“I wish I had more energy”, is a frequent refrain and not only of the older generation; many children, teenagers and young adults in their twenties say the same. If you feel good, have abundant energy, clarity of mind and no allergies, then what you are doing is working for you, but if not, perhaps it’s time to look at what you are putting into your body (or not putting in) that is disrupting nature’s very simple process.

What is Raw?
To eat raw means eating food that has not been heated above 45°C (some say 42°, others say 47°). All raw foods come with their own enzymes which are used to digest them. If the enzymes are destroyed through heating over 42° we have to draw on digestive and other enzymes in our bodies that are used for building and repairing, and other metabolic functions. This means that cooked foods need more energy for digestion than they provide, whereas raw foods add more energy to our bodies. Heating food over 42° also destroys its life force.

We are all living, energetic beings, so we need the energy that a plant-based diet provides. If we eat food that is alive, we give our bodies the optimum nutrition needed to build and restore cells.

One can still eat cooked foods, but they should be prepared and combined in ways that make digestion and absorption of the cooked food easier. You don’t have to give up everything – adding a fresh vegetable juice daily will make a huge difference! Aim for 50% raw food at every meal - begin the meal with a salad or sprouts; a raw soup. Try eating one raw meal a day.

Why does Raw work?
Why should your daily intake of food consist of at least 50% raw vegan food? If you want to enjoy vibrant health and abundant energy, you have to look at what energises and de-energises you.

Eating cooked, especially heated fats and fried foods or processed and refined foods, depletes your body because every system is called on to deal with substances that were never designed to be ingested - that are very difficult to digest and assimilate - creating toxins that build up in your system and providing a lot of work for your liver.

Eating raw food direct from Nature’s pantry feeds your cells with all the nutrients they need, enabling systems and organs to function as nature intended. Instead of trying to repair the results of toxic substances in your body, your organs are able to devote themselves to maintaining and building.

Energy Generates Energy
Life on earth is all about energy. Without our source, the Sun, we could not survive - plants would not grow; we would not grow! It makes perfect sense then that if we eat dead, denatured food that lacks sun energy, we are unable to provide our bodies with the fuel needed to grow and thrive. In addition, much of the cooked and processed foods consumed today are full of chemicals, hormones and other substances that our bodies find difficult to digest. Consuming ‘dead’ food leaves us feeling de-energised and ‘dead’.

When we eat fresh food that has not been processed or refined, especially green leafy vegetables and ‘living’ foods, not only is our hunger satisfied, but we have energy for life. Sprouts, for example, are considered ‘living’ foods because they are still growing. These powerhouses of energy are the easiest, fastest vegetables to grow and contain the highest content of protein, vitamins and minerals, providing 10 to 30 times more nutrition than organically grown vegetables!

How easy is it?
Raw is simple. All you need is a sharp knife, chopping board, fresh vegetables (preferably organic and grown in your own garden), fruit, nuts and good fats (organic cold-pressed, like coconut oil, avocado, olive)

Do I need special equipment? If your budget allows, there is equipment that makes raw food preparation easier and quicker. Begin by throwing out the microwave, which depletes food of life and disturbs the molecular structure. Invest in a Super Blender; encourage family and friends to contribute towards a super blender for your birthday or Christmas.

What does a Raw diet include?
Think nuts and seeds, fruits and vegetables, sprouts, sea vegetables, wild vegetables and herbs, superfoods to name just a few.

But what will I eat?
Think fresh and delicious salads, vegetable spaghetti, soups both warm and cold, nuts and seeds, patés, veg chips, fruit and veg strips, flat breads, pizza, smoothies and juices, and sweet delights such as ice cream and fruit sorbets, puddings, chocolates, cakes, sweets and so much more.

By reducing/eliminating your intake of animal-derived foods, refined and processed grains and sugars and the bad fats in your daily diet, you will gain energy and vibrant health. You’ll also be able to say good-bye to common ailments like constipation and lack of energy, and allergies caused by food intolerance, while dramatically reducing the risk of degenerative diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc.

For more information and excellent resources visit www.rawworks.co.za or contact Serna on 082 579 0440 or email serna@telkomsa.net

Coming up in part 2: a closer look at ingredients and preparation; Serna shares 10 quick and really easy ways to get started on the road to better health, as well as two delicious recipes to try.

About Serna
Serna has been an Educationist for 30 years. She has extensive experience ranging from pre-Primary to High School and Teacher Training. In 2008 she had a life-changing experience when she began a 100% Raw Vegan diet. Her passion about sharing her knowledge and experiences with others led her to start Raw Works in 2010. She now dedicates her time to facilitating others on their journey to a healthier lifestyle.