Raw Food Basics

This Sunday, I will be teaching a Raw Foods class at Bread and Yoga in Inwood, NYC.  So what are raw foods?  Just by the name, it doesn't sound super appealing, however there are many ways to make raw foods interesting!  I would also like to say that I do not eat a 100% raw food diet.  I simply like to incorporate some raw foods into each of my meals.  So lets talk about the philosophy behind eating raw foods:

Raw foods are foods that have not been heated above 117 degrees Fahrenheit. This usually means uncooked foods, or more specifically, foods in their natural state that are safe to eat raw, which are fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.  This doesn't just mean you are eating a handful of seeds here,and an apple there.  There are many ways to combine raw foods to create interesting and tasty meals.  For example, this is what we will be making in my class this Sunday:

Zucchini Rollups with Pine Nut “Ricotta”
Sunflower Seed Falafel with Smoked Paprika Tahini
Sprouted Quinoa and Kale Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
Raw Oatmeal Breakfast Bowl
Banana Cream Pie

If you are interested in learning the basics with some great recipes, you can sign up here.

The idea behind incorporating raw foods into your diet is this:  Simply by the nature of food not being heat-treated, it is full of everything that enabled it to sprout and grow in the first place – life force, enzymes, water, oxygen, hormones, vitamins and minerals. Raw Foodists believe that foods cooked above 117 degrees have lost their enzymes and thus a significant amount of their nutritional value whereas uncooked foods provide living enzymes and proper nutrition.

I find it a lot easier to incorporate raw foods into my diet as the weather gets warmer.
There is a lot more produce to choose from, and my need for comfort foods diminishes.  

Let me know if you have any questions! I'd be happy to answer them for you :)

-Deniz, The Chef in the City