What is Raw and Living Food? Plant based food from the earth, in its natural state, uncooked or not heated above 112 degrees. This includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, roots, herbs, and sprouted legumes & grains. Preferably organic. They can be sliced, diced, grated, chopped, blended, pureed, fermented (w/out heat) sun dried or dehydrated. This includes, raw nut butters, unrefined virgin olive oil, coconut oil, seaweeds (not roasted), raw honey, raw carob powder, and raw cacao. Of course this is just a partial list. Canned or jarred fruits or juices are not raw, nor are roasted or salted nuts. By now, almost everyone has heard of a raw or living food diet. However, when most people think of a raw food diet they envision someone with strong will power, depriving themselves of "real" food and trying to fill up with endless bowls salads and carrot sticks, with perhaps some twigs thrown in for extra crunch (just kidding). Although the list of foods may seem limiting, you will be amazed by the number of combinations that you can use to create an infinite number of creative, delicious, nutritious, recipes. The combinations are endless. Just look at the number of "uncook" books that are out there. Why incorporate more raw and living foods into your diet? There are many reasons to incorporate more raw foods into your diet. For some a strict raw food diet may be used to aid in healing or weight loss. For others it's an occasional, exciting culinary experience, or a way to eat high quality foods and contribute to the health of the environment. And for some it is a lifestyle choice that involves the mind, body, and spirit. Whatever your reason, raw & living foods taste great (fresh & alive) and you can have a new and exciting culinary experience that's healthy for you and interesting. The more you add to your diet, the better you will feel. You will have a healthier body & mind, more energy, vitality and less weight and aliments. The reason for this? When food is heated above 115 degrees many of the essential nutrients & enzymes are destroyed. When you eat fresh and alive foods, you are eating nutrient dense foods which supply an abundant array of vitamins, minerals and enzymes, as well as fiber, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, iron, calcium & protein. With proper care and maintenance our bodies are designed to heal themselves. A diet of raw foods has been attributed in helping to heal numerous diseases including: diabetes, fibromyalagia, acne, migraines, asthma, body aches & pains, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hypoglycemia, colitis & diverticulitis, candida, arthritis, allergies, depression, anxiety, mood swings, heartburn, gas & bloating, skin disease, obesity, menopausal symptoms, chronic fatigue, obesity, and cancers. So....the more alive a food is, the more nutrient dense, and full of enzymes. Enzymes are what help your body digest and when you eat nutrient dense foods, your body needs less food. Less food, more nutrients means your body works less, therefore you have a healthier body with less weight and more energy.
The How There are numerous theories about how much raw and living foods should be added to your diet and what should this consist of for optimal health. The bottom line is the more raw, living foods you add to your diet, the healthy you will become. You will look and feel more alive, vibrant & energized. For many, the idea of adding raw foods to your diet is intimidating. A good way to start maybe by replacing all refined & processed foods including as white flour & sugar, with a whole food. Maybe then adding a green smoothie for your breakfast in place of a bagel or eggs. Incorporating more raw foods into your diet is a process. Someone who may be experiencing health problems may be willing to just jump right in and begin changing everything in their diet immediately. Other's may just want to start out slowly, just tasting and experimenting; perhaps just substituting a raw dessert in place of their Ben & Jerry's. And for others, just the experience of adding a new culinary treat to your diet may be what your looking for. Whether your interest is health or culinary, adding more foods to your diet can be as simple as simple as grabbing an apple as a snack instead of (cookie or chips) or as involved as spending some time in the kitchen and having fun experimenting with a new meal to prepare for your friends & family. There are numerous website & books information on the various theories & philosophies of a raw food diet. Below are some links & book suggestions. We will also be offering some introductory classes, as well as occasional dinners where you can get an idea and sampling of this amazing cuisine. Check our happenings page for a schedule of classes and current raw events or contact us for more details. Suggested Reading: (Coming soon) Links: (Coming soon)
