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| California Salad. Photo: The Skinny Chef |
The raw diet consists of natural, unprocessed foods that are not heated above 114 degrees Fahrenheit. Most raw foodists eat mainly plant-based foods, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, beans, grains and legumes. They believe that the raw foods provide energy-charged nutrients that are killed during cooking, mainly enzymes that not only fuel the body but can provide other astounding health benefits.
Read more about the benefits of a raw food diet and a cool California salad recipe after the jump.
However medical professionals, including nutritionists, believe that cooked vegetables and proteins can provide the same benefits as long as vegetables are not overcooked which could mean vitamin loss. I like to shake it up and eat my vegetables both ways, especially in the summer months when tender fresh produce is plentiful and at its best.
California Salad
Serves 4
2 tablespoons raw honey
2 tablespoons mustard
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 tablespoon basil or tarragon leaves, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 head lettuce, such as Boston or red leaf, thinly sliced
1 avocado, peeled, diced
2 large tomatoes, diced
1 bunch of scallions, thinly sliced
2 cobs of corn, kernels removed
1 small zucchini, cubed
2 tablespoons raw sunflowers
Place the honey, mustard, vinegar, oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until well combined. Arrange the lettuce, tomatoes, scallions, corn, zucchini on a large platter. Drizzle with the dressing and sprinkle with the sunflower seeds. Serve immediately.
Learn more about Jennifer at skinnychef.com, and read her exclusive Slashfood blogs every Monday and Friday.
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