Vibrant with Raw Foods
Have you heard about the raw food lifestyle? It sounded a little extreme until I decided to try it out for myself. As far as health was concerned, it promised me the world. Being a natural therapist I already followed a very healthy diet, full of fresh vegetarian foods and the like but I didn’t think trying raw foods would improve my health that much. However, I researched it, tried it and now promote eating raw at least 85% of the time.
I started with a transition stage of about 2 weeks (I didn’t need long because I was already eating fresh salad everyday) with Muesli plus fruit for breakfast, a fresh salad mix for lunch with an egg, fruit and nuts as a snack and salad plus tofu for dinner. It seems quite restrictive but I actually found it enjoyable. The benefits being that I felt more energetic, healthier, relaxed and more beautiful by the third week. Now I enjoy eating this way all the time, omitting eggs and tofu during the week. On most weekends I allow myself more variety.
If you wouldn’t consider going raw like me you may try this as your yearly detox. The summer time is the hottest time with maximum energy output. It is more natural to eat more raw foods because they have a cooling effect on the body.
Raw foods contain more Qi, life force energy (seen under Kirlin camera) and when consumed this Qi is absorbed by the body. People started noticing how sparkly my eyes were and not with the help of make up!
Raw foods contain live enzymes, naturally present to help aid digestion. When we cook food, it actually destroys the enzymes and nutrients and in effect the Qi present. So it’s harder for our body to digest, leaving more work for your body. Imagine how much easier it is for your body to heal, rejuvenate and function when it has less digesting to do? The result is you feel healthier, clearer and lighter just from eating raw food.
Benefits of the Raw Food Diet
Weight loss
Improved immune function
Increase in energy
Improved digestion and elimination
Healthier skin and brighter eyes
Anti-aging
Improved sleep patterns
Improved mental clarity
Raw Food Menu Sample
Breakfast
Muesli mix of rolled oats, sunflower, sesame, pumpkin seeds, almonds, sultanas, chopped sundried apricots or figs plus a banana. Apple juice is great instead of milk.
Avocado and fresh tomato and basil on sprouted grain bread.
Snack
Fruit of any kind plus a fresh juice
Lunch
Fresh salad mix with avocado, sundried tomatos and olives
Snack
Fruit plus almonds, walnuts, cashews or
Vegetable sticks and dip
Dinner
Fresh salad*
*The idea is to experiment with different salad combinations and recipes. A dehydrator is great for more meal ideas and a juicer for extra health benefits.
Raw Food Recipes
Russian “Coleslaw”
1 grated apple drizzled with fresh lemon juice
3 large carrots grated
1/3 average sized cabbage finely grated
¼ cup dill finely chopped
Dressing
4 tbs olive oil
3 tbs apple cider vinegar
Salt, pepper
2 tsp honey
1 small clove garlic finely chopped
Method
- Combine all salad ingredients in a large salad bowl and mix well.
- Prepare dressing and mix with the salad.
- Chill before serving and leave for at least an hour for dressing to marinate.
- Add dill for garnish.
Do not be fooled into thinking you need a creamy dressing for a great tasting coleslaw. This is a traditional Russian salad, very simple to prepare with very inexpensive ingredients yet a pleasure at any occasion.
Fruit n Nut Salad
1. Choose out of the following seasonal fruits for an interesting twist on a fruit salad.
Apple, pear, watermelon, grapes, kiwi fruit, apricots, peaches, plums, cherries, strawberries, blueberries and figs.
2. Cut all ingredients into average sized pieces then add ¼ cup each of walnuts, hazelnuts and cashews to the mix.
3. Drizzle raw honey and desiccated coconut (not toasted) over the bowel and serve.
This is ideal as a snack or even as lighter breakfast option. For non vegans add a generous spoonful of ricotta cheese when serving.
Cool Creamy Corn and Avocado Soup
2 large ripe avocados
1 cup corn kernels (off the cob)
1 cup fresh cucumber puree
1 or 2 sprigs of spring onion finely chopped
Salt, pepper
1 tsp curry powder 1 tbs vegetable stock powder
1 tbs olive oil
Method
- Blend corn kernels in a blender until desiccated then add avocado until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Add the fresh cucumber puree while mixing until combined.
- Stir in curry powder, salt, pepper and spring onion.
- Before serving drizzle with some olive oil.
Not many people would consider the idea of a cold soup, in Europe they are quite popular and enjoyed in the warmer weather. This soup may be chilled, although I prefer it at slightly cooler than room temperature and with sprouted grain rolls. It must be eaten immediately, not overnight.
Morning Muesli
1 cup each of figs, dates, sultanas and apricots
1 cup each of almonds, cashews, dried coconut, sesame, flaxseed
Blend until fine consistency or as desired and keep in an air tight container. Enjoy with chopped banana and almond/ rice milk or apple juice.
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