The raw food diet weight loss program is based on the consumption of unprocessed and uncooked foods, preferably organic, whole plant-based foods.
Staples of the raw food diet include:
*fresh fruits and vegetables
*seeds
*nuts
*seaweed
*legumes
*grains
*dried fruits
*purified water
*fresh fruit juices
*milk from young coconut
Foods are not cooked because it is believed that raw (living) foods have more essential enzymes that help the digestive process. Cooking, on the other hand, is believed to destroy these enzymes.
The only cooking allowed in raw food diets is done through a dehydrator, a special machine that blows hot air through food, without ever reaching a temperature of more than 116 degrees Fahrenheit.
In the raw food diet, food is generally prepared from scratch through blending, chopping and juicing; a food processor is also often used to prepare meals.
Benefits of The Raw Food Diet:
*boosting energy levels
*improving the appearance of the skin
*reducing the risk of heart disease
*improving digestion
*lowering weight
Because it contains little to no saturated fat, little salt, and is high in fiber and potassium, the raw food diet has been associated with lowered cholesterol and lowering the risk of some cancers, as well as diabetes.
The Raw Food Diet
Risks and Side Effects: A reaction to the detoxification process of the raw food diet can include headaches, nausea and mild depression. These symptoms generally only last for a few days.
Some experts question the benefits of the raw diet; studies have shown that some phytochemicals - plant chemicals containing disease-preventative properties - are more easily absorbed by the body when cooked, as is the case with lycopene found in tomatoes and carotenoids found in carrots.
Critics of raw food diets also state that it doesn’t matter if food is heated. While the heating process does inactivate some enzymes found in food, the body uses its own enzymes for digestion.
The raw food diet is generally not appropriate for the following people:
*pregnant women
*people with anemia
*people at risk of developing osteoporosis
*children
Always consult your doctor before starting any weight loss programs.
For more info, download Raw Food Diet, a free ebook.
Calorie Count is a useful tool for calorie intake calculation and diet planning. Calories do count and it's also important how efficiently your body burns them. Calorie Count also contains a diet planner with professional advice on food combining, detox, suggested daily calorie intake for men and women, calorie intake from beverages consumed, as well as some useful guidelines for speeding up the metabolism and making the most of it. People make the mistake of thinking they have to make drastic changes to lose weight and get in shape, but the secret is to make small changes and incorporate them into their lives permanently.
