When I mention ‘raw foods’, many people think it sounds exotic or extreme; they picture bizarre concoctions of unpalatable produce, or they think it sounds just plain boring.<\/p>\n
But the fact is, we eat raw foods all the time and there’s nothing really exotic or extreme about it: Fruits, nuts, and vegetables, when eaten whole or minimally heated or processed (such as in smoothies) are raw foods. Some people also enjoy raw dairy products, though these are somewhat more difficult to come by.<\/p>\n
Nor do raw foods have to be boring: Think of a fresh and simple summer salad- it’s a perfect example of what a raw food meal can be. Picture it piled high with veggies, a little fruit and some nuts, drizzled with some oil and vinegar and a squeeze of lemon juice-yum! Personally, I would add a little bleu cheese, too, though that might void the completely raw card…<\/p>\n
Or imagine making a salsa of tomatoes, peppers, and fresh cilantro from your garden or the farmer’s market, or a sweet strawberry-banana smoothie you blend up in the morning and drink on your way to work-all ways to work on adding in raw foods!<\/p>\n
So why are raw foods like so popular and good for us this time of year? The answer is relatively simple: the heat! Leafy greens and raw foods are cooling for the body, primarily because they contain so much water that hydrates and cools us off! They are also filled with fiber that helps our bodies get rid of waste, and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) that are vital to our health. Raw food juicing has also been shown to be very helpful for diabetics and people looking to lose weight.<\/p>\n
Eating more whole, fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts is the most simple way to add in raw foods. Salads, salsas, and smoothies (without added sugar) are also simple ways to try out and maintain raw foods in your diet. And while a 100% raw food diet isn’t for everyone (including myself) there are many health advantages to having more in your eating plan, particularly in the summer.<\/p>\n
It’s also a lot easier to try more raw foods this time of year. Experiment with new fruits and veggies, and find some recipes you like. Discover what works for you, and enjoy!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
When I mention ‘raw foods’, many people think it sounds exotic or extreme; they picture bizarre concoctions of unpalatable produce, or they think it sounds just plain boring.But the fact is, we eat raw foods all the time and there’s…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":181,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\r\n