Get Inspired – 21 Ideas to Stay High-Raw in the Winter!

Monday, October 19th, 2009 at 12:11 pm

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First, for general tips and inspiration on going raw, make sure you definitely check out this page here.

Don’t get me wrong when you read the title—I’m not a perfect raw vegan foodist, so I definitely don’t think it’s a crime to eat cooked food.  On occasion, and especially during the winter, I like to incorporate some steamed veggies, quinoa, and even lentils into my diet.  I think these are healthy and tasty foods, especially compared to overeating nut butters and cacao.  But I do try to keep cooked foods to a minimum – only with dinner or every other day.  And no packaged stuff.

I think it would be worthwhile though to provide some tips to help all of us “go and stay high-raw” in the winter. Please add your own suggestions in the comments below!

P.S. Gabriel Cousens did a research study in Alaska and found that 95% of the raw foodists there were successful in staying raw throughout the year.  So there’s hope even for those of us living in places like Chicago :)

  1. Remember the benefits or raw foods, especially in the winter: strengthened immune system (means less getting sick), more energy when everyone else is lethargic, less or none of that winter and holiday weight gain, no peeling or cracking skin, better mood and emotional health (making you less susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder. You might even be less cold this winter because you’re body is running more efficiently!
  2. Have some good herbal tea and stevia on hand.  If you’re feeling chilly at work or at home, heat up some water using a tea kettle and sip away!
  3. On that note, carry some tea bag packets and a small stevia bottle in your purse or backpack to use when you’re out and about and feeling cold (and are tempted to order some naughty cooked food).
  4. Add warming spices to your dishes such as ginger, cinnamon, cayenne, turmeric, onion, garlic, etc.
  5. Add warming superfoods into your diet such as Maca Powder and Noni Juice (such as Island Fire Noni Juice).
  6. Wear thicker clothing and apply cayenne pepper directly onto the soles of your feet and under your socks to really warm you up!
  7. Go ahead—make that hot chocolate! Just use raw chocolate power, some warm to hot water, stevia (liquid chocolate and/or liquid vanilla crème), some coconut oil or cashews (optional), and blend!
  8. Make some raw soup and warm it up in the dehydrator at 150 degrees for 10 minutes (it won’t get above 118 degrees) OR heat lightly in a pan on the stove.  Remember, 118 degrees feels pretty hot when you put your finger in.  Keep a thermometer nearby if you want to be really sure.
  9. Warm up your plates on the stove before putting the food on it.
  10. Experiment with some fun new winter-friendly raw food recipes.  I like these here.
  11. Lighten up on the fruit and go for more greens.  This will keep you a bit warmer too.  Buy a new raw food recipe book and experiment!
  12. If you are going to eat some cooked foods or even just steamed veggies, eat them with a raw salad so none of your meals are only cooked foods.  Get those enzymes in!
  13. Add in extra fresh ginger to your green juices for increased circulation and heat.
  14. Get more exercise, especially when you’re feeling sluggish or eating more than you usually do.
  15. Get some indoor exercise equipment such as hand weights, a jump rope, yoga DVDs, a rebounder, or a stability ball.  I’m using all of these along with my Noblerex K-1 :)
  16. Try and stick with seasonal foods- root veggies, squash, pumpkin, zucchini, etc.
  17. Host or attend some local holiday raw food potlucks so you don’t feel deprived of the holiday food spirit!
  18. Do a fall detox if you’re feeling it.  The Fall is great for detoxing the lungs and large intestines.
  19. Get some phone numbers of like-minded people to help you stay focused on your goals.
  20. Eat more sprouts, another warming food.  Order a sprouting kit online and begin growing and eating your own sprouts. This saves you lots of money too :). I recommend the Easy Sprout from http://www.sproutpeople.com/
  21. Read idea #1 again and rejoice!

Take joy in the season and in your company and have the best Fall and Winter ever!

Question of the Day: What are some tips you think would help other raw fooders get through the cold season?

P.S.  Blessed Herbs is having a Fall Sale now until Dec. 6th.  20% off with the Coupon Code Fall 20


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0 Comments Posted by Lenette Nakauchi on Monday, October 19, 2009 at 12:11 pm.

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