• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Approaching Food

  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
      • Breads
      • Quick Breads
      • Breakfast Foods
    • Lunch
      • Salads I Have Known and Loved
      • Soups
      • Snacks
    • Dinner
      • Vegetarian Main Dishes
      • Vegetarian Side Dishes
    • Desserts
      • Cookies
      • Cakes
      • Pies
      • Preserves
      • Parfaits and Trifles
      • Ice Cream Treats
      • Desserts Not Otherwise Categorized
    • Drinks
  • Kitchen Encouragement
  • About Margaret van Velthuyzen
    • About Margaret van Velthuyzen
    • Work With Me
    • Disclosure Policy

My Raw Food Saga, and Tara’s Awesome Energy Bites

September 22, 2014 by Margaret 3 Comments

7Shares
Rocky, my new hiking buddy.

Rocky, my new hiking buddy.

I wanted to tie my day’s activities into this post, because I went on a great hike with a new hike buddy (see pic above) and his owner, ate homemade whole-wheat pizza and chocolate-covered pretzels, and topped my day off being all creative and quilting and then read 200 pages of my latest book club book, but couldn’t find a way to tie it all in. So…on with the non sequiturs and disjointed paragraphs!

Speaking of which… I used to be a raw foodist. I have GI issues and until the doctors finally figured it all out a couple of years ago, I had chronic stomachaches and related discomfort. You might think it was salad in the morning, salad all through the night! (sung to the tune of Fever!) But it was actually wayyyy more delicious. This was just before Rawlicious and company sprawled prolifically across Toronto, so I had to learn to cook (or not) a whole new way.

Raw food means just that, raw food, so there was no heating food above around 45 degrees. The theory is that cooking kills off healthy and necessary enzymes. I just wanted my stomach to stop hurting. And it did! Raw food means high fiber, high water content, and eating every few hours because it gets digested quickly.

After the first couple days of being hungry, it was easy. I should say, hungry-ish. I transitioned *cough* cold turkey *cough* to raw food during a stressful period in my life and I’m one of those people for whom high stress kills appetite dead. It’s hard to be hungry when your stomach is a cold hard lump of dread. Anyway, once that resolved, I guess my body was used to the lack of refined sugar and flour, so I didn’t really have any cravings that couldn’t be satisfied with dried medjool dates. Until I visited a friend in Nova Scotia, and my system got reintroduced to bread. Then I craved bread constantly.

But before that! The pounds dropped off like magic. And I had more energy and felt overall better. This coincided with a period of my life where I was hyper-fit, so you know, chicken, egg, correlation.

I stopped being a raw foodist after I spoke with a GI specialist and he was able to pinpoint exactly why not all the issues had resolved. These days, on a diet high in salad, fibre, micro-meals, and lactose-free probiotic yoghurt, my symptoms are mostly under control. Thank goodness! Because gastric distress and vaso-vagal reactions do not make for fun times.

But while I was a raw foodist, I was also a vegan. Except for a tsp of unpasteurized local honey every month or so. Which I know is not vegan. Still…close enough? All this is an intro to today’s VEGAN recipe! (See how I tie it all together? After only 7 paragraphs? Not that I’m verbose or anything.)

The delicious gruel-like batter.

The delicious gruel-like batter.

Tara, a talented, clean-cooking, glowing-skinned colleague, who spoils us all with her home-baked goods on a regular basis, has kindly given me permission to share this with you (she rocks!).

Tara’s Awesome Clean Energy Bites

  • two bananas
  • 1 c. oats
  • 1/4 c. peanut butter (all-natural)
  • 1/4 c. chocolate chips (or berries)

Mix all together and spoon onto a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees and cool. (The energy bites will still look a bit damp. That’s ok.) Eat. Revel in your health!

The age-old question: chocolate chips or blueberries?

The age-old question: chocolate chips or blueberries?

They are so yummy! You won’t believe that they’re super wholesome and nourishing because they taste so darn good! (Even to processed sugar and flour addicted taste-buds). I thought about using carob chips in here to up the wholesome factor and my vegan cred, but decided to go hog-wild and use real chocolate and blueberries. Tara says that substitutions work really well with this recipe, and suggested quinoa flakes instead of the oats, or adding dried fruits and fresh fruits such as raspberries. Mmm….

Yummy bites of healthy energy, get in my stomach!

Yummy bites of healthy energy, get in my stomach!

The DH is snacking on these as I type. WIN!

Next Post: Toaster Pancakes and why chunky milk can actually be A Good Thing.

7Shares

Filed Under: Snacks

You might also like:

Salsa Smackdown: Corn and Tomato Salsa, with Chili Lime Mayo

5 Preservative-Free (EASY!) Dinner Recipes for the Beginner Cook (& Anyone Who Likes Good Food)

Creamy Vanilla Pineapple Float: A Yummy Way to Beat the Heat!

Previous Post: « The Case of the Missing Apple Pie: Or, Oven-Baked Zucchini Fries
Next Post: Sour Milk Toaster Pancakes »

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. Kiwi-Mango Vanilla Pannacotta & Stomachaches ‘R’ Us | says:
    July 29, 2015 at 4:20 am

    […] horrible IBS symptoms came back at work again. (Probably means I haven’t been sticking to my lettuce-for-lunch-five-days-a-week diet recently. Yay, […]

    Reply
  2. Jammer Galette, Plus Where I Was When I Wasn’t Blogging | says:
    May 12, 2016 at 3:28 am

    […] trying to eat a bit healthier lately (although, really, yoghurt and salad? Am I not healthy enough?) so I’ve been adding in fresh veggie juices to my diet as well as […]

    Reply
  3. Cheddar and Rosemary Focaccia, the EASY Way - Approaching Food says:
    December 31, 2017 at 5:33 am

    […] think I’ve talked before about how I usually eat lactose-free foods, and while that’s true, as long as I stick to a lactose-free diet most of the time,  I can […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




I accept the Privacy Policy

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestCheck Our FeedVisit Us On Instagram

Want fresh content delivered to your inbox?

Subscribe to my blog posts & get a FREE copy of my e-book "This for That: Easy Kitchen Swaps & Hacks." It's hot off the presses!

Recent Posts

  • Californian Chickpea Salad Wraps & Finding Balance in Motherhood
  • Shortcut Spanakopita Hand Pies & Eating Well as a Mum
  • Buttercream Truffle Bombs, How to Use Leftover Icing, and a Bonus (a Romantic Keto-Friendly Gift Idea)
  • My Mother’s Dutch Pea Soup, and Cooking for Baby
  • Chocolate PB Cookies (Two Ways) and This Year’s Christmas Baking

Follow me on Instagram!

approachingfood

Cook, baker, & chocolate eater! Love encouraging others to learn & experiment w/ preservative-free recipes! Subscribe: FREE E-BOOK!

approachingfood
Instagram post 18160838884285325 Instagram post 18160838884285325
*** NEW POST *** I'm back! With these 🥑Californ *** NEW POST *** I'm back! With these 🥑Californian Chickpea Salad Wraps🍊 that pack a hefty greens and protein punch, but with the brightness of mandarins and the creaminess of avocado! [Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]
.
.
.
#saladwrap #handheldlunch #saladforlunch #wrapsforlife #avocadolover #mandarins #citrus #chickpeapower #nutritionalyeast #recipeonrepeat #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity
Instagram post 17934201725605442 Instagram post 17934201725605442
Instagram post 18046527334380613 Instagram post 18046527334380613
Instagram post 17944539287260377 Instagram post 17944539287260377
You know, my kids kind of eat pretty well! Well, t You know, my kids kind of eat pretty well! Well, they're given yummy, nutritious food. Now if they would eat it all, that would be great! Until then, exposure, exposure, exposure is best practice, so food exposures it is!
Want a hearty meal to warm you up and fuel you? Th Want a hearty meal to warm you up and fuel you? This recipe for 🥣 My Mother's Dutch Pea Soup 🥣 is a winner! Studded with chunks of carrots, potatoes, and celery, this soup actually IMPROVES the next day! Leftovers for the win! [Recipe on the blog; link in bio.]
.
.
.
#wintersoup #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #preservativefree  # thickandhearty #peasoup #dutchfood #motherknowsbest #leftoversforlunch #ordinner #babyfoodtoo
Boost your immunity with this 🌞 sunshine-on-pla Boost your immunity with this 🌞 sunshine-on-plate salad! 🍊 Oranges and 🥕 carrots are all you need, and it makes a surprisingly delicious side dish. Great for the whole family, from babies eating finger foods to adults trying to get their fruits and veg in. [Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]
.
.
.
#immunity #boost #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #preservativefree  #sunshineonaplate #salad #saladsihaveknownandloved #vitaminc #eatyourcolors #delish
Short on time but craving cookies? Make one dough, Short on time but craving cookies? Make one dough, but two types of cookies! These buttery, crunchy 🍪 PB Cookies 🍪 are a snap to make, and so easy to pull together for a last-minute gift or dessert! [Recipe on the blog, link in bio!] 

Also, check out my cookie tin: I made sugar-topped spritz cookies, as well as Milano-style spritz chocolate sandwich cookies. One dough, two cookies is a huge time-saver!
.
.
.
#lastminutegifts #cookies🍪 #cookiesofinstagram #peanutbutter #chocolatechips #peanutbuttercups #cookonceeattwice #nomnomnom #christmasevebaking #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement
It's still PSL season, people! And this combo of p It's still PSL season, people! And this combo of pumpkin spice and 🧇WAFFLES🧇 is everything breakfast dreams are made of! Plus, they freeze and toast really well -- weekday mornings, I'm looking at you! [Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]

#preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #psl #pumpkinspice #waffles #brunch #toasterwaffles #fall #weekendvibes #easybreakfastideas
Whether you're a PSL enthusiast or a lover of pump Whether you're a PSL enthusiast or a lover of pumpkin pie, these 🎃 Pumpkin Spice Pancakes 🥞 will hit the spot! Preservative-free, yet ready in 10 minutes (including prep!), these buttery, plush, and delicately spiced buttermilk pancakes are so tasty, you'll eat them regardless of the season!
.
.
.
[Recipe on the blog; link in profile]
.
.
.
#psl #pumpkinspice #pumpkinpie #realfood
#preservative-free #preservativefreemovement #preservativefreecommunity #pumpkinspicepancakes #pumpkinpiepancakes #realfoodrecipes #noaddedsugar
Instagram post 17878673516412200 Instagram post 17878673516412200
When to make these Short-cut Cranberry Crumble Squ When to make these Short-cut Cranberry Crumble Squares? When you're rotating your pantry and come across a can of homemade Better-Than-Storebought Cranberry Sauce! Or replace with your fave can of jam. 

A buttery shortbread crust topped with a tart and tangy filling, then covered in a crunchy crumble, these squares are great for coffee time, snack time, dessert! 

(Recipes on the website; link in profile)
.
.
.
#pantryorganization #pantry #cranberrysauce #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #jam #shortcut #shortbread #crumble #allthenoms #snacktime
Feeling peckish? Looking for a luscious filling & Feeling peckish? Looking for a luscious filling & flaky pastry? These 🍋 Light-as-Air Lemon Curd Turnovers 🍋 are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a coffee break! (Also, INCREDIBLY easy to make!)

[Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]

#lemon #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #pastry #turnovers #flaky #lemoncurd #breakfast
#brunch #coffeetime #allthenoms
In case you hadn't noticed, I disappeared off IG ( In case you hadn't noticed, I disappeared off IG (and my blog www.approachingfood.com, and all social media) this fall. Why? Pregnancy!!! 
.
I'm pregnant with my second child, a little girl, and had an awful first trimester. I was so sick that my toddler's pretend play now includes imitating mummy vomiting. #truestory 
.
I was too sick to develop recipes or post or do anything regarding food or blogging. But I feel better now and am back to a semi-regular blogging schedule. Am also working on creating new freebies and a recipe book, so stay tuned!!!
.
.
.
#preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #approachingfood #pregnancy #morningsickness #alldaysickness #funtimes #underdevelopment #timeout #debtfreecommunity #pandemicbaking
When you're craving fresh food, this 🥭Chunky Ma When you're craving fresh food, this 🥭Chunky Mango Guac🥑 hits the spot! Juicy mango, creamy avocado, garden fresh tomatoes, a squeeze of lime, and some chopped cilantro combine into one juicy, creamy, tangy mouthful!

[Recipe on the blog; link in profile. ]

#summer #guacamole #avocado🥑#salsa #fruitsalad #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #scoopitup #freshfood #approachingfood
Excess zucchini? Just make Zucchini & Provolone Pi Excess zucchini? Just make Zucchini & Provolone Pizza!🍕This tender-crusted, golden cheese-topped pizza is flecked with shredded zucchini and is basically veggies in cheese pizza form. 

[Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]

#pizzaislife🍕 #cheesepizza #veggiepizza #zucchinirecipes #zucchini&provolone #eatyourveggies #gardenproduce #freshveggies #homemadepizza #toomanyzucchinis #ormaybenot
When you want a low-cal, nutrient-dense comfort fo When you want a low-cal, nutrient-dense comfort food, this garlicky stir-fried broccoli with freshly zested ginger (finished with fragrant sesame oil) definitely hits the spot! Ready in 20 minutes, it's just as fast (or faster!) than fast food! Peservative-free for the win!

[Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]

#lowcarb #vegan #lowcal #comfortfood #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #20minutedinner #stirfryveggies #broccoli #garlic #ginger
Creamy, dreamy, and packed full of raspberry-licio Creamy, dreamy, and packed full of raspberry-licious flavour, this 🥤smoothie also contains 5 g of fibre and 6 g of protein. Plus, it's made with real food ingredients. A great preservative-free mini-meal or post-workout snack!

[Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]

#realfood #raspberries #creamy #proteinsmoothie #fibrerich #fullofflavour #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #beattheheat☀️ #postworkoutmeal
Guilt-free 🍫chocolate cake🍰 is REAL! This su Guilt-free 🍫chocolate cake🍰 is REAL! This super-moist fudgy loaf cake is hiding a healthy secret: each loaf contains a zucchini🥒, a sweet potato🍠, and two bananas🍌!!! Great for lunch boxes, snacks, or as a healthy dessert. Freezes well too!

[Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]

#guiltfree #chocolatecake #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #fudgy #sweetpotato #zucchini #zucchinirecipes #bananabread #pandemicbaking
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Categories

  • 101 Series aka How-To
  • All About the Food(ie Books)
  • Blatherings
  • Breads
  • Breakfast Foods
  • Cakes
  • Cook-a-Longs R Us
  • Cookies
  • Desserts Not Otherwise Categorized
  • Drinks
  • Food Odyssey
  • Ice Cream Treats
  • Memories of Meals Past
  • Parfaits and Trifles
  • Pies
  • Preserves
  • Quick Breads
  • Recipe Smackdown
  • Salads I Have Known and Loved
  • Snacks
  • Soups
  • Uncategorized
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian Main Dishes
  • Vegetarian Side Dishes
  • Waste Not Want Not

Copyright © 2023 Approaching Food on the Foodie Pro Theme