Raw foodism

In my latest transition from a vegetarian to a raw food diet, I thought I would provide a few recipes which could help those motivated to make the switch too.

Mixed Kale Salad
- 2 carrots peeled and shredded
- 1 cup of grape tomatoes
- 1 cup red Kale finely chopped
- unsalted shelled pupmkin seeds
- 1/4 red onion cut into thin rings
- juice of one lemon
- 2 tbs cold pressed olive oil
- 2 cloves chopped garlic
- sea salt, cayenne, cumin
Mix all ingredients and chill

Raw Falafel
- 1 cup sprouted garbanzo beans
- 3 tbs sprouted pinta seeds
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 cup miinced fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tbs sea salt
- 1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup minced onion
- 1/2 c. fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp cayenne
- 1 tsp cumin
Blend all ingredients. Form blended mixture into 1-inch by 3-inch elongated patties. Place 2 tbsp of olive oil in slow cooker, and allow to cook for 90 minutes.

Tabouleh
- 1/4 cup medium grain bulgur cooked in slowcooker
- 1/4 cups water
- 1 cup loosely packed, roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley, about 3 bunches
- 1/2 cups peeled and diced tomatoes, about 3 to 5 Roma tomatoes,
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped, white and some of the green, about 2 green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped mint leaves
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
- Pinch seasalt
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Toss together main ingredients in dressing, chill and enjoy!

Although vegetarian dishes can have its health benefits, many vegetarian cooked foods can be unhealthy too. I am not even talking about overly-processed "meat-free" vegetarian meals/snacks. Strictly from a pure food p.o.v, the more you cook a food product, and the higher temperature you cook your food in, the more the item becomes acidic, as well as toxic/less digestable. I am not, by any means, advocating vegetariansim, as I believe meat consumption (through proper and humane means) has its benefits. In fact, I come from a family full of carnivores. However, over the past year, I have become increasingly turned off by it, and decided to become entirely vegetarian. An explosion in packaged and convenience foods in the late 20th century has directly been linked to a steady rise in obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. Many foods that were once thought of as treats, such as soda and candy, are now in our daily diets. Portion sizes continue to evolve and fast food restaurants are sprouting along every Main Street and highway in America. Today, the average supermarket is packed with frozen meals, packaged dinners, side dishes and canned goods replete with artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and many other ingredients whose long term effects remain unknown, despite passing FDA scrutiny. So, before you plan your next meal, think about what you are eating. Make each meal count!