Microwave Ovens and Your Health

In today's fast-paced world, the concept of "instant" has become ingrained in our daily lives, including our approach to food. We've grown accustomed to the convenience of microwave ovens, which promise to deliver hot meals in a matter of minutes. But have we ever paused to consider the implications of this convenience on our health?

I'll be the first to admit that maintaining a healthy raw-vegan lifestyle is not always synonymous with super-duper convenience. It doesn't always provide the "quickness" we've come to expect in today's society. But let's ask ourselves an important question: Why must our food always be instant?
The American Journal of Preventive Medicine has conducted research that sheds light on this very question. Their findings suggest that the amount of time we spend on food preparation and cooking may have significant implications for diet quality and overall health. In other words, less prep time often means fewer healthy choices.

A look back in time reveals an interesting trend. In 1936, the average time spent in the kitchen preparing meals was a substantial 4-6 hours. Fast forward to the '50s and '60s, when TV dinners, frozen pizza, and fast-food restaurants began infiltrating our culture. The result? Food prep time was drastically sliced down to just one hour in the kitchen. From the '60s onward, it continued to decline, with today's average food prep time hovering at a mere eight minutes. What's even scarier is that sometimes we find ourselves tapping our feet impatiently in front of the microwave or waiting inside fast-food establishments!

Speaking of microwave ovens, they've become a staple in many households, promising speed and convenience. However, long before I embarked on my raw journey in 2012, I had been swaying away from the potential dangers of microwave radiation. And I'm pleased to report that neither of my children owns a microwave, all by their own choice. Living without one is simpler than you might think.
So, why should you consider living without a microwave? The connection between food prep times and diet quality is evident, with shorter prep times often linked to health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. It's time to challenge yourself to rethink your approach to food preparation, prioritize your health, and take your well-being up a notch.

(This is an excerpt from my book, "Thriving Before Dying.")