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The Raw Food Diet Lifestyle
Western diets are consistently high in processed foods, trans-fats, saturated fats, sodium, sugar and caffeine. The result of these unhealthy eating habits has been an increase throughout North America in the occurrences of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression and obesity.
The Raw Food Diet (also called called the Living Food Diet) is an alternative lifestyle choice that stresses the importance of consuming a diet of fresh uncooked and unprocessed foods.
It is believed that the molecular structure of food is negatively altered during the cooking process. When foods are heated over 116 degrees Fahrenheit it negates the ability of enzymes to break down nutrients for absorption. As a result the digestion of food becomes more difficult and less efficient.
Nutrient levels are significantly higher in uncooked living foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, legumes and sprouts. These incredibly rich sources of undisturbed enzymes allow for easier digestion and efficient utilization of nutrients by the body. Raw foods are also rich in fiber, water and antioxidants which assist in maintaining a healthy body. Other recommended raw foods include coconut milk, seaweed, raw eggs and purified water.
Individuals who follow the raw food diet lifestyle consume 75% of their foods in the raw or uncooked state.
The benefits of eating raw, unmodified, organic and meatless food are immeasurable. Improvements in digestive functioning, mental clarity and energy levels have been noted. In addition there is the added benefit of weight loss, increased immune function and improved overall health. This particular lifestyle also reduces waste because there is no packaging involved and the food is either grown at home or purchased locally.
Items eliminated from the raw food diet include packaged or processed foods, any type of meat and beverages such as alcohol, soda, coffee and bottled juice.
This does not mean that the raw food diet is boring or difficult to maintain. It simply requires commitment and a willingness to prepare one’s own food.
There are numerous methods for food preparation that satisfies the need for variation in taste, color and texture. The use of food slicers, dehydrators, juicers or blenders to prepare meals is common. Raw food diet followers have created healthier versions of favorite food recipes including pizza, ice cream, pasta and bread.
The internet is a wonderful resource for new raw food dieters, boasting an abundance of sites dedicated to the raw and living food lifestyle.
Articles, facts, support groups, and recipes are readily available to individuals looking for a dietary lifestyle change.
The living raw food diet lifestyle is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, individuals with anemia or children.
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