Can children thrive on a raw foods eating plan? That is a question that is asked by so many who are contemplating the transition to eating more raw foods. I've perused many websites, read numerous articles and the views and opinions are so varied it makes you wonder why bother.
I've come to the point where I trust my own instincts and the advice of my husband when it comes to our eating plan. We both agree that an eating plan that incorporates raw food as the majority is the ideal for any person. We don't necessarily subscribe to the view that one has to be 100% raw to be healthy but we know and believe that greater health is gained when the diet is more raw than cooked. What is your opinion? Do you think children can thrive on a raw food?
We have two boys ages 6 and 7. Obviously they are in the formative stages of their lives and need to have all the necessary vitamins, nutrients, foods and drinks for their growth and vitality. In my quest to eat what's best I will not sacrifice their health. This isn't an all or nothing situation. It's a journey of discovery, a continual improving, an ongoing changing of habits. I am thoroughly enjoying the process. I love cooking and all the flavors and textures that go with different types of dishes. This is a challenge I welcome - discovering new ways to serve fruits and vegetables both cooked and raw. My boys and my husband have been the guinea pigs in my experiments. We have some keepers and we have some that will never grace our table again.
The tool that I use to gauge whether we are eating as we should is the Vegetarian/Vegan Food pyramid. I posted about it some time ago and since finding that piece of information I've been a bit more relaxed in my mind because I have a guideline of sorts.
I believe that children can thrive on a raw food diet. It just takes careful monitoring of what they eat to ensure that they get all they need. I also believe that some sort of supplementation is necessary so that when we have times of busyness or sickness or financial shortage they will still be getting the nutrients they need. What do you think? Do you subscribe to the trend of thought that no supplementation is necessary or do you think it is?
Here are some examples of the kind of snacks my boys eat:
Grapes and sugar cane
Popcorn and orange wedges
Guava and pineapple
Papaya, ripe bananas, pineapple
Smoothie, peanuts, raisins, pistachio nuts
There are lots more pictures I could show you but the point is this. There are enough varieties of foods out there to feed children instead of all the sugar laden, chemically produced, artificial things out there that are being presented as food. As to supplementation I would love to hear your thoughts on the matter. Share websites you've found helpful and resources you've come across. I am constantly learning and would love to get some more information to use for the health of my family.
