Hi!
Thank you all SO MUCH for all your sweet comments yesterday and today. They really touched my heart and almost brought tears to my eyes! I know that we will get through this time and you all are the best support group a girl could ever ask for 🙂
I actually slept really well last night…woke up at 3 and headed downtairs for coffee + snack to bring in the car! Here’s the combo I came up with this morning—
These are seriously my new FAVORITE bars. I love that they are highly raw, I love that they taste amazing, I love that they have 10 grams of protein! So far I have tried the cinnamon raisin and the chocolate chip but surprisingly, I actually like the cinnamon raisin more! You can definitely taste the cinnamon and it is just so chewy and delicious. A great way to start my day! Coffee, however, has not been tasting very good to me lately. I go through weird phases with coffee. If I start drinking a lot of it it starts to not taste as good to me and I don’t feel good after drinking it. So, I think I’m going to switch to tea for a little while. Hopefully a strong cup of English Breakfast can fuel me through my work morning!
Breakfast—-
- 1/2 cup oats with 1/2 cup almond milk + 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 banana
- 1/2 scoop vanilla protein
- Scoop of Naturally More
- cinnamon and sea salt!
And then lunch was something light eaten in the car while driving over to St.Pete to visit Leafy Greens again! I packed boar’s head turkey + jalapenos + organic greens + light laughing cow on Ezekiel bread. And a pear in the background!
Now on to the exciting part of my day! Leafy Greens! I just LOVE this place—it is vibrating with good positive energy! Probably from all the fresh produce that constantly is coming through the door! While I shadowed Naomi, the head chef, I watched in awe as huge fresh mangos, avocados, tomatoes, beets, pineapples and lettuce was carted inside. Unfortunately I couldn’t take any pictures today because right as I walked in, they had a full house and I was thrust on the line, peeling mangoes and washing lettuce.
Naomi was busy, busy, busy cracking thai young coconuts to make raw coconut curry soup, spiraling zucchini into wondrous raw spaghetti with sundried tomato sauce, and chopping crisp and vibrant veggies for veggie plates with fresh guacamole. The whole thing was SO intriguing and exciting. I tried a little bit of everything…on her request of course! Keep in mind that this restaurant is 100% raw…they don’t even have any ovens! I tried little tastes of the cashew hummus, the living chili, the “tuna” salad and the tabbouli. My favorite being the “tuna” salad, which was made from almonds, sunflower seeds and seasonings. Remarkable!
I stayed for two hours, talking to Naomi about her experiences after culinary school and watching as she prepared raw masterpiece after raw masterpiece. I couldn’t help but take some food to go for dinner and ordered half of the Mediterranean Pizza on her recommendation. I also got two raw apple pie cookies (obviously) and THIS little baby!
Oh goodness, I am SO excited about this. I have heard through the grapevine that Artisana Nut Butters are the way to go and after Naomi gave me a taste of the coconut butter today, I was hooked.
So, naturally, on the drive home I ate one of the cookies and it was soooo good. Chewy and tart with dried pieces of apples and raisins and tons of cinnamon I NEED to make these asap :).
When I got home I was exhausted but felt the need for a run anyways to clear my head. I ran 3 miles outside in 26:20 but wasn’t really feeling it. The wind was in my face the whole time and I was tired, hungry and sore. I told myself I was running towards my dinner though since it was in the fridge waiting for me when I got home, and that made me finish strong.
Needless to say, I plunged right into my meal upon getting home. Just LOOK at this pizza!!!
Naomi was 100% correct in recommending this to me…..it was absolutely phenomenal!!!!!!!! The pizza crust was made from dehydrated pumpkin seeds and was flaky like a pie crust. On top, she layered raw cashew hummus, a drizzle of olive oil, fresh sliced olives, cucumbers, green onions, cherry tomatoes and probably more good stuff but I ate it too fast to recognize what it was exactly! Both my mom and my brother agreed it tasted amazing and both could not believe when I told them it was raw. My mom wanted more and I regretted not getting the full sized order!
On the side, I made a big salad with organic greens, broccoli slaw, cucumber slices and bell pepper topped with Annie’s Goddess Dressing—
Just as Naomi said, I felt very much energized after this meal even after a long day at work and run.
Dessert was the other apple pie cookie + a glass of vanilla almond milk to cap off my raw afternoon.
YUMMY cookie!
I am SO tired right now that I can’t even see straight. A big thank you to Lindsay who was the highest bidder on my Super Charge Me Cookies!!!!! Lindsay, I am baking a fresh batch just for you this Friday! Jessica, I am also baking YOU a batch as my Meatless in March winner!!!! I can’t wait for you guys to try them 🙂
Nightnight
ps–
Kati
April 7, 2009 at 3:46 pmI saw that artisana chocolate nut butter at Whole Foods on Sunday and thought it looked divine!! And I so wish we had a raw restaraunt like that around here- what a fun day!
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food)
April 7, 2009 at 3:58 pmHow cool that you got to help out at the restaurant!
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
April 7, 2009 at 4:08 pmOH MY GOSH! What an awesome day!!!! I’m so jealous of your experience. We must go eat there together ASAP!!! Much love to ya and hope all is well with the family =)
VeggieGirl
April 7, 2009 at 4:09 pm“Raw”some 😀
polly
April 7, 2009 at 4:15 pmokay we are moving to Florida tomorrow. 😉 YUM.
I think more raw foods in my life are a good thing. So love you, my friend and praying… XOXO
Do you think maybe you might be interested in working at Leafy Greens instead of the bakery at the store someday??? I can totally see you working at a place like that… but no baking? Okay… maybe not. You could put your own little organic bakery next door… then my yoga studio next to that. Okay, we’re all set. hehe 😉
Emily L.
April 7, 2009 at 4:21 pmI always think I want to eat raw, but I’m too lazy to do anything about it (and my carnivore of a boyfriend doesn’t help matters).
Either Tampa is heaven on earth, or you are just good at finding great places! I need you to come to Miami and find all the yummy little restaurants or markets that I am too dense to find.
Please take care.
-E
Nicole
April 7, 2009 at 4:22 pmThat raw restaurant sounds amazing. I am going to Florida at the end of this month and I am definitely going to check it out!
Meg
April 7, 2009 at 4:25 pmI too go through phases with coffee. I was off coffee for many months and have just recently started drinking it again, but already it’s upsetting my stomach and not tasting that delicious anymore!
That pizza looks devine!!
Laura
April 7, 2009 at 4:37 pmEverything looks super yummy! I’m jealous of it all! Just proves that raw is better 🙂
Lynna
April 7, 2009 at 4:51 pmThat pizza looks so good! Raw food has been such a craze recently and I’ve really wanted to try it but haven’t gotten the chance. I would love it if you were able to feature some raw recipes on the blog.
Bec
April 7, 2009 at 4:54 pmthat pizza looks amazing!
healthy ashley
April 7, 2009 at 4:58 pmI’m thinking the same as Polly.. I could see you in a place like that! I can’t wait to try Leafy Greens soon!
Melissa
April 7, 2009 at 4:59 pmAmazing cookies….
I hope everything turns out ok with your family situation.
Matt
April 7, 2009 at 5:00 pmPizza looks good!
Betsy
April 7, 2009 at 5:19 pmMmmm those raw goods look delish! I bought the Ani Phyo book at your recommendation and can’t wait to try the recipes. I feel like there’s going to be a raw explosion in the blog world soon!
zestycook
April 7, 2009 at 5:19 pmWOW Jenna – The pizza is amazing! Looks like you ahd a great day… you were up so early ::) teasing!
Shelby
April 7, 2009 at 5:23 pmI NEED THAT RAW GOODNESS!!
Lisa D
April 7, 2009 at 5:23 pmit is amazing what raw food chefs can do with the fresh ingredients! Just goes to show that all that processing we do to our foods takes away from it’s natrual amazingness. One of the best meals I’ve ever had was at a raw restaurant in NYC! I think I see a raw bakery in your future?? maybe?
life coach jen
April 7, 2009 at 5:26 pmAwesome, Jenna! Would you ever consider moving into that area of culinary expertise instead of baking? You seem so excited by it all!
Sarah (lovINmytummy)
April 7, 2009 at 5:27 pmI never thought raw food could look so delicious and you make it sound amazing tasting! If you do make those cookies, I can’t wait to hear the recipe!
Kath
April 7, 2009 at 5:29 pmWow, what an awesome array of raw food!
Romina
April 7, 2009 at 5:34 pmI’ve been eating those raw bars for a year now and they’re just amazing. Especially the chocolate ones!!
brandi
April 7, 2009 at 5:39 pmglad you got to watch the raw restaurant in action -all the food sounded amazing, and that pizza looks so good!
Run Sarah
April 7, 2009 at 5:41 pmThose apple pie cookies look soooo good…wow!
Abbey
April 7, 2009 at 5:47 pmThat pizza looks delicious!!
thoughts + prayers are still w/ you and your family <3
Jessica
April 7, 2009 at 5:55 pmAww Jenna, that is so sweet of you to make those cookies! that just made my day!!! I wanted to bid on them on the auction but i’m on a really tight budget so i’m trying to conserve money so thank you so much!! I can’t wait to try them!!!
P.S. The pizza DOES look delicious. I wish there was a raw food resteraunt around where I live. it’s amazing to me that you can make incredible food like that out raw.
Adi (oatonomy.com - repaired!)
April 7, 2009 at 6:13 pmSounds like you had a good day, Jenna. Hang in there with the family stuff! We’re all thinking about ya, sending prayers your way!!
Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats
April 7, 2009 at 6:30 pmMmmm that cookie looks sooo chewy, sweet and wonderful! What an awesome treat!!
Danielle
April 7, 2009 at 6:40 pmThat pizza looks so good, and just look at that crust I never would have guessed it was raw.
Shannon @ TheDailyBalance
April 7, 2009 at 6:44 pmwowzers. that pizza looks amazing…as do the cookies! I have got to get my hands on those Raw organic food bars — where did you find them?
RunToFinish
April 7, 2009 at 6:52 pmwow all of that just looks friggin amazing!!!
i love my bloggie friends, they keep me going through a lot
Maureen
April 7, 2009 at 6:58 pmOh wow, so much raw food! Those cookies look criminally delicious. And, OMG, raw chocolate butter? WANT!!!
Kudret
April 7, 2009 at 6:59 pmYummmm! You make me really interested in raw foods and I’m going to go check out the local raw eating out options around boston 😀
Leanne
April 7, 2009 at 7:09 pmMmmm… chocolate coconut butter! Everything looks delish!
Sammie
April 7, 2009 at 7:12 pmI love Cocoa Bliss – I actually had some tonight. The Coconut Butter is pretty darn delicious too.
Clean Veggie
April 7, 2009 at 7:21 pmthat sounds like such an exciting day!!!
thecleanveggie.wordpress.com
K
April 7, 2009 at 7:22 pmThat restaurant sounds like a true gem!! I wish the town I live in would offer things like that! Great recipe, too 🙂
Meg
April 7, 2009 at 7:40 pmGet some rest girl! Still sending prayers your way. That raw cookie looks incredible.
Meredith (Pursuing Balance)
April 7, 2009 at 8:03 pmAll of that raw food sounds so appetizing!
Victoria
April 7, 2009 at 8:26 pmWow! Everything looks so good, especially that pizza. Sounds like you had a great experience today!
Sharon
April 7, 2009 at 8:38 pmOh my gosh, that looks amazing!!!!
andrea
April 7, 2009 at 8:41 pmOk, I am officially intrigued! I don’t know much about raw foods – but that all looks delish! Fill us in on how to make them if you can!
Kristi @ Sweet Cheeks
April 7, 2009 at 8:43 pmI’ve heard about that brand of nut butter, too..and heard they are wonderful! The choco coconut butter looks divine!
Your time at the raw food place sounds like so much fun!! Glad you had a good time and got to take some yummy things back home with you!
Kimberly
April 7, 2009 at 8:49 pmIn my experience, Artisana has been nothing but awesome. And what a wonderful day! As an aspiring raw foodie, I’m eager to hear your feedback.
P.S. Please tell the Leafy Greens manager to get the menu online already! I’m definitely interested in patronizing the place, but would still like to know what to expect 😉
Erin
April 7, 2009 at 8:56 pmLOL, I’m not a big raw foodie, but you can tell this girl loves pizza, b/c I actually think yours sounded FAB!
Alison
April 7, 2009 at 10:07 pmLooks like you ate well today. I love the pictures of your cookies. The clarity is really impressive. Good job!
Caroline
April 7, 2009 at 10:16 pmYou’re making me so excited for my new raw cookbook to arrive!
Heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter)
April 8, 2009 at 5:39 amJenna,
So many amazing things in this post. First off, the cinnamon raisin raw bars are the best. We sell them at my office, and I won’t like…every so often, one jumps from the box right into my mouth. 🙂
I’m also the same way with coffee. I love love love it most of the time, but then I’ll get sick or something, and thought of drinking it sounds so unappealing for a few weeks. Weird, huh?
The Artisana Cocoa Bliss if freaking amazing. I can’t find it in Nashville, but thankfully I just received some from Chocolate Covered Katie in the mail. Love her!
I’m dying for one of those raw apple pie cookies. So plump and delicious!
Have a good Wednesday my friend. Hope you got some good sleep last night.
girlatastartup
April 8, 2009 at 6:18 amI’ve had raw pizza before and its amazing! I want to re-create some of those foods but realized I need a vitamix and dehydrator. Stat. You’re still in my prayers Jenna!
Lauren
April 8, 2009 at 6:38 amWhat a wonderful day! I hope that everything is going well on the homefront–I really admire your ability to stay so positive and upbeat, even during a difficult time. That is a very important quality to possess!
On a different note, I’m wondering where you buy those raw organic protein bars? (Sorry if you’ve already mentioned this before!) They sound like a great alternative to my usual bars. (As much as I hate to admit it, I’m getting kind of sick of Larabars). Thanks!
Michelle Hisae
April 8, 2009 at 6:53 amWow, that pizza does look amazing! I’ve been to a local raw restaurant a few times, and it always amazes me. Buttt, I’m always SO full after! I think it’s because they use a lot of high-fat nuts with lots of protein in all of their dishes. My eyes are definitely too big for my stomach!
Hopefully you can take some pictures next time!
Elina (Healthy and Sane)
April 8, 2009 at 7:04 amI just saw that cacao bliss jar on Heather’s blog and put it on my to-buy list! Looks delicious!
Your whole day sounds so cool and 100% raw – love it. The pizza is definitely making my mouth water. I imagine the combination of all those flavors and textures was unbeatible!
Tina
April 8, 2009 at 8:31 amCool! It sounds like so much fun that you got to spend the day at Leafy Greens! Lucky!! That Cacao Bliss that you bought is exactly what I was talking about in my comment yesterday (was it yesterday?) I store it in the fridge but I’m wondering if it can be stored just in the cuboard because it gets STONE hard from being in the fridge and impossible to spread… :/
Allison
April 8, 2009 at 8:50 amJenna,
I am coming to you since you are the yoga expertise 🙂 I am a college student, and I have taken a few yoga classes in the past, but I by no means no the “lingo” or anything. I have some back, knee, and hip issues AND I’m a runner (tisk tisk, I know). I’m looking at cutting back my running, and doing less impact activities. With the stress of college, my AWFULLY tight upper back, and problem joints, I thought starting yoga (and ACTUALLY sticking with it) would be agreat. The problem is, I don’t know where to start. When I go home for Easter this weekend, I was going to buy the Christy Turlington book that you have, but I was wondering if you had any good gentle/relaxing/stretching-type videos to reccomend? I have podcasts, but being a beginer it helps to see the moves. Sorry this is so long, haha! I just equate yoga advice with Jenna 🙂 Thanks so much!
skinnyrunner
April 8, 2009 at 9:14 amtalk about getting your veggies in! you are such a healthy eater and everything looks so good that you make. so jealous….
Jenna
April 8, 2009 at 9:18 amwhat a wonderful experience!!! that is so cool you got to shadow her!! Thanks for sharing! It sounds great.
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
April 8, 2009 at 9:37 amRaw foods make my body feel so powerful and clean 🙂 The pizza looks delicious and I am still drooling over the raw soft-serve that you had the other day. I’m quite jealous of your close proximity to Leafy Greens!
Danielle
April 8, 2009 at 10:16 amWhat a day! That place sounds absolutely wonderful, and I’m so glad you got to experience it like you did!
P.S. In catching up on your posts I want to assure you that your family is most definitely in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you all the best with everything. Take care.
Kate
April 8, 2009 at 11:01 amOMG!! I just have to tell you that your title made me lol in class! My friend and I just started texting eachother “rawr” this week as a funny way to not get boredi in class LOL. Random I know–I just found your title too ironic!
Also-I know you said you have a lot of trouble w/ shin splints. I would love any advice your doc gives you! Is it really best to rest if you have pain-or try to run through it and strengthen it? clueless.
Marissa
April 8, 2009 at 11:22 amYay jalapenos!
megan
April 8, 2009 at 12:42 pmwow – raw food! I’ve never tried to eat raw before, but it certainly looks interesting! 🙂
EatingRD
April 9, 2009 at 10:33 amsuch wonderful colors! Everything looks so delicious and fresh. Those cookies look so good too, I’d love the recipe 🙂
-kristen