Raw Food and Raw Food Diet Defined
The term “raw food or raw food diet” refers to the consumption of foods that haven’t been cooked or heated at temperatures above 105-115 degrees. When cooking food above these temperatures, enzymes are destroyed and food becomes devitalized (less nutrients). Therefore, adding a greater percentage of raw foods into one’s diet can be beneficial.
The raw foods I refer to are: fresh greens and vegetables, fruits, sprouted seeds, nuts, and legumes, and living cultured and fermented foods.
All cooked food is deficient in enzymes. There are numerous ways to cook food, some can be beneficial, such as lightly steaming, while other methods can change molecular structures and create harmful by-products, thus rendering food as toxic.
The best foods are ones that contain the life force of enzymes and are loaded with life-giving phyto-nutrients.
Though most all the recipes you will find on this site are raw, and raw versions of cooked food recipes, I am not opposed to using a cooked ingredient from time to time, or as stated above, having a properly cooked entrée or dish with a meal. Though I endorse a plant-based dietary lifestyle, my purpose of showing you raw food recipes is to help you incorporate more healthy, raw and raw living food into your present diet.
This website is designed to teach and educate, by providing recipes, food preparation techniques, and other educational information designed to encourage you and your creativity in the kitchen, as we together re-discover the lost art of preparing natural foods in their natural state (raw). Man’s diet began with raw foods, so we are not introducing anything new, but rather taking raw to a whole new, modern-day, level of cuisine.
One Step at a Time
Eating healthier and implementing raw food recipes is a process of re-learning food preparation and taking it one step at a time. Trying new recipes, taking classes or attending workshops, are steps that advance your knowledge and ability to make vast variety of recipes, including different ethnic dishes, as well as gourmet looking desserts.
Where to Shop for Ingredients
Begin learning what you have available in your own backyard: either literally in your garden, or at local farmers markets and grocery stores (Whole Foods, Sprouts, Trader Joes, other local health food stores, or even some of the major chains that offer organic produce).
There are many products I personally purchase online. This can range from kitchen tools and equipment to food items, supplements, etc.
Organic vs Conventionally Grown Produce
Best approach is to buy organic, or non-pesticide sprayed food that doesn’t contain toxic pesticides, heavy metals, or industrial chemicals. The other enemy of health are the GMO foods. These have been created in labs for profit, not health. As the years go on we will see more proof of their harmful effects. Since many states do not protect the consumer by making it law for GMO ingredients to be labeled, buy organic or foods that state specifically, non-GMO.
Dirty 47 List
Every year the EWG.org site (Environmental Working Group) puts out their Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen. One list shows the most heavily sprayed fruit and vegetables, while the second list shows the cleanest – least sprayed. Check out their Dirty 47 List
Cleansing and Detoxifying – What to Expect
Eating more raw fruits and vegetables can be a dramatic change for some people. Remember, to always check with a health professional before implementing dietary changes or exercise programs, especially if you are dealing with any specific health issues or are taking prescription medications.
Eating more raw foods, and less processed and cooked foods, will allow and cause the body to begin a natural cleansing process. This can come with experiencing specific detoxification symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, low energy, bloating, gas, cold or flu-like symptoms, or skin breakouts. Normally, what a person experiences in a normal process within the body, as the body begins to purge itself of unwanted or stored waste and toxins. It is usually short lived, followed by feeling better, more energy, weight loss, better digestion, stronger immune function, mental clarity, clearer or younger looking skin, etc.
Though some people enter into drastic cleansing and detoxification programs, which have benefited many people, taking a slower, more gentle approach is usually what’s best for most people. Eating more raw foods, juicing and preparing smoothies will provide this type of approach.
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David Cooley, CHC
Certified Health Coach
Food of Life Chef
Author
Information and material found on this website is for informational purposes only, and not intended to provide medical advice, nor should it be construed as such. The information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information provided on this site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information available on this site is for general informational, entertainment and educational purposes only. Products, or information, are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, beginning any diet program or exercise program, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read on this website. The author of this site is not responsible for any adverse effects that may occur from the application of the information on this site and encourages you to make your own healthcare decisions, based on your own research and in partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
David Cooley
Certified Health Consultant
LifeWave Independent Distributor
David spent 27 years in the mortgage/real estate business, and currently holds a financial life license, but for over 31 years one of his passions has been natural health and prevention of disease. For 31 years he has lived a natural food lifestyle. He is an author, and certified as a health and transformational coach, and plant-based chef. Today his main focus is to bring hope into a person’s life through various resources, proven to reverse aging, elevate health, maximize thought life and emotions, and live with unparalleled, fully persuaded faith!
“It breaks my heart to see people suffering, or aging faster and living in pain and limitation. Or to see someone who has fallen into the rut of living, unable to reach their full potential. God has designed us to live amazing lives, and sometimes it just helps to find someone who will come along side and provide the hope and direction needed at that moment.”
To learn more about David, go to Image What Could Be.
Information and material found on this website is for informational purposes only, and not intended to provide medical advice, nor should it be construed as such. The information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information provided on this site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information available on this site is for general informational, entertainment and educational purposes only. Products, or information, are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, beginning any diet program or exercise program, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read on this website. The author of this site is not responsible for any adverse effects that may occur from the application of the information on this site and encourages you to make your own healthcare decisions, based on your own research and in partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.