I am really enjoying my new Blendtech Blender and I can feel that my body loves the addition of more raw foods.  Increasing my raw food intake has helped my digestive system function more efficiently and I’ve felt more energized.  An added benefit has been comments about how good my skin looks J.

If you struggle with weight control, eating more raw foods will help you because the high fiber and water content in raw foods will help you to feel full and not overeat.  Overall raw foods are lower in calories and richer in nutritional content, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants.  This will improve your health and wellbeing.  Our bodies crave this good nutrition and respond with increased mental focus, energy and glowing skin.

Research studies on raw food diets report positive results on the immune system, allergies, hypertension, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis as well as increased weight loss.

So how do you get started? Go slow, research, become informed and plan accordingly.  Search the Internet and educate yourself.  Here’s a comprehensive website and there are many more to view. http://www.wikihow.com/Go-on-a-Raw-Food-Diet

An easy and enjoyable way to start is to purchase a good blender that is equipped to break the cell walls in the food to release the nutrients in the most beneficial way.  There are two excellent blenders that can do this, Blendtec and Vitamix.  I chose Blendtec because it is more compact, fits under my counter and because if the 3-horsepower engine.  You can easily research them and choose one that meets your needs.  Here’s a link to a demonstration of both blenders. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO7bkHxiQEM

Each morning I have a smoothie that includes fruits and vegetables.  For example, this morning my smoothie included, (all raw and organic) beets, celery, broccoli, carrots, spinach, basil, rosemary, ginger, cilantro, mint, banana, apple, pear, orange, pineapple, raspberry blueberry, protein powder, water and unsweetened cranberry juice.  It was delicious! I know this is a lot of ingredients, and you don’t have to use this many.  I’ve found that I love the variety and it feels so good knowing I’m eating healthy.  Here are some recipe sites. http://renegadehealth.com/blog/2007/09/10/awesome-raw-smoothie-recipes-from-the-raw-food-world-summit/ and http://www.thebestofrawfood.com/green-smoothie-recipe-2.html

Adding a raw food smoothie to your daily meals may just provide you with the support you need to improve your overall wellbeing.  Enjoy and post your recipes!