Tips On How To Start A Raw Foods Diet

What is raw food? Why start a raw foods diet? Are raw foods really more nutritious than cooked foods? These are questions we will try to answer in this article. We will also give you some ideas on how to change your diet to all raw or partially raw.

Raw food is food that has not been heated at high temperatures. Studies have shown that some very important nutrients in food are lost when they are cooked. Which ones are lost and how much is lost may depend on the particular food and how its cooked, the temperature its cooked at, and the length of time its cooked.

Enzymes - A Key Ingredient in Raw Foods

Enzymes are one important nutrient found in raw foods that are largely destroyed when foods are cooked. Most enzymes are not able to live when heated above 105 degrees. Some can live to 115 degrees. But what is an enzyme and why does it matter if they are destroyed?

The simple explanation is that enzymes are proteins which are present in all living cells. They regulate nearly all of the body's biochemical reactions, such as production of energy and helping to improve immune function. Enzymes perform a whole host of functions that affect our health. Some enzymes are produced within the body, but many of them are found only in raw food.

Some of the functions and health benefits of enzymes include: blood purification, hormone delivery, cholesterol balance, brain health, immune system, digestion of food and delivery of nutrients to the body, production of energy, breakdown of fats, improve metabolism, slow aging process, enhance mental clarity, improve skin health, increase circulation and much more.

Ideas For Starting A Raw Foods Diet

 
It is not difficult to begin a raw diet once you understand the importance and are committed to improving your health no matter how challenging the changes may be.
 
1. You will need to decide whether to go 100% raw (for anyone needing serious health overhaul), or 75-85% (eating raw except for the evening meal).
 
2. Invest in a couple of high quality books on raw diets that include recipe ideas. Some books others have found helpful are "Recipes For Life" by Rhonda Malkmus, "Eating Without Heating" by Sergei & Valya Boutenko, and "Hallelujah, Simple Weekly Meals" by Marilyn Polk.
 
3. Buy a juicer. This need not cost a fortune as decent quality ones start about $75.
 
4. Go grocery shopping and purchase raw fruits and vegetables, etc. getting as much variety as possible. Select items you have seen in raw juicing and meal recipes you would like to try.
 
5. If possible join a raw food support group. There are several online. You can learn a great deal from people who have already been eating raw, and will also receive the support and encouragement you need to stick with your new lifestyle.