Obesity is becoming a world-wide epidemic. Each year, millions are diagnosed with food allergies, diabetes, high-blood pressure, high-cholesterol, heart disease and cancer. Many believe that the food the general public is consuming is making them sick. Efforts are being made to encourage healthier choices like fresh fruits and vegetables over packaged and processed foods. Food experts and nutritionists believe that such lifestyle choices will combat and possibly treat some of these health issues
What is the Raw Food Diet?
The raw food diet is a diet based on the consumption of unprocessed and uncooked, mostly organically grown fresh fruits and vegetables, sprouts, seeds, nuts, grains, beans, dried fruit, and seaweed. Most that adhere to this life-style are vegetarians. They choose to eat fresh fruits and vegetables for the food's "live" content. Raw food experts believe that heating foods above 116°F will destroy enzymes and the nutritional content of most foods including the protein content in animal meats. Some who choose the raw food diet will consume animal proteins, but only those meats or fish that can be safely eaten raw or lightly heated, for example, ahi tuna and sushi.
Enzymes, proteins and nutrients are basic body necessities. Enzymes aid in digestion. Proteins rebuild muscles and cells. Vitamins and nutrients strengthen brain function and help build the immune system.
Benefits of a Raw Food Diet
There's a growing trend in those choosing to follow a raw food diet. Many believe that eating foods in their natural state has numerous health benefits, including:
- increased energy
- stronger immune system
- promotes better sleep
- improved skin appearance – possible anti-aging components
- better digestion
- weight loss
- may reduced the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and food allergies
Raw Food Diet Sample Meal Plan
There are many fad diets out there promising unrealistics weight loss and/or health benefits. While the raw food diet may not cure cancer or end obesity and diabetes, it is a healthier alternative to packaged or processed food. Give it a try for one week. See if it does indeed increase energy levels and promote better sleep, etc. Here is an example of a daily food plan for the Raw Food Diet:
- Breakfast – Enjoy up to two pounds of raw fruit juices or even whole fruit. Blueberries are a great morning choice. They are full of antioxidants, and may contain anti-aging components. Other great choices include but not limited to: raspberries, strawberries, melons, grapes, apples, and oranges.
- Mid-Morning – Sliced avocados or a handful of raw almonds or walnuts.
- Lunch – A fresh salad made mostly of greens, add all the fresh raw vegetables desired. Use lemon juice or vinaigrette as dressing.
- Afternoon Snack – A small serving of fresh vegetables and freshly made hummus.
- Dinner – Start with another salad. Include 10-20 almond slices or chopped walnuts for protein.Consider a refreshing bowl of red pepper gazpacho soup and finish off with fresh fruit for dessert.
Throughout the day, be sure to consume at least eight to 10 glasses of water, fresh fruit or vegetable juice. After one week, evaluate overall health and decide whether or not to continue with the raw food menu plan.
Amy Wingfield - Amy, a freelance writer since 1999, has combined her passion for writing and for Christian music.There's always a story behind the ...
