Almost a year ago (I know, I know) I collaborated with Betsy at Raw Roots Wellness to give her some gorgeous updated photos for her new venture into holistic nutrition. Betsy reached out to Megan James to help with styling and to use her absolutely, beautiful, to die for house for the photoshoot location. I also want to mention this was the second time I shot with my Mamiya 645. It was overcast and drizzly so I was definitely nervous about that with film indoors. However, I was over the moon with the results. Literally. I’m still so in love with them. Betsy has such a warm, infectious smile and everything Megan touches makes you just want to jump into it and live there.
Follow along to the end of the blog where Betsy shares one of her favorite recipes.
From Betsy:
Food is a life bringing force. With every bite, it has the power to bring health or disease. The choices we make every day have the ability to impact the quality of our life. By choosing living, real food, we are making the decision to say — yes, I’m going to love my body today!
As a mama and wife, I understand the daily struggles of incorporating new foods, personal preferences, and cooking different food needs. My daily food looks how it’s pictured, real, wholesome food doesn’t need to look dressed up, it’s amazing all on it’s own. Going through my personal struggles of autoimmunte disease has made me accutely aware of how food can contribute to health or disease with each bite. Getting started in the up and coming holistic nutrition field is new and exciting, but most of all, I love it because it helps people not just live, but thrive.
My very favorite tip to share when faced with changing a lifetime food or lifestyle habit is: start small!
Every step towards wellness is a step in the right direction. It can be as easy as switching your daily caffeine hit for one that’s made at home, or buying organic apples rather than conventional, making changes that stick are best done in small increments. It takes time and commitment and a promise to yourself that you want to feel better.
When shifting to a more natural-based diet, it’s important to find replacements for your special treats, to satisfy your sweet tooth and not leave you feeling deprived. Branching into raw treats is a fantastic way to keep your cravings in check and to get loads of important nutrients. This recipe for Raw Brownies was the first ever I used, and it has been a staple ever since! Surprisingly decadent while being super good for you, they let you indulge without spiking your blood sugar levels. Rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, brain-healthy Omega-3, and powerful cancer fighting antioxidants!
Raw Brownie Ingredients:
1 1/4 cup dates
3/4 cup walnuts
3 TBS cacao powder
1 tsp. real vanilla extract
1/2-1 tsp. sea salt
*Always use organic ingredients whenever possible!
Blend walnuts in food processor until small crumbs (dont overblend!) Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until mixture forms a nice, thick brownie paste. Feel free to add mix-ins like dairy-free chocolate chips, goji berries, cranberries, coconut flakes, or cacao nibs! Smooth into squares or balls and top with a pecan!
This recipe is perfect for a variety of diets, such as paleo, vegan, whole 30, and raw foodies!
Cheers to your health!
