Is eating carrots the same as eating sugar?

Question: "I have read that baby carrots are like eating 1-2 tablespoons of sugar. Do you agree with this?"

I don't agree that carrots are just like sugar at all. White sugar has gone through a chemical process that often goes like this:

sugar cane > cane juice > brown sugar > white sugar

There are four different phases that the plant goes through. Sometimes there are three phases, and sometimes brown sugar is actually white sugar with molasses added. Regardless of which refinement process was used, the end product is refined, and the beginning product is a whole food.

The first phase, "sugar cane", is natural and normal. It is also delicious just as it is. The vast majority of plants are edible and okay for human consumption before refinement, while they're still a whole food.

Compare these two refinement processes...

sugar cane > cane juice > brown sugar > white sugar

poppy flowers > poppy juice > opium > heroin

It's the same process, but with a different plant. Anything that goes through that much refinement becomes purely chemical. It is no longer a food... It becomes a drug instead.

Baby-cut carrots are not refined. They're just put through a machine to take off the skin and give them that rounded shape. They're the same as big carrots, except skinned and sometimes soaked in a chlorine mixed with water. The chlorine soak is not ideal, but its an effective method for killing bacteria. The tiny amount of chlorine you might consume from carrots is much less than you'll get from drinking tap water, and it is not nearly as concerning as consuming refined white sugar.

Carrots contain a lot of beta carotene as well as fiber. White sugar contains no nutrition whatsoever. Even if carrots are pretty sweet for a vegetable, they're a long way from pure sugar. You can eat all the carrots you like and never worry about gaining unhealthy weight.

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Is corn syrup bad for you?

I've heard this one a lot:

Isn't corn syrup okay because it comes from corn?

Saying that "high fructose corn syrup" is fine because it comes from corn... Is like saying that murder is okay because it is done by a human being.

I know I'm drawing a pretty crazy-sounding comparison, but just bare with me for a moment and see if you follow my reasoning.

Consider refined sugars and syrups. In general, any syrup that is mostly fructose with some glucose, is going to have the same effect on your body. It doesn't matter if it comes from agave roots, beet roots, sugar cane, tree sap or some other plant.

Sure, a given individual may react more or less to one of these, but... Consider: Beet sugar is more like cane sugar than beet sugar is like beets.

In the same way, how you process foods at home is also relevant. Take a fresh orange, for example. We can juice that orange, blend that orange into a smoothie, dehydrate the orange, freeze the orange, cook the orange or even microwave the orange if we so choose. All of these processes will decrease the amount of vitamin C you get from the orange, due to the oxidization. And, if you choose to juice the orange, you'll lose much of the calcium and all of the fiber.

If you cook the orange, you'll lose most or all of the enzyme content. If you dehydrate or freeze the orange, around 35% of the enzyme content will be lost. Much of the antioxidant content will also be lost.

You could even juice the orange and then dehydrate the juice, thus removing both the fiber and the water. The result would be an orange concentrate powder that doesn't have much vitamin C, enzymes or calcium left. You may even accidentally ferment the orange in the process, and the bacteria will eat the sugar and turn it into various acids and gases (which will vary depending on the bacteria present).

In other words, in your very own kitchen, you can entirely transform a given food into something entirely different.

Other factors also change what a food is made of, starting with how its grown: Soil pH, bacteria present in soil, insects and worms present, animals present on land, other plants being grown nearby, fertilizers used or not used, seed quality and source, and harvesting method.

Then more factors affect the minerals, vitamins and enzymes present in a given food on its way to your kitchen: How it is transported, what it is stored in, how long it is stored, what temperature it is stored at, the level of moisture where it stored, what bacteria are present during this process, and whether it is exposed to light or not.

And then there could be any number of processes that happen if this food is being transformed into a "convenience" food. Hydrogenation, homogenization, dehydration, concentration... Sounds like I'm writing a new poem, doesn't it?

This isn't all to prove the raw foods are superior. On the contrary, this is to show that every single step of agriculture and food preparation has an impact on the food ultimately consumed. It's not just whether the food is cooked or not. Dehydration, fermentation, freezing, juicing and blending all have an impact as well. Instead of focusing on whether any of this is good or bad, I just wanted to share with you my realization...

What the original food is named doesn't tell you as much about what the food actually contains as all of the things that have happened in the process of bringing that food to the dining table.

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What is teff? Teff is a gluten free grain that is superior to quinoa.

We've all heard of the benefits of quinoa. But is quinoa really so amazing? Sure, it's more nutritious than rice, but so are many other less-known grains and seeds. Amaranth, for example, has twice the nutrient density as quinoa, and it has a better calcium to phosphorus ratio.

Out of all the grains and grain-like seeds, t'eff (or teff) comes out the best nutritionally. It's roughly twice as nutritious as amaranth (four times as good as quinoa) and it has the best calcium to phosphorus ratio I've seen in any grain or grain-like seed. (The better the calcium to phosphorus ratio, the better the food is for your bones and teeth.)

Teff is prepared the same way that rice is prepared and it has a similar consistency to amaranth. The flavor is similar to other grains, but richer in flavor due to its higher nutrient density.

Teff, unfortunately, is not usually sold in stores. On amazon, you'll pay $10 for a single pound. You can, however, order teff in bulk to get a reasonable price. We order a 25 pound bag once per year. When buying 25 pounds at once, you pay a little over $4 per pound.

While I'm not an advocate of grains in general, and especially recommend avoiding all gluten products (regardless of whether or not you are known to have a gluten allergy), if you are going to consume a grain, I recommend teff.

For seasonal raw foodies who eat all raw in the summer and some cooked food in the winter, teff is a great option for adding to nori wraps with greens for a warm delightful wrap.

Is your donation to a non-profit charity organization ethical?

The way we think about charity is dead wrong.

And the story continues with the fact that we don't seem to think that our every day purchases can make meaningful changes.

My husband and I are very conscious of our purchases. We know it is one the most effective ways to make a difference, especially when we don't have a budget that allows to donate liberally to charity.

We buy our toiletries from Seventh Generation: 100% recycled tissues, paper towels and toilet paper. We find that it is actually less expensive to order Seventh Generation products from Amazon than it is to buy their products in stores. After using tissues and paper towels, we add them to our compost heap. They're mostly fiber and compost easily.

We buy 95% organic food, supporting less pesticide use and more ethical growing trends. The 5% that isn't organic comes from local farms that can't afford organic certification but do claim to use natural growing practices. Some things we can't find organic locally, such as a mint oil that contains no alcohol or sweeteners. So we order Simply Organic Peppermint online.

We live a 99.9%+ vegan lifestyle, supporting ethical treatment for ecosystems, animals and hospital workers. One of the rare exceptions to our vegan lifesytle is when a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture Share) includes something like local organic greek yogurt from well-treated pasture-raised cows. We aren't going to let that precious labor of love of go to waste by not eating it.

We buy as much as we can local by shopping at farmer's markets, purchasing a local organic CSA, buying local artisan soaps and many other things that we occasionally purchase. Last summer my husband bought some locally brewed organic beer.

Starting about a year ago I stopped purchasing fabric and clothing that wasn't 100% organic. I've started sewing myself a new organic wardrobe with organic cotton and organic thread. People don't realize that around 25% of all pesticide use is on COTTON and that polyester is toxic to human health.

Wearing organic clothing can be just as big of a help in saving animals from suffering as a vegan diet. Why? Because the pesticide use causes all the wildlife it impacts to suffer, starting with the wildlife around the farm where it is sprayed to the marine life that suffers from increasing levels of pesticides making their way into the oceans.

We buy Dr Bronner's Soap and use that as shampoo and body wash. My husband prefers mint, but I find that a bit harsh for my skin. I like eucalyptus.

Organic cold-pressed olive oil takes the place of conditioner. I use organic cold-pressed raw coconut oil as moisturizer for my skin.

If there isn't an ethical healthful option available at the grocery store or drug store to meet our needs within our budget, we order online. One example of this is that there is no suitable tooth-care available locally. Even the organic options contain glycerin. An episode of our radio show Eat Life; Live Well elaborates on this topic further.

For my probiotics, I consume Akea Essentials, a fermented product based on research of the most long-lived people in the world, a company that employs American labor.

I do all of the above, but... I don't currently donate to charity. I do sign petitions and spread information and do my best to make ethical informed decisions in my work life as well as my private life. One of the most important petitions I think anyone can sign is the one against the construction of Belo Monte Dam, which, if built, will destroy the Amazon. One of the last rain forests in the world will be lost to us, as well as hundreds of cultures, thousands of lifestyles, and billions of flora of fauna. Every creature on the planet will have less oxygen to breathe if that series of dams is built.

If I had weeks to invest into the research of charities and if I had a significant amount of money to donate, I might do it. I'd be delighted to do the research if someone could pay me to do it. Just like you, I have to put food on the table, and so I can't just do so "because I feel like it" or because I want to. I have to purchase food, clothing and products to take of my body in any event, so I do some small research into these things to make sure I'm buying something good for the planet and good for me.

In my lifetime I hope to understand how better to serve you, and in serving you better I hope to be able to live a more comfortable life. I think that is just. I think I should make a fortune in the process of making the world a more beautiful, more safe and more sustainable place, don't you?

And what will I do with my fortune? Why, I'll give it right back to you by supporting small family businesses and organic companies. I'll hire friends and family to build solar panels, I'll grow a business that thrives on being a valuable contribution to the world, and I'll give you a job. I'll purchase land that has been decimated and I will rework that soil into thriving certifiably organic soil. I'll grow permaculture gardens that bear fruit. I'll raise ethical children to take after me. I'll leave behind me a legacy of children and business that are carefully crafted for eco-friendly sustainability.

Are you with me?

If so, sign up for my newsletter so you can follow me on my journey.

Support my journey as you support yourself. You can think of buying from me (check out my Etsy Shop!) as donating to charity, or possibly better. Why not? Why can't I be a for-profit charity? (For reference to this comment, watch the video embedded at the top.) That is exactly what I am. The more you purchase from me, the more determined I am to better serve and to purchase responsibly.

Thank you. Namaste.

Raw Vegan Fig Carrot Cake with Maca Frosting Recipe

Raw desserts are not only healthier, they're easier to make! No baked-on messes, no hot pans to let cool, no "fallen-in" cakes, etc. This easy recipe is fun and decadent!

A New Take On Carrot Cake – A Traditional Easter Recipe

This is a fabulous dish to bring to an Easter celebration. Using muffin-shape it is much more party-friendly and even skeptical folks who wonder about your "crazy diet" will not want to pass-up your colorful presentation.

Fig Carrot Cake Muffins With Maca Frosting

• 2 cups carrot pulp or grated carrots (If you use grated carrots, use cheesecloth, nut-milk bag or paper towels to squeeze the grated carrot. You'll want to remove as much excess moisture as possible)
• 1 cup dates
• ½ cup to 2 cups dried figs
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon ginger powder or ½-inch ginger root (optional, but delicious!)
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder or ¼-inch turmeric root (optional, but super rich in antioxidant power!)
• 1 dash nutmeg
• 1 dash sea salt
• 1 lemon's juice
• ½ cup walnuts and/or pecans, soaked overnight and rinsed
• ½ cup raisins and/or dried mulberries
• 3 ripe bananas – for the frosting
• 1 tablespoon maca powder (or cacao or carob powder) – for the frosting

Raederle's Raw Recipe Video Demonstration of Fig Carrot Cake Muffins & Maca Frosting

1. Blend carrot pulp, dates, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, sea salt and one lemon's juice, until a smooth nearly-consistent texture is formed in your food processor. This will take thirty seconds to a minute, depending on your machine.

2. Add figs and pulse 8 to 14 times. Add walnuts, and raisins (and/or dried mulberries) to your food processor and pulse to combine. Walnuts should be chopped slightly, but still in chunks. Pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds, etc, may also be added for more colors, textures and nutritional diversity.

3. Press carrot cake mixture into muffin molds or bowls. Preferably use silicone molds or ceramic dishes. (Metals and plastics leach chemicals slowly into moist items they come in contact with.) Place muffins in fridge for at least four hours. (Overnight works well.)

4. Peel bananas and put them on a plate. Mash bananas with a fork. Add maca powder and then continue to mash until the consistency desired is achieved.

5. Pull muffins out of the fridge and coat them with frosting. Serve and enjoy!

Continue reading for nutritional information (shown below).

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information is based on eating one quarter (one fourth) of the total ingredients listed above, including the frosting ingredients.

Calories: 372 Calories from fat: 23.6% Calories from protein: 4.9%
A: 66% C: 36% E: 5% K: 11%	Protein: 5.4 g Fat: 10.5 g Water: 140.7 g Fiber: 9.5 g	Calcium: 8% Iron: 13% Magnesium: 27% Manganese: 74%
B1: 15% B2: 16% B3: 15% B5: 17% B6: 49% B9: 14%	Phosphorus: 20% Potassium: 22% Selenium: 3% Sodium: 7% Zinc: 13%	Omega-3: 124% Omega-6: 515%

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Health Organic Food on a Budget

How do you feel about grocery shopping? Is it the highlight of your day? The most dreaded part of the week?

If you're struggling financially, an expensive grocery trip is disheartening. The good news is that healthy food doesn't have to cost a lot. In fact, many of the healthiest foods are actually the least expensive.

For example, think of organic carrots. They're often sold for $1 per pound or less. They stay fresh for a long time in the vegetable drawer within your fridge, so they rarely "go bad."

Some other organic foods sometimes cost as little as $1 per pound, but the weight of the food is only one way to measure it. The weight of the food tells us relatively little about how filling, satisfying or healthy the food will be.

When I'm grocery shopping, I'm asking myself, "How can I spend my hard-earned money to get me the most nutrition for the least amount of money?" I also ask myself other questions, but lets answer one question at a time.

So we know that one dollar will get you one pound of organic carrots, which is roughly six large carrots at 185 calories. That single dollar will provide 26% of your total nutritional needs for a day , including all the beta carotene your could possibly wish for, 14% of your day's requirement zinc, 12% of your day's requirement for calcium, 24% to 48% of each of the various b-vitamins, and so on. The bottom line is, one dollar spent on carrots is highly efficient in terms of the amount of nutrition received.

Let's compare that to walnuts, the latest craze in health. One pound of organic raw walnuts would cost me $14. So a single dollar of walnuts gets me a fourteenth of a pound, which is 1.14 ounces (which is a little more than a quarter cup of walnuts).

So how does a quarter cup of walnuts compare to six large carrots? The carrots provide 185 calories and 26% of your overall nutritional needs, especially in the areas of b-vitamins and minerals. The walnuts provide 211 calories and 22% of your overall nutritional needs for a day, most of which is covering your need for fat, manganese, and omega fatty acids (which it provides in a poor ratio – with more than four times as much omega 6 as omega 3).

There is more to the story. The nutrition in the walnuts is difficult to digest. In order to really benefit from the amino acids locked away in the walnuts, the walnuts will need to be soaked over night and rinsed thoroughly to remove the enzyme inhibitors.

Worse, most walnuts sold at the store are kept there for a long time before they sell. Oxidization occurs over time, causing the nuts to lose nutrition. To top it off, often the walnuts get moldy before they're dried. The mold produces toxins (as a way of fighting off competing molds and bacteria) which are harmful to our health.

So here is the scoop on walnuts: Yes, they're a great source of healthy fats when they're fresh, but rarely can you buy fresh walnuts from the grocery store. If they're purchased in the shell and you crack them yourself, you might get excellent quality walnuts.

At best, the carrots offer more nutrition per calories and per price.

At worst, the walnuts are not only inefficient at providing nutrition – they may also be laden with mold waste. And you have to soak and rinse them to be able to digest them effectively.

In other words, the carrots are a better deal. I'm not saying you should never eat nuts, or that nuts have nothing to offer. But when it comes to grocery shopping, I like to leave the store knowing I got a good deal on the amount of nutrition I purchased, so carrots are one of the items on my shopping list.

Surprising fact: Carrots actually do provide some fat, it's just a very tiny amount. In a pound of carrots you'll find a gram of fat. In one head of lettuce, you'll find two grams of fat.

To learn more about affordable nutrient-packed foods, visit my page on eating an organic healthy diet on a budget and sign up for my newsletter below.

Raederle Monthly Newsletter

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