How to Spot Common Raw Food Mistakes

When done correctly, a diet that emphasizes raw foods can increase energy, boost the immune system and improve your health. However, there are a few common mistakes that can make your transition to raw foods a bumpy ride. Luckily, these raw food mistakes are easy to catch and correct.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Eat enough calories throughout the day. One of the most common raw food mistakes is not eating enough, which results in ravenous hunger in the evening. Make sure to include at least two hearty snacks in addition to your three daily meals. Add healthy oils, nuts and fruits to your meals to boost caloric intake.
2. Get enough protein or you may end up feeling tired and lethargic. While the average personal only requires 30 or 40 g of protein each day, that minimum is a challenge to meet for many raw food dieters. Add sprouted beens, green leafy vegetables and nuts to your recipes, and at least 1 tbsp. of nutritional yeast to your food each day.
3. Keep your meals as simple as possible to prevent upset stomach, improve digestion and absorption and to keep your meals interesting. Another common raw food mistake is the inclination to create meals with every fruit and vegetable in the kitchen, which in turn blends flavors and makes a meal more bland. Instead, stick to four or five ingredients so that you can enjoy the unique and interesting flavor of each and every item.
4. Be careful with condiments and packaged foods, as some which you assume are raw, may not be. For best results, shop at a raw food and/or organic food market, and ask an employee when in doubt.