Raw Food 101

Get Ready to RAWk!

With summer just around the corner there are so many delicious and nutritious fruits and vegetables that are coming into season.  I get so excited when I think about all of the colours and flavours!  With such an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, summer is the perfect time to incorporate RAW food into your diet.

RAW Food Isn't Just for Rabbits

Many people associate RAW food with eating salads or carrot sticks and celery.  Technically speaking, RAW food simply means any food that hasn't been heated above 115 degrees.  There's some disagreement about the exact temperature, but most people believe anywhere from 105 to 118 degrees.  This means that you can still enjoy warm soups and heated food in the winter, while still eating RAW!

RAW food is for everybody!  This doesn't mean that you need to eat RAW 100% of the time, but it is something that you should incorporate into your diet on a regular basis.  RAW foods contains active enzymes (which are unfortunately destroyed when we cook food).  These enzymes help with every single chemical reaction that happens in your body.  We're only born with a limited amount of these enzymes, so it's important to supplement your body with them.

Interested in learning more?   Join me on Sunday, June 10th from 1:00 - 3:30pm and learn how to make some fabulous dishes including spaghetti Bolognese, kale chips, flax crackers and ranch dip as well as a chocolate cheez cake. Mmmmmmm....

Spots are limited so register soon!

Hooray for Hemp! (And a Hemp Pesto Recipe)

Packing 10 grams of protein and 2.5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids in only 3 tbsp of seeds, hemp truly is a hero!  The protein in hemp seeds contain all 10 essential amino acids (the building blocks of our cells), and the omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation in our bodies.


Another type of fat found in hemp seeds is an omega-6 fatty acid called gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which helps with cardiovascular issues, healthy cholesterol levels, and hormonal balance.


Hemp is also rich in iron, vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B6 (pyridoxine), folate, magnesium, and zinc.  All of these vitamins and minerals play various roles in helping our body maintain healthy digestion, energy levels, muscular functioning, and boosting our immunity.


The best thing about hemp is that it is so easy to incorporate into your daily diet!  You can find hemp seed butter, hemp seed protein powders, hemp seed trail mixes, and so much more in local health food and grocery stores.


Even simple hemp seeds can be "hidden" into your daily eating patterns.  Just one bag of hemp seeds will go a long way to improving your health: sprinkle them on your toast, cereal, salads, pastas, rice-dishes.  Add a handful into your muffins mixes.  Stir them into your soups or sauces.  Throw them on top of a pizza.  I add a few tablespoons into an omelet instead of cheese, because they provide a really creamy texture.  Toss a bit into a shake or smoothie for added creaminess.


Hemp seeds are versatile, and even though I use them in so many different ways, I have to admit that my absolute favourite way of using them is in a pesto recipe, where the hemp seeds replace pine nuts.  Not only is this more cost-effective - it actually tastes better, and is more nutritious!


This pesto recipe is thick and creamy.  I put it on top of pastas, use it as a sandwich spread, dip veggies in it, spread it over baked chicken - it is incredibly versatile.


Enjoy this hemp pesto recipe!  Feel free to add in even more basil than what the recipe calls for - not only is it delicious, it is also a digestive, an anti-bacterial agent, high in chlorophyll and high in anti-oxidants.

Pesto Alfredo Sauce

Makes approx 3 1/2 cups

2 cups hemp seeds

1 cups olive oil

2-3 garlic cloves, crushed

2 lemons, juiced

1 cup basil (firmly packed), chopped

sea salt & pepper, to taste

Place all ingredients in blender.  Slowly increase speed until on "high" or "puree."  Blend until creamy and smooth.