Eating Raw in the Winter

A common challenge people encounter with the live foods diet is feeling warm and balanced during winter, in cold climates.  There are several techniques one can employ include eating warming foods. 

The most warming foods are ginger, cayenne pepper, and other hot peppers.  The ancient healing system of Ayurveda  teaches that other warming foods include tomatoes, radishes, beets, carrots, daikons, and herbs like black pepper and cumin.  Soaked, raw grains can also be warming in the winter, such as sprouted quinoa or buckwheat.  Additionally, food can be heated slightly and still be considered living.  Depending on the food, it’s generally agreed that is at about 115 degrees.  I suggest heating up live soups, especially tomato soups and miso soups, as well as heating vegetables with some herbs and/or oil.

If you are not eating an entirely live food diet, I recommend your percentage of cooked food to be plant-sourced only, low-glycemic, preferably gluten-free meals.

Lifestyle choices can contribute to the ease or difficulty of staying with live foods through the winter.  Exercise increases circulation and contributes to body warmth, as does dry skin brushing.  If you have access to an infrared sauna, regular sessions both increase circulation and detoxify.  Engaging in fast-paced pranayama, or breathing exercises, is also invigorating.

Enjoy your healthful winter!