‘thrivelines’ Category
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Do you know what today is?
Saturday, December 17th, 2011
Yes, we know it is one week until Christmas. We also know that there are 13 days left in the year. If your final guess was the national holiday “Wright Brother’s Day”… well… you are right again; but there is something about today that is so much more important than all three of those put together! On this day in 2008, your friendly neighborhood Raw Cafe opened it’s doors to all of you wonderful souls! Happy 3-year anniversary to THRIVE!
What is an anniversary of this magnitude without a few prizes? Well, I am not going to give anything away because I am bad with secrets, and I also have the memory of a floppy disk. This means that you are going to have to drag yourself out of bed, come on over to Thrive and see for yourself. The times are a-changing and we want you to come along with us for the ride. There may* be raffle tickets. We may* have coconuts in stock. We will have smiles, and possibly hugs; if you are in need!
Our menu has probably changed a bit since the last time you have been in. Our staff has certainly followed suit. All of us are now 100% concentrated on you. And not like that 100% concentrated juice that claims to have no sugar. We are better than that. We want to serve you, we want to see you, and of course we would love to have you work along side us in the cafe. This is now a possibility! If you are interested in volunteering during the day and helping us fulfill our mission of changing the face of food on our planet (or to strive away from “food” with a face; either one) please contact Monika or Arnie by calling the cafe today! Thanks so much for your continued support, love, and overall kick-butt attitudes when you stroll through our doors. We love you. Deane, Out
* = Will
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The Skinny On Fats
Friday, October 7th, 2011
Hey Thrivers! So I guess the rainy season has officially begun in Seattle… I was beginning to think that there were 2 million of you guys out there who were really good at keeping a secret about a bright, temperate and sunny coastal city where it never really rains as much as you say; apparently not the case!
Enough about the weather, today I am here to talk to you about diets. Not the topic in general, because I have my own opinions on the effectiveness of the traditional definition and restricting calorie intake, but I am going to bring the much praised 80-10-10 “diet” under the spotlight for a minute.
Many of you may or may not have heard about Dr. Doug Graham and his approach to the “traditional” raw-foods diet that has become popular among many in the growing raw-food community. His theory outlines the fact that many raw foodists consume copious amounts of fat, in fact, more fat than our bodies need. Now, in no way is Dr. Doug advocating a restrictive diet, but he firmly believes that 80% of our diet should come from carbohydrates, 10% should come from proteins, and 10% should come from fats rather than the traditional 40-30-30 that most fit, non-raw Americans routinely consume on average.
The Center for Disease Control has predicted that the 50% of Americans that are currently diabetic or pre-diabetic will rise to 80% by the year 2020. That is a 30% increase over a period of 8 years people! Right now you are likely very disgusted or impressed with my killer math skills… Dr. Doug has done research and after pooling roughly 5000 raw foodists, he realized that they consume an average of 65-70% fats in their daily intake. This, to him, is not acceptable and is not sustainable for a healthy lifestyle.
To read more about what Dr. Doug recommends we should be eating, how much we should be eating, and what type of fruits and vegetables are most beneficial towards our health, pick up his book “80-10-10 Diet” and let us know what you think! We hope it stirs your opinions as much as it has ours’! Deane, Out
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Our Own Little Slice Of Paradise
Monday, August 22nd, 2011
I have a dream that one day all produce will be pesticide-free. No chemicals shall be used on any plants, thus creating a flourishing environment for all nutrients to THRIVE.
I have a dream that there will one day be a place for all like-minded health enthusiasts to flock to, engage in meaningful conversation, and enjoy all that Mother Earth has to offer. Put more simply, a place to THRIVE.
I have dreams of a place where brightly colored juices are squeezed fresh daily. A place where crisp and crunchy salads are pulled directly from the ground and placed on your table minutes later! And for dessert, decadent and delectably nutritious raw sweets that melt in your mouth fresh from the dehydrator!
(This may come as a shock to you, so hold on to your seats! THIS PLACE EXISTS! And I know where it is! I may even let the secret out if you keep reading…)
In my dreams, there is also hope. Hope that our Earth will pipe-up and collect the respect it deserves. It is our life force. The reason we are able to THRIVE. Of course, there would be no respect without appreciation. And since I know that breaking into song right now would do nothing for my message… Although, I am known for my Aretha impression; I would like to personally invite you all to have a look at our own vehicle of appreciation for our pal Earth… It is a pretty neat place, and by neat I mean RIDICULOUSLY AWESOME!!
Click on the link above to view our new page for the Thrive Retreat Center! I can assure you that you will not be sorry! On a side note: You may be able to catch me up there from time to time singing… As if you needed any more incentive! If you have any questions, concerns, comments, musings, or you would like to regale our staff with your own version of R-E-S-P-E-C-T, please do not hesitate to contact us at the café! We love talking to you guys! Click on the contact button above for more info. Deane, Out!
Tags: Earth, Juicing, organic, Paradise, raw, Retreat Center, Vacation
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An Ode To Mother
Tuesday, August 16th, 2011
Do you remember when you were just a little sprout and your mother was kind enough to provide you with your first bite of nourishment? “Here comes the rocket ship!” Was anyone else a little freaked out by the thought of a large spacecraft entering your mouth? Was it just me who thought a spoon sounded much more practical and appealing? Oh well… I’ll save my little anecdotes for my therapist! 
No matter the vehicle, I am sure there are many pictures to provide evidence of your first meal… Whether it was mashed carrots, sweet potatoes, or sugar peas; without a doubt, they were all over your face and you unknowingly were “rocketed” into the fine world of Mother Nature’s greatest gift: edible plants.
Little did you know that later in life, you would become so engrossed in all of the delicacies she has to offer that you would seek out only the supreme, most nutrient dense sources of her bounty. Coincidentally, all of you health-nuts have wound up sourcing your nutrients from the same tropical climate which just happens to be one of Mother Nature’s favorite children: Thailand. The undeniably fertile grounds of this Southeast Asian country allow for the growth, production, and exportation of over 1.7 million tons of this prehistoric, nutrient-rich, ridiculously delicious wonder-food known to some as “Cocos nucifera”. If you guessed that we are talking about coconuts, give yourself a pat on the back!
Contrary to popular belief, the coconut is not actually a nut, but a fruit. It is a common staple in many diets across the globe and is known for its multitude of uses. The endosperm or meat is extremely rich in medium-chain saturated fats, which have been said to be an excellent source of energy, as well as an honorable carrier for minerals like iron, and zinc. Its oils are also used in many soaps and lotions to aid in moisturizing and cleansing the skin! When a coconut is young, it is often referred to as a tender coconut and contains far less meat, though it has more water. The water contained in tender coconuts contains more of the endosperm and it’s various minerals/nutrients and often has a mildly sweet flavor. As the coconut ages, the water becomes bitter and contains far less beneficial nutrients. At its peak freshness, coconut water is known to be one of the ultimate sources of electrolytes that old Mother Nature has to offer!
I know what you are thinking… “This is all great info Deane, unfortunately, my finances will not allow for monthly trips to Thailand to obtain young coconuts from the locals.” Did you really think I was going to leave you hanging out in the cold after telling you about such an amazing wonder-fruit? You obviously haven’t gotten to know me yet! Over the years, our own café in Seattle has sourced, hacked, and served over 21,000 young coconuts. That is a lot of meat, my friends… Where does all of it go? Not only do we use freshly hacked coconut meat/water in our homemade desserts, but you will also find its delectable zest in several of our smoothies such as the infamous “Coconutty” or the notorious “Celestial Sea”. Not feeling a smoothie? How does an ice cold glass of sweet electrolytes sound? We serve up fresh tender coconut water daily, and if you prefer, we can serve it in the original vehicle it was born in! That’s right, we are proud to be one of few Seattle establishments to serve hacked coconuts directly to your taste buds! “Here comes the rocket ship”!
Don’t forget to check back in to Thrivelines at the end of the week, we just might have a few surprises up our sleeve! For now, I just made myself thirsty. I’m thinking either rocket fuel, or coconut water! Deane, Out!
Tags: Coconuts, Dessert, raw, Seattle, Smoothie, Thrive, vegan
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Take a dive into the World of “Raw” with us!
Friday, August 12th, 2011
Welcome back to the Official Generation Thrive Blog!
Let me begin by introducing myself. My name is Deane, I am the newest member of the Thrive team and it also happens that I am the newest Café Supervisor in charge of the Thrivelines, our blog… Who would have thought? I have always had a deep passion for writing and I view having the opportunity to communicate with all of you as a huge honor!
We want to let you know about something very special and completely new and note-worthy! We at Thrive are on a new mission…. we have started a monthly Journal Club of sorts! That’s right, beginning last Sunday, the wonderful staff at the Thrive Retreat Center and Café put their brains and hearts together to generate a forum for collecting, researching, and discussing the theories, studies, and speculation surrounding the Raw diet itself! What does this mean? Well, over the course of the next few years, we will slowly build our arsenal of all Raw information and data, tirelessly discovering and possibly even conducting new research studies taking place within the Raw community to shine light on the benefits, the skepticism, and maybe even publish our own findings! We hope that this will foster proper sourcing methods and how to avoid stumbling on invalid data! How cool does that sound?
If you are as excited as I am about all of this, I suggest you join us at Thrive Café on August 25, 2011 at 2pm, sharp! Here you will be able to hear about some of the research we are finding, share your ideas, bounce your opinions around, shine light on new research and make some new friends while you are at it! Oh yeah, and I am pretty sure the Thrive Café makes some wonderful dishes to take home for dinner afterwards… Or so I have heard! Until next time, have a great weekend Seattle! Deane, Out!
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Farm Fresh Produce Comes to Thrive!
Thursday, August 11th, 2011
Did you know that Thrive has its very own farm? Yep, Farmer Sprout (aka Taylor McCormack) has been growing our greens this season right from our very own Vitality Farm on the Retreat Center land in Sedro-Woolley!
Guest both at the Cafe and Thrive Retreat Center have feasted on farm fresh collard wraps, spinach salads, pesto, pate and more delicacies plush with homegrown goodness. And the good news? It keeps coming!
Taylor manages about 1/4 acres of farmland with a little help from Thrive’s friendly WWOOFERS and volunteers. All of the produce is grown free of synthetic chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides, delivering only the finest and purest vegetables to Thrive Cafe and to Thrive Retreat Center guests! Coming up this season look for homegrown raspberries, heirloom tomatoes, every kind of greens you could ask for, herbs, sunflower sprouts and so much more!
Thrive’s governing dynamics:
We uphold and tend the paradigm that Earth is exceedingly generous, bold and bountiful; that its simple harvest is an incredibly potent and intelligent source of energy and medicine, that it provides access to a shocking, enlivening, and previously unthinkable experience of health and vitality, one of Joy and Buoyancy, Beauty and Shine.
We invite you to explore in this bounty! There are plenty of opportunities to taste these delicious homegrown morsels: either book a stay at Thrive’s Retreat Center or simply stop into the cafe and order a salad! Odds are, you are feasting on pure, locally grown produce from our farm!
If you’d like to learn more about Thrive’s Vitality Farm or to volunteer, contact Kael or Aaron at (360) 826-3332.
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Stress
Sunday, January 23rd, 2011
Stress cannot always be avoided in modern life. Therefore, it is critical to allow the body the ability to mount an effective and efficient defense to stress. The most important defensive prescription that I recommend is sleep, exercise, and raw fruits and vegetables.
Sleep allows the organs to regroup and refresh. It provides the body a period of time when there are few external energy demands and the cells of each organ are able to return to homeostasis, a state at which the physiological and biochemical processes of the body are at rest and are not striving to correct imbalances.
Exercise is practice for the cells of their primary purpose – that is, the pumping of blood from the heart to the organs and muscles, the delivery of oxygen along with the transport of waste to the lungs, the movement of air in and out of the lungs, and the contraction and movement of muscle fibers. Exercise helps the body retain memory of what the critical processes are and will better be able to defend itself from the influences of stress related hormones and cellular destruction.
Finally, raw fruits and vegetables offer some of the most powerful defenses against stress in the form of vital vitamins, nutrients, and anti-oxidants. Raw foods are natural sources of energy and sustenance, in the only form that is more able to assimilate, and more able to be utilized in the multitude of reactions and processes of the body necessary for a successful defense to stress.
These options can quell the rampant and deleterious inflammatory response our bodies suffer under stress. Mind you, this stress may be amongst the simplest travesties such as sitting in traffic when you are late or may be of more traumatic and unpredictable tribulations such as financial or medical sufferings. Just as the body cannot differentiate between a surgical incision or a wound inflicted by a knife stab, it also cannot differentiate between stress that is trivial and somewhat expected and stress that is unpredictable and often devastating to our souls.
We must remain strong in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. But the strength requires forethought and preparation. We must plan for stress ahead by making sure we take the time to nurture our bodies, our souls, and our minds. Attending to our sleep habits, our exercise habits, and discerningly choosing what foods we eat will ensure our arsenal is full and well prepared to face all life events.
I also highly recommend an intensive short-term preparation either as a quick start or simply a tune up in the form of focused, all encompassing attention to the details of our health. This is why I am super excited about the opening of The Wellness Center. The Center offers an environment, a variety of experts, and various resources to help you get and stay on the right “prepared to fight” track. You will sleep, exercise, and indulge in delicious and scrumptious raw food recipes. You will leave a new person, or, at the very least, a new perspective on the person you will be.
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Cleanse & Detox Programs
Sunday, January 2nd, 2011
Ever experience the clarity of mind and the sense of peace one feels from eating a raw, vegan, organic diet? Come and experience for yourself how therapeutic and great this diet can make you feel!
Treat yourself to a raw food cleanse here at the Thrive Retreat Center. We provide individuals with an environment that is relaxing, revitalizing, and rejuvenating. We provide fresh organic, gourmet, raw, vegan meals morning, noon and night 7-days a week. Each day we provide classes and discussions on raw food preparation and the nutritional aspects of the diet. Come for an extended stay and take part in meditation, yoga, dance, massage, energy work, and more.
Whether you are looking for a serious detox and cleanse or looking to experience a healthy, peaceful getaway, Thrive Retreat Center can provide you with not only the opportunity to do something relaxing and healthy for yourself but it may be just the catalyst you need for a real transformation in your life.
Come and experience the clarity of mind one receives from the raw food diet and feel a renewed sense of well-being, vigor, and inner peace!
Cost of Participation
When considering cost for the program, there are two prices to consider: the program cost, and accommodations, depending on what works for you.
Lodging Options
• Twin Bed in Shared Room ($50 per night)
• Full Bed in Shared Room ($60 per night)
• Queen Bed in Shared Room ($70 per night)
• Private Room with Shared Bathroom ($140 per night)
• Private Room with Private Bathroom ($155 per night)
Program Cost
• $60 per day
What’s Included:
• A comfortable bed, linens, and daily maid service (as requested)
• 1 class daily, covering topics such as raw foods, meditation, yoga, cleansing, toxins, deficiencies, supplementation, sprouts, water, enzymes, elimination, pH balance, and more
• 1 hands-on kitchen class per day, covering topics such as dehydration, fermenting, sprouting, desserts, sauces/dips, smoothies, raw entrees, and more
• 1 green juice daily
• 1 green smoothie daily
• 2 organic, raw vegan meals daily
• Daily wheatgrass and E3 Live supplements
• Daily exercise and meditation
• Access to our Infrared sauna
Daily Schedule
8-8:30a – Meditation
8:45a – Fresh Juice
9-10a – Exercise
10:15a – Wheatgrass
10:45a – Smoothie
12:30p – Lunch
1:30p – 2:00p – Nutrition Class/Discussion Group (Monday-Saturday)
2:30 – E3 Live
3:30 – 4:30p – Hands-On Kitchen Class
6:00p – Dinner
7:30p – Social Hour… movies, games, and more
10:00p – Quiet Time
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of food is served at the Center?
Organic, raw, plant-based foods. No meat, dairy, wheat, gluten, caffeine.
What time is checkout or departure?
The completion time for most of our programs is 11:00 a.m.
What is the lodging like?
The main lodge at the center sleeps 15 guests. Some rooms are shared with twin beds others have full and queen beds with their own private bathroom. The common area consists of a living room with a log burning stove and a dinning room that overlooks the beautiful outdoors. The feeling is warm and rustic.
How long should I stay to fully clean out my system?
This varies depending on the person. You can feel effects in just a few days but longer raw food cleanses can last weeks or even months. We offer special rates for those wishing to stay 30 days or longer.
What does a day normally look like if I come to the center?
A typical day starts off at 8:00am with a meditation class, at 8:45am a juice/smoothie is served, 9:00am exercise class, 10:00am break, 11:00am class discussion and wheatgrass, 12:30pm lunch, 1:30pm break, 3:30pm kitchen class and E3Live (green superfood), 4:30pm break, 6pm dinner, 8pm evening entertainment (movie, music, talk, games, etc), and 10pm is quiet time.
Are the classes optional?
Absolutely. We provide classes on raw food preparation and lead discussions on nutrition and health related topics, all of these as well as any meditation and exercise classes are always optional.
Are group discounts available?
Yes, please see our website’s group rental page for more information.
Can I change the duration of my stay?
Yes. Provided that space is available you are welcome to extend your stay as long as you wish. You are welcome to leave at anytime but no refunds are granted for the remainder of your nights.
Are pets allowed?
We are committed to maintaining an allergen-free environment, thus, no pets are allowed at the center.
Is the food 100% vegetarian?
Yes. There are no animal products being used at the center. Everything is 100% vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free?
Is the food gluten-free?
Yes. 100%.
Is the food organic?
We try and source everything organically and as locally grown as possible. However, not all ingredients are certified organic.
Can I bring my own food?
Out of respect for the guests that are at the Center participating in the raw food cleanse program, we do not permit outside food in the building. However, you may bring your own food out of site (in your room or in your car) as it is vegetarian and gluten-free.
I have a lot of food allergies. Is this a problem?
No. We take food allergies into account. Please share with us your food allergies upon registering.
What if I want to cancel my stay?
All funds paid are non-refundable. However, your funds may be transferred to another participant.
What if I want to transfer dates?
Transfers requested at least 14 days prior to arrival can be accommodated except in circumstances where you have registered for a specific program (with specific dates). In these circumstances, no transfers are permitted. However, you may transfer your program to a different participant if you are unable to attend yourself.
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Sales Manager – Wholesale Program
Sunday, December 12th, 2010
We are seeking a part-time Sales Manager for our Wholesale Dessert Program.
The Wholesale Program Sales Manager is the person responsible for expanding Thrive’s food offerings beyond Thrive’s Café. The Sales Manager seeks opportunities to enroll and register other business owners in offering Thrive’s food to their current customer base, customer bases into which they’re targeting or wanting to reach, and/or customer bases historically thought impossible to reach.
The Sales Manager is motivated by a genuine and natural expression to share Raw Food as a new and available choice that will leave people choosing it over and over again. He/she is moved by an authentic and Urgent Generosity to share. His/her intention is to have business owners know Thrive products to be an instantly gratifying choice, convenient, affordable, prestigious, both pioneering and classic, and a perfect addition in satisfying, inspiring, and enlivening their trusted customer base.
DUTIES
NEW PROSPECTS
- Within that business, identify who the decision-maker is in regards to food products, approach the decision-maker, and share information about Thrive’s offerings with the intentions of getting Thrive’s food in front of the decision-maker so the decision-maker can experience Thrive first-hand.
- Setting and attending appointments prepared with information and samples of our products
- Following-up with the decision-maker to determine if Thrive’s food is a good match for their customer base.
ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT
- Accepting wholesale food orders from clients and ensuring timely delivery.
- Ongoingly ensuring the business is satisfied with our products.
- Working with the business to ensure proper product placement and marketing.
Future duties may include training and supervising additional Account Executives as the Wholesale Program expands.
For more information and to apply, please email your resume to monika@generationthrive.com.
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Cafe Staff Member
Sunday, December 12th, 2010
Context for a Café Staff Member
Thrive’s Café Staff Members are instruments of Enflourishment. They are the Sun and Earth’s army and messengers. If roots are the delivery system for a vegetable’s nourishment and growth, Staff Members are the delivery system for our customers in much the same way. Staff Members are the tenders of the space, the incredibly special last-bridge between the growers and producers of our food and our customers. Thrive Staff Members pledge their allegiance to the fullest expression of people’s magnificence and promise to hold high in their visions and intentions the space and possibility of maximum health and vitality for all people, even if all people don’t hold it for themselves.
Duties
> To Clear the Space :: That being, to remove from any spaces in the café that which impedes and displaces the creation or display of the café’s primary sources of nourishment for its customers; the kitchen, garden, bulk foods, refrigerators, and store. This also includes ongoingly clearing the space in communication so that there is nothing disempowering in the space, nothing to impede or displace the Team Member’s power and effectiveness.
> To Assist Customers and Provide Exceptional Experiences :: Staff Members assist customers in the café and retail store. This includes preparing food and beverages; handling customer questions or concerns about our products, services, and ingredients; receiving payments; and ensuring complete customer satisfaction every time.
> To Maintain Integrity of the Physical Space :: Staff Members maintain the integrity of the physical space. This includes ensuring the space is clean and sanitized; products are properly displayed; prices are clearly marked; shelves are fully stocked; food is properly cleaned and handled; and that everything is perfectly organized to maximize efficiency and workability for all.
Training and Development
> While our business is a reliably a place of solid results, it is also unmistakably a place of learning, training, and development for people, both in their role as Staff Members but also in all other aspects of their lives.
> Café Staff Members will undergo training in the Café and learn how to create raw food recipes, plate dishes, and be of service.
> Our commitment is that all Staff Members generate satisfaction and fulfillment in their employment with our company, and as such, we are committed that Staff Members have clear pathways for being in action and producing the results for which they are accountable in areas that inspire them, as well as in increasing their personal productivity, expanding their integrity, and developing themselves as more powerful, able, compassionate, and contributing human beings. As such, each and every Staff Member will work with our General Manager to create a training and development program that is well thought-out, fully-planned, well-organized, and reliably implemented.
Qualities
> A Staff Member’s highest expression is that of service—to customers, to the Café, to the Supervisors, to his/her own self.
> Staff Members are great with people and are able to create relatedness with our customers. They are present, outgoing, and consistently have their attention on ensuring customers have the experience of being taken care of, appreciated, loved, and respected. Team Members are known by all of our customers as people who are committed to their health and satisfaction.
> Staff Members are people who are able to be fully in communication. Team Members do not withhold communications, especially about any slips of integrity, and are people who are in partnership with, and in authentic communication with one another.
> Staff Members are quick, efficient, and have a developed sense of urgency. This is of utmost importance to the success and efficiency of the café.
> Staff Members maintain the high level of integrity necessary to fulfill our mission and vision.
INTEGRITY is: nothing hidden, being truthful and honest, doing complete work, working from an empowering context, and doing very well what you do, doing as it was designed to be done or better, and without cutting corners. In other words, honoring your word, doing what you know to do, doing what you said you would do and on time, doing what others could expect you to do even if you haven’t said that you would do it, and saying when you are not doing this as soon as you realized you won’t be doing it or won’t be doing it on time.
Other Requirements
From time-to-time, all Staff Members may be required to use a computer, prepare food items, make deliveries or pick up supplies, and/or receive or ship products. As such, all Staff Members:
> Must be able to lift 25 pounds
> Must be willing to have a short bio on the Thrive website, with photo
> Must obtain a food handler’s within one week of the first day of employment
> Must be able to check email regularly and use Google Documents
> Must be willing to use Facebook for the purpose of Staff Communication
Pay Rate and Discounts
$8.55 per hour plus a percentage of pooled tips. This rate is not presently negotiable, regardless of experience or skill level. All Staff Members receive a 40% discount on menu items, and a 15% discount on store products at Thrive. Thrive Staff Members also receive a 15% off discount at Chaco Canyon Organic Café and Healeo!
Working Hours
All Staff Members must be able and willing to work a minimum of three shifts per week, plus one on-call shift per week. Additionally, all Staff Members are required to attend a monthly staff meeting as a requirement of employment. Staff meetings are held on the first Saturday of every other month between 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.
Fill out my form!
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Edible Gift Giving
Wednesday, December 8th, 2010
The holidays present a particular challenge when it comes to treating your body well. I am constantly deluged by well meaning family, friends, colleagues, and patients of edible holiday gifts. Most, if not all, edible gifts come in the form of something that I know will not benefit my health and well-being. It started with my niece’s school candy fundraiser to my husband’s work associates’ brownie gift baskets to freshly baked cookies from a patient who just wanted to say thank you.
At the risk of sounding like a scrooge and a humbug wrapped into one (which I am most certainly not!), I think it is time to redefine edible gift giving. These gifts should convey the message of love, caring, and consideration. Please understand I am not undermining or criticizing the intent or the thought behind the gift. I am simply asking why would we not want to recognize someone who has meant something to us with a holiday offering that says, “Because of who you are and what you have done, I want to show you how much I care about and thank you, so I am giving a gift that will make you feel incredible, that will give you boundless energy and will help to prolong your life. Because that’s how much I care.”
I envision a season when school fund drives will only offer healthy and eco-friendly products for sale. When the office party will center not on vast amounts of baked goods but on vegetables with yummy dips, fruit parfaits, raw desserts, and scrumptious salads. When those who want to say ‘thank you’ will offer organic a basket of organic condiments with nuts and seeds instead of a pie, cheese, or other packaged goods. These are gifts of love and sincerity. I am not trying to rain on anyone’s parade and for all those who know me know that I am first in line for the chocolate Santas. I am not a purist. But I often recommend to others that if you want to step off the natural path and indulge, it should be of your own doing, your own choosing, and on your own terms. This is the only way to satisfy your cravings and desires. To eat something simply because it was given to you is mindless, detrimental, and unsavory.
I feel uncomfortable when I give someone a gift I do not believe will ultimately be in their best interest. I want to stand behind my offering of gratefulness and appreciation. Those I love mean a whole lot to me so I want to be sure they know how much I care about them and the world in which they live. Indeed, this year I have packaged up some raw treats, herbal remedies, aromatic therapies, and favorite raw/vegan/wellness health books as presents for those I need to express my gratitude for their love and support. I think they’ll appreciate it. At least I hope so.
If you need some gift ideas, there are many options at Thrive.
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Holiday Raw Menu
Wednesday, December 1st, 2010
On the Menu
- Holiday Nut Nog
- Brussel Sprout Salad
- Almond Stuffing
- Creamy Gravy
- Creamed Root Vegetables
- Cranberry Orange Sauce
- Pumpkin Pie with Vanilla Sauce.
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Introduction to Raw Foods
Friday, October 22nd, 2010
In this 2-hour class you will learn basic information about how to start adding more raw to your diet on a daily basis. Delicious foods that taste great and are easy to make. Bring your pen and an appetite for several recipe tastings.
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Upcoming Classes
Friday, October 15th, 2010
You asked for it and Thrive delivers! Check out our abundant listing of class offerings in our calendar! We’ve got everything from learning the basics of Raw Preparation to Dehydrator Recipes to Live and Local: Autumn recipes. Check ‘em out and sign up online!
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Be a good primate and eat your raw food
Saturday, August 21st, 2010
Next time you are at the food market and are reaching for that box, bag, can, bottle, or container, stop for a moment and take a look at what you are about to put into your cart and spend your hard earned money on.
Is that food?
Somehow in the hustle and bustle of our lives we have lost mindfulness of what our bodies need and how best to sustain ourselves. Mindfulness requires a level of awareness of who we are and how we have evolved.
We are primates. And as primates, we do not need processed food and preservatives. Primates do not need food that had been altered, destroyed, modified, desiccated, slaughtered, preserved, sweetened, salted, or configured. Primates do need sustenance in its natural state. It is what our bodies know.
Food used to be living. Food used to be filled with vitamins, nutrients, enzymes, and nourishment in its natural and original forms. It is these forms that our bodies know. When we eat food in its natural state, our bodies recognize it and know exactly what to do with it to be sure it is used efficiently. The food is maximally utilized.
Following the consumption of raw food, our gastrointestinal tract responds with production of the proper ratio of acid, hormones, and enzymes to effectively metabolize the meal into portions that can then be broken down further into its natural components. These nutritious components are then transported across the delicate lining of our digestive tract to be taken up by the blood and then transferred to our many vital organs – organs that are yearning for proper nutrition so that they may function interconnected with other organs to create a healthy, working, energetic living organism.
With raw food, these processes occur seamlessly for it is the precise fuel the body needs. When natural food is adulterated, the intestinal tract, and all other organs, doesn’t really know innately how to respond. Often times, the response is an excess of acid, bile, or metabolic waste production. Our livers have to work over time to break down these foods, rid the body of any unnatural compounds, and find a way to salvage what nutrition may be left. The excess production places an undue burden on the functioning of these organs. When the organs become overwhelmed or tired, disease and poor health can result. And what of those bacterium – our natural flora – that work so hard to live in symbiotic harmony with us. They are left to live on the wastes of these unnatural food products and give us excess gas in return.
But with raw food, a metaphorical party exists within our bodies. These foodstuffs are assimilated so easily and thoroughly that our organs have no choice but to rejoice. So the next time you are choosing what to eat, remember what your body is asking for. Your body, and your whole being, will thank you.
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Raw Nutrition, Wheatgrass & Sprouting August 13th
Monday, July 26th, 2010
Learn the benefits of eating raw foods and how to start adding better foods into your diet to greatly improve your health. Discover how to transition from unhealthy habits to more healthful ones without restriction or starvation at your own pace. This presentation will help you clear up the confusion about raw food nutrition and teach you how to become super healthy and lean. In the Wheat Grass & sprouting portion of class you will learn how to grow wheat grass for juicing, what the benefits are, how to sprout seeds and grains and grow your own greens.
This class will be taught only once this year by our fabulous instructors Schall Adams (www.SchallAdams.com, www.ThriveTeachers.com) and Michele Malchow (www.ThriveTeachers.com).
Class will be held at Whole Foods Roosevelt Salud! kitchen (one block south of Thrive) and will begin promptly at 5:30.
Tuition is $65. Register online or in the Thrive cafe.
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Thrive Like Thor
Friday, July 16th, 2010
This weekend at the Bite of Seattle, like Thor, Thrive is raining down upon the bright, green Earth 100 cases of fresh, young Thai coconuts. Who said there weren’t any thunderstorms in the Seattle rain shine? Also on the menu is our famous Cacao Bliss Mousse and Oh My Samurai noodles. We’re stationed on the Fischer Pavilion under a giant “Green Bites” banner next door to Chaco Canyon and Mighty O!
Fresh Update! ::: Thrive wins “Best of the Bite” Award for the Green Bites!
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Challenge: What is your story?
Sunday, July 4th, 2010
When I look back and ponder the events and turning points of my life, I realize they are all connected. Each experience, whether triumphant, dismal, regretful, or just downright embarrassing, have been part of my journey. They are all sections of my life’s narrative. And we all have one, whether we choose to read it or not.
When I saw patients, I would always start by finding out about their story – who they are, where they are from, what is important to them, what are the external influences in their lives, and what have they been through to ultimately be sitting in front of me. A person’s story is very powerful and can be extremely informative. It speaks of one’s regrets, prides, and hopes. It discloses their joys and their angst. But most importantly, it is their story and, much like a fingerprint, it is unique and special to that person.
I believe it is that story, their narrative, that drives them subconsciously. It is often part of the reason they choose certain lifestyle behaviors, such as overeating, smoking, or drugs. It is often part of the reason the are engaged in dysfunctional relationships with partners, family, and friends. It is sometimes the reason why there are issues at work. And it is certainly part of the reason they are not in the optimal health they could be.
We are a sum of our experiences. All experiences are to be embraced and understood. We learn from what we did and we learn from what we did not do. We learn from others who have always been beside us and we learn from those who held a short stint during a section of our narrative. It makes us who we are.
What seems to be the tricky part is acknowledging our true self. Too often we try to forget and ignore parts of our life. Too often we sit and wish things had been different. Too often we try to be something we are not. This leads to internal conflict and emotional distress that in turn leads to poor health choices and reduced well-being.
The challenge I pose to you is to develop sincere introspection. Read your story. Value where you have come from and where you are today. Honor the person you are, no matter what flaws and faults you see, or what mistakes have been made in the past. Know that your story continues to develop and changes are on the horizon. Each chapter has an ending, but also a sequel. The sequel is largely dependent on the previous chapter.
If you know and live your story, you will be better motivated to make the choices and decisions that best suit the person you are at that moment. Your negative back talk will become incessant chatter and your outlook will be grand. You will at the same time be excited about the future and alive in the present moment. This will bring contentment. Contentment breeds health and happiness.
Tell me your story.
Ilene S. Ruhoy, MD, PhD was born and raised in New York City. She received her MD from the University of Pittsburgh and her PhD in Environmental Science from the University of Nevada. Ilene serves on faculty at Touro University Nevada School of Medicine and lectures at venues across the country on the interconnections between the environment and human health. She is passionate about nutrition as medicine and human well-being. Her next clinical endeavor will be a pediatric neurology residency at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Having recently relocated with her husband and six year old daughter to Seattle, she is excited to be plugged into the Thrive community. Ilene thrives on helping other people find their way to optimal health and happiness. Ilene can be reached at ilenesue@gmail.com.
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Just Be
Sunday, July 4th, 2010
It seems to me we do not take enough time to just be. Sometimes when I think I need some time to just sit and do nothing, my thoughts immediately go to how I could either be doing something or that doing nothing seems like a waste of my time. Indeed, when there is time off from our various work and social obligations, we often feel the need to go and participate in something “fun.” We feel we must go somewhere, do something, see someone, or experience everything. We pack, we plan, we fly, we drive, we sightsee, we hike, we eat, we do just about anything but just be.
I think vacations and experiences are important and have their own cathartic, therapeutic effects. But when did vacationing become synonymous with relaxing? They are often not relaxing at all if you consider relaxation to be a calming of your nervous system and senses. There is something really wonderful to being alone with just yourself and your thoughts. I am not referring to meditation. My meditative practice is something that is vastly different from my practice to “just be.” Meditation takes us to new realms, both spiritually and physically.
The practice to just be asks us to be alone with and aware of ourselves. This could even take place in a public setting such as a park or a café, as long as we did not arrive there with someone else. The practice to just be asks us to take note of what we observe of our surroundings, recognize what our judgments are, and acknowledge what labels we place on our experiences. The practice to just be asks us to confront our thoughts, the very ones we often do not have time in our busy lives to ponder. While practicing, we could see if we own alternative perspectives or interesting solutions.
To just be on a regular basis can have a whole host of beneficial effects. It can improve our memory. We are busy and our lives are so complex, the neurons in our brains often do not have enough time to build and cement the connection that holds our thoughts together. Taking the time to ponder your daily lives and activities can help activate those connections and provide a greater foothold on your memory. At the very least, the practice of just be can help remind ourselves of things we want to do or say.
To just be on a regular basis can improve our sleep. We tend to put off sleep. We are natural creatures who have evolved with circadian rhythms based on night and day. Yet we resist these natural rhythms by integrating other activities into our nights instead of sleep. We keep lights on in the house, we watch television, surf the Internet, play video games, eat, drink, and socialize. Nightfall, or dusk, is a perfect time to just be because it fits with our natural rhythms. It is a time to wind down, and prepare the body and mind for sleep. Alternatively, instead of jumping out of the bed at the first buzz of the alarm, take time in bed in the morning to just be and contemplate the day behind you and the day ahead of you. These methods will help to improve your body’s natural rhythms and ultimately improve your sleeping habits.
Perhaps most importantly, to just be can reacquaint you with yourself. Popular media bombards us with messages telling us who we are, what we like, what we want, or what we don’t want. Taking time to just be will allow you to re-affirm what defines you and your identity. Your definition and your identity are different from any other one individual which is why it is important the practice to just be is a solo practice. We are but one connected to a community. But who we are is up to us.
Ilene S. Ruhoy, MD, PhD was born and raised in New York City. She received her MD from the University of Pittsburgh and her PhD in Environmental Science from the University of Nevada. Ilene serves on faculty at Touro University Nevada School of Medicine and lectures at venues across the country on the interconnections between the environment and human health. She is passionate about nutrition as medicine and human well-being. Her next clinical endeavor will be a pediatric neurology residency at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Having recently relocated with her husband and six year old daughter to Seattle, she is excited to be plugged into the Thrive community. Ilene thrives on helping other people find their way to optimal health and happiness. Ilene can be reached at ilenesue@gmail.com.
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Dr. Ruhoy received an M.D. degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and received a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from the University of Nevada. Her most recent clinical endeavor includes residency training in neurology at the University of Washington. Dr. Ilene has worked with the EPA to correlate ecosystem health with human disease. Dr. Ruhoy's research focuses on the sources and implications for human exposure of pharmaceutical residues and other contaminants in the environment. She has written and lectured extensively on the ecological footprint of prescribed medications. Dr. Ruhoy's work also emphasizes green medicine. Dr. Ilene currently resides in Seattle with her husband and daughter.
What is left to say about a guy whose life motto comes from the lips of Willy Wonka himself? "If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it." There is no better phrase to explain this time in Deane's life right now. He considers his position at Thrive more of a gift and less of a job. Prior to moving to the Pacific Northwest (Aka: Paradise), you may have found Deane in a little corner of Southwestern Ontario molding young minds to reach their full potential, pedaling his way through farm country, or spending time with family. Other than his love of all things young, (i.e. children, children's books, coconuts) he also has a strong passion for all things green (i.e. plants, fresh cut grass, granny smith apples). He sees his future with Thrive in a very bright light and will soon be molding his love for the natural world into a master's degree in a few years time!
