Go Raw?

Eating raw is not my way of life although I did try it once on a bet with my lovely friends, Bo and Leah.

My husband and I had already decided we wanted to try eating raw so Bo and Leah bet us that we couldn’t stick to a raw food diet for 6 weeks while they tried a pescatarian diet. Bo thrives on harmless bets and will turn anything into a competition. As a matter of fact, this was one of many bets we got sucked into in the couple years we lived near them.

Although I didn’t fully adapt it to my way of life, I felt incredibly healthy eating this way – and not just your standard, loose weight on a diet healthy but healthy from the inside out. My body actually got rid of some of that stubborn fat that is oh-so-hard to loose.

I learned some really good tips along the way too that I still use regularly. For instance, I now buy raw cheddar cheese for the simple reason that it is delicious! I often serve it to guests and cannot tell you how many times they ask what kind of cheese it is.

Another staple that has become a mainstay in my routine is raw food smoothies. These guys are packed full of all things good and my body actually feels like it is thanking me as I pour one down. I use frozen fruit which makes the smoothie refreshingly cold and thick along with a combination of greens. Sometimes I use more than one type of fruit but cherry is my all time favorite! You can play with the combinations to find your own favorite. It’s a really easy way to bring healthy eating into your life without a lot of fuss.

In case you’re wondering, we tied the bet as both parties managed to stick to their guns – no doubt too stubborn to let the other win.

Raw Food Smoothie

1 banana

1 cup mixed fresh greens (kale, chard, collard greens, wheat grass, spinach, etc.)

1 cup frozen fruit (blueberries, blackberries, peaches, raspberries, cherries, mangos, etc.)

1 cup cold water

Toss it all in a blender and blend until smooth and thick.