Cricket Lott
How can you really take control of your health, well being and happiness?
Your body is a complex, fine-tuned organism. Thanks to our modern diet, lifestyle and the environment we are taxing this fine-tuned instrument to the limit. In this short book, we would like to make you keenly aware of your responsibility in living up to your potential; not only intellectually, but mentally, physically and spiritually. Let’s get started.
For you brave souls who have decided to take control of your health, we have something empowering for you. The first and primary step in taking charge of your health is taking control of what enters your body. Did you know that your health begins in a very large way with your food choices, physical activity and related lifestyle choices? Hang on for a speedy, informative ride.
Raw Health was written by six women from various backgrounds who came together to share their successes in achieving optimum health. We were all interested in helping others and our paths crossed through our raw food support groups.
As we traveled down this road in search of better health, we began to realize each other’s gifts. In doing so, we discovered that there are many facets of improving ones’ health. Our hearts and minds opened to each other as we realized that we were all on the same path.
As mothers who nurture and love their offspring, we dedicate this book to you in hopes that your life is enriched with the knowledge of Raw Health…as these are the days of YOUR life.
Nancy Przedwojewski is a wife, mother, grandmother,
teacher and alternative health practitioner. She has spent the
last 28 years educating her large family in natural healing and is an
entertaining and informative health and wellness educator for church
groups, schools and adult education classes.
Janice Welsh, a gourmet raw food chef and her daughter,
Danielle Anwar
have been eating living plant-based food since March of 2003.
Learn how they overcame diabetes, obesity, asthma and allergies by
changing their diet. They conduct presentations on how to prepare
living food that tastes great and improves health.
Mozell P. Lang is a Hallelujah Acres trained Health
Minister and a Raw Chef. She served as Science Consultant for the
State of Michigan for 16 years.
Maya S. Lang, Mozell's daughter, contributed to this chapter. Maya is a dancer in New York City, preparing to attend law school.
Cricket Lott is a Hallelujah Acres Health Minister.
She is the host of the local raw food potluck, including the web site
and monthly newsletter to support it. She teaches Living Raw
Foods preparation and is a lifestyle change consultant. She is also a
gardener and wife, mother and grandmother.
Curlada Eure-Harris is a loving wife, mother of a multi
generational family, community oriented professional person who lives a
life she labels as “wholistically focused on growth for self and
others.” She is also a Master-Degreed, Licensed Professional
Counselor, a Community College Career Counselor and Student Development
Professor.
Lynnette Young Overby is a professor at Michigan State
University. She earned her BS in Physical Education from Hampton
University, MA in Dance Education from George Washington University,
and Ph.D. in Motor Development from University of Maryland. She teaches
Movement for Actors, Arts Across the Curriculum and directs the Young
Peoples Touring Company.
Chapter One
Is Your Body Dying for Living Food?
Janice Welsh and Danielle Anwar (Mother and Daughter)
It has been said that experience is the best teacher. My
beautiful daughter Danielle and I are living witnesses to this fact. I
found out I had diabetes in January 2001. The devastating effects of this
insidious disease was my initial concern. I did not want to take
medication for the rest of my life. After going to a raw food presentation
by Victoria Boutenko, author and world renowned leader of the raw food movement,
Danielle and I started a fresh food plant-based way of eating. It made so much
sense to us. We were amazed at the health benefits in such a short period
of time. I was no longer plagued with diabetes after eating raw food for
only four days. We now have abounding energy and extraordinary
health. We cheerfully share this good news with other people who wish to
enjoy abundant wellbeing.
Chapter Two
Health Food Nut
Cricket Lott
Pursuit of health has always been a ‘hobby’ of mine and has been a step
by step process. Learn one thing, incorporate it into my life and
then use that as a step to the next level of improved health and
energy. I was growing through exploration and experimentation and found
healthier and healthier ways to eat, by reading, listening and hearing
others stories. Finally, I began to grow sprouts and found them
to be a tremendous boost to my energy and well being. How to grow
them and care for them is an easy process. I take you through my
growth steps and show you how to grow sprouts yourself in my
chapter. I hope you find them as easy, delicious and energy
giving as I do.
Chapter Three
Is Your Plumbing Up to Code?
Nancy Przedwojewski
In the process of raising a large family of eight children, Nancy
discovered the Standard American Diet they were on was creating a
“little house of horrors.” Eliminating processed sugar, and
all artificial flavors, colors and preservatives brought a level of
calm to the home unheard of until then. Behavior improved,
attention levels increased, illness disappeared. She began using
good natural foods, herbs and supplements as the best first aid kit for
her family and it wasn’t long before she was teaching other
moms how to get their families well and stay well without medication.
Since 1978 she has been on a mission to share this knowledge.
The Digestive System is seldom thought of by the majority of
Americans. Any effective wellness plan is dependent on a healthy
digestive system. Understanding how this system
functions can help many people on their walk toward better
health. From the mouth to the anus our very life depends on three
important components; the fuel (food) we take into the system, the
effective burning of this fuel to extract energy, and the disposal of
the ashes (feces).
Chapter Four
Before and After Wholistic Health: You Decide!
Curlada Eure-Harris
The purpose of this chapter is to share a process one might use to
informally compare the effects of eating and being sick with eating and
being well. This process is inspired by my interest in
facilitating forums for “wholistic” health discussion, exploration and
analysis. “Wholistic” health is the term and spelling I choose to
use since documenting it in my Fall 1999 Sabbatical Report to Lansing
Community College on the application of wholistic health principles to
self assessment for globally relevant career counseling. In that
report, available in the College’s Center for Teaching Excellence, I
point out that any human being can assess oneself in a way that is more
representative of the total (whole) rather than of the absence (hole)
of information about oneself. The term, also found with the
“holistic” health spelling, often describes one’s attention to the
balance or wellness of one’s body, spirit, and mind/emotions, in some
appropriate order.
I will present a series of events about people in my life whose true
stories prompted me to think wholisitically. It is my hope that
you will recognize some of the feelings and characteristics presented.
May you find your own health story for personal insight and motivation.
Perhaps you might be inspired to consider exploring some wholistic
rethinking as one effort that could improve the quality of your
day-to-day attitude about your health and your ability to influence it.
Chapter Five
Journey to a Longer Life with Physical Activity
Lynnette Young Overby
The focus of this chapter is on the benefits of physical
activity. Moderate physical activity is advocated as a means to a
healthier lifestyle. Specific exercises and activities are described
that will lead to enhanced cardiovascular health, a stronger
musculoskeletal system, improved posture, and management of stress.
Chapter Six
Health and Wellness Model
Mozell P. Lang and Maya S. Lang (Mother and Daughter)
The purpose of starting a Health and Wellness program is to promote
strategies and educational practices to increase the understanding of
how to choose a healthy lifestyle. An integrated approach is used
to engage body, soul and mind. The Health and Wellness model
offers strategies for implementing regular seminars and programs,
weekly and monthly throughout the year, to provide motivational forums
for discussing health issues. Research-based information and
speakers are featured promoting effective ways to use diet and exercise
to develop and maintain a healthy body.
