Juices for what Ails You
Posted by Allison at 4/30/2008 7:39 PM and is filed under uncategorized 
Deconstructing these meals helps us to look at them differently. We ponder what part of the meal we actually want. Would we eat a bowl of ketchup with salt, pepper, mayonnaise and bacon drippings, or would we prefer those items only on a burger? Would we eat fried, salted flour, or do we want it only when it's wrapped around chicken or steak? The Swiss philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) warned against the dangers of seasonings and fancy gourmet cooking, believing it took people away from the simple pleasures of foods in their natural state. He even debated the popular opinion that the French knew how to cook, claiming they used so many seasonings because they didn't know what good food really is! Rousseau believed that the habit of using seasonings and flavorings led to gluttony. I'd have to agree with him, and must say that one of the most enjoyable memories I have of eating all raw was the point at which I recognized that raw foods tasted good without anything added to them- not even my beloved Celtic sea salt. I came to enjoy some salads with either no dressing at all, or with just a squeeze of lime, maybe some grated garlic. I stopped using olive oil and balsamic vinegar. I did not overeat; my appetite adjusted itself.
Once I developed an appreciation for unadorned, raw foods, I became more interested in their nutritional and medicinal qualities. I'd love to be able to put together menus that meet unique health needs, without resorting to expensive superfoods since not all of us can afford them. My ex, who has had gastric bypass surgery, has to be more wary of vitamin and mineral deficiencies than other people do. And I have a new friend who suffers from a potassium deficiency which causes painful cramps. She also has high blood pressure, which appears to be a common companion of low-potassium. Coincidentally - or not- she is allergic to several common foods that are high in potassium.
Today I decided to visit the Asian import store for some raw foods and to buy a crate of young Thai coconuts to experiment with potassium-laden beverages for my friend. Perhaps if she comes to like these foods and tasty juices, she can stop taking potassium pills! She is allergic to melons, avocado, walnuts, bananas and a few other foods (apparently this combination of food allergies is not uncommon), so I have to be careful about what I make for her. For example, I think coconut water with a bit of watermelon juice would be delicious! But she loves strawberries, so I am going to try a little strawberry, coconut water and a touch of ginger- mmmm. I can't wait to experiment!
I love the idea of less is more. The seasonings often seem to make the food almost addictive, causing me to eat more than if I just ate it plain. If I sea salt an avocado, I'll eat the whole thing. If I eat an avocado with cherry tomatoes, I may only eat half. I am very curious about different juices, why we crave certain flavors, and which juices have medicinal properties. I hope you do a follow up article to this one.
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I never thought about the spices and condiments issue before...BRAVO. I am interested in finding out more about your friends allergies. You are so sweet to help her.
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You are good friend. I have addicted to thai coconut water with blended strawberries and fresh orange juice. I strain it to make juice, but it is so refreshing and delicious.....especially w/ blood oranges, if you can find them!
Hope you are doing well!!
Penni
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Allison, this is a great blog post!
Deconstructing the foods I was craving is one of the things I attribute to me being able to successfully go and stay raw. It really is about the flavorings, not the actual foods, most times!
I wanted to share about my experience with young coconuts, especially if your friend also has high cholesterol. I consumed one young coconut per day for one month and within that time my cholesterol went from unhealthy to very healthy! I think young coconuts can do a lot of good things for people, if they are experiencing certain imbalances in their diets. I'm sure your friend appreciates that attention you are giving to her diet. I hope she can regain some health by learning from you!
Lots of love to you!
Wendi
XOXOXO
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