DAY SIX • Need for nutrition!

The human body is an intrinsically complex biological machine which requires a myriad of nutrients in order to function properly. Each fruit and vegetable available to us holds within it all the components necessary for our body to digest and assimilate its nutrients.  Not only do our bodies require the various macro and micronutrients found in plants, but often we also require the phytochemicals for proper digestion and assimilation as well.  Eating a large variety of whole unrefined plant foods throughout our week is the only way to ensure we are obtaining adequate amounts of each nutritional component necessary for proper health and function throughout our lives (we will discuss vitamin D and B12 later).  As full-fledged Americans, thanks to our modern day convenience foods, we often fall very short in our consumption of these vital nutrients, and as a result we suffer from maladies such as sluggishness, cold and flu, anxiety, depression, cancer and more.  But it doesn't have to be that way. 

DAY SIX of our No Excuses November program hits this concern at its core with the challenge to consume at least one whole raw plant based food at each meal.  Whether you elect to add kale, tomatoes, cabbage, apples, grapes, sweet onions, celery or something else, try to have a side dish that is a nice portion of your overall meal, and is mostly or totally raw. Vegetables such as asparagus and broccoli are best raw or lightly steamed, but still tender crisp. There are a wealth of salad recipes available that offer far more than lettuce as a base.  A basic vegetable tray with a few homemade dips, sauces or spreads are another excellent, time-efficient way to include fresh foods in a simple way. 

​We need nutrients from our food to survive and thrive. The pharmaceutical and supplement companies know this fact well, and that is why they so often attempt to profit off of our necessity. Yet, no matter how hard they try, they will never be able to outdo what was already designed for us in nature. Mankind can never bottle, reinvent, repackage or repurpose what was already created inside each plant. There is a time and a place for every good thing, and it is always best when it comes in the original package. 

​Remember, this challenge isn't over the top, we aren't suggesting you eat all raw -- just one item at every meal. We know you can do it! Good luck and have fun!