What is A Raw Food Diet?

"What is a Raw Food Diet?

A raw food diet is primarily comprised of uncooked, unprocessed, and often organic and sustainably raised plant-based foods. Most raw foodists do not consumeanimal products of any kind, nor foods containing chemically processed or pasteurized ingredients. While some raw foodists include raw (unpasterized) dairy products, raw meat, raw eggs, and sushi into their diets, the majority of those who self-identify as “raw foodists” are vegan. While the exact definition of raw food varies, a basic guideline for raw food is that it can not have been heated above 118° F (48° C)." (rawwashington.org)

Why eat a raw and Living Food Diet?

There are many reasons why a raw food diet is beneficial, including giving your body the best tools to heal itself from illness, looking and feeling younger, and losing unwanted kilos.

Enzymes

Raw foods are not heated above 118 degrees F, therefore the enzymes are not destroyed in the cooking process. These foods retain an enormously higher nutrient value than foods that are cooked. Enzymes aid in digestion and absorption of food and will not cause toxicity in the body as most cooked foods do.

Raw foods also have an alkaline PH, which is ideal for optimal health.

Dehydrating

There are a few kitchen appliances that can be very helpful when starting out: a blender, a food processor, a juicer and a dehydrator. The first three are easy enough to come by but you may have to hunt for a good dehydrator. I found mine in the Quokka (used appliances).One year old and barely used. It was half the price of a brand new one. In Perth, Alive Organics in Bayswater stock them. I have the Excalibur model and have heard it is the best model to get.

With a dehydrator you can make healthy, cheap, raw (when temperatures are kept below 118F), and long-lasting snacks and treats (like these delicious raw granola bars).It's an excellent way to ensure there is always nutrient-dense, raw food readily available so that you do not snack on junk!

Raw Cereal

For breakfast I look forward to raw cereal made from grapes or apples (whatever is in season and cheap) blended with almond pulp and dehydrated. I have this with almond milk and fresh fruit. Yum!!!!

Once you have blended the grapes with almond pulp pour onto your dehydrator sheets and carefully slide into the dehydrator. Then set the temperature to about 110 degrees F and dehydrate for about 12 hours. You will need to remove the teflex sheets after about 8 hours to ensure even drying. Once dry, break each sheet into cereal sized pieces and store in a container in the freezer (that's what I do, anyway). Enjoy them each morning with almond milk and fresh fruit.

A delicious way to start your day!