Raw Food Diet and Weight Loss

With hundreds of nutrition experts touting the benefits of a raw food diet, the Raw Food Diet has created a strong following from high-profile dieters and the media. Based on many of the philosophies of the ‘60s diet that eliminated all processed foods, the diet encourages people to eat all raw and ‘living food' for increased energy, a healthy mind, and even weight loss.

Raw food has long been considered a powerful element in any diet because the body can process it naturally and easily. Raw organic food may offer even more benefits without harmful chemicals additives, and preservatives. Eating raw food regularly offers one way of detoxifying the body naturally, and providing it with powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

What is the Raw Food Diet?

The raw food diet is a diverse mix of uncooked and unprocessed products; fruits and vegetables are the backbone of this diet, but there are also other sources of solid nutrition available. Common foods on the menu include beans, nuts, dried fruit, seaweed, sprouts, and purified water. Grains and legumes are also a part of the diet, and these can be cooked only minimally.

How is raw food supposed to aid in weight loss?

The ease of digestion and nutrient absorption is the guiding principle for weight loss with the diet. Given the somewhat limited choice of foods, it can also help cut down on excess sugar, junk food, meat, and sugar. People who eat these toxic foods on a regular basis will experience the most challenges as they adapt, but the plan offers many benefits including:

• Weight loss and improved nutrient absorption

• Increased energy that also maintains healthy blood sugar levels

• Reduced risk of heart disease

• Healthier skin

• Increased strength for muscles, joints, and bones

• Increased levels of antioxidants in the body that can improve the immune system

What are the pros and cons of the Raw Food Diet?

The raw food diet offers one healthy eating plan that eliminates many of the most common foods found in the American diet. The diet offers a wide range of fresh and unprocessed ingredients, and organic raw food is more tasty and ‘pure' for some people. Weight loss is a natural result of a low-fat, healthy and nutritious diet and a raw food plan can help start a consistent weight loss routine.

Many people enjoy taking the time to learn the new cooking techniques involved with the diet; for example, dehydrating fruits and vegetables, learning how to store sprouts, and taking the time to soak and sprout their own seeds, grains, legumes, and beans. A blender and food processor are also required to create smoothies, soups, and other basic food combinations.

Drawbacks of the raw food diet include the strong detoxification reaction that most people experience immediately. Since the diet eliminates caffeine, sugar, and meat, the program can be difficult to adapt to and may result in withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and food cravings. However, these generally subside after a few short weeks on the diet. Another drawback is the amount of time required for food preparation, selection, and storage. Raw food spoils very easily so there are specific steps needed to ensure that food is purchased at the right time, and stored appropriately. This can be a difficult schedule to maintain for many people.