All About Raw

     The word "raw" is popping up everywhere now. The Raw Food Movement has recently garnered plenty of attention in the natural health industry. Many foodies have decided to turn off the stove and start eating raw. Health food stores are now carrying raw snacks and prepared raw foods. Raw food restaurants like Live and Rawlicious are thriving. So what exactly does RAW mean? Read on for the different categories that raw incorporates.

1. A Raw Food Diet is quickly moving from the fringe to the mainstream, and it refers to eating uncooked, unprocessed foods. The idea is that when food is heated above 118 degrees, valuable enzymes are destroyed, vitamins and minerals are lost, and  the food's nutritional value decreases. A raw food diet primarily consist of fruits, vegetables, legumes, sprouted grains, seeds, and nuts.While some people may choose to follow a strict raw food diet, many more health conscious individuals are choosing to incorporate elements of raw into their diet. Preparing raw meals can be both quick and easy, or multifaceted and challenging. If you are interested in eating more raw foods, there are many options. The next time you feel like experimenting in the kitchen, here are some raw recipes to try out.

2. Raw Vitamins are one of the newer ways to take your supplements. Raw vitamins are 100% active, raw-food created nutrients that still contain live probiotics and enzymes. The Vitamin Code makes these raw supplements, which include multivitamins and targeted nutrient formulas like Vitamin D and Vitamin B12. Check out this link for more information on this line. http://gardenoflife.com/ProductsforLife/THEVITAMINCODEsupsup/tabid/1368/Default.aspx 

3. Raw Skin Care is growing in popularity as more consumers are seeking out natural, chemical free skin care products safe for themselves and their family. Druide is one of the first companies to use a cold process technique to produce a raw product. When heat is not used, the healing benefits of the active ingredients increase. This makes the antioxidant value of ingredients like raw cocoa and rooibos more therapeutic, as they are being absorbed through your skin. The raw skin care line is called Karite, and in addition to powerful antioxidants, it is made of shea butter and essential oils. Come in to Vibrant Lifestyle to sample these raw creams, and to learn more information on the benefits of natural skin care.

      If you are interested in incorporating more RAW into your diet, Vibrant Lifestyle is here to help. We are carrying the entire RAW vitamin line, and have a large selection of raw, organic, whole food ingredients. We are also hosting our very own raw cooking classes! We will have a variety of classes to challenge either the existing raw foodies, as well as anyone new to all things raw! Sign up for Vibrant Points either in the store or on-line, and you will be on our mailing list for class announcements and dates.

Hope to see you soon,
Michelle:)