RawMaMia.net

50 Great Reasons to Go Raw

This list created by Karen Knowler and Sarah Best (of Get Fresh! magazine) from eavesdropping on our own conversations and those of others over the past few years…

I mean, could you get any more win-wins from your food?!

“To have unlimited energy”
“To increase my clarity”
“To reach my natural weight”
“To improve my memory”
“To support farmers”
“To have sharper concentration”
“To conserve enzymes”
“To raise my vibration”
“To rejuvenate and reverse signs of aging”
“For spiritual expansion”
And another 40 more…

“To detoxify my body naturally”
“To become more vibrant”
“To re-create a clean shiny new me!”
“To create a sense of balance”
“To strengthen my immune system”
“To reawaken my intuition”
“To dramatically reduce my chance of disease”
“I want to use raw eating as a tool to help me release negative emotions and blocks”
“To extend my life span”
“I’ve only been raw for a short while but for me it’s the biggest high ever!”
“To function at my peak”
“I want to reduce my food bills”
“To balance my body’s temperature, regardless of external conditions”
“I want to break my emotional attachments to foods”
“To have eyes that sparkle”
“I want to get back in touch with my body and myself”
“To have clear skin”
“I want to become more calm and collected”
“To have young-looking skin”
“It’s environmentally friendly”
“To have shiny, glossy hair”
“I’m a vegetarian/vegan and this is the next step”
“To improve my eyesight”
“I want to use less fossil fuel”
“Because the food is delicious”
“I want those insights people talk about”
“I discovered the durian!”
“Meal preparation is so easy”
“I like to eat truly natural food”
“It saves time”
“I want to explore a world of taste I never knew existed before”
“I want to meet like-minded people”
“I love fruit!”
“To lower my fuel bills!”
“I love the beautiful colours of raw food”
“It’s an exciting adventure”
“I want to learn how to become hungry properly”
“It will help me achieve my potential”
“Because it will help me grow as a person as well as better my health”
“Because I love myself”

When your child is an infant or toddler it is the perfect time to introduce them to raw foods. I am not a doctor, I can only give you suggestions from my experience, and you might want to consult a holistic pediatrician for further information. I see the challenges parents face when choosing what to feed their children. One thing you need to remember is not to give your child honey or nuts until after the age of two. Because of allergic reaction to foods you want to introduce new foods to your infant slowly. A child needs to be introduced to a new food at least 12 times before they become accustomed to its tastes. So be prepared to be patient and continue to try different foods several times. It is best to start your child eating a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables that you have blended. This will help with digestion and foods will not be a choking hazard. I highly recommend a Vita-mix. If you don’t have one any high powered blender will do. Here are a few of the best raw foods to blend; sweet juicy oranges, dates, figs, raisins, persimmons, well-ripened bananas, beets, carrots, apples, broccoli, spinach and avocados, Be sure to keep food simple by avoiding starches, contrived sugars, pasteurized milks or other dairy products. Potatoes, yams, rice, cereals ect lack the salivary enzyme ptyalin and are difficult to digest. Start slowly and trust your instincts. You need to watch your child’s body response to foods by watching their skin color, reaction and bowel movements.

Kale and Pear Green Smoothie

Yield: 4 cups (960 ml)
??
Variable to High ?1 1/2 minutes
Ingredients
1 cup green grapes
1 (130 g) orange, peeled
1/2 Bartlett pear
1 (120 g) banana, fresh or frozen
1 cup kale
1/2 cup water
2 cups ice cubes

Place all ingredients into container and secure the lid. Select VARIABLE speed #10, then to HIGH for 1 ½ minutes. Turn machine off. Serve immediately.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals in Foods

Vitamin A promotes vision in dim light, mucous membranes, bones, teeth and skin. Carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, spinach, butternut squash, cantaloupe, mangoes, apricots, broccoli, watermelon.

(Vitamins B)

Thiamin keeps carbohydrate metabolism and nervous system in good condition. Peanuts, legumes, watermelon, oranges, brown rice, oatmeal.

Riboflavin takes care of the skin, and fat / protein / carbohydrate metabolism. Avocados, tangerines, prunes, asparagus, broccoli, mushrooms.

Niacin promotes effective use of oxygen by our cells, fat / protein / carbohydrate metabolism, and the nervous system. Peanut butter, legumes, soybeans, broccoli, asparagus, baked potatoes.

Vitamin B6 is for protein metabolism. Soybeans, avocados, lima beans, bananas, cauliflower, green peppers, potatoes, spinach, raisins.

Folate is the same as folic acid, which is good for red blood cell tissue growth and repair. Legumes, mushrooms, oranges, asparagus, broccoli, spinach, bananas, strawberries, cantaloupe.

Vitamin B12 promotes new tissue growth, red blood cells, the nervous system and the skin. Eggs, salmon, *you need to carefully approach how you would like to get B12 into your diet as it only comes from animals*.

Biotin metabolizes fat, protein and carbohydrates. Peanut butter, oatmeal, nuts, cauliflower, legumes.

Pantothenic Acid aids in the metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrates. Mushrooms, avocados, broccoli, peanuts, cashews, lentils, soybeans.

Vitamin C builds collagen, healthy gums, teeth and blood vessels. Oranges, grapefruit, bell peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, spinach, cabbage, melons, broccoli, kiwi, raspberries, blueberries.

Vitamin D is good for calcium absorption, bones and teeth. Sunlight.

Vitamin E protects cells from damage. Nut and vegetable oils, mangoes, blackberries, apples, broccoli, peanuts, spinach.

Vitamin K prevents blood clotting. Spinach, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, parsley, carrots, avocados, tomatoes.

Calcium builds strong bones and teeth, muscles and nerves, and prevents blood from clotting. Broccoli, green beans, almonds, turnip greens, orange juice.

Chloride aids in digestion. It works with sodium to maintain fluid balance. Salt.

Chromium assists in metabolism of carbohydrates. Broccoli, grape juice, orange juice, black pepper.

Copper is good for the blood cells and connective tissues. Nuts, cherries, cocoa, mushrooms, legumes.

Flouride protects the tooth enamel. Tea.

Iodine promotes thyroid function. Spinach.

Iron brings oxygen in blood and is good for metabolizing energy. Asparagus, spinach, pumpkin seeds, soybeans, tofu.

Magnesium protects the bones, nerve and muscle function. Molasses, nuts, spinach, pumpkin seeds, baked potatoes, broccoli, bananas.

Manganese is good for the bones, connective tissues and fat / carbohydrate metabolism. Nuts, legumes, tea, dried fruits, spinach, green leafy vegetables.

Molybdenum helps in nitrogen metabolism. Legumes.

Phosphorus metabolizes energy. It works with Calcium for healthy bones and teeth. Cereals, eggs.

Potassium keeps acids balanced. It also works with Sodium to maintain fluid balance. Baked potatoes, avocados, dried fruit, cantaloupe, spinach, bananas, mushrooms, tomatoes.

Selenium works with Vitamin E to protect cells and body tissue. Mushrooms, Brazil nuts.

Sodium keeps the fluid balanced and the nervous system in good condition. Salt, soy sauce, seasonings.

Zinc aids in wound healing, growth, appetite and sperm production. Lima beans, legumes, nuts.

This site is under construction. Please check back often.