Eating raw means eating only uncooked food; the diet is comprised of fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, and nuts. The raw food diet requires adherents to consume foods left in their most natural state. Untouched by extreme heat, these raw foods supposedly deliver a more potent dose of nutrients without introducing toxins into the body. Although raw food diets aren’t for everyone, there are a few potential health benefits.
Disciples of the raw foods movement believe that raw fruits and vegetables possess valuable nutrients that heat destroys. Low body fat and cholesterol are two other benefits. Raw foodists often have problems getting enough vitamin B, calcium, iron, and fatty acids-nutrients mainly found in animal-based and cooked foods. So raw food dieters need to eat special proportions of certain products, like extra greens for calcium and almonds for iron. Despite these obstacles, a raw foods diet can be a path to weight loss and a lean body.
Many raw foodists believe that applying a little heat is acceptable. Dehydrating fruits is a common technique. Ultimately, raw foodists spend a lot of time in the kitchen, because many foods need some transformation before they can be eaten. For example, certain types of beans and legumes must be sprouted before eating.
One highly successful raw foodist is “The Fruitarian.” An ultramarathoner and endurance athlete, Michael Arnstein eats only fruits and vegetables. Over the course of a 50-mile race, he might eat six pounds of dates! Arnstein claims that his extreme diet is the key to his success in extreme athletic events.
To learn how to make almond milk, an easy raw foods recipe, click here. A raw foods diet can be both delicious and fun!