A Note on Raw Foods

My daily salad

Every decision you make requires brain energy. For that reason, I try to make my life as streamlined as possible. I’ve wrote about this in relation to the material belongings in my closet—I like to keep few, quality pieces in neutral tones, so that whatever I pull out of my closet goes together seamlessly.

The same is true for my nutrition. My breakfasts are usually a loaded protein smoothie (I've posted my go-to smoothie recipe on my Instagram), my lunches are a massive salad with either a carb or protein (for optimal digestion, I aim to for food-combining principles). My dinner is really the only meal that involves experimentation.

Most studies show that our metabolism is at its peak in the midday—i.e., lunchtime. On average, people burn up to 10% more calories around this time, so it is a great time to have your biggest meal. Also, Ayurvedic principles suggest that lunchtime is the ideal time to eat raw veggies, because we have all the “digestive juices” to break down the hardy fiber. At dinnertime, we should Minus the raw foods and eat cooked-down vegetables, because cooked foods are easier on our digestive systems.

For all these reasons, my lunch tends to be my biggest meal of the day, filled with tons of veggie-loaded fiber, fats, and a protein OR carbohydrate (recently, I’ve been more drawn to avo toast over a protein). This is a great time to ensure you are getting all the nutrients in your body and keeping your immune systems up.

Frankly, my salad is always the same—so I thought I’d share what it is, along with all the nutritional benefits of each food source.

This is what I Add to my daily salad:

• Leafy greens: excellent sources of fiber, as well as nutrients like folate, vitamin C, vitamin K and vitamin A. Leafy greens also contain a specific type of sugar that helps fuel growth of healthy gut bacteria. My favorite greens are the Organic Tuscan Kale from Trader Joe’s (bagged) or arugula from Whole Foods.

• Avocado: great source of healthy fat and vitamins! Avo also helps your body absorb the nutrients of other foods you’re pairing it with.

• Cucumber: great fiber and filled with water to help hydrate the body. 

• Carrot: good source of beta carotene (eye health), fiber, potassium, and antioxidants

• Tomato: great source of vitamins to help protect heart health, boost digestion, and improve vision. 

• A grain, such as

  • Ezekiel bread or English muffin,

  • Rice, barley, or quinoa

• OR a protein, such as

  • Hard-boiled egg,

  • Sliced almonds or walnuts,

  • Legumes,

  • Chicken, if I feel my body is craving animal protein

• A high-quality olive oil or Primal Kitchen dressing