LFRV

L = low

F = fat

R = raw

V = vegan

Eating raw means consuming food in its most natural state. Without any heat, all the nutrients and enzymes in food are able to stay intact. Raw foods are uncooked, unprocessed, and consist of whole foods from nature such as fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, and sprouts.

Heating above 118 degrees lowers the nutritional benefit. Eating raw is the best way to get to most nutrients our of your food while keeping it in its natural state. Simply stated, you get the most bang for your buck. When you eat raw, you get all the natural enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants out of your food. All the health benefits remain in the food, and your body is able to absorb these nutrients. Ever noticed how cooked food can leave you feeling tired and heavy? Instead of using up your energy to digest, raw food is quickly absorbed into your body for immediate energy and satisfaction. Believe me, try eating 100% raw and you will quickly notice the difference.

I've learned that raw food does not have to be boring. In fact, its the opposite. I'm able to eat all the colorful fruits and veggies that I want - and there are more options than I ever thought possible. If I'm craving something warm, like a soup, I can heat the food mildly. To make cookies, breads, crackers, and other treats, use a dehydrator or your oven (just don't let the oven temperature get above 110 degrees). There is an abundance of food choices that will not only taste delicious, but will leave you vibrant and healthy. Food should be something that benefits us, sustains us, heals us - not something that weighs us down.

In this blog, I'll share with you many raw recipes to help you on your veggie adventure. Even though I am not 100% raw vegan, I follow the 80/10/10 diet for most of what I consume. LFRV stands for low-fat-raw-vegan symbolizing that these meals meet the 80/10/10 diet requirements for a balanced meal. I have found that this diet has dramatically enhanced the quality of my life. I no longer deal with asthma, migraines, allergies, seasonal drepression, sleeplessness, nauseau, or that afternoon slump. Instead, I feel energized, happy, and healthy everyday.

Liz