You may have seen it on Sex and the City, or read about your favorite celebrity following this diet, its called the raw food diet and it is one of the hottest diets around.
Based upon uncooked and non processed plant foods, many dieticians claim this diet will help with digestion and keep all nutritional elements of the foods you eat intact. Usually, raw diet experts claim that your diet needs to be compromised of ¾ raw foods in order to get the health benefits of a raw food diet.
The main scientific reason for eating a raw food diet is the belief that the cooking methods we use in preparing our food destroy important digestive enzymes thus destroying the overall nutritional value of the foods we eat. The cooking methods in concern are those that involve heating food to a temperature above 116 degrees F.
Why Should I eat a Raw Food Diet?
There are many reasons to start a raw food diet plan such as the fact that it can help you lose weight, digest better, increase heart health and skin health, as well as give you more energy.
Full of dietary fiber and antioxidants, this diet plan will help lower your cholesterol as it is extremely low in saturated and trans fats. There have been hundreds of diet studies done on eating raw food and its impact on health issues such as cancer and diabetes, with each study showing that following this type of diet is beneficial in protecting the body against many diseases.
What Foods are allowed on a Raw Food Diet?
Say goodbye to cheeseburgers, pizza and hot dogs, because this diet is ultimately about getting back to the basics, which in this case mean whole foods that are not processed. Foods that are permitted on the raw food diet are legumes, beans, whole grains, seaweed, fresh juices (fruit and vegetable juices), water, dried fruits, nuts seeds, all fruits and vegetables as well as coconut milk. All of these foods should never be cooked, and if they are cooked they should not be cooked over 116 degrees F.
How can I Cook on the Raw Food Diet Plan?
So you’ve probably gone shopping and bought all your allowed raw foods, but what cooking methods are permitted while cooking raw foods? Healthy cooking methods such as blending, dehydrating and juicing are permitted. Sprouting ad soaking beans, nuts, seed, legumes and dried fruits is also allowed.
Do I need to Buy Anything to Start Eating Raw Foods?
If you are really serious about starting a raw foods diet then you need to purchase a few items of cooking equipment before starting. Make sure you have several glass jars to soak foods, a good quality blender and juice extractor as well as it helps to have a professional food dehydrator as you can save money on not buying overpriced dry fruits.
How will I feel when I First Start My Raw Diet?
You may suffer from headaches, tiredness, nausea, and moodiness when you first start this diet as your body will need to get used to the fact you aren’t eating the same foods you ate before. This period can last from 1 week to 2 weeks time. It is important during this period to not quit as your body will eventually get used to your new way of eating.
Can anyone go on a Raw Food Diet Eating Plan?
This is a good question as before going on any diet, you should check with your physician to see if it is safe for you. Generally speaking this diet is not suitable for pregnant women, anemic, children and persons who have osteoporosis. So before going on a raw food way of life check to see if it is the right diet for you. Generally speaking most dieticians agree that people who are genetically from northern countries and persons living in countries with hard winters should not eat this diet as there is a need for excessive calories during the winter months to keep the body warm.
Do I need to take a Diet Supplement when on this Diet?
Although following this diet has amazing health benefits, there is a chance that you can develop vitamin and mineral deficiencies as you will not be eating dairy and meat sources anymore. Some of the nutrients you may be missing during this diet are Iron, B12 and Calcium as well as you may have a hard time getting the proper amount of calories and protein that your body needs to maintain good health.
If you are concerned about getting the right amount of protein when on this diet, try eating greater amounts of beans as they are a great source of protein.
Conclusion
This diet is an excellent diet for those of you looking for a low calorie, high fiber and high vitamin diet that will aid you total overall digestion. Just remember to check with a dietician or medical professional prior to starting this raw food diet.