Viva Raw

Miranda in Cooking Show Making Her Famous Fudge Brownies

Watch me in the cooking show "Vegetarianism: The Noble Way of Living" on Supreme Master Television, which is a new satellite channel broadcasting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and in a ton of languages.  I shot two shows for this network, this is the first one they air.  ENJOY!

SupremeMasterTV.com

"Food Addiction, unlike cocaine or alcohol, humans can't exactly drop it-cold turkey or not. You can't really quit food"

Julia Ross, author of The Diet Cure says in her video (link is below) that in 2007 a study at The University of Burdeaux found that processed sugar was 4 times more addicting than Cocaine and it has same effects as opiates like Heroin (and I say sugar is more readily available too).

I have been challenged lately by something very personal to me. Although I thought I had already figured it out (and intellectually and physically I actually did), I still have a lot to learn. Before I shared it with you and the world, I had to come to terms with it, accept it, deal with it and learn more about it so that I can give you tools or information that could help you too.

I've been dealing with a food addiction and just recently found out that this addiction is also connected to my food allergies. And some of you may be thinking "What? A food addiction?" Yes. "Connected to food allergies?"...Yes. I've discovered that it's actually very common but a lot of people don't know about it or refuse to acknowledge it.

Food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs soon after eating a certain food. Even a tiny amount of the allergy-causing food can trigger signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives or swollen airways. In some people, a food allergy can cause severe symptoms or even a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.

When you eat a food you're allergic to, your body gets inflamed. Your body thinks it's under attack. If your body feels it's under attack, it releases an anti-inflammatory hormone: cortisol (result: hypertension, fat storage, hold water). This reaction also releases endorphins, which gives you feelings of euphoria. So releasing cortisol becomes addictive, you associate the food with pleasure and this addictive behavior it's pleasurable. Then you become addicted to the food you're allergic to. You like eating it! This food induced sense of euphoria comes from several chemical mechanisms in your brain. First of all, the sheer pleasure of tasting your trigger foods stimulates your brain's pleasure pathways and the release of dopamine and endorphins, (again, the chemicals that makes you feel exhilarated). You also get a quick surge of energy as the sugar hits your bloodstream. Unfortunately, that energized feeling lasts only as long as the sugar rush. Once your blood-sugar levels drop (about an hour or two later), you're left feeling drained and out of sorts. You're like an addict looking for another fix.

"We will always crave the elements to which we are most toxic."
"Sugar and salt are the most addicting substances in the planet, bar none. Cocaine and Heroin do not hold a candle to these two chemicals."
-Roger Bezanis in his book "PH Madness"

Did I know I was allergic? No because my reactions were mild: inflammation, bloating, constipation. I felt inflamed for a while and I thought it may be wheat. I started eating (still heavily processed) gluten-free products. No change. I got to the point where even a piece of fruit would get me bloated. So I started doing a lot of research online about it, read a lot, watched a lot of videos. I knew there was more to it. So pretty much by trial and error, (not because a doctor tested me) I discovered I'm allergic to pretty much any starch, dairy and overall processed foods. No wonder raw food does WONDERS for me! And I had messed up my system so much that even raw foods were upsetting my stomach. Since I had cleaned up my diet like I did going raw, when I went back to eating junk food, my body had a harsh reaction to it. I gained weight very quickly.

And I didn't want to share it with the world because I was ashamed that 3 years ago I became a raw vegan, discovered what I had was an addiction, lost a lot of weight and I still 'relapsed'. I got addicted to processed food again, very quickly I gained about 12 lbs of it back, felt I was a failure and wanted to hide.

While I didn't gain all my weight back, I still felt bad because I was addicted to cooked food again and didn't understand how it had happened. Now I know how it happened: Like an addict, I started with small bites of cooked and processed foods and then it got out of hand. I would go back and forth to raw food. But I every other day I would have my cooked food fix. Then I didn't want healthy raw food anymore, only the junk. It felt it was very much a physical need to eat the food and I couldn't stop myself from eating it.  I would go to the store and in "automatic pilot" would get the junk food and only afterwards I would think about what I had just eaten.  When I'm eating raw food the same thing happens, except my "automatic pilot" gets only fresh raw food and I don't think about the junk food at all.  It's amazing how the body works.

That's why I started my current 30-day Master Cleanse (I'm on day 25 today). Because I needed to reclaim my life. Because when I'm addicted to processed food and have no control, I do not like myself very much. I have anxiety about it and feel depressed that I have no control. I had changed my life 3 years ago and I did it with the Master Cleanse for 30 days, so I know I can do it again.

For so many reasons I'm getting back up again and sharing what I'm learning with the world... BECAUSE there are many people out there who don't know, haven't been exposed and they may be dealing and resonate with my information as I am. I have gotten so many emails over the years confirming that I can and have made a difference in someone's life just by sharing mine. And that to me means a lot! I love hearing when people tell me that I'm an inspiration and that because of my story some people have found what works for them. Although for me staying on a mostly raw vegan diet works like a charm, some people may need vitamin supplementation as Julia Ross author of The Diet Cure explains in her book. I choose to get as much nutrition and vitamins from fresh organic food. But do your own research and take your health in your own hands.

"It's your choice. You don't have to be sick"
-Food Matters Documentary

Over 3 years ago I never thought I could be a size 4 again. THAT to me was an absolute miracle. So I know what it means to find some answers and be lead into a new and wonderful path just like I was.

So THANK YOU for sharing my journey with me. I am very blessed about everything my life has brought me...very proud and excited about all I've learned from it. I've decided that if I'm going to be addicted to something, it'll be to MY HEALTH...I know I can do it. I'm determined!

Here are some excerpts of the two articles & video:

"In one sense, we're all addicted to food,"
- from Scientific American Article

"Food Addiction, unlike cocaine or alcohol, humans can't exactly drop it-cold turkey or not. You can't really quit food."
- from Scientific American Article

"Chocolate bars are loaded with salt, sugar, caffeine and fat, up to 300 calories per bar. Like a body demanding heroin for its balance, the body will crave sugar, salt and fat. Take candy from a sugar junkie, and look out! Quitting causes withdrawals. Remove sugar, processed fat or salt from your diet, and you will crave them. You will go through the discomfort of facing withdrawal similar to the withdrawal from drugs.

Strawberries and bananas don't cause cravings. You never feel guilty about eating too many cantaloupes. You never hear little voices in the back of your head saying eat, eat, eat cantaloupe. No, because natural foods balance the body and physical cravings are caused by biochemical imbalance. Street drugs, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, salt, saturated fat, refined starch and refined sugars cause cravings because they imbalance the body's chemistry.

Food allergies can also cause an addiction-like dependence due to homeostatic disturbance. Your favorite foods are usually the ones to which you are addicted. You usually feel better immediately after eating the food that you are addicted to, but shortly afterward the allergic reaction produces a feeling of irritability. It causes flatulence, nausea, depression or headaches. Milk, wheat and eggs are the most common allergic foods. Each contains large protein molecules with strong glue-like bonds. If the appropriate enzyme necessary for digestion is not available, these protein molecules enter the blood undigested. The immune system attacks these fragments as if they were invaders. Homeostasis has been imbalanced, and if these foods are continually eaten, the body will need them for homeostatic balance, causing an allergen-based food addiction."
- From article "Your Food Addiction is Great for Business

Mexican Raw Food Feast Prep Class with Chefs Miranda & Evita

Join us in the fun!

Chef Miranda & Chef Evita are having their first raw food prep class together'

Sunday, August 8
1-5pm

Class Investment $129

Location: Will be given to you at sign-up

Reserve your spot today at http://VivaRaw.com Payment is required to reserve your spot.

**SPACE IS EXTREMELY LIMITED**

Call for more info 214-354-2960

This class includes:
-A 4-hour food prep class with Chef Miranda & Chef Evita
-Cost of ingredients
-Recipe handout (total of 12 recipes)
-Sampling our raw food feast we just prepared in class

Mexican Feast:
-Coconut Spinach Enchiladas
-Tacos
-Sunflower Seed Beans
-Lettuce/Pico de Gallo
-Nacho Cheese
-Sour Cream
-Creamy Mexican Corn
-Crispy Corn Tortilla Chips
-Tortilla Soup
-Tomato Salsa
-Live Margaritas
-Pineapple Cobbler

Chef Miranda
Chef Miranda is a self-taught raw vegan chef and assisted in developing the menu at a Dallas raw food restaurant. Miranda has been experimenting with raw, living foods, super foods and live supplements, starting with The Master Cleanse in July 2007. She lost over 60 lbs and experienced health benefits such as increased energy, reduced hereditary LDL cholesterol and spider veins. She's very passionate about spreading the word on the healing power of raw food.

Chef Evita
Chef Evita is a Vegan Chef specializing in Living Foods and Product Development. She began her own personal journey toward healthy living and veganism in 1988. After training at Yuchie Pines, County Life Vegetarian Restaurant, and M.E.E.T Ministry, Evita has made a commitment to help people toward healthier lives through good, plant-based food. She is a proponent of meat-free, organic, locally grown foods and the green lifestyle.

Lecture with Dr. Brian Clement, Director of Hippocrates Health Institute Dallas, TX - June 4th, 2010

DON’T MISS THIS AMAZING AND INFORMATIVE LECTURE!

“CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE, SAVE YOUR LIFE;
The Power of Live Food to Heal Disease and Conquer Aging"

In this lecture, Dr. Clement will address the half century of work on disease and longevity conducted at the renowned Hippocrates Institute. Cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, MS, ALS, Parkinsons, fibromyalgia and more can be altered, prevented, and at times conquered with phyto-chemicals, antioxidants and other nutrients consumed on a diet of organic vegan living food. Dr. Clement will explain the basic science and extraordinary mechanisms that bring about a heightened and balanced immunity. Hundreds of thousands worldwide share enthusiasm in their greatly improved health by utilizing unprocessed green foods. One of the exceptional benefits acquired from this powerful cuisine is longevity.

Plus, an inside look into Dr. Clement’s new controversial book,
“SUPPLEMENTS EXPOSED”

Also includes Q&A & Book Signing from 9:00-9:30pm

COME AND BE MOTIVATED TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

Dr. Brian Clement, N.M.D., Ph.D., author, international lecturer and director of the renowned Hippocrates Health Institute, will explore the institute’s fifty years of helping people to heal themselves. He will also discuss dealing with disease, cancer, serious illness and the possibility of miracles. An extensive question and answer period will be offered so that participants will leave with viable, personal roadmaps back to completely healthy lives.

EVENT LOCATION:
Pure Wellness Intl.
3100 Carlisle St., Suite 100
Dallas, Texas 75204

Friday, June 4th
7:00-9:00 pm
Investment: $20 advance, $25 at the door (cash/check)

Organized by Miranda Martinez, 214-354-2960 or miranda@vivaraw.com

Payment is required to reserve your spot. **There's an additional fee for the convenience of choosing to pay online via Paypal.  If you choose to pay via regular mail, please send a check in the amount of $20 payable to VIVA RAW to the following address (**THE ADDRESS BELOW IS ONLY FOR SENDING PAYMENT**):

Miranda Martinez
6780 Abrams Rd., suite 103
Dallas, Texas 75231

Find out more about The Hippocrates Health Institute on the following site: http://www.hippocratesinst.org/

Miranda is Interviewed by The Raw Foods Witch

Check out my interview called 

Raw Food Fight #5: Miranda Martinez from Viva Raw:
Join us in an educational round of interviews with raw food leaders

 

Get my Mexi-Mole Noodle Soup recipe, originally published in my e-book "Easy & Raw".

You can also check out my e-book by clicking *here*

ENJOY!

Article Written by Miranda Appearing in Purely Delicious Magazine in their Spring 2010 Issue

Check out my article in Purely Delicious Magazine in news stands nationwide now.

Read my story and get two new recipes I wrote exclusively for Purely Delicious!

You can purchase the nationwide. For a listing of places where to buy, visit here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=46815250950&v=info&ref=ts

You can also get it here:

http://www.purelydelicious.net or http://www.amazon.com/Purely-Delicious-Magazine-Spring-ebook/dp/B0028Y5TD4

Miranda Named in "Famous Dallas Chefs" Article in The Dallas Observer

I was so honored to appear in the article named "Famous Dallas Chefs" published in the Crave 2010 Dining Guide in the Dallas Observer.

I am mentioned in the same article as super famous Stephen Pyles, Richard Chamberlain, & Ken Rathbun. 

Excerpt:
"So who's next? It remains to be seen who gets a shot at "stardom" thanks to TV exposure.  If we were talking about local TV, then raw/vegan chef Miranda Martinez ... would be huge."

-- > Read the entire article here < --

Miranda is a guest in Good Morning Texas on 3/16/10

 

I was honored and very excited to be invited to the show by GMT's host Rob McCullum on 3/16. Check out the video below!

 

Miranda's YouTube Interview by Author and Chef Paul Nison

Raw Vegan Author and Chef Paul Nison came to Dallas last week for a talk. This is the second time Paul makes it to Dallas and asks me to help him organize his talk.

While he was here he visited Bliss Raw Cafe a couple of times and interviewed me. We chatted about my weight loss, being raw, and whether I recommend 100% raw vegan diet.

I'm thrilled to participate on this interview with Paul.

Click below to watch the interview!

Miranda's Raw Epicurean Interview & Giveaway

Check out an interview I did in The Raw Epicurean blog. I am honored that Ingrid Weithers-Barati interviewed me for this feature blog post.

Here's an excerpt of the interview:

"Meet Miranda Martinez, a Latina beauty who is an enterprising entrepreneur with oodles of enthusiasm and passion for the theatrical and culinary arts. She is an aspiring actress, a producer, and a raw vegan speaker, author, chef and superfood retailer.

Embracing a raw vegan lifestyle has proved to be a beneficial chose for Miranda, which she talks about in the interview. She also talks about who has influenced her on this journey, about loving her work at Bliss Raw Café, staple items you might find in her kitchen, her dream role as an actress, and much more.

Enjoy the interview!

Ingrid Weithers-Barati: We both delved into the raw vegan diet the same year, in 2007. Since that time, how has this diet affect your overall well-being and lifestyle?

Miranda Martinez: Becoming raw vegan has made an big difference for me! For the first time in my adult life I have been able to keep my ideal weight easily (lost over 60 lbs), I have increased energy and vitality, my skin looks amazing, my LDL cholesterol has stayed down, I have made great friends and have met amazing people. I am very happy I made the transition.

IWB: What was your eating history before going raw, and which junk food addition has raw food helped you overcome?

MM: I was a omnivore...BIG TIME! Before my transition to raw, I ate everything I wanted and, even though I had pretty much done every weight loss diet imaginable, I hadn't done any research about vegetarians or vegans. I was a food addict, period. I loved all kinds of different foods, but I had more challenges with breads, cheeses, chips and sweets."

Please visit The Raw Epicurean blog by clicking below to read the full interview!

Raw Epicurean: Miranda Martinez Interview & Giveaway