It’s hot and sweaty – let’s be raw!

My, oh my, has it been hot! And hotter still it will get! Some individuals thrive with the heat. I grew up in northern Sweden where we peak in cool weather. When I lived in New Orleans I was amazed by my encounters with natives from the steaming Big Easy who seemed to become energized by the hot oppressive southern summer. Still, whether we like it hot or cool, we all lose electrolytes and liquid when we sweat. A pinch of some sort of healthy salt in pure water will hydrate your body as well as replenish it with needed electrolytes. It’s especially important to use a high quality salt that contains trace minerals, such brands as Celtic Sea Salt, Himalayan Salt, or Real Salt. A noted healer recommends using mineral-rich salt from the area or continent where you reside, thus in North America the brand Real Salt can be a good choice.

During the hot summer months many people are naturally drawn to a diet rich in fruits and greens. You may already know of the tremendous health benefits of a raw foods diet. You might already be 100% raw, or the oft-recommended 80/20 (80% raw and 20% cooked), or perhaps you have tried it but fell off the bandwagon due to the serious dedication it sometimes requires. Or maybe you have never tried or even heard of it. Raw is awesome! Raw wild or organic foods are packed with enzymes and minerals, and have all their vitamins intact. A raw vegan diet can be a most powerful healing tool! Pure unpasteurized dairy products are also potent nutritional foods. 

Fish and meat products from animals living in healthy environments prepared in safe, slow-, minimally or uncooked ways can also be beneficial to the human body. The raw way of living is a most delicious and interesting world to discover and journey in. The summer is a perfect time to get to know raw foods, revisit them or introduce the idea to others as most people are already favorably drawn to fresh and hydrating foods.

Get inspired by sensuous cooling fruits and veggies:

 Yesterday morning I made a smoothie with a base of homemade kefir, small peaches, strawberries, kale, fresh mint, fresh lemon verbena and raw honey.

I simply poured it into a bowl and topped with plums, banana and hempseed.

For lunch or dinner, try a cold soup paired with a salad:

In the afternoon I made a watermelon soup by mixing in the blender until smooth: watermelon, tomato, strawberries, and avocado with fresh herbs and a pinch of salt and pepper, dressed with fresh mint and basil.

Raw food meals can be very easy to prepare and are delicious!

By: Ottiliana Rolandsson - The Enlightened Actor