Food made with a dehydrator...

[teachingking]

I know a lot of recipes call for the use of a dehydrator. Does this process reduce nutrients/enzymes in food (ala cooking)?

Also, do you notice a difference in the way you feel when eating something that's been dehydrated vs. something fresh?

[FreeLily]

I notice that I don't have as much energy afterwards. Its vastly better than SAD but not as good as a green smoothie or salad. It is great for when I want some corn chips and salsa at night while watching a movie though!! :)

[ShelShel]

I guess I look at it like it helps me stay 100% raw.
To me fresh raw is best, but sometimes you just crave something special and the dehydrator is the way to get it without cooking. ;)

[faith4u]

I don't like the way I feel after eating dehydrated foods. They feel similar to cooked foods to me.

BUT I have to say that I am 2 years down in my raw journey. In the beginning I ate them and felt great. I never noticed a difference then. Many, many people use it as a tool while transitioning.

[barose]

I haven't noticed a difference. I don't eat that many dehydrated foods anyway. Occasional small pizza (with fresh toppings) or a few crackers crushed in a salad. I like kale chips but they are pretty light in volume.

[veggievamp]

I just got my dehydrator and put in a few things I had made that were just too mushy for me and it helped ALOT. I just started on the raw journey tho, so maybe it is good for transition and later maybe just to use occasionally? I didn't notice any dif in way I felt, actually felt good I could finally eat some things that I just could not get down before!

[GlimR]

Suppossedly if you don't use higher temps the nutrients are maintained for the most part. I think this is just like everything else...moderation. I would not eat a large portion of my food in the dried form because it is out of balance, not enough moisture and so many other things that come from fresh, whole fruits, veggies, greens, etc...

To me, this whole way of life is about balance.

I eat predominately fresh foods, smoothies, salads, etc...but feel that dehydrated AND frozen foods have a place in my way of eating and keeps things interesting. This lifestyle has to be enjoyable and sustainable and whatever works for each person within what is considered "raw" is a good and viable choice, IMHO~

[Raspberry4]

YOu are so right. I was just discovering this about myself recently too. The closer it is to the 'natural' state, the better I feel after eating it. Even flax crackers are getting to feel too heavy to me lately.

[Stina]

I can soar through the day on green juice and green smoothie and fruit knowing there's a goodie in the dehydrator waiting for me at home.