Some clients are curious about our take on a raw food diet. We believe it's a powerful health choice with many positive outcomes, though it's not necessary to eat 100% raw foods all the time to enjoy the incredible benefits. When you eat raw foods, you're eating the purest form of living nutrition, direct from the source. Raw foods are full of enzymes and provide the maximum vitamin and mineral content, which cooking processes can deplete.

Neka's philosophy centers around a simple question: "Is this food going to clog me or cleanse me?" Most processed foods, especially those containing white flour, white sugar, hydrogenated oils, and preservatives are clogging. Foods that have high water content like fresh organic fruits and vegetables are cleansing. Other cleansing foods are those found in their natural state, like brown rice, quinoa, nuts and seeds. We avoid GMO foods (genetically modified items) as they haven't yet been studied for safety in human consumption. Besides, when it comes to flavor, nothing beats organic local fruits and veggies. If you are going to eat a clogging meal now and again, it's fine. Just add some cleansing foods the next day to keep your system clean and vibrant.

If you're interested in going raw, Neka recommends keeping it easy with an 80/20 split--meaning 80% raw fruits, veggies, soaked nuts, seeds and snacks, with 20% whole grains, organic proteins: free range eggs, grass fed meats, broths, soups, legumes, beans and nut butters. This 20% goes a long way to fill you up without giving you unnecessary bulk or processed carbohydrates. However you choose to integrate raw foods into your diet, it's almost certain you'll notice improved energy, skin tone, digestion, slimming and a greater sense of vitality.

For Neka's Raw Food recipes click here.