Raw foods are foods in their natural state, unaltered and whole. Think of whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and some grains or beans which have been sprouted.  Nothing in a bottle, box, can, or package is considered  "raw". In addition, it has not been heated above 108*.   I have seen some differing opinions regarding the level of heat. Whether it's 105*,108* or 118* suffice it to say, any food cooked above 118 is no longer "raw" and the nutritional value has been compromised. 

 

You just don't know 'til you try and what we've found is that folks love to try when we hold their hands.  Perhaps you begin with one recipe or one Green Smoothie, then maybe expand to once a day "raw" and if you really start to glow, you take our "30-day challenge" and go 100% raw to see what miracles may be in store for YOU. It depends on you. Yep, you're in control.

 

There are wonderful decadent gourmet meals, or simple nutritious yummy snacks and salads and the most fabulous desserts you can imagine. Each is chock full of healthy ingredients to "get your glow on."  How could you not want to try ??

 

Definitely not but it's a goal worth moving towards.  You are the only one who knows you, so try a little at first and see how you feel. Going 100% raw is not for everyone, but incorporating more Raw and Living Foods into your lifestyle is a move towards better health and longer quality days. And that's what we all want.

 

 

Absolutely! You are where YOU are and you begin by asking questions and taking baby steps. One sprout at a time.  It's how nature does it, right ? Children are never too young and you are never too old.  If you've lived a long time, some accumulated "stuff" may need to move along, but it will and it takes shorter time than you think to be feeling better.

 

 

That's a question we get all the time.  It's sort of a double answer. First off, the traditional recommended protein amount for an average American is currently being debated. It has been for some time.  Most "in the know doctor types" are now discussing that indeed amounts of daily proteins they thought we needed are way too high and some of the diseases we are seeing are actually a reaction to too much protein. Given that, the average person requires far less protein than we've been told.

 

All raw fruits and vegetables eaten in abundance have more than enough protein, enzymes, vitamins and minerals for your daily requirements.  They provide you with amino acids, including all of the essential ones, as the building blocks of proteins. So your body receives the building blocks it recognizes to begin processing immediately to nourish itself.  Instead of receiving animal protein, which it must decipher, then begin to take the parts it wants, discard the parts it doesn't and go on from there. Very time and energy inefficient. Give your body exactly what it needs to begin with and it will build exactly what it needs as a final product for nourishing your amazingly complex system.

 

 

Heavens no !  With the multitude of choices in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, seaweeds and grains we have at our fingertips there is nothing we can't create in a raw food kitchen that we 'craved' in a cooked food kitchen.  Just last night I had a peach cobbler which was RAWsome !!  and for a girl raised in the south (Don't mess with Texas) that's saying something.   I loved peach cobbler all my life and have come up with a recipe that is oh so satisfying. 

 

 

Our original food sources were entirely from the raw and living foods plant kingdom.  When we introduced fire, there are differing opinions as to why we did, we began cooking our food. Of course, when eating cooked foods you receive "some" of the nutritional value. "Some" being the operative word.  Vitamins and Minerals begin to de-nature at 108* and Enzymes begin to break down at the same temperature.  To get the biggest bang for your buck with food, why not offer it to your body for maximum absorption when it's at its most nutritious ?  That would be at a temperature below 108*.  With Raw Food Cuisine food is "cooked" using a dehydrator and controlling the temperature. 

 

In addition; when we eat our foods in their natural state we are obtaining the maximum "life force" inherent in them, the way they were intended for us. 

 

We do cook food, we use a dehydrator as our oven and control the temperature so nothing is heated above 115*.  We love warmed foods especially in the winter months. Soups, chowders and curries are among our favorites. In addition to the dehydrator, we heat on the stove using a thermometer or stir with our finger.  So although our meals aren't scalding hot, they are warm and give that fuzzy feeling we all know and love on a chilly evening. (ps the Thai Soup I made the other night was to die for. A little currie on the side with "Non"-Bread (our version of Naan) YUM !!)

 

 

Could be you see results immediately, we've seen some things happen noticeable in the first week with only Green Smoothies added, and no other diet changes.  Again, you just don't know until you give it a try. Everyone is different and everyone's situation is unique.  The more you become involved with your choices and pay attention to the subtle changes, the more you will begin to notice.

 

 Our bodies are miraculous, they can self heal if given the right fuel and the time it takes is different for everyone.  You are unique and your journey is unique.

 

There's really not a wagon to fall off of. It's not about depriving ourselves of anything, it's about noticing how we feel when we eat a certain way.  If it's worth it, we'll stick to it, anyone would. If on the other hand we decide to try something new or have a little cooked kale and grains on a cold winter evening, it's what we do and don't think twice about it.  We have learned to pay attention to how our body reacts to the food we eat and that becomes our gauge for our daily routine. Everything is open to evaluation, all the time.  And nothing is concrete, the beauty of making your decisions as you want to make them is what it's about.  It's not a diet or a beauty contest.  Raw and living foods are a lifestyle, a way of being. As I mentioned earlier, there is no "wagon to fall off of". We take it one step at a time and so can you. Try a few things, see how you feel and go from there. Each and everyone of us is different and as we've said before, only you can be the judge of you. No one else can tell you what to do, say or eat and you shouldn't try to be exactly like someone else. YOU are an individual and your lifestyle, likes and dislikes, routines, tastes and beginning health are unique to you. So will your experience with raw foods. It will be as unique as you are. Try it and enjoy the journey !!

 

 

Absolutely anyone can come. Please join us, we love to share with newbies and it's a wonderful way to sample a variety of scrumptious raw dishes without making each one yourself. We share recipes and techniques and often have a demo or more formal discussion on a particular topic.  See my section under "potlucks" for some ideas of what to bring.