RawFu Challenge - Day 36

Monday, 14 September 2009

It’s becoming apparent to me that blogging regularly is more of a challenge, than the raw food challenge itself. So, I’ve resolved to not hold myself to the goal of a daily entry, but to just write when I have something to say or have the time.

I’m struggling with balance a bit, I think. I might be in kind of a food rut with my own routine of green smoothies, fruit and salads, and I’m still adapting to eliminating wheat and soy from Joe’s diet, on top of everything else he was already allergic to. I’m finding it very mentally draining to be having to think about food all the time; what the kids are going to have for their next meal; what Darren and I will eat; when we’ll have time to prep stuff with our busy schedule; what Joe needs in his lunchbox for his hockey travels; what we’ll make for a potluck; what we’ll feed visitors; what I need to order from our co-op; what I need to get at the grocery store! AHHH! To be honest, I’m rather stressed sometimes and find myself eating a little haphazardly, as a result. However, I know I’ve evolved somewhat over the years, though, because rather than succumb to the stress, I just realize is a transitional phase to something new, and I just have to be conscious and trust in myself, and things will work themselves out. Still, I have my moments!

Yesterday, Flo, Zofia and I headed down to VegFest in DC at George Washington University. Joe had a hockey game early in the morning, and Darren worked overtime. So, it was a girls’ day out! It was a good opportunity for Flo to absorb some information and enjoy some treats without having to worry about her pesty brother. She managed to stick to her gluten-free trial at the festival, despite her anticipation that she’d be miserable not sampling all the vegan baked goods and treats. But, she found some gluten-free vegan donuts from Emily’s Desserts, and a big dish of vanilla vegan soft serve. To balance out her sweets, I was happy to find the Mojo Juice Club was a vendor there, too. They had an amazing raw food platter. I’m not sure what it was; a sandwich with some sort of raw burger and bbq sauce, with a side of marinated kale salad. Lish! That, along with another vendor that was selling some really good apples, I quite enjoyed the diversity of food for the day. We also stopped at Whole Foods on our way out of town for a salad and to pick up a few items for the week, so it was definitely an indulgent day.

Today, Joe had more hockey down in Rockville, then over to Baltimore. He had a great day, but it was lots of driving this weekend, and a bit of stress for me figuring out what to feed everyone. It’s easy at home, but on the road, making travel foods for Joe with no wheat, nuts, soy, or legumes, and trying to keep his lunchbox healthy, and not full of gluten-free vegan junk foods, is a challenge! I’m still working on some staple items for him. I did make a really good chia seed “yogurt” for him. We used to use plain soy yogurt to soak oats and fruit overnight. Since the soy yogurt is out, and nut/seed yogurts aren’t an option, I made a sort of yogurt by blending chia seeds, water, vanilla, a little lemon juice, a tablespoon of coconut butter and a few dates in the VitaMix. I soaked his oats in that, with some frozen raspberries and it was consumed in its entirety, so I think it was a success!

Well, the great experiment (life) continues. Stay tuned for more fragmented dietary musings and philosophical ramblings…