When I first started learning how to make green smoothies I would follow recipes rigidly.

There are thousands of free green smoothie recipes online. Just google them or buy a book. (Victoria Boutenko's Green Smoothie Revolution has everything you ever wanted to know about green smoothies.)

But now that I'm used to making green smoothies myself, I've taught myself how to make green smoothies that work for me.

I don't like them to taste too green, so I generally keep the ratios as follows:

In my blender I add:

• 1 to 1 1/2 cups of water
• A large handful of greens (spinach, romaine lettuce, carrot tops, etc.)
• Approximately a banana and an apple's worth of sweet fruit

Adding bananas to your smoothie

I almost always use a banana in my green smoothies because bananas make the texture so smooth. If my green smoothie tastes too green, I'll add a date or two (medjool dates are my favourite), some fresh sweet pineapple, or a sweetener such as raw agave nectar.

Depending on what I've added to my green smoothie the liquid will congeal really quickly. For example, by the time I've finished drinking my first cup the remainder in the blender will be all strange looking and congealed. Usually I'll just blend it up again for a few seconds and it will return to the more liquid state, which I prefer.

The Rawtarian's favorite smoothie

My favourite, simple, economical green smoothie is as follows:

• 1 to 1 1/2 cups of water
• A medium handful of romaine lettuce (or two big lettuce leaves, ripped into small bits)
• One banana
• One apple (or just half an apple if you like it thinner)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Learning how to make green smoothies is a snap. Start with some good, clear recipes. After you've made about twenty or thirty green smoothies, you'll notice that there are some definite commonalities to the ratios of fruit to greens. You'll be making your own raw smoothie concoctions in no time.

Happy blending!

People frequently ask me, "Laura-Jane, what does your average raw food day look like?"

My day is not this totally different, fancy raw recipes type of day - no, I tend to eat simply, and I return to my favorites over and over. Every day includes lots of veggies and fruits. And I pretty much start every day with a big 'ol green smoothie!

To start the day...

My go-to brekkie is a large  Silky Green Smoothie. Packed with goodies like bananas, oranges, apples and spinach, it's the perfect start to my busy days.

If I'm in the mood for something different, I go for the Raw Oatmeal, Raw Breakfast Bowl, or Raw Porridge. These recipes are not only delicious and filling, they are easy to make - important when you're running late!

Make sure to fuel yourself up for the day with a hearty breakfast! It will set you up with lots of energy to tackle the rest of your day.

It's lunch time!

Lunch is often a salad topped with either Walnut Pate or Salmon Salad Pate. Sooo tasty!

And I love soups! A bowl of Celery Soup with raw crackers, or a bowl of Tomato Soup with a side of raw hummus = the perfect lunch! I'll also include a small side salad (super easy, like spinach with cherry tomatoes).

And for supper...

Mmm, what to have for supper? I like to have a hearty supper at the end of the day (complete with dessert of course!)

So many awesome raw recipes to choose from, but I usually go for my favorites:

• 5-Minute Spaghetti - Walnuts add the hearty texture to this simple yet dee-lish recipe!
• Macaroni and Cheese with Zucchini Noodles - a meal everyone will love, even the kids!
• Taco Salad - Walnut-based and oh, so good!
• Raw Pizza - Almond-based crust topped with pesto, pineapple, green pepper, sun dried tomatoes, mushies = YUM!

Note: I usually make a small salad for supper, as well - loaded up with lots of my fave veggies.

Gotta have dessert!

I love dessert: who doesn't? My dessert picks are Brownies, Chocolate Shortbread Bars, and Sesame Seed Bars. No, not all at once! Although the idea is tempting!

If I'm extra peckish, perhaps a piece of fruit to go-with. 

Don't forget the snacks!

I don't like feeling hungry. So I usually eat two snacks every day. First one mid-morning, the second in the afternoon (not long before supper!). Not letting yourself go hungry is key to success. When you are starving, you either make poor food choices, or you give up on going raw. Allowing yourself snacks helps you stay fuller and feel happier!

A typical snack for me is two apples, or one banana, or a handful of nuts. Perhaps a small slice of brownie, or maybe a handful of crackers straight from the freezer. Hmm, I think I want a snack right now!

There ya have it!

Now you have an idea of what my raw food intake looks like. Most days I stick to simple favorites. Other days I fancy things up for a special occasion. And I definitely have days where I'm craving something different. Depends on my mood, time of year, motivation... !

So, find your favorite recipes and enjoy them... a lot. Just as you used to eat your SAD favorites, so it is with eating raw. If knocking back a big green smoothie every morning (afternoon, evening), is your thing, then stick with it! You may eat more or less than me, and that's fine. Your body will tell you what's working for you - listen to it!

I trust you've had an eventful and food-filled holiday season! If you're anything like me, you're looking forward to getting back on track when it comes to your health.

You're invited to take my 14-day low-fat raw cleanse to reboot your habits and body for 2020. If you want to reach your ideal weight and give your body a well-deserved reboot, register today for this low-fat raw cleanse. Registration now open for a limited time: www.therawtarian.com/rawcleanse
 
I encourage you to move towards better health in 2020. As you head into the new year, listen to the faint whisper of your heart in all areas of your life, because goals and dreams don't get much louder than a whisper--and it's in your power to take that whisper and give it the attention it deserves.
 
Start 2020 by feeling better than ever about yourself. Get a preview of the cleanse (and all the free bonuses!) right now: www.therawtarian.com/rawcleanse (Registration closes January 31th.)

Going raw can have its challenges. You might have preconceptions that sink you before you swim. Like ‘raw food is boring.’ Or maybe you feel hungry all the time. You may even try to count calories – trust me, you don’t have to! Or maybe you’re not prepared when you’re away from home – so you grab a bag of chips.

But if you are aware of these mistakes, you are less likely to fall off the wagon. Here are some tips to help you avoid these common raw mistakes.

Mistake: Counting calories

First raw mistake is counting calories. You do not, I repeat, do NOT have to count calories when you are eating raw! Just make sure to eat a balanced raw diet. Eat good, whole healthy foods, and eat a lot of them. This is the joy of raw. Anyway, counting calories is a pain. Why do it if you don’t have to?

Mistake: Not eating enough

You’ll love correcting this raw mistake! Remember: you have to eat more than you’re used to. Don’t think, “Gee, one handful of berries is too much.” Grab another handful! It does take a lot more raw food (think volume) to ‘fill’ you up. Heap your plate high. Second servings are encouraged! Going raw does not equal going hungry. Make sure you eat enough throughout the day.

Mistake: Not being prepared when away from home

This is a huge raw mistake. One we’re all guilty of. We rush out of the house without a thought to snacks or lunch. So, get into the habit of having ‘easy-to-eat’ items on hand. Nuts, fruit,veggies – easy to take along for the ride. Divide your almonds (or cashews, or whatever) into baggies ahead of time – so they’re easy to grab. Bananas and apples… simple, take-along snacks.

The hard part is remembering to bring your food. For emergencies, stash a bag of nuts in your car (or even your purse). Being prepared when away from home is vitally important to successfully staying raw.

Mistake: Thinking that healthy food must taste boring

Raw food is boring… NOT! Many folks think eating raw is noshing down on lettuce and celery, day in and day out. Nowadays, going raw can taste delicious. No need to suffer taste deprivation! The secret is finding the right recipes. Have you tried the raw apple pie? Raw alfredo sauce? Raw brownies? Sweet or savory? Variety is key. There are so many delicious raw recipes to try. Start with the simpler raw recipes and then when you’re more confident… get creative! No more reasons to think, “ho-hum, boring” anymore. Scratch this raw mistake from your list!

What mistake are you making?

I hope you realize that going raw needn’t be boring or difficult. (Yay!) With just a little effort, staying raw will become second nature to you. Just be aware of these raw mistakes. Delight your taste buds with a variety of raw recipes. Don’t starve yourself or count calories. And be sure to carry simple raw snacks with you every time you leave the house!

Craving a raw, delicious salad? Here are three salads and a great ranch dressing that are super easy to make, which is important when you’re on the run or whipping them up at work. Don’t worry, you don’t have to chop up a huge pile of vegetables. Raw salads work best with just a few ingredients. This way, the simple flavours meld together for maximum flavor!

For extra zip, top your raw salads with raw ranch dressing. (recipe below)

1. Avocado and tomato delight

This is my favourite prepare-right-at-work salad. Avocadoes and carrots make for a creamy/crunchy contrast – no dressing required! For a quick lunch fix, give this easy, raw salad a try. I've taken this to work literally dozens of times when I am in a rush in the mornings! Just grab an avo, tomato and a carrot and you're DONE!

2. Raw avocado seaweed salad

Here is a tasty, but easy raw salad.  Give dulse seaweed a try if you haven’t already. Optional raisins up the sweetness factor.

3. Raw ranch salad dressing

Raw ranch dressing tastes just like the ‘real deal!’ Satisfy your ranch craving with this easy cashew-based raw ranch dressing recipe. Toss all the ingredients in your blender… and blend. Done!  And yes, it actually tastes like Hidden Valley!

4. Raw taco salad

This raw taco salad recipe is one of my favorite raw salads of all time. The "taco filling" is super filling and hearty. This recipe will make you get excited about having a salad!

Which raw salad recipe will you try today?

Believe me, these raw salad recipes are fast and easy. Try one today and see for yourself! Salads don't have to be boring. They should explode on the tongue!

And remember. Simple = best. Too many flavours = a dull, brownish flavour that blends together into a blah of boring nothingness!

We keep hearing that it’s always healthier and more practical to eat meals prepared at home. Yet, one of the reasons that may hinder you from eating healthy is battling a love-hate relationship with the kitchen. (Or maybe you've developed an aversion towards kitchen chores – namely uncooking and cleaning up afterwards.) Cooking can be a bothersome task, and waiting in front of your stove/oven for your food just takes too long sometimes. And so you may wind up picking up the phone and dialing for the fastest take-out restaurant to deliver or reaching for instant meals. 

Wouldn’t it be nice to eat healthy and take only as much time as it would take you to make that call for take-out? Well, I have the perfect list of raw food recipes for people who don’t like to cook! And these recipes don’t have any need for many kitchen tools other than a blender and a food processor, so you don’t really have to worry about cleaning up a big mess afterwards. I know that may sound too good to be true, but it is (true, that is). You’ll be amazed how easy and satisfying eating deliciously healthy raw food can be!

Raw egg salad recipe

Nope, this recipe doesn’t really have any eggs that you normally would have to cook. It’s more like an "eggless" egg salad! But trust me, this raw egg salad recipe tastes just like an authentic egg salad!

Just dump cashews, water, lemon juice, turmeric, garlic cloves and sea salt into your powerful blender and blend until you get that very nice and creamy hollandaise sauce-like texture. Transfer the mixture into a bowl and mix in chopped celery and red bell pepper until everything is coated. Lastly, top it with a dash of pepper and paprika then eat it. Bon appétit!

Raw vegan chicken salad recipe

Here’s a great way to eat a vegan "chicken" dish without chicken. To make this tasty raw vegan chicken salad recipe, you’ll need your food processor. So get it from your cabinet and start uncooking.

Simply process (for a few seconds) all the ingredients – sunflower seeds, cashews, pecans, cucumber, red onion, apple, celery stalk, fresh or dried dill, lemon juice and sea salt together into chunky bits. Don’t process for too long! You may want to let the flavors combine by leaving it for about half an hour, but it’s best to consume it immediately because it doesn’t keep well. You’re right; this recipe is pretending to be chicken meat even though it doesn’t taste like chicken. But the texture is just like that of a chicken salad.

Raw marinated mushroom recipe

Three ingredients: mushrooms, olive oil and raw soy sauce. You can handle that, right? And what's more, this raw marinated mushroom recipe needs no equipment at all! That means no cleaning up! Well maybe you’d have to wash your plate after eating, of course.

But kidding aside, all you need to do is pour oil and soy sauce over your sliced mushrooms in a deep plate and gently stir. Allow the mushroom to sit for about five minutes and enjoy. If you want to spice it up a bit, you can also add your choice of garnish like sesame seeds or green onions. It’s all up to you! These mushrooms are perfect salad toppers.

Raw chocolate mousse recipe

What about dessert, you say? You don’t need to bake or need any fancy cookware either! In fact, you can make a number of simple and sweet desserts in just five minutes or less.

Try making this raw chocolate mousse recipe by processing avocado, banana, coconut oil, cacao powder, a sweetener, and sea salt in a food processor until very nice and smooth. Scoop into your choice of dishes or small cups and refrigerate for an hour before serving. Easy, yes? Yes!

These recipes are for you

So if you are one of those people who simply can’t get acquainted with your stovetop or oven, then these are the perfect raw food recipes for people who don’t like to cook. Why not try whipping up your own delicious no-cook meal?

Today's lunch menu is all about flavor, people! If your lunches have been a little 'meh' lately, here's some inspiration. It's time to wake those tastebuds up!

Start off with a bowl of fiery chili accompanied by some oh-so-delectable raw bread (yes, there is such a thing!). Next up: salad! Treat yourself to a colourful Fiesta salad, or toss a green salad with a red pepper dressing for maximum 'yum' factor!

Raw Chili

This hearty Raw Chili packs a flavor punch. The surprise ingredient: walnuts! Tomatoes, celery and carrots (and chili powder, of course!) also feature in this must-try recipe.

If you used to love chili in the 'old' days, you'll adore this raw vegan alternative!

Raw Bread - Moist Spongy Loaves

Thinking you need a chunk of fresh bread to go with that chili? Well, this Moist Spongy Loaves recipe has come to your rescue! Soft, supple and scrumptious, and no, I'm not exaggerating!

Psyllium husk is what gives this bread its spongy texture.

Raw Fiesta Salad

Summer is the best time to enjoy this colorful Raw Fiesta Salad. Fresh corn is what makes this salad pop, along with cherry tomatoes, onions and basil.

To easily remove corn niblets: remove outer husk, snap corn cob in half with your hands, place vertically on cutting board and slice downwards.

Raw Red Pepper Dressing

If you want to add some zip to your big ol' green salad, check out this Raw Red Pepper Dressing. This nut-free dressing is simple to make and subtly tangy.

Fresh ginger adds pizzazz but is optional.

Lunch-time, here we come!

You don't have to hit a restaurant to eat scrumptious, snazzy meals like this. With these simple recipes, you can jazz up lunch time like a pro. It's good to rock the raw lunch boat on occasion, don't you think?

Holidays are just around the corner! It's time to start thinking "party", and of course, "what's on the menu?". Whatever event or occasion you're celebrating, here are some simple and delicious appies to serve your guests.

Ready? Then read on, my friends...

Vegetable Platter & Raw Ranch Dressing

First, let's go for the obvious... throw together a big 'ol vegetable platter. Carrots, celery, broccoli, tomatoes... you get my drift! What's available at your local farmer's market? Be creative! Tempt your guests further by offering a Raw Ranch Dressing dip for their veggies. If you think nothing can compare to 'real' ranch dressing, think again! This is a must-have dip for your vegetable platter!

Fruit Platter & Raw Fruit Dip

And you can't go wrong with a fruit platter, especially when you serve it with a delicious Raw Fruit Dip. This cashew-based dip is sooo creamy and slightly tangy, with a cream-cheese-like texture. Perfect for slathering on strawberries, pineapple chunks and grapes.

Mmm, just writing about it makes me want to whip up a batch right now!

Raw Walnut Pate & Simplest Raw Flax Crackers

For snackies, my fave and easiest trick is to top cucumber rounds with a spread like Raw Walnut Pate.

You can also spread the Walnut Pate on crackers, too. Check out this Simplest Raw Flax Cracker Recipe to totally impress your friends!

Raw Guacamole & Raw Corn Chips

What's a gathering without guacamole? Guacamole is always on my must-serve list, so I'm sharing it with you!

Serve it up with these stupendously good Corn Chips and your holiday event will be the talk of the town!

Raw Strawberry Milk

Keep your guests hydrated (and delighted) with a smooothie like this awesome Strawberry Milk.  Frozen strawberries and chia seeds are the two main ingredients!

For a twist, you can also serve this smoothie up as a refreshing dessert!

Raw Cheesecake

But, if you want a 'proper' dessert, why don't you make one up the day beforehand & freeze? My top choice that you can serve right out of the freezer is Raw Cheesecake!

If some of your guests have any doubts about eating raw at this point, those doubts will be eradicated after just one bite of this wildly delicious cheesecake!

All Together Now...

Let's see now, we've got a vegetable plate, a fruit plate, flax crackers (and cuke rounds!) topped with walnut pate. Then there's the guacamole served up with crunchy corn chips. And for the sweet tooths in the gang, there's the strawberry smoothie plus cheesecake for dessert!

So get ready to enjoy your holiday in raw food style! And don't forget to invite me!

Holiday recipes usually conjure up visions of mashed potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie. Am I right? Well, you can have these recipes (and more!), raw vegan style! No need to deprive yourself of seasonal favorites, plus your guests will love them, too! I myself cannot do without raw eggnog during the festive season. Must have my eggnog!

So, without further ado, here are my favorite top raw vegan holiday recipes:

Raw Eggnog

Serve your guests a glass of this delicious Raw Eggnog. Oh so rich, this eggnog will soon get them into the festive spirit. Cashews, dates, and coconut oil are (crazily enough!) the main ingredients in this easy-to-whip-up recipe.

Just blend and serve immediately, and listen to the cries of delight!

Raw Mashed Potatoes

Every holiday meal has to have mashed potatoes, even a vegan meal! This Mashed Potato recipe is hearty and filling with a garlicky flavor. In case you are wondering, no raw potatoes here! These mashed potatoes are cauliflower and cashew based.

Make sure to include raw mashed potatoes as part of your festive meal!

Raw Stuffing

Walnuts, dates and celery are the key ingredients for this scrumptious Raw Stuffing. Include this stuffing at your next holiday meal - your guests will be asking for seconds!

Bonus: you can make this recipe in advance.

Raw Cranberry Relish

What's a holiday meal without cranberry relish? This incredibly simple Cranberry Relish recipe has just two ingredients - cranberries (of course!) and dates. It's also super tasty, and a must-have for your table.

For extra oomph and color, you can add a diced orange. Yum!

Raw Pumpkin Pie

Eating raw does not mean giving up your favorite foods. Whip up a Raw Pumpkin Pie for a holiday dessert. This pumpkin pie is light and creamy, and oh so good!

Keep this pie in the freezer. When you want to impress your guests, just pull it from the freezer, slice and serve!

Holiday favorites, raw vegan style...

Which of these recipes are you going to make this holiday season? As you can see, being a raw vegan does not mean depriving yourself of old favorites. And these recipes are so good, you can serve them to your non-raw guests with confidence.

And if you're making raw eggnog, I'll be right over!

Do you eat all raw? Or are you a little raw, a little not? Have you thought about it lately? A lot of folks try to start 100% raw, but take it from me, that's not always a good idea. Most people fall in between all-raw and not-at-all-raw. It's a rare person that doesn't eat some sort of raw food on a regular basis (even if just a banana now and then). And increasingly more people are becoming completely raw and/or vegan.

How do YOU rate? Maybe it's time to reassess your eating habits!

All raw, baby!

You're 100% raw and proud of it!

Simple definition of raw: eating nothing that has been heated over 115 degrees. By going all raw, you exclude meat, fish & eggs, dairy, and the big baddies: processed foods.

The raw food diet consists mainly of vegetables, fruits & berries, nuts & seeds, fermented & dehydrated foods, certain oils, spices, coconut, and sweeteners like agave syrup or dates (as organic as possible). As an all-raw afficiando, you've learned how to make smashing recipes (rather than exist on carrot sticks and lettuce - a big myth about raw foodists!). You've learned to balance your nutritional needs so that you don't feel hungry and that you are getting enough nutrients.

Raw food isn't just about food for you: it's a way of life!

Mostly raw, and also vegan

Vegans avoid eating any animal product. You eat mostly raw food, but you'll also occasionally eat cooked (like steamed veggies and rice). While "regular" vegans don't eat meat or fish, "ethical" vegans also promote the humane treatment of animals. They avoid eating/using any animal product or by-product, including eggs, honey and leather.

As a raw vegan, you eat a healthy varied diet. You avoid processed & sugary foods.

Somewhat raw, and somewhat vegan

Eating healthy is always on your radar but you're not die-hard about it. You'll most definitely nosh on a burger when the mood strikes! And you eat meat and fish and eggs. As a rule, you are aware of what is good for you and what is not. And you do try to eat your daily ration of fruit and veggies...

But you're also happy to chow down on roast turkey on special holidays, or share a hot fudge sundae with your BFF!

Dreaming of being a raw vegan...

You'd like to eat more raw, and make better food choices. And you try! But it isn't that simple! You're not quite there yet - your life (family, work, health, kids, travel) makes going raw and/or vegan impractical at this point.

And that's okay! Even just upping your raw fruits and veggies every day is good practice. Don't let that bag of apples in your fridge go to waste. Eat one right now!

Raw? What's that?

If fruits, veggies and other raw & healthy foods don't appear on your grocery list, this is you. And you don't care! But wait... Are you googling raw recipes & lurking about on raw websites? You must be, or you wouldn't be reading this. Busted!

Since you're here, why don't you take a peek... Raw Food Recipes For Beginners.

Ultimately...

Raw? Not raw? A bit of both? Should I have that piece of fudge? As you can see, everyone is different. No one way is right or wrong (although NOT eating any fruit or veggies ever can't be a good thing!). What I mean is you can eat meat or wheat, and still be healthy. Some folks avoid certain foods because of allergies (like gluten or eggs). Others because of personal ethics. Others eat a certain way to lose weight or to recuperate after an illness.

Are you any or none of the above? Wherever you are, share your thoughts and reasons for eating the way you do!