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Author Jeremy Safron has a unique philosophy on food: Don't cook it. Safron, a pioneer in the raw-food movement, is out with a new book, The Raw Truth, which outlines the benefits of raw food. He writes that vital enzymes in our food that are eliminated during processing and heating can aid in digestion and provide energy and nutrition.
Safron has these tips for getting started on a raw diet:
Re-create. Get creative: Instead of your favorite angel-hair pasta, try substituting shredded zucchini to go with your marinara sauce.
Have a raw party. Hosting a potluck is a great way to introduce your family and friends to the raw-food concept and try new dishes.
Take it slow. For those of us raised on meat and potatoes, transitioning to a 100% raw diet can take up to three years. Dehydrated foods — such as dried fruits and herbs, which allow for a greater intake of nutrients — can help to ease the transition.
Get closer to your food. The closer you are to the source of your food, the fresher and more vital it is. Try contacting local farmers, checking out a farmers market or even growing food in your own yard.
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