What's interesting for all of those still confused by the dairy and meat industry hype - that we need to drink cows milk for calcium and eat meat for iron and protein, is that our yearly blood work proves that those nutrients can easily be obtained from plants! Stuart and I haven't eaten any animal products at all for 4 years, instead we have been on a high raw 100% whole food plant based diet without any supplementation. We thought to share our latest blood test results with you.
The doctor told us that once again our levels are absolutely perfect for -
Full Blood
Salts
Calcium
Phosphate
Magnesium
Iron
Vitamin D
Cholesterol
Zinc
Thyroid
Liver function
Kidney
Urea
Uric Acid
Glucose
Folic Acid
B12 - Stuart's levels are perfect, however mine show slightly low, which the doctor informed me was common and that many of his patients that eat meat also have shown a deficiency. This is something we all need to regularly monitor particularly those over 50. As we age it can be more an issue of absorption than what we eat. Another test is now needed to clarify this result.
Our diet consists of predominantly fruit and leafy greens, with some other greens, vegetables, legumes, lentils, and a small amount of nuts and seeds. Stuart also eats some whole grains every now and then. For the first 2 years we were 100% raw. Now that we have healed, we go in and out of being 100% raw. Some periods we eat 'raw till 4' a few days a week. Eating a portion of cooked lentils, beans or potatoes for dinner combined with 60% salad on our plate. We have personally found this way of eating sustainable for us long term but always feel the most energy during the periods of 100% raw. We truly believe that the potent nutrition and enzymes that a (preferably organic) well balanced 100% Raw Vegan diet provides, as well as regular exercise and some form of meditation, creates the best internal environment to promote healing and reverse disease. Staying high Raw Vegan after the body has healed itself maintains an environment conducive to optimum health and longevity.
We have tips for getting started and recipes here on our website for anyone interested in stepping more into raw!
Love, health & happiness to you,
Natalie & Stuart