Raw Food in the Winter Made Easy with Lissa @RawFoodRomance

I hope you enjoy this interview with the amazing Lissa @rawfoodromance, where we dove deep into

Raw Food in the Winter Made Easy!

With over 30 years of combined raw food experience, much of it through the Canadian winters, we’ve got you covered to thrive this season!

Now Diving into “Raw Food in the Winter Made Easy”!

In this fun exchange Lissa and I tackled some of the most common challenges that raw foodists face during the colder months and explored how to thrive while staying raw. While both Lissa and I have found that the winter months can be trickier at first, we also shared how, with time, it’s become no more difficult than any other season. In fact, I’ve come to prefer living in a temperate or subtropical climate as a raw foodist rather than in the tropics, it just feels right for a variety of reasons I go into in the video.

We covered a range of issues, starting with feeling cold when one starts a raw diet. Raw foods naturally contain more water, and without the extra heat generated from mechanical digestion, it’s easy to feel a bit chilly. While you will have to watch the video for the #1 reason we both agreed people feel cold, a few of the critical tips and simple techniques we went into, like exercise, adding warming spices (think ginger or cayenne), or using a dehydrator to warm up your meals can make a world of difference. One of my fave tricks on really cold days, especially when I worked outside in -40 degree weather, was bringing hot date smoothies, which can keep your body feeling toasty.

Another common winter struggle is dealing with cravings for heavier foods. Let’s face it: When it’s cold outside, comfort foods become much more appealing. In the interview, we teased out some of the reasons for this and how to bust through these cravings without food. Beyond that we went into ways to make denser, heartier raw meals, like raw soups and dishes that stick to your ribs without being super high in fat, that satisfy both cravings and the desire for warmth.

Winter also brings limited fresh produce, making it hard to stick to a raw food diet. Lissa and I shared some personal tips on embracing seasonal produce, shifting our focus to what we have rather than what we don’t have, and incorporating sprouting, some heartier ingredients, and microgreens to keep things fresh and nutritious. We also discussed how sprouting adds variety and can help ensure you’re still getting the nutrients you need even when some of your go-to fruits are out of season.

Another big hurdle is social pressure. With holidays and gatherings often centered around cooked meals, it’s easy to feel left out or tempted to stray. We offered some strategies for navigating these situations, such as bringing raw versions of your favorite dishes to share and focusing more on your connection to family and friends than just the food itself. The goal is to stay connected to your values while still enjoying the season’s social aspects.

Winter can also lead to a lack of sunlight, which affects mood and energy due to lower vitamin D levels. We both agreed that supplementing with vitamin D is key during this time, along with making a conscious effort to get outside when the sun does shine, even if it’s just for a short while. For those experiencing dry skin in the winter, we highlighted the importance of staying hydrated and incorporating hydrating foods into your diet. Using natural moisturizers can also help keep your skin glowing and healthy.

PS I have a whole post about Vitamin D here, and I have also found a huge benefit from using a Sperti Vitamin D lamp in the winter to ensure I am topped off for hormonal health and overall well-being.

Learn more and check it out here!

Finally, we touched on the emotional comfort that warm foods can bring, exploring the deeper reasons we look for this comfort outside of ourselves and providing perspectives and strategies to bring balance within. We also discussed creating raw dishes with familiar flavors and textures that provide that same level of comfort and how the Vibrant Health Bundle can help a lot in that area. Diet-wise, the key is to focus on making meals that not only nourish your body but also bring emotional satisfaction.

Throughout the interview, we shared our personal experiences and insights to help make Raw Food in the Winter Made Easy. Whether you’re just starting your raw journey or are a seasoned pro, you’ll find tips and solutions that resonate. We both believe that staying raw through the winter isn’t as hard as it seems once you get into the groove. If anything, it becomes second nature.