Radically Raw

The “Raw Food Revolution” is literally sweeping the nation right now.  Celebrities are going totally raw and raw restaurants are increasingly gaining popularity and appeal.

Raw foodies boast better health, glowing skin, as well as improved energy.  Although totally eating raw is one of the healthiest diets you could possibly eat, it still has one flaw: convenience.

Unless you live in LA or New York, you probably don’t have a raw restaurant in close vicinity, and preparing raw food diet meals can be very time consuming. But, don’t let the inconvenience deter you.  You don’t have to eat 100% raw to gain health and vitality or lose weight. Personally, I shoot for eating 80% raw.  For many, the 80/20 rule is a more obtainable goal and still packs plenty of nutrition.

Reasons to Go Raw

What makes raw foods superior to cooked?  The enzymes naturally present in raw food help to digest food. If our food is heated to a certain temperature, the  enzymes, vitamins and nutrients are destroyed and our body has to work to create it’s own enzymes.  For example, a raw carrot has more nutrient value and is easier to digest than a cooked carrot. The less work our digestive system has to do, the more energy we’ll have. Raw foods have many more benefits, including:

  • Safe and easy weight loss
  • Natural detoxification
  • Alkalizing our system
  • Rich in enzymes and phytonutrients
  • High in vitamins and minerals
  • Free of additives and processed ingredients

 

Beyond “Rabbit Food”

Eating raw is not just living on “rabbit food” like lettuce salads.  Chefs and raw foodies have begun creating absolutely delicious meals and desserts that literally taste like they’ve been cooked. There are so many options and recipes for you to choose from that you won’t feel deprived.

I would recommend doing an internet search for raw food recipes; it is also good to go to your local bookstore to flip through their raw food cookbooks.  It can take some dedication in the beginning, but preparing raw foods will soon become old hat. Better yet, tune in to Kevin Gianni’s, Recipe Wednesdays on the Renegade Health Show.

A very easy way to start your raw adventure would be to make “green smoothies.”  Green smoothies are made out of raw fruits and veggies that are blended into a drink.  They are quick and delicious and you can pack several servings of raw fruits and veggies into one smoothie.  Most people like to drink their smoothie in the morning for an energy packed breakfast.  I always recommend adding some sort of protein and fat to your smoothie.  This helps to maintain your blood sugar and keep you satisfied longer.

My favorite green smoothie combo is:

  • 1 banana
  • 1 avocado (fat and protein)
  • 1 handful of frozen organic strawberries
  • 1 bunch of kale removed from stems

or

  • 1 bunch of organic spinach
  • Splash of water

Blend until smooth.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own combos. This is also a great way to get kids to eat their veggies!

P. S. Remember, you don’t have to change your entire way of life to incorporate raw foods.  Set a goal of how much of your diet you want to eat raw and stick to it.  The more live foods you eat, the more alive you’ll feel!

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