The Raw Food Diet: A Beginner's Guide and Review - Raw Food Diet Review

A Raw Foods Diet You Can Live With - The 60-40 Plan

For most of us, it's hard to think that we can feel satisfied eating like rabbits (lettuce, carrots, raw vegetables) and more importantly, many of us feel that we would ever be able to stick to a diet that consisted of only those foods. However, there are numerous health and weight loss benefits to raw foods diets-benefits that we experience while still allowing for a full dinner and other treats.

Here's the good news about starting a raw foods diet: You don't have to make it a lifestyle and you certainly don't need to feel confined to eating only raw foods when you're hungry. What I propose is called the 60/40 raw foods diet, which means that 60% of the foods you eat are raw and 40% are cooked, regular foods. Simple... and unintimidating.

Personally, I've known several women who have had enormous success with the 60/40 raw foods diet because although they're eating just as much (if not more) food than before, 60% of those calories are coming from wholesome foods. This means that their fat and caloric intake is drastically reduced for most of the day and they can save that 40% of their diet for a healthy but filling, cooked meal and perhaps-if they're feeling daring-a little dessert and a glass of red wine afterwards.

What makes the 60/40 plan for eating raw foods such a delight is that you never need to go hungry and furthermore, the calories you take in are packed with essential vitamins and minerals to pack more of a punch that that one low-carb candy bar you've been desperately gnawing on for food satisfaction all day. The natural simple sugars contained in just one apple or banana are enough to give you the kick you need to start your day off right and the calories and fats found n most raw foods are far more sustaining than the complex, processed sugars that are found in many treats-and even in the diet-brand bars you might buy at the store.

Most women who have tried the partial raw foods diet find that the best system for them is to do all foods for breakfast and lunch and then, by dinner, when they are most craving something hearty and filling, they can indulge at will in a delicious, full dinner without regard to calories or fat intake.

Not worrying about fats and calories? How can that be?

Because if you are on a low-fat and low-calorie diet already, the calories and fats contained in your breakfast, lunch, and snacks will likely only amount to 40% or less of your daily calories. That gives you room to breathe at dinner (within reason, of course) and is a satisfying, much-needed break to what you've been eating all day.

Give it a try and you'll see that you feel better with a diet comprised of fresh, healthy foods and that you never go hungry and can have the luxury of a great dinner, desert, and perhaps a glass (or two-be decadent) of wine.


Raw Food Detox Diet For Seniors

A raw food diet is a nutrient rich diet of mostly fresh fruits and vegetables. Nutrient rich equals stronger bones, healthier skin and a greater resistance to disease. Older people tend to have brittle bones that break easily, liver spots and blotchy skin, and they get sick easily. A diet of processed and cooked foods is responsible. The raw food diet is a low-toxin diet.

During a detox diet you eliminate the toxins from cooked and processed foods. Live foods are also rich in the antioxidants that help to prevent cancer and reduce the aging process. Some of the foods richest in antioxidants are blueberries, blackberries, spinach, tomatoes, red grapes, pomegranates, cranberries, prunes, raspberries, strawberries, apples, pecans, cherries and plums. Eat plenty of these foods during your raw food detox to cleanse your body of toxins.

The older population is susceptible to chronic disease and decreased organ function mainly due to nutrition. Decreased organ function may affect the digestive system, absorption, metabolism or the excretion of nutrients. A large percentage, approximately 80 percent of people over 65 may suffer from one or more chronic diseases.

Nutrition, known to interact with the aging process in various ways, is an important factor in their prevention and/or recuperation. There is no better method of obtaining proper nutrition than a detox diet. Don't worry about going hungry while eating these foods because you will eat as much as you want to. Your hunger will always be satiated.

Don't let anyone tell you that your activities should be completely restricted due to your age. OK, maybe you have slowed down a little bit as you aged, but that doesn't mean you should just sit around and age more. On the other hand, if you're 70 you don't suddenly decide you can run a marathon. However, you can take walks, ride a bike or workout. There are workout videos for seniors... and... you can eat right.

A lot of people have a hard time with change, but just to incorporate 25 percent more natural fruits and vegetables and nuts into your diet is a good beginning. It'll get your detox started and you will probably feel good enough about it to forge ahead until your diet is at least 75 percent raw. Raw foods are rich in the nutrients you will not get in processed and cooked foods. You should also drink 8 glasses of water every day.

Fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, nuts and legumes are all great raw foods and there are many recipes available to help you make attractive and tasty dishes. Eating raw foods will naturally reduce your caloric intake and increase the nutrients your body requires. The average person gains 1.5 pounds per year. By age 40 what we have always teasingly called "old age chub" sometimes begins to become apparent. That's because at 40 you're not as active as you once were.

You're sitting in an office all day instead of playing football. You're getting the kids fed and settled down instead of going out dancing. Stuff happens. Eating a diet of 75 percent raw foods is a natural weight control. No, you won't waste away. Once your body reaches its natural weight, it'll stabilize itself.

Everybody, regardless of age needs to drink water. You sweat, you use the bathroom; you are constantly eliminating fluids from your body. Drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water (preferably 8) every day will replace the eliminated fluids and keep your body hydrated. When you are dehydrated your blood pressure can drop causing you to become light-headed or dizzy; you may even pass out. You can experience organ failure if your condition goes untreated. Your urine should be clear or very light yellow when you are drinking enough water.

Usually seniors living on their own are still functioning pretty well. One very good thing about raw food is there's very little or no cooking, so, if getting around in the kitchen is becoming hazardous the danger of getting burned is out, you don't have to spend a lot of prep time to make your carrots look attractive... and you don't have to wake up one morning and declare yourself a raw foodist. You can incorporate raw foods into your diet at a rate that is comfortable for you.

Raw food detox can be a problem if you're not moving around too well. You may want to make sure you're near the bathroom. Another very good thing about eating raw foods is that you don't have to read labels. You know what you're buying. If there's some processed foods you have to eat because of something in your medication, by all means, do so. You may eventually find that you don't need as much medicating once the nutrients of natural foods kick in.

And most importantly, always listen to the advice of your health care provider. Don't be surprised if your physician suggested you increase the amounts of fruits and vegetables in your diet. A raw food detox diet will improve the way you look and feel.


Raw Food Diet - Eat Yourself Healthy

Eating raw foods is natural. Our bodies thrive on all that is fresh and vital. A raw food diet (or increasing the amount of raw food that you eat) is bound to bring a feeling of increased wellbeing.

Raw food diets are based on unprocessed and uncooked plant foods, preferably organic, such as a variety of fresh fruits and vegies, nuts, seeds, grains, dried fruit, fresh juices and purified water.

Why Raw Foods?

Basically a vegetarian diet, the raw food diet promotes eating and drinking 'living' foods. Living foods and juices contain the maximum amount of fibre found in raw produce, fibre that can be lost in processing. Such foods are easily metabolised and tend to be lower in calories than the average diet.

Heating food above 116°F destroys enzymes in food that aid in digestion and in absorption of food, diminishing its nutritional value.

Benefits of a Raw Food Diet

A diet of at least 75% raw food offers numerous health benefits, such as increased energy, improved skin appearance, better digestion, weight loss and reduced risk of serious illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

A raw food diet contains little or no saturated fats, is low in sodium, high in potassium, magnesium, folate and fibre.
Raw food diets are also excellent detox diets. Different combinations of raw, living foods and juices can be used for colon cleansing, liver cleansing, kidney cleansing and skin cleansing.

The Basics of a Raw Food Diet

Any fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, beans, nuts, legumes, young coconut milk - even seaweed - can be menu items of a raw food diet. Your choice of foods may depend on your reasons for dieting, for example:

- sprouted brown rice slows glucose absorption and improves the metabolism

- cabbage supports healthy cellular function; radish leaves act as an anti-oxidant, as does Shitake mushroom

-carrots are a great source of vitamin A as well as encouraging healthy vision and a healthy cardio-vascular system

You can use a sprouter such as the Easy Green automatic sprouter to sprout seeds, grains, beans - even wheatgrass. Sprouts could be called a 'super food' - organic sprouts contain enormous levels of proteins, vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, chlorophyll pigments and enzymes, and are the ideal natural supplement.

Sprouts can be used in salads and soups, or can be juiced. Fresh juices are a great ready energy supply and a good quality juicer, such as the Kempo Greenpower juicer, produces living juices that are full of essential nutrients.

A great juicing recipe to complement a raw food diet is carrot juice with potato, fennel and apple. Simply juice 4 medium carrots, 2 apples, 1 small potato and 1 small stalk of fennel.

Fennel has been shown to reduce and control inflammation of arthritis, it evens mood fluctuation and depressive states and has the rare nutrient called manganese, plus zinc and vitamin B complex.

The nutritional value of grains and seeds is impressive. They contain most of the vitamins - particularly A, B, and E. They're also fantastic natural sources of unsaturated fatty acids and lecithin, and an excellent source of proteins.

You can even use soy milk makers (such as SoyQuick) to make non-dairy drinks from different beans, rice, nuts, seeds and grains to have with breakfast. If you want something a little more substantial than soy milk you can make your tofu (or, of course, visit a good health food shop).

Essentially, the idea of a raw food diet is to eat unprocessed foods for at least 75% of the time. If the idea of raw food isn't very appetising to you, you can warm the food a little as long as the food isn't heated above 116°F.

Cautionary Note

As with any major change in diet, it's wise idea to consult your doctor before beginning a special diet. This is especially true for children, pregnant women, anyone with anemia and anyone with a pre-existing medical condition.

Even natural foods can conflict with certain medications, so please ask your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any medication.

Because a raw food diet is detoxifying some people suffer a mild detox reaction including mild headaches, nausea and cravings. These symptoms may last for several days and you'll get more enjoyment out of your raw food diet if you cut down on things like meat, sugar and caffeine a week or so before commencing the diet.

Last But Not Least...

A raw food diet is certainly a good way to improve your overall health and wellbeing. Like anything worthwhile it takes time, energy and commitment. Because many of the foods for this particular type of diet are made from scratch there is some preparation time involved. There are many great products on the market that can help you prepare your own living food and save you some time as well.

Combined with regular exercise, a raw food diet is also an excellent weight loss method. If you've been feeling 'a little off', or just need a pick-me-up and some extra energy, then a raw food diet is certainly a good way to go.