Living Foods

I love raw food restaurants! And culinary gems where you can enjoy a plethora of live food entrees and desserts are sprouting up all over. Lately, I have had the opportunity to try out quite a few. With the bounty of local and organic summer produce, the healthy treats at these establishments couldn't be more delectable. Come with me as I revisit these eco-businesses and reminisce on some truly outstanding meals.

The Hippocrates Institute in West Palm Beach, FL, is a healing retreat where you can take day, week or month long journeys to heal your body, mind and soul. Within an hour of entering this beautiful sanctuary, I was blessed with this serving of sprouted salad fresh from the garden. It includes several different types of spouted beans, seaweed, hot peppers, radish, red cabbage kim-chi and a house dressing made with organic nuts and seeds. Heaven.

There is also an Oasis Spa on the grounds where you can experience therapeutic massages and holistic body treatments.

After my body wrap and tropical rainfall therapy, I picked up an Immune Support tincture from the on-site health food store. It includes zinc and selenium which are essential vitamins often depleted in our bodies.

If you are looking for a place to come and detoxify, cleanse and rejuvenate, the Life Change program here is out of this world. Staying in the serene Emerald Villa Suites and taking part in the classes, spa services and healthful dining is very much a priceless healing experience.

 
While in Miami, I was awestruck by the profound healing food and drink combinations served up at LifeFood Gourmet.

Here you can sign up for a healing cleanse which includes raw drinks like Wild Milk made of organic nuts or raw meals made of super fresh high powered super foods. I enjoyed this rich and decadent Mediteranean Hummous meal complete with pita chips and falafel-like bits. From the looks of it, you would never guess that nothing in it has been cooked!

Heating foods above 118 degrees is considered destructive to its nutrients, enzymes and vitamins and Cafe 118 in Orlando, has made it clear in it's name that all the selections on the menu are full of life!

I had the Pad Thai and it was scrumptious.

Afterwards, I felt as full of energy as the vital veggies that were in my meal. And for dessert! An unbelievable rich and delicious raw chocolate bar.

This is a great way to eat if you're lagging or feeling drained. All those active enzymes will give you a natural boost and the pure flavors will enliven you instantly. Promise.

With my extra energy, I redesigned my bike, a yard sale find. Using duct tape on the frame, a drab red was enlivened to a sea blue. I love blue and now when I go on my daily ride, filled with living food power, I can relish in the aqua hue.