Articles: Weight Loss

A Raw Diet plan consists of foods found in a vegan diet, but the foods are not heated above 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius). Meaning, no meat is eaten of any kind. Eggs, dairy products, and processed foods containing eggs, dairy products, or any other animal derived ingredients are also not consumed. The food is not heated above 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius) because when it is, it looses a significant amount of nutritional value. Simply stated, raw foodists eat unprocessed and uncooked plant foods.

Traditionally, following a raw food diet weight loss program consists of eating at least 75% of living or raw food in their daily food intake. The best way to define raw and living foods is that they are foods that contain enzymes. These enzymes are destroyed when they are heated over 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius). The major health benefit to eating enzymes is that they assist in the digestion and absorption of food. The more enzymes a person eats the more benefit they receive from the food they eat.

Raw Diet Benefits

Eating a raw diet has some great health benefits. Since the raw food diet is low in trans fat, saturated fat, and sodium; and is high in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and phytochemicals; it is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Some other benefits include: better digestion, increased energy, weight loss, and improved skin appearance.

What Can Be Eaten on a Raw Diet Plan?

Raw Foodists eat:

* Fruits
* Dried Fruits
* Vegetables
* Sea Vegetables
* Nuts
* Sprouts
* Seeds
* Grains
* Home-made Juices
* Unprocessed Organic and Natural Foods
* Herbs and Spices

Some people on a raw food diet choose to include some cooked foods. Also, although a large amount of raw foodists are strictly vegan, some choose to add good quality fish and poultry to their diet.

Equipment to Help Food Preparation

There are certain pieces of equipment that can help with creativity when preparing raw food. For example, a dehydrator blows air through food at a temperature of less than 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius). Using this machine, raw foodists can prepare food, such as raw pizza. Machines such as blenders, food processors, and choppers save a lot of preparation time. A juice extractor can be used to make fresh juice from fruits and vegetables. Mason jars are great for storing food such as sprouts. Also, large glass containers are useful for soaking beans, grains, and seeds.

Creating a Raw Diet Plan

When creating a raw diet plan it is important to create a healthy balance of food. You should consume green leafed vegetables, fruits, and fatty foods (i.e. olives, nuts, seeds, avocados, etc.) every day. Green leafed vegetables helps to build the structure of the body. Fruits help to fuel the body and fats help to lubricate the body.

An Example - Raw Food Diet Recipes

Breakfast: Fruit salad topped with almonds and organic coconut cream

Lunch: Mixed Salad topped with lentils and organic raw dressing

Dinner: Half an avocado, raw vegetable soup (made with a blender), sunflower seeds, and raspberries for desert

Consult Your Health Care Professional

If you are considering how to eat a raw food diet, you should consult your health care professional. Many people experience a detoxification reaction when starting a raw food diet. They may experience headaches, nausea, and cravings. It is also important to ensure you receive all the nutrients your body needs to survive. On a raw food diet there is a risk of depleting vitamins B-12, C, and D. Also, there is a risk of depleting protein, calcium, and iron. A health care professional can help you create a plan to ensure proper nutrition.

Recommendation

If you are serious about trying a raw food diet, then we highly recommend, "The Raw Secrets. The Most Complete Book On Living On An Optimal Raw Food Diet For Better Health." The author also offers his PURE HEALTH
AND NUTRITION E-ZINE absolutely free. With such a change in your dietary eating habits, you need to understand the challenges and rewards before starting. Click here for more information on this Raw Diet program.