The way we eat can benefit our health and the environment as well. One of the greenest ways of eating is the raw food diet.

There are different versions of a raw diet that include raw meat, fish, and dairy, but this article is about a raw vegan diet consisting of unprocessed and uncooked plant foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds, nuts, beans, grains, and sea vegetables such as nori, kelp and dulse.

There are not a lot of requirements or tools needed to eat raw. Having a good blender and food processor are generally all you need to prepare great recipes. If you really get into it, a dehydrator can allow you to add additional raw foods like granola, cookies, breads and crackers.

Nuts, seeds, grains and beans are often soaked and sprouted before being used, for easier digestibility.  Raw foods are not heated above 118 degrees, because it is believed that the enzymes and nutrients are destroyed at higher temperatures.

If you are mixing raw and cooked food, eat some raw food first. Raw food breaks down faster and is easier for your body to process than cooked food, so your digestive system will function more efficiently by enjoying a raw food, such as fruit, before the meal.

Some reported benefits of a raw food diet are increased energy, improved skin appearance, better digestion and weight loss. A high consumption of vegetables and fruits correlates to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Since raw food is unprocessed, involves no cooking, and uses little-to-no packaging, it is environmentally friendly. Eating organic fruits and veggies, including sustainable, locally grown ones will do even more for your health and the environment.

It is not necessary to go 100 percent raw to receive the benefits. Adding a few more raw foods into your day, or just starting your day with a raw smoothie will make a difference. A basic green smoothie is a cup of frozen or fresh fruit of choice, a handful of greens and a base of freshly squeezed orange juice or nut/seed milk. For a sweeter drink, add ½ ripe, frozen banana, a couple of dates, raw honey or agave, to taste. I recommend starting with just a few leaves of baby spinach as it has a milder taste. When you taste how delicious it is, you’ll want to add a few more the next time (and there will definitely be a next time). Nut or seed milk is easy to make. Place ¼ cup of the raw nut or seed of choice into a blender, add ¾ cup of water and blend well. Depending on your blender, you may need to add a little more water, or strain the milk through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.

Other options could include having a salad with lunch or dinner, or have a sprouted grain bread (found in most food stores) made with some raw almond butter and sliced fresh fruit, like fig, banana or berries, or sliced avocado, tomato and sprouts. Raw food can be creative and fun, and is only limited by your imagination.