Luscious Living from the Mermaid Cafe is a cookbook born as a result of my work as a nutritional consultant and detox specialist. It is a book of simple ways to shift away from wheat and dairy to healthy and delicious substitutes. My intention for this book is to help heal your body by making food preparation easy and fun. Enjoy each recipe and menu as you begin to slowly make changes. Remember, SLOWLY IS HOLY!

Luscious Living from the Mermaid Cafe is 83 pages of wonderful recipes, cooking tips and healthy choices for delicious meals. Great for the beginner who is just learning their way around the kitchen and the experienced chef ready to explore new creations

Luscious Living from the Mermaid Cafe is available for $30.00 USD

• Gluten-free product guide included
• Menu plan for one week
• Kitchen set-up for efficiency
• Basic pantry items for quick meals
• Why caffeine is our false friend
• Raw food selections

I have found that when I plan in advance and do my food preparations first thing in the morning, I am more likely to eat well throughout the day. This daily ritual is a sacred time to wash, chop and relish in the practice of nourishment. Each stroke of my hand is a way to bless and give thanks for the bounty from above and below. The goodness of nature comes from the blend of heavenly rains and the richness of Mother Earth's soil. It's a time of silence and mindful attention to what I am doing. I love being perfectly present to the variety of colors and textures as I blend them into simple, scrumptious foods for my family and I to eat anytime during the day.

Today's fast pace requires that we slow down, smell the roses and create ways to enjoy life. Tasting life with healthy food is one of many blessings that we give ourselves several times throughout our day. Let's explore nature and use food as our medicine rather than pills. Eating foods in their most natural state will guarantee optimum nutritional value. Follow the seasons for the best you can get. It's important to eat seasonally and locally, organic is the best for our body.

When we buy organic, we vote at the cash register every day. Our dollar is our best tool for implementing change in the political climate of health and well-being. Organics are best for our bodies and best for Mother Earth. Think of this purchase as health and life insurance for today and future generations. We also support sustainability. Remember that the government subsidizes the growth of wheat, tobacco and beef, among other foods. This has created an entire population with numerous food sensitivities and food allergies.

I can see and feel the great benefits as I increase my consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, free-range chicken and ocean salmon. This promotes the small farmer who gets little, if any, subsidy. I also say “NO” to the farmer who gets paid by our government to grow tobacco and coffee, two of the most universally used addictive drugs. Most people don’t know that these two crops are heavily sprayed with chemicals that promote addiction and ill health.

A sample of the Luscious recipes:

PAPAYA-AVOCADO DELIGHT

1. Slice open a yellow-gold ripe papaya and discard black seeds. You may want to swallow 10-12 of them whole as they kill parasites.
2. Use melon baller or teaspoon to scoop out the yummy flesh into a large bowl.
3. Slice open ripe avocado and use melon baller to scoop out flesh.
4. Mix with papaya and squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over it. I also sprinkle grated coconut and organic ground golden flax seed.

An awesome breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, or light dinner. Lovely presentation over fresh salad greens with cherry tomatoes around the plate. COLOR IT UP!

Luscious Living from the Mermaid Cafe is 83 pages of wonderful recipes, cooking tips and healthy choices for delicious meals. Great for the beginner who is just learning their way around the kitchen and the experienced chef ready to explore new creations. Be sure to include your children in this celebration of nourishment and nurturing.

Cathy's nieces Erica & Evelyn