04
Oct
Raw Vegan LA Wholesale Produce Market Haul October 2, 2015
I visited the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market and shot a short video of what I got and spent, so I decided to share it here with you all in case you're not already following me on YouTube (check it out for more!). One of the most frequently asked questions I get in comments and emails is that regarding saving money or living on a budget as a high carb and/or high raw vegan. Good news! I have some very helpful information, especially to those of you who live in Los Angeles, or near it :) Check out this blog post for FAQs, advice, examples, photos + more!
Date: October 2, 2015
Total: $76 
There's always a sense of comfort that comes along with enjoying thick a slice of banana bread and a tall glass of {non-dairy} milk. It's to me like sitting in front of a warm fire on a cold winter's night (if you would even consider there to be a 'winter' here in LA).
The problem with most other banana bread recipes is that they contain dairy, eggs, refined sugar, and oil -- things that I do not consume or include in what I consider a healthy diet. So, I decided not only to veganize this nostalgic recipe, but to also be sure it is a healthy version that I could guiltlessly consume and enjoy.
So here it is, a healthy banana bread that is vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, oil-free and yet still comforting & delicious. The ingredient list on this recipe is also relatively simple, I promise! 
I am excited to share that I am going to be a part of the First Annual SoCal Vegfest on November 1, 2015, which also happens to be World Vegan Day & Dia De Los Muertos, bringing in more fun!
SoCal Vegfest is a Free-Admission Festival "designed to engage curiosity and inspire consciousness in people of all ages". Their goal, as well as mine, is to inspire and support anyone who is interested in a shift to living a healthier, more environmentally friendly, and compassionate life.
The festival is kid-friendly with a kids village!, includes inspiring celebrity speakers, free plant-based food samples, musical entertainment, cooking demos, a yoga tent, interactive booths, food vendors, humane organizations, oh, and 
For the first time ever last week, I was out with food poisoning! I always knew it was an unpleasant experience from the looks of others, but I never knew it would be this taxing on me, mentally and physically. I unfortunately had to spend a short while in the hospital, and they deemed the illness to be food poisoning coupled with a bacterial infection and from these, fever. What was weird is that I felt ill Wednesday, recovered with a small headache on Thursday, and when Friday rolled around, I could not even get myself to open my eyes! It took a 360 real quick and I had to head to the hospital because of it. We had no clue what had caused my illness, and at this point I really don't have the urge to try and figure that out, I am just glad that I am passed that terrible, terrible, did I say TERRIBLE experience.
The first thing I do right when I was well the following Monday? Get into the damn kitchen again and make myself some food that's what! 
Did you know that medjool dates are actually considered a fresh, not dried, fruit?!
