Raw Energy: Eat raw, live longer

Brenda Richter

It begins with enzymes, chlorophyll, eating simply and sleeping well, drinking pure water and the power of our thoughts. How does one start this journey or overcome habits?

Raw fruits and vegetables contain the living elements that give you life. Green smoothies are a great start to eating healthier because they are easy, tasty, satisfying, versatile, portable and very kid friendly. Kids are so impressionable, and planting a seed of this nature will reap rewards in the months and years to come. Children are open to trying these things in the right circumstance, but the long-term change should include the whole family.

Green smoothies are simply a fruit smoothie with greens added to them, such as celery, parsley, romaine lettuce, spinach or kale. Start with 60 percent fruit and 40 percent greens, and you wont even notice the taste of the greens. As you continue making green smoothies, increase the amount of greens. The darker the green, the more nutritious it is.

Kale is highly nutritious; however, it may be something you will work up to or use in smaller amounts initially if you are not used to consuming a lot of greens as some may find it to be bitter.

Blending helps break down the fiber, but works as a broom in your system. Smoothies are easier on the digestive system, and leave you with more energy, versus foods you would chew. Morning time is ideal for smoothies when the body is in cleansing mode and wants to spend less time working to digest food; however, they are wonderful as snacks as well.

Many question the value of changing their diet and making healthier choices to enjoy a better quality of life and to live longer. The pleasure gained from bad habits is over-estimated, and the rewards from healthy living are typically underestimated. Healthful eating adds more to your life than extra years. Eating at least 50 percent raw fruits and vegetables allows you to wake up in the morning full of energy, and to experience the value of how amazing it feels to be healthy. An incredible and awesome feeling. Healthful living has its rewards in the HERE and NOW.

Be optimistic, raw foods taste great and are incredible for you! Learn more, attend a FREE Why Raw? talk at 10 a.m., April 25, at Vitamins N More, 1627 N. Alpine, Rockford. Pre-register by April 23. Raw Food classes are available. Contact Raw Energy at (815) 543-1207 or by e-mail to myrawenergy@yahoo.com to register or request a schedule.

Brenda Richter is a graduate of Living Light Culinary Arts Institute, where she received her certification as a Raw Culinary Arts associate chef and instructor. Brenda is passionate about sharing the living foods lifestyle with others, and now teaches raw culinary arts classes in the Rockford and the surrounding area.

from the April 15-21, 2009, issue