Raw & Real

If you’re going to stay healthy in this day and age, then it requires you to take on life in a whole new way—a way that is raw and real. Matters of health, mind, body, and spirit all require it.

When it comes to what we eat, going raw and real has taken the world by storm. Some may say that it’s back to basics, while others think that it’s a whole new dynamic for eating. I believe that it depends on how you view things and from which generation you come. Those who grew up in the JUNK FOOD era are realizing that JUNK is not FOOD at all. Those who grew up before the modern MGO (modified genetically organism) era relied on home-grown gardens, and are now getting back into that mindset. Organic, non-genetically modified foods, locally or home grown, are now the “in thing.”

Our biology requires that we eat raw and real—it’s common sense really. The food that is naturally occurring on the planet, the stuff that grows well, which flourishes and turns into fruits, veggies, nuts, herbs, and spices, has everything we need. The problem is that we do the human thing and destroy most of what is good about it. We heat it, process it, transform it, de-nature it, process it, ship it, freeze it, can it, and package it. All of which takes away its nutrients.

We know that cooking destroys much of the vitamin content of most foods. Cooking anything at or over 115 degrees F° destroys all the natural enzymes in food as well. Enzymes are the life force for all living things, and they are essential for every living cell in our body. No plant, animal, or human can live without enzymes. Enzymes are critical for thinking, breathing, digesting, circulation, and the prevention of inflammation, deterioration, and aging.

Raw food rocks because food in its natural uncooked state not only contains the enzymes, which the body requires to digest and assimilate it, but it also contains a surplus of enzymes to enhance the body’s ability to function and be energized.

Ever wonder why you feel bloated and sleepy after you eat? Once food is cooked, the body must expel energy to make and use its own enzymes to digest and assimilate food properly. So even though the body is capable of processing just about anything that we put in it, it seems to make sense that a diet high in raw foods will accumulate energy and longevity. A diet highly cooked and processed will consume energy. Perhaps, that’s why so many people feel better, the less they eat.

It’s not all bad news; in fact, there’s a lot of good news. The more raw and real you eat, the better your body works and the younger you look. Yes, it’s that simple!

Eating food that is raw and real is pretty simple if you shop the perimeter of your grocery store or even better grow your own stuff. In going for “all that is natural and whole”—the one-ingredient foods are the way to go.

Worried about getting enough protein? Take care of that worry by ensuring that you get a well-rounded, plant-food diet that contains a variety of plant-based foods. Remember that the amount of protein a food has does not equal the available useable protein after it is processed or cooked. So plant-based proteins are readily available in raw form. The highest protein-containing foods include watercress, spinach, broccoli, kale, zucchini, and the list goes on. Google it!

In the kitchen, you want to have some handy-dandy preparation equipment. This ensures that you get the most out of your raw and real foods, and provides you with lots of tastes and variety. When someone asks what you want for your birthday, tell them any of these great additions would make wonderful presents:

1. A Vitamix blender (smoothies and warm soups)
2. A food processor (chopping, grinding, and slicing)
3. Sprout jars (sprouts, nuts, and seeds)
4. A juicer
5. A Sladacco (makes thin veggie noodles)
6. A dehydrator (retains enzymes set below 110 degrees)

Last, but not least, when shopping for raw and real foods around the perimeter of the store, ensure your list is organic, not because it tastes better, but because food without chemicals is like your hair without hairspray, natural and healthy.

Getting RAW and REAL is not just a healthy way to eat and live, it is an analogy for life–have fun!