Raw Foods

In our world of health, food is our medicine. If you're not eating at least 40% raw foods, your body will lack nutrients and enzymes in order to work properly. During the retreats, we serve gourmet meals with organic raw foods. A raw food diet will increase your performance in almost any field of endeavor. If you are a singer, you'll sing better. If you are an athlete you'll be faster and have more endurance. If you are a writer you'll think more clearly. If you are a Minister or Priest you'll be deeper in tune spiritually and have more energy. It doesn't matter who you are, the raw food diet will improve your life.

The transition to a raw food diet must be intentional and organized with knowledgeable support. Food addictions are the most difficult to overcome because we must eat. In addition to addictions to food, we also have formed emotional attachments to certain food. It is important to satisfy the emotional and the physical body. When the physical and emotional body is nourished, addictions can be overcome for good.

Let's face it, we have a lot of good memories and emotions attached to food. One of my fondest childhood memories is Sunday dinner. A typical southern dinner consisting of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, string beans with bacon and potatoes, hot-water cornbread and plenty of Kool-Aid. Although this may not have been the healthiest meal, it was prepared with lots of love and good intentions. The transition should not be strenuous. Balance is the key.

A diet that includes whole, ripe, raw organic fruits and vegetables, sprouted nuts, seeds, and grains can greatly contribute to achieving optimum health.

Eating these life-giving foods helps to alkalize the body, a key factor in building excellent health. When the body is in an alkaline state, it is better able both to absorb nutrients and to expel toxins more efficiently. The SAD (Standard American Diet) of meat, bread, dairy products, processed/cooked foods, caffeine, and alcohol creates an acidic state in the body, which contributes to a variety of health problems. Whole raw foods are also rich in phytonutrients, enzymes, and antioxidants. Research suggests that phytonutrients may help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes. Phytonutrients may also help slow the aging process and enhance eyesight and brain function.

The human body requires enzymes to digest food. Each type of raw food contains its own naturally occurring enzymes designed to help break down that particular food. Sprouted (germinated) nuts, seeds, and grains are living foods. When nuts, seeds, or grains are soaked, enzyme inhibitors are removed, and germination can occur. Germinated foods are easier to digest because the availability of enzymes is increased, enhancing the life force and vitality in the food, and making all of the nutrients readily available and easier to assimilate. Other important keys to health are pure water, sleep, rest, exercise, laughter, and love!

Here is some of what we will teach you at the retreats and at local community gatherings:

      - Soaking and Sprouting (Beans,  Seeds, Nuts, Grains)
      - Blended Foods (Nut Milks, Smoothies, Soups, Stews, Pate's, etc.)
      - Fermented Foods (Sauerkraut, Rejuvelac, Seed Cheese, Yogurt)
      - Nutrition discussions on proteins, carbohydrates,  fats, and water.
      - Sauces and Dressings
      - Nut meats
      - Equipment
      - Kale chips
      - Pizza (including crust, cheese, sauce and toppings)
      - The Six Tastes
      - Food Substitutions
      - Bread and Crackers
      - Food Storage
      - Food Security