THIS week, for one day, eat as much raw and living foods as possible. Why? Simply to experience the amazing benefits that come with eating raw. These foods are ‘alive’ with the most life-force energy within them, and as a result the most amount of nutrients. We see and understand this when we take the seeds of a food, like tomato, and plant it; after a while it will reproduce. Take the seeds of the same cooked tomato and it will not reproduce.

Raw and living foods include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, sea vegetables, grains, peas, beans, and legumes – most of which are plant-based and still contain living enzymes. Hopefully, by doing the one-day challenge, you will feel more alive, energised and healthy. It is just one day, however; if you have any concerns, be sure to consult your health practitioner first.

A common cause for many of the illnesses and diseases today is that we simply do not get the nutrients we need from our diets, because most of the foods we consume are cooked and/or highly refined and processed. Cooking food at high temperatures, refining and processing destroy vital nutrients, which our bodies need to function properly. All enzymes and most vitamins are extremely sensitive to heat and quickly destroyed by the cooking process. Too many of us are just not getting the essential nutrients found mostly in organic, raw foods.

In order to keep the immune system strong, especially in this time of the Chickungunya virus, we need to ensure that we are getting an abundance of nutrients in their whole state, daily. The modern world has brought us many conveniences and technological advances, however, today’s diet has regressed in terms of adequate nutrition – at a time when so much research has been brought to light about nutrition and its effects on the body, including the role it plays in disease prevention and healing.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Eating a diet consisting of mostly fresh, raw and living foods will totally transform your health on many levels, and will introduce a whole new world of taste, colour and well-being. Hopefully the experience will inspire you to add more days and make it a part of your lifestyle. The longer a person is on raw foods, the bigger the benefits. By the end of this one-day challenge, you may see or feel some or all of the following:

* More energy

* Clearer thoughts

* Cleaner colon

* Balanced emotions, less irritability/mood swings

* Better sleep

* Happier/positive mood upon waking next day

* Clearer eyes

* Fresher breath

* Less puffiness and bloating in face and body

* Approximate one-to-two-pound weight loss

WHAT TO EAT

The following is an example of a typical good day on raw and living foods. Bear in mind that there are countless dishes that could be enjoyed, but I have selected a few to inspire you and whet your appetite! Feel free to experiment with these ideas and research new recipe ideas of your own, and above all, have fun and enjoy your food. Also, be sure to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Breakfast

Coconut water, fresh *tropical fruits and oats (soaked oat groats) cereal with home-made vanilla almond milk, freshly squeezed or extracted fruit juice or green smoothie at mid-morning if still hungry. *(you could try papaya, banana and mango.)

Lunch

Large mixed salad with seasoned ackee or almond nut pâté and slices of avocado pear.

Snacks

Fresh local fruit of choice, coconut water, sugar cane, or dried fruit and nut mix

Dinner

Live veggie burger or balls, with organic mixed leaf salad with home-made dressing, seasoned wild rice and curried plantain

Dessert

Banana coconut cream pie

The above sample menu plan is loaded with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water, phytonutrients, fibre and is very alkalizing. Be prepared to be surprised by how full you will feel. You may find that by lunchtime you are completely satisfied and do not need to eat much for the rest of the day.

SHOPPING FOR FRESH PRODUCE

As much as possible, try to choose produce that has been organically grown – without the use of pesticides, herbicides, artificial fertilizers, or growth-stimulating chemicals. Organic produce can be found in many markets around the island and in some supermarkets. My favourite spot for local organic foods is Ujiima Farmers Market every second and fourth Saturday of the month at 22 Barbican Road in Kingston.

WHERE TO EAT

For many, the excuse will be that they just don’t have the time to prepare any kind of food. News flash: The truth is most raw food dishes are even faster to prepare than cooked food options because you do not have the stove cooking time involved.

However, help is at hand for those who really cannot find the time it takes to prepare a healthy and satisfying meal. With raw and living food options becoming more popular, there is an increasing number of places to enjoy a healthful raw food meal. If you’re in Kingston you could try Mi Hungry in the Courtyard, also known as The Marketplace; Just Salads at 9-11 Phoenix Avenue; and my favourite place Tehuti Café at 21-23 Holborn Road, New Kingston. And if you are more north of the island, be sure to visit Adwa Vegetarian Restaurant at Shop 42 City Centre, Montego Bay, St James, for the bi-weekly delicious raw food brunch and open mic poetry afternoons.

HEALTHY TIP

Remember when selecting your produce, look for vegetables and fruits that are at the peak of ripeness. These will have a higher water content and more nutritional value, such as vitamins and enzymes, than the foods that are underripe or overripe. Also, try to avoid foods that have been stored for a long time; typically the longer a food is stored, the more nutrients it loses.

CAUTION

There are some who may find that raw and living foods do not agree with them. If this is the case, try steaming your vegetables very lightly.

Bena Nakawuki is an internationally trained and certified raw food teacher, wellness coach and editor. She is currently the only certified member of the International Association of Raw Food Coaches and Teachers in Jamaica. She is the owner of The Lotus Line and may be contacted at TheLotusLine@gmail.com, www.facebook.com — The Lotus Line of Natural Health Products and Services, and twitter.com/TheLotusLine.