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Why sprout and which sprouts are the healthiest? (VIDEO)

Posted by 2 · July 21, 2011

Do you sprout at home? I am talking chickpeas (garbanzo beans), lentils, wheatgrass, mung and adzuki beans, grains, nuts, seeds, young green shoots, small vegetable seeds and the list goes on. I just love love love sprouting for so many reasons, here are only a few:

· It’s fun! There are so many sprouts to play with, you’ll never be bored. Watching them grow is really quite satisfying, I’ve been called a sprout whisperer once, OK maybe twice :)

· Available all year. You can sprout anytime and become your own indoor-gardener

· It’s easy. Don’t get sucked into sprouting equipment and gadgets, I still to this day only use bowls and jars to get the most beautiful sprouts, just allow yourself to muck up at first

· It’s economical. I pay £3 for a small box of ready sprouted chickpeas and £1 for a whole pack of dried chickpeas. From that one pack, I could sprout upto 6 small box equivalent and save £17! Cha-ching!

· Nutrient powerhouses. Of all the available land-based fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds- sprouts offer by far the best nutritional value. High five!

· Bioactive food. Did you know sprouts are the only plant based food that is still growing as you eat it?

· Ease on digestion. Being a living food, sprouts are absolutely packed with enzymes

· Pesticide free. Growing your own sprouts, you can be certain they will be free from pesticides and chemicals

· Freshness. You can be sure of the top quality and freshness every time

· Medicinal properties. Sprouts can be 100 times more concentrated in vitamins and minerals than mature organic vegetables. Better than supplements!

I am planning to put together a Sprouting chart for you over the next couple of weeks, so keep your eyes peeled for that... In the mean time, here is a video clip from a presentation I did on Sprouting at this year's Raw Food Conference in Vilcabamba, Ecuador. Discover which sprouts are better than others, I categorised them for you even..

WHICH SPROUTS ARE THE HEALTHIEST?

Click on the image or do directly here to watch: http://youtu.be/6s19xAwjo_s

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Seduced in the Press! (book review by Funky Raw magazine)

Posted by 2 · July 18, 2011

Hello my beautiful people!

I've just received the Summer issue of Funky Raw magazine in the mail. It is always such a good and entertaining read with lots of new ideas, recipes, food preparation tips, short stories and poetry. This particular issue has a special feature on earthing, grounding and walking barefoot. Love it!

Aaaand guess what's on page 9! My eBook Seduced- Raw Chocolate Recipes to get very excited for has been reviewed by Jessie Maguire. And what a glowing review it is, I can't wipe the ear to ear grin off!

"The photography is just divine, but the recipes are magnificently simple, with special tips included in every one. Each recipe has a matching tea too. A nice touch"

"These are recipes that will yield a very sophisticated result"

"The Pina Colada Roulade, gorgeous chocolate rolls, which look so soft and melt-in-your-mouth, just make me feel like Tanya is taking everything to a new level here in terms of luxury, style, beauty!"

Even one of my recipes was featured, so I guess it's only fair to share it with you here too hah. Oh alright then, you talked me into it :) :)...

MATCHA MOONS

(Green tea and macadamia truffles from Seduced book)

1 Cup Macadamia
2 Tbsp Agave
2 Tbsp Coconut Butter, melted
1 Tbsp Matcha green tea powder
¼ tsp Salt
Coat in Dark &Daring chocolate recipe

-Process macadamia nuts in a food processer with an S blade. A smaller compact processer works best
-Add the coconut butter and process again
-Add the rest of ingredients and combine well
-Transfer to the fridge to set for minimum of an hour or leave overnight
-When ready, roll into even sized balls and return to the fridge
[TIP: to make certain you get perfectly equal sized balls, create your ideal sized one first, weigh it on kitchen scales (mine were 10g) and then weight identical scoops before rolling]

-Prepare the Dark &Daring chocolate recipe
-One at a time place a ball on a fork in one hand and pour the chocolate over it with a spoon in the other hand
-Once completely coated, carefully slide each ball off the fork with a toothpick or a small knife onto non stick or lined tray. You can also just dip the balls, but note that since they are cold, they are likely to cool the chocolate mixture which will begin to solidify inside the bowl

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A massive 25 kg weight loss and feeling like a champion (testimonial)

Posted by Tanya Maher · July 05, 2011

As you guys were following (and joining in on) my detox progress via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn a few weeks ago, I was much more interested in yours and all I could say is WOW.

So many of you pairing up, getting into groups, motivating yourself, motivating others (and me!), loving it, hating it, excelling, struggling, keeping at it and celebrating huge successes.

I am inspired by you and your feedback every day, but it’s not very fair to keep it all to myself, is it? There are sooo many testimonials I would love to share below (and will eventually), but for now I couldn’t wait for you to meet Melissa and Cliff Coombe!!

They are an incredible couple, who got onto doing one of my two menu plans in ‘Purified Your Complete 7 Day Detox Program’ only to find themselves feeling so good after a week, that they carried on with the second one... and then did it all again. Pounds started shedding off, cravings for processed food vanishing, energy levels sky rocketing and after 8 short weeks, they lost a combined total of 6 stone! That is 38 kilograms! 84 pounds!!!

Just look at Mel and Cliff BEFORE and AFTER:

Amazing right? Here’s what Cliff had to say...

What was your initial concern before you started the Detox Program?
Being sustained enough to keep off the crappy old diet

How has your concern changed after completing the Detox Program?
No cravings anymore, I am completely sustained for the first time in my life, could never pass a bakery without my lorry stopping until now. I have gained some life skills that I can carry forward and add to!

What results/benefits did you get after completing the Detox Program?
Gained superior knowledge about nutrition from additional information on ingredients in the book, lost 2 stone [12.7 kg] almost straight away and have gone on to lose another 2 stone as I repeated the program. Skin has improved greatly, more energy, sleep better, feel more able to handle stressful situations

What was the most challenging part during the Detox Program?
Shopping on a budget. But then it isn’t so hard when you look. Found a great wholesale Veg/fruiters that sell retail at fantastic prices, good value and superior quality. Five kilos of winter root veg for £2.50 ! Gazpacho heaven. Five carrier bags comes to around £15 per week. Found supermarkets very expensive and inferior.

Who would you recommend this eBook to?
Anyone and everyone

Any final comments?
The results speak for themselves! People have asked me WOW how did you do that , I tell them, spend time with them explaining the benefits, the prep, the costs, the plan, only for them to say "oh no I couldn’t possibly do that, I don’t like nuts, veg, fruit, I can’t afford it, my partner won’t like it", bloody frustrating. So now I just say watching what I eat and comment no more! But they want to know more! As for cost, what price do you put on your health? I have to note I have done no physical activity, have not joined a gym, and have still lost FOUR stone [25.4 kg] in 2 months and I feel great. Thank you Tanya and keep up the good work

Check out Cliff and Mel’s kitchen plastered in recipe print outs from ‘Purified’:

Have you given your body just 7 Days to get Purified?

NO- Take a look at what you will find in a done-for-you, simple-to-follow downloadable Detox Program here

YES- I would love to hear how you got on! You may not think so, but I am eternally grateful for every word of feedback I receive and this will ultimately benefit you later on. Tell me tell me tell me! (pleeeease:))

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Vilcabamba Raw Food Conference 2011's TOP TEN & Sushi Recipe

Posted by 2 · May 20, 2011

Vilcabamba, better known as The Valley of Longevity, is located at the bottom of Ecuador, South America. It is simply the most magical place with spectacular views, mountains that speak right to you, home to my parents and where the annual Raw Food Conference takes place every May.

The organisers are Matt Monarch and Angela Stokes Monarch of The Raw Food World, who also happen to live in Vilcabamba. This year I was blessed to be part of this powerful gathering and even though I enjoyed each and every moment, I [somehow] managed to sum up my experiences into TOP TEN. Here it goes... (in no particular order)...

1) Family and sushi. I'd be lying if I told you that visiting mum and dad was not my Top Best. It's been 18 months since I last saw them! And then there is mum's insane sushi! I can think of many raw foods that I crave, but only a select few I am sure I can live off. THIS is something I can live off easily. Lucky for you my super amazing mum is sharing her recipe right here as a special guest. Find it at the end...

2) Yoga with a view. Every morning for two weeks straight we were treated to a breathing moving heaven of a yoga. Irlianna Samsara shared her knowledge, tips and techniques that were totally exciting, rejuvenating and always spontaneous. I love my yoga, but I get too easily bored after 3 classes normally when I get the hang of it and can predict what's to come next, ending up just counting down time instead. Terrible I know, but this time I've not only lasted two weeks with Irlianna, I cycled full speed every morning with dad to get to her!

3) Visit to Montesuenos. Montesuenos is a centre for peace, sustainability, the arts and new science. Actually, that is not even my description, I copied it right off the flyer, because I have NO WORDS! Everywhere you look (even the laundry floor) contains the most intricate design and creativity, every wall hangs the most unbelievable painting, every room is entirely unique and each step outdoors brings another 'wow'. And all this developed from the genius minds of Meredith Miller (renowned visionary artist and interior designer) and Brian O'Leary (author of many books on the Project Camelot and ex-Apollo Astronaut, who was hand-picked to lead the first manned mission to Mars). If you do plan a visit, this is the retreat to stay at, as all rooms are for rent!

4) Getting a puppy. I am sooo happy that mum and dad happened to find their new baby while I was visiting. I got to spend the best time with her, as she is at her cutest, funniest and most irresistible stage. Cuter still is her name- curly Kiwi. :)

5) Potluck at the Monarch's. So many parties, dinners and gatherings to choose from for my top ten, I had a difficult time deciding. Accept Matt and Angela's potluck was a no-brainer, a definite highlight. In fact so good, I will have a separate post just for it coming up next..

6) Wild edible herbs walk. Man, this walk was right up my alley, I was deing to find out what sort of local herbs and greens I could pick for juicing and to my surprise- pretty much ALL we passed were medicinal on some level. And I am telling you- there were alot! My fave was the Prickly Pear Cactus aka Nopal Opuntia, which lowers blood pressure, regulates blood sugars, supports immune system, has masses of Vitamin C and 17 amino acids. You just peel it and chop into your salad. It has the texture of a smooth cucumber and OMG so tasty.

7) Chocolate Club Dance Parties from Amsterdam. DJ Crystal DNA is Bastiaan Swager who is also the co-owner of a European based Raw Food business Mastercare. I was over the moon to meet my 'neighbour' all the way in Ecuador and the outdoor parties he put on were just awesome! It was especially hilarious when a whole crowd of locals gathered to watch the drug and alcohol free raw food 'zoo animals' get wild. Love!!

8) Raw Thai Dinner Experience. If you've seen my post on Eating New York, you'll know how much raw goodness I try everywhere and I would easily say this dinner was one of the best. Kirsten Gum, the leading chef of this incredible experience and founder of Raw Trips came for a few short days, just to tease us it seems, but she sure made it memorable. Specialty fruit and chia smoothie, spicy spinach soup, thai nori rolls and dip, pad thai kelp noodles and mango icecream with coconut bites. I went to Raw Food Heaven.

9) The hike to Sacred Suenos. This is a challenging hike up 2118m in altitude, where a very inspirational character Yves began to work the ever barren land 7 years ago and built structures with his bare hands and only from what nature provided (including human poop!). I could listen to him all day- the lessons he went through, the permiculture techniques he mastered are jaw dropping, and the view- oh this is a totally different story. Simply said- I've never seen anything like it. Check out Yves' site and volunteer programs, I am sure this would be an unforgettable experience for anyone.

10) Last but no way least- the presentations. This year's Raw Food Conference brought the most diverse group of bright individuals, who presented on various topics from inspirational stories to educational nutrition advice to practical hands on learning and tasting. I was beyond grateful to listen to and get to know personally David Rainoshek, Tresa Yung, Dave the Raw Food Trucker, Matt Monarch, Angela Stokes Monarch and so many others. Is it a crime to say I enjoyed my own presentation too? :) Well I enjoyed giving the talk anyway- ALOT. It was on one of my favourite topics 'Sprouting' and I'll be posting a video with a summary and recipe shortly xx

Nooow then, onto that amazing Sushi recipe that I promised you at the beginning...

ELENA'S INSANE RAW FOOD SUSHI

For the wraps

Nori sheets

1,5 cups sunflower seeds, soaked overnight, drained and processed in food processer to a paste

Carrots, thinly diced

Avocado, sliced

Apple, chopped into strips

Sprouts (we used Snow pea shoots)

For the pickled ginger

4cm ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced

1 tsp raw honey

juice of 1 lemon

For the Soy Sauce

1/3 Cup Braggs Aminos (or Tamari)

1/2 tsp wasabi paste

2 Tbsp hot water

- Mix all the Pickled Ginger ingredients and leave to infuse 8-24 hours. Serve with sushi in the marinade or pour it aside if too much liquid

- Mix wasabi paste in hot water to dilute and mix in well with Braggs for a dipping sauce

- Place nori sheets shiny side down on a chopping board and spoon the sunflower seed paste in a long thin layer strip in the middle of each sheet

- Load either the mentioned ingredients or any of your favourites

-Wet 1 cm of the shiny side of each sheet with water and carefully roll up

- Cut into quarters and serve immediately with ginger and soy sauce on the side

Drooling...

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Eating New York (Raw Food style)

Posted by 2 · May 05, 2011

New York New York. How easy it is to love you. If only walking through your streets and taking in all those sights we recognise so well from the TV screen wasn't enough, you being my sister's home makes this love unconditional.

To me best thing about New York is that there really is something for everyone. I could turn this statement into a very thick book, but I'll get to the point here... New York is a raw foodie playground! Are you surprised? Just take a look at what my sis Alissa Alekseeva and I have been eating on my recent visit...

Thanks to my virtual buddy and resource guru Robyn from Girl on Raw, we discovered Liquiteria in Manhattan...

I had a Skin Trip Juice with carrot, spinach, cucumber, parsley, aloe vera and liver kidney lymph detox. Alissa had an Immune Rocket Booster Juice with carrot, celery, beet, ginger, flax seed oil and immune system tonic

Lunch, thanks to my sister's Brooklyn bestie Ginger's recommendation was at Quintessence in Manhattan. I will fly back to New York any day just to eat their food again

We opted for the Lunch Combo option, as you get this delicious Apple cider made of freshly squized apple juice, date syrup and Christmassy spices

This is an appetizer Taco of crisp corn tortilla filled with mock refried beans, guacamole, cashew cheese, 'sour cream' and lettuce, erved with guajillo chili sauce. Totally divine. Totally recommend.

Here we are: Alissa, Ginger, Tanya (me)

And here is lunch... This one is Indian Delight of Mali Kofta over marinated veggies with almond curry sauce. Heaven. I must admit even though we all shared, this is the dish I would've been more than happy NOT sharing. The textures and flavours went together so well, I wish I tasted it more consciously to work out what all the ingredients were so I can attempt at recreating it at home.

Portabello Sandwich had marinated portabello mushroom, avocado, onion, tomato, lettuce, cucumber, chipotle cheese sauce and sprouted kamut bread. So simple, yet so incredible especially with that tangy 'secret' green dressing.

Now THIS one is Ravioli. The filling was made of basil "cheese" and wrapped in jicama. I was happy to finally taste jicama, as it is not available in UK and concluded that it reminds me most of Asian pears. This dish was topped with rich tomato Napolitana sauce and served with yellow squash pasta. The parmasan looking cheese is (and this is only my guess) was a combination of crumbled almonds, nutritional yeast and spices. Wow wow wow

Next Stop was a must to check out where my sister works. Thompson Hotel is absolutely stunning, every detail of its interior had New York written all over it. Eye candy.

Alissa even jumped behind the bar on her day off to make me her specialty 'Tanya friendy' cocktail she created...

The beautiful red one you see, she named 'The Rose', it had wild flower tea mix with agave, bio dinamic Pinot Noir and organic gin. The green cocktail is called Emperor Martini and has lemon juice, agave, cucumber, shiso [Japanese] mint and cucumber infused gin.

We were still waaaay too full from lunch, but I wasn't allowed to leave without trying my sister's favourite meal from Shang Restaurant by Susur Lee (at Thompson Hotel). This Singapore Slaw was a delicious tower of 18 ingredients including carrot, picked ginger, baby cilantro, jicama, cucumber, peanuts and edible flowers.

Rockin' Raw in Brooklyn was another experience to keep us going for an entire day...

Fully Loaded Nachos were insanely good. I am pretty sure even the meat eater wouldn't know the difference if they weren't told. The seasoned flax chips were 'fully loaded' with seed meat, sour cream and nacho cheese.

And just take a look at this Lasagna! What a clever dish of flavour. It had layers upon layers of zucchini, mushrooms, marinara, nut cheese, herbs and spices

BBQ Eggplant Cream cheese wrap of breaded seasoned eggplant with 'bbq' sauce, cream cheese, greens, in sun-dried tomato wrap served with marinated plantains. The plantains were unbelievable, just like stringy melted cheese, but oh so much better.

I really don't know how we managed it, but we did fit in cocktails for desert. When I see something with peppermint on the menu, it may as well read 'Tanya Alekseeva'. I got a Peppermint Twist with cacao, peppermint, agave and coconut cream. Sis went for a Lavender Courtship with lavender infused water and vanilla.

This little cutie is a nut free cookie, that we ordered for desert as well. There was no way we could manage though and saved it for breakfast. Best decision ever! Breakfast never tasted as good as these raspberry, cacao and coconut flavours in one creamy chewy cookie. Mmmm

biking all over

Sun in Bloom was very much a worthwhile destination on a pretty street in Brooklyn surrounded by boutique shops. It had a real fresh feel to it with alot of space and lots of light. I especially loved their bookcase with every Raw Food book that's been published.

Kombucha was so so good after the long bike ride to get here

This soup of the day was really something else. Romaine, parsley, cucumber, avocado, lemon and garlic. I am pretty sure that if I remembered my dreams, I'd know this is the soup I dream about

Sunny Couture Futomaki - an aphrodisiac blend of dehydrated vegetables, avocado, romaine, sesame ginger dressing wrapped in Nori. It did come with brown rice, as apparently we had to specify if we wanted Raw or simply Gluten Free. Will know for next time

Raw Star NYC was a really pleasant surprise in Brooklyn with the most relaxed atmosphere, had really nice decor and a super mouth watering Carribean raw menu

We started with a Green juice of celery, lettuce, parsley, lime and everything else green in season

Crackers and cheese were A-mazing! Simple crackers of pumpkin seeds and flax went so well with the cheese made of cashews, pineapple and red bell peppers. I can't believe I never made that combo before

Sea vegetable salad was very nourishing amd totally satisfying at the same time. There was nori, arame, wakame, hijiki, dulse, cabbage and red onion drizzled with a creamy mild spicy sauce. I loved that this was not your typical 'mock something' raw dish. Recommend!

Pure Food and Wine was a stop for cheese crackers and desert with my oldest friend in the world! Beautiful Anya and I grew up together in Russia, since our parents have been friends forever. I got to meet her awesome husband Kevin too. Oh how I didn't want the night to end!

This one is a fancy plate of assorted cultured Dr. Cow Tree nut cheeses, rosemary crackers and mustard greens

Panacotta made of passion fruit, mango pulp, coconut meat and coconut butter accompanied by dark chocolate icecream with caramelised cacao nibs. I feel pretty confident adding this one to my Top 5 Deserts. Yep done!

Well I don`t know about you, but I am certainly salivating now that I put all the pics together. It is 11.11PM in Vilcabamba, Ecuador and I am about to go rummaging through my parents`pantry and fridge...

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