What is Raw Foods?
– uncooked – it’s not heated above 118F / 42C
– it’s fresh and unprocessed
– organic as much as possible
Why not cooked foods?
Cooked foods actually destroys all the vitamins, nutrients, minerals, oxygen rich & enzymes which is the life force or ’spark of life’. It becomes dead food, then we need to supplement with usually factory processed vitamins etc and we are then just eating for the sake of eating and not living. We are all born with enzymes, when we eat cooked foods we diminsh our supply of them as it takes enzymes to help digest our food, so with cooked foods, our bodies are using up our stores of enzymes, that is why we feel sluggish and tired after eating a cooked meal, it takes our energy. When we eat raw foods, we feel good as the food comes with enzymes and can be digested much easier.
Raw foods are more alkalining which is highly beneficial for our bodies. Acidic foods create an acidic environment which is much better for creating disease.
Benefits of eating Raw
-weightloss
– more energy
– healthy skin
– the ‘glow’
– detoxes
– need less sleep
– no arthritis
– increased flexibility
– better digestion
– no more headaches
– no more candida
– improved immune system
– prevent & even reverse diabetes or cancer
– reduce risk of heart disease
– no more allergies
– lower cholesterol
– few if any colds or flu
– clarity of mind
– no more PMS
– improved sex life
Isn’t that a good start???
It’s also better for the planet – no pesiticides, herbicides or other chemicals, so we are helping to contribute to a better, safer planet.
There are differences in raw food diets as you will see when you are researching them, some will use some ingredients like Bragg’s or Tamari and some won’t. Some will use raw milk or cheese, some won’t, some are into very simple foods and recipes and some are into more elegant raw cusine, some are 60%, or 80% or 100% raw. It’s finding out what works for you, and where you are starting at and your health – everyone is different. There is so much variation and that can be confusing or overwhelming at first, remember to have some fun with it too, and don’t be hard on yourself when starting out, we all transition differently.
What’s your why??
When starting with raw foods or anything for that matter, be clear on you why. Is it to be healthier, loss weight, whatever it is, when you are clear about your why, it will be easier to stick to it!!
Raw Foods
– fruits
– vegetables
– leafy greens (not really a veggie)
– herbs
– spices
– nuts
– seeds
– sea vegetables
– edible flowers
– spices
– herbs
– oils
– natural sweetners
Kitchen tools to have
All you really need to get yourself started, besides enthusiasm is some good knives, a good blender and a processor. I have a knack for picking up processors in almost new condition, at yard sales for like $10. I like to have two in my kitchen.
As you get into using raw foods more, then you will want to invest in a Vitamix, a really good, horse power blender, a dehydrator for making crackers etc, my favorite is an Excalibur, Spiroli and a coffee bean grinder.