Raving about Raw
Picture a sizzling steak on your plate, cooked to juicy perfection. Next to it is a mound of crispy chips, lightly sprinkled with salt or maybe – why not? – some roast potatoes. And to finish off this decadent dinner: a slab of smooth chocolate. Sound like heaven? Not if you are into raw food.
Then again, says Peter Daniel of Rawlicious, the company that pioneered raw food in South Africa, if you are committed to piles of fluffy white rice and hearty hamburgers, the thought of tucking into an entirely raw meal probably makes you long for a muffin. That is why he recommends that anyone making “the transition” does so slowly. Once they do, they will be ready to stash the microwave for good.
The Right (Raw) Stuff
“The first thing you’ll notice when you start eating raw food is your soaring energy levels,” says Peter, recalling that, when he made his own transition, he was 26 years old. Yet, far from enjoying the boisterous energy of youth, he craved a daily afternoon nap. Now he regularly powers his way through 19 hour days, fuelled solely by his mineral reserves. Gone, too, are his pre-diabetic tendencies and the accompanying zigzagging sugar levels and shakes. Digestive issues, skin conditions and PMS are all complaints that benefit from the raw food treatment, and hair and nails thrive under this diet of nutrient dense, quality foods.
It is not only people who benefit from going raw. Reduced cooking time means using less electricity, but something else that Peter has been interested to note is that becoming conscious about food choices often naturally leads to a greener outlook. “If you’re eating more vegetables, it makes sense to grow your own veggie garden. From there it’s a small step to going organic. And once you’re in that mindset, you may as well recycle.”
It’s not surprising, then, that Peter and his Rawlicious partner (and wife) Beryn have seen the number of people expressing an interest in raw food soar. During the past five years, they have trained over 4,000 people in the principles of raw food, and this number has mushroomed over the past year.
One Crudité at a Time
But before you get ready to start crunching on uncooked crudités, Peter cautions against an abrupt lifestyle change. “Start slowly,” he advises. “Listen to your body, and go at a pace that suits you.” Follow this route, and you will almost “trick yourself” into a raw food diet. The best way to start is by making small changes. So, if it is your habit to reach for a chocolate, why not ditch the sugary stuff and make your own raw chocolates? Once you have learnt how, it takes only minutes, and the results are far more satisfying.
Alternatively, add in raw foods where possible. It is always easy to add a quick salad to supper, and if you are going to snack, choose fruit, seeds or nuts rather than crisps. You can also add in smoothies and juices which are quick and easy to make, simply by blending fresh fruit and vegetables. Peter says that by addressing nutrient deficiencies, the juices have a healing effect. “You’ll feel so good, you’ll crave more!”
Next, try making simple swaps. Cut down on animal products and instead of consuming processed dairy products, opt for creamy, nutritious nut milks. Choose organic products wherever possible and ditch the unrefined carbohydrates.
If, by now, you have become a convert, you might be ready to make some investments. A blender and a juicer are key tools, and a dehydrator is a must for creating food with crunch that has lost none of its nutritional benefits.
Peter says that anyone can benefit from including more nutrient dense food in their diet. Nonetheless, it is always wise to consult a professional when making a lifestyle change. “A nutritionist who is well versed in the principles of raw food will be able to help you source nutrients,” Peter says. This is important, particularly if you have known conditions such as anaemia. Be warned, too, that your body may need some time to adjust to new sources of nutrients. If you have previously obtained all your protein from animal products, spirulina and hemp protein powder may take some getting used to.
The results will be well worth it, though, especially since increased vitality is just a mouthful away.
To find out more about the raw lifestyle, check out Rawlicious’ new DVD, ‘Elements for Radiant Health’.
Story by Lisa Witepski
