Raw food is heated to no higher than 118 degrees.  

Presumably anything higher than this temperature will begin to break down the nutrients that Mother Nature has provided to us.

[ctt template=”5″ link=”eO7mw” via=”yes” ]Raw food lovers report added energy, better sleep and increased mental clarity.[/ctt]

Additionally, there are reports of regular bowel movements and improved skin quality.

Grains and nuts are a delicious part of the raw food lifestyle however they both contain enzyme inhibitors. Arguably, enzyme inhibitors prevent proper digestion from taking place. Phytic acid, which is in the bran of the grain binds phosphorous and blocks absorption of some nutrients. These blocked nutrients include calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc.

[ctt template=”5″ link=”7hs40″ via=”yes” ]Soaking grains, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds is a common practice used by those that want to move away from processed foods.[/ctt]

The soaking process allows for inhibitors to get neutralized therefore allowing your body to utilize more of the vitamins in these healthful foods.

This is a great tutorial video from Bill Farr of  The Art of Unity that also speaks to the importance of soaking and sprouting to remove phytic acid and other enzyme inhibitors.

Salt is sometimes present in raw foods but it can be a confusing matter when there are so many choices.

The number one salt NEVER to choose is table salt.

Table salt is mined from underground sources and, accordingly, is often heavily processed. As a consequence, beneficial minerals are eliminated. At the same time, chemicals such as sodium aluminosilicate or magnesium carbonate are present. 

Unrefined sea salt is harvested from the ocean. It is minimally processed and contains minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and bromide.  

Celtic Sea Salt is harvested in the same way as unrefined sea salt with one caveat. It is hand-harvested in special coastal salt pens along the coast of Brittany, France. Consequently, it is a more natural salt than table salt and arguably may be better than unrefined sea salt.

Himalayan Pink Salt is my favorite.

Himalayan Salt contains the same 84 natural minerals and elements found in the human body. This form of salt has not been exposed to toxins and impurities. 

Raw foods are not always serving size specific. As well, it may seem that all of the foods that you are preparing must certainly be too much for just one person. When you look at a recipe with a range of servings sizes you may wonder, “How am I to decide how much to eat?”

The secret to knowing how much to eat is to tune into your inner voice and eat intuitively.

This is the way we are actually meant to eat. Once you are no longer hungry, and you are comfortably full, you stop eating.  An intuitive eater does not eat to excess. They savor their food so as to fully enjoy all of the wonderful flavors.

Our society has a tendency to think being “full” means being to the point of needing to unbutton our pants after a meal. This is a very unhealthy way of eating. As a matter of fact, we should only eat until hunger dissipates. The Japanese have a saying of “Hari Hachi Bu.” This means that one should eat until only 80% full.

A few ideas for great raw food recipes include:  Vegan Chipotle Bowl, Herbal Truffle Risotto, Chocolate Avocado Pudding or any of the smoothie or juice recipes.

Have an amazing day and let me know how you will introduce more raw foods into your life by commenting below.