What is the deal with raw food? Is it just hype? Is it just for crazy hippies who boycott razors and deodorant? Is it just about nibbling on lettuce and celery?
Well, there is a lot of hype out there on this subject - but my approach is much more common sense. I also enjoy various hair removal techniques and almost never nibble on lettuce and celery.
The latest diet concept sweeping the planet is actually the oldest diet in the book - eating foods just as they were created. The "Raw Food Diet" is predominantly based on plant foods that have not been altered by heat. The words "raw food" sound less than appealing and conjure up images of deprivation, but nothing could be farther from the truth. The cuisine possibilities with fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds and sprouted grains are limitless...and surprising.
A plant is born with a certain nutritional profile and packaged with all the enzymatic components necessary to digest its contents. Heat alters and depletes the nutritional profile and neutralizes the enzymatic components - decreasing the nutrients available while increasing the digestive load on the body. With the majority of your daily energy (about 60%) going to the digestion and assimilation of your foods - your food choices can really make or break your energy levels.
The closer we eat to our natural diet - the more effortless it becomes for our bodies to take on their natural form and function. Some of the main benefits seen by those adopting more raw foods are effortless weight loss, increased energy, improved mental clarity and better concentration. People also notice that those little health issues that we come to expect as part of life just disappear - acne, sinus infections, yeast infections, headaches, aches and pains, old injuries, digestive upsets and that general feeling of lack luster.
There are all sorts of claims and controversy surrounding raw foods. The bottom line is that eating a diet high in raw foods maximizes nutrients by minimizing processing. Also eating foods in the state that they were born in ensures that you are avoiding all the pitfalls of commercially processed foods (additives, preservatives, mystery ingredients). AND it's the most delicious and satisfying food you'll ever taste.
The one consistent message running through the never-ending nutrition controversy is to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. And now, thanks to the wonders of Mother Nature and the imagination and skills of raw food chefs, we can eat our fruits and veggies AND satisfy our taste buds. Banana cream pies, thick and creamy chocolate shakes, pizza, corn chips with salsa and guacamole....not a carrot stick in sight! And when you know that all the ingredients are good for you - you can ditch the food guilt once and for all.
Although, adding more fresh, whole food to your diet can really only be a good thing - you still need to have some know-how under your belt to avoid the common pitfalls associated with raw food nutrition. It's a completely different nutritional ball game than our current thinking and guidelines.
Regardless of your current health situation or goals, you can experience the benefits of raw foods by just adding more. Even if you are veggie phobic - start with raw foods that you already know and love and you'll be surprised at how soon you start to eye that weird leafy green stuff at the grocery store.
2009 Lisa Lavoie BSc., ND | Vitasential. All rights reserved.
Lisa Lavoie BSc., ND is the founder of Vitasential. This article was featured in her bi-weekly eZine A Vitasential Life. Please visit http://www.vitasential.ca for more practical information, inspiration and resources to create a life you love from the inside-out and have a lot of fun doing so.
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