Good morning and happy first day of the Raw Wednesday Challenge! I’m so glad that so many of you are with Gena and I this month as we make a pact to make one raw meal + one raw snack every Wednesday of the month. This will be exciting!
I decided to start my day raw to get off on the right foot! So, I had raw oatmeal with goji berries, cacao nibs and almond butter—
It was DELISH! Here’s how I made it:
Last night I soaked 1/4 cup oat groats in enough water to cover. This morning I drained the water off and added the groats + 1 banana + 1/2 scoop Sun Warrior protein powder + cinnamon + splash of water in the Vita Mix and blended until creamy. Then, I topped it all off with a big scoop of raw almond butter, goji berries and delicious cacao nibs. I am in love with these nibs from Navitas Naturals…..they are like chocolate chips but SO much better. They brought the most delicious crunch and chocolatey goodness to my bowl!
This was definitely a filling breakfast but I do not feel weighed down in the least bit. Now I just have to focus on getting my one raw snack today in at some point!
GAH!!! I’m getting my tattoo today!!!!!!!!
I don’t know why I’m anxious seeing as I already have two tattoos, both of which were not really thought out though and a result of my college years. I love that I’m getting something that really means something to me, I just hope it looks the way I envision it. Too bad John got all the artistic talent and I can’t even draw a stick figure, or I would make a sketch to bring in. Our appointment is at noon and I will definitely bring my camera so we can document the whole process. I still can’t even believe both my parents are getting ones as well and my dad is hell bent on getting the exact same thing John wanted, in the exact same spot. I hope John will be there with us, holding our hands and laughing hysterically.
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
May 6, 2009 at 6:29 amYay for TATTOO DAY!! I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to see it!!!
Louise
May 6, 2009 at 6:34 amGood Luck!!!
Danielle
May 6, 2009 at 6:50 amWhat a great raw dish!
Good luck with your tattoo today!
Jen
May 6, 2009 at 6:52 amHurray for your tattoo! I’m so excited to see how it turns out! 🙂
I love your raw breakfast too. For my Raw Wednesday, I think I’ll be trying to go raw for lunch and afternoon snack!
brandi
May 6, 2009 at 6:54 ambeautiful oats, and have so much fun getting inked with your parents 🙂 It sounds like it will be a good time for all of you, to do this for John.
I can’t believe you got MIghty Maple pb! I can’t find that one here.
haya
May 6, 2009 at 6:55 amgood luck today!!! i love tattoos on other people. can’t wait to see pictures.
Still Life in South America
May 6, 2009 at 6:57 amGood morning!
Good luck with your tattoos. You’ll have to post pictures when the bandages are off. Be brave! 🙂
School Marm
May 6, 2009 at 7:01 amI read your blog everyday and never comment, but today is the day! First of all, I have cried for you at my computer every day since your brother’s passing and think about your family as if I know you all personally. I have taken some time to rethink my life and what I hold important and I give your beautiful writing and your experiences a great deal of credit for that. I have a tattoo on my wrist and I am a teacher! Nobody cares and nobody has EVER called me unprofessional for it. The kids are typically the only ones who even notice and say anything and they think it’s awesome! I see it every moment of every day and it reminds me that I am capable of being a more relaxed and carefree person! I can’t wait to see yours!
AlliJag
May 6, 2009 at 7:03 amYAY! Good luck, I can’t WAIT to see it!
Emily
May 6, 2009 at 7:11 amGood luck with your tattoo! I’m really looking forward to seeing the pictures!
Also, I’m looking forward to hearing your reviews of your new Peanut Butter & Co goodies – I’ve tried dark chocolate and white chocolate so far and really like them. 🙂
lee
May 6, 2009 at 7:16 amgood luck today jenna!! i can’t wait to see the tattoo. You must be so excited. It’s going to work out great! Oats look awesome, have a sweet day!
Sending love & support. XO
Allie Katie
May 6, 2009 at 7:17 amI can’t wait to see the play by play! I think that in this day and age, as long as the tattoo is not offensive people don’t really care if it shows in a professional setting. Good luck!
xoxo
AK
Erin
May 6, 2009 at 7:19 amHave a wonderful day! I can’t imagine getting inked with my parents!
I also had raw oats for breakfast, they are so refreshing!
Leila
May 6, 2009 at 7:25 amSo great you’re finally getting your tattoos. On those shows on TLC they sometimes have the tatoo artist draw out the tattoo beforehand, maybe they can do that for you so it can be as close to what you want if not exactly.
Can’t wait to see the pictures.
jessnyc
May 6, 2009 at 7:25 ami LOVE that your dad is getting the exact tattoo john wanted. i can’t wait to see how they all turn out!
Samantha
May 6, 2009 at 7:26 amHave fun getting inked! I think it’s special and who the heck cares WHERE it is if its what YOU want?!
My wed is coming to a close and I’m proud to say I ate 100% raw the entire day from a veggie/ginger juice to chia pudding to avocado/pear mousse and sushi. It felt great and I am going to work this in regularly!
weight and meditate
May 6, 2009 at 7:26 amCan’t wait to see the tattoo! Thanks for reminding me about raw foods day….hmmmm
Nancy
May 6, 2009 at 7:30 amJenna, I picked up some oat groats the other day to have for b’fast. I wasn’t sure how long to let them soak, so that they weren’t still too hard. How many hours did yours sit in the water before you blended them?
I have a couple of snacks ready, and my all raw meal is waiting for me for dinner.
Good luck with the tat. Your description of what you envisioned sounds beautiful. Can’t wait to see if done up! – Nancy
jenna
May 6, 2009 at 7:38 amNancy,
I let these soak for about 8 hours…or overnight!
Moran (The Running Addict)
May 6, 2009 at 7:33 amYAY! I really wanna see it!
Rachel
May 6, 2009 at 7:38 amYay for tattoo day! I can’t wait to see how it turns out. The good thing about getting it on your wrist is that if you do need to cover it up for an interview or something you can just put your watch over it. What a great way to remember John.
I want your breakfast YUMMM!
Jenna
May 6, 2009 at 7:45 amthose oats look great! Good luck getting your tattoo today 🙂
Stephanie
May 6, 2009 at 7:46 amGood luck with the tattoo today! Can’t wait to see it. Still thinking of and praying for you every single day.
Shannon (The Daily Balance)
May 6, 2009 at 7:51 amcan’t wait to see the tattoo!
Erin
May 6, 2009 at 7:57 amdo you freeze your banana before blending? I keep trying to make raw oatmeal but it comes out as soup. I guess I need to drain more of the liquid….. so my raw food breakfast failed…I heated it to save it… I will make a juice some veggies and apple for lunch, for my raw meal. My friend is letting me practice with her juicer before I buy my own. 🙂
Natalie
May 6, 2009 at 7:58 amYay for tattoo day! Good luck! I would love to try eating raw..I’ll have to look into that 🙂
sue
May 6, 2009 at 8:02 amI hope you feel John’s presence at the tattoo parlour-no doubt he will laugh and feel the bond of love the four of you will have for all of eternity.
What on earth do you think he would say to you all getting tattoos?
May the experience bring smiles to you all .What a loving and fun way to do something like that for you all and John.
Namaste!
Ashley
May 6, 2009 at 8:03 amJenna,
Is wheat germ part of a raw diet?
Thanks!
Ashley
Brittney
May 6, 2009 at 8:03 amHave fun getting your tattoo! I can’t wait to see it!
Nicole
May 6, 2009 at 8:06 amGood luck today girl!!! It will turn out awesome!
Paige
May 6, 2009 at 8:10 amI know you will love your new tattoo. Like you, I got a few when I was younger. Now that I’m older, I’ve gotten a few that have more meaning to me. I love those the most. They are inspiration that I can see constantly. I can’t wait to see photos of your new one!
Jennifer
May 6, 2009 at 8:18 amGood luck with your tattoo, I know it will turn out perfectly.
Yasmin
May 6, 2009 at 8:19 amGood luck with the tat! I hope you have a high tolerance for pain 🙂
michelle
May 6, 2009 at 8:23 amI hope that you enjoy the moment and are able to relish in every emotion that comes to you while getting your tattoo. On the wrist is the only place I’d get it as well. I think it’s perfect.
LT
May 6, 2009 at 8:23 ami Love that your dad is going for it!! he rocks. i’m sure John will be laughing and enjoying the experience 🙂
Angie
May 6, 2009 at 8:26 amBest of luck with your tattoo!
janetha
May 6, 2009 at 8:26 amthat breakfast looks great! you are so creative. good luck with your tattoo, i think it is awesome you are getting one that means so much to you. i never commented your blog before because i started reading it about 2 weeks before your brother’s tragic accident and then thought it might be lame to start commenting you right when that happened, but i followed your blog and i admire your strength through all of this. i know it is nowhere near comparison, but when my dog was hit by a car i had her name tattooed on me (and i HATE tattoos by the way, weird, it is for the whole reason that there are so many people who get them for no reason i guess) and every time i see it i feel very warm and happy inside, i know your tattoo will do the same for you.
this raw challenge sounds fun, i don’t know much about raw foods though. is protein powder considered raw?
jenna
May 6, 2009 at 8:46 amJanetha,
Certain protein powders are. I use a raw vegan brown rice protein and it contains 15 grams of protein and only 70 calories per scoop. Whey proteins are not raw…neither is soy protein.
Beth,
I have a blue cornflower on my back that I got when I was 19.
Kudret
May 6, 2009 at 8:30 amI got a tatoo on my 20th bday because I felt as though I wanted to mark my body in some way and now it’s become as defining to me as a birthmark or a particular mole. I just love the way it looks so natural on my body and has true meaning in its chosen spot. I think your tatoo will be the physical mark of how you are always carrying your brother with you. I’m sure you’ll feel him with you all the day long (more than you do anyways!)
*hugs*
Sara
May 6, 2009 at 8:33 amGood luck, Jenna!
Run Sarah
May 6, 2009 at 8:36 amGood luck with your tattoo – I’m sure it will turn out amazing.
Gena
May 6, 2009 at 8:38 amGood luck with the tattoo babe!
And hey there, Raw participants!! Have a great time today with the challenge!!!
Beth
May 6, 2009 at 8:41 amGood luck!! What other tattoo do you have beside the one on your foot? I have a mockingbird on a foot!
Barbara
May 6, 2009 at 8:46 amLooking forward to seeing you tattoo…I want another one. They ARE addictive!
Have a blessed day!
Barbara
Melissa @ For the Love of Health
May 6, 2009 at 8:47 amGood luck! I hope it doesn’t hurt!
Awesome Raw Wednesday Challenge! Breakfast looks really good!
Have a wonderful day!
Menden
May 6, 2009 at 8:48 amHi Jenna!
I’m new to your blog but just wanted to say good for you for going with your heart about the location of your tattoo! I’m sure it will be beautiful and meaningful – good luck!!
Christina
May 6, 2009 at 8:53 amGood luck with the tattoo – can’t wait to see it 🙂
And your raw oats look fantastic!
Stacey
May 6, 2009 at 9:01 amI am curious as to what your other two tatoos are! I have one, and made the decision when I was younger and dumber..sometimes I even forget that I have one!
Hope
May 6, 2009 at 9:06 amHi Jenna:
I am taking part in raw wednesday and I too went raw for breakfast. Actually I have been eating mostly raw since I discovered Gena’s blog – thanks to you;) Anyway, I had pineapple and banana and a cherry pie Larabar. Thanks:)
Anais
May 6, 2009 at 9:15 amCan’t wait to see what the tattoo looks like!! I’m sure it’ll look great 🙂
RUnToFinish
May 6, 2009 at 9:29 amok i totally couldn’t figure out how to do raw oats, so that helped.
good luck today! i have no tattoos…but really want one when I boston qualify and I think I just want it to say joy or something right on my arse, so I can be sitting on my joy all day.. hehe, yeah I need to think it through.
anyhow back to you, John seems like it would have made him very happy to see such a family bonding experience!
laura
May 6, 2009 at 9:29 amgood luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i cant wait to see it :-)))))))))))0
Julie
May 6, 2009 at 9:37 amI can’t wait to see the pictures and finished product!! Good luck, I’m positive your brother will be there with you!
Sarah (lovINmytummy)
May 6, 2009 at 9:40 amJohn is giddy with excitement right now…and frankly, so am I. Your mom is a different story…
Jennifer
May 6, 2009 at 9:53 amGood luck with the tattoo! Ask the artist to redo it until you think it is perfect! I always do this, since it is on your body forever.
runeatrepeat
May 6, 2009 at 10:03 amI have no idea what I’m eating for Raw Wed! I should have done a raw breakfast since that would have been easiest.
Fitzalan
May 6, 2009 at 10:04 amGet it on the wrist! Get it where you want it. No matter what anyone ever says later on in life, you will know exactly why you got it there and you won’t have any regrets.
And people will ask you about it all the time and it will give you a chance to talk about your brother. Which it seems to me will always bring a smile to your face talking about what a wonderful, amazing person he was.
Happiness Awaits
Kristine
May 6, 2009 at 10:04 amBest of luck with your tattoo’s! That’s so awesome that your parents are getting the same one too! I can’t wait to see pics! 🙂
Kailey (SnackFace)
May 6, 2009 at 10:11 amHolla for tattoo day!! I’m so pumped to see everyone’s! They are going to turn out to be perfect.
Love the raw breakfast, too! Was it odd to have it cold? Looks fab anyway!
K
May 6, 2009 at 10:13 amGood luck getting the tattoo!! I can’t wait to see it 🙂
Leah @ Simply Fabulous
May 6, 2009 at 10:18 amGreat dish! I love the looks of it!
Guess what? I completely forgot about raw Wednesday because I still feel like it is Tuesday since it was a holiday here in the UK on Monday.. I had planned on joining you. I think i’m going to do it tomorrow instead and then carry on with you next wednesday! Doh! Not off to a good start here haha!
Kristin
May 6, 2009 at 10:28 amGood luck with tattoos, and I have GOT to get on the groats train… that looks delish!
Tara
May 6, 2009 at 10:40 amI can’t wait to see your new tattoo!
I made a kale and spinach salad with lemon-garlic dressing and pine nuts for lunch. It was amazing! My best raw meal ever 🙂
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
May 6, 2009 at 10:46 amI’m really liking the idea of incorporating more raw foods into my diet. Every so often I will just have 2-3 pieces of fruit for breakfast and I feel like it gives me a lot of energy without weighing me down. Of course, I don’t think I could ever go completely raw – I love cheese and yogurt and bread too much!
Heather
May 6, 2009 at 11:23 amHi Jenna! Glad to hear you started your raw day off on the right foot! Today, my raw snack is going to be a piece of fruit for some pre-workout fuel! For dinner, I’m going to a lovely asian restaurant called Fresh Side and ordering 4 tea rolls stuffed with spinach, raw noodles, carrots, tofu, and peanuts + a salad with raw veggies, tofu, and homemade dressing! Yum yum yum. Have a lovely Raw Wednesday!
Love,
Heather
Erin
May 6, 2009 at 11:36 amI have no doubt that John will be with you today.
Shelby
May 6, 2009 at 11:43 amI can’t wait for my raw meal/snack today!
Yay for getting your tattoo…I hope you love it =)
CSM
May 6, 2009 at 11:54 amHi Jenna,
I’ve been reading your blog for a few weeks now and I really enjoy it. I’m sorry for your recent loss, but have been inspired by the way you and your family have pushed on. Thanks for sharing that.
I wanted to respond to something you said yesterday about starting your book. I don’t know what kind of book you’re working on, but my guess is fiction. However, if it isn’t’ fiction, i wanted to suggest to you that you think about writing a book based on your health and wellness experieinces. Your blog is very popular and successful bloggers are getting book deals left and right these days – because there is already a built in audience. You are a bright and shiny role model for other young women who want to be healthy and strong on their own terms. I think you could find real success with a nonfiction book (I’m in publishing, which is why I say this. I can’t get you a book deal, but I do know what people are looking for).
Anyway, just a thought.
Best wishes.
Jasmine (Sweet and Fit)
May 6, 2009 at 12:14 pmthis sounds so good!! I’m tempted to take ur raw food challenge – is it too late to join?
Mindy
May 6, 2009 at 12:51 pmBoth of my wrists have a tattoo.. my current job and last job were both in biotech. No one cared about tattoos.. I think today people are more accepting of them. And with your line of work, I don’t think people will look down on you for a tattoo on your wrist especially because of what you’re getting. Also, you can always cover it up (at least partially) by wearing a watch or long sleeve or bracelet/cuff. No biggie 🙂 Good luck and enjoy! The one on my right wrist was quite painful haha!
Brie
May 6, 2009 at 12:56 pmThis is a really interesting challenge. I’m really curious about raw foods in general. I am in the process of moving now, so food is kind of scarce, but as soon as we get settled I’m going to participate. For now, I’ll have to be kind of lame–I’ll have a Larabar for my dessert tonight! It’s a start!
Stef
May 6, 2009 at 1:10 pmI’m so happy for you! Today is a big day, I can’t wait to see all the pics from the tattoo process! I think it’s awesome that your parents are both getting tats too 🙂
Wow your raw oats sound amazing! The almond butter on top looks soooo luscious!
Allison K.
May 6, 2009 at 1:17 pmAs the proud owner of five tattoos (one of which is a memorial to my cousin) I can’t wait to see yours!!
Have a great time!
Janie
May 6, 2009 at 1:38 pmI am very interested in trying the raw food movement. I haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, but I’ve been reading a lot about it. Honestly, before you started posting raw food ideas, I thought the idea of raw food was disgusting. I didn’t think about salads or other things I eat routinely that ARE raw. All I could think about was that episode of Sex and the City (I think I remember correctly that you are a big fan of this show too) where the girls all went to the raw food restaurant and they thought everything was disgusting! You have opened me up to so many things I would never have even considered trying. Thank you! Your tabbouli looks amazing and I definitely want to try it:)
emily
May 6, 2009 at 1:45 pmyour breakfast looks awesome!
congrats and have fun with the tattoo. i have, well, lots of tattoos myself, and i think its a great process and i absolutely love what all my art means to me.
enjoy your day!
Lacey
May 6, 2009 at 2:29 pmI totally forgot about raw wed. darn it! I did make something from the new Ani’s raw desserts book that I got in the mail this morning not that it counts but it was raw.
I am having my very first give-a-way if you want to check it out
http://veganlovelies.blogspot.com/2009/05/im-having-give-way.html
Sarah (Tales of Expansion)
May 6, 2009 at 2:48 pmahhhhh, good luck with the tattoo!! i know it will turn out perfectly and be exactly what you need. the perfect way for your family to remember john.
(ond ohhhhhhhhhh my goodness, that puddle of almond butter is so beautiful …)
Kim
May 6, 2009 at 2:48 pmI can’t wait to see your tattoo. It’s going to look amazing! I actually forgot today was Raw Wednesday but I did have a really good smoothie today with 1/2 banana, mango, spinach and 1/2 cup Almond milk. Is Almond Milk even raw? I’m still learning about raw foods so I’m not sure. I am going to have a Larabar as a snack.
Tamara
May 6, 2009 at 2:52 pmI hope you’re having fun getting your tattoo! Can’t wait to see it!
Kristi @ Sweet Cheeks
May 6, 2009 at 2:56 pmYAY for Raw Wednesdays!!
Can’t wait to see your tattoo!!!
Jenn
May 6, 2009 at 3:24 pmHi, Jenna! I had the oat groats today, too! I added some cinnamon and pb (of course). Snacked on carrots this afternoon awhile after my big, yummy spinach salad. Was that raw? Can’t wait to see the new tatoo!!
Jenn
Manda
May 6, 2009 at 3:39 pmHey Miss Jenna– I had a wonderful green smoothie (banana, mango, hemp protein, a little lemon juice, spinach, water and ice) for breakfast and it was wonderful!! Can’t wait to see what else you uncook up for today or your new tat!! Hopefully, you won’t have to wait too long to uncover it 😉 To be honest, I ‘ve always been a tad scared of tattoos, but I have always known that if I ever got one it would a swirly made of stars. Hope it goes well!
Christine
May 6, 2009 at 5:13 pmHave a great time getting your tattoo!
Today for supper I had a big salad with a bunch of raw veges and ED&BV’s Living Caeser Dressing. And I am bringing grapes and a raw halva cookie (from Ani’s Raw Food Desserts) to my study group! Here is my post about it:
http://kitchenpanda.wordpress.com/2009/05/06/i-only-knew-to-make-a-freaking-big-salad/
Erin
May 6, 2009 at 6:39 pmWell after my morning oats had to be heated to salvage…although I found refrigerating them hardens them…forgot about that. I have some ready to eat in my fridge. Although I know oats are exactly raw…I was going to have them cold. I did buy a raw revalution bar for a snack/lunch today…which are WONDERFUL!!! Love them. So that was my raw item of the day…will do better next wed. 🙂 I also bought some Peanut butter and company chocolate dreams (or whatever its called) and WOW. YUM. Will have to try it with banana. I will keep the jar at my boyfriends…so I am not tempted to eat the jar. 🙂 Night ya’ll.
Jess
May 6, 2009 at 7:15 pmGreat raw breakfast and good luck!!!
<3 jess
xoxo
Alyssa
May 6, 2009 at 7:19 pmJust saw the tattoo on facebook and it looks awesome!!! 🙂
Johanna B
May 8, 2009 at 10:37 amI’m joining you, Gena, and everyone else in the raw Wednesday challenge. I just ordered Ani Phyo’s book that you talked about on the blog a couple of months ago. Can’t wait for it to get here. You’re still in my prayers.