Smart Shopping for Raw Foods
To some, the term "raw food" seems an oxymoron. To others, it represents a healthy eating standard only attainable by nutritional superheroes. And to a small, but dedicated population, raw-food eating is simply a way of life. By definition, raw food is precisely what the name prevails--food that is not in any way cooked: fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains.
Raw-food eating maximizes nutrient intake, as some nutrients are lost during the cooking process. It allows the consumer to know precisely what he or she is eating, without concern for harmful additives or questionable ingredients. Raw food eaters do not consume empty calories, such as processed flours and sugars, and bear little chance of obesity or excess weight gain, as caloric intake is generally reduced. This type of diet is high in dietary fiber and low in saturated fats and cholesterol--all tremendous benefits.
What to Look for
When pursuing a raw food diet, fresh food markets or your grocer's produce section or your own garden are your best bet. Be sure to keep plentiful stock of fruits (dried or fresh), fresh vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains in your home and your workplace. Research your neighborhood and neighboring cities to find raw-food restaurants and become familiar with natural food markets and all they have to offer. Locate a great guide to raw-food eating that includes simple recipes and strategies that will aid you in living healthfully and happily as a raw-food eater. Be creative and conjure up some of your own recipes to enhance enjoyment. A solid, natural multi-vitamin is a great idea as an insurance policy of sorts, for cases in which nutrients may be lacking.
Common Pitfalls
One major challenge of raw-food eating is the fact that we are socialized to eat in a drastically different manner. It is difficult to eat at restaurants while living as a raw foodist, and friends and family may have a tough time understanding this way of eating. Caloric intake can be too low while partaking in this lifestyle ,and the many raw foodists struggle to consume enough protein and/or fat.
To prevent these pitfalls, consume a variety of healthy raw foods, and keep a food diary for a professional to peek at. If you are interested in raw-food eating, but not sure you want to take on the full commitment, incorporate raw foods gradually. You will receive benefits of raw foods whether or not they are your primary source of nutrition.
Member Comments
by splashgirl on February 5, 2009 at 12:51 PM
I followed a raw food diet for several months last summer and I loved. I was never hungry, didn't have to count calories and the food was really good. It did take a lot of preparation and planning though and now that it is winter, I find I just can't keep it up because I don't have the luxury of fresh veggies out of my garden and much of the winter produce in stores is flavorless. I will definitely go back to the raw or a mostly raw diet again when summer comes!
by LoriJaakola1 on March 30, 2009 at 7:40 AM
I started eating raw fruits and vegetables after being diagnosed with cancer for the second time. I juiced most of the time in addition to taking supplements recommended by my biochemist/nutritionist. My last DNA test indicated that my cancer cell level has reached "normal" levels. I feel better than I have in years! After hearing that my cell count was normal, however, I've started eating meat and cooked foods again. I've started gaining back my weight and just don't feel as good. It's a trade off. Moderation is the key. I'm living proof that (although it takes a lot of hard work and extra money because I've eaten all organic) the raw food diet works.
by durianrider on April 3, 2009 at 6:45 AM
remember, we can treat cancer and other diseases that just treat our symptoms, or we can ATTACK THE CAUSE :)
we live in a society that pops pills to treat symptoms so we can pretend we dont know the cause.
if you want to succeed on raw , read 80/10/10 by dr douglas graham. i went from chronic fatigue to riding around the world as a 100% raw vegan.
if we do what everyone else does, we will get what everyone else gets.. :)
we are doing RAAM next year. 4 100% raw vegans on bamboo bikes! how you like them apples? :)
by durianrider on April 3, 2009 at 6:41 AM
as a 100% raw vegan for over 3 years and a vegan for over 8 years now, i have to disagree with the 'rawfooders dont get enough protein or fat or calories'. in fact, nuts are super high in fat so you gotta go easy on em. avocadoes are high in fat and you go easy on them too.
protein? i can get 60g of protein just from oranges if i eat enough calories from them. i trained with lance in jan in australia. i win 24hr solo races and have the australian championships next weekend. im doing it on just sultanas and water. and riding to win.
visit www.organicathlete.org and download our free nutrition ebook on how to succeed as a thriving, healthy, eco athlete that follows ethical, fun, tasty and eco nutrition guidelines that reduce our risk of cancers, heart disease, diabeties etc.
by nikkisheart on April 5, 2009 at 11:14 AM
As a medievalist, I am wondering if what splashgirl is doing is close to the diet of the peasant in medeival Europe? Sort of changing the diet with local seasonal changes with periodic fasting from meat and animal products....It's great that raw foodists, unlike many medieval people though , do not have to go hungry in the "off season"...