Why choose a raw food diet?
Raw foodism is more than just a diet for weight loss. It's a lifestyle, a way of life that impacts every aspect of our life. It's not correct to think that this is a recent innovation either. It's as old as mankind itself. Our ancestors ate their food raw before fire was discovered. Our bodies have been made to eat nature's supplies just as they are.
There is no doubt that cooking and culinary technology has made food more delicious. It has also enabled us to preserve food and made them last longer. However, our methods of food preparation have left us with nutrient-deprived meals. Because only the fat and calories are what's left when we cook our food, most of us now face the problems associated with eating highly-processed foods.
As our complex world now slowly realizes that going back to basics is better, the raw food diet is now becoming more popular than ever. From regular folks to celebrities to multi-millionaires, more and more people have turned back to eating uncooked foods. After you read these reasons below, you'll likely want to become a raw foodist yourself:
- Raw foods are eaten in their most natural state or close to it as possible. As such, nothing is altered in any way, shape or form to the enzymes present in them. Thus, they are easily processed and digested by our bodies. Plant-based foods hardly leave fatty residue inside our systems, unlike food that's been processed too much.
- Raw foods prevent weight gain because they satisfy one fully. They are fiber and water-rich and as such give satiety to those who eat them even when they contain lesser calories. The raw food diet becomes very effective for helping one maintain his or her desired bodyweight.
- Raw foods are nutrient-rich but low in calories so they are ideal for fat reduction. You don't worry about putting on the extra pounds when you eat fruits, veggies, nuts and whole grains. Thus, deprivation becomes a thing of the past since you can eat as much as you want.
- Raw food strengthens your immune system to the point that cancers, allergies and digestive disorders are prevented. Many of those diagnosed with malignant tumors have received a clean bill of health just by following a raw food diet. High cholesterol, candida and obesity sufferers have also drastically improved their health because of raw food.
- Raw foods increase one's level of energy and give a lighter feeling over all. Because raw foods still contain life-giving enzymes and other nutrients, it enables our cells, tissues, organs and systems to function at their best. As a result, we are given more energy, better skin and nails and lesser mood swings.
The chance to save the environment and lower energy costs are the other benefits of going on a raw food diet. To date, it's the only lifestyle that combines eating nutritious food, lessened energy consumption and saving Mother Earth at the same time.
As well as "fat and calories", cooked food at least has protein and minerals, so that statement is not 100% true.
If you want to go raw, there are a few extra things to consider.
Yes, many fruits, vegetables and nuts can be eaten raw (though they are more digestible if properly prepared.)
But if you want to eat raw grains, they must be fermented for 2-3 days before eating.
And don't forget about your raw animal foods, which are part of every traditional culture's cuisine. It's vital to get good quality, pasture raised food to start. Meat and fish can be frozen for 2 weeks first, in case of parasites, but eggs and dairy are fine to eat raw as long as they are from a safe source.