How Does the Raw Food Diet Work?

One recent diet trend is the raw food diet, often adopted for long-term dietary change rather than as a quick weight loss measure. The central regimen in a raw food diet is similar to that of a vegan diet, except you can only consume unprocessed and uncooked plant-based foods. The logic behind this diet is that raw and living foods are excellent sources of enzymes. These enzymes are destroyed when food is heated over 116 degrees. The enzymes present in raw food aid in digestion and give people energy.

One recent diet trend is the raw food diet, often adopted for long-term dietary change rather than as a quick weight loss measure. The central regimen in a raw food diet is similar to that of a vegan diet, except you can only consume unprocessed and uncooked plant-based foods. The logic behind this diet is that raw and living foods are excellent sources of enzymes. These enzymes are destroyed when food is heated over 116 degrees. The enzymes present in raw food aid in digestion and give people energy.

Types

There are a few primary types of raw food diets. There is the transitional diet, adopted by people who want to slowly move from a conventional diet to a raw food diet. The Best of Raw Food website (see Resources below) contains a conversion chart showing beginners how to transition from staples such as corn syrup, animal fats and white flour to healthier options such a vanilla, fresh coconut and sprouted grains. Some people do a raw food diet aided by nutritional supplements or superfoods. Others restrict their consumption to all-organic raw foods, because it is less apt to have toxic residue and it tastes better. Fruitarians are people who center their raw diet on mostly fruits. Sproutarians consume mostly sprouts. Juicearians consume mostly fresh-squeezed fruit and vegetable juices.

Misconceptions

A raw food diet is not about rabbit food, although raw, unprocessed plant matter is a fundamental ingredient. Many people assume a raw food diet lacks sufficient sources of protein or iron but, the fact is, uncooked, unprocessed fruits have about 5 percent of calories from protein, vegetables have 20 to 50 percent and sprouted seeds, beans and grains contain 10 to 25 percent, plus iron. Consuming these foods in their raw state ensures maximum nutritional value and absorption by the digestive system.

Features

The key features of a raw food diet are fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, a raw food diet may include sprouts, nuts, grains, sea vegetables, seaweed, coconut, seeds and other unprocessed natural foods. Some people adopt new ways to prepare raw foods that avoid heating the food, such as soaking sprouts, grains, nuts and seeds before consumption. Most raw foodists drink uncarbonated water or fresh juices, although some drink unsweetened tea brewed by the sun.

Benefits

People who have switched to a raw food diet note a surge in energy and mental clarity. Their bodies process food more quickly and efficiently. The diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables has a beneficial effect on the complexion and boosts blood circulation. By eliminating processed foods and sugars, many people experience dramatic weight loss.

Warning

Shifting from a conventional diet to a raw food diet abruptly can create some physical side effects. While not dangerous, they may make people uncomfortable for a couple of weeks. The side effects are similar to those people experience when fasting and include bad breath, dizziness, chills, mental fogginess and lack of emotional stability. Some people lessen the chance of side effects by slowly transitioning to a raw food diet, meal by meal. Other people may be challenged by the fact that they must consume huge quantities of food to stay full on a raw food diet. Rest assured that, if weight loss is your goal, you will experience success even while consuming huge portions on a raw food diet.