I met Paul, organizer of the San Bernardino Raw Food Meetup Group a few weeks back when I accompanied Matt for a talk in L.A.  He was wearing this cool Apple shirt and I had to ask him where he got it, seeing as I am a Mac madman. 

I found out he designed it, and he was nice enough to send me one.  Thanks Paul.

Contact Paul if you are looking to purchase one, and check out his YouTube videos too.

Grateful,

Philip

* Check out Lovingraw Gear as well.

Revvell, talk show host from Rawkinradio did an interview with me when I was in the LA area.  We talk about everything from exercise, loose skin, stretch marks, and *traveling raw.

Check it out.

* For a great product while traveling on the road check out E3Live, Spirulina, and Vitamineral Greens.

GI2MR LA
To end my 3-week Raw Food Tour in California, (from San Francisco to San Diego - and everywhere in between) a big sexy get-together was arranged, and GI2MR was representing!  The event was held at Au Lac Restaurant in Fountain Valley, and organized by member Alyssa. 

LA showed up in full force with 45 people packing the private dining area to the max.  Chef Ito, owner and head chef of Au Lac, setup up a private massage area for us, (yes I got one) and a specialized pre-fix menu with some of his latest raw food creations made just for us.

Now is that a full service restaurant or what?

"Fried" Rice

 Choconut X-tasy

Added Ingredient
It may sound a little esoteric for some, but I could honestly taste the “loving intention” that was put into his food.  The food was amazing, I mean where else can you get raw Asian food?   But… Unlike at other restaurants you could actually taste the Love.

Thank you everyone who attended, I was humbled and honored by your presence.  I am constantly astounded by the wonderful support and feeling of family that the raw food community continues to manifest. 

We are so blessed.

California Dreaming,
Philip

Check out the rest of the party pics.

These were some of the thoughts that were in my head as I drove down Main St in Santa Monica.  I saw a guy in a business suit talking to a guy walking shirtless with dreadlocks down to his waist.  I saw beautiful woman with perfect makeup and what looked like $1,000 outfits, and others just jogging around in sweat shorts and a tank top.  But nothing stood out to me more than the smiles.

Sun Side Up
I think there really is just something about the sun that brings the best out in people.  When Brother Sun starts shining so bright like that, you can’t help but want to get out, get undressed (bathing suits), and get your Vitamin D.  Whether they were cruising in their convertibles, body surfing at the beach, or walking down the Santa Monica Blvd, they generally looked happy.

Some of you might say that you live in LA and hate it.  You may talk about murders, suicides, or pollution… but I just try not to see those things.  Do I look at the world through rose-colored glasses?  Maybe.  But why would I want to look at it through any other way...

How do you see the world?

Soaking up the Sun,

Philip
 

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So add me as a friend, write me a message, leave me a comment, and lets keep connecting!

Smiles,

Philip

As the weather gets warmer be sure you get out to support your local farmers markets.  Whether it’s the small stand on the side of the road, or the Ojai farmers market; packed with different vendors all in one place, be sure to show your support.  They put in so much time and effort to get us the very best produce, I feel honored to be able to support them.

Organic?
Make note; many of the farmers do not use pesticides or sprays on their produce.  They just can’t afford, nor have the time to fill out the slew of paperwork required to maintain the “organic” status.  How do you do know who’s who, just ask.  Farmers love to talk about their fruit and veggies; they’re proud!  Once you go a few times you will know who does what and will feel more comfortable purchasing.  

One stand hand the most delicious yummy sugary carrots… the farmer of that stands actually sings to his produce.  Can you taste a difference?  YES!

I have also started taking Therapeutic Enzymes by Dr. Fred Bisci.  These emzynes help to assist the body in digestion, and work wonders for cleaning out your insides.  I take 1/2 a teaspoon 1-3 times a day.  You can also add Dr. Fred's Probiotics to the mix, which works to digest food, detox, and add intestinal flora to the body.  These both are the most powerful ones I have found.  I could actually feel the enzymes working after I took them.

Happy Picking,

Philip 

I met with Matt Monarch last Sunday to help him setup for his LA lecture.  Almost every seat was taken, and Matt gave an awesome lecture.  Matt was generous enough to let me speak a couple times at the event as well, which you know I enjoy doing.   

Then the next day we drove back up to Ojai to hit up a farmers market during the day and an Ice Cream Social at night.  For those of you that haven't been to Ojai, well... its heaven.  The farmers market was like a walk in raw food paradise with deliciously ripe organic produce.  (Cali farmers market blog to come)

That evening a large group of people got together at Michelle's house, Matt's friend, and we all had a blast.  Ice Cream has provided by Enrique and Tiffany from Henry's raw ice cream.  This stuff was truly divine, and would give Pure Food a run for its money.  So many flavors, so delicious. 

Conversation was conscious and the vibe was loving and perfect.  The backdrop behind the house was a beautiful mountain scene, sunset and all.  There is nothing like being around loving, raw, conscious people, in a raw house.  Divine.

Later than evening Matt and I hibernated on our Mac's (he just got a new one).  We are officially Mac Addicts.  There should be a support center.

Loving life and raw food,

Philip 

Twitter Love
Early Wed morning I submitted a post on Twitter stating that I was going to be traveling to Rawvolution for lunch in LA that day.  Well, my Twitter is set-up to update my Facebook account (tech junkie) and that is when Jasmine Scalesciani saw my status update.

So you can expect my surprise when I walked up to the front door of Rawvolution and was literally attacked with hugs from Jasmine, and then kidnapped off to her lab where she gave me an amazing live and dry blood analysis.  I met Jasmine at the Raw Spirit Festival last year and really loved her presence.  You can imagine how humbled I was to think she was hanging out there waiting for me.

Blood Analysis
Jasmine of Jivaraw.com is a Masters graduate of the Tree of Life Program, Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach, and offers Live Blood Analysis two streets down from Rawvolution.  Check her out if your in the area.

So here is the scoop, no holds bared.

Transparency on my analysis

1. Showing signs of dehydration. 
2. Showing minor signs of candida.
3. Showing signs of iron deficiency.
4. Showing signs that kidney might have been overworked.
5. Showing signs of inflammation in the intestines.

Even though I sort of made a check list there, it is really a good report.  I might have cleansed a little too much with the juice feast, or might not have had enough colonics during the 100 days.  Also, I might have been eating something that I might have been allergic to, which could have effected the intestines.

I don't take claim to anything though. Like I would never say, "I have anemia."  Words are power. I choose to focus on health!

To Do

• Drink water
• Eat foods high in iron
• Cut down on the bananas
• Start taking Metabolic Enzymes
• Don't juice feast over 30 days unless your doing weekly colonics, and even then, think about it. (more to come on that)

Thank you for sharing this process with me.  Sometimes I have thought in the past that everything in my health must be perfect, after all, people are reading my posts and following me.  But what good is blogging if your not being transparent?  Modifications to this lifestyle and diet can always be adjusted and refined.  I feel amazing, and will make adjustments to feel even more amazing.  I love the process and look forward to constant growth, with EVERYTHING!

What have you noticed that can be improved in your diet?

Transparently Yours,
Philip

One of the main reasons for me coming out to California was to spend time with my Uncle Pat.  He has been struggling with diabetes and weight loss for awhile now, and then heard about raw foods. 

So I put him on the Raw Program.

He went raw overnight and lost 10 pounds in 5 days.  His blood sugar was over 300, now has been pretty consistently under 200.  He was shocked and amazed, and I am pleasantly pleased.  He hasn't felt hungry at all, and loves trying new foods.  Living a life as a chef, he is constantly amazed at all the wonderful things that can be made with raw foods.  

I will give you more updates in the future about Uncle Pat. 

Pismo Beach Pier

Cave Dwelling

Santa Barbara Mission

More pictures from the Central Coast.

Next stop is LA. 

There is going to be a big dinner celebrating my arrival in LA with over 40 raw foodists, meeting at Au Lac, this Sunday at 7pm.  If your interested in joining us leave a comment so I can add you to the list.

Love and Sunny Weather,

Philip

Before & After Pics

Events 2008

Events 2007

Travel

Enjoy,

Philip

Next stop...

Lovingraw Tour – California
One of my friends affectionately calls it the EgoTour.  At first I was like “nooo,” then I thought, maybe?  Sometimes in an effort of trying to squash the ego, I find that I re-live it.  I am not attached to it though, just having fun, working my magic, living in the moment.

Tour Stops

• 1st: Florida (April)
• 2nd: London (May)
• 3rd: California (June)
• 4th: Chicago (July)
• 5th: Ontario (July)
• 6th: Alaska (July)
• 7th: Across the U.S. (Aug-Sept)

And then the tour really begins. 
There is a plan for a documentary to be made as I travel across the U.S. with a group of friends, from NYC to Sedona, and back.  More info on that to come.

San Francisco
My first stop in California was checking out the San Fran and Berkeley area.  It was my first time there, and I was definitely loving it.  I ran across so many healthy looking people, tons of bicycle riders, and happy smiles all around.

I was walking into Café Gratitude when I met John Werner, who recognized me from my site.  He graciously offered to be my Berkeley tour guide for the day.  So the following day we toured Berkeley, and John showed me the hiking connector Dan Millman talks about in his book “The Peaceful Warrior.”  I really wanted to see the trail because I am a big Millman fan, but had no idea how I would... I am so grateful. 

Then I spent the following day with raw playboy Vinit, who just happened to be in San Fran on business.  We went cruising the Bay area on scooters, from the beach to the Golden Gate Bridge... styling I might add.

Raw synchronicity and connections, I love it.

Cafe Gratitude

Everyone is talking about Café Gratitude, on both the East and West Coast.  Café Gratitude is a raw food restaurant where “affirmations” are on the menu.  Order a cacao smoothie and you have to tell your waiter, “I Am Luscious.”  When they hand you your drink they affirm back to you, “You Are Luscious.”  Quite a pleasurable experience for an affirmation-loving guy like me.

This place felt like home the minute I walked in the door.  I was literally surrounded by smiles, laughter, good food, and great energy.  I wasn’t in there for longer than 15 minutes and I had already talked to the "smoothie bartender" and about 5 waitresses.  People were just so engaging… you would be hard pressed to feel lonely there.

I give Café Gratitude Two Thumbs Up.  I was staying at a friend’s house 45 minutes away and in the 5 days I was there, I went to the Café 9 times.  No, I am not kidding.  I also went to the Café’s Sacred Commerce full day workshop, held by Matthew and Terces Engelhart, owners of the restaurant.  To say the class was anything other that amazing would be an understatement.  I was also invited to their son’s Rayland’s birthday party jam later on that night, which was happy, loving, and rocked out!

Also, an awesome group of GI2MR members met me at the Café the other day for dinner and we partied like rock stars!  Conscious conversation, great food, and beautiful people.  Thank you everyone.

Central Coast
I am spending some time with my uncle… with purpose.

1. Get him off his diabetes meds and losing weight.
2. Spend as much time walking as the beach as possible.

He has been raw for 4 days so far and has lost 8 lbs, and his blood sugar levels have never looked better.  Yeah Raw!  More Cali pics.

Los Angeles
Last night I was in LA with Matt Monarch for his “Raw Food Transformation” lecture.  There was a full house present, and the event was a blast... and I got to share a few times too! 

Then on the 22nd a big group of GI2MR members will be meeting at 7pm at Au Lac.  Visit the Los Angeles GI2MR board to RSVP.

Bridging
Everyone has a different path and mission in life.  Right now I feel mine is to be one of the many superhero pied pipers for the raw food movement.  Bridging gaps, connecting people, and inspiring as many people along the way as possible. 

What is your Dharma? 
I would love to hear from you.

Infinite Blessings,
Philip

PS.  Click here for my new Green Popcorn Recipe.

After going to a Sheryl Crow concert last night, which was awesome by the way, I figured I would have to make something exciting... and Green!

Green Popcorn - A Lovingraw Original

Ingredients:

Cauliflower (1 whole chopped in popcorn size pieces)

Nutritional Yeast (a whole lot, just pour it in, maybe 4-8 heaping teaspoons)

Sea Salt (1 teaspoon or more)

Black Pepper (just shake it on)

Spirulina (make it green, 3 tablespoons, 5 if your hard core)

Olive Oil (2 teaspoons)

Water (just a splash)

How To:

Put it all in a gallon size zip lock bag and shake until your arms hurt.  You can make it cheesier by adding more yeast, greener by adding more spirulina, and sticky by adding raw honey (only do that if you are going to dehydrate).

You can eat it as-is, which I usually do, or you can dehydrate it overnight and it will shrink up into yummy little crunchy pieces.

Enjoy,

Philip

Cafe Gratitude is an amazing raw food restaurant started 4 years ago by Matthew and Terces Engelhart.  Within that time they opened 4 locations, 2 in San Francisco, 1 in Berkeley, and 1 in San Rafael.  Click here for the exact addresses and hours.

They also wrote 3 books and teach a multitude of workshops, one of which I attended last Saturday called Sacred Commerce.  The workshop taught us about the new paradigm of business, not based on worrying about the bottom line, but more about keeping our attention focused on positive affirmations, and creating the business model we want, with love.  Also keeping the work place clear by working with the employees to be present to their day.  It was an amazing class and highly recommended.

For those of you that haven't been to Cafe Gratitude, it is the most amazing restaurant I have ever walked into.  I was in San Francisco for 5 days and literally was in the Cafe 9 times.  From the moment I walked in the restaurant I was greeted with smiles, happiness, and love.  All the food on the menu are affirmations.  For example there is a cacao drink called I Am Luscious, and a Taco Salad called I Am Festive.  You get the idea, check out the menu.

Be Love Ice Cream Bar

Shenay, my Cali host, outside of Cafe Gratitude

Jenny from Wylde and Raw

Some of the San Fran GI2MR crew came to meetup at the Cafe for dinner.

More Cafe Gratitude pictures.

See you there next time.

I Am Grateful,

Philip