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Photograph by Kyle Chesser
The raw food diet, in which 75% or more of one’s foods have not been heated beyond 116 degrees Fahrenheit, is gaining popularity.
Consisting primarily of fresh fruits and vegetables, the raw food diet also incorporates nuts, grains, and seaweed. It is believed that both the enzymes and “life force” contained in the raw food provides benefits that are destroyed in cooked or processed foods.
There are scientific reasons why incorporating raw foods into your diet can improve your health. Deanna Minich, PhD, CN says, “Eating raw foods reduces the intake of inflammation- and aging-promoting compounds called Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs), which are formed during the heating of protein and carbohydrates. Overcooked, baked, and fried foods contain high amounts of AGEs… Raw foods have more ‘life force’ or vibrational energy than foods that are cooked, as shown by Kirilian photography. In Western science terms, this ‘life force’ energy may be translated as more nutrients or active enzymes.”
As you might imagine, raw-food dieters eat a lot of fruit or vegetable smoothies and salads. They also include non-traditional “superfoods” into their menu as well, such as the gogi berry, which mainstream America has recently embraced for being exceptionally rich in antioxidants.
Utilizing a little creativity in the kitchen, there are many other raw food options, including cakes, mousses, and even chocolate pudding. Whether you choose to incorporate a little raw food into your diet, or plan to adopt a completely raw diet, you will surely appreciate the benefits of foods eaten in their natural form.
Really Dangerous Chocolate Pudding
6-8 dates soaked (keep the water)
11⁄2 tablespoons vanilla
2-3 tablespoons agave nectar
2-3 ripe avocados
1⁄2 cup raw carob powder
1⁄4 cup raw chocolate powder
1⁄4 cup cacao nibs
1 ripe plum
1 cup raspberries
Using a food processor, process dates, vanilla, and agave until smooth. Next, add in the avocado, chocolate powder, and carob. Add the cacao nibs (to taste) and plum and process. At this point, check your pudding to see if the consistency is right. If it needs thinning, add a little bit of your saved date water (this will also sweeten it more). Layer pudding with raspberries in serving dishes.
