Manifest Health thru Knowledge

The Raw Food Detox Diet
The five-step plan for vibrant health and maximum weight-loss. In this book nutritionists Natalia Rose takes readers through the detox process by slowly reducing processed and cooked foods. According to Rose this process can take years. However, results can be obtained in the first few weeks of the detox. Rose actually warns us that going 100% raw overnight is too shocking for the system and it must be eased into overtime.

Rose has included some outstanding recipes to make the transition easier. This book has a wonderful layout and is easy to navigate. Though I have to admit converting to a 100% raw diet is extremely challenging and can even be socially disruptive.

Rose makes an excellent case for going raw. Although the goal of this book is to lose weight, I picked it up because of the appeal and long-lasting health.

Unlike many raw nutritionists, Rose puts together a plan that actually includes animal products, at least at first. This appealed to me because I know how difficult it would be for my dad to stop enjoying meat. In addition, Rose does not promote time-consuming raw foodie techniques like soaking and sprouting.

Here's my summary of what Rose says about going raw. When we consume products that are not 100% digestible they often leave waste behind, not only in the colon but also in our tissues. Foods that leave behind waste are those that are cooked or have additives and preservatives. Over the years this wastes builds up a significant burden on our bodily systems.

Something I've been reading a lot about is the use of soy products in vegetarian and vegan diets. Rose writes that soy is the most mucus forming plants on the planet. It creates a sludge like substance that holds up the body's flow and productivity. The accumulation can create symptoms like asthma, IBS, circulatory issues and ultimately weight gain. Many studies point to the Japanese as having superior health as a result of consuming soy however they eat much less away than Americans think. Rose feels that small amounts of soy and raw miso are probably fine. Peanuts are also very mucus forming and should be avoided, almonds and almond butter are great alternatives.

Milk is also something Rose is very concerned about, she says that it contributes to decalcification, organ deterioration, and weight gain. first of all the protein in milk is very difficult for the human body to digest, resulting in large amounts of residue and waste. Secondly because it is cooked all the positive enzymes have been removed.

Rose writes that the best foods are ones that don't stick around for very long ( quick exit). The faster the food leaves the body chances are the less waste they leave behind. Food combining is core to Rose's approach.

One of the key observations in this book actually really grosses me out; and that it is that foods that digest quickly and are sitting on top of foods that digest slowly... they begin to ferment. The number one culprit here is fruit. Rose recommends eating fruits on an empty stomach, ideally in the morning. Bananas stand on their own because they fall into the starch category.

So here are some of the key food combination no-nos: mixing any of these categories: starches, flesh protein, nuts/seeds/dried fruits, or fresh fruits. However, vegetables (not including starchy ones like squash and potatoes) can be mixed with everything but fruits during a meal.

Rose calls enzymes scrubbers and cleaners for our bodies. They do a lot of the grunt work for us Even on the cellular level. They can be found in fresh fruits and vegetables that have not been heeded above 108°. Not having enough enzymes puts a heavy strain on the elimination organs. Rose recommends the easiest way to get plenty of enzymes in the diets is to consume only fresh fruit and juices until lunch.

Here are Rose's eight tips for getting rid of cellular garbage: number one visits your friendly hydro therapist or get a home colema kit, number two if you're not doing number one is to use an enema, number three use a stool to elevates feet during bowel movements (makes them more effective), number four dry brush the body to eliminate uric acid, number five bounce up and down ( rebounding squeezes waste matter from our cells), number six practice deep breathing because we actually eliminate through our lungs, number seven hanging upside down (pumps blood through the body and brain), and an eight sweat (sauna) and sun (for short periods).

Has the book had an effect on me, absolutely! It was my first introduction to the importance of cleansing. I've been actively of avoiding peanuts, milk, and eating fruit on a full tummy. I also adopted Rose's morning routine of green lemonade (juicing: one head romain, two apples, celery, a lemon, and ginger). However with the free juice bar at work I haven't made the lemonade four months. Making the lemonade every day is expensive and somewhat time-consuming.

Here's my favorite recipe from her book:
Hearty Corn Salad
3 portobello mushrooms, chopped
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons maple syrup
(marinate these together)
2 tablespoons sliced scallions
1 bell pepper chopped
1 cup grape tomatoes
1/2 pound baby lettuce
4 ears fresh corn, kernels cut off
toss altogether
superb!