Changing To A Raw Food Diet

There no disputing that the average person does not consume enough fresh vegetables and fruits in their diet in order to maintain the self-healing ability of the human body, and so any changes in the raw direction will offer substantial health benefits to most people and improvement to their level of nutrition.

The benefits of changing to a raw food diet can include the following:

• Clear and bright skin


• Weight loss


• Detoxification


• Improved immune system


• Elimination of food cravings


• Better digestion


• Lower cholesterol


• Increased energy


• And many others ...

There is much controversy even within the raw food diet community over how much raw food is needed and/or healthy. Some have adapted the view that the only proper way to eat is 100% raw food. There are others who subscribe to less restrictive methods, such as 60-80% raw/20-40% cooked. On the other end of the spectrum, there are those who eat Twinkies, pizza and potato chips all the time, and can't remember the last time they ate something green -- unless you count that chocolate mint ice cream they had for dessert last night!

Although some have opted to go raw "cold turkey," the general consensus is that changing to a raw food diet is something that should be done gradually. The reason for this is simple: raw foods will detoxify your body of a build-up of preservatives, chemicals, and waste. Over time, these toxins clog the liver and other organs, and even accelerate the aging process. If all of these poisons are released into your bloodstream at once, it could be very dangerous, depending on how much toxicity you have. As the body's systems flush out these poisons, it is not uncommon for one to experience a host of discomforts in the first few days or weeks of changing to a raw food diet, ranging from mild to severe headaches, cold or flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, fever and skin problems. These symptoms are only temporary however, and are completely normal.

Of all of the health benefits to a raw food diet, quick weight loss has to be one of the most exciting. Raw foods tend to be lower in calories and higher in nutrition, so it is difficult for one to consume more calories than needed in a day. Unless you are overeating higher-fat foods such as avocados, nuts and seeds, you will likely lose weight on a raw food diet. However, assuming that one has been a participant of the "SAD" (Standard American Diet) prior to this new raw food lifestyle, it is safe to say that no matter what raw foods one is eating, his diet is much improved.

So ... does the raw food diet work? Just ask Phillip McCluskey of Ashville, NC. There are numerous raw food diet testimonials of people who have lost weight on a raw food diet, however, few are as compelling as his. After trying and failing 30 times to lose his excess weight, he eventually topped out at 400 lbs. He started the process of preparing for gastric bypass surgery, however, something inside of him told him that there was a better way. By changing to a 100% raw vegan diet overnight, he's lost 200 lbs and his story now motivates millions as he shares this healthy way of life with others. McCluskey is very passionate about the raw food lifestyle and, as a motivational speaker, he now spreads the word wherever he goes.

The reasons for changing to a raw food diet are convincing, but most people are reluctant to make the change because they think they would miss meats, carbohydrates, and sweets. After all, that is what most of us have become accustomed to throughout our lives. Not everyone can make the switch to 100% raw overnight, in fact, it is recommended that you don't, for health reasons and to increase the likelihood of success. Changing your diet this drastically can be a bad idea because the excitement will wear off in a few days and you will likely start feeling deprived and lose your resolve to press on. Food is a very emotional element of our lives, and too many changes at once, could bring discouragement.

So what is the best way?

That decision is completely up to you!

A good way is to start adding more raw foods into your meals and just continue to increase it over time, decreasing the amount of cooked, processed foods, animal and dairy products over time. Try a few raw food recipes here and there, and slowly replace the food in your pantry with healthier choices. Once you start to feel the increased energy and clarity of mind that comes from eating raw foods and cleansing your body of toxins, you will find that the changes will come naturally.

So what if it takes a month, or two months, or even a year? Every small change adds up, and you will surprise yourself. And your body will reward you every day!

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