How to Start a Raw Food Diet to Lose Weight

In today's "green" age, where many people are trying to get back to nature, raw food diets have sprung to the forefront. However, starting a raw food diet can be extremely confusing and difficult if you do not have the right information.

Some people believe the best way to start is to ease your body into the changes of incorporating raw foods into your diet, as to not shock your body and digestive system. On the other hand, others believe that the best way to start is to dive right in, clean out your cupboards and start fresh.



You will need to decide which method is best for you. Here are some tips to get you pointed in the right direction to start a raw food diet for weight loss as a beginner:

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• blender
• cutting board
• fresh fruits & veggies
• hand blender
• sharp knives
• tupperware for chopped foods
• water purifier or bottled water

1. Decide your motivation for starting a raw food diet.
   
   Are you doing it to lose weight, detox or simply to be more healthy? Keeping sight of your goal will help you to focus and stick with your diet. If you are trying to lose weight with raw foods, continue to step 2!

2. Eat RAW.
   
   Food is considered RAW if it is not cooked or heated above 42 degrees Celsius/118 degrees Fahrenheit, not processed (FRESH is best) and is organic (no preservatives or pesticides).
   
   Some examples of RAW foods are:
   Cold soups (gazpacho, cucumber)
   RAW fish (sashimi, cold smoked or cured fish)
   RAW cheese (goat or sheep)
   RAW nuts & seeds
   RAW and dried fruits
   RAW and dried veggies
   Sprouted breads

3. Eat ALKALINE.
   
   Heating your food above 115 degrees F kills the enzymes that help you digest your food and changes the PH (potential of hydrogen) of food and makes it acidic. Acidic people are usually sensitive to the cold, tire easily, become easily irritable and have low energy levels. They also tend to have a weaker immune system, making them more prone to diseases.
   
   Eating alkaline foods neutralizes the acids. Alkaline foods produce very little waste, unlike acidic foods. The accumulation of non-disposed acid waste accelerates the depletion of minerals and nutrients, thus causing disease and stimulating the aging process.

4. Eat ORGANIC.
   
   Organic foods are grown without the use of pesticides or preservatives. They are shown to contain approximately 50% more nutrients than produce grown with conventional methods. Organic foods also taste better than manipulated foods.

5. Make your raw foods shopping list using the above principles and start eating fresh!
   
   There are many web sites that provide great raw food recipes. With this basic information, you can put together your own personalized raw food diet plan and begin to live a healthier, more peaceful lifestyle!

Tips & Warnings

• Always consult your doctor before starting a new diet plan.
• If you start to feel ill, consult your doctor for a check-up.

Resources

• The Best of Raw Food

[acole]

on 7/9/2008 Interesting, good info!