You may be able to lose weight via the use of a raw food diet plan. While most foods you eat require some form of preparation, many foods such as vegetables, fruits or seafood can be consumed with little to no heating. Before attempting this or any new diet program, be sure to speak to your doctor for more information on how you can reach your weight loss goals.
Definition
According to Wellness.com, the raw food diet consists of eating foods that are not fully cooked or heated to a temperature no higher than 116 degrees Fahrenheit. The primary rationale behind following the raw foods diet is that the enzymes present in uncooked foods become inactive when heated. Weight loss associated with this diet can be fast due to low fat and caloric content of food options such as fruits, vegetables and seafood.
Considerations
As Wellness.com suggests, proponents of the raw food diet believe this plan can also help to prevent a variety of diseases, including diabetes, fibromyalgia, colitis, skin diseases and obesity. The website also proposes that cooking foods may also alter the chemical balance within the food item, possibly making it toxic. However, further research is needed to substantiate these claims.
Foods
You may incorporate many different foods when using the raw food diet plan. According to Epigee.org, these food items include nuts, seaweed, grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, seeds, purified water and coconut milk. Types of seafood or sushi may also be used as these items do not require high temperatures to prepare for consumption.
Benefits
According to Epigee.org, many benefits come with the raw food diet. For example, this diet is touted to increase energy levels, improve the appearance of your skin, reduce the onset of heart disease, improve digestion and lower your weight quickly. Most foods that are edible raw do not contain high levels of saturated fat and can further promote weight loss as a result.
Risks
Not all foods can be consumed raw. You should not attempt to incorporate raw red meat or poultry into a raw food diet due to the risk of salmonella or other bacterial contamination. You should not begin a raw food diet if you are currently receiving treatment for another medical condition unless otherwise cleared by your doctor. Be sure to speak to a licensed nutritionist for more information on food choices that would fit into the raw food diet.
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