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Understanding the Raw Food Diet
- By Deborah Dera
- Published 05/28/2008
- Health & Medicine
- Unrated
Deborah Dera
Freelance writer and blogger. The world is my muse - I have alot to say and I'm just waking up! Visit my writing blog at http://www.therhythmofwrite.com.
View all articles by Deborah Dera
diet may seem a little frightening to some. After all, cooking food is what separates humans from other species. It is important to remember, however, that by and large animals do not suffer from obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and many other diseases that humans suffer from regularly. What's the difference between the ways we eat?
There are a multitude of health benefits to be gained from only allowing yourself to consume raw and natural food products. This method of eating has been known to lower cholesterol, cleanse the body, reverse or minimize the impact of disease, balance hormones, regulate blood sugar, encourage weight loss and prevent overeating, improve digestion, bestow more energy, and reduce risk of heart disease. Most proponents chalk these benefits up to the balanced and natural mix of enzymes and nutrients in raw foods that are perfectly designed for digestion. They say that cooking food throws these substances off balance by diminishing the nutritional value, and our bodies must suffer the consequences.
While transitioning to a raw food diet is a wonderful and healthy choice, the transition from cooked foods is not easy, especially if your diet currently consists of a multitude of processed and preserved goods. Your body will attempt to detox or cleanse itself when it realizes what you are doing. This effort may cause mild depression, headaches, and nausea, or diarrhea. Fortunately, these symptoms are normal and normally pass very quickly. Consult someone who is experienced with the process of detoxification and cleansing
if your symptoms do not go away within the first week or so.
As with most major changes, the smoothest transition will be a gradual transition. Start slowly raising the percentage of raw foods you eat and dropping the amount of cooking you do. Eating cooked vegetables for one meal a day and raw foods during the others might be a good way to get used to the process. This way your body will gradually cleanse itself and you'll be less likely to suffer from sudden and uncomfortable withdraw symptoms.
As with most new diet plans, it is important to pay attention to what you are eating in order to make sure you are receiving the vitamins and minerals you need. Supplements can be a good substitute when you are just starting out, especially until you find a good raw food source to provide the nutrient you find yourself lacking. There are many different books and online resources that can help you get the most out of your new healthy way of life.
Containers and places to store fresh fruit and vegetable in are important so you can keep a good supply of food in hand. Also, the preparation of raw food is much easier in appliances like juicers and food processors. Being more conscientious about what you eat will have a positive effect on your health and you will begin to recognize the power of raw foods in your own life.
Consider consulting a nutritionist or your health care provider before making any dietary change. It is important to recognize that while eating raw is very healthy and can have incredibly positive health benefits, the transition is not as easy as some might have you believe. Having a professional and familiar support group is essential to your success.
There are a multitude of health benefits to be gained from only allowing yourself to consume raw and natural food products. This method of eating has been known to lower cholesterol, cleanse the body, reverse or minimize the impact of disease, balance hormones, regulate blood sugar, encourage weight loss and prevent overeating, improve digestion, bestow more energy, and reduce risk of heart disease. Most proponents chalk these benefits up to the balanced and natural mix of enzymes and nutrients in raw foods that are perfectly designed for digestion. They say that cooking food throws these substances off balance by diminishing the nutritional value, and our bodies must suffer the consequences.
While transitioning to a raw food diet is a wonderful and healthy choice, the transition from cooked foods is not easy, especially if your diet currently consists of a multitude of processed and preserved goods. Your body will attempt to detox or cleanse itself when it realizes what you are doing. This effort may cause mild depression, headaches, and nausea, or diarrhea. Fortunately, these symptoms are normal and normally pass very quickly. Consult someone who is experienced with the process of detoxification and cleansing
As with most major changes, the smoothest transition will be a gradual transition. Start slowly raising the percentage of raw foods you eat and dropping the amount of cooking you do. Eating cooked vegetables for one meal a day and raw foods during the others might be a good way to get used to the process. This way your body will gradually cleanse itself and you'll be less likely to suffer from sudden and uncomfortable withdraw symptoms.
As with most new diet plans, it is important to pay attention to what you are eating in order to make sure you are receiving the vitamins and minerals you need. Supplements can be a good substitute when you are just starting out, especially until you find a good raw food source to provide the nutrient you find yourself lacking. There are many different books and online resources that can help you get the most out of your new healthy way of life.
Containers and places to store fresh fruit and vegetable in are important so you can keep a good supply of food in hand. Also, the preparation of raw food is much easier in appliances like juicers and food processors. Being more conscientious about what you eat will have a positive effect on your health and you will begin to recognize the power of raw foods in your own life.
Consider consulting a nutritionist or your health care provider before making any dietary change. It is important to recognize that while eating raw is very healthy and can have incredibly positive health benefits, the transition is not as easy as some might have you believe. Having a professional and familiar support group is essential to your success.