HEMMETS JOURNAL No 17/2013, The HEALTH Journal
Text: Åsa Holstein
Foto: Åsa Holstein, Shutterstock
13_se_hjo_17_086Åsa Paul-Johansson has been on a raw food diet since seven years and is now teaching this subject. She has recipes covering everything from oat meal to hamburgers. “Many are surprised by how full they actually feel!”
According to raw food teacher Åsa Paul-Johansson you do not have to be completely raw to accomplish great results.
“Start by exchanging one meal for a vegetable or fruit drink. And choose almond milk instead of cow’s milk. You have then started your detoxing process and you are on the road towards good health”, Åsa explains. She lectures and gives classes about raw food both in Sweden and the US.
Åsa has been a vegetarian for 30 years and 7 years ago started with raw foods. The beneficial effects showed within a couple of weeks.
“When I removed all bread and pasta I felt lighter, had more energy and became happier. The ache in my shoulder and ankle disappeared and I suddenly woke up rested. As of now around 90 percent of my diet consists of raw food. When I travel or am invited out to dinner I eat vegetarian.”
Some people wonder if it is boring to eat raw food, but on the contrary Åsa feels there is a large spread in this raw food lifestyle.
“I have recipes for everything from raw oatmeal and chocolate cookies to “hamburgers” and “pasta” dishes. Many who come to my classes are surprised by the variation found in the food, both in regards to taste and looks. Besides raw food really fills you up.”
Many can testify that they feel great after having changed their diet and some even have their ailments and illnesses like allergies and asthma disappear.
“People who are allergic store toxins or waste products in their body so it is important to cleanse”, Åsa says. “Vegetable drinks with cucumber for instance or fresh juicy fruits like grapes, melon and even tomatoes are especially cleansing. Furthermore start your day by drinking a glass of water with fresh lemon juice; this kick-starts the liver.”
“Of course you can eat a both delicious and varied diet with raw food”.
Plum Salad
Serves 2
2 fresh plums
3 dried plums
2 apricots
1 nectarine
1 peach
Cut both the fresh and dried plums in large chunks, place in blender and mix until creamy. Cut remaining fruit in bite size pieces and put into 2 bowls. Pour plum sauce on top and serve.
What is raw food?
Raw food is unheated plant based food; like fruit, vegetables, berries, nuts, sea vegetables, sprouts and seeds.
Morning drink with spinach
2 ripe pears
1 banana
2 handfuls of spinach leaves
1 cup water
Place in mixer and blend until smooth and creamy.
MORE INFO!
Do you want to learn more and receive information about raw foods and a healthy lifestyle? Visit Åsa’s website www.onthelime.com
