Raw Foods - Why and What?

Raw foods, simply put, are foods not cooked or heated to a lesser degree to avoid the loss of nutrients. Since nutrients - vitamins and minerals - are key factors in meeting the needs of the body so it can function properly, raw foods are also key in obtaining optimum health.

Raw foods:
· are fresh fruits and vegetables, sprouts, raw nuts and seeds
· specifically provide a larger supply of nutrients
· also supply larger amount of enzymes for proper digestion of the nutrients (even if you do eat great healthy foods, if your body does not digest them due to lack of enzymes, it does no good)
· are foods dehydrated at very low temperatures as to retain nutrients
· can also include lightly steamed vegetables - though no longer really raw - but can have the benefits of raw foods providing that they have had low, minimal heat

So how do you get the amount of raw foods in your diet?

1) Don't believe the lie that raw foods (fresh produce) are more expensive! You body is always more satisfied in eating raw foods and you will naturally eat less. But most importantly, raw foods will provide you the benefits that will keep you stronger and less likely to get sick - don't think for a minute that, for example, appendicitis, IBS, ADD, heart attacks, etc. are not costly! You get what you pay for, or don't pay for!
2) Establish the rule of eating raw foods every meal or every eating interval. Include fresh fruits first thing in the morning and at snack time. Always serve raw vegetables for lunch and dinner (fresh green hearty salads - see Simple Super Salads, or Creatively Complete Dinners at http://erleentilton.com/store.htm). These hearty salads can also make great breakfasts too!
3) Having raw foods for every meal means shopping for an abundance of raw foods, or growing them on a continual basis (great advantage of gardening). Lots of greens (spinach, leaf lettuce, sprouts of all kinds, kale, chard, beet tops, etc.), and a variety of orange, red, yellow, and blue/purple vegetables and fruits are important: carrots, sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, purple grapes, yellow squash, blueberries or other berries, and/or many other varieties in all their colors.
4) As mentioned, eat raw foods for snacks: apples, bananas, carrots, snap peas, nuts - whatever you like, and take them along with you wherever you go. These are great foods for the road and some, you see, are "pre-packaged" for your convenience.

Enjoy a tasty "raw food" dessert from 31 Favorite Frozen Dessert Recipes!
Go to http://erleentilton.com/store.htm to get the other 30 great recipes for just a few cents!

ALMOND BANANA ICE DELICIOUS

1½ C. raw whole almonds
2 C. cold pure water
2 large bananas
½ C. honey
or ¼ C. honey or agave syrup
and ¼ tsp. clear liquid stevia
Pinch salt
1 Tbs. xanthan gum or guar gum, or 3 Tbs. ultra gel
(great binding agents, check health food stores)
2 Tbs. coconut oil
1 tsp. vanilla
2 C. more cold pure water

· Soak almonds in water (approx. 2 C.) overnight; drain well
· If almonds are not blanched, and skins are not desired, remove skins; otherwise proceed
· In blender bowl, place 2 C. water and drained almonds; blend on high 2-3 minutes
· Add all remaining ingredients except last water; blend at least 1 more minute
· Stir in last 2 C. water
· Chill first if desired, then proceed according to ice cream maker's directions.
· Makes approx. 2 quarts Ice Delicious

This little book is terrific, so get your copy now at: http://erleentilton.com/store.htm

For your best health,
Erleen Tilton