The raw food diet is becoming increasingly popular amongst celebrities and ordinary folk alike. People are fed up either being obese or heading that way. They lack energy and drive and feel, often correctly, that their diet is to blame. This leads them to explore other options including the raw food plan.
So what does it involve? As the name suggests, the idea behind this eating plan is to try to eat food as close to its natural form as possible. No more processed foods or ready meals just regular trips to your local farmers market to buy fruit and vegetables.
So what raw foods are you allowed to eat? You are recommended to only use organic foods and eat the usual list of fruit and vegetables. Seaweed, nuts, seeds and beans are also allowed. You can drink purified water, freshly juiced fruit or vegetables and coconut milk.
You need to be committed to this plan and it helps if you prepare before hand by investing in a good quality blender or food processor. Certain ingredients may be difficult to source depending on where you live. It is also helpful if you learn how to sprout seeds. You can expect to lose quite a bit of weight especially if you currently eat a lot of ready meals, white breads and pasta. Initially your body will go through a detoxification process and this can leave you feeling worse than before you started. But the headaches and other symptoms will pass and you should start to feel more energized as the time progresses.
So what do you get from the raw food diet?
People who have completed the raw food diet for at least thirty days usually report that in addition to losing weight, their energy levels increased once the initial seven days had passed, they slept better and their libidos improved too. Their skin also glowed with health and if they did suffer from any problems such as acne or eczema, these conditions also improved. These results are hardly surprising given the additional quantities of vitamins and mineral the followers of the raw food detox diet are consuming.
Any disadvantages to eating raw foods?
Some people suffered from a lack of vitamins. The diet may not provide sufficient quantities of calcium, iron and more commonly vitamin B12. B vitamins are essential to maintain a healthy nervous system and women in particular are most affected by a deficiency in these vitamins. You are most at risk if you try the diet without following a specific plan. People recommend following set recipes such as those contained in the Alyssa Cohen raw food diet.
Despite the list of benefits above, this diet is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, those with anemia and those with existing health problems. If you are very obese you may want to speak to your doctor prior to starting this diet as the weight loss may be too sudden and severe for your system. The raw food diet works wonders for some people but is not suitable for everyone.
Ready to get started on the raw food diet? Learn how Eating for Energy can kick start your new way of eating!
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