What is Cacao?

I recently went over to the only authentic Venezuelan restaurant in the state of Pennsylvania, Sazon restaurant on Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia. I first heard about Sazon through a friend I do Capoeira with. He was raving about this place that served these authentic cacao drinks. At first I didn't believe him. I mean Philly isn't exactly on the map when it comes to healthy options!

I had to check this place out for myself and was delightfully surprised to learn that it was beyond what I could have expected. Robert is a mad scientist when it comes to the creations of the twenty uniquely concocted authentic cacao drinks he offers. If you're eating a vegan diet be sure to ask ahead of time for them to make your drink that way. They also have the most amazing vegan truffles with flavor combinations you couldn't imagine.

I was blown away by the quality, knowledge and passion Robert has for this medicinal plant. Robert and his wife are great down to earth people. Whether you want to pop in and sit at the bar to have a stellar cacao drink and nibble on a truffle, or would like to sit down and have an authentic Venezuelan dinner--stop in and tell them Michelle sent you. You won't be disappointed!



Learn more about Sazon restaurant OR go straight to the cacao drinks.

Markus Rothranz: Beyond Raw Foods

I caught the tail end of Markus Rothkranz's motivational speech from the Raw Spirit east coast D.C. festival. In this clip Markus touches on:

- is eating raw expensive?

- toxins in the liver

- digestive problems

- wild foods

- self-empowerment

- being YOU!

If you do not see the video below, please click here.





To learn more about his work:

http://www.markusrothkranz.com

Xavier Hawk on How to Make Kava

Late Friday night of the Raw Spirit east coast festival I met Xavier Hawk, musician and all around cool kat. He introduced us to kava which is a root that is crushed up and steeped in water to create a tea. Kava is known as the black pepper plant and is from the Western Pacific. It's used in ceremonies as a form of sacred communication. It's totally natural and works as a topical anesthetic which causes the tongue and stomach to go numb. It also acts as a mood enhancer and is know to open up ones heart for deeper communication.

Please be aware that it should NOT be mixed with alcohol or anti-depressants. Also do not drink it ladies if you are nursing or pregnant.

If you do not see the video below, please click here to view.




To buy kava:
http://www.nakava.com

To hear Xavier's music:
http://www.xavierhawk.net NOT com ;)

Have you ever tried kava and if so, what was your experience?

Paul Nison on IBD, cacao, daylight eating, and more...

I was stoked to see Paul Nison at the Raw Spirit east coast festival. Being a fellow east coaster, Paul and I hit it off with our northeastern lingo LOL. In this interview Paul shares how he overcame IBD when he was told there was no cure, at a high risk for cancer, and that would eventually have to have his colon taken out. After 'coincidentally' moving right next to the Hippocrates Health Institute in Florida, he was able to find the education he needed in order to heal himself.

If you do not see the video below, please click here to view.





Paul's new book The Daylight Diet is out now and discusses the importance of eating at the right times throughout the day.

- To order the Daylight Diet:
http://www.rawlife.com

- Watch Paul's health show: http://www.therawlifehealthshow.com

- For more information about Paul: http://www.paulnison.com

By the way, I LOVE his shirt! I can absolutely resonate with that statement. Where can I get me one of those?

Rawdawg Rory on Raw Foods

I met Rory Reese or Rawdawg Rory as he's known, at the Raw Spirit east coast festival 2009. I was immediately drawn to Rory's high energy and personality. Rory used to be overweight and suffered from chronic sinusitis. Since going raw he's lost 90 lbs. to date and has noticed a significant increase in his energy levels (like he needs anymore! - just kidding). In this video Rory discusses how he transitioned over a period of time with raw foods and his advice for beginners new to the lifestyle.

If you do not see the video below, please click here to view.





For more info on Rawdawg Rory:

- http://www.rawdawgrory.com

- http://www.youtube.com/user/xmantidx