Eating living foods changed my health and my life as a whole. All of our health successes and problems start in the gut – I discovered that the key to living a more energized life depended on what I was eating, which is when I started to implement raw and living foods into my diet. If you’re anything like me, going to the grocery store can feel like a chore. Farmers markets have given me the comfort of knowing I'm fueling my body with the most whole and local produce and making grocery shopping that much more exciting.
Even if you’re shopping at your local grocery store, the best thing you can do for your body (and the planet) is learn to incorporate local raw & living foods and juices into your daily life. Here’s why:
Raw and living foods are fruits, veggies, sprouted nuts and seeds, and fermented/cultured foods. These foods are rich in essential nutrients, enzymes, and antioxidants that can help improve digestion, increase energy levels, and promote overall health and well-being. Eating raw and living foods can also bring a greater sense of connection to the earth and its natural cycles, as we consume foods in their purest, most natural state. By nourishing our bodies with these nutrient-dense foods, we can support our physical and mental health and cultivate a deeper connection to ourselves and ultimately our earth.
Implementing this daily can be as simple as a daily juice or a chia pudding. These are my go to’s that require minimal prep.
Daily Energizing Juice
Prep: 5-10 mins
Juicing is a great way to hydrate, remineralize, and get other essentials like vitamins, enzymes, and cofactors into the body. My preference is first thing in the AM when the body is empty. Juicing has become very popular recently at shops, but what about at home? Since a lot of people have blenders, but do not have juicers at home, here is one of my simple juice formulas that doesn’t actually require a juicer! Simply blend up 32-50oz spring water with the following:
Ingredients:
- 3 limes (peeled)
- 2 inches ginger (fresh)
- 2 inches turmeric (fresh)
- 1 apple (optional for sweetness)
- Simply blend up 32-50 oz spring water with all the ingredients
- Then strain Strain the blended up mixture using a fine strainer to separate the pulp from the liquid. Discard the pulp, or store it in the freezer for use at a later date when making RAW-living chips!
- Pour the liquid into a bottle and enjoy.
Pour the liquid into a bottle and enjoy. I like to drink it all before eating any food that day. This maximizes the body's absorption rate of the liquid. Aim to do this 1-3 times a week. See for yourself how being hydrated can help you feel more energized! Ginger and Turmeric are loaded with anti-inflammatory properties, as well as minerals that rebuild the body. Limes are high in natural Vitamin C and electrolytes. The apple is to taste, but personally I sometimes skip the apple entirely!
Overnight Chia Pudding:
Prep 5-10 mins (soaks overnight)
I’ve been making this as a quick and easy breakfast for years now and it seriously never gets old! The high fiber and protein content in chia seeds can help you feel full and satisfied, which can help prevent overeating and snacking on unhealthy foods throughout the day.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup plant-based milk (such as almond milk or coconut milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh berries
- Cacao nibs
- Coconut flakes
- Sweetener (maple syrup or honey)
- In a bowl, whisk together the chia seeds, plant-based milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sweetener (if using) until well combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least 2-3 hours.
- In the morning, give the chia pudding a stir and serve it topped with your favorite fruits, nuts, or seeds.
This recipe makes one serving, but it can easily be doubled or tripled to make multiple servings. The chia pudding will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, so you can make a batch ahead of time for a quick and easy breakfast or snack throughout the week.
Overall, my best advice is to get curious about your body and the ways you can better nourish yourself. The smallest of choices often have the biggest impact: and one of the most beautiful things about being a human is our power of choice.
Love and Light,
Ash
