Day 1 DARE Challenge:  

Woke up excited to commence the first 2012 ‘dare challenge’.  

Before heading off on my morning beach walk, I created a yummy juice (apple, mint, ginger and pineapple).  What I love about fresh juice is how you can almost feel the nutrients ‘exploding’ throughout your body with every mouthful. 

Burleigh Headland, on Australia’s gorgeous Gold Coast, is the perfect place to spend the first day of the year.  Something about looking out across the pristine Pacific Ocean reminds you that ANYTHING is possible.

Taking a bundle of RAW recipes, I mapped out the next few days of tasty delights. Can’t wait to share all the treats with everyone who joked "So you’ll be eating carrots and celery for a month…good luck!".  In fact, my meat eating man loved the ‘Chilli Nut Balls’ plus the ‘Green Mango Smoothie’.  So while Steve’s not planning on going raw for an entire month, he’s definitely on the journey with me.  

My girls are still away so am yet to gauge their response to some of my meal choices.  Although they both love juicing so Mia’s excited about her favourite pineapple, celery and ginger each morning…perfect way give kids an instant vitamin boost.

CHALLENGE #1:  OK, DAY 1 and there’s a hurdle already!  Steve and I decided to watch the sunset at a brand new restaurant/ bar in Burleigh.  Perfect location for watching the waves rolling.  Warm day so my lime (pure juice not the syrup) and soda went down well. Although as far as food went, not a raw option on the menu.  Reluctantly my hungry beau ordered the trio of dips and while they looked delicious, I resisted even a morsel.

Instead, upon returning home, whipped up a batch of the ‘Chilli Nut Balls’ which were divine.  Made enough for tomorrow so good for conserving time and energy.

VERDICT:  Every mouthful of DAY 1 felt like I was honouring my body.  Went to bed feeling light and excited about the next 30 days.

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