Are you usually eating a lot of raw food in the summer, but then in the colder months you find it harder to stick with it and start eating more cooked food?
I think it’s totally fine to eat cooked food—there are a lot of people who are very healthy eating plant-based cooked food as long as they’re also eating plenty of fresh produce.
And at the same time, if you’ve fallen in love with the high vibration of raw foods—the way you feel so light, so vibrant, so full of energy—and you feel a little sad that you can’t eat as much raw food in winter because you’re feeling cold, I’d love to share my experience with you and some tips I’ve gathered over my 17 years as a raw vegan.
During the first three years of my raw vegan journey, I lived in Estonia, where winters could be quite chilly. Over time, I gathered strategies to stay warm without turning to cooked foods. Whether you’re just starting out or have been raw for years, these tips will help you feel comfortable, warm, and nourished all season long.
1. Fuel Up on Carbs
The right kinds of carbohydrates are your body’s natural fuel and help keep you warm. If you’re worried about weight gain, consider lowering your fat intake instead of avoiding carbs. While fats are great for building and maintaining our bodies, they don’t generate the same internal warmth as carbohydrates. Try focusing on fruits like mangoes, pears, oranges and bananas, and raw vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes and beets to provide sustained energy and warmth.
2. Keep Moving Throughout the Day
Moving your body regularly is essential, especially in winter! Intense workouts like heavy lifting or HIIT can raise your core temperature, but don’t forget the benefits of gentle, consistent movement. Take short walks, do some stretches, or even clean around the house. This keeps your circulation flowing and helps your body stay warm.
3. Layer Up
Adding extra layers can make a huge difference, especially if you’re spending a lot of time indoors or in drafty spaces. During my early days of going raw, I learned the hard way that wearing warm clothes is crucial—sometimes, all you need is an extra layer or a cozy blanket to feel comfortable.
4. Turn Up the Heat
When layering up isn’t enough, adjusting your environment can help. If you’re at home, turn up the heat a little. In shared workspaces, consider a small personal heater that you can keep by your desk for extra warmth. These little changes can make a big difference!
5. Warm Your Food (Without Cooking It)
Many of us store our fruits and veggies in the fridge, but eating cold food can make you feel chilly. Try taking your produce out of the fridge a few hours before you eat or use a dehydrator to warm it up. You can also place your food in a bowl of warm water or even use the lowest setting on your oven with an open door (making sure it doesn’t exceed around 105°F or 40°C) to keep it raw but take off the chill. Even a quick rinse under warm water works wonders!
6. Sip on Herbal Teas
A warm cup of herbal tea can be incredibly comforting before or during a meal. Herbal teas can be especially beneficial—think of spicy teas with ginger, cinnamon, or cardamom to gently warm you up.
Don’t worry about diluting your digestive juices; your body is well-equipped to adjust, and a little extra warmth can make all the difference.
7. Spice Things Up
Adding warming spices to your meals can also create a cozy feeling. Cinnamon, ginger, garlic, and hot peppers add a lovely kick to your dishes, whether you’re making a smoothie, salad, or raw soup. Spices are a simple yet powerful way to warm your body from the inside out.
8. Slow Down and Tune In
If winter blues or cravings make it hard to stay raw, try slowing down and reconnecting with your senses. Pay attention to your breathing, notice the textures around you, or take a moment to enjoy your favorite essential oil scent.
Slowing down helps us find a sense of peace and gratitude, making it easier to stay on track. And if you’re feeling stuck, remember there’s a whole community here for you—ask questions, reach out, or even leave a comment below. You’re not alone on this journey!
Bonus Tip: Go Somewhere Warm 🌞
Sometimes, the best way to stay warm on a raw vegan lifestyle is to go somewhere where the climate does the work for you! If you have the chance, taking a break in a warm, sunny location can be a wonderful way to stay on track with raw foods while escaping the chill.
This winter, we’re excited to invite you to our Raw Vegan Retreat in the beautiful Canary Islands. Join us in a place where fresh produce is abundant, the sun shines almost every day, and you can stay raw with ease. Imagine exploring breathtaking national parks, relaxing on remote beaches, and enjoying delicious raw meals surrounded by like-minded souls. This retreat is about more than just diet; it’s a time to recharge, connect, and renew your spirit.
If a warm getaway sounds like just what you need, we’d love to have you join us. 🌴
Thank you for considering joining us on this adventure! Whatever path you take, I hope these tips help you stay warm, nourished, and connected to the vibrant energy that raw foods bring.
I hope these tips help you enjoy the beautiful energy that raw foods bring, even in the winter! Staying raw in colder months may seem challenging at first, but with a little adjustment and creativity, you’ll find it’s more than possible—and incredibly rewarding.
Stay warm and take care, dear friends!
Warmly,
Reny
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