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Go Raw – Lose Weight

Raw foodism also called Rawism is actually more of a lifestyle choice than a weight-loss plan. Aside from achieving clearer skin, higher energy and cutting the risk of diseases, devotees believe that one of the most beneficial effects of embracing this lifestyle choice is weight-loss.

The diet is based on the belief that raw or uncooked food is most healthful for the body. In most cases, cooking denatures the enzymes naturally present in food. Raw foodists believe that enyzymes are the life force of a food. If we over-consume cooked food, our bodies are forced to work harder by producing more enzymes. Over time, lack of enzymes from food lead to digestive problems, nutrient deficiency, accelerated aging, and weight gain. So the solution is to turn to raw food diet.

Heating food is generally acceptable so long as temperature doesn’t reach the cut-off which is usually 104 to 118 degrees Fahrenheit. Most people who follow the Raw Food Diet are vegan but some also consume raw animal products, such as sashimi, ceviche (raw fish), carpaccio (raw meat), raw milk and cheese made from raw milk. Usually, the percentage of raw food is 70 percent or more of the diet.

Some people who turn to raw food detox diets or cleanses just go for the typical detox program of three to 21 days. After the detox diet, they may continue a raw food diet, return to their regular diet, or try to improve their daily diet by consuming more raw foods.

Preparing raw food

Since raw beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds contain enzyme inhibitors that are destroyed with cooking, the nutrients can be released by soaking them (germination) or sprouting them. Germination involves soaking in water for a specific amount of time. Recommended germination times vary from two hours up to one day. After germination, seeds, beans, and legumes can be sprouted. After they are drained, place them in a container for sprouting and then leave them at room temperature for the recommended time. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Foods can also be heated—but don’t exceed 118F—using a piece of equipment called a dehydrator to simulate sundrying. They are enclosed containers with heating elements to warm at low temperatures. Dehydrators can be used to make raisins, sundried tomatoes, kale chips, crackers, breads, croutons, and fruit leathers.

To make recipes for smoothies, pesto, soup, hummus, one can opt for blending using food processor or blender. Other ways to prepare raw foods include fermenting, pickling and juicing.

Foods to avoid

Besides cooked food, some raw beans such as kidney beans, soy beans, and fava beans are considered unsafe to eat after they have been soaked or sprouted. Other foods to be avoided are buckwheat greens, mushrooms, peas, potatoes, rhubarb leaves, taro, cassava and cassava flour and parsnips. Devotees also usually avoid food grown with pesticides or made with preservatives, additives, food color or food dye.

Pros and cons

Aside from the earlier mentioned benefits (increased energy, clearer skin, weight-loss and reduced risk of disease), the raw food diet may theoretically slow the aging process and reduce inflammation, since it contains fewer advanced glycation end products and other potentially damaging compounds.

The raw food diet contains fewer trans fats and saturated fat than the typical diet (eating cooked meat, vegetables and other foods). It is also low in sodium and sugar and high in potassium, magnesium, folate, fiber, vitamin A, and health-promoting antioxidants. These properties are associated with a reduced risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

However, like many other alternative diet methods, one of the main concerns people have with the raw food diet is the risk of nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. One study found that people on raw food diets have higher levels of homocysteine and lower HDL cholesterol levels (both are risk factors for heart disease) due to lack of vitamin B12. Supplementing with a multivitamin and eating a variety of foods may help prevent nutritional deficiencies.

People with hypoglycemia or diabetes should be cautious on the raw food diet. Although the antioxidants, vegetables and fiber can be helpful, if done improperly (overconsuming fruit juices) may worsen the condition. Those who have a history of eating disorders or underweight should consult alicensed dietitian-nutritionist before trying the raw food diet.

Some people experience a detoxification reaction when they start the raw food diet, especially if their previous diet was rich in meat, sugar, and caffeine. Mild headaches, nausea, and cravings can occur but usually last for several days. So here are some tips:

• Ease into the diet. Start with 50 percent raw and go from there. This will help you find the balance that works best with your lifestyle and consider it an evolving process.

• Take vitamin supplements.

• For beginners, find recipes and make meal plans.

• Eat a variety of foods (make sure to get enough vitamin B12, calcium, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, most of which are found naturally in animal products).

Sources: http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/raw-food-diet and http://altmedicine.about.com/od/popularhealthdiets/a/Raw_Food_2.htm

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