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The Culinary Center

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Teresa De Santiago replied to Penni's discussion Essential Living Foods Giveaway Extravaganza!

"Teresa from sunny Valencia aka "Awesometown" haha(:"

Nov 18, 2012

Lisa Veneri left a comment for Teresa De Santiago

"Thanks Teresa! Sounds delicious! I will let you know how it is when I make it :)"

Oct 25, 2012

Teresa De Santiago left a comment for Lisa Veneri

"Hi! I saw you needed a recipe for whipped cream and I found this recipe that might suit your needs: http://ohsheglows.com/2012/08/30/coconut-whipped-cream-a-step-by-step-photo-tutorial/ Tell me how it goes(:"

Oct 24, 2012

Stephanie Baker left a comment for Teresa De Santiago

"Welcome Teresa, sounds like we have some similar struggles over the years. I'm back on RFR to get a jump start again. I welcome you to the group!"

Oct 22, 2012

Teresa De Santiago joined Penni's group

The Culinary Center

The place for raw food preparation videos, education and all raw food related discussions.

Oct 21, 2012

73 Comments 83 Likes

Teresa De Santiago is now a member of Raw Food Rehab

Oct 21, 2012

Welcome Them!

Profile Information

About Me: (at least a couple of sentences; ex: family, interests, hobbies, favorite quote, personal mission statement, etc: Good day, my name is Teresa. I'm an aspiring Vegan chef in southern California and part-time Graphic Design major.

Like many of you, I grew up on the typical American diet of processed foods full of animal products, refined sugar, and other foods full of unpronounceable ingredients. How I grew into a young woman who aspires to be a vegan chef and loves competitively running, yoga, and all other aspects of wellness is a shear miracle.
In high school I joined to Cross Country and Track & Field team. Before joining, I had believed that diet “nutritional” bars and basic pilates DVDs would give me the superficial body I wanted. The nature of long distance running changed all of that; the countless miles eventually override vain ambitions. In that time I still struggled with my food choices for optimal performance, but I gradually realized that maybe the most natural sport needed the most natural foods. With that thought I did lose weight and improved my times, but everything was still far from ideal.
By the time I entered college, I knew I still needed to understand more about the power of a diet’s influence in performance. I counted calories, calculated fat/protein/carb ratios, and stuck to a mainstream “eating clean” diet. That included animal products like greek yogurt and lean cold cuts. I was running times in both sports that I never thought I’d reach; yet when I was off the track, my entire feeling of well being was still as off-centered as ever. Perhaps it’s depression I thought, which wasn’t totally out of the question at that point of my life. Still, I felt something else was exacerbating my negative feeling.
Life was going as usual for me in the pre-track season: running well but feeling unwell when I wasn’t running. But then life hit hard when I couldn’t afford to pay for my spring semester, also meaning I couldn’t compete. Still in shock, I tried ignoring the devastation I experienced by looking for a job (that took another toll since it was hard to land one) and blogging inspirational images here on Tumblr. I let my typical endurance physical training slide in hopes of working full time, which never happened. I had nothing to focus on and even though I was eating the same things, I was feeling tremendously worse.
On one of those long days on Tumblr, tired of seeing the same “fitspo” pictures and 100-calorie snack ideas, I decided to look into plant-based nutrition; life has only improved since then.
Given that I have access to the internet and a public library, I saw no reason why I couldn’t learn as much as I informally could about vegan and raw dietary lifestyles. There were many things that persuaded me, but one point that stood out to me was that animal foods are acidic, making them stressful for the body to digest thus slowing cell regeneration and the bodies ability to focus on other tasks aside from digestion.
All this new information reignited my passion for cooking, which was put aside years ago when I dreaded the thought of eating too many calories. On the “Oh My Yum!” page, you can see some of the recipes I’ve made so far and expect to be updated with more! I want to create all sorts of dishes that are created by living foods that perpetuates the raw vegan culinary scene into the mainstream.
In addition to a change in diet, I’ve also reenergized my yoga practice for more spiritual guidance than limber limbs. Time on the mat teaches gratitude and self acceptance, which I feel are the base elements of a fulfilling life.
If you share similar interests, join me on my journey. If you’re not too certain about this way of living, I encourage you to keep an open mind and learn right along with me. I believe everyone can adapt to this lifestyle even without a formal education. All it takes is a little work.

your website or blog address:: http://solidindecision.tumblr.com

How did you hear about Raw Food Rehab?: Healthy blender Recipes

What percentage of your current diet would you estimate is raw foods? (this answer many change over time): 75%

How are you hoping this community can best support you in your journey? (moral support, transition advice, recipes, inspiration, fitness tips, etc): Debate support for why a raw, plant based diet is best for optimal health. Plus, I want to find a community that shares the same values and can teach me along the way.

RFR Oath: I acknowledge that everyone is at a different point along their health journey and I will respect the individual progress and needs of others as they make lifestyle choices and changes of their own. I promise to do my best to keep this community drama free. I understand that posting inappropriate material, personal attacks, unapproved solicitations or spamming of any kind can result in administrative action and/or removal from this community. I pledge to be respectful even if I do not agree with another member's opinion. Agreed?: Teresa De Santiago

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At 12:59pm on October 25, 2012, Lisa Veneri said…: Thanks Teresa! Sounds delicious! I will let you know how it is when I make it :)

At 8:44am on October 22, 2012, Stephanie Baker said…: Welcome Teresa, sounds like we have some similar struggles over the years. I'm back on RFR to get a jump start again. I welcome you to the group!

At 8:35am on October 22, 2012, Susan : ) said…: Come take the RFR Mansion Tour!

Click here for each room's index!

At 1:03pm on October 21, 2012, Susan : ) said…: Welcome Home!

At 11:18am on October 21, 2012, Susan : ) said…: We are rolling out the red carpet for you!

Welcome to

our "Special Central Secret Place in Cyber Space"!

Make Yourself at HOME!! : )

I assist Penni in running this site. If you need any assistance here at RFR, feel free to call on me! I count it a JOY and a priviledge to walk beside you on your raw journey to health and wellness!

Keep in touch!

Susan : )

At 11:18am on October 21, 2012, Penni said…: Hi Teresa!

I'm so happy to welcome you to Raw Food Rehab! There is an orientation for you HERE that will help you find your way around our virtual holistic retreat.

It is also very important that new members read our Community Ground Rules before posting anything to our site. I hope that you will make yourself at home, and please shoot me a message or leave a comment on my page if you have any questions!

Warmly,
Penni Shelton
Founder & Director