Raw Review’s

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

When the raw food movement came around (again) several years ago, I loved the idea of eating lots of living, enzyme-filled, nutrient-enhanced, real and raw foods. Our kitchen became soaking/sprouting central, we got out the ancient food processor and bought a dehydrator. I came to really enjoy the unique, fresh taste of germinated grains and legumes and the richness of ground seeds and nuts. We rounded out the protein and fat with fresh and pickled vegetables and some other raw condiments. We even made raw carob cookies.

Winter came and I began to crave the warmth of cooked food, so I found homes for the food processor and dehydrator. Although I was still getting plenty of fresh and raw vegetables at our local co-op and CSA and indulging in sea veggies, I missed some of the tasty blends and specialty stuff.

Then I found Gopal’s Health Foods, first discovering their Power Wraps while attending a yoga workshop. Wow. This stuff is probably some of the healthiest things you can eat, raw or otherwise. All of their ingredients are certified organic, raw and vegan. The Powerwraps are my favorite – made from sunflower seeds, almonds, flax seeds, honey, nori, celtic sea salt and curry powder. Convenient to carry and eat, it tasted great and gave me a burst of energy – just as LIVING food should do.

I immediately contacted them and placed an order and have now tried everything they make. I’m in raw heaven. They have several flavors of raw cookies and even a Raw Alchemy Brownie, sweetened with organic, raw agave nectar. Their Happy Herb Bars are more “seedy”, making them a real meal with 5gms of protein, 9gms of essential fats and 3gms of fiber per bar, coming from sunflower, sesame, flax and pumpkins seeds and quinoa. There’s more, so check the web site. All of their products have a unique balance of proteins, carbs and good fats, and are sweetened naturally and moderately.

You can think of these as snacks, but I see them more as a way to balance out and supplement your daily diet. They are especially good for before, during and after exercise and sports. They are not sticky or messy – great for hiking, cycling trips and camping. They have an extended shelf life without the need for refrigeration (which may come in handy when more of us enviro-converts unplug, like Vanessa from Green as a Thistle and No Impact Man. Really, living with no refrigerator – it’s not as hard as you think – check out these links!)

Raw Foodie or not, we can all benefit from more balanced and easily digestible nutrients. You may find these products at your local health food store or Whole Foods Market, but you can also call and place an order.

Go (more) Raw and Go Gopal’s 866-646-7257 www.gopalshealthfoods.com