Raw in the winter

[Kristi]

I've never been raw in the winter (started April 2004) so I'm trying to get my mindset of what to eat on those cold winter nights when you crave hot soup, hot chocolate and mashed potatoes!

Any ideas? (I live in Northern Indiana)

[Rawkinlocs]

Hi Kristi,

This will be my first raw winter too and I was just thinking about this earlier today! I live in Michigan, so I know cold winters too!

But I do remember reading somewhere that eating spicier foods (like raw soups with spicy seasonings such as cayenne or other peppers) will warm you OR warming raw soups, etc. just enough where you can stick your finger in it and it feel "warm" but not "hot".

I also read that fruit should be eaten at room temp. and not cold right out of the fridge (or run the fruit under the hot water on your faucet) during the cold, winter months.

One thing I'm glad of, I've NEVER been one who had to have my food piping hot. I know some folks (like my husband) who would go to a fast food place and have them make a fresh batch of fries if the fries originally given were cold (translated...warm) or they'd want their food on their plate piping hot to where you have to blow it to cool it before eating.

I've always enjoyed my cooked food better when it wasn't burning my tongue and was a just-right temp. So, I think I'll do okay being raw in the winter.

(P.S. thanks for the compliment on my pic in the other thread! :D )

[Kristi]

I didn't know you could "warm" things. I'm not a big cayenne or really spicy food person. Alissa has a recipe for angel hair pasta made with zucchini and a marinara sauce. It was delicious but the sauce would have been better if it was slightly warm. Now I know I can! I can't stand food that burns my mouth either. Sounds like torture!

Thanks for the tips!

[Sadii]

I'm a big fan of creating soups and sauces in the vitamixer - they get warm if you run them long enough, and it doesn't take long. Got mine used and it's great!

Kathy

[smasty]

You guys are going to do it, huh? Make me buy a vitamixer! I'm a gadget girl...I bought the Saladocco (didn't like it, bought a different one that works better), bought the dehydrator, bought the juicer, bought the sprouter...I've been holding out on the vitamixer. But, having warmed soups in winter does sound really good. I heard the K-tec is better than the vitamixer, anyone have experience with that? I guess its more powerful and fits under the cabinets (not as tall as the vitamix).

[Sweet lips]

As I understand, you can warm things to about 105 - that may help you. Warming Up To Raw Foods - suggest that you use an electric skillet to warm things, using the warm setting.

I have warmed the marinara sauce to 100 - you are right it is wonderful warmed.

I also found heavier foods at room temp - helped me.

J

Hope this helps

[kirk]

Smasty,
I own a K-Tec but have never used a Vitamix so I can't really compare them. But, I will say that the K-Tec is the best blender that I've ever owned......Kirk

[Kristi]

Don't tell me that the k-tec is cheaper. I'll be in big trouble. I bought the vitamix on the advice of Alissa and one friend. I've been very happy with it. But if the k-tec is cheaper.....don't tell me......lalalalalala I'm not listening! :p

[Dane]

The k-tec is the same as the vita mix. It a more recent model but i have been told it is exactly the same. And its 100.00 more.
Feel better now?
Much love,
Dane

[Alissa]

Yes, the k-tck is the same, ive talked to my distributors about it. I sell both but don’t even bother putting it on the site because it’s more expensive and it works the same, ive tried both.

I spent many winters raw. It’s really helpful to have a dehydrator. Warm stuffed mushrooms, enchiladas, and broccoli soup kept me really warm!
Yep, heavier foods and dehydrated are helpful in the winter.

Just make sure if your going to heat your foods that you make sure the temp doesn’t go over 105 degrees as its really easy to do!

The vitamix can boil foods so you really want to make sure you don't go too hot with that also. But running it for a few seconds longer or grinding and blending things longer is the food processor will also get it to a warmer temp.

Your right spices really help! Warms the insides up!

Also exercise helps ALOT!

Best,
Alissa

[monkeyboy]

Hi Everyone,

I started raw on one cold day back in January. No problem. I tend to make more raw meals in the winter and I've noticed this summer I'm not so much into meals as I am into eating "items of raw" like, fruits, avocados, nuts, apples,strawberries and the tomato. Just a lot of whole foods and raw snack type things.


Peace,
M.B.

[sararaw]

Yes that been my experience also. I make heavier meals and dehydrated foods in the cold weather and lighter meals of fruits and smoothies, salads and just whole foods in the warmer weather.

It seems like that’s just a natural way to eat within the seasons like your body would obviously need more in the winter months?

Sararaw

[marigold]

i started raw in the winter and i have to say it was no problem..in fact it was the summer when i was in two duvet in the heat doing detox chills - i find when i enjoy what i am eating i dont do "stuff" about wanting to eat warm food or feel i am missing out..the more raw is my normal reality the less i think about hot food..only occ has it come up on a cold walk and i was cold and we stopped to eat and i had pudd and friends had hot drink..but i just remind myslef that hot food doenst heat me up - it takes away energy..

oh i am a vita girl..i just love it..it turned my life around on raw..i was having a hard time eating enough fruit and with vita i just make puddings and it increased my energy so much.i was suddenly eating enough..i dont know how anyone raw survivies with out one..so smoothe everything is too..i use it loads in one day - and the dry jug less but def worth having - go buy one

[Sharon]

Just thought I'd give my two cents: (And that's about all!) The K-tech is much shorter, and easier to clean the base, but if you have a Vitamix, no need to change. I agonized, and then went with K-tech. I like it. I got it a month or so ago for $319, including tax and shipping. :p
(It gets cold here too, so we may need to form a winter support group!) I plan to gently warm some soups, and I'm ready to buy a dehydrator.

Cheers all!

Nice, site, Alissa!