TO BE A 100% RAW, OR NOT TO BE?

One of the most common questions I get is, "Do I need to go 100% raw?"

In my opinion, not necessarily! It depends on what you are trying to accomplish.

For those who are dealing with an illness or disease, it may be necessary to intervene with a strict protocol to detoxify the body on a cellular level... to reverse the condition and heal the body.

For the majority of us, incorporating 50-70% raw fruits and veggies into our diet is optimal for long-term success.

The problem with trying to attain a 100% raw diet as a percentage, is that it’s easy to lose sight of whether or not the diet is balanced. Living on cacao, dehydrated crackers, and raw desserts is technically 100% raw, but is that healthy? For me, it’s less about the percentages and more about keeping my diet balanced.

The foundation of my diet is primarily leafy greens, in the form of green juices, green smoothies and green salads. I try to eat high water-content fruits and veggies in place of dehydrated foods. I also make sure to get in sea vegetables and micro-algae like spirulina and chlorella.

My non-raw staples include steamed/backed root vegetables, gluten-free grains, legumes, eggs and goat/sheep yogurt, etc. (Yes, I'm not vegan!)

The idea of all or nothing, or that all cooked food is poison is simply a thing of the past! It is far more important to focus on getting high quality, organic whole foods.

It is equally important to be at peace with the lifestyle we have chosen. If we're always stressed out about not eating perfectly enough or in a constant state of guilt, we've missed the point! I often see people struggle with raw foods thinking they have to be perfect 100% of the time, trying to live up to some unrealistic ideal. But it's not about perfection, it's about enjoying a healthy and balanced lifestyle... which is absolutely possible on a high-raw diet.

So before you jump in 100%, make sure to first lay down a strong, healthy foundation for your diet. If you do choose to go a 100% raw, I admire your courage. Just keep in mind that the raw food lifestyle is all about creating a healthy and happy life. And definitely remember to keep it balanced!

REPOST (10/1/2009)

COCONUT-BANANA & BLACKBERRY PARFAIT

Coconut-Banana & Blackberry Parfait

1 banana

1 young Thai coconut (meat only)

½ cup walnuts (soaked)

Juice of ½ lemon

1 Tbsp raw honey

¼ tsp vanilla extract

Pinch sea salt

Soak walnuts 6 - 8 hrs, rinse and drain.  Crack open a coconut and scoop out the meat (reserve the water for drinking).  Blend walnuts and coconut meat along with all remaining ingredients until smooth.  Set aside.

½ cup blackberries

1 tsp raw honey

Blend blackberries with honey in a mini-blender!  Layer a dessert glass and serve.  Enjoy!

BRUSSELS SPROUTS APPLE SLAW

1 cup brussels sprouts

1 apple

1 celery stalk

1/4 cup minced red onion

1/4 cup black currents (or raisins)

Shred brussels sprouts, apple and celery in a food processor.  Combine with minced onion and currents in a separate bowl and mix together.

Vinaigrette

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp raw honey

Pinch Himalayan salt / black pepper

Whisk vinaigrette ingredients and toss with the salad. Enjoy!

OFF TO HIPPOCRATES HEALTH INSTITUTE

In just a few short days, one of my long awaited dreams will finally come to fruition.  I will be arriving at the Hippocrates Health Institute for a 3-week Life Transformation Program.

The dream has been a long time in the making, six years to be exact.  From the very first time I heard about the program, back in 2007, I knew this was my destined next BIG step in my exploration of health and nutrition.  (See my brief mention of it in a 2009 post titled Manifesting A Dream.) 

What better time to experience this amazing program than in preparation for a healthy first pregnancy?  I love how destiny seems to align so appropriately - the timing couldn't be more perfect.  

I put HHI smack in the middle of my vision board long ago, but for six LONG years the dream just sat there waiting for me. And when I say waiting, I literally mean it was just sitting there waiting for me to get off my ass and make it happen... ; )

By the way, for any of you who still think manifestation is the process of dreams magically falling in your lap... I've got news for you!  The real process of manifestation is owning your dreams (and the responsibility that comes with making it happen).  Took me a while to catch on too. 

So that's what I did.  I took my destiny, my dream, into my own two hands, set up a savings account, and got to work!  

Luckily, the timing turned out great, as my hubby and I are looking to start a family in the near future.  Perfect opportunity for a complete mind, body and spirit cleanse!  

I should mention, that even though the Hippocrates program focuses on a strict raw vegan protocol, I don't intend to proceed with a vegan pregnancy.  I'll leave the details regarding my views on diet and pregnancy for another post.  But I will say that my intention, as of this point, is to incorporate a few select animal products into my diet (in "therapeutic" doses) following the cleanse.  I'll probably have to explain the "therapeutic" part as well.  

In any case, I thought about blogging during my cleanse at the Hippocrates Health Institute, but I may just take those three weeks to really immerse myself into the program and enjoy my stay there.  I do hope to follow up with a post upon my return however... so stay tuned!