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Changing To A Raw Food Diet
When changing to a raw food diet, people should
begin gradually, with one meal a day, and slowly building up to
about 70 – 90% raw. Some people may go up to 100% raw, although this
can be difficult. Start by having a typical dinner such as a salad
with a cooked vegetable side dish such as potatoes or yams, and
gradually decrease the amount of times per week you allow yourself
cooked vegetables or baked grains (or cooked meats, if you eat
meat). Be sure your diet is simple for you to do, as an extremely
complicated plan is not likely to be followed for very long.
Some things you should look out for is that changing to a raw food
diet can be compared to a detoxification effect, and as your body
adjust to this new diet and the new things happening in your
digestion and the change in available nutrients and fats, there may
be some side effects. You may experience slight headaches,
sensations of nausea, and/or depression in a mild form. You should
consult a doctor or nutritionist if these symptoms or other side
effects continue. If these effects start, you may wish to slow down
you change to the raw food diet, to allow your body more time to
adjust.
To start changing to a raw food diet, an important first step is
meal planning. You will need to carefully plan your meals to include
foods which will cover all your dietary needs. Remember that if you
plan all your meals carefully to meet your body’s needs, you should
not have to be concerned about cravings. Our bodies naturally crave
salt and/or sugars, because they cannot make them themselves. But a
variety of foods can provide your body with everything it needs. If
you cannot get enough of a variety, you may want to consider a
supplement. After all, the whole point of going on any diet is to
improve your health, not to cause a nutritional deficiency or a
health risk.
You will need to have a few basic things in your kitchen (it’s no
longer the oven, the stove, and the microwave), such as:
- a juicer (also called a juice extractor)
- a blender
- sharp knives (or just a sharp knife. A
butcher’s steel is also useful)
- large containers for sprouting sprouts (more
than one would be handy)
- dehydrator (some raw foodists will not use
these, as the high temperature implies cooking)
You may already own these kitchen tools and
appliances, otherwise, you may want to invest in them. You might
find yourself in need of them as time goes on. A juicer can make it
much easier for you to ingest your raw food, especially at the
beginning of your diet. A blender will help you to create different
recipes and flavors, while a dehydrator will allow you to make
simple breads and flavorful treats. While these methods do not allow
you to enjoy food in its completely natural state, it does allow you
to try out different flavors and textures, which can make the raw
food diet easier and faster for a lot of people.
We Recommend:
The Raw Secrets
The most complete book on living on an optimal raw food diet for
better health.
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