What may have once been viewed as a fad diet is now becoming widely accepted as a way of life -- the raw food diet. Eating raw has amazing health benefits. It has the power to:
- give us more energy and improved sleep
- lower our body weight
- reduce inflammation
- improve our digestion
- give us clearer skin
| Did you know? A raw foods diet is made up of fresh, whole, unrefined, living, plant-based foods: staples include fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, which are consumed in their natural state. Foods are not heated above 48°C. |
Five Keys To Raw Food Success
Here are five straightforward tips on how to incorporate more raw foods into your daily life and make the transition feel effortless.
#1 Ease into your raw food diet
Begin slowly, take the experience day-by-day and gradually incorporate raw foods versus taking an all or nothing approach. Try choosing one day a week to go 100% raw or setting a goal to reach a diet that's half cooked, half raw. By taking your time, the likelihood of success increases dramatically.
#2 Educate yourself about raw nutrition
Inform yourself, immerse yourself in the local raw food community, do your research and educate yourself on eating raw and nutrition. Consult discussion boards, find out what works for others, and learn about what industry experts are writing. Empower yourself with the knowledge to support and sustain your new healthy lifestyle.
#3 Juicing for success
Juicing is an efficient and easily digestible way to boost your daily dose of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. It has never been easier to create delicious raw juice recipes at home that will cleanse and restore your body and boost your immunity.
#4 Create a space that supports your raw lifestyle
Collect out of your fridge and pantry all of those foods you no longer want and replace them with the foods you do. Keep a food diary, take stock of the kitchen tools you need to prepare your meals, allow time for meal prep and arm yourself with recipes, a lot of them.
#5 Purchase organic fruits and vegetables
By purchasing organic foods, you reduce your exposure to dangerous pesticides, which have been linked to neurological problems, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, allergies, and asthma. Don't worry though, with some careful planning, eating organic doesn't have to break the bank. Set a weekly food budget and stick to it, use in-store and online coupons, buy local produce that's in season, shop online, and meal plan to reduce waste. Also, buy organic when it counts. To learn which produce contains the highest loads of pesticide residue, consult the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen of Raw Foods. These easy to follow solutions translate into real savings and a stronger, healthier you.
With these five simple suggestions, you will begin reaping the rewards of your raw food experience.
Are you currently exploring the idea of a raw lifestyle? If you've already transitioned, can you share a few tips?