I'm reviewing this book for a couple of reasons. First, when I was evaluating whether or not I wanted to buy it, I read through a number of reviews penned by people who love the author's You Tube channel, but hadn't actually read this book yet. I love the passion, but actually just wanted to know if people think this is a good book.
So, for others like me who may be scratching their heads over this, I will attest that I have read it!
Honestly, The Fully Raw Diet is unlike any book I've ever read, and that is saying something because I read extensively on health and diet. I read cookbooks for fun, and I have a handful of books written for raw vegans. Most of my exposure to raw vegan cuisine entails a lot of dehydrating foods and high fat recipes that center around nuts. (All of which is fine with me, but this book presents a truly different take on things vegan and raw.)
First, the book is clearly an intense labor of love on the part of the author, and that comes through boldly on every page. I dig that.
Second, and even more importantly, I have tried some of the recipes, and I'm smiling. The author is a proponent of a diet that is very high in fruit, and very low in fat and proteins. My eyes practically popped out of my skull when I read the recommendation to eat 6-8 pounds of fruit per day, and I'm not sure I could keep that up day after day. However, in my mind raw veganism never has to be an all-or-nothing proposition, so I was intrigued and read on. The first section of the book is comprised of a 21-day food and exercise plan, and contains all sorts of fun information for anyone who is following the plan closely. I read that part quickly, though, to get to the good stuff: The FOOD!!
Section Two contains a bunch of recipes, including juices and smoothies, salads and dressings, full meals, and desserts. These recipes do NOT involve cranking up the dehydrator at all, not even once, and the fat content is extremely low, with a heavy focus on fruits and vegetables. Results to date: The infused water recipes and suggestions are divine. Who knew water could taste that good? The juices and smoothies offer clever ideas for combining herbs and fruits and contains great suggestions for flavors that pair well. I made the Lemon Creme sauce recipe right off the bat and sort of squealed when I tasted it because the flavor is INTENSELY lemony. Maybe my tastebuds could adjust to it, but it was easy to customize the recipe by throwing in a few cashews and extra water to mellow the flavor out a bit. This sauce is intended to pair with raw fruits and salads, but I actually thought it was delicious on lightly steamed broccoli and cauliflower. I made the spinach strawberry salad, and again adapted the dressing recipe slightly (by adding cashews again) to suit my palate - and it was incredible: light, colorful (I added some extra veggies to it), tangy and festive. And different - I don't think I have ever tasted a spinach/strawberry salad that was not topped with a vinaigrette. Magnifique! (Also, the nutrition geek in me always appreciates the combination of iron-rich spinach with citrus/Vitamin C for augmenting iron absorption). The banana ice creams offer some unique twists on the basics, and, well, ALL of the dessert recipes are going to be tried in my household. Most of them use a lot of dates, but are still low in fat. The collard-wrap burrito recipe offers an intriguing blend of flavors, and I like the low fat take on guacamole. Bravo!
I don't think one has to follow a strict raw diet to to enjoy this book. It's interesting to me because the flavor combinations are clever and the recipes are nutrient-rich AND low in fat/calories. I enjoyed the voice and optimism of the author, and the suggestions about exercise that are peppered throughout.
I would like to see a more in-depth discussion about nutrition here, as this book left me with questions such as, 'What about essential fatty acids', and 'what about vegetables that are known to become more nutritious when cooked (such a carrots, tomatoes and mushrooms)?' But for a fresh take on raw food, I heartily recommend this book!
Addendum to original comments: I'm upgrading my rating to 5 stars. I started to wonder why a whole bunch of people would write such glowing reviews for a book they have not yet read, so I checked out the author's YouTube channel for myself. I think I get it now. That is one delightful YouTube channel! The video clips are colorful and pretty to look at, the food presentation made my mouth water, and Kristina explains her vision with a clarity of purpose that can only be described as inspiring. Watch a few of her videos and see if you don't feel a bit happier for having seen them. :)
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USDA Organic is protected by law, inspected by experts, traced from farm to store, and shaped by public input. USDA develops and enforces the organic standards, which require products to be produced using farming practices that maintain and improve soil and water quality, minimize the use of synthetic materials, conserve biodiversity, and avoid genetic engineering, among other factors. Crops can be certified organic if they’re grown without prohibited substances such as most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for three years prior to harvest. Livestock are raised on pasture and treated humanely without growth hormones or antibiotics. Organic products do not contain GMOs or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Products that contain a minimum of 95 percent organic ingredients and use the USDA Organic seal are part of Climate Pledge Friendly.Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.Product contains at least 95% organic material.As certified byUSDA Organic
USDA Organic is protected by law, inspected by experts, traced from farm to store, and shaped by public input. USDA develops and enforces the organic standards, which require products to be produced using farming practices that maintain and improve soil and water quality, minimize the use of synthetic materials, conserve biodiversity, and avoid genetic engineering, among other factors. Crops can be certified organic if they’re grown without prohibited substances such as most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for three years prior to harvest. Livestock are raised on pasture and treated humanely without growth hormones or antibiotics. Organic products do not contain GMOs or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Products that contain a minimum of 95 percent organic ingredients and use the USDA Organic seal are part of Climate Pledge Friendly.Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.Product contains at least 95% organic material.As certified byUSDA Organic
USDA Organic is protected by law, inspected by experts, traced from farm to store, and shaped by public input. USDA develops and enforces the organic standards, which require products to be produced using farming practices that maintain and improve soil and water quality, minimize the use of synthetic materials, conserve biodiversity, and avoid genetic engineering, among other factors. Crops can be certified organic if they’re grown without prohibited substances such as most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for three years prior to harvest. Livestock are raised on pasture and treated humanely without growth hormones or antibiotics. Organic products do not contain GMOs or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Products that contain a minimum of 95 percent organic ingredients and use the USDA Organic seal are part of Climate Pledge Friendly.Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.Product contains at least 95% organic material.As certified byUSDA Organic
USDA Organic is protected by law, inspected by experts, traced from farm to store, and shaped by public input. USDA develops and enforces the organic standards, which require products to be produced using farming practices that maintain and improve soil and water quality, minimize the use of synthetic materials, conserve biodiversity, and avoid genetic engineering, among other factors. Crops can be certified organic if they’re grown without prohibited substances such as most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for three years prior to harvest. Livestock are raised on pasture and treated humanely without growth hormones or antibiotics. Organic products do not contain GMOs or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Products that contain a minimum of 95 percent organic ingredients and use the USDA Organic seal are part of Climate Pledge Friendly.Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.Product contains at least 95% organic material.As certified byUSDA Organic
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Popular Highlights in this book
Once you get up to speed, you’ll want to aim for at least 6 pounds of fruit each day, about 1 to 1½ ounces of nuts and seeds or ½ to 1 ounce of avocado, and as many greens and veggies as possible (1 to 2 pounds).Highlighted by 396 Kindle readers- Fruit is your main source of calories. Fruit will satisfy your hunger. But remember that fruits and vegetables are lower in calories than starches and animal proteins, so you must eat more of them to get the necessary amount of fuel that you need to function.Highlighted by 216 Kindle readers
- Mono-meals help us to identify when we are truly full, since we are eating one fruit at a time until we are satiated rather than exciting our taste buds with dozens of flavors all at once.Highlighted by 178 Kindle readers
From the Publisher
Super Sweet Pink Smoothie from The Fully Raw Diet
Makes about 1 quart (32 fluid ounces)
This smoothie is a love bomb! Whether you are on the go, coming back from a workout, or simply just enjoying the day, this amazing elixir is one of the easiest and most delicious smoothies you can make. It’s fun and fast, and it’s filled with electrolytes and simple sugars to keep you fueled and smiling. Not to mention that its warm sunset hues croon 'love!' Whether it is because of how much you love this smoothie or how good you will feel after you drink it, I know that you will cherish it!
Calories: 450; Benefits: endless!
Equipment
- Sharp chopping knife
- Cutting board
- High-speed blender, such as Vitamix.
- 32-ounce Mason jar or large glass for drinking, preferably chilled.
Here's What You Do
Have all of your ingredients well chilled.
Put all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth, starting on the slowest speed and gradually working up to the fastest. Blend on the highest speed until the mixture is uniformly smooth and the sound of the blender is high pitched and steady.
Reduce the speed of the blender to the lowest setting before turning it off.
Drink immediately, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours in a tightly closed container. Shake before serving.
Here's What You Need
- 2 to 3 cups (depending on desired thickness) fresh young coconut water (from 2 to 3 young coconuts), or store-bought raw coconut water
- ½ pineapple (about 12 ounces), leaves and rind removed, cored and cut in chunks
- 2 to 3 blood oranges (or juice oranges), peeled, seeded, and cut in chunks
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, with greens (I never remove the greens from strawberries, provided they are fresh and firm. Strawberry leaf is said to relieve gastrointestinal problems and joint pain.)
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About the author
No more dialysis. No more chemotherapy. No more medicine. This book has changed my life forever.
So many times we try to heal ourselves through other means without ever taking a deep look at what we consume on a daily basis. I for one was so naive to believe that my diet could never be responsible for my sickness. I am 27 years old and in March, I will have been diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis for 13 years now. In December 2014, I hit the lowest point of my health when I had to undergo emergency dialysis and prepare for a kidney transplant, all while doing chemotherapy in the mean time. I was sick and tired of it all: all the drugs (10-15 pills a day), all the chemotherapy (four times a month), and all the doctor's visits and hospital stays. I had been following Kristina for a while on Instagram and had participated in one of her 21-day challenges and I knew that eating fresh, raw, unprocessed, fruits and vegetables are good for you but I was too scared and unwilling to make the jump. With her cheery motivation and upbeat spirit, constantly giving me ideas on how to eat "Fully Raw" meals daily, I took the plunge. As of August 2015, I am vegetarian and I consume 1-2 fully raw meals a day. I told my doctor that I will not be doing chemotherapy anymore and I will not be taking my 13 year long daily drug cocktail. I told my doctor that I want to see if I can eat myself to better health and after almost 6 months of this lifestyle, I have never been healthier and my body is starting to heal itself (the proof is shown in monthly blood work and doctor's visits).Kristina's lifestyle is not a fad. Eating real fruits and vegetables is something that we should be doing but oh, how we forget to do something as simple as that. I stopped making excuses and started picking up the right things to eat. As a first generation Cambodian-American, my culture's cuisine is riddled with high-salt and fermented (rotten) food. I don't eat those foods anymore but thats alright. In fact, my family have started to adopt some of my eating habits as most of our family all take some form of high blood pressure medicine. Do what the book says. You don't have to go fully raw all day long but start out with one meal (my personal favorite Kristina is your "Love Smoothie" and "Fully Raw Pad Thai"). Instead of reaching out for a box of unhealthy snacks, grab an apple or make some guacamole with dip-able veggies. There are a million ways to eat Fully Raw. Its our job to take care of this body we were given. As a young woman whose life was taken over by a terrible disease at the age of 13, you will never see me go back to the way I once lived. Thank you Kristina. My self and my kidneys are grateful for having discovered and adopting you and your lifestyle.*Pictures show my weight fluctuation due to kidney failure, hospital stays, dialysis, and what I currently look like in a before and after photo. I've definitely come a long way with this diet. =)*
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2016
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- Ali TReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 10, 2016
Very informative, full of beautifully healthy recipes :-) xx
