There's nothing more refreshing than freshly blended juice. The great thing about juices is that you can make them simple (with one ingredient: think carrot juice). Or you can add more ingredients for extra kick and flavor.

Besides being simple to make and lovely to look at, juices are super nutritious. (Note: I use a Breville Juice Fountain.)

Here are a few simple juices to get you started...

The Rawtarian's Classic Juice

For a simple sweet yet zingy juice, try The Rawtarian's Classic Juice. Carrots, apples and ginger combine for maximum flavor punch! Guaranteed to rev your engine in the morning, plus your body will thank you for such nourishing goodness.

This is easily my favorite breakfast juice.

Raw Carrot Juice

I love Raw Carrot Juice 'cause it's easy to make, sweet, and inexpensive. And of course, it's super nutritious! If you haven't tried juicing yet, give this recipe a try.

Best part is, you don't even have to peel the carrots!

Raw Carrot Ginger Juice

Take your carrot juice to a whole new level with this Raw Carrot Ginger Juice recipe! Ginger does wonders for your immune system, plus its zesty ginger flavor will instantly perk you up.

Carrots don't have to be peeled, but you must peel the ginger (easy to do with a small paring knife).

Raw Apple Beet Juice

Not only is this Raw Apple Beet Juice good for you, but it's beautiful to behold! The carrots, apples and beets combine for a delightfully refreshing drink.

No peeling required in this recipe - yay!

Get your juicin' groove on...

As you can see, juicing is ridiculously easy. Most ingredients don't even have to be peeled. Just toss everything into your blender and off you go! I like fresh juice for breakfast. And on a hot day. And after a workout...

What's your fave juice?

It's going to be my 30th birthday next month (born in 1982), and I have to say that I feel great about it!

My husband tells me that I look better now than in years gone by, and I choose to believe him :) Losing those extra pounds through raw foods has certainly helped define my face and let the real me shine through. I've been 100% raw for about 5 years now, and I feel fabulous. Clear skin, high energy, at my ideal weight, no mood swings, etc. I feel like a different person now.

And let me tell you, exercise actually turns into FUN when you are not lugging around extra pounds. It's so much easier to move and be active when you're lighter. So it's kind of a catch 22 when you are heavy though.

Accepting You Today, But At Your Best

Now, I doubt that I will look as good as Mimi Kirk at 72 but she sure is setting a fabulous example to strive toward. Long hair looks great at any age when done right. I am not convinced that she hasn't had work done, but who knows? Who cares? She looks great :)

I hope to age gracefully and accept the changes that occur, but also to do my best to look my best, like keep off extra pounds and keep my mental health well too by taking care of myself both mentally and physically. Plus, I am trying to be a little trendier with fashion lately since I've been stuck in a rut living in the past with my clothing for the past decade.

I've also gotten clear, removable braces on my teeth (called Invisalign) this year to straighten them--I am about halfway through the dental treatment. I've always wanted to have straighter teeth and I thought, "Why not?" I thought I would feel weird as an "adult" with braces, but most people don't notice and/or couldn't be bothered to care.

What Other People Think

One of the most useful truths in life that I've learned is that everyone is so wrapped up in their own lives that they actually don't take much time to think about what other people are wearing or doing. Think about it. When you are at a party wondering, "Who should I talk to? Is my dress okay? Is my pimple noticeable?" Well, everyone else is thinking the same thing about themselves. So very few people are actually paying attention to other people in the same way that we pay attention to ourselves. :)

How do you feel about your age and how you look in it? Have raw foods helped you feel younger? Or do you really want to make a change to help you feel better about yourself?

Who doesn’t love to have their favorite recipes made more convenient and easier to get to? Information right at your fingertips is a good thing! Get The Rawtarian's raw food recipes and meal plans on your smart phone or tablet. Planning and deciding what raw vegan dish to prepare next is a lot easier with my handy mobile apps. You no longer have to browse the internet and go to the website to look for a recipe, and you don’t have to print all those raw food recipes anymore. I now have two raw food apps that squeeze all your favorite raw food delights as well as some very useful meal plans into your trusty mobile device. 

The Rawtarian's Raw Recipes Mobile App

If you’re always looking for new raw vegan dishes to prepare or keep going back to the website for those particular recipes you’re so fond of, now you can just bring with you all your much loved Rawtarian recipes. The Raw Recipes Mobile App includes over 100 of the best simple and satisfying raw recipes from TheRawtarian.com.

It’s very handy and easy to use. The app provides great features for a hassle-free experience. There’s a shopping list with a checklist to help you organize your raw food needs. It allows you to bookmark raw recipes for quick access and has a useful search tool to help you look for recipes by ingredient. All the recipes also includ high-quality photos in full color which you can zoom in and out. The app even has its own built-in comment feature where you can browse and add comments to know what other users think. Once you’ve downloaded and installed the Raw Recipes Mobile App, you don’t need to be connected to the internet to get full access to the application. Also, the app itself keeps up to date with the newest recipes when it’s online to keep your raw food recipes list growing.

The Raw Recipes Mobile App has been purchased more than 12,000 times and has over 60 five-star reviews in the App Store and on Google Play.

The Rawtarian's Raw Meal Plans Mobile App

Do you sometimes hit a wall when deciding what raw dish to prepare for dinner? Planning the next raw meal of the day can be a bit of a challenge sometimes, especially when you’re just starting out on your raw food journey. My Raw Meal Plans Mobile App is your best buddy that will help you decide which yummy raw vegan dish graces your table next.

From 7-day raw challenges for beginners to 28-day raw challenges for intermediate raw fooders, this app is a reliable raw meal planner that guides you through each meal of each day and takes the weight of decision-making from your shoulders. Newbies and even long-time raw foodies alike love this app. It contains different well-detailed meal plans of more than a hundred simple and delicious raw food recipes for breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner and dessert. It also has a lot of handy and fun features such as organized shopping lists, user comments, gorgeous raw food photos, private notes on recipes, and more. You don’t even need internet access to use the app once it’s been downloaded to your mobile device! Just start your plan and let the app take care of the rest.

Excited for your next raw food adventure yet? Why not get these awesome apps on your Apple or Android device right now. No need to print the recipes and no need to trouble yourself with decision making any longer. Simply download my Raw Recipes Mobile App and Raw Meal Plans Mobile App from iTunes or Google Play and enjoy the amazing sources of raw food ideas for your next raw indulgence anytime.

Get started right now

Not sure which app is right for you? Start with my Raw Recipes app right now!

Raw soup recipes are on of my favourite quick meals to make. They are just as easy as green smoothies, but they are perfect for when you want something savory instead of sweet. For many years I was a bit turned off by the "idea" of raw soup recipes. Somehow, I just didn't think that they would be appealing!

It was raw cream of celery soup (recipe linked below) that first got me enthused about the fact that raw soups could, in fact, be savory, creamy and so delicious.

You will notice that all of these soups call for cashews. That's the hidden ingredient to make them creamy and satisfying! All of these recipes are one-step raw soup recipes -  just throw in blender, blend and throw some chunky veggies in the bowl for added texture. Raw soup!

Here is a quick list of some of my favorite raw soup recipes:

Raw cream of celery soup recipe:

Raw cream of celery soup should really only be made in a high-speed blender since celery can be stringy. But this is a surprisingly tasty and refreshing soup.

Give it a try as your first soup if you have a high-speed blender (like a VitaMix or a BlendTec). If your blender isn't very good try to make cream of mushroom or tomato soup instead.

Raw cream of mushroom soup recipe:

Fancy something super creamalicious and filling? Try this raw cream of mushroom soup recipe.

I was raised on cream of mushroom soup as a kid, so this is something that I like to make when I want some raw comfort food.

Raw tomato soup recipe:

This raw tomato soup recipe tastes just like Campbell's Soup. I'm not kidding! Sweet and tart at the same time - this simple recipe is a delight.

This recipe calls for fresh tomatoes and one slice of sundried tomato.

Raw corn chowder recipe:

Corn chowder, creamy corn chowder in raw format. Yes, it's possible. Yes, it's sweet and creamy.

Ideally you would use fresh corn sliced right off the cob, but if you're in a rush you could try canned. Not truly raw but a great time saver.

Raw broccoli soup recipe:

Raw broccoli soup is last on my list because broccoli is not exactly everybody's favourite flavor. However, if you are already a pro at making raw soups and you already know how good they can be - then go ahead and whip up this raw broccoli soup if you are in the mood for a nice change and a deep broccoli flavor.

This can be a great way to use up a lot of broccoli if you need to eat it up in a hurry. 

Raw soup recipes 

Raw soup recipes are on of my favourite quick meals to make. They are just as easy as green smoothies, but they are perfect for when you want something savory instead of sweet. Give one a try!

Hands up, who thinks that making raw cheese is too hard?  When I first tried to make raw cheese - a long ways back! - it didn't turn out at all. I mixed it all up, let it sit for the required 48 hours, and... nothing! It didn't work. All I had to show for it was a lumpy unappealing mess.

So I checked out other raw cheese recipes. There was talk of fermentation, culturing and straining. Many recipes required rejuvelac, a mixture of sprouted wheat berries (yes, you have to sprout them first) and filtered water. You have to make the rejuvelac first (which requires up to 48 hours) and then make the cheese (a further 24 - 48 hours!). The recipes seemed overly complicated, with too many steps and fussing about. Nope, not for me!

I like things simple...

I like my recipes quick and easy. Enter my raw cheese sauce recipe (a must-have in my fridge). No fermenting. No waiting. No straining! This spreadable cashew-based raw cheese will rock your boat in so many ways. Freshly made, it's warm and liquid-y, perfect for serving over broccoli (the classic pairing!). Or pour it over your favorite veggies. Or use it as a dip (celery comes to mind here!).

When refrigerated, it firms up to a texture similar to cheese whiz. Perfect for spreading over raw bread or crackers. You can even dehydrate this mixture so that it resembles parmesan cheese! 

So if you need a cheese fix that's simple and quick, then try my raw cheese sauce. You can have it ready in just 3 easy steps:

• Toss all ingredients into blender.
• Blend like crazy!
• Serve (and enjoy!)

Note: To get the ingredients and the full recipe (with user reviews, etc), simply skip over to my full recipe write-up here!

Who said blenders are just for smoothies and shakes? Is that what you think? Well, think again! Your blender is more than just that. It possesses the power to make puddings, soups, sauces, and smoothies (of course!). You can even whip up a batch of chocolate icing in your blender!

The blender is the most important appliance in your kitchen. If you haven't realized that yet, you will soon! I've compiled for you the 5 easiest raw vegan blender recipes. These recipes are all super dee-lish, and simple to make. Let's start with something sweet... 

Raw Chocolate Avocado Pudding

Here is a pudding to die for, plus it's so darned good for you (what with the avocado and all!). This Raw Chocolate Avocado Pudding is smooth and creamy, and so easy to make. Good enough to serve your guests, or better yet, keep it all to yourself!

You can eat it right away, or stash it in the fridge for a bit (tastes even better when chilled).

Raw Chocolate Icing

Even I was surprised at how divine this Raw Chocolate Icing tastes! How can four simple ingredients combine to make something so decadent and delicious? This icing would fit right in at a fancy vegan restaurant!

If you can stop yourself from eating this by the spoonful, spread this icing on a batch of Raw Brownies.

Raw Tomato Soup

Tomatoes and cashews combine to make this superb Raw Tomato Soup. I know you might think raw soup doesn't sound appealing. But trust me on this - this soup is sooo good! It's so easy to make (just throw ingredients in blender and blend 'er up!).

Bonus: the longer you blend, the warmer the soup gets - oh, so good!

Raw Alfredo Sauce

Okay, I know you're thinking, "Alfredo sauce? Really?" Yes, really! You can whip up a batch of the best-tasting Raw Alfredo Sauce that ever hit your palate. Cashews provide texture and creaminess to this recipe. You are so going to love it.

Serve over zucchini 'noodles' for a taste sensation!

Raw Macaroni and Cheese

Yes, there is such a thing as Raw Macaroni and Cheese! You will be surprised at how cheese-y rich this recipe is. It's so good, even your kids will love it! Toss with zucchini or kelp 'macaroni' and serve - I'll be right there!

This is one of my go-to fave recipes!

Not just for smoothies...

Your blender is a whole lot more versatile than you think. Don't just use it for smoothies! Heck no. After trying these easy raw vegan blender recipes, you'll see your blender in a whole new light. For realz!

A group of friends, a good movie (or board game!) and a selection of chocolate goodies: it doesn't get much better!

Here's a great idea...

Why not invite your pals to a chocolate-fest? Show them just how scrumptious raw chocolate treats can be! 

Add a few extras...

Include some fresh fruit as the perfect chocolate go-with. Grapes, pineapple chunks, strawberries: all good! 

Hmm, I think I'm going to have to invite some friends over real soon!

Raw food substitution lists are integral to your raw food kitchen.

Here is a raw food substitution list that you may find comes in handy.

It's preferable to have everything on your raw food diet shopping list before you attempt to make a recipe. But of course sometimes substitutions are necessary because you might not have all the right raw food ingredients on hand.

I almost always substitute cashews for macadamia nuts (and vice versa) depending on what's on sale at my local health food store. For example, I've made raw alfredo sauce and raw mayonnaise with both cashews or macadamia nuts because both nuts are very creamy and oily. If interested in nut  substitutions you may also find this podcast about nut substitutions useful.

Please let me know if you have any substitution tips.

Raw food substitution list

• 1 tablespoon agave nectar = 1 tablespoon honey (not vegan) = 1 tablespoon medjool dates (but not all recipes can use dates instead  - depends on the recipe)
• 1 tablespoon hemp oil = 1 tablespoon cold pressed olive oil
• 1 vanilla bean = 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cocoa = 1 teaspoon carob powder
• 1 cup walnuts = 1 cup pecans
• 1 cup cashews = 1 cup macadamia nuts
• 1 tablespoon Nama Shoyu = 1 tablespoon Braggs Liquid = 1 tablespoon soy sauce (not raw)
• 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds = 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs = 1/2 tablespoon dried herbs

I hope you have found these raw food substitutions useful. Please add comments below and I'll update this list periodically.

Are you the type of person who likes to play jokes on April Fool's Day? If so, then congratulations! If not, then instead of a joke, try something a little different on April 1st. Why don't you "surprise" someone with one of these raw desserts?

Read on and find out why each dessert is so surprising...

Raw Sweet Kale Cheesecake

After your guests (friends, family?) finish off their slice of Raw Sweet Kale Cheesecake, shock 'em with the news that kale is the main ingredient! Watch their jaws drop as they process the news. Kale? That leafy green vegetable that no-one ever eats? (Except raw vegans, of course!)

Kale is what gives this cheesecake it's crazy green color. And it does NOT make the cheesecake taste green. It is sweet and delicious, and the texture is creamy (thanks to the cashews and banana). Plus, it's totally gorgeous. So, this April Fool's Day, serve it with confidence. Then drop the kale bomb after the last crumb is gone!

Raw Brownies

Here is another surprise dessert to whip up for April Fool's Day. Why are these Raw Brownies such a surprise? Because these brownies are are actually good for you! With the decadent chocolate-y taste and chewy texture, you'd be forgiven for thinking these are 'real' brownies. Not! Pecans, dates and coconut are the healthy ingredients in this recipe. No sugar, no butter, nada.

Make a batch of these brownies and you'll agree. These are the ultimate healthy treat that will fix your chocolate itch... without guilt!

Raw Cheesecake

Here's a classic raw cheesecake that will fool anyone into thinking it's the 'real deal.' This cheesecake is so rich and decadent, you'll be surprised that there is no dairy in this recipe! Well, you won't be surprised, but your guests will! After you tell them they are eating a raw, vegan cheesecake (cream cheese free!).

Instead of a cream cheese filling, this recipe uses cashews, coconut oil and agave (or honey), plus lemon juice and vanilla. See, no dairy! The crust is also divinely delicious as macadamia nuts are its primary ingredient. Yum!

Make one, or make all three!

Each one of these desserts is so good, another (pretty much predictable!) surprise will be if there is any left for the next day!

What is it about desserts? No matter how healthy, raw, or vegan we are, most of us still crave desserts! Good thing going raw doesn't mean going without scrumptious sweets!

Frozen raw desserts are a snap to make and handy to whip out of the freezer when a craving hits (or guests arrive!). All of these desserts must be frozen as they contain coconut oil. Coconut oil is liquidy/soft in its warm state, but totally hardens in its frozen state. This is why all these desserts must be kept in the freezer.

So without further ado, here is a round-up of some of my favorite frozen raw desserts...

Raw Chocolate Cherry Fudge Cake

Ooh-la-la. Yes, this is as dreamy as it sounds. Chocolate and cherries combine for a tres decadent dessert. If you want to impress (yourself or whoever!), try this Raw Chocolate Cherry Fudge Cake!

While this dessert looks fancy-schmancy, it's requires only a blender. Super easy!

Raw Chocolate Shortbread Bars

Yes, you can go totally raw, and indulge in shortbread, too! These Raw Chocolate Shortbread Bars take shortbread to a whole new level with the zingy addition of lemon! Cashews, coconut and dates form the base for the bars. Cocao, coconut oil and cashews make for a yummy chocolate-y topping.

These bars are perfect to keep on hand in the freezer for unexpected visitors. I like to add thawed raspberries on top for an extra flavor kick!

Raw Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie lovers, rejoice! Here's a Raw Pumpkin Pie that is easier to make than a 'real' pumpkin pie, and tastes just as good or better!

When you're craving a slice, just pop it out of the freezer and serve frozen. Yum!

Raw Sesame Seed Bars

I try to keep a stash of these in the freezer at all times. One of my faves! This Raw Sesame Seed Bar recipe is full of sesame seeds, raisins, flaxseed, coconut, and tahini. And of course, coconut oil to hold it all together in the freezer!

No equipment required for this recipe. Just a big 'ol bowl and mixing spoon!

Raw Vanilla Drop Cookies

Freezer cookies are the handiest snack to keep on hand. And these Raw Vanilla Drop Cookies are guaranteed to hit your sweet spot. Tahini is the 'secret' ingredient that makes these cookies such a delight.

Try to save some of these tasty treats in the freezer for your friends!

Raw Cheesecake

Cheesecake is another dessert that I can't live without. What about you? If you're a cheesecake fan, then this dee-lish Raw Cheesecake recipe is for you. Believe me when I say it tastes like the 'real deal.' Truly!

Macadamia nuts, cashews, coconut, and dates are just some of the key ingredients that make this frozen cheesecake so delectable!

Ready, set... freeze!

What's in your freezer right now? Frozen raw desserts are a no-brainer... for when you're dying for a treat, or for a visiting friend/neighbor/whoever! I love to serve up a piece of pie, or a plate of cookies to my guests! (Confession: it's the sesame seed bars I have a hard time not keeping all to myself!)