Most of us know that a raw vegetable diet can help us lose weight, improve our health, and boost our energy levels. So, if we are aware of all the amazing advantages, why do we so often neglect to add these powerhouse foods to our daily eating plans?
Is it because we think vegetables are boring or take too long to prepare?
Do we believe that a fresh food diet would be too costly?
Or, do our busy schedules make quick snack options the easier choice?
Doctors, nutritionists, and even our mothers, have been telling us for years that eating a variety of veggies is good for our health. It has been drilled into our heads, we know that it's true, and most of us want to do what is best for our body.
Well, there is good news.
We can discard all our excuses and misconceptions, because the truth is that adding more raw vegetables to our diet does not have to be complicated, uninteresting, or expensive.
With today's technology, there is an abundance of fun and exciting recipes right at our fingertips. Visit your local library or bookstore, or simply turn on your computer and explore the fascinating world of raw veggie cuisine.
There are so many options, several using ingredients readily available at most supermarkets for reasonable prices. Experiment, try new things, or add your own personal flair and you will soon discover that eating raw vegetables will not only make you feel better, but they can taste great too!
Why Eat Raw?
One of the biggest motivators in changing your diet is understanding why the choice is important.
Raw vegetables are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and are packed with valuable phytochemicals, which help protect your body and improve its natural ability to heal itself. They also contain important enzymes that assist in proper digestion and aid in the absorption of nutrients.
Unfortunately, cooking can destroy or diminish all these essential properties. Raw whole or living foods are unprocessed, low in sodium, and have all the enzymes, vitamins, and minerals still intact so your body can use the nutrients more efficiently.
For maximum health benefits, about 75% of food should be eaten raw. So, pull out those new recipes, gather together some fun ingredients, and prepare to enjoy all the benefits veggies can offer.
What are the Advantages of a Raw Vegetable Diet?
Adding vegetables to your daily eating plan will provide a lot of positive benefits that will improve your physical and emotional well-being. Before long, you will notice a significant energy boost, increased vitality, and balanced moods. You will sleep better, think clearer, and achieve a healthy weight.
From better digestion to a lower risk of disease and increased immunity, eating raw veggies is one of the best things you will ever do for your body.
How Can I Add More Veggies to My Diet?
Adding raw vegetables to your diet can be easy, even if you have a busy lifestyle or a tight budget.
1. Add a salad to your meal.
Try new recipes or experiment with interesting combinations. By using 'in season' options, you can make extravagant salads inexpensively. And, of course, veggies such as carrots, cucumbers, and lettuce are always available and reasonably priced. Add nuts, seeds, sprouts, or even fruit to make eating veggies fun, tasty, and extra nutritious.
2. Drink a green smoothie.
These can actually be quite delicious, easy to make, and are a great way to start your day. Keep it exciting by making your own creations using bananas, kiwi, persimmon, papaya, or mint. Add in sprouts, chia seeds, flax, or some interesting herbs, and you just may stumble upon something deliciously amazing.
3. Grow or eat sprouts.
These are packed full of vitamins and minerals and offer a very high concentration of essential nutrients. Add them to salads or smoothies, put them on a sandwich, or sprinkle them on top of your veggie stir fry.
4. Choose vegetables for snacks.
Take the time to cut up carrots, celery, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, or whatever other vegetables you enjoy, and store them in proper containers so that they are ready and available whenever the munchies strike.
If you are really pressed for time, you can even purchase many veggies already cut and cleaned. Although not quite as nutritious, they still offer many benefits and are the wiser choice over fast food or starchy snacks.
Make your own dips, choose healthy dressings, or sprinkle some tasty herbs and spices on top of your cut vegetables. You can even slice zucchini lengthwise and use in place of bread for sandwiches.
A raw vegetable diet can provide the boost you have been looking for.
If you are ready for positive change, visit the produce section of your supermarket or plant your own garden, and start adding fresh veggies to your daily menu plan.
Trina Cleary is the editor of Growing Raw a website dedicated to helping people choose the healthiest ways to grow and eat food. Ready to discover the 3 best veggies for losing weight in a raw vegetable diet?
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