Raw food is a recent “buzz word” and has gained in popularity. With movie stars such
as Alicia Silverstone, Woody Harrelson and Demi Moore (during Charlie’s Angels) showing
an interest, one could question if this a trend or does raw food provide adequate nutrition.
Incorporating more raw foods into your daily intake can aid in cleansing and detoxifying.
Adding more superfoods into your diet can benefit everyone whether interested in “going
raw” or just curious about ways to improve your health.
Attaining adequate nutrition on a 100% raw diet is possible and also requires attention
to detail and learning about the importance of a balanced diet to obtain all of the necessary
nutrients needed to thrive. It is also possible when transitioning to have gaps that can leave
you wanting more, hungry, and at risk for nutrient deficiencies. Experiment and taste any
superfood that sounds appealing. Some tips to remember during the taste test phase:
1. More is not better. Start with small amounts. These foods are nutrient dense and do
not require large amounts to benefit from eating them. Masking deficiencies can result if not
eaten as part of a balanced diet.
2. If you are taking medications, check with your doctor and healthcare practitioner to
learn of any contraindications. For instance, Coumadin dosage changes when more greens
are incorporated into the diet.
Some superfood suggestions (not inclusive of all superfoods) include:
1. Hempseed – high in digestible protein, Vitamin E, iron and omega 3 fatty acids. Can be
added to smoothies, eaten plain, put on a salad, make hemp milk, added into muffins and
baked goods. Buy a brand that is packaged well and store in a cool, dry place in a dark bottle
or with little to no exposure to light.
2. Goji berries – high in amino acids and contain all 8 essential amino acids (the ones our
body can’t make), high in trace minerals, iron, B vitamins and have been shown to have a
strengthening effect on the immune system.
3. Raw Cacao – high in magnesium and also contains iron and because it is chocolate, it
has that “bliss effect” for many people. It does contain some caffeine so those sensitive should
try it in moderation. Comes in different forms such as cacao nibs, powder and the actual
beans (which are a fruit). Can blend into smoothies, eat plain (start with a little can be
bitter), mix with agave, add to muffins or baked goods.
4. Spirulina has been shown to be 65% protein and again contains all 8 essential amino
acids. The protein has been predigested by algae making it easier for us to digest. It can be
mixed into smoothies, soups or hot cereal.
5. Blue Green Algae –high in antioxidants; helps minimize free radicals in our bodies.
6. Acai – a berry that is high in antioxidants. It also provides some omega fats. Great in
smoothies or like a fruit popsicle. Look for the frozen packets without sweetener.
Adding superfoods (found in many local Charlottesville locations as well as via the
internet and across the world) into our diets is a fun and easy way to improve our health. If
you would like to go beyond what I mention above, please
contact me for more specific
information and/or a
coaching program customized for you based on your individual needs.
