Cold and Flu season is upon us so I’m extra particular about adding something #Raw to each of my meals. Including more raw foods into our diet can help our overall vitality and health especially during the winter months. Here’s how:

1) A boost to the immune system – The live enzyme from raw fruits, veggies, sprouts, seeds and nuts are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which help our bodies to fight off those yucky seasonal sicknesses like the cold and flu.

2) An increase in energy levels – energy levels tend to dip in the colder weather and shorter days.

3) Aid in a better digestive system – raw foods are extremely high in fibre and live enzymes assisting our bodies to absorb nutrients more efficiently and help with regularity.

4) Better Skin and Anti-Aging Properties – raw foods are extremely cleansing to our bodies and the skin is our largest organ. Adding more raw goodness will help our complexion to become bright and clear and the antioxidant dose will help to smooth winkles.

5) Fights Cancer – plant foods at their natural raw state contain phytonutrients which function as antioxidants in the body and reduce cancer risk. The extremely alkalizing effect that raw foods have on the body is believed to neutralize free radicals.

**Be sure to do your research on organic vs non-organic. A lot of the thicker skinned fruits and vegetables are okay to buy non-organic but thinned skinned fruit and veggies must be organic to avoid the large amount of pesticides.**

Try experimenting with different colours and flavours – I love the crunchy, sweet and tartness of my Purple Cabbage Mandarin Fusion Slaw…it’s a must try! 🙂
Ingredients
2 cups of shredded red cabbage
2 mandarin oranges

Dressing Ingredients
1 tbsp Olive Oil
2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
1/2 tbsp Organic maple syrup
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make:
Finely shred cabbage
Peel and pull apart mandarin segments
In a separate bowl whisk oil, vinegar, maple syrup and seasoning until combined
Add cabbage and mandarins to a bowl
Pour dressing over top and mix together
Serve along side any protein of choice