastal as a sun-worshipper of Los Angeles and a homegirl getting back to her roots in Philadelphia, getting around has been challenging until I discovered a wonderful service in Philadelphia called Philly Car Share. Its a non-profit organization that allows people to rent cars on an hourly basis for just running errands. This has been a wonderful way for me to still get around in the city of brotherly love while not having to spend a lot of money. Basically if you don't own a car but you need to just go to the grocery store for an hour, you can rent the car for an hour for really cheap. Philadephia college students use the service a lot as well as elderly people who still drive but cannot afford their own vehicles. This trend can also eventually cut down on traffic, pollution, less stress for the elderly, but most importantly it helps those in need and creates community.

* Green Investing - I'm not a fan of the stock market, however if you are and you are a savvy investor, this would be the way to invest for the future. Every major company is eventually going to have to adopt more greener and holistic practices in their work environments, not because its cool but its becoming extremely necessary and also consumers are demanding environmentally more friendlier practices for the products and services they purchase. The greatest power we have as consumers is our "green" power literally.

* Save More, Spend Less - People are no longer buying into the well-packaged marketing schemes of spending more money now to get the things we want. I think a lot of us have been so burnt by the economy that we actually want to have a nice nest egg not just for emergencies now but also just in case we may want to just stop working for the moment and just relax; a concept that we would have never thought of before. And people are sacrificing luxuries like cable television, newer cars, those coveted electronics, and luxurious vacations instead to save more money, and enjoy our quality of life.

* Starting a non-profit - People have seen how much they have needed help in the past that it has inspired so many of us to start our own non-profits and we are finding ways to pay ourselves by helping other people. What a great concept?

* Growing food in your backyard, front yard, or in your high-rise apartment in NYC - Growing food gives you a sense of power, it is the most healthiest way to eat, its also good for the environment of course, and its a way to share food with others and really combat hunger. You want to combat hunger, teach a man or a woman or a child how to grow their own food. And because of the abundance of Mother Nature, She responds to water, soil, and sunlight like it ain't nobody's business which is why you can grow food anywhere.

* Recycle, Reuse, & Compost - The idea of reusing things is a program that we must download to our psyches. We can no longer afford to be the "throwaway" society that we have been for such a long time and there's no reason for it. We are recycling paper, cans, bottles, plastic, even clothes, shoes, baby carriages, books, computers, cars, etc. You can donate your car to the Salvation Army instead of disposing of it. You can give your computer to a school, a library, or a non-profit. If you know a woman who is having a baby and you have baby clothes, you can bless her with a wonderful gift for her new baby. Composting adds to the environment and it cuts down on waste. Learning the concept of reusing, recycling, and composting is revolutionary.

* Offering Health Services on a sliding scale - Recently I've been seeing an acupuncturist in Philadelphia. I pay $15 for each visit and I get herbs which only costs me $15 as well. So instead of seeing a physician who would have probably cost that same amount for a co-pay if I had health insurance and then sent me home with a prescription for a higher amount and for an inferior product that would not have contributed to my health, I visit a community acupuncture clinic. Its done in a community setting meaning its one big room with reclining chairs and massage tables. You still get the quiet and relaxed atmosphere. Everyone is asleep. You can stay as long as you want which was something that I couldn't do when I received private acupuncture for $50 or more a session and it celebrates how acupuncture was originally performed in China. I've also heard of naturopathic doctors, Reiki specialists, and massage therapists offering their services on a sliding scale on certain days of the week to help more clients, serve a different population, and to also help spread the message that health shouldn't cost much money.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

Nwenna Kai is the author of The Goddess of Raw Foods available for purchase at www.amazon.com and the upcoming children's book, The MoreLove's coming May 2010. You can the FREE e-book Nwenna Kai's Holiday Recipes at her website www.nwennakai.com by signing up for her weekly e-newsletter at her website. She is the previous owner of Taste of the Goddess Cafe, one of LA's pioneering organic raw food cafes. She is the 2007 winner of the Elizabeth Dole Young Entrepreneurial Scholarship sponsored by Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) for her work as a health and wellness entrepreneur. Visit her website at www.the-guide-to-raw-foods.com and her blog at www.theguidetorawfoods.com/blogspot.com.

Fibromygalia & Raw Foods & a FREE colonic for the New Year

As part of an ongoing series about the nature of female reproductive illness disorders, I chose to interview Fatima, a colon hydrotherapist who suffered from fibroids for years until she radically changed her mind about her health and took it upon herself to heal. Enjoy the interview.


NK: When did you first get into raw foods and why?

FLW: I discovered raw foods 3 years ago. At the time, I was Health and Fitness Editor for Inspired Living Magazine. The Publisher pitched the idea of doing a story about the author of a newly released book called The Raw Food Detox Diet. The author was Manhattan based nutritionist Natalia Rose. I remember getting the book and looking at it like it was some foreign object. I had never heard of raw foods nor did I know anyone who lived this way. I decided to set an interview with Natalia for 2 weeks down the line in order to give myself time to review (and possibly find fault in the theory).

I don’t quite know why, but I was quite hostile at the idea of raw foods as a lifestyle. However, I decided to try a bit of the suggestions and protocol from the book and miraculously found myself 12 pounds thinner some 14 days later. This seemed like an amazing feat since I was struggling with uncontrollable weight issues (despite being a ‘health and fitness editor’) that were associated with a hypoactive thyroid. I was all in! The interview suddenly turned into this huge curiosity about so many things such as why I felt so good, why I was sleeping better than I had in years and why I had an elimination of body pain associated with a fibromyalgia diagnosis years before. How has your journey into raw foods benefited you? In 2003, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndromes. This journey has changed the very fabric of my life in that I have been symptom free for 3 years now. I have lost a total of 60 pounds and kept it off. My thyroid is normal. I used to have fibrocystic breastsand severe PMS which are no longer issues. I now have a new sense of purpose that is deeply rooted in a self love, spirituality, balance, acceptance, compassion and a deep sense of joyful contentment. There is no way that a person can indulge in this lifestyle (even a little bit) and not be changed on so many levels. I am grateful that raw found me. It was an answer to prayers for healing.

NK: You are colon hydrotherapist who advocates for raw foods?

FLW: Absolutely! I am indeed a raw foods enthusiast! When working with your clients, do you recommend a raw foods diet and if so, how do you get them started? I generally encourage cutting down on the meat (or soy-based products if they are vegan) and transitioning into raw foods. I try to meet the client on whatever page he or she is on. I am thoughtful of not trying to overwhelm or become overly dogmatic. I am not into indoctrinating people into the ‘Church of Rawligion”. Trust me, there are more than enough members of that sect. However what I do is share my story and allow the fact that they feel better after 2 or 3 colonics to be the launching pad to their curiosity. Once I get a client interested based on having had a favorable experience, I then know that I have their ear and they become more open to the ideas that I present. I am also a raw foods instructor, chef and Holistic Health Consultant so I realize the value of just really listening to the client in order to determine their needs. If I listen really closely and stop trying to push my agenda of raw, I find that the client will always eventually arrive at the place where they want to know more about raw foods.

NK: How does raw foods benefit the colon?

FLW: I find that when we keep it simple in the form our daily intake, the body will really step up to the plate and do the rest. I feel that high levels of raw foods can really allow a person to thrive in terms of colon health.

NK: I love getting colonics. But sometimes I think getting too many of them can be harmful to one's health mostly because after I get a colonic sometimes, I feel drained. Can you talk a bit about any harmful effects that colonics may have on the body or how one should approach getting into a routine with colon hydrotherapy?

FLW: For those who are not familiar with colon hydrotherapy it is also known as colonics, colon irrigation, or high enema. It is a non invasive process which removes waste, impacted fecal material and toxins thus allowing inner cleansing to the colon or large intestine. A soothing flow of purified, warm water is instilled in the colon through a pencil thin nozzle (rectal tube) which is inserted about one inch into the rectum to cleanse and evacuate the contents of the lower colon. The device is designed to allow easy, natural evacuation to take place without the use of pressurized water. We use a gravity fed system which allows the temperature and the flow of water to be safely regulated during the procedure.

I failed also to mention that I get so many “all raw” people who come to me and are terribly constipated. Improper food combining and high levels of dehydrated foods further exacerbate the problem. They assume that because they have been raw for a year or more that they are super clean. But what they fail to realize is that they have not cleansed at a cellular level. The cells generate according to whatever is being put into or has been put into the body. Also, it’s important to understand that the body accumulates toxins from the environment too. We accumulate toxins from the very air that we breathe, the stuff we put on our body in the form of soaps, cosmetics and toiletries. We gather internal toxins from the water that we drink and even the soil that our food is grown in.

It is becoming more obvious that even “organic” food can contain levels of toxicity because of what we have done to our environment. Toxic fumes from chemical plants, smoke etc get into the earht’s atmosphere. When it rains, that stuff goes right back into the soil that our farmers try so hard to maintain the integrity of.

Sure many will argue that it is such a small amount, but when you consider the average life span of humans, and do the math, it results in years of waste slowing going into the body.
Indeed it is about so much more than what we eat.
Often times, the fatigue that some people feel after a colonic can be a direct result of the toxic waste trying to get out of their body: the cells, the tissues, the blood. Once the body is given the green light via some type of attempt at a cleansing regime, it will begin to respond with signs to let you know that it (the body) has begun its cleansing process. These cleansing signs can be anything from headache to feeling as though one is catching the flu. People assume this to be a bad thing and back off of the cleansing process because they think that the thing (in this case) colonics is bad for them.

Because you are using purified filtrated water during the session (some therapists use other additives such as coffee, wheat grass or acidophilus), there is no great risk aside from doing them too often and without taking a probiotic to replenish and provide an atmosphere where the colon can create good micro flora or bacteria. I always encourage folks to consider a probiotic (there are vegan based ones available for those who do not consume flesh foods). A trained colon hydrotherapist can make recommendations on the amount of colonics suggested and how often they should be administered.

NK: Can someone with colon cancer get a colonic, yes or no, and why or why not?

FLW: Colon Hydrotherapy is a small part of a much larger picture. A colonic is not a one stop shop to ideal health. It is a part of a much bigger puzzle. This puzzle includes but is not limited to lifestyle, diet, mental, spiritual and emotional health. It is ideal for holistic measures.
According to the International Association of Colon Therapists, by the time, a person has developed acute and chronic symptoms such as colon cancer, it is a contraindication. In other words it is not advisable. Colon hydrotherapists are not medical professionals or practitioners of medicine, so, to act outside of the scope of practice is a big no, no.

What we do in the form of diet and cleansing as preventive measures is much more important than many think. Cleansing the body with food, herbs, colonics etc is one of the most loving and proactive thing that you can do to lessen the possibility of developing illnesses such as cancer.

NK: How have you seen colon hydrotheraphy benefit your clients?

FLW: Colonics improves the muscle tone of the intestinal walls, which in turn assists in the absorption of nutrients into your body. Many report benefits such as clearer skin, increased libido, more energy, better bowel elimination, improvement of symptoms such as gas and indigestion, fresher breath, improved sleep, decrease in body aches and joint pains, less cravings for sugar and carbs, to name a few.

NK: You do a lot of work fibromyalgia? How has work encompassed that? How do you think raw foods can help facilitate recovery. Where does fibromyalgia come from? How would a colonic help?

FLW: Fibromyalgia is something that has personally touched my life. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia Syndrome in 2003. Fibromyalgia is an autoimmune, neurotransmitter illness that is characterized by unexplained full body pain, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep issues such as insomnia (or the inability to stay sleep), short term memory loss, to name a few. Individuals who are diagnosed generally experience constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive issues. It is believed to have no known cause and no known cure.
I have found that for myself and others who are diagnosed that colonics can greatly improve the quality of life. What many do not know is that over half of the immune system is located in the colon and so, an autoimmune illness like FM, Arthritis, Lupus and others can be greatly helped when you get to the core which is the immune system. With colon hydrotherapy, you are helping to alleviate the burden to the colon that is a result of years of toxicity, candida, mucous build up, improper food combining, and over indulgence in processed and fried foods, a lack of living and raw foods, and way too much sugar, caffeine and junk food in general.

NK: You also make music. How did you discover your gift or talent for music and how do you use it in your work?

FLW: Yes. I do make music. I have been singing since I was a little girl. It is a core part of who I am as an expressive being walking the planet. My holistic healing CD, ”Purge & Re-Member” is my solo effort.

Prior to becoming a colon therapist, I spent years in the entertainment industry. I was a Stellar Award nominated gospel singer with a group called Spiritual Pieces and an NAACP nominated actress with credits such as Beverly Hills 90210, Divas, and Seinfeld to name a few.
While I had great success in both areas and a pretty lofty resume, it became painfully clear that I was out of balance. Years of jet setting and not taking good care finally caught up with me. I knew that I was no longer operating in purpose. I was depressed, spiritually conflicted, overly committed, and stressed all of the time. I eventually started getting sick and developed walking pneumonia, tonsillitis, recurring bouts of yeast and urinary tract infections. This led to a series of antibiotic treatments which further comprised by immunity and health.

Despite outward appearances, living this way was no longer an option for me. Because of the pain and all that I was dealing with in terms of my dwindling health, it got to the point where I could no longer hear the music in my head and so I put music and acting on the back burner for awhile and focused on getting better.

After a year on meds, I decided to go the alternative & natural route. I began purging, cleansing and detoxifying my body (including my thoughts), discovered herbs, made lifestyle changes, and in 2003, discovered the many healing benefits of eating raw foods, I ultimately began hearing the melody ringing in my head again and started writing my journey as a cathartic way of healing. It was during this healing process that “Purge & Re-Member”, my holistic healing CD was born!

I now sing a different type of “good news”. I sing what feels right and resonates with me. It is music that causes listeners to go to that place within them to ponder and discover what is noble and true for them personally. I call it holistic soul.

NK: What's on your plate today?

FLW: Today I am rockin’ some fresh, organic and locally grown okra marinated in lemon, garlic sauce. It’s one of my favorite and easiest things to consume when in season. I would be remiss if I did not also mention that fact that okra is amazing when it comes to raising the bar where the “poop factor” is concerned. LOL! As I am a huge fan of juicing, I also had some carrot, ginger, apple, beet, spinach juice this morning. I call it “Back to my Roots”. YUMMY!

NK: What are your favorite foods?

FLW: Okra, pink lady apples, collards, swiss and rainbow chard, fresh figs, cucumber and all squash especially zucchini.

NK: What is your vision for your business and for your personal life?

FLW: How do you want to continue to serve those in regards to their health? In terms of my personal life, I envision being a life-long learner and always staying humble and teach-able. I refuse to get caught up to the tune of self hype. As I am living and breathing , there is still so much that I can learn. I plan to continue on this path of wellness and spiritual unfolding. I would not change my journey for anything.

In terms of my business, I’d like to see Holistic Life, LLC evolve into a premier resource for holistic health edu-tainment. This will include books, lecturing, more music, the internet and online education forums, and making use of mainstream media in a way that will foster holistic living. I see myself partnering with other professionals as well.

I believe that we all teachers unto ourselves and to one another. When I see you succeed, I feel successful. Wellness is a core part of success and it is my objective that it be contagious. When we feel good in our bodies, we have the strength, fortitude, clarity and spiritual resolve to create and accomplish anything that we choose in life. This thought is the backdrop of why I do what I do and how I will continue to serve others.

NK: Any particular foods that you recommend for fibromyalgia recovery?

FLW: I think that anyone dealing with fibromyalgia can benefit from a diet of at least 50% raw with the goal of going further. It seems impossible to experience life force energy if one is putting dead, life- draining things into the body. Animal products are acidic and contributes to inflammation within the body of a person with fibromyalgia. Other foods that don’t serve one’s recovery process are white sugar products, white flour, dairy, caffeine, lack of water and processed foods.

I recommend choosing fruit and vegetables. I would encourage incorporating lots of ( green …the color of healing) leafy vegetables. I would be remiss if I did not also note that while fruit is super cleansing, I would recommend choosing low sugar content fruit such as berries, strawberries, and granny smith apples for at least 90 days when first starting a fibro recovery wellness protocol. This will help starve off yeast in the body which studies have shown is a huge factor for people with fibromyalgia. There are also herbs that one can take to help facilitate this process as well.

While I’d love to see an “ all raw world”. I realize that everyone has his or her own path. It is my objective to be as patient with others as I am with myself. Currently, I indulge in a high raw food indulgence with my general intake being about 80% with some months being all raw. This feels good for me right now, but I know that as my body continues to get cleaner so too will my tastes and food choices.

NK: Any last comments that you have for our readers, please write them here.

FLW: No comments just high thoughts, loving wishes and continued health!

For more information about Fatima and her practice, please visit her online http://www.holisticlifeonline.com/. Take a look at her amazing transformational photos!

Fatima is giving away lots of FREE gifts to our readers.

For those who live in the Los Angeles, CA area, she is giving away ONE FREE colonic session, as well as $20 off for an additional five (5) people and ONE FREE copy of her signature holistic CD, Purge and Remember. So that's a total of seven (7) possible winners.

In order to qualify, you must respond to the blog post with your thoughts about the interview, along with your name, and email address so that we may contact you, and then we will take everyone's name, put them in a hat and announce the winner on Monday, January 18. In order to qualify for the FREE and discounted colonics, you must live in the Los Angeles or surrounding area in order to receive either the FREE colonic, or the discounted ones. We are giving a TOTAL of ONE FREE COLONIC and FIVE discounted colonics. I will be collecting the names and pulling them randomly to select the winners. That's a great deal for the New Year!

Homeschooling 101 from a Mom of 5 children

Lakeesha Smith is a 28 year old happily married homeschooling mother of 5 wonderful children. She has been homeschooling for 6 years while running her own online boutique KeeyshasKreations that sells handmade jewelry and adornments for dreadlocks, twists, and braids and she also sells handmade skirts.

Since I adore amazing, powerful self-governing women such as Lakeesha, I chatted with her on the business of homeschooling.

NK: Honestly how do you do it with five children?

LS: I will have to say that it has taken years of experience, trial and era to create the flow in our home. I have me days scheduled from morning to night. With 5 young children,You have to maintain a level of order or your day will be chaotic. I taught my children at a young age that we are a team and everyone must participate with the upkeep of the home and we look out for each other with the youngest being first up to the oldest. We explain to our children that we care for the youngest first because they are the most vulnerable and need the most help.

NK: I love the fact that you have five children. Who has five children anymore? Do you want more?

LS: LOL. Some people see me and my bunch and just stare, it is funny. I would love to have more children. I think my max would be 8 but if the Most High saw fit for us to have more than let the blessings flow.

NK: Why did you decide to home school your children? Are there any laws or certifications that are required in order for you to home school your children?

LS: My husband was actually home schooled and I never knew what it was until I met him. To me it just came natural to teach them. I've always had this love for teaching and I was blessed with the perfect pupils. We felt that we would be able to teach our children better with out all the negative distractions and pressures. I personally love how we are able to customize our lessons to reflect our culture. In the state that we live in, there are no requirements. We live in a home school friendly state in terms of the law.. All state are different so make sure that you do some research on the homeschooling laws in your state.

NK: I’ve heard somewhere that at least in the state of California, they want to ban parents from being able to home school their children? Do you know anything about this?

LS: One of my best friends lives in California and she home schools. They appealed that decision. Our children do not belong to the state and we have every right to educate our children.I know for a fact that if that were to happen many parents would have gone underground and some would revolt and fight it.

NK: Do you ever worry that your children may not be socially equipped to deal with other people outside of their siblings?

LS: There is this stereotype that home schooled children do not socialize outside of the home and that is not true. There are so many homeschooling groups, classes and many other activities that children can participate in. Some homeschooling parents are on the road more than public schooling parents, taking their children to their many activities. Many people don't know that Venus and Serena Williams were home schooled, Will and Jada home schooled their children and many others.

NK: What are the advantages of homeschooling your children?

LS: There are so many advantages to homeschooling. It is extremely flexible in terms of curriculum and lessons. These days there are so many choices. You can choose to use a boxed curriculum which is already mapped out for you. You can create your own lesson plans which is what i do. I would be considered an "eclectic homeschooling" using many resources. I personally can not work in a boxed curriculum because I need room for creativity. Another advantage is that you are able to create lesson that are suitable for your child. All children learn in different ways at their own pace. If your child is not learning in the time line that the public schools sets, than they are quick to label your child. The public school curriculum is made to train the children to pass standardized test and that is not real learning. One child may be an audible child and responds very well to reading and another child may be more hands on. You are able to create a curriculum to suit their learning style. Field trips are the best. With homeschooling you can just get up and go. If you decide to create a lesson about farming, you can gather the family together and take a trip to your local farm or create a garden, The possibilities are endless. One of the greatest advantages is spiritual freedom. You can sings songs of joy and praise without persecution.

NK: What are the disadvantages of homeschooling your children?

LS: I have yet to see any disadvantages. As long as you are balanced, than where's the disadvantage? My children have friends who attend public school and who home school. Or children are engaged in activities outside of the home. I am very pleased with our homeschooling journey thus far. We actually had our children in school for a short period of time and it really stunted their growth. My daughter complained of having to do work she already knew and when she explained it to her teacher, she was told that she had to sit back while everyone else learned it. she also complained that the teacher spent more time fussing than teaching. We knew homeschooling was the best thing.

NK: What do you suggest to parents who want to start homeschooling their children?

LS: I would recommend that they do the research about their state laws.

Sit down with their children and talk to them about any special subjects they want to tap into.

Think about how they want to home school, what subjects on what days. Some may want to be more relaxed while some want a very structured home school.

Tap into your local library. they have special benefits for homeschooling parents.

Don't get overwhelmed. We are so used to the public school setting that we feel our home school should model that and you don't. Try to find some local homeschooling groups in your area and on-line. Have fun! Although home school can be a fun experience, it is also very serious. You are taking full responsibility for their education and you can not teach them because you don't feel like it. Whatever homeschooling method you use, you must be persistent and steadfast.

I hope I have provided some good information. Many blessings.

For more information about Lakeesha and her Kreations, please visit her websites at:

http://www.keeyshaskreations.etsy.com

http://www.ourchildrensnaturalcrowns.ning.com

http://www.mahoganyhomeschooler.blogspot.com

Top Ten Foods to Try in 2010

2010 is here and its such a great time for change and renewal and rejuvenation. Making radical changes in our diets and the foods we eat is going to be crucial when it comes to our health. We are so programmed to eat the same foods over and over again even if they aren't contributing to our health. I'm guilty of it as well as I like to stick to my basic greens, seaweeds, seasonal fruit, and occasionally, I'll try something new and refreshing.

So I'm posting some foods to try in 2010 that I'm also going to be brave and try myself.

• Mangosteen is a small purple fruit the size of a tangerine native to Southeast Asia. A wonderful defense for anti-inflammatory diseases as well as an anti-oxidant, companies are making this exotic fruit available mostly in juice form.

• Acai berries originate from Brazil, but became famous when Oprah along with Dr. Oz endorsed it as the #1 Superfood of the World. It helps with weight loss, healthier looking skin, improved digestion and circulation, and better sleep.
  

• Rambutan helps to build tissues, boost the immune system, and also helps to eliminate symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency such as rashes, aches, and gum problems.
  

• Seaweed vegetables are natural detoxifiers that are high in iodine, calcium, iron, and potassium. Some well-known seaweed vegetables are wakame, arame, kelp, dulse, hijiki, and nori. They are great in salads and soups.
  

• Lucuma is an exotic Peruvian fruit that has been used for exotic celebrations among the Peruvian people. It is used often in a raw foods diet. In the United States, it comes in powder form, mostly raw, organic, and sundried. It is best used in smoothies, ice creams, cookies, bars, or any other desserts and can replace agave nectar. It gives some recipes a creamy and smooth texture and has a wonderful source of beta-carotene, iron, and niacin.

• Goji Berries have been used in China for over 6,000 years as a way to promote longevity, improve eyesight, sexual function, and fertility.
  

• Kumquats are cholesterol, fat, and sodium free. They are also rich in fiber, vitamin A & vitamin C with traces of calcium and iron. They are extremely juicy in flavor with a tart inner flesh.
  

• Star fruit actually looks like lime green and yellow fleshy stars when fully ripe. These Malaysian fruits are beautiful in texture and rich in vitamin A & vitamin C and also fiber. The fruit is known to cure hangovers, stimulate the flow of milk for nursing mothers, and also used to treat sore eyes.
  

• Persimmons are a fall fruit perfect for a persimmon egg nog, persimmon pie, or a persimmon pudding sweetened with a good grade of maple syrup. Mostly grown in California, but native to China, persimmons were traditionally used to treat diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and asthma.
  

• Coconuts come in many varieties: green coconuts, Young Thai coconuts, brown coconuts, etc. Everything about the coconut from its oil, its water, and its flesh is highly nutritious and delicious for the body. Its water in high in electrolytes which rejuvenates cellular structure and hydrates the skin.
  

Most of these fruits and vegetables can be found in specialty produce and health food stores when in season. Since most of these fruits originate from Southeast Asia, you can find them at Asian produce specialty stores. Though exotic and not native to the USA, they can provide you with ample nutrients for the body while tantalizing the taste buds.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

Nwenna Kai is the author of The Goddess of Raw Foods available for purchase at www.amazon.com and the upcoming children's book, The MoreLove's coming May 2010. You can the FREE e-book Nwenna Kai's Holiday Recipes at her website www.nwennakai.com by signing up for her weekly e-newsletter at her website. She is the previous owner of Taste of the Goddess Cafe, one of LA's pioneering organic raw food cafes. She is the 2007 winner of the Elizabeth Dole Young Entrepreneurial Scholarship sponsored by Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) for her work as a health and wellness entrepreneur. Visit her website at www.the-guide-to-raw-foods.com and her blog at www.theguidetorawfoods.com/blogspot.com.

7 Revolutionary Ways to Change Your Eating Habits

On the back of my book The Goddess of Raw Foods, I say, "The revolution starts at the dinner table!" The dinner table is representative of so many things: healthier eating habits, communal eating, healthy conversation and ideas exchange, and also it signifies the coming together of different members of the family unit who equally honor, value, and respect each other and take time out of their busy and hectic lives to enjoy good and healthy food, fun, laughter, and engaging conversation no matter the age or relationships of any one person. The dinner table is the perfect setting to change your eating habits as well as you can together as a family unit prepare a meal together and clean up after the meal.

Here are 7 Revolutionary Ways to Change Your Eating Habits

• If you have given up something in your diet, whether it is sugar, refined grains, or fatty foods, replace it with something healthy. If you have given up white sugar, embrace Mother Nature's natural sweeteners that she has blessed us with in abundance of. We have agave nectar, maple syrup, honey, stevia, lucuma powder, yacon syrup, etc. Depending on your taste buds, health needs, budget, etc, you have a lot of different sweeteners to choose from.

• Eat more greens. Make it a habit to eat something green everyday or drink something green everyday. Green is life and it is healing. You can't go wrong getting your body more alkaline with greens whether its a green salad, juice, powder, or fruit. Dark leafy greens are essential and they come in kale, collard green, beet greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, etc. Mix them all together to create a rich and appetizing salad or put them through a juicer and add an apple or ginger to to sweeten it a bit.
  

• Eat more frequently. Many of us eat 1-3 meals a day and we stuff everything in our mouths at once. Make it a point to eat more frequently but in lesser quantities through out the day. This balances out your appetite as its harder to get hungry, it also cuts down on combining the wrong foods, and when you do sit down to eat that family meal together, you are more pleasant, upbeat, and fairly nourished because you've been eating all day as opposed to starving yourself throughout the day.

• Eat foods that you normally would not eat, yet that are good for you. This year I'm branching out and I'm going to dive into more superfoods through out the year, and more exotic tropical fruits this summer. Usually I stick to very traditional fruits during the summertime which is actually the time that I consume more fruits than vegetables but I'm going to eat more tropical fruits when they are available.
  

• Learn how to veganize a meal. I loved how one of my Facebook friends let me know that instead of having a traditional gumbo for the New Year, he decided to make a vegetarian mock version of it. So learn how to make vegetarian, vegan, or raw versions of your favorite meals.

• Sit down and eat your food. Chew it slowly and take your time. Proper digestion and vibrant and optimal health starts in the colon and with our digestion system. The best way for us to get all the nutrients from the food is to chew it properly and thus promote better digestion.

• Simplify your eating habits. We are so obsessed with protein and starches that we are programmed to think we are supposed to eat them at every meal. There is nothing wrong with having only a salad for dinner and there is nothing wrong with only having a bowl of berries for breakfast. Give up the idea that your plate should look a certain way. Rely on how you feel after a meal as opposed to what you have been told. Obviously with all the disease and sickness and the failed health care system, something or someone hasn't always been telling us the truth.

Feel free to copy and paste this pledge on other websites as long as you use the following blurb below.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

Nwenna Kai is the author of The Goddess of Raw Foods available for purchase at www.amazon.com and the upcoming children's book, The MoreLove's coming May 2010. You can the FREE e-book Nwenna Kai's Holiday Recipes at her website www.nwennakai.com by signing up for her weekly e-newsletter at her website. She is the previous owner of Taste of the Goddess Cafe, one of LA's pioneering organic raw food cafes. She is the 2007 winner of the Elizabeth Dole Young Entrepreneurial Scholarship sponsored by Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) for her work as a health and wellness entrepreneur. Visit her website at www.the-guide-to-raw-foods.com and her blog at www.theguidetorawfoods.com/blogspot.com.