Eating healthy can be quite a challenge for busy people who are always on the go, especially for raw vegans. There are those days when you just don’t have enough time to sit and eat at the table. It can sometimes be hard to decide what kind of raw food to go you should take with you to eat on the way to work or have later in the day, since many raw food recipes don’t really store well in room temperature.

Some raw food recipes can also be quite messy and inconvenient to take along, like frozen cakes or maybe even green smoothies. But there are excellent portable raw recipes that are not only easy to prepare, but that you can even just stash in your bag for a quick nibble any time you get hungry.

Raw sweet sesame seed bars

First, there are snack bars. They’re very handy to have especially if you’d like to keep some raw food for later where there aren’t many raw-friendly stores around.

To make this delicious raw sesame seed bar recipe, you don’t need any equipment. Simply mix sesame seeds, raisins, shredded coconut, flaxseed meal and sea salt in a bowl. Then add tahini, coconut oil, maple syrup and pure vanilla extract to the mixture and continue stirring. Transfer and press down the mixture into a large dish, cover and store in the freezer for at least an hour. It’s best to eat these chewy snack bars when chilled, so you might want to bring an ice box or some kind of cooler in your car to keep them chilled if you plan to snack on them later.

Raw vegan mock tuna salad recipe

Some people might think you can’t really just keep salad in your bag for later since it might turn nasty. But this raw tuna salad recipe is a great raw food to go for when you’re rushing in the morning or as a packed lunch. Before making this recipe, make sure to soak the sunflower seeds in lukewarm water for about an hour or two.

To make the tuna paste, place dulse (seaweed), garlic, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, thyme and sea salt in a food processor and process on high until very nice and smooth. When you’re ready to eat the tuna salad, you can add celery, onions or parsley. It’s also great to match with an apple. Just don’t omit the seaweed from the recipe because it’s a vital ingredient that gives a tuna-like flavor.

Avocado carrot tomato salad

Having this raw salad for lunch to go is very convenient since it’s so easy to make with only three ingredients and no equipment.

All you have to do is chop your carrots, tomato and avocado meat into small chunks. Dump all the ingredients in a bowl and softly stir. You may also optionally season it with a little salt and pepper. And you’re done!

Raw superfood brownies

Superfoods can be a little expensive yet they’re “super” packed with energy-giving nutrients. But if you’re on a budget, you can leave out the “super” in this raw food (goji berries and hemp hearts) and still have an awesome raw brownie to go.

In this raw food recipe, process first the sunflower seeds into a fine meal, then add cashews and continue processing. Slowly add dates a few at a time and process the mixture well until everything looks small and crumbly. Next, add the cacao, shredded coconut, coconut oil, vanilla extract, sea salt and a little cayenne pepper, then process once more until it reaches a crumbly but thick consistency. Transfer the mixture into a bowl and mix in the goji berries and hemp hearts using a spoon. Finally, press the brownie mixture into a glass dish and cut into nice little squares. Raw superfood brownies are a great quick fix for those sweet-snack-craving moments.

Raw granola bars

This raw granola bar recipe may contain a lot of ingredients, but the process is still quite easy to follow.

You’ll need to soak almonds and dates an hour beforehand and then process them well in your food processor. Dump the mixture into a bowl and add the rest of the ingredients. Mix well, then spread the granola bar mixture into glass dishes and cut to form small bars. You can optionally dehydrate them for a crunchier texture or eat them as is! These raw granola bars are very tasty either way.

Raw food to go

There you have it! Now you don’t have to settle for just a banana or plain nuts in your purse when you’re on the go. (Although those two aren’t really bad either.) But having more variety and more exciting raw food to go recipes to choose from is a good thing!

How to go raw right now can be simple. If you want it to be!

Deciding to switch to a raw food diet is one of the best things you can do for yourself, but figuring out how to go raw can be intimidating if you don't go in with a game plan. (And if you overcomplicate things!)

Odds are you are curious about the benefits of raw food—which include an abundance of energy, clarity of mind, and a healthy body-inside and out. But where do you begin? Do you have to go 100% raw right away? Will your entire diet be comprised of salads and carrot sticks? (Answer: no!)

You don't have to go raw overnight.

To have the best success learning how to go raw, and to allow your body to transition smoothly from a Standard American Diet (SAD) to a healthful, satisfying raw diet, you should go raw in phases.

The simplest way for most people to start going raw is to initially replace one meal a day with a raw meal and build up from there.

You don't have to buy expensive equipment.

You don't have to rush out and buy a bunch of new raw kitchen equipment right away—there are plenty of simple raw options to start with that will make learning how to go raw exciting (yes, EXCITING) and achievable!

If you have a blender and a good kitchen knife, you can get started right now. Beginning your day with a big green smoothie will change your life, and make kicking your coffee or sugar-cereal habit painless. Your cells will rejoice and your body will respond immediately, kicking toxins out of your body while giving you immense energy and a healthy glow. :)

It gets easier.

It is amazing how quickly the body responds to receiving the fuel it truly wants. You'll find that you start craving more whole, raw foods and less of the processed junk that so many of us have spent our lives eating.

Salads become exciting and enticing as you discover new fruits and vegetables, and nuts and seeds can add versatility and dimension that make old recipes seem new.

Fresh fruits, simple nut pates, fresh vegetables and easy raw dressings and dips will replace your old processed snacks and lunches, and you will stay full and satisfied longer!

It all starts with one recipe, one meal, one bite. Today.

If you really want to know how to go raw, it's simple: start now.

Browse through my raw recipe database, make a rough plan of what your raw food meals will look like for the next week, and write your shopping list. Eliminate foods that are counter-productive to your overall goals, and get started on your amazing journey to a healthy, satisfying lifestyle.

Your body will thank you!

Chia seeds are used to thicken and add texture to many different types of recipes. Did you know you could thicken smoothies and shakes with chia seeds? Same with sauces and puddings and more! Plus, they are a dandy source of dietary fibre!

Here is a selection of recipes that use chia seeds. These versatile little seeds are a total must-have in my kitchen!

Raw Porridge

Here's a hearty breakfast to start your day right - Raw Porridge! Chia seeds, raisins, and coconut are the top ingredients, along with other nuts and seeds of your choice (almonds, pumpkin, sunflower...).

I prefer to use milled (ground) chia seeds in this recipe.

Raw Strawberry Sauce

Liven up your raw desserts with this delightful Raw Strawberry Sauce. The chia seeds thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency - yum!

This is crazy easy to make - just 3 ingredients: strawberries, dates and chia seeds!

Raw Chocolate Chia Pudding

Chia seeds thicken up puddings like there's no tomorrow! Try this Raw Chocolate Chia Pudding on for size and you'll have to agree!

Cashews, chia seeds and cacao powder are the primary ingredients in this lovely chocolate-y recipe!

Raw Strawberry Milk

Strawberries + chia seeds + sweetener + water = the ultimate Raw Strawberry Milk recipe! Thick, syrupy-smooth sweetness describes this smoothie perfectly.

This is a healthy and delicious drink for kids, too!

Raw Banana Bread

This Raw Banana Bread gets its firm texture from plumped-up chia seeds. This easy recipe (yes, it's easy even tho' you have to use a dehydrator) will satisfy any banana bread cravings you may have ever had!

Bananas (of course!), dates, carrots, chia seeds and pecans are the main ingredients in this scrumptious banana bread!

Sold on Chia Seeds?

As you see, chia seeds can be used for more than to thicken puddings! Make sure you've got a container of 'em on hand in your cupboard, and make sure to use them, m'kay?

Check out The Skinny on Chia Seeds to discover more about these useful little seeds!

Stocking a raw food kitchen is one of the toughest parts of starting the raw food lifestyle.For many people, raw food staple ingredients are unknowns to them.

Some new raw fooders get overwhelmed by the recipes that call for a number of ingredients they don't have on hand or have not even heard of. Here are a few tips on stocking a raw food kitchen.

I've broken down this post into two sections: required kitchen implements and required raw food ingredients. This list is based on my personal experiences starting out as a raw fooder.

Required kitchen implements:
For a detailed discussion of kitchen implements, see my recommended raw food appliances post.

• Sharp knives
• Cutting boards
• A blender
• A food processor
• A dehydrator (optional)
• A coffee grinder for small seeds (optional)!

Example 20-item shopping list for stocking a raw food kitchen:

• 1. Seeds - Such as pumpkin, sunflower, or chia seeds (seeds are more affordable than nuts)
• 2. Basic nuts -  Such as almonds, walnuts or pecans (can usually substitute these for one another)
• 3. Creamy nuts - Such as cashews or macadamia nuts (creamy nuts are more expensive and should be used sparingly if you're on a budget)
• 4. Sea salt
• 5. Spices - Cinnamon, Italian spices, Cumin, Cayenne pepper, Curry powder (buy as needed)
• 6. Olive oil - Or another oil
• 7. Apple cider vinegar
• 8. Garlic
• 9. Flax seeds - Used as binding agents in many recipes to hold food together
• 10. A concentrated natural sweetener - Such as agave nectar or stevia
• 11. Nori rolls - Sheets of seaweed to make sushi-type rolls
• 12. Dates - Medjool are best, be sure to remove the pits (dates are used as natural sweeteners)
• 13. Bananas - Add creaminess and sweetness
• 14. Apples
• 15. Avocados
• 16. Lettuce
• 17. Tomatoes
• 18. Cucumbers
• 19. Onions
• 20. Your favourite fruits or vegetables - Such as fresh pineapple, kalamata olives, celery, kale, strawberries and/or grapes or whatever you like!

What do you think? When you started out stocking a raw food kitchen, what did you include? What couldn't you live without?

There's nothing more refreshing than freshly blended juice. The great thing about juices is that you can make them simple (with one ingredient: think carrot juice). Or you can add more ingredients for extra kick and flavor.

Besides being simple to make and lovely to look at, juices are super nutritious. (Note: I use a Breville Juice Fountain.)

Here are a few simple juices to get you started...

The Rawtarian's Classic Juice

For a simple sweet yet zingy juice, try The Rawtarian's Classic Juice. Carrots, apples and ginger combine for maximum flavor punch! Guaranteed to rev your engine in the morning, plus your body will thank you for such nourishing goodness.

This is easily my favorite breakfast juice.

Raw Carrot Juice

I love Raw Carrot Juice 'cause it's easy to make, sweet, and inexpensive. And of course, it's super nutritious! If you haven't tried juicing yet, give this recipe a try.

Best part is, you don't even have to peel the carrots!

Raw Carrot Ginger Juice

Take your carrot juice to a whole new level with this Raw Carrot Ginger Juice recipe! Ginger does wonders for your immune system, plus its zesty ginger flavor will instantly perk you up.

Carrots don't have to be peeled, but you must peel the ginger (easy to do with a small paring knife).

Raw Apple Beet Juice

Not only is this Raw Apple Beet Juice good for you, but it's beautiful to behold! The carrots, apples and beets combine for a delightfully refreshing drink.

No peeling required in this recipe - yay!

Get your juicin' groove on...

As you can see, juicing is ridiculously easy. Most ingredients don't even have to be peeled. Just toss everything into your blender and off you go! I like fresh juice for breakfast. And on a hot day. And after a workout...

What's your fave juice?

It's going to be my 30th birthday next month (born in 1982), and I have to say that I feel great about it!

My husband tells me that I look better now than in years gone by, and I choose to believe him :) Losing those extra pounds through raw foods has certainly helped define my face and let the real me shine through. I've been 100% raw for about 5 years now, and I feel fabulous. Clear skin, high energy, at my ideal weight, no mood swings, etc. I feel like a different person now.

And let me tell you, exercise actually turns into FUN when you are not lugging around extra pounds. It's so much easier to move and be active when you're lighter. So it's kind of a catch 22 when you are heavy though.

Accepting You Today, But At Your Best

Now, I doubt that I will look as good as Mimi Kirk at 72 but she sure is setting a fabulous example to strive toward. Long hair looks great at any age when done right. I am not convinced that she hasn't had work done, but who knows? Who cares? She looks great :)

I hope to age gracefully and accept the changes that occur, but also to do my best to look my best, like keep off extra pounds and keep my mental health well too by taking care of myself both mentally and physically. Plus, I am trying to be a little trendier with fashion lately since I've been stuck in a rut living in the past with my clothing for the past decade.

I've also gotten clear, removable braces on my teeth (called Invisalign) this year to straighten them--I am about halfway through the dental treatment. I've always wanted to have straighter teeth and I thought, "Why not?" I thought I would feel weird as an "adult" with braces, but most people don't notice and/or couldn't be bothered to care.

What Other People Think

One of the most useful truths in life that I've learned is that everyone is so wrapped up in their own lives that they actually don't take much time to think about what other people are wearing or doing. Think about it. When you are at a party wondering, "Who should I talk to? Is my dress okay? Is my pimple noticeable?" Well, everyone else is thinking the same thing about themselves. So very few people are actually paying attention to other people in the same way that we pay attention to ourselves. :)

How do you feel about your age and how you look in it? Have raw foods helped you feel younger? Or do you really want to make a change to help you feel better about yourself?

Who doesn’t love to have their favorite recipes made more convenient and easier to get to? Information right at your fingertips is a good thing! Get The Rawtarian's raw food recipes and meal plans on your smart phone or tablet. Planning and deciding what raw vegan dish to prepare next is a lot easier with my handy mobile apps. You no longer have to browse the internet and go to the website to look for a recipe, and you don’t have to print all those raw food recipes anymore. I now have two raw food apps that squeeze all your favorite raw food delights as well as some very useful meal plans into your trusty mobile device. 

The Rawtarian's Raw Recipes Mobile App

If you’re always looking for new raw vegan dishes to prepare or keep going back to the website for those particular recipes you’re so fond of, now you can just bring with you all your much loved Rawtarian recipes. The Raw Recipes Mobile App includes over 100 of the best simple and satisfying raw recipes from TheRawtarian.com.

It’s very handy and easy to use. The app provides great features for a hassle-free experience. There’s a shopping list with a checklist to help you organize your raw food needs. It allows you to bookmark raw recipes for quick access and has a useful search tool to help you look for recipes by ingredient. All the recipes also includ high-quality photos in full color which you can zoom in and out. The app even has its own built-in comment feature where you can browse and add comments to know what other users think. Once you’ve downloaded and installed the Raw Recipes Mobile App, you don’t need to be connected to the internet to get full access to the application. Also, the app itself keeps up to date with the newest recipes when it’s online to keep your raw food recipes list growing.

The Raw Recipes Mobile App has been purchased more than 12,000 times and has over 60 five-star reviews in the App Store and on Google Play.

The Rawtarian's Raw Meal Plans Mobile App

Do you sometimes hit a wall when deciding what raw dish to prepare for dinner? Planning the next raw meal of the day can be a bit of a challenge sometimes, especially when you’re just starting out on your raw food journey. My Raw Meal Plans Mobile App is your best buddy that will help you decide which yummy raw vegan dish graces your table next.

From 7-day raw challenges for beginners to 28-day raw challenges for intermediate raw fooders, this app is a reliable raw meal planner that guides you through each meal of each day and takes the weight of decision-making from your shoulders. Newbies and even long-time raw foodies alike love this app. It contains different well-detailed meal plans of more than a hundred simple and delicious raw food recipes for breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner and dessert. It also has a lot of handy and fun features such as organized shopping lists, user comments, gorgeous raw food photos, private notes on recipes, and more. You don’t even need internet access to use the app once it’s been downloaded to your mobile device! Just start your plan and let the app take care of the rest.

Excited for your next raw food adventure yet? Why not get these awesome apps on your Apple or Android device right now. No need to print the recipes and no need to trouble yourself with decision making any longer. Simply download my Raw Recipes Mobile App and Raw Meal Plans Mobile App from iTunes or Google Play and enjoy the amazing sources of raw food ideas for your next raw indulgence anytime.

Get started right now

Not sure which app is right for you? Start with my Raw Recipes app right now!

A group of friends, a good movie (or board game!) and a selection of chocolate goodies: it doesn't get much better!

Here's a great idea...

Why not invite your pals to a chocolate-fest? Show them just how scrumptious raw chocolate treats can be! 

Add a few extras...

Include some fresh fruit as the perfect chocolate go-with. Grapes, pineapple chunks, strawberries: all good! 

Hmm, I think I'm going to have to invite some friends over real soon!

Raw food substitution lists are integral to your raw food kitchen.

Here is a raw food substitution list that you may find comes in handy.

It's preferable to have everything on your raw food diet shopping list before you attempt to make a recipe. But of course sometimes substitutions are necessary because you might not have all the right raw food ingredients on hand.

I almost always substitute cashews for macadamia nuts (and vice versa) depending on what's on sale at my local health food store. For example, I've made raw alfredo sauce and raw mayonnaise with both cashews or macadamia nuts because both nuts are very creamy and oily. If interested in nut  substitutions you may also find this podcast about nut substitutions useful.

Please let me know if you have any substitution tips.

Raw food substitution list

• 1 tablespoon agave nectar = 1 tablespoon honey (not vegan) = 1 tablespoon medjool dates (but not all recipes can use dates instead  - depends on the recipe)
• 1 tablespoon hemp oil = 1 tablespoon cold pressed olive oil
• 1 vanilla bean = 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cocoa = 1 teaspoon carob powder
• 1 cup walnuts = 1 cup pecans
• 1 cup cashews = 1 cup macadamia nuts
• 1 tablespoon Nama Shoyu = 1 tablespoon Braggs Liquid = 1 tablespoon soy sauce (not raw)
• 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds = 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs = 1/2 tablespoon dried herbs

I hope you have found these raw food substitutions useful. Please add comments below and I'll update this list periodically.

Are you the type of person who likes to play jokes on April Fool's Day? If so, then congratulations! If not, then instead of a joke, try something a little different on April 1st. Why don't you "surprise" someone with one of these raw desserts?

Read on and find out why each dessert is so surprising...

Raw Sweet Kale Cheesecake

After your guests (friends, family?) finish off their slice of Raw Sweet Kale Cheesecake, shock 'em with the news that kale is the main ingredient! Watch their jaws drop as they process the news. Kale? That leafy green vegetable that no-one ever eats? (Except raw vegans, of course!)

Kale is what gives this cheesecake it's crazy green color. And it does NOT make the cheesecake taste green. It is sweet and delicious, and the texture is creamy (thanks to the cashews and banana). Plus, it's totally gorgeous. So, this April Fool's Day, serve it with confidence. Then drop the kale bomb after the last crumb is gone!

Raw Brownies

Here is another surprise dessert to whip up for April Fool's Day. Why are these Raw Brownies such a surprise? Because these brownies are are actually good for you! With the decadent chocolate-y taste and chewy texture, you'd be forgiven for thinking these are 'real' brownies. Not! Pecans, dates and coconut are the healthy ingredients in this recipe. No sugar, no butter, nada.

Make a batch of these brownies and you'll agree. These are the ultimate healthy treat that will fix your chocolate itch... without guilt!

Raw Cheesecake

Here's a classic raw cheesecake that will fool anyone into thinking it's the 'real deal.' This cheesecake is so rich and decadent, you'll be surprised that there is no dairy in this recipe! Well, you won't be surprised, but your guests will! After you tell them they are eating a raw, vegan cheesecake (cream cheese free!).

Instead of a cream cheese filling, this recipe uses cashews, coconut oil and agave (or honey), plus lemon juice and vanilla. See, no dairy! The crust is also divinely delicious as macadamia nuts are its primary ingredient. Yum!

Make one, or make all three!

Each one of these desserts is so good, another (pretty much predictable!) surprise will be if there is any left for the next day!