Ottawa Vegan & Raw

It's official - I am a business owner!

Ottawa Vegan & Raw is (finally) up and running, with Judy's Nutrition providing Nutritional Counseling, and Judy's Desserts for - well, that's pretty self-explanatory!

No-Butter Tarts

This whole business idea came about rather quickly and unexpectedly. After finishing nutrition school in 2008, I felt a little lost about where to turn next, so I just continued to work part-time as a hair stylist, and consulted with nutrition clients here and there. I like to let things happen as they will - that is my tried and true business strategy. I trust in the universe and its many mysterious ways, and I respect that sometimes good things take time. (Or as in 'Rat Race' - "Good things take time - great things happen all at once").

Chocolate Goji Berry Pie

Even though I like to think I am, I'm not much of a planner. I get great ideas, keep them in my head for a while (sometimes forever), and then one day just wake up and make things happen. I don't write things down - I don't review my options or actions - I don't consult professionals - I just do. I never thought I was a 'fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants' kinda girl, but hey, things change.

So one day this past summer I realized that Ottawa Vegan & Raw was my next step. It was the biggest, brightest light-bulb moment I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing. Thank goodness I listen to my intuitions.

On November 22nd 2009, I held Judy's Desserts Tasting Party, my official business launch. Attended by local business owners, friends, colleagues, and the general public, Judy's Desserts Tasting Party was a huge success! I showcased my delicious, decadent, healthier vegan desserts by providing mouth-watering samples and product information, while also connecting with customers, and networking with like-minded professionals.


And the response to my desserts? Well usually it went something like this:

"Holy #*&^ this is good! And there's no wheat/gluten/soy/dairy???? OMG this is %#@&$^! amazing!!....Can I have another piece??"


You may think I am exaggerating, but I kid you not - most people swear when they taste my desserts (and to be honest, I do a lot of the time too!). Even people who normally wouldn't swear. I noticed this back in the summer when I was recipe testing, and I immediately recognized it as the highest form of praise. After all, if people respond that strongly before they have time to 'compose' themselves, it can't be a bad thing - my desserts are just that good!

Carob-Mint Fudge Pie

A few people told me they were nervous to come to my party, that they didn't know what to expect of healthy vegan desserts made without wheat, gluten, corn, soy, dairy, refined sugars, or eggs. I can understand that. But thankfully most people overcame their fears of sawdust and applesauce cookies, and experienced some of the most decadent, satisfying, and healthy desserts available!


I also made some very important business contacts, and I am keeping my fingers tightly crossed about a few interesting propositions I have received. I am excited to see what the future holds for both myself and Ottawa Vegan & Raw.


Thank you to everyone who attended my Dessert Tasting Party, to everyone who placed dessert orders that day or since that day, to everyone who has shown support for myself and Ottawa Vegan & Raw, and to everyone and anyone else who was involved in this event in any way! (Did I miss anyone?)

Anyone hungry for dessert?

Pssst

Wanna know a secret?

I started my own business making and selling decadent, healthier desserts.

They're made with natural, high-quality, mostly raw ingredients.

They're also wheat and gluten free, dairy free, soy free, corn free, totally vegan
and free of refined sugars.

Know what else?

I'm holding an official business launch and dessert tasting party in Ottawa, Ontario in November.

Do you want to come?

There will be 10 separate desserts for you to sample, and you can find out
exactly what makes them healthy.

Email me for your chance to attend: judysnutrition at gmail dot com.

No More Plastic

I have recently found one of the best inventions for modern day living:

Glass straws.

I bought mine here, but there are other places and sites to buy similar straws. Either way, they are one of the best investments a smoothie-lover could make.

I realize they may seem impractical, but they are guaranteed for life, made of Pyrex quality shatter-proof glass, and they even come with a handy-dandy pipe cleaner. Most places offer coloured or otherwise decorated straws. I bought amber coloured ones, because in my house, even the straws aren't allowed to be boring.

Glass is the way to go. Because, let's face it, plastic has no place in our mouths (or in the ocean), and who really wants a green smoothie mustache? Not me.

Also, check out my article on Crazy Sexy Life.

Dr. Mercola

One of the things I love the most is finding reputable, well researched studies and articles that substantiate my beliefs and values. While I am 100% confident in the healing powers of Holistic Nutrition, many people aren't. It's nice to see this kind of information finally making it into the mainstream.

Today's email from Mercola.com had me smiling especially big this morning as I read the following 2 articles. Perhaps you will have the same reaction. And if you don't, at least it will get you thinking.

Swine Flu Vaccine

Fat Deficiency Kills More People Every Year Than Breast Cancer

3 New Foods To Try

Dietary improvements don't have to involve expensive appliances, multiple recipe books, or hard-to-find ingredients. Incorporating new foods and dietary practices one at a time is an easy way to make a transition to a healthier life. Try these 3 foods to start with:

1. GOJI BERRIES

WHY? Goji berries have been used in Chinese medicine for over 6000 years. They contain 18 amino acids, including all 8 essential amino acids, making them a COMPLETE PROTEIN. They contain high amounts of beta-carotene (later converted to vitamin A by the body), vitamin C, zinc, phosphorous, B vitamins, and vitamin E. Goji berries also have high amounts of anti-oxidants, important for cellular health and cancer prevention. On top of all this, they are one of the best vegetarian sources of IRON.

HOW? Goji berries are best consumed raw. They are not very sweet, and have a mild flavour much different than most berries. Goji berries tend to be hard and crunchy, but soaking them in water for at least 10 minutes helps to 'plump' them up. Whether dry or soaked, goji berries can easily be added to many dishes such as smoothies, sauces, trail mix, cereal, salads, raw desserts, or just eaten alone.

DID YOU KNOW? Goji berries improve sexual function and fertility in both men and women.

CAUTION: Some brands of goji berries may contain dyes or colourants to enhance their red colour, so be sure to buy from a good, trust-worthy sources.

2. FLAX

WHY? Flax is high in OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS, which are essential for good health. Omega 3's can help with inflammation, depression, anxiety, sleep, hormone imbalances, dry skin, acne, tendinitis, bursitis, and much more. Flax seeds contain fiber to help with symptoms of both constipation and diarrhea, and flax oil provides high amounts of omega 3's without digestive effort. Whole flax seeds have very little flavour, but ground flax seeds and flax oil have a pleasant, nutty flavour.

HOW? Flax seeds are best consumed raw. They can be freshly ground, which increases the bio-availability of the omega 3's and other nutrients, or eaten whole. Both freshly ground and whole flax seeds make a great addition to smoothies, and freshly ground flax is a nice topping for pancakes, yogurt, waffles, cereal, fresh fruit, or even salad. Flax seeds that have been soaked in water become gelatinous and make a great substitute for eggs when baking (though their nutrient content will be affected by heating).

DID YOU KNOW? Omega 3 is especially important for proper brain and nervous system development and function. A deficiency in omega 3 during pregnancy and breast feeding can promote many health issues such as psoriasis, eczema, digestive problems, vision problems, auto-immune conditions, behavioural problems and learning difficulties, and can even reduce intelligence.

CAUTION: People with very compromised digestion may find whole or ground flax seeds too hard to digest; in that case, flax oil would be more appropriate.

3. TAHINI

WHY? Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, is a great vegetarian source of CALCIUM. It also contains protein and essential fatty acids.

HOW? Tahini is nutty in flavour, with bitter undertones. It is used in a lot of Middle Eastern foods such as hummus, halvah, and baba ganoush. It is thick and creamy, and makes a good base for salad dressings and sauces. Tahini is very versatile and can be spread on sandwiches or wraps, added to baking or smoothies, or folded into warm oatmeal.

DID YOU KNOW? Tahini milk is a great substitute for dairy milk, and it's easy to make. Use 2-4 tbsp of tahini for every cup of water, and blend until smooth. Add maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar to taste.

CAUTION: If tahini is very bitter, it has likely gone rancid and should not be consumed.

Pre-Natal Nutrition

Pregnant?


Breast-Feeding?


Trying to Conceive?

Inform yourself with my 8-week Pre-Natal Nutrition course.

As a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, I will help you to learn:

-how to optimize fertility and increase your chances of conceiving
-what to eat to avoid common pregnancy complaints
-what specific foods are essential for a strong, healthy, smart baby
-which foods are best during breast-feeding
-effective alternatives to vaccines
-healthy alternatives to dairy
-which foods to avoid to decrease the chance of food allergies
-how to fortify your child’s immunity through diet
-the dangers of processed foods
-the risks associated with artificial sweeteners
-the truth about that prenatal vitamin your Doctor suggested
-how to customize your meal plans to ensure you are getting all the necessary nutrients for a happy, healthy pregnancy and baby
-much, much more!

For more information, email me: judysnutrition at gmail dot com.

Have You Seen This?

Every once in a while I come across an idea that makes me go:

"Why hadn't I thought of that?"

Here's one that was emailed to me yesterday, courtesy of The Raw Divas.

That's right - a 3 day green smoothie cleanse. In terms of cleansing and 'dieting', what could be easier? Tastier? Fresher? Healthier? Prettier? GREENER?

Check it out.