Of late I have been reading up on 'Raw Food' and am quite liking the idea. I don't think I could go completely raw but it would be good to mix up the diet and also include a few more vegetarian meals. One of the things I have been reading about is 'activating nuts'. This is a process of soaking and then slow drying (at a low temp, 46C) most of your nuts and seeds.
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| Sunflower and Pumpkin seeds in the dehydrator |
Why activate my nuts?
Nuts contain enzyme inhibitors, these act by binding to enzymes and decrease and/or block their actions. The enzyme inhibitors are beneficial to nuts, as they prevent the nuts from prematurely sprouting. However, they also act on our digestive enzymes, preventing their proper digestion and absorption.
Nuts and seed also contain small amounts of phytic acid, which our digestive system is also unable to break down. Eating large amounts of raw nuts could then lead to symptoms such as feeling 'heavy', feelings of uncomfortable fullness, even nausea. Not only this, but it puts a massive strain on our digestive system, compromising already fragile digestive tracts.
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Activated nuts and seeds stored in the fridge
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During all my reading/googling I came across a few people on Facebook and Instagram, namely #RawKarma and #theHealthGuruGirl. Their posts have inspired me to try making raw cakes and develop my breakfast creations which #theHealthGuruGirl aptly names POGs (Pots of Goodness)
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| POG - topped with fresh strawbs and activated almonds |
Also in my food travels I have found Karen Kitto from
karenluvslife whose blog I am now following. She has been a total gem and already answered several emails I have sent. Hopefully I won't wear out her helpfulness. Her blog has many recipes I cant wait to try out the first being her 'Chewy Banana and Goji Protein Balls'. Hopefully my new blender will turn up soon.
Yep, went on a bit of a spending spree as you do when you get excited by new things. First purchase was the dehydrator which is certainly getting a workout. I am currently trialing kale chips. Second purchase was a 'Bio Chef' blender, the specs are almost the same as a Vitamix but at a third of the price. Unfortunately the 'Spirooli' is not currently in stock so my intentions of making vegetable pasta will have to wait for a while.
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| First baby zucchini |
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| First (very tiny) baby lebanese cucumber |
A couple of pics from my garden and as you can see there is finally movement. Perhaps by the time they are fully grown the Spirooli will be back in stock and i can have zucchini pasta.
