Raw Food: What Can I Eat?
One of the best things about writing a blog on raw food is getting comments and emails. It helps me to realize that when I send my raw food recipes and posts off into the blogosphere, YOU are out there reading and benefiting from them! So, comment and email away!
A lot of the questions that I get asked by email revolve around what you “can” and “can’t” eat. The first thing I want to say is that you can eat anything you want. I am not here to tell you what to do. I am here to provide you with healthy, nutrient dense options that are fun to eat! What you choose to eat is what is important. It’s all about being present and being empowered. If you are present, you will make better choices. Making better choices empowers you! When you are empowered, you make better choices and are more present! See how that works?
That being said, you want to make sure you are getting a balanced diet. If you have been here for a while, you know that I am a huge fan of green drinks and start almost every morning with them. I am assured that I get a big serving of greens, a healthy dose of fruit (you can combine greens and fruit) and what ever else I decide to throw in, be it a handful of nuts, chia, etc. It is a great way to start the day. I use organic greens in these.
As the rest of the day unfolds, I just pay attention to balancing what I am eating. Mostly I listen to my body. If I need something a little more filling, I will grab a piece of flat bread and top it with avocado, greens and tomato. Salads can be very filling, especially if topped with sprouted lentils, etc. As the weather gets colder, I am experimenting with warm soups, and heartier dishes like the potato pancakes. The zucchini wraps can be very versatile and used with a number of fillings. I often use tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers and avocado. There are so many to choose from!
If I need a snack, one of 
my favorites is the raw, vegan cashew cheese combined with a flat bread. Be aware that there is more fat in this because of the cashews so it will be higher in calories than an apple. Use common sense, be aware.
The same thing can be said for desserts. I have a sweet tooth and enjoy eating raw desserts. I do not eat them every day, and when I do eat them, I don’t sit down and eat a whole pie. Just because it is made from healthy ingredients, doesn’t mean it should be a substitute for your veggies!
I love your questions and comments so please keep them coming. I will keep the recipes and information flowing! One last note: I recently wrote for a local Minneapolis Food Blog, Simple, Good and Tasty. This blog focuses on local, sustainable and organic. You can see the article by clicking on this link: Simple Good and Tasty.
jerrine wrote on March 23, 2010
Could you tell me whether the various marinades and rubs used in raw recipes do what is necessary to make foods such as sweet potato (that aren’t supposed to be eaten raw) safe?
Leighann Garber wrote on November 8, 2009
Oh gosh, that top picture looks good. I’m craving beets right now (when I learned about raw food, I ate big chunks of them all the time. They had something I was missing in other food). But I can only find some weird, packaged cooked or pickled ones here in France. yuck.
Eco Mama wrote on October 23, 2009
WOW. Gorgeous!!!
xo
Eco Mama
pure2raw twins wrote on October 23, 2009
Great information. I totally agree. You need to find balance with yourself… I am still in the journey of finding that for me. Though, I have been increases my greens (smoothies) to help me get back to being balance. I love my greens!!
Josh wrote on October 23, 2009
hi thanks for the post. i’m just starting out raw and am finding it easy to eat basic stuff but the more research i do the more i think i need to add things like cacao powder, goji berries, maca, hemp, bee pollen and chaga mushrooms. do you get into these? are these superfoods vital for a well balanced raw diet? right now i’m doing the basics. greens, sprouting, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. oh and i’m LOVING it!
Susan wrote on October 23, 2009
I do add quite a few of the things that you mentioned in. Mostly because I am interested in keeping things varied and I am always interested in things that can add to what we are eating. Do I think they are absolutely necessary? No. But why not especially if you can get something out of them.
Pam wrote on October 23, 2009
Very nice post and photo!