IN THE RAW:

Nature's Weight Loss Plan

Bikini season is here and folks are pouring into Bee Green Natural Foods Market asking about weight loss pills and magic "get slim quick" formulas.

With the number of obese people across the globe increasing rapidly, it should come as no surprise that this is the ultimate obsession for most people during this particular time of year.

When I tell them that we don't sell pills or gimmicks, but I can help them with a plan that will not only promote weight loss but will also most likely increase their energy and lift their spirits, they eagerly await to hear what rigid food restrictions I will place upon them.

Imagine their surprise when I tell them they can eat just about any amount of anything they want! They can even eat ICE CREAM PIE for breakfast! They have only one guideline to follow: what they eat must be raw, live, whole food! A raw vegan diet is one of the healthiest and most delicious ways to shed those extra pounds quickly.

You don't have to go 100% raw to see (and feel) the results. Organizations, such as Halleluiah Acres, suggest increasing your raw food intake to as high as 85%. However, there are many well known raw food enthusiasts that are happily living on a 100% raw vegan diet and their beauty (inside and out) were enough to make me take a second look.

Although, the raw food revolution may sound like a new idea to Southwest Georgia, it has been circulating mainstream for quite some time now.

Actresses with sleek figures, beautiful skin and abundant energy enjoy living, raw food. This list includes: Alicia Silverstone, Carol Alt, Susan Sarandon,and musician Cher.

Actually, weight loss is just one of the attractions to raw food. Once on the diet people report amazing health improvements such as: increased energy, clear skin and mental clarity.

Migraine headaches, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia symptoms have been reported as completely cured by some on the diet. Click on any raw food testimony site and you'll be amazed at the success stories.

This light bulb went off for me when I heard Raw Food Chef, Matt Amsden, compare eating cooked food to vacuuming your entire house without even plugging in the vacuum.

What that illustrated to me was, (considering that enzymes will be destroyed in food exposed to heat over 115 degrees) I'm buying food, prepping food, going through all of the work following recipes to cook, then serve, chew and consume this food that LACKS the ENERGY that my body needs. Which wasn't that the purpose of eating in the first place?

I had excellent weight loss results with being 100% Raw Vegan for 6 weeks. I am now eating an average of 50% to 70% raw. This is what works best for me and my family. I personally like to eat my food as close to the way nature intended.

I believe that God's manufacturing system is much better for my body than man's constant attempt at offering convenient food. Usually these experiments hold adverse results. A simple example would be peeling fruits and vegetables so they taste better and are easier to chew. In doing so we loose important vitamins, minerals and fiber. Not to mention that chewing has its own advantages: the more we chew, the better the mix of digestive juices with the food in our mouth. This reduces strain on our stomach.

If you are completely attached to cooked food or can't get adjusted to eating raw, allow yourself the time to develop the palate by increasing the amount of raw food on your plate at each meal.

A grilled chicken breast over a spinach salad packed with fresh veggies, sprouts and seeds are not only delicious but beautiful!

If you check out my recipe section, I have posted my secret recipe for ice cream pie for breakfast. We have free samples, recipes and all of the healthy ingredients to make it.

Check out our RAW FOOD class schedule to learn how to safely transition to a raw foods diet. We offer hands on learning and tasting in a cheery environment.

You'll be amazed at how alive you can feel with raw, living foods!