Following a raw food diet means giving up all cooked and processed foods. Proponents of a raw diet plan say it aids in weight loss and boosts overall health. They claim cooking has negative health effects that are avoided by eating foods raw. A raw food diet can be safe if you carefully plan meals to ensure that your diet is balanced.
Diet Guidelines
The major guideline of a raw food diet is to eat foods only in their most natural states. Avoid any food cooked over 118 degrees Fahrenheit. Eat organic foods that are free from pesticide exposure, preservatives and additives. Most raw food dieters consider genetically modified organisms unnatural, so these should be eliminated from your raw diet. Pasteurized dairy products and irradiated foods are not considered raw.
Purpose
Proponents of a raw food diet claim that cooking foods destroys their natural vitamins and enzymes. Cooked foods also tend to be more acidic than raw foods. Dieters eat raw foods to make their bodies more alkaline, which boosts immune functioning, according to The Best of Raw Food website. By eating raw, unprocessed foods, dieters avoid exposure to pesticides, preservatives, additives and environmental toxins that may cause ill health.
Time Frame
Switching from a diet high in fat and processed foods to a completely raw diet can cause gastrointestinal distress and other health problems. To begin your raw diet, gradually begin incorporating raw foods into your meals. Slowly decrease your intake of processed foods and cooked meats over the course of several weeks. Aim for at least 70 percent raw food consumption. Eating 100 percent raw foods is not necessary to receive diet benefits, according to the Living Foods website.
Results
As you transition into a raw diet, you will likely lose several pounds. This weight loss occurs because your overall caloric intake diminishes and consumption of processed and fatty foods decreases. Fox News reports that eating a raw diet increases energy levels, reduces fatigue and improves immune functioning. Some raw-food dieters claim the diet reduces dependence on medications and improves symptoms of chronic medical problems.
Warning
Some nutritionists warn that a raw-food diet can be dangerous to your health. According to the website LiveScience, there is little scientific evidence to support the health claims of raw-diet proponents. Dieters often drastically reduce caloric intake to dangerous levels and fail to balance their diets with enough healthy fats and protein. Following a raw diet also requires that you take supplements for vitamin B-12, which is only found in animal products. Consult your doctor or a nutritionist before beginning a raw-food diet, as it may not be a healthy choice for you.
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