Archive for January, 2009

10 Reasons to Consider Going Raw

So far this site blog been dedicated to cataloging a lot of raw resources for when our main website, www.rawfoodnation.org, goes live in May 2009. But we need a break from our research, so here’s a fun article.

10 Reasons to Consider Going Raw

10. Traditional doctors recommend eating at least 5 fruits and vegetables a day. You get that for breakfast!

9. Getting on the scale is no longer a dreaded fear because you’re slimming down naturally and it feels like you’re not even trying.

8. You will get more attention in public walking around with a green smoothie in your hand than anything else you can think of.

7. Your energy levels received from organic fruits and vegetables are through the roof (no caffeine required).

6. You no longer have the desire to take  a nap after lunch time so you are way more productive.

5. You can pronounce  ALL the ingredients in everything you ate today.

4. People are drawn to your “glow” and are naturally attracted to you.

3. You are less likely to get sick because your cells have ample nutrients to heal and fight infections

2. Nothing died in order for you to eat today.

1. You experience mental clarity and a rush of positive energy, which in turn you can release into the world, paying it forward.

Raw Food Myth: Where’s the Protein?

Comment: What? You’re eating only raw foods now? Well, what are you going to do about protein? You need meat for that. A raw vegan diet doesn’t have enough protein in it, especially if you are physically active and like to workout.

Response:Yes, protein is essential for the structure and function of every cell in our body. It plays an important role in the functioning of our organs and muscle tissues, along with enzyme production. Amino acids are the building blocks for proteins. It is a common misconception that you can only get proteins (or enough proteins to function) from animal products. In fact, plant proteins are more than compatible with our bodies and provide the essentials that our cells need to perform daily tasks.

The World Health Organization states that humans need about 5% of their daily calorie intake to come from protein. This constitutes a healthy diet. Actually, by being a raw food enthusiast, you have the option to get your daily dose of protein from a variety of sources. So no longer do you have to think “gee, I should make sure I have chicken tonight so I get my protein.” Now you have multiple ways to get your protein, from your breakfast smoothie to your afternoon snack. On average, fruits have roughly 5% of their calories from protein and vegetables (especially green leafy ones) have 20-50% of their calories from protein.

Here are some great plant based foods that are packed with the proteins your body needs to make things happen:

• Dark leafy greens such as kale and spinach (great in salads, in juices and green smoothies)
• Fruits such as peaches, avocados (great in smoothies), and raisins (consider making a raw trail mix)
• Nuts such as Brazil nuts, pecans, pistachios (good for snacking)

So go forth and get your protein in more creative ways than ever before! Take that!!!!!

Alfalfa Sprouts: The Immune System Booster

That’s one powerful little sprout!

Someone mentioned to me that alfalfa sprouts are known for boosting your immune system. Really? This lead to some general research and “Googling” to find out more on the topic.

First a little background on sprouting, courtesy of the Harmony Health Center: Sprouts represent the point of greatest vitality in the life cycle of a plant. During sprouting, vitamin and enzyme content increases dramatically. The sprouting process predigests the nutrients of the seed, making it easier to assimilate and metabolize: starches are converted into simple sugars, proteins into free amino acids, and fats into free fatty acids. This explains why grains and legumes, many of which are common allergens, often do not cause allergies when sprouted.

And now for the good stuff: 

The alfalfa sprout is considered more nutritionally concentrated than other sprouts. It contains all known vitamins: vitamin A, the B complex, C, D, E, K, and U. It also includes biotin, calcium, carotene (equal to carrots), choline, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, protein, sodium, sulfur, and tryptophan, and it is a rich source of chlorophyll. It acts as a diuretic, which benefits the urinary and intestinal systems, and helps to detoxify the body. Alfalfa sprouts contain 8 enzymes which help to assimilate protein, fats and carbohydrates.

How To Eat Sprouts:

Sprouts of any kind are eaten best in raw form. Include them in your salads, sandwiches, wraps, veggie burgers, or add them into your homemade juices. Cut them down if you feel they are too “stringy” for you, whichever method best helps you to consume the power of this amazing little sprout.

One Additional Note:

There is a note of caution with respect to this vegetable: alfalfa sprouts have higher than usual amounts of an amino acid called canavanine, which has been associated with worsening of inflammatory conditions. So if you have a pre-existing inflammatory condition, you should consider alternative green foods to help improve your health and boost your immune system.

Agave Nectar: So Sweet

A Little Background Info:

Agave has been used for thousands of years as an ingredient in food and drink. This plant comes in well over 100 species that include a variety of sizes and colors. Their syrups are made from Mexico’s Blue Agave. Agaves are harvested when they reach 7 to 10 years old, which is when their sugar is at its peak. The blue agave’s nectar is held in the pina, which are gently roasted or steamed for up to 4 days. Once cooked, juice is pressed from the pinas and the honey water is collected and cleaned. Then the liquid is transformed into an unrefined syrup that can be used in many ways (such as in smoothies, teas, sauces, and baked goods). Due to increasing awareness of agave nectar’s many beneficial properties, it is becoming the preferred sweetener of raw foodist and other health conscious consumers.

Nutritional Information:

When you think of agave, you most commonly associate it with agave nectar. Blue agave nectar is a honey-like syrup with a low glycemic index (GI). It sweetens naturally without spiking blood sugar. They are also appropriate for anyone who is on restricted diets or monitoring their blood sugar levels. And here is something you might not have known, with roasting and processing, a stalk of agave can be fermented into liquor such as tequila.

Exercise Tips for Winter

You wake up to the sound of rain and sleet against your window seal. You peek one eye open to see what’s happening outside only to find a winter wonderland at your doorstep. How easy would it be to roll over, throw the covers over your head and just sleep in? But instead you have to contemplate leaving extra early to clean your car and manage the crazies on the road.

It’s hard enough to not use up a “personal day” so early in the year, let alone to actually work out! But we are not bears, so this cannot be a hibernation for us! Just because some of us are facing winter conditions is no excuse for not exercising and working out. Being a raw foodist is about more than just eating right. It’s about taking care of yourself (mind, body and spirit). The benefits of exercise when paired with dynamic eating habits are greatly enhanced.

Here are some tips to help get you in the mood to get physical during these cold winter months:

• If you do have a gym membership, try to get there! It might be difficult to work up the nerve to do a workout by yourself, so see if you can enroll in one of their aerobic classes. If the classes do not meet your schedule, talk to gym management to see if they have a workout partner program or a free trail period for a friend. People who have work out partners are more likely to keep to their workout routine because someone else is holding them accountable. Invite a friend along…your workout will be much more fun as you gab about the day and challenge each other to who can lift the most weights (within reason of course!)
• Let’s say the gym is out of the question. With the recent state of the economy we can understand why a membership may not be as high on your priority list as paying your gas and electric bill. No worries. Next time you are in a department store, stop by their fitness equipment section. No worries, we are not asking you to invest in a tredmill or some other giant monster that won’t fit in your home. But it might benefit you to get a workout ball or a couple dumbbell weights. These are things you can easily do at home.
• So you’ve got some weights and a couple other fitness items at home but they are pretty much collecting dust. Well, after you wipe them down with some good ol’ fashion water, set up a time for you to use them and stick to it. If you are living by yourself, use your computer to make some up beat workout playlists. And then let’er rip. Working out to upbeat music helps to keep your momentum going and takes your focus off of things like “oh my goodness how long do I have to do this?”
• If you happen to have a partner or a family in the mix, share in on the fun. Kids love to run, jump and move (plus it will tire them out which will be great when bedtime comes along). And your partner might not mind stretching with you or dancing to some music while turning down the house or doing chores. Some movement is better than no movement at all.
• Snag some workout videos!!! They practically go for absolutely nothing! Don’t get one, get 3 or 4 to allow for some variety. This will help keep your heart pumping while you are beating those winter blues.
• It’s important to start small. If you find that working out at home is not an option, there’s nothing like hitting up the local mall and doing a couple laps there. And there is no shame in checking out some items that you may want to buy later once you are done.

The key is to start small and stay motivated. We know it’s tough, but we also know it’s worth it. Feel free to share your workout tips and how you are beating the winter blues too!

Raw Food Myth: Calcium Supplements

Comment: What? You’re going raw? I only have one word for you “supplements.” How else are you going to get the nutrients you need to be healthy? I mean seriously, what about calcium?

Response: We all know that calcium should be a very important part of any diet. We have to take care of our bones and teeth. A common myth is that the only place to get calcium is from diary products, particularly milk. So let’s arm ourselves right now with some useful tidbits of information about calcium and raw foods. This way when someone asks, you’ll know exactly what to say.

Calcium is more than present in the raw food lifestyle. Here’s where you can get it:

• Nuts and seeds (sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds and flax seeds to name a few)
• Fruits (oranges, limes, figs and berries)
• Veggies (such as kale, which is great in juices, dandelion greens, kelp, parsley, and watercress)

Looks like you could get a good dose of calcium by plugging some of these ingredients into a meal or delicious smoothie! Take that!!!

Arugula: That’s One Powerful Leaf!

A Little Background Info:

Arugula is a Mediterranean-type of green leafy vegetable that grows in the wild across the country. Their leaves are very similar to that of a dandelion in shape.  It is a very popular choice for salads but can also be used as a topping or garnish in other dishes. While wild arugula is preferred amongst many raw food enthusiasts, this plant can also be grown at home. It grows best in the late spring into summer. Don’t worry if there is no space for plants in your home. You can purchase organic arugula at various grocery stores. It is known best for its lemon-peppery flavor.

Nutritional Information:

Arugula is highly alkaline. In fact, it neutralizes acidic waste throughout the blood and lymphatic system. It is also said to be rich in Vitamin A, C and K, as well as folate and calcium. It is a great source of beta-carotene, which is great for skin (including acne, and protecting the skin from sun damage). Because of the high sulfur content, arugula is an excellent internal skin cleanser. Please see our recipes for some delicious salads that contain arugula.