Today’s Observations
Today I treated myself to a far infrared sauna.  If you’ve never had one of these things, you have got to try it.  Infrared sauna is mentioned in a lot of literature about detoxification.  Rather than heating from the outside like a conventional sauna, this sauna heats you up from the inside out.  This heating from the inside out, helps toxins move through and out of the body.   Besides detoxing, the infrared sauna also boosts the immune system, improves cardiovascular health, can reduce stress, enhance weight loss, and a whole host of other great things.  But, in addition to feeling sort of euphoric and cleansed afterward, the thing I love most about the sauna is how it makes my skin feel – soft as a baby’s bottom.  The sauna increases collagen production, which is the stuff that makes your skin soft and supple.  When paired with a raw food diet, which is notorious for hydrating your skin and giving you that raw ‘glow’,  I feel like I’m walking around in a new skin suit… and I’m lovin’ it.

Today’s Menu
Apple and banana for breakfast
Kale Salad with avocado and mango for lunch
Snacks – apple, cardamom ice cream, coconut water
Avocado Soup with Orange, Mango salsa for dinner
Cardamom Ice Cream with soaked raisins for desert (yauum)

Today’s New Recipe
I love raw soups, and I particularly love raw avocado soup, so when I  saw this recipe in Living Raw Food, I had to try it.  Unfortunately, it was a bit disappointing.  The soup itself is a bit bland, but the thing that saves it is the Orange, Mango Salsa.  I think a few modifications would make this recipe better, so I’ve included those in my modified recipe below.  Enjoy.

Avocado Soup (3 Yums)
2 cups chopped cucumber, skin and seeds included
3 ripe avocados
2 cups OJ
2 cups water
1 small shallot or green onion
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/3 cup lime juice
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 large handful ciliantro
1 tablespoon sea salt

Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth.

Orange, Mango Salsa (3+ Yums)
3 Oranges (preferably blood oranges if available)
1 large ripe mango, diced small
1 small red bell pepper, diced small
1 handful cilantro, finely chopped
Salt to taste
I’d also add about 1/2 of a jalapeno pepper, or more if you like the heat.

Peel and segment the oranges, then dice the segments in small pieces.  Add all other ingredients and toss in a bowl.

To serve, place a small amount of salsa in the middle of a bowl and pour the soup around it.

Today’s Affirmation
Everyday my body is moving toward a more perfect expression of perfect health.