Hey guys! Happy Thursday! 🙂 Aren’t we all excited that tomorrow is Friday?? For me, its all about getting through Wednesday night. The ride is then downhill from there….I never stress about sleeping on Thursday because I know that if all else fails and I have bouts of insomnia that last hours, I will STILL be cheery tomorrow just because it is Friday. 🙂
Today was BUSY. So busy that unfortunately I had to cancel on Sarah for our Thursday afternoon bible study. I hated to do it, but I couldn’t juggle it all and I really wanted to get these cookies made so I can ship them out to Jessica and Lindsay tomorrow afternoon! =)
This morning I snacked on a slice of heaven pb cookie larabar + 2 egg white fluffies (just 2 egg whites cooked in micro for 1 minute!) on my way to work:
Breakfast was the standard bowl o oats but made extra YUMMY by my homemade raw cashew butter!
Combo included:
- 1/2 cup oats + 1/2 cup almond milk + 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 scoop vanilla protein
- 1 big scoop raw cashew butter
- blackberries galore!
This was super filling, of course, and fueled me through the rest of my workday. After work I had to pick up some necessities to bake Super Charge Me Cookies (girls, I used fresh ground peanut butter instead of almond butter in them because my store was OUT of freshly ground almond butter today!). While I did the quick shop, I snacked on this new bar + a big fuji apple!
I was VERY impressed with this bar. The stats are quite nice, too. It is about 75% raw and contains 220 calories and 8 grams of protein. Ingredients include such yummies as almond butter, brown rice protein, dates, cacao……..it was pretty filling and energizing as well. I will definitely have to find some more of these since I only bought this one a few weeks ago to see if I would like it!
Once home with my goodies, I quickly did Level 1 of The Shred and used the foam roller (no cardio or yoga today because there was no more time!) and then made my first GREEN smoothie for a snack:
It was made with:
- 1 banana
- 1/2 mango
- 1/2 cup almond milk + 1/2 cup water
- HUGE handful of organic spinach
- Ice
I was a little nervous to taste this because, well, it was SO very green….but after I gingerly took the tiniest of sips I discovered that HEY THIS WAS AWESOME! It tasted sooooo good. The spinach gave it a little punch and sort of lent a little “grassy” flavor, not bad at all actually.
I really want to try to incorporate more raw food in my diet and here is why:
I have ALWAYS had pretty clear skin. I never went through that teenage acne stage or anything…I guess I was pretty lucky in that regard. However, as soon as I hit the age of 20, I have been struggling with skin problems non-stop! I have NO clue what is up and lately my skin has totally been going bonkers. I’m breaking out all over the place and for everything in me, I cannot figure out why. I haven’t changed anything in my diet…I use the same detergent to wash my clothed, the same face wash from my dermatologist, the same make-up….everything! So I have concluded that something is not right inside and it is manifesting itself through my skin. I’d love to say I can commit one raw meal a day like Abbie for a month to see if I notice a difference, but I don’t know if that is practical in my lifestyle. So I’m just going to try new things and see what I end up with! Does anyone have any advice??! It is so uncomfortable and is stressing me out!
So, I decided to try a “massaged” kale salad for dinner tonight…something I have seen and heard about over and over again but never tried before. I used basically an entire bunch of red curly kale, 1 sliced orange bell pepper, some shaved fennel and 5 huge juicy strawberries “massaged” it all with 1.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and a little sea salt.
(WHAT is going on with my camera??? I think it is biting the dust for real this time……)
It actually was quite good. However, and this is the problem which maybe someone can give me advice about, after I ate this HUGE salad (this wooden bowl is made for a family of four), I felt as if I hadn’t eaten anything at all and was still very hungry. Meh.
Enter dessert bliss—
Another yummy naner bo baner drizzled with 1 tbsp of warmed up cacao bliss. Heaven. These two things were MEANT to be together…the perfect food marriage! 🙂 After this + a cup of sleepytime tea, I finally felt satisfied.
Oh! And look what I made at WORK today!
Yes, I am the vegan cake lady and today I got an order for a vanilla vegan birthday cake with “buttercream” frosting. I was pretty happy about the final product….I even made the roses! For some reason when I was in school I couldn’t make a buttercream rose to save my life.……yet now they are coming to me like no big deal! I love it!
Tomorrow I am SO excited because I finally get to meet Abbie, who I have become good friends with over the past couple weeks through this amazing blogosphere. She is flying in for the Crooms 15 Mile Trail Race with Meghann and Caitlin ,and is meeting me at Greenwise tomorrow after work and we are headed to Grassroots to enjoy a lovely raw meal together! YAY!!
Around the Blogosphere…
Healthy Ashley filled me in on the 
upcoming Sweetwater Paddle for the Cure on April 25 at the Riverfront Park inTampa. Yay Tampa! 🙂
The event consists of a 5 mile run or 2 mile paddle race and was started by a local doctor here to support the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. All proceeds from the even will go directly to the foundation.
For more information please visit http://beatcancerwithapaddle.org/
******
Zesty Cook has finally launched his Zesty Clothing Line and is hosting a giveaway where all proceeds from the clothing line will support local food banks. Please visit his site and check it out!! 🙂
See yall tomorrow!
Laura
April 9, 2009 at 3:40 pmI recently had my wisdom teeth removed, so I have been having my share of green smoothies. I LOVE them! 🙂
That cake looks amazing!
Good luck with the skin issues!
Victoria
April 9, 2009 at 3:41 pmYour salad didn’t sound like it add any protein sources in it. Maybe add some nuts or something? Good luck with adding more raw foods! It’s something I’d like to try too, so I hope I can get some ideas from you!
haya
April 9, 2009 at 3:51 pmawesome cake! good job.
i heart hammer products, in general. they are my go to for all sports nutrition.
i still don’t really know how i feel about this whole raw food business. it would be interesting to see how things work out for you!
Amy
April 9, 2009 at 3:58 pmHi Jenna! I’m a new reader, and I love your blog! I had to comment about skin issues, because I REALLY understand. I had pretty great skin as a teenager, but when I was 24 my skin freaked out. Worst breakouts of my life! I did several things, so I’ll just list them all and hopefully a couple will help!
1. Daily green smoothie. I make mine with spinach. I really believe it helps. 2. When my skin was really bad, I started steaming open my pores every night before washing my face. 3. I went to the dermatologist and he put me on some strong (somewhat strong. I have sensitive skin) topical medications. I think it killed all the bacteria because my skin improved dramatically and stayed that way. 4. Mineral make-up (I use Bare Escentuals). 5. A mask for blemish-prone skin every Sunday. I use Mary Kay. 6. A facial every few months (should be every 4-6 weeks, but I can’t afford that). 7. Proactiv used to work wonders for me, but I developed an allergic reaction to an ingredient they use. Still a great product for people who aren’t allergic!
Hope a couple of those will work for you!
Kimberly
April 9, 2009 at 4:02 pmHi, Jenna! I’ve recently started eating high-raw, and found that blended salads (or raw soups, or smoothies, whatever you want to call them) can be a pretty filling lunch or dinner. What I do is blend about 3 servings of veggies with at least an ounce of almonds or sunflower seeds (or half an avocado), and a full cup of liquid (usually orange or low-sodium tomato juice.) It’s light and refreshing, but keeps me full for about 4 hours. You might also want to try kimchi or raw sauerkraut with meals — the pickled cabbage is SO filling, and the probiotics are great for digestion.
lori
April 9, 2009 at 4:02 pmThe skin problem might be related to your new sleep schedule, especially if you are not sleeping well… I know it def affects my skin and mood and a lot of other things! 🙁
Those cookies look so awesome. I saw you got the highest bid out of all baked goods!! Congrats!!!
Has anyone told you you look like Lauren Conrad?? I think you do but you seem at lot nicer 🙂
K
April 9, 2009 at 4:05 pmGreat job with that cake!! It looks phenomenal – AND it’s vegan 🙂
I always wonder how hunger cues change when people eat raw because sure you eat more (volume wise) but there’s just a difference in “full” feelings. Good luck with the skin issues! I’ve noticed if I’m not drinking enough water, I break out.
Anais
April 9, 2009 at 4:09 pmI never thought of adding mango to a green smoothie!! It looks delicious!!! 🙂
Your view on eating raw is like mine – I’m just going to try to incorporate as much as I can 🙂
Thanks for the how-to on those fluffy white eggs!! I’ll definitely be making some 🙂
VeggieGirl
April 9, 2009 at 4:09 pmSo that bar is gluten-free and soy-free?? As you know, I’m vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and high-raw; so I gotta ask, haha 😉
GORGEOUS CAKE!!
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
April 9, 2009 at 4:10 pmWHat a busy day! Glad you liked your first green smoothie! I had one today too and it was wonderful. Delicous looking salad too, too bad it didn’t hold you over though =/
Hope you have a great night and a super relaxing Friday!!
FoodsThatFit
April 9, 2009 at 4:13 pmMiss Jenna!!!!
I too have the skin of a teenager going through puberty, it is so frustrating!
Your cake is so beautiful! I went to a cake decorating class once and tried so hard to make a pretty icing rose, but it just look like a blob. I am so impressed with yours!!!
See you tomorrow lady! 🙂
Nicole
April 9, 2009 at 4:14 pmCute vegan cake!
healthy ashley
April 9, 2009 at 4:16 pmCongrats on your first green smoothie!
And thank you so much for posting about the kayak race!
Katherine
April 9, 2009 at 4:16 pmVeggie Girl – one of the flavours – cinnamon raisin – is gluten free and soy free, but the chocolate chip and chocolate cashew are not soy-free – they contain soy-lecithin…
carolinebee
April 9, 2009 at 4:17 pmHey jenna! So, i’m in microbio and DEF not a dermatologist 😀 But we are learning about skin infections right now, specifically Acne- and it’s brought on by a normal bacteria that is on everyone’s face, and hormones also have a lot to do with it. The male hormone is mostly to blame- thus, guys get acne usually at a younger age, while women are actually struck more as they go into adulthood (!) I found this reaally interesting, as it affects me too ( I use an RX facewash) This is also why prescribing birth control, increasing estrogen, can help with acne. Anyway, that is my 2 cents…and I know you do see a derm and stuff, so I really hope you can calm the face troubles, I know how frustrating they are 😀 Have a great and restful night!
Natalie
April 9, 2009 at 4:19 pmHey Jenna,
Great post… I just wanted to comment on your skincare issues… it may not be anything having to do with your diet at all.. it could very well be hormonal changes that occur naturally as we get older (trust me on this.. I never had allergies a day in my life until I turned 23.. and have been stuck with them since). Also, it could be environmental factors that could be causing imbalances with your skin. I went through the same thing and I went to visit a dermatologist and I briefly went on a stint of medication to clear up the acne but now all is well due to my diet of veggies and whole foods… keep doing what you’re doing! I think sometimes these things just happen.
Erin
April 9, 2009 at 4:30 pmYour salad could use some nuts, avocado or beans to make it more filling.
Beautiful cake!
Sarah (lovINmytummy)
April 9, 2009 at 4:36 pmI applaud you on trying new things! I am with you, though, and couldn’t be satisfied with massaged anything for dinner. Mmmm…massage…
Sammie
April 9, 2009 at 4:37 pmI cut out diary that contained growth hormones (as I was advised to do so by my dermatologist) and my skin cleared up completely. Also, now that I do not eat soy or gluten, my skin tone looks so much better. I hope you figure it out because skin issues are such a pain. Let me know if I can give you any more advice – I went through a lot to get my skin to feel normal again.
Shelby
April 9, 2009 at 4:53 pmHomemade Cashew Butter?! Amazing!
Love the green smoothie as well, I’m craving one now =)
About your skin…I’ve had skin problems and raw food def. helps clear it up. Green smoothies do too. You might be breaking out due to a lack of sleep or stress. I know that when I get really stressed I break out a lot.
MLT
April 9, 2009 at 5:01 pmHi Jenna,
I sympathize with you so much! I always had fairly decent skin until starting grad school and then IT FREAKED OUT. it was terrible. Here are the things I’ve found that trigger my breakouts:
– STRESS! (number one for sure)
– lack of sleep
– incredibly excessive amounts of sugar
– water! This one is weird, but I found out about this when I moved to a new city and started breaking out. every city has different chemicals (or sometimes lead, yuck!) in their water and it can really affect your skin. I know you moved fairly recently when you finished your culinary program so could the sudden change in water be the culprit?
good luck!
MLT
April 9, 2009 at 5:02 pmOH, and by affect your skin, I meant that washing your face with new water can really affect it. I don’t know if drinking it makes any difference. Maybe try washing with bottled water for a week and see what happens?
MLT
April 9, 2009 at 5:03 pmSorry last one- I definitely noticed a change for the better when i’m on birth control- it makes my skin so pretty! Some of my friends who aren’t even sexually active take it just for their skin.
polly
April 9, 2009 at 5:07 pmYay for new smoothie! AND for getting to meet Abbie… she is a DOLL!! (well, I only know here through emails, but seems like a gem) I too had horrible skin as a teenager and even into my 20’s. Until I gave up dairy… it is so much better! Now don’t think you have to give up dairy sweetie, but wow it helped!
That cake is beautiful. Just like you! 🙂 XOXO
Amanda @ Cakes and Ale
April 9, 2009 at 5:14 pmYour skin changes are most likely hormonal. Those darn hormones can strike at any time in your life! As we age, hormones change too… My mom told me that she had ok skin as a teen, great skin in her 20s, and then acne problems in her 30s, right after she had my sister and I!
I know the jury is out on what foods affect your skin quality, but trying different remedies to see if any of them works for you is probably your best bet! Eating more raw things can’t hurt! (Although I imagine that kale salad wasn’t all that filling without any protein in it!)
Kailey (SnackFace)
April 9, 2009 at 5:16 pmP.B. Lara Bar is definitely heaven 🙂 I like the idea of going raw for some meals, too. I always feel empty if I have a huge leafy salad for a meal; I need some bread or something with it! That would defeat the raw thing, though, oops! All I have to say about the skin is that I know sleep really throws mine off, but I’m a proactiv user and don’t really have huge problems anymore. But you could be right, something you’re consuming could be throwing you off. GORGEOUS CAKE! You’re so talented!
Faith
April 9, 2009 at 5:17 pmHey Jenna! I rarely comment but I just wanted to add on another piece of advice about the skin issue. When you come home to workout do you remove your makeup? You shouldnt definitely try it! When you sweat with your make up on it clogs up your pores and doesn’t allow all of the oils to properly leak out.
Faith
April 9, 2009 at 5:18 pmps. I agree that mineral makeup and proactive skin products definitely help!
amethyst
April 9, 2009 at 5:19 pmHey Jenna 🙂
My number one would be to drink lots of still water – especially important with all your running… I agree lack of sleep could be a problem. You could try incorporating a good quality lavender essential oil in your skincare – add a few drops to your favourite moisturiser and/or cleanser. If your skin is a little too oily one drop of tea tree oil would be good too (but take care to avoid putting essential oils near your eyes). Also make sure you avoid using heavy products on your face (like those that contain olive oil for instance). Although olive oil is very nutritious, it’s comedogenic (can block your pores) if you use it on your face. You might also like to try a detox tea, in the Uk there’s a wonderful one by ‘Pukka’ that contains aniseed, celery and coriander. You could also juice, carrots, celery, parsley and ginger – delish! (I used to be a health & beauty ed. by the way…)
Meredith (Pursuing Balance)
April 9, 2009 at 5:32 pmThe frosting writing is so pretty on your cake!!! I obviously need lessons (check out the pic of my bf’s birthday cake from Sunday to see why lol).
Some people find that cutting out dairy helps with their skin. I know it did with mine.
Anna
April 9, 2009 at 5:38 pmThat kale salad looks AMAZING! I’m interested to hear the results of your raw foods-clear skin experiment… I have experienced something similar!
Beth
April 9, 2009 at 5:41 pmMy biggest battle in life is keeping my skin clear. I have mild/moderate acne that has shifted to different areas of my face since I’ve gotten older. I find that a diet HIGH in leafy greens, water with lemon and green tea help dramatically. I’ve been making green shakes every morning with about 4 cups of spinach or kale and have noticed a differenc in my skin. Everyone has different allergies, but giving up dairy (including cheese) and chocolate was a must for me. Now I stick to goat’s milk yogurt and almond milk when I need my milk/yogurt fix.
Also, I know a lot of people mention Proactiv and prescription meds, but I wouldn’t take that route if you can avoid it. Keep your face clean, hydrated and exfoliated (it’s a must!!) and your diet clean, and I’m sure your skin will start to improve.
Heather
April 9, 2009 at 6:00 pmWhat kind of face cleanser do you use? I hate to sound like such a hippy, but ever since I stopped using stuff with chemicals in it, my skin has cleared up immensely. I recommend LUSH face soap (I don’t think there are any in Tampa, sadly – just the FL mall or Orlando airport) OR the oil cleansing method. I think incorporating more raw foods will help, though.
Sometimes I am a volume eater because a big salad can fill me up (like Kath!) and other times I am ravishing when all I eat is salads and fruits/veggies. It totally depends. I would definitely spruce up the salads with some nuts or beans (which obviously aren’t raw, but 90% is better than none at all) to add some carbs and protein.
michelle
April 9, 2009 at 6:06 pmI dig massaged kale salad a lot. You can add some hemp seeds, olives, flax, anything really but you already know that!!!
Looks fabulous!!!
Kudret
April 9, 2009 at 6:08 pmDude that cake looks awesome!!! I think I’m going to start incorporating more dark greens into my diet. Right now my two goals are:
1. Make Kale Chips (have been hearing SO much about them for the past few months but haven’t made them yet)
and
2. Green smoothies.
Ann
April 9, 2009 at 6:14 pmJenna,
WHERE DID YOU GET THAT PB LARABAR?????
Those are my favorite EVER but they stopped selling them after the peanut recall. I have been buying the Lara Bar Peanut Butter Jam Frakas bars but they are just not the same!!
jenna
April 10, 2009 at 1:06 amAnn,
I found this bar at the drugstore actually!! hahah!
Kristin,
I used 2 cups of raw cashews, about 1.t tsp cinnamon, pinch of salt and a drizzle (prob 2 tbsp) of pure maple syrup!
Red Head, Yellow Dog
April 9, 2009 at 6:19 pmwhat a lovely looking cake!
I don’t have much advice in the way of acne relief (I have a problem with it too)..I have heard that apple cider vinegar is amazing for it.
Shannon @ TheDailyBalance
April 9, 2009 at 6:20 pmwhere do you find all these awesome bars?!
the Hammer bar sounds delish!!
your cake looks great!
brandi
April 9, 2009 at 7:01 pmmaybe the new schedule is catching up with you? i know if my sleep gets weird for a while or I’m stressed, my skin goes a little wacko, too.
beautiful cake!
Run Sarah
April 9, 2009 at 7:02 pmLove your green smoothie – they are my new addiction! Stress makes me break out more than anything! Also eating greasy foods.
Meg
April 9, 2009 at 7:14 pmSo much fun in this post! Fabulous vegan cake!
Samia
April 9, 2009 at 7:17 pmHi, Jenna! I don’t comment much here, but read you everyday. I had great skin until the age of 24. My skin went crazy, but it was very concentrated on my chin. It was so painful! The dermatologist just wanted to prescribe an antibiotic, and I’m just not a pill person. I’m turning 30 this year and it’s much better. It is very much a hormone thing and it will pass. Check out this stuff:
http://www.cosmedix.com/product.php?pid=41&cid=2
I swear by it. It’s a little pricey, but it will last you a while. I also have very dry skin and most products dry me out more, but this stuff great. And it really helps with scarring.
RunToFinish
April 9, 2009 at 7:23 pmhow totally wonderful that you loved your smoothie! i was awfully surprised when i loved mine too!
pretty cake and pretty cookies
Mariposa
April 9, 2009 at 7:40 pmi second what Sammie said in her comment about the dairy. dairy makes my stomach hurt anyway, but when i eat it, my skin breaks out. i used to tell people if my skin was broken out… thats last nights ice cream sundae!!
you may have to try a few things out before you find one that works, the smoothies are good, maybe BC or anti-biotics for a few months… but once you find a way stick to it!! thats what happened with me! use the same stuff and now my skin only breaks out a few days before i get my period.
Whitney
April 9, 2009 at 7:44 pmJenna-
I have crap skin. It initially started in my mid to late teens, then completely went away for a year or two, and for the past year it’s gotten really bad again. I think you and I have what they call “adult” acne which isn’t exactly acne as it is probably stress and off-balance hormones. I do the following things and they seem to help a lot:
DON’T STRESS! This is hard, because how can you NOT stress when you think everyone is looking at your acne, but try not to think about it.
Drink a ton of water. Lately, aside from the occasional alcoholic beverage and fresh juice, I don’t drink anything else.
Cut back on crappy foods.
If it is on your face, I buy creams with 10% benzoyl peroxide. It’s strong, and dries the skin, but it’s good stuff. There’s also a lot of acne fighting skin cleansers and scrubs for your body.
Finally, the best thing I did for my skin was go on birth control. It takes a few months to fully kick in, but the difference is incredible…it really clears me up.
Good luck…and DON’T STRESS!!!
Lisa D
April 9, 2009 at 7:46 pmwhat a pretty cake! I stress about my skin too, but I am pretty sure THAT ONLY MAKES IT WORSE! stress does a number on your skin. so that may be the cause of your skin woes in your 20s?
jenny
April 9, 2009 at 7:56 pmOo that cake does look really pretty! My color of my bedroom walls are that color! I love it!
Gena
April 9, 2009 at 8:01 pmHi dear!
Three things:
1) I AM SO EXCITED THAT YOU’RE EATING MORE RAW!
2) I would try massaging the kale with avocado and a healthy oil, like hemp or flax — it’ll be more satisfying that way.
3) Skin eruptions are definitely a sign that some toxin or another is fighting its way out! We release so much through the skin. Try buying a skin brush (the Yerba company makes a nice one for 7 bucks) and dry-brushing your whole body each day for a few moments. It will speed toxin release and help facial blemishes.
xo Gena
Steph
April 9, 2009 at 8:01 pmHi Jenna!
Just wanted to add some advice about skin problems. I have struggled with acne since about 16, and I am now 26. The only thing that works for me is Proactiv Extra Strength. The regular stuff just doesn’t cut it. And my skin is perfectly clear now!
By the way, I tried to microwave 2 egg whites the other day, after being inspired by you. Well, about 40 seconds into the process, my bowl cracked in half!
And then I bought a Synergy Kombucha drink from Whole Foods the other day. Blech! Tasted like sewer water mixed with wine. Oh well, it was fun to try something new! I still think everything on your blog looks delish! =)
Sharon
April 9, 2009 at 8:04 pmOh wow, that cake looks amazing! And it is sooo pretty tooo!!!
Clean Veggie
April 9, 2009 at 8:12 pmgood luck with more raw foods ! I would love to do the same but I just dont know if I could.
your such a talented cake decorator!
have a great night 🙂
Bev
April 9, 2009 at 8:29 pmI love TERRESSENTIALS skin care….It is the very best.Kristen from Kristen’s Raw got me hooked. http://www.terressentials.com
Michelle Hisae
April 9, 2009 at 8:59 pmThat was your FIRST green smoothie? I’m shocked! I hope you like them and continue to make them because ever since I started drinking them, I feel cleansed!
elizabeth
April 9, 2009 at 9:13 pmHi. Is there a difference between using a blender / magic bullet and a juicer when making a drink with leafy greens, other vegetables, as well as fruit? Thanks!
Alison
April 9, 2009 at 9:19 pmWow…your dinner looks great. Very colorful. Kale is one of my favorite greens. It not only tastes good, but the texture is so interesting!
Good job on the cake too. I wish I was a better decorator.
Ameena
April 9, 2009 at 9:31 pmHi – I have never commented but I feel your pain with the skin problems…I am now in my early thirties and I FINALLY have 90% clear skin. Here is what worked for me:
1. Nothing with soy – no tofu especially. I never realized how much it makes my skin break out until I stopped. Read ingredients carefully because lots of things have soy flour.
2. Cut out the sugar. Too much fruit can even cause flare ups. I use to eat A LOT of sugar but I’ve cut it down substantially and things have really cleared up.
3. Dairy – especially non-organic dairy. I cut out most dairy which incidentally also helped my stomach problems.
Good luck…its lots of trial and error but I do believe that soy is one of the major culprits and I know you eat a lot of tofu!! Good luck.
Cara
April 9, 2009 at 9:47 pmI had great skin until i was around 20 as well. And then it got horrible. I figured out a year later that it was the birth control I was on. I went off of it, and immediately my skin went to being clear and has ever since (and I am now almost 25). Maybe it could be some sort of medication? food allergy?
Emily
April 9, 2009 at 10:26 pmI want to try that bar! and I think incorporating raw foods into your diet more will be interesting! 😀 Can’t wait to see your changes! Yummy smoothie too!
Caroline
April 9, 2009 at 10:57 pmYay for the return of the PB Cookie Larabar!
Your green smoothie looks great–I love its lovely key lime color:)
That kale salad also looks killer–must try!
Kate (Foodie on a Mission)
April 10, 2009 at 4:33 amMmmm…you found the PB Lara Bar! I haven’t seen them since the recall back in February!
Maybe next time add some nuts or sprouted grains to your salad to make it a little more filling. Just veggies and oil doesn’t seem to have much protein so maybe that was the problem?
Emily
April 10, 2009 at 4:39 amHi Jenna,
My skin was a factor in my decision to start eating more raw too. I have found that since gradually increasing how much raw food I’ve eaten that it is absolutely imperative to drink a lot of water alongside to help clear the toxins out. I also do as Gena mentions above, and dry body brush. My skin has most certainly improved. When I gave up soy last year my skin cleared up a lot then also.
All the best!
Emily.
Adi (oatonomy.com - repaired!)
April 10, 2009 at 6:07 amGreat frosting roses! Looks like you did a really nice job.
For the skin struggles, I know what that’s like. When I started using the Proactiv skin care line, my skin cleared up in a couple weeks and I only have a break out once in a blue moon (it’s usually stress related). It’s been amazing! It *can* take colour out of your towels though.
Anyway, you might want to try it. It’s awesome to feel like I finally have nice skin!
Lauren
April 10, 2009 at 6:41 amI didn’t have any skin issues until I turned 21! Ridiculous, but apparently not uncommon! I know a lot of women who have struggled with the same problem. My skin never got bad; however, being that I practically never had a blemish as a teenager, I was not prepared to deal with any breakouts whatsoever as an adult! Anyway, over the past 5 years, the issue has definitely subsided…I attribute it to a combination of eating good foods and finding a birth control that really benefits my skin. While the latter option may not be for everyone, as women have different physical responses to certain contraceptives, I really recommend Yaz for clearing up minor skin issues. As you noted, eating fruits and vegetables, and any food in its purest form, also benefits the skin remarkably.
Lauren
April 10, 2009 at 6:44 amOh, and I agree with everyone who recommends using mineral makeup–it’s great. I really like Bare Minerals and the Physician’s Formula lines. Not only do they give you a very natural, even look, they are very gentle on your skin.
Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats
April 10, 2009 at 6:58 amYeah! PB Lara Bar! Just tried my first one the other day – seriously like eating a delicious, delicious peanut butter cookie. Great cake by the way – looks beautiful!
Melissa (Nibbles and Wiggles)
April 10, 2009 at 7:03 amI would be hungry after eating that salad too – there is no protein in there. I also do better with some sort of whole grain for a balanced meal.
Ally
April 10, 2009 at 7:03 amJenna, I never have problems with my skin unless I’m stressed. You’ve mentioned things have been a bit stressful for you lately and I think that could definitely be the culprit!
Sarah
April 10, 2009 at 7:57 amBeautiful, beautiful cake, Jenna!
Have an awesome weekend ; )
Sarah
Littleblackdress
April 10, 2009 at 8:31 amHi Jenna- I totally agree with the other comments about the raew salad- of COURSE you were still hungry! I eat a salad like that PLUS a complex carbohydrate and a protein source (do sweet potato and tofu, tempeh and brown rice, etc.) every night for dinner. Active girls need calories! I am so so so so glad you don’t think RAW is realistic for you- because I love your blog so much and love that you eat REAL food- not just raw veggies. You eat eggs, ocassional fish, and love carbs- and I love that about you! You are an inspiration to me- please keep it up!
Now onto skin- your diet is impeccable so I really hope you don’t think that is the problem. I know know know that the problem is stress. I only have skin problems when I am stressed, and it seems like you have been going through a lot lately! I hope rather than changing your diet, that you will try to find ways to relax. YOu don’t seem to have tons of downtime (I haven’t recently and I miss it!)- I hope you can find some.
In the meantime, praying for you and your family.
Liesl
April 10, 2009 at 8:38 amHey Jenna!!
Sorry about your skin problems, that sucks, I went through the breaking out stage in High School mostly, but still do at times.
Now this might sound a little weird, maybe personal, but I have noticed that if I do break out it has to do with my birth control schedule. Don’t know if you are on any type of bc. but you might want to check with your doc…could be causing some of it. I’ll break out if I miss a day, or something…it’s strange.
The raw foods will probably help though, I hope it gets better soon!
Meg
April 10, 2009 at 9:06 amI too had clear skin when I was a teenager… I blame the problem skin now on a boy with scruff! 🙂 My sensitive skin just can’t take it and I break out!!
That green smoothie looks so good!!! I am defiinitely making that exact one soon!
bobbi
April 10, 2009 at 9:50 amlove the bloggy meetup time:) I too am trying to incorperate mre RAW foods into my diet, I am actually studing a lot about right now! Have a great weekend beautiful!
Jess
April 10, 2009 at 10:04 amI haven’t tried the Hammer bars, but I use their gels for long distance running because they are one of the few gels that don’t upset my stomach.
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
April 10, 2009 at 10:13 amI’m so glad that peanut butter clif and lara bars are back on the market. Also, as usual, your birthday cake creation looks delicious. And now…the weekend begins! Hooray!
Katrina (gluten free gidget)
April 10, 2009 at 1:50 pmHi Jenna! My skin has always been funky. But, Proactiv really helped me. Once my skin cleared up, I weaned myself off of it. It was too expensive to depend on!
Now on to the good stuff… the cake! LOVELY my dear baker! I can bake a mean cake. But, if you ask me to decorate it you will be sadly disappointed. I can’t even trace a circle. Hahaha!
kate
April 10, 2009 at 9:34 pmDefinitely cut back on dairy! There was a huge study (I’m talking 50,000 people) published a few years ago that found the hormones in milk can cause you to break out.
Kate
April 11, 2009 at 7:04 amJust one more thought about skin…
You mentioned that you were using the same products on your face but that it had started breaking out. I’ve found that as I get older, my skin changes a little and something that worked when I was younger might cause problems for me now.
I made it all the way to about 25 without ever really having problems with my skin, then started breaking out on my chin all the time. It took some adjustment to figure out how to settle my skin down. Then I started breaking out again a few years later and it wasn’t until I stripped down my routine to really gentle products that I saw an improvement again. It seems like my skin gets more sensitive with age, and the change manifests itself as break outs when the set of products that I’m using become to harsh for the current state of my skin.
Got Juiced! | Eat, Live, Run
April 11, 2009 at 11:29 am[…] favorite…kale salad! I don’t know what they do, but their kale salad runs circles around my kale salad. It is soooo yummy and very satisfying. I got their garlic-y signature hummus over top to increase […]
Kim
April 12, 2009 at 8:16 amHi Jenna,
If you are looking for a natural remedy taking 2 tablespoons of high quality apple cider vinegar in a glass of water every day is supposed to help clear up acne. You can also use it topically.
Dana Marie
August 10, 2010 at 11:23 amHi Jenna! Thanks for posting about that hammer bar— I had never heard of those and they look really good and the company seems smart – that’s important to me. THANK YOU!
PS I first happened upon your blog while researching SUN WARRIOR protein (wanting to see if I thought it was worth it/for me) and I saw you worked at Publix and were in TAMPA — I am from Sarasota and I worked at Publix too!
:)- Dana