When I share some of my ideas about improving ones health, the old adage of "What can I Eat" always seems to come up.......I know as a child in my own household, selection was limited & meat, bread & potatoes were high on the menu listing, as "it filled up empty tummies"! We are so fortunate in many Countries these days, as a wide variety of foods has become common place with Cultural Favourite Recipes being shared with other Nations & enjoyed in restaurants & homes across the World. Medical Science has played its role too, & we now have a much better idea of what foods support health & which ones need to be limited to Celebrations or "sometimes foods".
What to Eat…
Our bodies are high-performance vehicles that need the best fuel possible to ensure maximum performance and long life. Of all the steps anyone can take to look younger, feel more vibrant and joyful, and have clear beautiful skin and healthy hair and nails, one thing stands out among
the rest — raw plant foods.
Fresh, ripe, raw, organic, colourful plant foods contribute nutrients important for clear skin, vivid eyesight, a sharp mind and radiant health. Many of these nutrients act as antioxidants, helping protect our cells from free radicals (highly reactive molecules that contain unpaired electrons, which can damage cells and cause premature aging). Let’s take a look at a few high performing fruits and vegetables.
Deeply coloured foods high in phytonutrients and antioxidants combat free-radical damage and promote good health and healing: always think of your plate representing the rainbow;
A multiple selection of brightly coloured foods adds interest, variety & health giving properties.
Dark blue or purple foods: beets, blueberries, blackberries and black mission figs
Dark green leafy vegetables: collard greens, kale, bok choy,
broccoli and Napa cabbage
Yellow-orange foods: squash, peaches, sweet potatoes and carrots
Red foods: tomatoes, bell peppers, watermelon and strawberries
Foods high in vitamin C: lemons, oranges, strawberries, papaya, kiwi, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, red bell peppers, romaine lettuce, kale and mustard greens
Foods containing omega 3 fatty acids: chia seeds, flax, hemp seeds and dark green leafy
vegetables like kale, romaine and dandelion greens
Healthy fats & oils; avocado, most nuts especially walnuts, almonds, macadamias, cashew & brazil nuts; olive oil, coconut oil, macadamia & seed oils are all valuable sources for a healthy diet.
Foods containing zinc: pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pine nuts and lentils
Hydrating foods: juicy fruits, non-starchy vegetables, non-chlorinated drinking water and fresh green juice
Probiotic-rich foods: sauerkraut, grain-free miso and fermented vegetables
As you can see, these plant foods offer such a wide selection of healthy vibrant foods to choose from, & with almost an infinite variety.
What foods to ideally avoid....if you choose these, moderation is paramount …
Animal proteins: meat, eggs, and dairy products
(raw or cooked)
Foods high in concentrated sugars (raw or cooked)
Foods devoid of nutrients: refined wheat and other high-gluten products (pasta, pizza and pastries)
Fried foods and high-fat foods: vegetable oils, margarines & animal fats
GMO foods
Don’t make alcohol consumption part of your daily routine.
Eat foods that are easy to digest and won’t interfere with sleep, and do not eat anything late at night
What cooked foods can I include with my Raw Food selection? Obviously many, but here are a few...
Lightly steamed vegetables: broccoli, yams, and squash
Non-glutinous ancient grains: quinoa and millet
Legumes: lentils, adzuki beans and mung beans
What makes raw food tasty?
We want contrast and excitement in the foods we eat, whether they are raw or cooked, so include these:
Pair crunchy and creamy foods together, like crispy cucumbers with guacamole or flax crackers with raw nut cheese
Contrasting flavours like a sweet and sour salad dressing on bitter greens. Dressings & Sauces can change any meal into an extravaganza so it is well worth gathering a wide selection of home recipes.
Dramatic, pungent flavours like garlic, onion or chili
Fresh Herbs not only have medicinal properties but add delicious flavours to many a dish
It is considered that adding a large variety of Raw Foods to any diet can offer the best quality fuel for good health, healing from disease and anti-aging — and the best part is, they can also be delicious! Why wait until you are old or sick to try to get healthy, when you can enjoy great taste and excellent health NOW?
