Wake up to raw

Raw food is the way forward, and not just some faddy diet being promoted by celebrities! A bold statement, but surely it makes perfect sense to eat food in its most natural state; the way nature intended. It’s way better for your body than all the chemical, fat and sugar laden foods we find in the our supermarket aisles.

I’m Ruth and I came to Raw through illness, like many people. I had major gut issues, and with raw food as part of a changed lifestyle, have conquered them. Result. If you google, or go to Youtube there’s stacks of information on raw diets combatting stress, IBS, fatigue, eczema, diabetes..even cancer.

Raw food not only looks great, it’s colourful and pretty, and I can guarantee you can make a raw version of all of your current favourite cooked food.

Why wait for dis-ease to show in your mind or body before changing your diet. Let’s look at an easy way to change NOW!

To get started , as with anything, I suggest taking baby steps. Let the process go rather than going extreme and risk being overwhelmed and then giving up.
I began by replacing my breakfast with a Raw green smoothie. I was blown away!
You can get a whole days worth of nutrients into your system in one delicious drink and all you need is a blender. Try this every day for a week and your energy levels will soar and you’ll just feel better.

So what is the definition of Raw food? Well food is classed as raw as long as it’s not heated beyond 117 degrees Fahrenheit, so food can be prepared by slightly warming, dehydrating, juicing, marinating, blending and soaking – or just plain chopping.

Unlike baking which we’re told is an exact science Raw food is much more forgiving. In desserts, sweets, puddings, and treats, basically if it’s too dry, add more liquid; if it’s too wet, add something dry. That’s maybe a little simple but you get the picture.

Savoury is also more straight forward, although some planning is needed before hand. (Also if you’re going to get serious about this way of eating there are pieces of equipment that make it easier). I now make the most amazing salads, with home made dressings, that taste off the scale yummy. My raw Pad -Thai is celebrated by my partner, and friends, and my Raw Strawberry Cheesecake is simply divine.

Fermented foods are also very much part of a raw diet. Why are the Japanese such a healthy race? Sauerkraut, Kombucha, Kefir, Kimchi, Miso, Rejuvelac..may all sound like a different language but they are phenomenally good for keeping the gut healthy.

I honestly feel clean on the inside when I eat Raw food. I’m not 100% Raw, as this wouldn’t fit into my everyday life but I eat Raw every day with out fail now. A lot of processed food leaves us feeling sluggish, over full, unsatisfied, craving, and lacking in energy. Over time we get used to these feelings, and when you start to switch to Raw food you’ll be amazed at how different you feel.

TOP TEN REASONS TO EAT RAW FOOD
1. The goodness remains intact, whereas cooking destroys many of the natural enzymes in food, needed to break down nutrients for the body to use them.

2. It’s amazingly fresh, clean and tasty.

3. It gives you so much energy and vitality.

4. It increases mental clarity, allowing you to think clearly for longer.

5. You can eat as much of it as you want, virtually!

6. You’re as close to nature as you can get. No other animal denatures food in the way we do by cooking it.

7. There is a lot less mess and the dishwasher has an easier job to do!

8. There is much less unnecessary packaging.

9. It aids digestion, includes lots of fibre that the body can work with, and creates more regular bowel movements.

10. It helps you get a good night’s sleep, and you wake up well rested.

Here’s a simple green smoothie recipe to get you started, and for more info I’d be delighted if you’d visit my website at www.bebalanced.uk.com.

SIMPLY GREEN
Ingredients :

1 apple
Pineapple chunks
1 Celery stalk
A handful of spinach leaves
A chunk of fresh Raw ginger
A chunk of fresh lemon

Water – amount dependent on your blender, add gradually to produce a liquid. Whizz everything up and pour over ice.

Enjoy!
With love and light
R

Ruth Goodwin, Be Balanced