Prolonging Life With Raw Food

   

  "A raw-foodist is not something you become; it is something that you already are" ~ Nature's First Law: The Raw Food Diet  


                  Take a moment to briefly consider the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.). Everyday, the average American delves ever deeper into the world of ill-health by consuming foods rich in fat and sugar. Overly-processed breakfast cereals, sugar-laden juice drinks, and high-sodium meat products are among the options available to the habitual grocery shopper. As a result, these poor individuals suffer from ailments such as obesity, diabetes, and colon cancer.

               
                   Although known to help prevent and reverse these degenerative diseases, the vegetarian/vegan diet is not the only route to take to achieve optimum health. For it is not COOKED food that provides us with the live enzymes and nutrients needed; it is raw food in its rawest and purest form. In his book, Raw Power, Stephen Arlin explains that when you treat food with thermal fire, you destroy the life-force in it. "The heat of cooking destroys vitamins, enzymes, nucleic acids, chlorophyll, de-animates minerals, and damages fats, turning them into dangerous trans-fatty acids," he says. "These fats are incorporated into the cell, causing an increase in cancer and heart disease."

                 The more I contemplated Arlin's words, the more I began to contemplate my own health. Even as a vegetarian, I still suffered from Periodontitis (a gum disease that subsequently leads to the loss of teeth). After countless visits to the dentist and no sign of recovery, it suddenly occurred to me that the only logical solution to this problem would be to turn back unto nature and consume raw food

                  And so, in April of 2013, I decided to undergo a two day trial of the raw food diet, abstaining from all processed, cooked, and packaged foods while still being able to flatter my tastebuds. It would not be an easy feat, but it would reap magnificent results in the long run.    



                 RESTRICTIONS
               
     Here are some of the rules I adhered to during the course of this trial:

• 100% living, raw food
• No cooked or processed foods
• No caffeine (tea, coffee,etc.)
• Six cups of distilled water per day     

                 EXPENSE

                 

                  The raw food diet is often thought to be quite expensive. This is mainly because fruits and vegetables have  low caloric density despite how nutritious they are. That means that in order to get the recommended amount of calories that you might need in a day, you will have to purchase and consume more.

                   I decided to take a different approach and focus on the inexpensive sources of calories by shopping at my local farmers' market. There, I was able to find a plethora of locally-grown produce that was affordable, fresh, and completely free of chemicals. With shopping bags in hand, I was ready to begin my two day cleanse. 

                 

                              BREAKFAST

 The theme of this meal is lightness. For this meal, I settled for only one type of fruit (e.g. 2-3 bananas or apples). Consider adding a bit of variety to your morning meals by switching it up a bit. For example, on the first day of your trial, have some apples. On the second, have some pears.

LUNCH

 The theme for this meal is satisfaction. I chose this recipe because it was filling and had a warming effect on my body.

DINNER

Zucchini Pasta With Pesto Sauce

  

  The theme for this meal is sensuality. Prepare to be amazed. Although uncooked, this version of pesto pasta is eerily similar to the actual one! This is a light dinner that will leave you feeling satisfied. (Pasta was created using a spiralizer purchased from Amazon).

DESSERT

Raw Vegan Brownies With Avocado Icing

  Dessert is incredibly rich, yet wonderfully healthy. Filled with Omega 3's, B vitamins, and antioxidants, these decadent treats will end your meal on a high note.

          Stuffed Avocado

                       Yields 2 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Avocados
• 1/2 Block Tofu
• 1/2 Tsp. Turmeric
• 2 Mushrooms (Diced)
• Salt & Pepper (Optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Divide avocados in half, remove pit, and set aside. (Other avocado can be used for next day's lunch).
• In large bowl, crumble tofu and add turmeric, seasonings, and mushrooms.
• Fill avocados with mixture and enjoy.

    Zucchini Pasta With Pesto Sauce

                        Yields Approx. 3 Servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Medium Zucchini
• 2 Cups Of Basil
• 2 Cloves Of Garlic
• Kosher Salt To Taste
• 1/4 Virgin Olive Oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Using a spiralizer purchased from Amazon or vegetable peeler, slice the zucchini into thin strips.
• Blend basil, garlic, and oil together in food processor
• Add salt if desired
• Coat zucchini pasta and serve

 Raw Vegan Brownies With Avocado Icing

                        Yields Approx. 8-12 Small Brownies

    

       









INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 Cup Walnuts
• 1 Cup Medjool Dates
• 1/4 Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• Dash Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 Cup Honey
• 1 Avocado

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Blend nuts and dates in food processor until fully processed
• Add cocoa and vanilla into the mixture
• Press mixture into a lined loaf pan to mold
• To make frosting, combine flesh of avocado, vanilla, and honey in bowl
• Coat brownies with mixture and serve 

      Although the raw food diet was considerably short, I will definitely undergo a much longer stint in the near future and highly recommend it for anyone seeking a healthy alternative. For more recipes for raw food, visit imanifields.blogspot.com

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