Creating a Raw Foods List - 5 Essential Foods You Need to Start a Raw Food Diet!

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Are you wondering what items you need to put on your raw foods list? In this article I will tell you the top 5 foods you will need to start a raw food diet.

Creating a raw foods list can be challenging, especially if you are new to the diet and don't know where to start. Many people are adopting the living foods lifestyle, or at the very least, are adding more fruits and vegetables into their diets for more nutrition, antioxidants, and fiber which can lead to stronger teeth and bones, glowing skin, and improved digestion. Most people can benefit from adding more fruits and vegetables into their diet.

When creating a raw foods shopping list some of the items you may have never even heard of. Most natural grocery stores will be able to assist you. If you don't have a natural grocery food store in your area I recommend shopping online.

Here are my Top 5 foods to put on your raw list.

1. Leafy Greens- You can't go wrong by purchasing a wide variety of leafy greens. They contain important minerals and vitamins such as vitamins A, C, K, iron and calcium. They are also a great source of fiber. You can blend the leafy greens such as spinach, chard, parsley, cilantro, and romaine lettuce with fruit to make green smoothies. You can thinly slice kale and collard greens and marinate them in olive oil and lemon juice to make a super nutritious salad. Leafy Greens are a superfood!

2. Hemp Seeds- Hemp seeds are 33% protein, rich in vitamin E, and contain both omega 6 and omega 3 essential fatty acids. They can be sprinkled over your favorite foods such as salads, soups, and cereal, or they can be blended in the blender to make creamy salad dressings and smoothies.

3. Sea Vegetables- Are an ancient wild food. They contain minerals and are an excellent source of iodine which is essential for healthy thyroid function. The easiest way to purchase sea vegetables is to purchase dulse flakes or kelp granules. They can sprinkled over your favorite dishes as a healthy mineral rich salt substitute.

4. Brazil Nuts- Brazil nuts are grown in the rain forest in Brazil and are an amazing source of selenium which can sometimes be difficult to get on a vegan diet. You can soak the Brazil nuts in water overnight and rinse them well. Then you can blend them in a blender with water and strain the mixture to make a creamy nut milk. Brazil nut milk can be used as a cow's milk substitute in your morning cereal. The milk can also be blended with frozen fruit to make a healthy breakfast or a light dessert.

5. Bananas- Bananas are a good source of vitamin B6, C, and potassium. They are terrific in smoothies and freeze really well. Blend two bananas with a cup of berries, a cup of spinach, a cup of water, and you have a nutritious and delicious green smoothie that can be eaten for breakfast. Always have frozen bananas available so that you can enjoy healthy fruit smoothies anytime.

For a complete raw foods list of all my essential raw food pantry and produce items please see the resources below.

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