Raw Food?
A simple, clean, healthy diet is quickly becoming the lifestyle of many Americans in lieu of the high fat, high carb diet full of food that comes out of a bag. As trans fat (hydrogenated oil), processed food, and overall food industry practice concerns are being unveiled and publicized, some ask themselves if their favorite fast food meal is really worth it. We have started realizing that the way we eat directly affects weight, disease prevention, and overall well being.
The raw food diet is a simple diet based around eating only all-natural whole foods (“whole” means it grows that way from the Earth) that haven’t been heated to above 116 degrees Fahrenheit. The benefit of eating a vegan raw diet is that nutrients in food are never lost to processing or heat.
Due to the absence of fats and traditional carbohydrates in the diet, much more food must be consumed in order to fulfill caloric requirements.
Raw Food and Vita-Mix, An Easier Way
So, raw eating may be the best way to fuel your body, but how to consume 2,000 calories worth of raw vegetables each day? That’s where Vita-Mix comes in. Raw food enthusiasts use blending as a major part of their food preparation. A Vita-Mix blender can make frozen treats, grind grains, chop vegetables or fruit, and prepare soups. Sound pretty amazing? That’s because it is. And I’m going to prove it. I have breakfast, lunch, and a snack (ice cream!) for you, all out of the Vita-Mix . Bet you’ve never eaten so healthily before 3 pm before.
Breakfast– Blueberry Banana Orange Smoothie
Something sweet and light usually works great. I love this recipe from the Vita-Mix recipe collection for a blueberry banana orange smoothie. Yeah, that’s right, the triple fruit threat.
- 1/2 half a peeled orange
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
Starting with the lowest speed on your Vita-Mix blender, quickly increase speed until all ingredients are blended together.
Lunch– Roasted Asparagus Soup
Lunch today will be a roasted asparagus soup from the Fat Free Vegan Kitchen food blog. With plenty of fresh, organic asparagus in season, this might just become your new favorite.
- 2 pounds asparagus, ends trimmed
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 small onion, sliced
- 2 cups warm vegetable broth or “no-chicken” broth
- 1/2 ounce raw cashews (1 heaping tablespoon)
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- salt to taste
- grated peel of 1/2 lemon or orange
Preheat oven to 450F. Place the asparagus spears on a baking sheet lined with a silicone liner or parchment paper. Roast for 10 minutes. Turn asparagus and sprinkle the onion and garlic over it. Roast for about 10 more minutes, until asparagus is very tender. If anything looks like it’s browning too much, take it out.
While the asparagus is roasting, blend 1/2 cup of the broth with the cashews and pepper until smooth.
When the asparagus is done, select several of the best-looking spears, remove the tops, and set aside to use as garnish. Cut the remaining asparagus into pieces and put it and the onion and garlic into the blender, along with the remaining broth. Cover the Vita-Mix blender and blend on high until perfectly smooth.
If you’re using a Vita-Mix blender, you can blend it on high for a few more minutes until piping hot (remove the center cup and cover with a kitchen towel to allow steam to escape). Otherwise, pour the soup into a saucepan and heat until hot, stirring frequently. Add salt, if needed, to taste. Pour into bowls and sprinkle with grated lemon or orange peel. Garnish each bowl with the reserved asparagus spears and serve hot.
Snack– Ginger Peach Ice Cream
- 6 ounces peach soy yogurt
- 1 tsp of freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 pound frozen peach slices
- 3 graham crackers
Turn your Vita-Mix blender on and quickly increase speed to High. Use the tamper to press ingredients into the blades. In about 30-60 seconds, the sound of the motor will change and four mounds should form. Stop machine. Do not over mix or melting will occur. Serve immediately.
KaTom wants to know what sweet and savory treats you are making at home with the Vita-Mix blender. Leave us your thoughts on Vita-Mix and the raw food diet.
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