Raw Food Diet

What is the raw food diet? It is a diet based on the belief that heating foods above 115 degrees destroys the precious enzymes it contains. When the enzymes are destroyed, it is more difficult for our systems to absorb and digest food. The act of heating food above 115 degrees is thought to greatly diminish its “life force” and rob it of nutrients.


Foods such as uncooked plant foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds, grains, beans, nuts, sprouts and sea vegetables are what make up a raw food diet. There are no processed foods or foods that have been adulterated or modified.


In order to be considered a raw foodist, it is thought that one’s diet must consist of at least 75% raw foods.


The health benefits touted by its proponents include better digestion and assimilation of foods, weight loss, reduced risk of disease, increased energy and improved skin, hair and nails.


There are less saturated fats and trans fats contained in unadulterated foods as compared to the standard American diet. There is less sodium and more important nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, fiber, folate, and plant phytochemicals. Studies have shown that consuming a raw food diet can not only reduce your risk of chronic disease, but it also is known to lower triglycerides and total blood cholesterol.


There are various methods for preparation used. Some wonderful cookbooks are available that are filled with gourmet recipes. While some of these recipes can be quite complicated to prepare, they are surprisingly satisfying and delicious. The creativity involved in preparing gourmet raw foods is astounding.


The typical equipment found in a raw kitchen differ somewhat from those found in a traditional kitchen. Tools such as a dehydrator (which dries food slowly at temperatures not to exceed 115 degrees), a juicer, a blender, and a food processor. You would also find a supply of glass jars and containers used for soaking and sprouting seeds, grains, beans, and nuts.


Embarking on a this type of diet may bring on some side effects that are associated with detoxification. Symptoms such as food cravings, headaches, and nausea are common and may last for a few days. However, once they have passed, the cravings will pass and you will start to feel extremely well. Brain fog lifts and energy levels rise.


It does take dedication to commit to a this pure a diet. Meals are prepared from scratch and ingredients used are not always typical. There are many websites dedicated to selling products to support this lifestyle. On these sites you can find difficult to locate items. A quick Google search will bring back many supplier options. There are also wonderful raw food restaurants popping up all over the country. Even if you are not a raw foodist, some of the finer restaurants offer a unique dining experience.


There are critics of the this diet who believe that the enzymes lost during cooking are not vital to digestion and that there are certain phytochemicals in certain plant foods that are actually released when they are exposed to heat making them easier to absorb.


Whether you chose to embark on a raw food diet or not, it is important to evaluate your current diet. Are you eating any uncooked plant foods? Are you getting the proper nutrition from the foods that you eat?


Regardless of whether you are a raw foodist or just want to eat more healthfully, it is important to consume about 50% of raw foods in a given day. This will ensure that you are getting the right variety of nutrients from your diet.


When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, I completely changed my lifestyle, dropped almost 50 pounds and began a regimen of complementary treatments to support my immune system and get my body healthy again. My Raw Food Detox Info website is a great resource for those interested in raw foods. You will find lots of useful information, recipes and tips about living a healthy lifestyle.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Meadow_Summers

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4181536

The raw food diet requires that you consume at least 75% of your foods in their raw state. Thus the diet promotes a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs as well as nuts and seeds. Transitioning to this diet is hard on the body, but once the body gets used to the healthy foods, it is able to avoid most diseases and common ailments.


Make Gradual Changes

Going raw and leaving behind the modern conventional diet is a difficult thing to do. For one, most people receive little or no support from their family and friends. And two, the body is addicted to processed foods that are toxic to the body. Thus the body has to go through a detoxifying stage where many experience severe hunger, headaches, increased body odor and fatigue.


Therefore the best way to begin the raw food diet is by slowly easing into it. Adding more fruits and vegetables to each meal is a great way to start, and then when the body is ready, one can pursue a raw breakfast, then a raw lunch and so on. This ensures that the body will not be overwhelmed by detoxing too fast.


Eat Plenty of Filling Foods

Hunger is very common to those who begin the raw food diet, thus it is very important to consume plenty of filling foods such as avocados, coconuts and nuts and seeds. These foods are high in nutrient rich calories and healthy fats that will help to satisfy the hunger.


These foods can be eaten by themselves as part of a mono diet, or they can be blended together into a smoothie, or added to leafy green salads.


Eat Plenty of Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are an absolute must-have on the raw food diet, as they contain many vital nutrients. They are not very filling, and thus they are great when combined in smoothies and salads with avocados, coconuts or nuts and seeds.


Drink Plenty of Fluids

Fluids are also important, as they not only help with hydration, but they can also help to diminish hunger. The standard recommendation of fluid intake is 8 glasses of water, but when on the raw food diet, it may be necessary to drink more. This is because the diet is high in fiber, which absorbs water in the digestive tract, and the more water that is eliminated, the more is needed to replace that water.


Herbal tea, water, and freshly pressed juices are the best fluids to add to the diet, as they do not contain any harmful ingredients.


Avoid Food Temptations

Avoiding food temptations is one of the biggest challenges for those on the raw diet, as they seem to be everywhere. Thus a small container with nuts, seeds or dried fruits is helpful in situations when hunger strikes.


Not keeping junk foods or processed foods in the house is another great way to avoid food temptations.