Raw foods: why you should eat way more of them

Adding more raw foods into your diet is a great way to boost your health. This means making sure the bulk of what you eat focuses on fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and sprouts. With these foods as the foundation of your diet you will have more energy, lose weight and feel great. Raw foods are loaded with enzymes, vitamin and nutrients.

I am not suggesting you become a 100 percent raw foodie or adhere to strict guidelines, rather, simply incorporate more fresh foods into your diet. Even if half your meals each day consist of raw food, you are on the right track.

Five ways to add more raw to your diet 1. Have at least a serving or more of fresh fruit every day: This can include an apple, pear, orange, berries or a fresh fruit smoothie.

2. Have multiple servings of fresh vegetables every day: Cut up carrots, celery, peppers, make a large dark leafy green salad or a fresh-pressed green juice.

3. Enjoy a handful (or two) of raw organic nuts and seeds. Put them into a trail mix with raisins, goji berries, apricots – and you can even add some pure raw dark chocolate (cacao) into the mix.

4. Grab a bag of fresh sunflower or pea sprouts from your local health food store or farmers' market; these make a great addition to salads, sandwiches, soups, stir-frys and smoothies.

5. Get creative and try to prepare a few new raw recipes each week. Check Chatelaine's no-cook recipe collection here. Try this recipe: Almond basil pesto This is a delicious spread to enjoy with raw bread, flatbread and crackers or served with crunchy raw veggies, kelp noodles or shredded zucchini Ingredients: 2 tbsp torn fresh basil 1 tbsp chopped parsley 1 cup whole almonds, soaked overnight or for eight hours ½ cup pine nuts 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 garlic clove ¼ cup olive oil (or more) for a creamier consistency

Directions 1. Place all ingredients in food processor and blend until smooth

2. Place in a small bowl and refrigerate

3. Serve with cucumber slices, zucchini noodles, carrots, whole grain or raw crackers or brown rice pasta/kelp noodles or steamed vegetables

Marni Wasserman is a culinary nutritionist in Toronto whose philosophy is stemmed around whole foods. She is dedicated to providing balanced lifestyle choices through natural foods. Using passion and experience, she strives to educate individuals on how everyday eating can be simple and delicious.