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Raw Food Cleanse Your Body Getting Healthy on Naked Food If you’ve picked up a food or health magazine, or even a tabloid, within the last year or so, you’ve probably read the buzz about raw food. But what is a raw food diet? Does it limit meals to leafy green salads and chopped fruit topped with raw nuts? True devotees swear by delicious and nutritious recipes of sprouted breads, apricot brownies, pasta marinara and more! Given the testimonials of reclaimed health, youth and vitality from celebrities to regular Joes, the raw food diet beckons a second look. Raw food is certainly not a new addition to the human diet. Before the discovery of fire, raw food was the only diet available to our prehistoric ancestors. Of course, vegetarian diets have long been considered one of the healthiest routes to optimum wellness. The abundance of fiber, antioxidants and easily assimilated vitamins and minerals compared to low levels of saturated fats, trans fats and harder to digest meat proteins makes vegetarianism a healthier alternative to the meat and potato based diet of many Americans. Living in the Raw The raw food diet takes vegetarianism a step further. It’s based on the principle that no food should be heated about 116° F. Why? Enzymes. Enzymes are natural compounds found in raw vegetables, fruits, seeds and grains that aid in digestion. Unfortunately, when heated, these essential molecules are destroyed. And some nutrition experts think they may be transformed into free radicals, unstable molecules responsible for accelerated aging and the increased incidence of age related disorders. Studies show that enzymes start to degrade at 106° F. “Cooking” or preparing food at low or no temperature helps keep enzymes intact which translates into healthier food with higher nutrition values. Most experts agree that a diet consisting of at least 75% truly raw foods is needed to attain most of the benefits. But, we believe that a radical diet change is not necessary to enjoy the benefits of raw food. Simply replacing one traditional meal a day with a raw meal with increase enzymes levels in the body, resulting in positive health changes. Benefits of Raw Foods With countless testimonials of increased wellness from switching to a raw food diet, it makes one wonder about the spectrum of benefits from eating raw foods. Weight Loss Enzymes aid in digestion which allows the body to utilize food as energy, which lessens hunger, toxicity and reduces the need to consume excess food. Enhanced Immunity Raw foods may contain healthy microorganisms that support the immune system with beneficial intestinal flora. More potential benefits… clear skin and healthy hair reduced risk for developing cardiovascular disease reduction in inflammatory-based diseases, such as arthritis lower incidence of asthma and seasonal allergy flare-ups lower risk for diabetes emotional balance and mental clarity So, we have a good ideas of what’s in raw foods and what makes them a healthy choice, but what is missing from a raw food diet? No trans fats or hydrogenated oils No food processed with excess sugar or salt No high fructose corn syrup Low levels of saturated fats Less sugar, alcohol, wheat, rice, pastas and potatoes Lower incidence of chemical residues from pesticides, antibiotics or growth hormones As with many diet plans, some important vitamins and minerals are harder to attain. Below are some suggested supplements to ensure a well-balanced diet. Please see your doctor before making any dietary changes. Iron Calcium/Magnesium B-Complex Omega-3s Raw Diets Go Organic With more and more studies showing that organically grown fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds have lower levels of pesticide residue and higher levels of vitamins and minerals, it only makes sense to choose as many organic foods as possible, especially when adding more raw foods to your diet. Henry's has a great selection of organic produce and bulk items— perfect for enjoying a raw food diet. Disclaimer As with all dietary and lifestyle changes, please consult your health care practitioner or medical doctor before making any radical changes. The raw food diet is not intended to cure or diagnose disease, it is only a suggested way of eating. Where to start? To start adding raw foods to your diet, you will need some tools of the trade. Many of these kitchen appliances may already be a part of your home, but some may require a little investment. Juicer Food Mill Grinder Blender Food Thermometer Water Purifier: a raw foods diet requires lots of hydration, and the drink of choice of purified water Dehydrator: for fruit leather, raw breads, crackers, cookies and bars Sprouter: for sprouting grains, seeds and nuts When to Start? Is it Time For a Cleanse? A raw food diet may be the perfect alternative to your traditional spring into summer cleanse. Cleansing is a great way to give your body a rest by feeding it nourishing enzyme-rich foods that help it operate effectively for optimum health. Raw foods, in conjunction with specific supplements that support detoxification and a healthy digestive tract, help reduce the effects of toxins that are naturally inhaled, ingested or absorbed during everyday activities. The digestion system effects all parts of the body, including skin, blood, lungs, lymphatic system, kidneys and liver. When this system is healthy, the whole body benefits. FACT: The average cleanse lasts from one to five days. Healthy Supplements for a Successful Cleanse Fiber Probiotics Milk Thistle Artichoke Extract Dandelion Root Charcoal Tablets Essential Fatty Acids Sample Cleansing Diet Plan Upon Rising: Eight ounces warm water with the juice of one lemon Breakfast: Oatmeal with almond milk and dried apricot puree Lunch: Spring greens with shredded carrots, beets, cucumbers, red peppers with creamy cucumber dressing Dinner: Super cleansing combination vegetable and fruit juice (freshly squeezed) Snack: Berry smoothie Water, water, water!!!! (Purified, of course) Healthy Activities for a Successful Cleanse Sip on herbal teas, such as dandelion, peppermint or licorice. Spend time relaxing in a sauna Soak in a bath scented with lavender essential oil Dry brush your body, brushing toward your heart, before showering Journal about your feelings/experience Participate in light exercise such as walking and yoga stretches Raw-some Recipes To Try Raw “Spaghetti” Spinach Marinara Southwestern Portobello Mushrooms Wake Up Oatmeal Chocolate Cherry Chewy Brownies Raw Chopped Salad with Lemony Tahini Dressing Fresh “Squeezed” Fruit-n-Veggie Tonic Berry Good Smoothie