The Raw Food Movement: Benefits and Recipes

With the world becoming a better and more organic place with every day that passes, the raw food movement is trending now more than ever and for a good reason. Let’s be honest, during the holiday season, even though we all promised not to do it, we couldn’t help but indulge on the yummy treats. There is no shame in that! What kind of holiday would it be without freshly baked cookies or a festive dinner?

However, now that the jolly times are behind us and we are anticipating the warmer weather, us girls, (myself included) are looking for an easy way to shake off those couple of extra pounds we gained. Not only that, but I personally feel like my body needs a detox and I bet yours does too. This led me to The Raw Food Movement I tried out a couple of years ago and today I want to share it with you.

Found on http://www.rawfoodlife.com/#axzz3PC4D7691

Found on: rawfoodlife.com

Read also: 23 Simple Steps Towards A Healthy Life – I love the 4th step!

The Concept of Raw Food

I will not dare call this just a diet. For the people who decide to stick with this it is more of a lifestyle choice. However, I realise from personal experience that going raw is not the easiest decision, although it has countless perks. (more on this in just a moment) On the other hand, trying it out is a fantastic way to shake off the holiday weight and well, to truly detoxicate and rejuvenate your body in preparation for the upcoming warmer seasons.

Basically, the idea is to cut out everything processed in any way. You can have everything which is pure, natural, in other words raw. This means every type of vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts and grains you can think of. It is very similar to the vegan diet – the next step of vegetarian meaning cutting out everything made in any way from animals (including dairy and eggs). However, some of the raw food followers actually consume raw meat and eggs. This is not my cup of tea, though, so I prefer sticking to the basics.

Found on http://www.thedailygood.se/2013/05/raw-food-101-8/

Found on: thedailygood.se

The basic raw food pyramid

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The Perks of The Raw Food Movement

Do I need to say that they are countless?!

First of all, you are bound to lose some weight simply because all the foods in the diet are low in calories, fat, and sodium, and high in fiber which is the magic formula for slimming down. Nevertheless, I do not consider this the most important advantage of eating raw. Consuming tons of veggies and fruits allows your body to stock up on essential vitamins. Most of what you eat will be high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals.

Moreover, this will make miracles for your energy levels. Once again counting on my experience when I went raw for a month, I never felt more energized in my life. It was amazing! And lots of the raw foods are super foods which gives them an extra boost. Unfortunately, you have to give it some time before the toxins start leaving your system and you can feel any difference. It is worth the while! Just to add to the list of pros, this kind of diet really helps to clear your skin, I am not promising miracles, but a considerable change!

Found on: chicagointernalcleansing.com

The Basics of The Raw Food Movement

Raw foods may take some getting used to and eating out can be tricky. But it also presents an opportunity to get creative and adventurous in the way you prepare your food and you can always order a salad! It may sound limiting, but on the contrary, when I was doing it, I got to try new fruits and vegetables I never before even knew existed. That is how I found the pomelo and I am still very much in love with it.

Found on: zhenskoe-mnenie.ru

The lovely pomelo

In addition, you can experiment with different combinations for salads. I adore mixing vegetables and fruits in the same dish. Why not throw in some seeds in there too? ( I will give you some ideas). Let’s not limit ourselves only to salads, there are tons of delicious dips and sauces. And if you are living a fast paced life – it is always fun and easy to try juicing! Have you ever tried freshly squeezed, orange and pineapple juice – I promise you it is sensational!

Found on: local.amazon.com

SEE ALSO: SUNDAY PHOTO: HEALTHY FOODS

Recipes Ideas

# Guacamole

One of my favourite things in the world – the guacamole is actually a very nutritious option for a raw food diet. Here is the basic recipe.

Ingredients:

3 avocados, halved, seeded and peeled
1 lime, juiced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 medium red onion, diced
1/2 jalapeno pepper, diced
2 tomatoes, diced
1 clove garlic, minced

Directions

In a large bowl place the scooped avocado pulp and lime juice, toss to coat. Drain, and reserve the lime juice, after all of the avocados have been coated. Add the salt and mash. Then, fold in the onions, jalapeno, tomatoes and garlic. Add 1 tablespoon of the reserved lime juice. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour and then serve. Instead of the typical tortilla you can use different types of veggies to dip.

Found on: californiaavocado.com

# Late Summer Garden Salad

Ingredients:

a few handfuls of washed and chopped kale
half a red bell pepper
one carrot
half a cucumber
a few cherry tomatoes
2 tbsp raisins
1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
1 tsp flax seeds
1 tbsp flax-seed oil (cold-pressed)
a few edible flowers (I dehydrated mine before serving)
Himalayan sea salt

Directions:

Add the chopped kale to a bowl.Slice the other vegetables and add to the salad. Drizzle over raisins, pumpkin and flax seeds, flaxseed oil, the edible flowers and some Himalayan sea salt.