Can A Raw Food Diet Help You Lose Weight

[KennethFoo]

While raw foods are not new, the focus on eating plans that focus on them are and this trend in healthy eating appears to be gaining strength across the country. The focus of the diet is on eating uncooked, highly nutritious foods – fruits and vegetables. Of course, these foods are low in calories and extremely good for you, but eating them raw or uncooked is favored as it is believed that they lose nutritional value when cooked.

Those who subscribe to the raw food diet eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. They drink unpasteurized milk, water, juice, and tea. It is a revolutionary way to eat, but also a natural way and many of those who follow this way of eating say it keeps them thin and healthy.

However, while the raw food diet is rich in some nutrients, it lacks others. Although fruits and vegetables do have some protein and calcium, this diet may be lacking in these things. Experts are torn on whether it is healthy as a long term way of eating.

Another thing to consider when taking up a raw food diet is that most of the fruits and vegetables that you see in your supermarket are loaded with pesticides. Therefore, it might be best to consume only organic raw food.

If you decide a raw food diet is for you, you might consider supplements to compensate for the nutrients this diet is lacking. Some supplements to consider include vitamin B12, copper, zinc, and chromium. Also, proteins from plants do not the same amino acids as animal protein so you’ll have to consume a variety of different type sof raw foods in order to remain healthy.

Some medical experts see great benefits in the raw food diet. In addition to enabling weight loss, the diet can ostensibly increase one’s metabolism, making calorie burning easier. Some medical experts have also suggested that a raw food diet is a good antidote to eating disorders. In addition, it can help make your immune system stronger, and help the body rid itself of harmful toxins. Some supporters even claim that eating raw foods improves the look of their skin.

A raw food diet is not recommended for children, women who are pregnant, people suffering from osteoporosis, and those who are anemic. If you try a raw food diet, you should to plan your meals in advance to insure that you are receiving the maximum amount of nutrients. Also, it can be time consuming to prepare all the foods you need so make sure that you set aside the time to chop, blend and puree for each meal every day.

[Steve Pavlina]

Originally Posted by KennethFoo

Also, proteins from plants do not the same amino acids as animal protein so you’ll have to consume a variety of different type sof raw foods in order to remain healthy.

The rest is good, but the above statement simply isn't true. You really don't need much variety at all if you're eating only plant foods. I'm getting a lot of variety during this trial, but many long-term raw foodists don't.

[NotesMaeve]

I'm on my third day, and other than losing bloating from two weeks of crap eating, not much weight loss. Just weighed for the sake of this thread. I am one lb. below my average weight.

100% raw foodism is not for me. I like oatmeal, coffee, and other cooked yummy stuff waaaaaay too much. Of course, I used to think I could never give up chicken, seafood, or cheese.

I imagine I'll stick to about 50% raw because I just feel so much better. And skin improvements? Whiteheads are draining. (I got rid of the worse crap during a 30 day trial, but still had some dietary stuff to clean up.)

[beel]

Originally Posted by NotesMaeve

100% raw foodism is not for me. I like oatmeal, coffee, and other cooked yummy stuff waaaaaay too much. Of course, I used to think I could never give up chicken, seafood, or cheese.

maybe it's not for you, but 3 days is hardly enough time to justify that conclusion. you will find your tastes do change. if you said the same after 3 weeks of 100% raw, i would be surprised. you are still going through detox and having cravings no doubt.

[Zombie]

Here's the question - if you've got a person who has a long way to go (not horrifyingly out of shape, but definitely not in prime health) would you recommend a raw diet or would you ease into it through first vegetarian, vegan and then raw foodist paths?

Also, I wonder if the detox from standard American diet to raw foodist is much more intense than if you went to vegetarian first. Are all diet detoxes the same?

[bwb]

Originally Posted by Zombie

Here's the question - if you've got a person who has a long way to go (not horrifyingly out of shape, but definitely not in prime health) would you recommend a raw diet or would you ease into it through first vegetarian, vegan and then raw foodist paths?

Take whatever path you think will be easiest for you to stick to. Going from a carnivorous diet to a raw vegan diet overnight might be a bit overwhelming unless you're good at following someone else's plan or you have a support buddy/group. Many people find it helpful to gradually introduce more fruits and veggies into their diet, replacing the more unhealthy stuff. If your intent is to go raw, then instead of replacing the foods you eat now with cooked vegan versions, start to replace them with raw foods. Each incremental improvement you make will bring you greater health.

-Brian

[beel]

Originally Posted by Zombie

Here's the question - if you've got a person who has a long way to go (not horrifyingly out of shape, but definitely not in prime health) would you recommend a raw diet or would you ease into it through first vegetarian, vegan and then raw foodist paths?

Also, I wonder if the detox from standard American diet to raw foodist is much more intense than if you went to vegetarian first. Are all diet detoxes the same?

the first time i went raw, i went raw vegan from a horrible diet including meat and dairy. my detox was not bad at all, but i had colonics during the first week so that probably helped. i guess it depends on the time of person you are, but i think going "cold turkey" is better. i would suggest you just go for it, especially if you really have no interest in being vegetarian or vegan. believe it or not, i find being raw vegan easier than being vegan or vegetarian because it's more simple and there are fewer options. if being raw vegan is your ultimate goal, i see no reason why you should prolong that goal by "easing" into it. regardless of where you start, you will have detox symptoms. i really don't see any point in making it more drawn out and complicated than it needs to be. if you aren't ready to make the change immediately, why not start eating at least 50% raw fruit and vegetables in addition to whatever else you eat. again, i don't see any point in going vegetarian or vegan first. it's really the bread and sugar that causes the most discomfort in detox, both of which are typically present in a veg diet.

[beel]

i see it sort of like quitting smoking. for some people, cold turkey is best, some people nicotine replacement is best, and for even others cutting down before they quit is best. personally, i'm a cold turkey kind of person, but only you can really make the choice. i hope this helps.

[change08]

Originally Posted by beel

the first time i went raw, i went raw vegan from a horrible diet including meat and dairy. my detox was not bad at all, but i had colonics during the first week so that probably helped. i guess it depends on the time of person you are, but i think going "cold turkey" is better. i would suggest you just go for it, especially if you really have no interest in being vegetarian or vegan. believe it or not, i find being raw vegan easier than being vegan or vegetarian because it's more simple and there are fewer options. if being raw vegan is your ultimate goal, i see no reason why you should prolong that goal by "easing" into it. regardless of where you start, you will have detox symptoms. i really don't see any point in making it more drawn out and complicated than it needs to be. if you aren't ready to make the change immediately, why not start eating at least 50% raw fruit and vegetables in addition to whatever else you eat. again, i don't see any point in going vegetarian or vegan first. it's really the bread and sugar that causes the most discomfort in detox, both of which are typically present in a veg diet.

Hello,

You seem very knowledgable. I will be undergoing a raw food diet in a week because it is part of a detox program I am starting. I'm at a lost to what foods I should eat as a beginner and what foods would be enough to keep me from caving in. I am doing my research but, being a heavy meat eater and surrounded by others who are, I thought I should get advice from those who have accomplished it. Any advice?