Is it raw, not raw?

[Firicia]

Hello all. I decided to get very serious today about being raw and did a lot of uncooking to get myself prepaired for when I need something sweat or a snack. I came across some things that the recipies called for that I am not sure are raw or not:

*Maple syrup - I looked and have neevr seen one that says it's raw:o
*Shredded unsweetend coconut flakes (I got some organic ones, but are they raw? It was for macaroons)
*Cinnamin:p ?

Also if I end up using some stuff like maple syrup if it's not raw does that ruin me trying to be 100%? Or will it ruin my effects? Or... ya what if you use spices that aren't raw or like some maple sugar on top of a cookie for a coating? Haha, so many questions! I just want to learn to be a good little raw foodist! Thanks for the help:D

-Mandy

[Firicia]

Oh also I tired to find oat grouts but couldn't, but the lady at the health food store showed me something else and said it haden't been cooked. If you can't find the grouts should you just stay away?
Also what about buckwheat? Good, bad?

[Random Violin Guy]

Maple syrup is most definitely not raw.

I'm not sure about the coconut flakes, but I'd like to know as well.

Cinnamon I haven't really heard either way about, but I know I see it in raw recipes. Then again, I see maple syrup in otherwise raw recipes, too.

[Eva]

The way I look at these things (like agave, cacao, maple syrup) is that they are "on the borderline" rather than raw or not raw. Things like dates, I now get the ones that don't look like plastic, which means the ones I buy cost a lot more but they are either definitely raw or on the borderline.

The coconut flakes are probably dried at a really high temperature. When I spent a month at 100% (maybe I'm being generous since I was ok with many of the borderline things), I could FEEL that the organic coconut flakes were not acceptable to my body. But maybe yours are dried at a lower temperature.

I find that having those things in my diet means I'm able to make treats like a tasty macadamia nut mylk and other tasty treats. Without the treats, I may be more likely to fall into the trap of having cooked food...

But it may be different for you. I don't know. But definitely don't be too hard on yourself. You're in it for long-term health, so make sure your plan is doable!

[lafsalot]

Here is a thread Lucy recently posted that you may find helpful: http://rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=28840