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The natural raw food diet, also referred to as alive, live or
Living Raw Food Diet
The distinct difference between a raw or living food diet and a low calorie and vegetarian one is that while vegans and vegetarians will only consume a plant-based diet, living or alive raw food diet followers believe in eating only natural uncooked, unheated, unprocessed and organic plant based food.
Low calorie and vegetarian raw food proponents believe that not only are vitamins and minerals destroyed during the cooking process, but that cooked food takes longer to digest and allows some partially digested foods to clog the digestive system and arteries.
Because raw foods have not gone through any of the processes of refinement or been stripped of its nutrients, as is the case with many of our traditional foods, low calorie and vegetarian raw food diet lends itself to being a particular effective way to eat.
What is raw food diet?
There has been much recently about raw or living food diet but what is the difference between raw or living foods to other commonly eaten foods?
All foods are living food until they have been processed in some way or another. For instance, tomatoes, beans or peas in their raw state are living foods, until they are changed from this raw state through being subjected to cooking, heating and/or having additives such as preservatives, colourings, salt or sugar for example.
Low calorie and vegetarian raw food diet or living food diets only use foods in their natural, living virgin state. The term living foods refers to sprouted foods, which are said to contain a higher level of enzymes. The term raw foods refer to those which remain unsprouted and is termed as being in a 'dormant' state. You activate the enzymes in raw foods by allowing it to sprout. An example being that if you soak a (raw) pea or bean in water, it sprouts and becomes live.
As a low calorie and vegetarian diet, raw and living foods are believed to contain far more essential food enzymes than cooked foods, which lose their enzymes when they are heated to temperatures in excess of 116*F. Further, that consuming unprocessed and preferably whole, ripe organic uncooked plant-based food will keep you healthy because they are consumed in their natural state.
Examples of foods consumed on a low calorie and vegetarian raw food
diet include:
In addition to the above, low calorie and vegetarian raw food
consist of other organic or natural unprocessed foods such as
freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices, purified water, fresh
coconut milk etc.,
Drinks such as bottled juices, coffee, alcohol, sodas are not allowed on a low calorie and vegetarian raw or living food diet, since these are considered cooked and/or processed foods.
Since there is no cooking involved in a low calorie and vegetarian raw food diet, there is a heavy reliance on a 'dehydrator' in food preparation. This involves blowing hot air (below temperatures of 116*F) onto certain foods. There are a variety of other techniques, specific to the preparation of low calorie and vegetarian raw or living foods; these include:
Benefits of raw food diet
Living Raw Food Diet
Many of the stated benefits from following a low calorie and vegetarian raw food diet include relief or reduction in ailments and conditions such as:
It is also claimed that the raw or living food way of eating leads to increased energy levels, improvement in general physical and mental state, improved appearance of skin, enhanced digestion, a stronger immune system, detoxification and weight loss.
While the above represent a long list of benefits from eating the low calorie and vegetarian raw food diet way, it is reported to be but a small example of the numerous other benefits of raw food dieting.
According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, eating a low-fat vegan diet may be better at managing type 2 diabetes.
A research study found that 43% of people with type 2 diabetes who followed a low-fat vegan diet for 22 weeks reduced their need to take medications to manage their diabetes, compared with a significant proportion of those who followed the diet recommended by the American Diabetes Association.
A further finding is that participants who followed the vegan diet had greater reductions in their cholesterol levels and weight loss than those on the other diet.
This points to the low calorie and vegetarian raw food diet fitting the bill as a viable and healthful option.
low calorie and vegetarian raw food diet menu and recipes
You might be surprised to know that following a low calorie and vegetarian raw food diet doesn't mean you have to go without some of the popular food choices. Raw food diet menu will also consist of burgers, pizzas, French fries or even chocolate cake. Many of these favourite foods can be recreated on a natural living raw food diet menu.
A typical raw food diet recipe for a burger for instance will include raw nuts and vegetables, with the bun being made out of uncooked sprouted grains and vegetables that are molded into a bun shape before being dehydrated. Fancy a low calorie and vegetarian raw food diet recipe for chocolate cake! It's is a case of using moist figs, dates, nuts and some mixed berries etc.,
You'll also be pleased to learn that the low calorie and vegetarian raw food diet is also excellent for enhancing your beauty. Yes, raw food is Beauty Food. Incorporating some natural living raw food into your daily diet will contribute significantly to your anti aging nutrition, keeping your skin smooth, supple and healthy.
If the low calorie and vegetarian raw food diet is for you,
you will find further information to help you. whether you're a
beginner or you're looking for raw food menus, raw food recipes,
or to increase your knowledge of the Raw Food Diet
Draw Backs of raw food diet
One of the drawbacks with low calorie and vegetarian raw food is their high pesticide content, most of which would ordinarily be lost through cooking. Following the low calorie and vegetarian raw food diet therefore exposes you to increased intake of pesticide. The alternative of course is to base your raw or live food diet around natural and organically grown foods which do not rely on the use of pesticides. As with any diet, you will need to ensure an adequate intake of Vitamin And Mineral Supplements. People on low calorie and vegetarian, and especially those on raw food diets, will need to further suppliment their diet with Vitamin B12, which is usually found in meat.
"The wise man should consider that
health is the greatest of human blessings. Let food be your medicine".
. (Hippocrates)
The information on this site is purely of educational value and is not intended to replace your seeking medical advice. You must consult your doctor over all your health concerns.
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