One of the latest movements in diet and nutrition is toward raw food. The proponents of the switch to raw believe that it results in higher energy levels, better nutrition and a stronger immune system.
Obviously, a raw diet, being necessarily devoid of meat and mostly made up of fruits, vegetables and nuts (sushi is allowed) has a detoxifying effect. This means that clearer skin and weight loss can be expected.
But like all dramatic changes in dietary habits, a switch to raw should be approached with care and thought. While the detox and weight benefits are obvious, if raw means a radical switch for you, it would be a good idea to have a chat with your doctor about it first.
Read, ask questions, hit the web and get to know what raw really will mean to your lifestyle. Celebrities such as Sting and Demi Moore have publicly revealed that they have gone to raw, but they don’t work nine to five.
A true raw food diet means that nothing you eat can have been heated above 116 degrees.
To start, since you would be eating food that has not been cooked, organic produce is recommended. High levels of pesticide in supermarket produce are not uncommon. If you need to buy at supermarkets, be certain to give each and every item a thorough washing to remove as much chemical residue as possible.
The menu will include lots of fruit, vegetables, sprouts, nuts, some cheeses and eggs. Meat does not usually appear but sushi is ok.
You should be ready for some complaints from your body, especially is most things you eat now are cooked. This will be most obvious in the beginning, as you make the switch and your system adjusts.
You can expect some cravings for your favourite cooked dishes, some ups and downs in the energy and mood areas, and perhaps some digestion issues.
The good news that these reactions should not last too long. Certainly if you are still experiencing them after a few weeks you should consult your doctor.
On the positive side, many who make the raw switch claim to experience sounder sleep and higher alertness levels during the day soon after they commence.
Like all change, it can work better for some people to take it gradually. You might consider starting at just one meal of raw food a day, then building up to two before making the total commitment.
On the nutrition aspect, you need to be aware that taking meats out your diet can result in low levels of Vitamin B12 and essential minerals such as zinc and copper. A low concentration supplement to make up for this lack is worth considering.
But the key message is that if you are going to do it, enjoy it. There are plenty of recipe books on raw around and while you can’t play with the frying pan and oven, blenders, and dehydraters and choppers are good fun too.
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