A raw vegan diet combines veganism and raw foodism. Veganism is a plant-based diet, no animal product or by-product. Raw foodism consists of unprocessed, natural food. When cooked it must be at a temperature roughly below 115 degrees Fahrenheit in order to preserve the enzymes that get destroyed by cooking at higher temperatures. Juicing is also another key element.

Raw Vegan Diet:

• Raw fruits and vegetables
• Dried fruits and vegetables
• Sprouts
• Nuts and seeds
• Herbs and raw spices
• Unprocessed raw cocao (raw chocolate)
• Raw “nut” milk
• Raw nut butters
• Cold pressed oils
• Vinegars
• Pure maple syrup

How to prepare meals:
The best part of this diet is the simplicity of it. Generally a dehydrator is used to prepare some recipes opposed to an oven. The dehydrator allows you to cook food without the high temperature from the oven that kills a lot of the foods enzymes. Luckily, using the oven and maintaing the temperature below 115 degrees Fahrenheit preserves the enzymes so you still get all the nutrients. Make sure to also invest in a food processor and juicer; they will become your best friend!

Shopping List:
Everything I need is found in exactly two places; the produce section of the grocery store and Bulk Barn. The grocery store is filled with an abundant amount of fruits and veggies- if you can go to the farmers market for them, even better! Bulk barn has everything else you need; spices, herbs, oils, you name it; they have it.

Hope this basic breakdown of what a raw vegan lifestyle consists of, meal preparations and your two-stop shopping trip guide helped!

Reference:
Vesanto M., Brenda D. (2010). What Is A Vegan Diet. Canadian Living. March 7, 2014, http://www.canadianliving.com/food/cooking_school/what_is_a_raw_vegan_diet.php