Recently, I received a great book, Raw Energy by Stephanie Tourles. As spring approaches, I find myself looking forward more and more to fresh fruits and vegetables and how we can incorporate them into our daily diet. Unfortunately, when it comes down to daily eating, I tend to come up blank with ideas. The thought of carrot sticks and peanut butter and celery with ranch tend to lose their luster after a week straight of snacking on them. My family is constantly looking for fun, new ideas for fresh foods.

In Tourles’ book, she admits that although she doesn’t incorporate a fully raw diet (think: meats), she does believe there is something great about consuming fresh snacks – fruits, vegetables, grains, etc. And, with full-color pictures, she demonstrates how to make 124 different snacks that are sure to quench any particular craving one might have.

The idea is that by cooking many of our nutrient-rich foods, we destroy many of the nutrients that make them so great. Tourles believes that while some heating (up to 120 degrees Farenheit) is okay, other should be avoided as much as possible (like, for snacking).

For me, my biggest weakness (when it comes to foods) are sweets. Actually, it’s the “dessert” section of the menu that I look at first when going out to eat!

So, I was incredibly excited that Stephanie Tourles included healthy raw desserts in her book. So far, my favorite “dessert” is a rich chocolate treat made with raw cocoa, agave nectar, raw pecans, and raw cashew butter. So yummy!

Other great recipes include smoothies and juices, cold soups, dehydrated goods, and other appetizers and desserts.

I really recommend this book to anyone who is considering a “healthy lifestyle.” This book is NOT a cookbook that includes any sort of raw meats – it’s mostly raw fruits, vegetables, grains, and nut butters. It’s a great way to get out of the “raw carrot and peanut butter” rut that many of us fall into and I look forward using it throughout the summer as more and more foods come into season.

*DISCLOSURE: As with all of my reviews, this review reflects my honest opinions and thoughts.  Review material was supplied by author/company in return for my honest review*

Welcome back!