Welcome to your first step into the world of raw and living foods.
At Raw Living, we are passionate about the power of raw living foods to help us live our purpose and destiny. We believe in working with nature, and that includes honouring her cycles and her rhythms. Everything is about learning to listen to the wisdom within, and not forcing or rushing towards an invisible external goal which ends up being disappointing when you get there. What does your body really want? What makes you feel aligned in heart, mind and soul? Follow your own unique path to wholeness…
Why go raw?
We could write a book on this (indeed, Kate has written five!), but in a nutshell, raw doesn’t have to be as overwhelming or as complicated as it might at first seem. Essentially, it’s about eating as close to nature as is possible, and as is realistic in the 21st century, with all the stressors of modern life. It means simplifying your intake and eating closer to the source, enjoying the bountiful plant foods that have been nourished directly by the sun. We love fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, sprouted seeds, grains and beans, sea vegetables and fermented foods, and a sprinkling of superfoods for good measure. We believe that how the food is grown, and the respect shown for the soil, the people, and the animals involved in production is paramount. We are not allowed to make any health claims, but we don’t need to — raw living foods are about so much more than just your health and your body; they are about being aware of the ecosystem within which we exist and each of us playing our own humble role to create a sustainable, vibrant planet for us all.
Your simple roadmap
Hydration
Hydration is such a supportive daily ritual. Many people like to aim for around 3 litres a day, choosing drinks that feel nourishing as well as enjoyable. Herbal teas, plant milks, elixirs and lattes, juices, fermented drinks and coconut water are all beautiful ways to bring more fluid into your day.
Alkalisation
Making greens a staple can feel incredibly uplifting. Leafy greens, green juices and green powders bring lightness and heart energy into meals, and lots of people naturally drift toward having around two-thirds of their food from more alkalising, plant-rich sources.
Essential Fats
Nuts, seeds, avocados, olives, coconut, cacao and their oils add richness and satisfaction to your meals. They’re a simple, delicious way to bring more wholesome fats into your routine. We especially love our nuts activated for ease and enjoyment.
Fermented Foods
Traditional ferments like kefir, kombucha, kimchi and sauerkraut are such a vibrant addition to the plate. For us, they’re an everyday staple — a gentle way of tending to the gut, which so many traditions consider the centre of intuition and inner knowing.
Minimise Sugars
Keeping sugars on the lighter side can feel more grounding for some people. We enjoy small amounts of fruit and dried fruits each day, just not to excess, and let healthy fats and plants do the heavy lifting.
Our Where To Start Collection
With these basics on hand, and some fresh, local, seasonal organic fruit and veg, you’ve got everything you need to start creating delicious breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks. It’s the easiest, most affordable way to begin building a vibrant raw kitchen from the ground up.
Choose your option
Choose your option
8 Mushroom 8:1 Extract Powder - Organic
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White Tahini - Raw and Organic
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Activated Sunseeds with Shiitake - Organic
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Sunflower Seeds - Raw and Organic
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Choose your option
Tips to make it work
There is some dispute over the exact temperature at which a food stops being technically “raw”, but it’s somewhere between 40–50°C. Above this temperature, many people feel the qualities of the food begin to change. Eating more fresh, minimally heated foods is simply a way to feel more alive and connected to what you’re eating.
Start at 50% raw. Plenty of people do 50% and feel great on it. Many people work up to around 70% over time, but very few sustain over 90%, and 100% is a bit of a myth.
If you want to bring more raw foods into your meals, include them at every meal and enjoy them first, or alongside the cooked component of the meal.
Consistency is key. Set yourself realistic goals that you can maintain, rather than unachievable targets that create a yo-yo effect. It’s usually better to make small changes steadily over a longer period of time than rush in headlong and then give up because it’s too much too soon.
Keep it simple. Many people find their bodies respond well to simple messages. The more unprocessed and unadulterated your food, the more grounded and balanced the whole experience can feel.
Focus on what you can do. This is a diet of inclusion, not exclusion. Focus on all the exciting new foods you want to try and the recipes you want to make, rather than thinking about what you’re trying to cut out.
Just as important as what you eat are the other elements of your lifestyle: movement, rest, time in nature, developing a positive mental attitude, and cultivating de-stressing techniques that work for you.
