LIKE IT RAW? 20 Sep 2012

What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of raw food? Sushi right? Platters of ngiri and sashimi and makki floating through your brain? Yum! While some sushi is definitely raw, for those who practice raw foodism or rawism (consuming uncooked, unprocessed, and organic foods as a large percentage of one's diet), the definition of raw encompasses much more than that. Did you know that cooked ingredients are still considered raw as long as they haven't been heated beyond 115 degrees Fahrenheit? And just like with a conventional diet, there a few different types of raw foodism--raw veganism (no animal products at all), raw vegeterianism (dairy/eggs, sometimes fish and poultry), and a raw animal foods diet (includes some raw meats).

There is a lot of controversy surrounding the raw food movement. Raw foodists believe that heating and processing foods destroys their living enzymes, negating their nutrional value, and in some cases (overcooked meat) can even make certain foods harmful to our bodies. On the other hand, some nutritionists say that studies have shown little difference between the nutritional content of raw and cooked foods.

One thing we can definitely agree on at Lithe? That local, unprocessed, organic foods--raw or otherwise--are  delicious! There is something that just feels great about drinking a smoothie you know is simply a handful of fruits and veggies exactly as they appear in nature.

So, if you find yourself curious about raw food and can't seem to keep the burner at 115 degrees in your own kitchen, Lithe Foods has a few options for you to choose from.

Lithe Greenie, Basic Green Smoothie, Green Apple Cider Smoothie (remember any smoothie with soy, almond, or coconut milks are not considered raw since the milks are heated during processing) Raw Cheesecakes, Lithe Brownie, Citrus Beet Salad.

Stay tuned to the blog on Monday to see the unveiling of our Fall Detox Menu for the raw items it offers too!