A few posts back I launched myself into "tender loving self -care" mode and am happy to report that I've been sticking with it (and already reaping some benefits).  My food intake has been predominately raw since said launch (with a mix of steamed and water or broth sauteed for good measure) and I have noticed an improved balance of energy the last few days.  The first four days were rather brutal in terms of feeling exaughsted and I had a nasty headache that seemingly wouldn't quit but I'm back on the up!   

In non-food related news, I'm enjoying the re-implementation of my daily "meditation power hour".  Granted my "power hour" doesnt always add up to a full 60 minutes and said 60 minutes isnt always done in one shot, mainly due to life's time constraints but mentally and emotionally I'm re-seeing the importance of taking time to decompress, regroup, and check in.  Don't under estimate the power of five minutes here, fifteen minutes there, and 30 minutes, if possible, nightly as it all adds up.   Thus far I have been sucessful at taking a few minutes upon waking - before I start my day - then 15 minutes  mid day, be it before or after lunch and I end my night with an Andrew Johnson recording, which sends me into much needed relaxation and sleep.    

I'm on a bit of a kick in terms of trying to simplify my life, starting with getting rid of things I don't need or use.  A tedious (and seemingly endless) process but a major plus is stumbling upon recipes that I may have forgotten about (or havent recently enjoyed).  Adapted from Super Cleanse by Adina Niemerow "Some like it Raw Cleanse",
I made this stuffed peppper for lunch using what I had on hand.  Super tasty and significantly filling (in a good way) I will definately be making another version of these in the near future.       

Serves 1

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup mixed greens, chopped
1/8 - 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/4 large cucumber, peeled & chopped into medium dice
1/4 cup celery, chopped
1/8 clove garlic, minced
      Pinch Cayenne

1/2 cup lettuce, chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, tops removed & seeded

1 Tbs chopped green olives, chopped

Process first 9 ingredients in a food processor with the S blade until its incorporated into a coarse paste.  Add the lettuce to the bottom of and arround the pepper.  Spoon the filling atop the lettuce and serve with olives.  Enjoy!