Going Raw and Getting Healthy- Step 1

Want to start on the raw food diet but don't know where to start? I know how confusing it can be to embark on the "raw" journey. You hear of people going 100% raw overnight, never to look back. This is not how it is for most of us though. For me it was more like one step forward, two steps back. I already ate pretty healthy but I just wanted to step up my game, do some detoxing, and have more energy. It's actually easier than you think, you just need to take it a step at a time. I am going to do a little series on my blog to break down the process step by step. Through trial and error, I have found this to be the easiest way to incorporate healthier foods into my life. ( full disclosure: I am not 100% raw although I hover around 75%. I feel it is better to have healthy whole foods (cooked or not) when feeding a family of 7. This is what works for me and I encourage you to find what works for you. It is not all or nothing!Make it fun!)

Step 1 is food (so-called) you should completely eliminate from your diet. You will increase your health immensely just by eliminating these substances!

1. sugar, (this one is tough! ) replace your white stuff with stevia or raw honey if you have to have a sweetner.
2. flour products
3. fast foods
4. processed foods (any packaged food)
5. artificial sweetners/chemicals
6. alcohol
7. caffeine
8. gluten (if you feel you have an allergy)
9. dairy and eggs if you feel you have an allergy ( we drink raw milk in our home)
10.meat (especially if you can't get organic, hormone, antibiotic free. if you don't want to give it up completely then at least keep it to a minimum)
11. refined oils and hydrogenated fats (cold-pressed olive oil is best)

*If you are unsure about the allergies to dairy, eggs and gluten, then eliminate them for two weeks then slowly add them back in individually and see how your body reacts.

Use the rest of this week to get your fridge  and pantry cleaned out of all these items because the next step is to go shopping for the right foods.

My hope is that this will help you get healthy or at least thinking about it. Eventually action is necessary and I want to show you how easy this lifestyle can be. 100% raw is not necessary to be healthy but the more raw fruits and veggies you can eat, the better. You will love the way you look and feel! Commit to your health, you deserve it!

Blessings,
Christy

An Apple a Day, Keeps The Dr. Away!

Here are ten reasons to eat apples:

1. The apple's pulp contains pectin, a soluble form of fiber. Pectin soothes and coats the lining of the intestinal tract when one has diarrhea, in addition to adding bulk to the stool.

2. Apple pectin is effective against several types of bacteria known to cause diarrhea such as salmonella, staphylococcus, and e. coli.

3. Due to its high fiber content, it is effective at relieving constipation.

4. The high fiber/pectin helps to reduce blood cholesterol.

5. Apples contain flavonoids which are antioxidants that help prevent cell damage that leads to the narrowing of the arteries, which in turn leads to heart disease.

6. Pectin binds to certain cancer causing compounds in the colon, speeding their elimination from the body.

7. The flavonoids in the apples help prevent cell damage that cause many cancers.

8. Studies have shown apple pectin to reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

9. European studies show apple pectin to eliminate lead, mercury, and other toxic heavy metals from the body.

10. Apple's leaves contain an antibiotic called phloretin that is effective in wound healing.

Now, go eat an apple!

* one little note of caution: apple seeds contain a powerful poison called cyanide. So please, don't eat the seeds!

Hope you're having a beautiful Fall!

Christy

Nice To Meet You!

Hi everybody in blogland! I want to introduce myself and get this blog rolling. My name is Christy and I love my sweet hubby and our 5 children (ages 22 months-17 years!). I can't live without yoga and RAW FOOD is my passion! It is my mission in life to get the word out that good health is available to all. You've just got to have the right information and a community of like-minded supportive people.

This blog will mostly pertain to raw food, healthy parenting, and living YOUR best life! So I hope you will join me on this journey. I would love to hear from you so leave a comment or drop me an email!

Your friend in health and happiness,
Christy