Top Five Raw Foods Books

We live in an information age. From magazines to television to the Internet, we're being bombarded on an almost hourly basis with data to sift through and analyze, in our quest to make the best possible decisions about our way of life.

This bombardment is a constant in life as a raw foodist, as well. The raw foods movement has really taken off in recent years. The good news is, this means that there are more raw-foods goods and services - more companies dedicated to providing you with products that make your lifestyle more convenient and enjoyable. The not-so-good news? With all the sometimes conflicting information out there, how do you know which sources to follow? Who to trust, and who to believe?

The answer may be found in a good book or two. There are a host of raw foods books that do an excellent job of explaining the science behind this diet, and offering practical tips on how to make it work for you.

Within the raw foods movement, there are many schools of thinking - many different ideas as to what constitutes the "best" raw foods diet. Some believe that a diet emphasizing fruit and vegetables, with very little nuts and fat, is the way to go. Others believe that an excess of sweet fruit can lead to a world of problems, and recommend only minimal consumption, with an emphasis on protein-rich choices like nuts and seeds. I personally believe there is no one "answer." Each body is different, and each of us to experiment a bit to find what works best with our own personal chemistry.

The books listed below (in no particular order) may offer differing points of view, but they're all well-written and well-researched. Use them as road maps in your ongoing raw-food journey. Good luck and godspeed!

1. The Sunfood Diet Success System by David Wolfe

A great primer for those just getting started with a raw foods diet. The tone is a bit overzealous at times, but there is a wealth of valuable information guaranteed to enhance your raw-foods lifestyle.

The Sunfood Diet Success System: http://www.amazon.com/Sunfood-Diet-Success-System-Transformation/dp/0965353362

2. Uncooking With Jameth and Kim by Jameth and Kim Sheridan

One of my gripes about raw foods recipes is that they are often overly complicated, and can take a long time to prepare. Not so with the excellent recipes featured in this book. Each meal is simple to whip up and tasty as well. The book features over 100 recipes.

Uncooking with Jameth and Kim: http://www.amazon.com/UnCooking-Jameth-Kim-Original-Information/dp/1893684008

3. The Raw Secrets by Frederic Patenaude

This one is for those who've been eating raw for a while and want to optimize their results. Patenaude is a longtime raw foodist who isn't afraid to tell it as he sees it. A great choice for those looking to tweak their raw-foods diet.

The Raw Secrets: http://www.fredericpatenaude.com/instantraw.html

4. Instant Raw Sensations by Frederic Patenaude

A superb recipe book. All the mouth-watering recipes contained within can be made in 10 minutes or less. A wonderful choice for raw fooders looking to simplify and streamline their eating plan.

Instant Raw Sensations: http://www.fredericpatenaude.com/instantraw.html

5. Rainbow Green Live Foods Cuisine by Dr. Gabriel Cousens, MD

Cousens is a Columbia-trained physician, and his approach to raw foods is deeply rooted in science. This book discusses how to use raw foods to optimize your body chemistry and promote maximum health and healing. I personally subscribe to Cousens' teachings, and let me tell you, this book has changed my life. The first half discusses the science behind his recommendations, while the second half shares some appetizing recipes.

Rainbow Green Live Foods Cuisine: http://www.treeoflife.nu/gabrielbooks.html