This scrumptious dessert plate, prepared by Learn Raw Cuisine, is made entirely of Organic Raw Vegan Foods, that are not only beautiful and delicious, but HEALTHY!! This lens gives you insite into a rapidly expanding lifestyle that uses fresh, wholesome foods, directly from nature as the only source of nourishment, energy and health. In order to adopt this diet you must believe that the human body has the innate wisdom to heal and balance itself if given the raw materials to do so. These raw materials are derived from a diet of raw and living foods eaten in a state as close to nature as possible. Many follow the lifestyle in its Vegan form, eating only vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. Others perfer to add uncooked meat and fish. I will give you links to both and you can choose what feels right for you. Have a Rawsome time exploring this living food lifestyle!!
What is the Raw Food Lifestyle?
Well, that's a good question. Some people follow a diet that is strictly fresh, raw, organic and vegan. This means they only eat vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. Others, eat only uncooked foods but also add meats, fish, poultry and cheese. Which is right? They both are, YOU are the ultimate judge. I personally follow the vegan version, because it FEELS better to me and I have seen incredible results in myself as well as my clients over the past 6 years. There is plenty of scientific evidence for both sides. In the links section you will be able to do your own research. Raw or Living?
What is the difference between the Raw and Living Lifestyles?
Living food is in a form that still has life and is able to grow. Raw food has not been cooked, but is not necessarily in a form that can still grow or produce life. Let's use sunflower seeds to clarify this concept. Typically, nuts and seeds have enzyme inhibitors to keep them dormant until conditions are proper for growing. They are then exposed to water and sunlight which releases the inhibitors and their growth into a plant begins. Sunflower seeds can be raw, but not necessarily living. This means that they have not been exposed to extreme heat and are still able to sprout and become a living food, carring both life force and active enzymes, but still have their inhibitors intact. If you take these raw seeds and soak them several days they begin to grow and are now considered a living food. The major difference between raw and living food is the question, " Is this food able to grow in its present form?". Any food that has not been exposed to high heat or "cooked" is considered raw, even meat, fish, poultry or dairy. These foods are NOT living, but they are raw and do carry more healing and enzyme potential than their cooked counterpart. Why Raw?
What are some of the reasons for and the benefits of eating uncooked foods?
- PROVIDES ENZYMES, the " Sparks of Life". These are catalysts to all reactions that happen in the body and work together with minerals and some vitamins. According to some scientists, there are over 3000 different enzymes within each of the 75 trillion cells in the body. Without enzymes creating chemical reactions there would be no physical life!
- SUPPLIES an ALKALINE ASH to the body. The majority of raw and living foods are alkaline forming. This means when they are burned, or oxidized by the body the ash remaining contains minerals that give important building materials to the body. Acid foods leave no minerals behind and actually rob the body of minerals during the process of digestion.
- NATURALLY HYDRATING. Water not only is a great conductor of electrical current but it also carries valuable information to the DNA of the cells. This in turn creates rejuvenation and health in the body. Water found untouched in raw or living vegan foods is pure and structured by nature, and therefore easily utilized at the cellular level.
- EASY TO DIGEST. Living and raw vegan foods are very easy to digest because their protein bonds are not strengthened by heat, leaving the body with a large amount of available energy for other pursuits. Made by nature they come with all the enzymes needed for their digestion, ensuring they are fully broken down and available for use by the body. During the digestive process the trapped life force and sunlight are released to the body providing it with information and energy for healing.
- RELEASES LIFE FORCE, VITAMINS, MINERALS and ENZYMES to the body instead of using these precious life-giving elements from the body. Raw and living vegan foods carry in them vitamins and minerals of the type the body readily recognizes and can use. This induces an alkaline and anabolic environment that creates health and vitality, versus sickness, disease and death.
- NORMALIZES BODY WEIGHT. Eating a raw vegan diet provides the grounds for your body to normalize it's weight. Properly following the acid / alkaline guidelines of this lifestyle provides an environment in which your body is free to release toxins and thus the fat they are stored in. Consumption of fresh organic versus packaged processed foods provide the necessary amino acids for building and maintaining proper muscle tone. The combination of eating fresh unadulterated foods, along with eating foods that are 80 -90% alkaline ash, provide the body with the environment needed to release fat and build muscle.
- SUPPORTS MENTAL ALERTNESS. Many people find increased mental clarity as well as heightened awareness when following a raw vegan diet. The alkaline nature of living vegan foods provides increased enzyme and mineral availability. This decreases both mucus and inflammation throughout the body allowing for more efficeint functioning of the brain and neurotransmitters. Food by nature falls into 2 categories, expansive or contractive in regards to it's effect on a person's consciousness. Fruits, vegetables and other alkaline foods are expansive, with meats, nuts and acid foods being contractive. When you consume a diet of 80% or more expansive foods you naturally feel more expansive and enjoy a heightened awareness of your body and surroundings.
Raw Basics....
What are some basics of the Raw Food lifestyle?
1. Eat as close to nature as possible, pick fruit and vegetables and eat immediately2. Eat organic whenever possible
3. Eat 80%-90% alkaline forming foods
4. Eat often, and as much as you desire of the food
5. Think loving thoughts as you prepare and eat the food
6. Eat foods that are as mineral and nutrient dense as possible. Superfoods such E3Live, spirulina, sea vegetables, maca, goji berries, bee pollen, and suma are best
7. Drink pure, structured water, or fresh made distilled water
8. Replace cleaning items in your environment with ones that are non- toxic
9. Replace soaps, shampoos, lotions, and hair products with pure herbal non toxic ones
10. If you can't eat it, don't use it. Your skin is highly absorbable and what you put on it goes directly into the blood stream traveling throughout the entire body!
Getting Started
A simple addition to your morning meal.
This is a delicious, nutritious way to get started in the morning. You will see many benefits from just adding one of these to your diet every day.Morning Energy Shake
2 ripe organic bananas
1 organic mango, pitted and peeled
2 large organic kale leaves
3 large organic green or red lettuce leaves
1 handful organic parsley
1 young coconut, meat and water
1 TBS Pure Synergy or other favorite green powder
Open the young coconut, pour the water in your blender then scoop out the flesh. Add remaining ingredients and blend. Drink immediately. You may add different ingredients and other superfoods as you experiment with this basic recipe. Be creative and enjoy!!
Raw Food Sites
- Learn Raw Cuisine
- This site belongs to me. It has gourmet food, a monthly newsletter, consultations, classes, simple tasty recipes, a recipe of the month club a raw store and more.
- Love Raw
- This site has tons of information and links on it to organic and raw products as well as information. It also has some beautiful art and jewelery.
- Alissa Cohen
- Alissa is one of the top authors, speakers and raw chefs in the world. I love her book and her practical easy to prepare recipes.
- Voice Yourself
- Woody and Laura Harrelson's site with tons of information to help you go raw or just walk a little lighter on the planet.
- Raw and Juicy
- This site has a wonderful story about one woman's nightmare disease and how raw food restored her health and life.
- The Raw Meat Diet
- This is a HUGE site with lots of information. The man who's behind it believes in a raw meat diet.
- Living Foods
- A nice site from the UK!
Raw Vegan Restaurants
Organic Raw around the world....
- Happy Cow
- This site locates vegetarian, vegan and raw restaurants as well as stores around the world.
- A Raw Restaurant Guide
- You can look up raw restaurants around the country.
- Chef Ito's
- The very Best of the Best of RAW!! This is Chef Ito's restaurant where he partners with a cooked vegetarian Asian restaurant. It's the best food I've have ever had! If your family isn't into raw yet, this is the place to go, they can eat cooked and you will have the best raw meal of your life!
- Juliano's Raw
- One of my favorite gourmet raw restaurants. It's in Santa Monica, CA , a few blocks from the ocean. Well worth the trip!
- Karyn's Raw
- This is the oldest organic raw restaurant in the country. The baby of Karyn Calebrese, it has been open for 14 years with delicious gourmet raw. A must if you are in Chicago. Try the deep dish pizza, it is to live for!!
- Charlie Trotter's of Chicago
- Another outstanding gourmet restaurant. He has organic RAW by request.
- Pure Food and Wine
- An exciting organic raw gourmet restaurant and bar. This is the best of all worlds. Beautiful scrumptious food and fun party atmosphere. Lush outdoor patio in summer.
- The Plant in Dumbo
- This is an off shoot of Pure Food and Wine. They have gourmet organic raw food and classes, as well as several other locations around NYC and surrounding areas.
- Leaf Cuisine
- These are in the Los Angeles, CA area. 2 wonderful and moderately priced restaurants.
- Taste of the Goddess
- This too is an organic raw restaurant in the Los Angeles, CA area. It's a nice little place with good food and a fun staff.
Want to see how to do it?
- Not the Cooking Show
- A great Raw food DVD from Australia's best, Paul Benheim.
- Alissa Cohen
- Alissa has been my favorite for years now. This DVD has not only great tips for making raw food simple, but some awesome recipes!! If you want to see how really easy it is,then this one is for you.
- Raw: The Living Food Diet
- Science, stories and food artistry, all in one.
- The Garden Diet
- This is Jinjee and Storm's NEW DVD. They have alot of wonderful E-books as well as this new DVD.
Raw Vegan Dishes
Made by Learn Raw Cuisine
Believe it or not, these are all RAW, and vegan. Sometimes it's hard to imagine what can be done with fruit, vegetables, nuts and a little creativity!! All delicious and nutritious.
Spring Rolls
Grapefruit Fennel Salad
Greek Dolmas
Herb Cheese with Flax Chards
Vegan Sushi
Asian Slaw
Greek Wild Rice Salad
Raw Vegan Chocolates
Double Chocolate Torte
Chocolate Berry Cake
Persimmon Pie
Chocolate Ice Cream
Raw in Style
Raw Food Retreats
- Bali Retreat
- The Art of Vibrant Living gives you several choices of retreat times as well as locations. These are hosted by one of Australia's top raw food educators and chefs, Paul Benheim.
- David Wolfe's Retreats
- This is David Wolfe's retreats, he always has something going on, and it's guarenteed to be FUN!!!
- Crude Food
- These are Raw food retreats and classes in the south of Spain. Simply Beautiful!
- RawJuVenate
- This is a detox and fasting retreat in Australia.
Raw News
The latest articles from around the world...
- Raw and Sexy
- An article from Columbia University's paper.
- Shazzie's New Store
- An article about Shazzie opening the new raw store opening in Yarmouth, England.
- Ozzie Osbourne's Dogs Go Raw!
- Ozzie's dogs on Raw.
- Enzymes from India
- An article from India about raw food and enzymes.
- Raw Some Recipes
- A raw article and great yam salad recipe.
Raw Food Books on Amazon
The pH Miracle: Balance Your Diet, Reclaim Your Health
A great book to get you started. The recipes are not raw, but it lays out the main points of health, how to restore it and keep it.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 10/10/2008)
List Price: $14.95
The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-Term Health
Another good book to start with. This is a 20 year study from 3 countries outlining the underlying cause of major degenerative disease. A real eye opener for most people.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 10/10/2008)
List Price: $24.95
Living on Live Food
My all time favorite, and a favorite of all my students. Alissa does real food recipes that taste awesome and are easy to prepare.
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Amazon Price: (as of 10/10/2008)
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Raw Food/Real World: 100 Recipes to Get the Glow
One of my favorites. This couple have several gourmet restaurants in NYC and some wonderful as well as easy recipes.
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Amazon Price: $24.75 (as of 10/10/2008)
List Price: $37.50
Raw Food Made Easy For 1 or 2 People
Jenny is one of my collegues from Living Light. She does a great job sharing recipes that are tasty as well as simple to prepare.
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Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 10/10/2008)
List Price: $17.95
Raw Truth: The Art of Preparing Living Foods
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Amazon Price: $14.78 (as of 10/10/2008)
List Price: $18.95
The Raw Foods Resource Guide
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Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 10/10/2008)
List Price: $9.95
Raw Foods for Busy People: Simple and Machine Free Recipes for Every Day
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Amazon Price: $10.75 (as of 10/10/2008)
List Price: $11.95
Raw: The Living Food Diet
The DVD to the book above. Science, stories and food artistry all in one!
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The Raw Food Detox Diet: The Five-Step Plan for Vibrant Health and Maximum Weight Loss
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Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 10/10/2008)
List Price: $24.95
Raw: The Uncook Book: New Vegetarian Food for Life
Julianno is the most creative chef I have ever seen. He is a master with spices, colors and flavors, simply the best food you have ever tasted!!
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Amazon Price: $23.10 (as of 10/10/2008)
List Price: $35.00
Raw
Beautiful and colorful gourmet recipes from world famous Roxanne Klein and Charlie Trotter, of Charlie Trotter's, Chicago.
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Amazon Price: $34.30 (as of 10/10/2008)
List Price: $35.00
Green for Life
The newest of Victoria's books. This book presents her years of studying chimpanzees and the bonobos, the animals that have the closest DNA to the human.
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Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 10/10/2008)
List Price: $14.95
12 Steps to Raw Foods: How to End Your Addiction to Cooked Food
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Amazon Price: (as of 10/10/2008)
List Price: $11.95
The Raw Food Gourmet: Going Raw for Total Well-Being
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Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 10/10/2008)
List Price: $14.95
Eating Without Heating: Favorite Recip from Teens Who Love Raw Food
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Amazon Price: $11.95 (as of 10/10/2008)
List Price: $11.95
Living Cuisine: The Art and Spirit of Raw Foods (Avery Health Guides)
Wonderful and tasty recipes. Renee's restaurant on Maui, was my first experience eating gourmet raw!
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Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 10/10/2008)
List Price: $21.95
Eating in the Raw: A Beginner's Guide to Getting Slimmer, Feeling Healthier, and Looking Younger the Raw-Food Way
Carol's book presents the other side of raw, ingesting animal products and raw meats. Good book for beginners and to view both sides of the raw world.
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Amazon Price: $10.88 (as of 10/10/2008)
List Price: $16.00
Raw Food Treatment of Cancer
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Amazon Price: $3.95 (as of 10/10/2008)
List Price: $3.95
Achieving Great Health -- How Spirulina, Chlorella, Raw Foods and Ionized Water Can Make You Healthier than You Have Ever Imagined
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Amazon Price: $17.59 (as of 10/10/2008)
List Price: $17.95
Eating for Beauty: For Women & Men : Introducing a Whole New Concept of Beauty What It Is, and How You Can Achieve It
Great book for descriptions of foods that will lead to health and beauty.
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Amazon Price: (as of 10/10/2008)
List Price: $24.95
The Complete Book of Raw Food: Healthy, Delicious Vegetarian Cuisine Made with Living Foods
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Amazon Price: $16.15 (as of 10/10/2008)
List Price: $17.95
Related Lenses of Interest
- Living Food for Pets
- Another one of my lenses about raw and living food for your pets.
- Healthy Raw Chocolate
- This is my favorite lens, food and subject. It's all about CHOCOLATE, the healthy, guiltless kind!!!
- I Like it Raw! Do You?
- This is Dhrumil's lens. He is a fellow Rawfoodist with some great links and advise, check it out.
