Staff Recommendations: With food like this, why NOT Go Raw?

Staff Recommends: Go Raw Original Super Cookies

When most people think of the Raw Food Diet, images of fresh fruit juice, heaping plates of carrot sticks, and detoxing wheatgrass shots spring to mind.

That's all well and good, but what about those of us who aren't quite so stringent, or who, perhaps, are simply looking for a healthier, more nutrient-dense snack -- just to tide us over between stalks of celery?

Enter Go Raw Super Cookies, a surprisingly sweet and crunchy cookie made from organic sesame seeds, organic coconut, and organic dates.

And that's all.

Meaning: no added "natural flavors" or preservatives. No added sugar (the dates provide enough as it is), and, for those of you with allergies, no gluten, dairy, eggs, etc.

Yum!

If you've ever tried a raw snack, perhaps a different brand, and found it lacking, trust me - this line is not like those. Instead of the slightly wilted-seeming, brown-bland-blah confections that you might know, Original Super Cookies give you crunch and a little pizazz, and, dare I say it - peace of mind. Especially if your mind happens to have a sweet tooth.

So that's why they're delicious. But why are they better for you?

Well -- it depends of who you ask, to be honest. Some would say there's no difference between a raw snack and a traditionally-processed version.

The Raw Food lifestyle is a giant clam to crack, and I'm not going to attempt it right now, but the basic belief is that raw (aka living foods, like fresh uncooked veggies and sprouted seeds and nuts) contain beneficial enzymes and nutrients that are destroyed when the foods are heated above a certain temperature. Raw Foodists claim a wide variety of health benefits from their diet, from increased vitality to weight loss, to shining hair and skin and the diminishing of a range of health problems.

There are a slew of websites you can check out if so interested. Living Foods is a mecca of information. Or you can check out Supercharge Me, a documentary about a woman who takes on the challenge of going 30 Days Raw.

Personally, I've experimented with raw foods living, and found mixed results. There was definitely an increased amount of energy, after an initial detoxing period. And I felt better -- less hungry, a little cleaner. But there were also times of lethargy, and still other times when I just didn't feel like chewing/sipping that shake made of kale and carrot juice for lunch.

But that's one person's experience, and I urge anyone interested to try it for themselves.

In the meantime, enjoy those cookies!

If anyone currently follows the raw lifestyle, or is experimenting with the diet, please let us know! I'd love to post some personal experiences aside from mine.

Email Us with your knowledge and opinions!

Avocados are Healthy! (And that ain't no guac!)

Part One of our Healthy Eating series.

Avocados have been called many things: short, irritating, pouty, too talkative -- oh, wait, no, that's what I've been called. (p.s. words hurt, people)

Avocados have long been heralded for their health benefits and for their buttery, flavorful simplicity. High in monounsaturated fats, (studies have linked avocado consumption to lower cholesterol levels). Even that stubborn US government has jumped on the avocado bandwagon, revising its official nutrition guidelines to increase the daily recommended intake.

So now that you're sold on avocados, what do you do with 'em?

1) First, choose a delicious avocado -- softer and not so green. The riper they get, the more intense their flavor. You can ripen a greener avocado by placing it in a paper bag with an apple and setting it on the counter. (Conversely, you can store them in the fridge to slow the process down and keep them around longer, in case you just bought them for the companionship. In which case, may I recommend a pet instead? :) )

2) When your avocado is ready to go, you're going to need to know how to slice it.
This video will show you!
Don't do what I did with my first avocado, and attempt to peel the skin from it like it's a common orange or something. (Side Note: avocados are slippery.)

If you're not going to use your cut avocado right away, you can store it in an airtight (super airtight! Get all that oxygen out of there!) container in the fridge, perhaps with a bit of lemon juice sprinkled on top. I've also heard tell of storing it with its pit, which allegedly saves it from turning brown, too.

3) Time to Eat!
Some ways to enjoy your avocado:
-- sprinkled liberally with salt and pepper
-- a customer recommended avocado with honey!
-- as part of your turkey sandwich
-- Grilled, like in this fancy recipe
-- and of course, as guacamole dip for your favorite corn chips.

Do you have a favorite avocado recipe? Send it along to submissions@jackshealthfoodcountry.com!

4) Uh Oh. Now you're in love.
What to do, what to do?
Aside from buying more avocados, you can always show your love with these dapper Avocado Earrings Or perhaps crochet an avocado of your very own. Or treat your face to an avocado face mask.

Submitted by Angelina