Editors of Adams Media - Try-It Diet: Raw Food

Avon, Massachusetts A Try-It Diet is just that a diet that you can try out for two weeks to see if it is a good fit for you. Keep in mind that not every diet is right for every person; please consult with your doctor before making radical changes to your diet. Raw gourmet cuisine is one of lifes great pleasures. The food is absolutely delicious and can be adapted to the palate and flavors of any culture, from satisfying American comfort foods to zesty Italian sauces and spicy Indian curries. Simply put, a raw foods diet means eating food in its natural state. Raw foods can be defined as those that are uncooked or prepared at temperatures below 115F.

When food is heated above that temperature, vital nutrients and enzymes are destroyed. Although nutritional supplements are available, science has not yet fully recreated the complex and subtle benefits of fresh, unprocessed food. Many people find a raw food diet life-changing. They are amazed that something so simple could make such a difference in their health, mood, and energy. When you eat a raw diet, the food becomes the medicine, gradually healing the body by providing essential nutrients. Most people experience some difference within a few days.

When you eat locally grown foods, you reduce your carbon footprint youre no longer using processed foods manufactured six months ago, stored in a box or can, and shipped thousands of miles across the country. In contrast, food from local growers provides you with the flavor of fruits and vegetables fresh from the garden. When people visit their doctor, they usually hear the recommendations, Cut back on the red meat. Lower your salt intake. Stop eating fried foods. Youd never hear your doctor say, Cut back on your fruits and vegetables.

Most people need to eat more fruits and vegetables, but that raises the question of how to prepare them so that they taste really good. You can tailor your approach to your lifestyle and your response to the food. Remind yourself that you dont have to eat 100 percent raw to enjoy the health benefits of this wonderful cuisine. Proceed at your own pace. Many people who adopt a raw foods diet experience health benefits in a matter of days or weeks. Deeper changes seem to take up to about six months.

Raw foods enthusiasts report increased energy, beautiful skin, greater mental clarity, and better stamina. In order to increase the amount of raw food youre eating, you will need to learn some basic food prep techniques. The goal is to practice one food technique until you get the hang of it before moving on to another. For example, you might want to practice creating nori rolls or burrito wraps. Another good option would be to try making vegetable pasta with sauce ribboned pasta made from zucchini, carrots, jicama, or daikon radish topped with tomato-basil marinara, pesto, or yellow curry. You are about to embark on a true culinary adventure, an exploration of the great cuisines of the world, expressed in raw and living foods.

The focus is on a kaleidoscope of succulent fruits, aromatic herbs, pungent spices, tasty nuts and seeds, exotic chocolates, and vibrantly colored vegetables brimming with nutrients. If youd like to explore the Raw Food Diet in more detail, check out The Everything Raw Food Recipe Book , available in print (ISBN: 978-1-4405-0011-4) and eBook (eISBN: 978-1-4405-0012-1) formats.

Kasha Porridge This is a delicious and satisfying breakfast. If extra liquid is desired, a sweet liquid may be added such as apple juice, young coconut water, or almond milk. This recipe is delicious when garnished with fresh fruit or berries. Serves 2 Ingredients 2 cups soaked or sprouted buckwheat groats (soaked for 6 to 8 hours) 1 cup apple, chopped 1 tablespoon cinnamon teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons orange zest Place all ingredients in a food processor and process with the S blade until smooth and creamy.

Per Serving Calories: 627 Fat: 6 g Protein: 23 g Sodium: 584 mg Fiber: 21 g Fresh Falafels These falafels are made with almonds rather than garbanzo beans. Cabbage leaves serve as the wrap. Serves 4 Ingredients cup sun-dried tomatoes 1 cup almonds cup celery 2 tablespoons lemon 4 tablespoons tahini cup olive oil 1 clove garlic 1 tablespoon minced parsley 1 tablespoon cumin 1 teaspoon coriander 4 cabbage leaves 1 cup hummus

1. Soak the sun-dried tomatoes for 2 hours. Chop them into small pieces.
2. Prepare the falafel balls by processing all ingredients, except for the cabbage leaves and hummus, in a food processor until well mixed and slightly chunky. Pat them into little balls. They are ready to serve immediately.
3. Lay the cabbage leaves on a plate.

   Spread the hummus onto each leaf and place falafel patties on top. Roll up into a sandwich wrap.

Per Serving Calories: 784 Fat: 77 g Protein: 13 g Sodium: 101 mg Fiber: 8 g Falafel Falafel is a traditional Middle Eastern food. It is usually deep fried in oil and made with a blend of garbanzo beans or fava beans and spices. Falafels are the fast food of Middle East, comparable to hot dogs in the United States. Zucchini Pie with Walnut Pt Quick prep: less than 20 minutes. This is a delicious pie that can be filled with many different types of pts and sauces.Next page