Tips for Adopting a Raw, Living Foods Lifestyle

Going raw. What image does that phrase conjure up in your mind? I bet it has nothing to do with food- uncooked, unheated, unprocessed, raw foods.

Raw Food Defined

A raw food diet has several basic tenets as it's foundation. A raw foodist is defined by eating only uncooked, unprocessed and organic living and raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and seaweeds. Nothing is heated or cooked above 116 degrees. The reason that nothing is cooked in a raw foods diet is that raw foods contain enzymes. When heating food over 116 degrees F enzymes are destroyed. There are many different enzymes in the body, and among other life-sustaining functions, they assist in the digestion of food. Enzymes are considered the "Life-Force" or "energy" of food. Living and raw foods also have vastly higher nutrient values than foods that have been cooked.

Have you heard of the raw foods diet or movement? If not, it is no surprise. There are many different "diets" being touted today. No matter what your preference or goal, you can probably find a "fit" in the diet world. Atkins. South Beach. Weight Watchers. Low carb. Low GI. Vegetarian. Macrobiotic. The list seems endless! This lifestyle is gaining in popularity, however, and will certainly move to the forefront. Soon everyone will know someone who is "raw".

Why Do People Adopt This Lifestyle?

Why do some consider incorporating more raw foods into their diet, if not make a complete transition to living foods? Proponents claim the following benefits:

• Promotes weight loss
• Slows the process of aging
• Increases energy
• Lowers cholesterol naturally, without medications
• Improves health in those with chronic or degenerative disease
• Increases mental clarity
• Helps detoxify the body of internal and external toxins

What Do Raw Foodists Eat and Drink?

Raw and Living Foodists eat all organic fruits, vegetables, sprouts, nuts, seeds, grains, sea vegetables, and other natural foods that have not been processed. They drink purified spring or distilled water, and fresh fruit and vegetable juices.

What is Needed to Adopt this Diet?