The raw food diet is based on the belief that the most healthful food
for the body is uncooked. Although most food is eaten raw, heating food
is acceptable as long as the temperature stays below 104 to 118 degrees
Fahrenheit.
Cooking is thought to denature the enzymes naturally present in food.
According to raw foodists, enyzymes are the life force of a food,
helping us to digest food and absorb nutrients. They believe that by following a raw food diet:
The staple foods of a raw diet are quite similar to that of a macrobiotic diet, with the primary difference being in the preparation. While macrobiotics can cook their brown rice, quinoa + beans, raw foodists believe you should sprout these grains and legumes instead to maintain maximum nutritional value. A raw diet also allows for some nightshade vegetables - like tomatoes and peppers. A raw detox is especially great to do in the summer because it incorporates so much fresh produce and is cooling.
To get the most out of a raw diet, food is typically prepared by:
On the flip side, other foods do become more healthful after cooking, because the fibrous portion is broken down. For example, cooked tomatoes contain three to four times more lycopene than raw tomatoes. Still, many sources I researched swear by the benefits of going raw for detoxification for a 2-4 week duration. They also mention that it's easier to switch to a raw diet after your body has already had a chance to detoxify. And, it's a recommended to go raw for a couple days before and after a juice cleanse to ease the transition.
Ultimately, a good diet is all about balance. Eating foods that are nutritious, healing, hydrating, delicious, mostly organic. And doing it consciously.
A common problem or complaint about going raw is that the meals are more difficult and time-consuming to prepare. This is certainly true of several of the recipes I've come across - and I like to cook! Cooking raw often requires special equipment - blenders, juicers, dehydrators - and advance preparation for sprouting. So keep that in mind when planning your diet. In my next post, I'll be sharing tasty recipes and meal plans that keep practicality in mind.
- You will have more energy
- Your skin will have a much better appearance
- Your digestion will improve
- You will lose weight
- Your risk of developing heart and cardiovascular diseases will significantly drop
The staple foods of a raw diet are quite similar to that of a macrobiotic diet, with the primary difference being in the preparation. While macrobiotics can cook their brown rice, quinoa + beans, raw foodists believe you should sprout these grains and legumes instead to maintain maximum nutritional value. A raw diet also allows for some nightshade vegetables - like tomatoes and peppers. A raw detox is especially great to do in the summer because it incorporates so much fresh produce and is cooling.
To get the most out of a raw diet, food is typically prepared by:
- Sprouting
- Dehydrating
- Blending
- Fermenting
- Pickling
- Juicing
On the flip side, other foods do become more healthful after cooking, because the fibrous portion is broken down. For example, cooked tomatoes contain three to four times more lycopene than raw tomatoes. Still, many sources I researched swear by the benefits of going raw for detoxification for a 2-4 week duration. They also mention that it's easier to switch to a raw diet after your body has already had a chance to detoxify. And, it's a recommended to go raw for a couple days before and after a juice cleanse to ease the transition.
Ultimately, a good diet is all about balance. Eating foods that are nutritious, healing, hydrating, delicious, mostly organic. And doing it consciously.
A common problem or complaint about going raw is that the meals are more difficult and time-consuming to prepare. This is certainly true of several of the recipes I've come across - and I like to cook! Cooking raw often requires special equipment - blenders, juicers, dehydrators - and advance preparation for sprouting. So keep that in mind when planning your diet. In my next post, I'll be sharing tasty recipes and meal plans that keep practicality in mind.
"Did you ever stop to taste a carrot? Not just eat it, but taste it? You can't taste the beauty and energy of the earth in a Twinkie." - Terri Guillemets
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