You may have heard rumblings about the benefits of consuming raw and living foods, or you may even have embraced the practice. Or perhaps you’ve rejected the philosophy altogether. Whether you are a novice, disciple, or skeptic, it is an interesting notion to explore.
Beginning with our ancestral origins as foragers of berries and nuts, the raw food diet has been adopted throughout the centuries to boost physical and spiritual health; and it is often the cornerstone of today’s holistic retreats.
The benefits of ‘eating raw’ lie in the optimal balance of oxygen, enzymes, and hormones. Cooked food uses up more of your body’s oxygen to metabolize; and enzymes, necessary for the digestion and absorption of food, are degraded by heating. ‘Living’ foods, such as sprouted nuts and seeds, contain higher enzyme content than other foods, while plant-based raw food helps to maintain the right hormonal levels throughout life.
The hazards of ingesting processed and overcooked foods are becoming distressingly obvious, with diet-related illnesses and chronic fatigue increasingly common among the general population.
The diet advocated by raw foodies consists of uncooked fruits and vegetables, sprouts, nuts, seeds, and grains. Practitioners enjoy better health, greater energy, and a strong immune system that fights off infection.
Tara Kinden, of Muskoka Yoga Studio, is bringing the raw food experience to her location on Gravenhurst’s main street. ‘Rawgini’s’ Raw foods and juice bar will tempt your taste buds with its fresh juices, smoothies, and treats such as raw brownies, cookies, crackers, dips, and ice cream. Tara’s lively yoga classes — either in the accompanying studio space or out on the water on SUP boards — relieve stress, boost fitness, and promote wellbeing.
A certified raw food chef, Tara is thrilled to share her extensive knowledge through her workshops at the studio. RAW 101 features an in-depth raw dinner party experience, while her retreats offer a full weekend of wellness bliss: a raw food workshop, yoga classes, and the opportunity to de-stress and rejuvenate.
Living holistically brings depth and meaning to your life. It’s a concept that just might warrant some serious contemplation.
Photos: Robert Nelson
