Delicooks

> mercepassola.com

Tell us about cooking-free cuisine or raw food.
Cooking-free cuisines involves processing foods such as vegetables and fruits without them losing their enzymes and other nutritional properties.

When and why did you decide to get into raw food?Well, I was going through the menopause and needed a change of diet. I started preparing food without cooking it and I got excellent results and never looked back. Since then I’ve noticed I have more energy, I feel more cheerful and full of vitality, I think clearer ... .It’s also a very easy way to prepare food, you don’t make a mess in the kitchen and there are significant energy savings. The raw food diet has really changed my life.

What kind of techniques do you use when you don’t cook food?There are lots of techniques such as maceration, liquidization, cutting, germination, fermentation, drying, smoothies, ice cream ...

Is it good for all ages?
Of course, no problem. Even young children can follow this kind of diet. Remember, most children tend to reject pureed cooked vegetables and tend to prefer those that have been made with raw fruit.

Have you met anyone who criticizes this kind of food?
Honestly no. Everyone admits that raw foods are great for the body, especially fruits and vegetables. In general, today most doctors support the raw food diet.

When you eat everything raw, do you have to take extra care with the quality and freshness of the ingredients?
Ideally, choose organically grown foods to avoid the presence of pesticides and other toxic substances. But if you can’t get hold of these products, an excellent alternative is chewing well! A lot of saliva will generate high alkalinity and this counteracts and eliminates such substances.

What would you recommend to someone who wants to start a raw food diet?
Normally, 90 percent of people suffer from digestive problems. This can cause some discomfort when switching to a raw food diet. To avoid this, it is best to start with shakes  and smoothies that facilitate digestion. Then you can add salads, more fruit mid-morning or mid-afternoon ...

Do you always feel hungry on a raw diet?
At first yes, because your body is accustomed to eating heavy foods such as pasta, cereals ... To avoid this feeling you can eat lots of salads, smoothies, fruit ...

How can keep this diet from becoming boring or monotonous?
You can use a wide variety of techniques to give your dishes a touch of imagination and make them tasty. Maceration, germination, dehydration ... You should learn how to take advantage of vegetables and fruits in season and prepare them in a different dish each day, with a different cut, a different presentation and distinct aroma-based sauces, herbs, nuts ...

What would you suggest for today’s menu?
We’ll start with a smoothie of apples, celery and cucumber accompanied by a slice of lemon and a pinch of ginger. Then a fresh salad of arugula and lettuce  - because right now is an excellent time to buy. I recommend having them with a little carrot, tomatoes, olives and a nut sauce. And for the main dish, zucchini noodles with cashew and herb cream.

Is eating out complicated?
All restaurants serve fresh salads and you can always ask them to add the ingredients that you like. And if you’re hungry ... have seconds.

For a special treat ...
Ice cream or some chocolates.

And to drink?
Personally, I love watermelon juice.

And you honestly don’t yearn for any cooked dish?
Yes ... bread with tomato!