Raw Cashew Cream Cheesecake

I tried the Earth Cafe raw vegan cheesecakes recently, and I really enjoyed them. But due to my gut dysbiosis, my body was not happy with the sugar. So, resourceful me, I decided to make my own.

Should restaurants have to provide an ingredients list when asked?

Other than rush hour traffic (sigh), I love living in my busy little community of West Los Angeles. Located near Sawtelle Ave. and Olympic Blvd., the area I live in is a "Little Tokyo" area of sorts. There are many sushi, noodle houses and kushiyaki restaurants, artsy boutiques, a cool little Japanese coffee place where they roast their beans in-house, and a touristy knick-knack store with oodles of Hello Kitty goodies.  Normally when my digestive and immune system aren't failing me (like it currently is) I'd be slurping up a bowl of soba noodles or eating some beef satay. But sadly, many private eateries will not divulge their ingredients, even to someone like me who has a dietary reason. Others are just not knowledgable in dietary needs.

Earth Cafe Vegan Cheesecakes

I was looking for something to satisfy my sweet tooth without being detrimental to my health, since I'm currently on one of the most restrictive diets to starve my candida problems and improve my digestion.  I came across Earth Cafe Cheesecakes. They sell these in single serving containers in stores (you can also buy a whole cheesecake on their website online). They carry their cheesecakes at Whole Foods, Ralphs and most health food stores: I think I've seen them at my local co-op food store too.

To quote their site, "Living (raw), vegan, wheat/gluten free, cholesterol free, and tastes amazing." And it really does. Taste. Amazing.  And they have the food awards to prove it.

Paleo Coconut Pecan Banana Bread

One day before Christmas I was looking for something healthy I could make to nibble on that my family might also enjoy. And, I’ve been having a serious sweet tooth since I’ve been instructed by my naturopath to go sugar-free. Well what’s a girl to do on a holiday with tons of chocolate, cookies, pies and cakes floating around in front of her?

Paleo Style Eggs Benedict

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And if you knew me personally, you'd know that I love to eat and never pass up a chance to make - or eat - a good meal. I also don't function well without eating something in the morning and you certainly don't want to be around me starting my day hungry and grumpy!

Last Saturday I was getting ready to head to the farmers market over on Pico and Centinela. It's close to my house and J&J grassfed beef is usually there which is my main reason for going.

But first... breakfast!

Coconut Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

I've been really good with my sugar, gluten and dairy free diet lately. It's the only thing that keeps my body from reacting with inflammation, caused by a diet high in carbohydrates, sugar and unfortunately, antibiotic use. And right now at the beginning of the winter holiday season, I have always been susceptible to strep throat, so no sugar keeps it at bay. I also think I might have food intolerances, hence the gluten free part of this. I've been seeing a naturopathic doctor to pinpoint the cause, and so far prior to tests, she suspects food intolerances and candida as well.

I really like my naturopathic doctor. For those of us suffering from the unknown and what many traditional doctors sometimes dismiss as depression or  being "all in your head," when you know that's not the case, you look for someone that will really listen and care. With naturopathic doctors, you get a lot more one-on-one time. The idea is to investigate the root cause of disease, not cover up the symptoms which is what takes place in most cases of western medicine (or at least in my experiences). I could continue on about this, but will save that for a separate post another time.

Onto the reason you are probably here  - COOKIES!

These cookies are good for those following a paleo lifestyle. Most paleo peeps don't eat grains or sugar. While I've used some sugar, it is quite minimal.