Getting started on the raw foods diet takes some preparation, but if you think switching to a raw nutrition diet is difficult, it is not.
Uncooked foods are starting to become more popular than ever as more people art starting to realize the benefits, but it can be a little trying for the raw food newbie to get started easily.
Developing the Raw Vegan Mindset First is getting your mind prepared for the switch.
If you have been a heavy meat eater, you do not have to make the switch all at once.
You can try switching "cold turkey", but if it seems a little overwhelming to change your diet to 75% raw unprocessed foods immediately, you can start incorporating uncooked foods into your diet gradually.
An easy way to build up to the appropriate level is to work in phases.
The first phase is to build up to 25% raw foods, then once you are comfortable with that, increase to 50%.
Finally, you can make the last step to 75% and above.
By incorporating these three phases, it allows you to become more comfortable with raw foods on an ongoing basis and decreases your chances of quitting the diet.
The goals are much more attainable than if you were to try a complete switch.
Environmental Preparation First you will need a go-to place to get your food.
For the best quality and prices you should check out your local farmers' markets.
Gourmet grocery stores and Asian supermarkets are usually good sources of fresh organic produce, as well as other types of unprocessed foods.
Even the mainstream supermarkets are starting to catch up with the times and are increasing their organic selections.
Here is a good source of raw foods to start with you can purchase at your favorite place: fresh vegetables fresh fruits nuts and seeds beans sprouted grains sprouted legumes herbs mushrooms healthy oils spices natural sweeteners Next you will need to have your kitchen prepared.
When starting the raw vegan diet, you can get by with basic appliances like a blender, food processor,and a juicer.
Eventually you will want a good set of kitchen knives, as you will be doing a lot of cutting of raw fruits and vegetables which are quite fibrous, so cheap knives will wear out quickly.
Also you may want to invest in a water purifier if the water quality in your area is not the best.
This will cut down on costs from having to purchase bottled water.
Food Preparation Now that you've gone shopping and have the necessary appliances, it's time to get started with your meals.
I'm sure you are probably wondering how to prepare a full meal made solely from raw foods.
You will probably want to get a hold of a recipe book or find some online.
Also it never hurts to experiment.
You may discover something you love you might not have found in a recipe book.
Experiment with new foods and creations - play around with some recipes to suit your tastes.
A great recipe book for people new to raw foods is called Raw Food Made Easy For 1 or 2 People by Jennifer Cornbleet.
This covers recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even desserts!
Uncooked foods are starting to become more popular than ever as more people art starting to realize the benefits, but it can be a little trying for the raw food newbie to get started easily.
Developing the Raw Vegan Mindset First is getting your mind prepared for the switch.
If you have been a heavy meat eater, you do not have to make the switch all at once.
You can try switching "cold turkey", but if it seems a little overwhelming to change your diet to 75% raw unprocessed foods immediately, you can start incorporating uncooked foods into your diet gradually.
An easy way to build up to the appropriate level is to work in phases.
The first phase is to build up to 25% raw foods, then once you are comfortable with that, increase to 50%.
Finally, you can make the last step to 75% and above.
By incorporating these three phases, it allows you to become more comfortable with raw foods on an ongoing basis and decreases your chances of quitting the diet.
The goals are much more attainable than if you were to try a complete switch.
Environmental Preparation First you will need a go-to place to get your food.
For the best quality and prices you should check out your local farmers' markets.
Gourmet grocery stores and Asian supermarkets are usually good sources of fresh organic produce, as well as other types of unprocessed foods.
Even the mainstream supermarkets are starting to catch up with the times and are increasing their organic selections.
Here is a good source of raw foods to start with you can purchase at your favorite place: fresh vegetables fresh fruits nuts and seeds beans sprouted grains sprouted legumes herbs mushrooms healthy oils spices natural sweeteners Next you will need to have your kitchen prepared.
When starting the raw vegan diet, you can get by with basic appliances like a blender, food processor,and a juicer.
Eventually you will want a good set of kitchen knives, as you will be doing a lot of cutting of raw fruits and vegetables which are quite fibrous, so cheap knives will wear out quickly.
Also you may want to invest in a water purifier if the water quality in your area is not the best.
This will cut down on costs from having to purchase bottled water.
Food Preparation Now that you've gone shopping and have the necessary appliances, it's time to get started with your meals.
I'm sure you are probably wondering how to prepare a full meal made solely from raw foods.
You will probably want to get a hold of a recipe book or find some online.
Also it never hurts to experiment.
You may discover something you love you might not have found in a recipe book.
Experiment with new foods and creations - play around with some recipes to suit your tastes.
A great recipe book for people new to raw foods is called Raw Food Made Easy For 1 or 2 People by Jennifer Cornbleet.
This covers recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even desserts!