Today, I have the pleasure of sharing with you a Guest Post by Jenni Sunde.

The ideals for a healthy lifestyle have taken on many forms throughout the years. There are always new fad diets popping up here and there, and then occasionally there is healthy eating plan that really works. The logistics are simple: people need nutrients and the most nutrient rich foods are whole foods like vegetables, fruits, and nuts; in other words, raw foods are the most nutrient dense option. A diet rich in natural, raw foods is not as boring as it sounds and has been proven to fight disease, assist with weight loss, and improve athletic performance. In addition, a nutrient rich diet can help prevent many common health problems. This spring is as good a time as any to start a new. This time, don’t consider it a fad, instead take the steps to change the way you eat and you will change the way you live. Spring clean your system with a raw food diet.

Following a fresh, whole food diet is the simplest way to detoxify your body. Raw food is a great way to jump-start cleansing, and lighten up the body for the seasons to come. This does not just mean eating more salads. There are numerous resources and recipes that show you how to make quick and easy meals that consist of fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Having one salad a day does not constitute the daily requirement for veggies, despite what many people would like to think. In fact, it doesn’t even come close.

Eating raw food based meals does not require extra spending, time or effort. In fact, there are many ways to eat whole foods creatively without spending more than ten minutes in preparation. Beth Wilke, a well known cook and author in the raw food realm, has a book out that can guide you to a simple, healthy life style that is rich in whole foods. Her cookbook “Sensational Raw Foods in Ten Minutes” gives great recipes that will have your mouth watering and your body jumping for joy. You can even make your own almond milk, ice cream, and candy without the guilt of fear of weight gain.

Organic ingredients are not a must, but they are a bonus. What is more important is that you learn how to clean produce so that you avoid eating the harmful chemicals used for fertilizers and pesticides. The important part is that you have more produce in your diet. This means eating more fruits, veggies, and nuts. Take some time to get creative and experience new levels of energy with a raw food diet. Not only is this a great way to clean out your system for spring, but it is a great way to improve your lifestyle for greater health and longevity.

About the author: Jenni Sunde is a freelance fashion writer and pop culture junkie. Jenni specializes in all things lifestyle-related. From home and design to health and beauty. With her love of art and all things beautiful, she delights in sharing her sense of style from her life to your computer monitor. Her title pegs her as an editor at a website that specializes in providing people with a car insurance quote, but her passion leads her into writing with a little more substance and a lot more heart.