Tips for Adopting a Raw, Living Foods Lifestyle

Going raw. What image does that phrase conjure up in your mind? I bet it has nothing to do with food- uncooked, unheated, unprocessed, raw foods.

Raw Food Defined

A raw food diet has several basic tenets as it's foundation. A raw foodist is defined by eating only uncooked, unprocessed and organic living and raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and seaweeds. Nothing is heated or cooked above 116 degrees. The reason that nothing is cooked in a raw foods diet is that raw foods contain enzymes. When heating food over 116 degrees F enzymes are destroyed. There are many different enzymes in the body, and among other life-sustaining functions, they assist in the digestion of food. Enzymes are considered the "Life-Force" or "energy" of food. Living and raw foods also have vastly higher nutrient values than foods that have been cooked.

Have you heard of the raw foods diet or movement? If not, it is no surprise. There are many different "diets" being touted today. No matter what your preference or goal, you can probably find a "fit" in the diet world. Atkins. South Beach. Weight Watchers. Low carb. Low GI. Vegetarian. Macrobiotic. The list seems endless! This lifestyle is gaining in popularity, however, and will certainly move to the forefront. Soon everyone will know someone who is "raw".

Why Do People Adopt This Lifestyle?

Why do some consider incorporating more raw foods into their diet, if not make a complete transition to living foods? Proponents claim the following benefits:

• Promotes weight loss
• Slows the process of aging
• Increases energy
• Lowers cholesterol naturally, without medications
• Improves health in those with chronic or degenerative disease
• Increases mental clarity
• Helps detoxify the body of internal and external toxins

What Do Raw Foodists Eat and Drink?

Raw and Living Foodists eat all organic fruits, vegetables, sprouts, nuts, seeds, grains, sea vegetables, and other natural foods that have not been processed. They drink purified spring or distilled water, and fresh fruit and vegetable juices.

What is Needed to Adopt this Diet?

Books
There are many current and informative books available. Some books are basic and include very simple, quick and easy recipes such as Raw Food for Busy People. Others go into more detail and explain food preparation techniques such as spouting nuts and seeds, and dehydrating foods, and contain a comprehensive list of recipes such as The Complete Book of Raw Foods. For those that desire to go "raw gourmet", famous chef Charlie Trotter leads the way in his new book, Raw.

Blender or food processor
Many recipes call for the combination of ingredients, and one definitely needs a blender to combine and/or food processor to grate, chop, and shred. With equipment, t is fine to begin small and inexpensive, and up grade if raw foods become a new way of life. Or, if a long term commitment to a raw diet is certain, buying a heavy duty, well made blender and food processor is a smart move. They more expensive units generally last much longer, have extended warranties and better customer service, and are easier and less frustrating to use.

Knives
A raw diet involves a fair amount of food preparation in the way of chopping, cutting, and peeling. Investing in a good set of knives will make the time spent in food preparation much easier.

Dehydrator
Some raw food recipes call for a food dehydrator. A food dehydrator allows for the creation of crackers and cookies, dried fruit without sulfates, and fruit leather, and it can also serve as a way to warm foods without destroying enzymes. It is best to get one that allows for the adjustment of temperatures. Most dehydrators on the market now have stackable trays and a fan that circulates air. Many also come with the plastic sheets that are used in the initial stages of dehydrating a wet food. They can be purchased rather inexpensively, or if desired, there are certainly top of the line, more costly models that are larger and more industrial.

Juicer
Many people involved in a living foods lifestyle find that juicing fresh fruits and vegetables at home adds greatly to their health benefits. The juices that are sold in stores are pasteurized (therefore they contain no enzymes), bottled, prepared for store shelves, and shipped across the country. By the time they are consumed they contain only a small amount of nutrition compare to what can be prepared with one's own juicer. There are several different types of juicers available, in many different price ranges. It is best to read reviews of different types and brands, and consider how often the juicer will be used before purchasing one.

If you are someone who is interested in eating "close to the earth", and consuming whole foods that have not been processed or had valuable enzymes destroyed by cooking, this diet is right for you. For more information online, there are several great sites: www.rawfoods.com, www.rawfoodlife.com, and http://goneraw.com. The health benefits are numerous, and with so many people adopting this type of lifestyle, there has never been a better time to go raw!