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Let's face it, jolly old St. Nick sure looks like he could use increased energy, improved skin appearance, better digestion, reduced risk of heart disease, and yeah...weight loss. And, well, these are some of the benefits of a raw food diet. Why raw? "It's a diet that consists of uncooked and unprocessed organic raw foods and usually includes fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds," explains Kara DiCamillo of TreeHugger. "When raw fruits and vegetables are cooked, they tend to lose the enzymes, minerals, and vitamins, which is why raw foodists find this diet so important to their health."
The raw food lifestyle, as discussed by Stephen Walsh in The Vegan magazine, also has "particular environmental advantages in that it often comes from trees (avoiding soil loss from tilling) and requires little packaging and no cooking. These characteristics benefit the health of the planet and all who share it." However, warns Walsh, since many raw foods require long-distance transportation, the focus should always be on seasonally available local fruits and nuts. A least one raw advocate--Raw Model--is tackling the food mile issue head on with a permaculture project in Minnesota.
Of course, you could also do what my friend Chuck does and use bike power to make your raw smoothies.
So, with the shopping-day countdown looming, how does one remain raw amidst the traditional (read: typically unhealthy) holiday fare? As you'll see below, if you know your raw food ingredients, uncooked holidays are easier than you may imagine--but it's always a good idea to tap into the raw food community to glean more tips and ideas.
10 Ways to Enjoy an Uncooked Holiday Season
1. Raw Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
A healthier holiday dessert.
You'll need: nut flour, coconut flakes, raw pumpkin puree, date paste, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice.
2. Uncooked Thanksgiving Stuffing
Need I say more?
You'll need: golden raisins, apple juice, chopped apple, finely-chopped nuts, finely-chopped sunflower seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, sage, and thyme.
3. Pumpkin Pie in a Bowl
A seasonal tradition with a new spin.
You'll need:carrot juice, butternut squash, avocado, stevia, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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4. Mock Turkey Recipe
No cruelty required.
You'll need: celery, green onion, parsley to taste, almonds, pecans, avocado, and sage.
5. Mashed "Potatoes"
A favorite for any holiday gathering.
You'll need: chopped cauliflower, flax oil, and Spike All Purpose Seasoning
6. Mushroom Gravy
To go with your mashed "potatoes."
You'll need: almonds, water, shitake mushrooms, garlic, Bragg Liquid Aminos.
7. No-Cook Kwanzaa Brownie Bites
Perfect for the last day of Kwanzaa.
You'll need: walnuts, almonds, pecans, large dates (pitted), cocoa powder (unsweetened), maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon.
8. Potato and Spinach Latkes
For Hanukkah, of course.
You'll need: diced spinach, shredded red potato, rejuvelac http://www.sproutpeople.com/cookery/rejuvelac.html, pureed macadamia nuts, pine nuts, flax seed powder, salt, pepper, paprika (formed into latkes and dehydrated for 10 hours at 115F).
9. Raw Yule Log
It just wouldn't be Christmas without it.
You'll need: organic hazelnuts, cashews and almonds, raw organic ground almond, dried organic raisins, golden raisins, dried apricots, 4-6 figs, 4-6 Medjool dates, apricots, strawberries, a banana, and a big dollop of raw organic almond butter.
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10. Green Smoothie
To raise a toast to a healthy, green New Year.
You'll need: banana, pear, kale or spinach, thai basil, and water. Find several more green smoothie options at WeLikeItRaw.com.
Video: Crazy Christmas Homes
Related Posts
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How to Go Green: Holidays
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