I took an Introduction to Raw Foods class back in the fall of 2007. The concept was still new to me but I happily accepted the idea of making my desserts raw so I wouldn't feel as bad if I indulged.
There are many benefits to eating raw. Raw foodist believes that eating food cooked over 114 degrees, I think, kills off important enzymes our body needs. Cooked food forces our body to create its own enzymes which requires more work from our body.
I dabbled in raw foods much more from the very start of 2008. I started juicing on the weekends. I made nut "pates." I've tried my hardest to eat raw until dinner time. I'm successful at times but I allow myself to still enjoy life and eating out.
I know that my weight is much easier to maintain when I'm eating raw. I tend to crave less sweets and salty items. I feel hydrated because most foods I am eating are either fruits or vegetables. I traveled a bit in February and it wasn't too difficult to eat raw for the bulk of the day.
Raw eating requires some prep time. A few basic tools are helpful. I love my mandoline, colander, blender, juicer and food processor. Raw snacks are helpful to have on hand. I love LaraBars. They are wonderful for snacking and traveling. They are made from primarily dates and nuts. It's high in fat and calories but good fat and calories.
My new love is the Manna bread. The carrot raisin is my favorite kind. It makes me think I'm having a carrot cake without feeling guilty! A small seven serving loaf of Manna costs between $3.65 to $4.56 at Central Market, Sunharvest and Wild Oats. I used to think they were too expensive but they are delicious and healthy. Eating healthy can be expensive but we're worth it!
I like to juice cucumber, kale, parsley, celery, carrots and half an apple. I sometimes throw in a lemon and ginger too. The greener the better! Remember to go organic when possible because all the above items are high in pesticides.
My favorite raw salad dressing is EVOO, garlic, maple syrup, lemon and Braggs. I ate this on my salad for two weeks straight. I may need to take a break from it before I get sick of it. :) I sometimes cheat and use garlic powder so I don't have to clean the blender. I shake everything up in a jar instead.
I also like making raw sushi. I slice up my favorite veggies like cucumber, celery, avacado and carrots and top it with some sprout on my nori. Roll it up and you have a nice meal.
I don't always eat like this. I did not tonight. I had a slice of Manna bread but proceeded to have some baked tortilla chips with my version of a seven layer bean dip. Everything in moderation is the key.
I am taking tomorrow off from work and I am looking forward to relaxing.
There are many benefits to eating raw. Raw foodist believes that eating food cooked over 114 degrees, I think, kills off important enzymes our body needs. Cooked food forces our body to create its own enzymes which requires more work from our body.
I dabbled in raw foods much more from the very start of 2008. I started juicing on the weekends. I made nut "pates." I've tried my hardest to eat raw until dinner time. I'm successful at times but I allow myself to still enjoy life and eating out.
I know that my weight is much easier to maintain when I'm eating raw. I tend to crave less sweets and salty items. I feel hydrated because most foods I am eating are either fruits or vegetables. I traveled a bit in February and it wasn't too difficult to eat raw for the bulk of the day.
Raw eating requires some prep time. A few basic tools are helpful. I love my mandoline, colander, blender, juicer and food processor. Raw snacks are helpful to have on hand. I love LaraBars. They are wonderful for snacking and traveling. They are made from primarily dates and nuts. It's high in fat and calories but good fat and calories.
My new love is the Manna bread. The carrot raisin is my favorite kind. It makes me think I'm having a carrot cake without feeling guilty! A small seven serving loaf of Manna costs between $3.65 to $4.56 at Central Market, Sunharvest and Wild Oats. I used to think they were too expensive but they are delicious and healthy. Eating healthy can be expensive but we're worth it!
I like to juice cucumber, kale, parsley, celery, carrots and half an apple. I sometimes throw in a lemon and ginger too. The greener the better! Remember to go organic when possible because all the above items are high in pesticides.
My favorite raw salad dressing is EVOO, garlic, maple syrup, lemon and Braggs. I ate this on my salad for two weeks straight. I may need to take a break from it before I get sick of it. :) I sometimes cheat and use garlic powder so I don't have to clean the blender. I shake everything up in a jar instead.
I also like making raw sushi. I slice up my favorite veggies like cucumber, celery, avacado and carrots and top it with some sprout on my nori. Roll it up and you have a nice meal.
I don't always eat like this. I did not tonight. I had a slice of Manna bread but proceeded to have some baked tortilla chips with my version of a seven layer bean dip. Everything in moderation is the key.
I am taking tomorrow off from work and I am looking forward to relaxing.
1 comment:
Hi Runi,
I think you've sold me on the carrot and raisin Manna Bread. I think I'll switch to that for awhile instead of my usual Ezeikel. It's so cool that you are sticking to the raw diet, hopefully some of your determination will rub off on me. Sorry I was such a bad influence Tuesday night, but we all need our chocolate fix every once in a while. Hey wait a minute, the fruit was raw and the dark chocolate was full of antioxidants. Right?
Hope all is well,
Cara
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