Eating Without Heating: Why Raw Food?

  

This month we're taking a look at the increasingly popular raw food lifestyle. For more background information, check out this interview with Fork in the Road's longtime raw foodie Sheree Clark. 

Most of us have been seduced by the promises of a specific diet plan at some time or another. Atkins. Paleo. Low carb. Blood type. Cabbage soup. There's another diet making headlines these days, though the concept is hardly new. As far back as the late 1800s raw foods were promoted as a dietary health treatment by medical doctor Maximilian Bircher-Benner, inventor of muesli. 

The raw food diet is based on the belief that the most healthful food for the body is uncooked. The eating style is centered around fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds in their whole, natural state. (Heating food is acceptable as long as the temperature stays below 105 degrees Fahrenheit.) According to raw food enthusiasts, the heat from traditional cooking depletes vitamins, damages proteins and fats, and destroys enzymes which aid in digestion. As the percentage of raw foods increases, most people report feeling satisfied and having more energy on smaller meals, presumably because raw food has an optimal balance of water, nutrients and fiber to meet the body's needs. 

Just as there is a range of vegetarianismfrom lacto-ovo to pescetarian to veganthere are different ways that people follow a raw food diet. Most people who call themselves raw foodists are also vegan, although a few consume animal products, such as raw milk, ceviche (raw fish), or carpaccio (raw meat). Some people eat only raw foods, while others include cooked food for variety and convenience. 

Typical kitchen appliances like the microwave, toaster and oven are replaced when adopting a raw food lifestyle. A high-speed blender, food processor, dehydrator and juicer are more common tools used by raw foodists. The more comfortable you are with your kitchen gear, the easier and more fun it is to prepare raw cuisine. You'll be happy to hear that your transition doesn't have to be an all or nothing feat. Start experimenting with a blender by making smoothies, soups and sauces. Master a new appliance and move on to another. Find others who are interested in exploring with you. Invest in a raw food class or buy an instructional book or DVD. 

The benefits of going raw include weight loss, increased energy, clearer skin and overall improved health. Oh, and did we mention there are no greasy pans to wash? 

The chart here may help you find make some healthy adjustments and improvements to your current diet. Whether you dive in headlong or take baby steps by adjusting a few simple things, if you're thoughtful and conscious about your choices, you are on path to a healthier way of life.

The Live Food Factor: The Comprehensive Guide to the Ultimate Diet for Body, Mind, Spirit & Planet An in-depth book (more than 600 pages) that answers a lot of "frequently asked questions" about health, food, detoxing, etc. 

Raw Food Made Easy For 1 or 2 People One of the first widely distributed raw food cookbooks, this one is Sheree's recommendation for those who want the perfect entry-level guide. 

Des Moines Raw Food MeetUp Group If you're near the Des Moines area, join over 650 others who are interested in a healthier way of eating. Benefits include early notification of classes and events. Free to join. 

 

RAW 21: A 3-week challenge starts September 10!  If you want to test drive the raw vegan lifestyle in a guided way, we have an on-line program made just for you. In RAW 21 you will be steered toward new ways to view and interact with food through a daily lesson or module. At the start of the program you'll get sample recipes that you can modify and tailor to suit your own taste preferences. Each day for three weeks you will receive a comprehensive lesson around a different topic, such as juicing, setting up your kitchen for efficiency, cleansing, emotional eating and more.  The cost for Raw 21 is $147. To register visit meetup.com/RawFoodDSM.

Raw Sunday Brunch