Is the Raw Food Diet for You?

There are tons of options available on the market when it comes to weight loss. You have programs that limit foods, ones that limit portions, some that limit both, and all variations in between.

So, how do you know which one is the one that will help you finally reach your weight loss goals?

The first thing you should always do when you’re searching for a weight loss program (or any personal development program for that matter) is find out what exactly it is, what its advantages are and the possible negatives. Once you know all those things, you can easily decide if it fits into your life.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the raw food diet so you can decide whether its right for you based on education and fact, not just a desire to lose weight by any means possible. That way, you’ll have the highest chance of success possible.

What is it?

The raw food diet is just as the name implies. You eat foods, actually only plant based foods, in their natural and raw form. A majority of the foods on this diet are fruits and vegetables which makes it very low fat.

The only real animal based foods allowed with this diet are eggs and cheese made from milk that is unpasteurized. So, this particular diet may sound more appealing to you if you’re a vegan than someone who eats a lot of meat and potato type meals and doesn’t want to give up animal based proteins.

Since you eat the foods naturally, there’s really no need for a stove or oven (which may appeal to some people). In fact, the only appliance that most raw food dieters use is a dehydrator. Because it operates on such low heat levels, they’re ‘raw diet approved’ as all they really do is remove the water from the foods. They’re not really cooking it.

If you choose this way of eating, in addition to no animal meats, you’re also not allowed any alcohol, caffeine or sugar either. So, if you’re a person that can’t stomach living without your morning coffee or evening glass of wine, this probably isn’t going to be the best weight loss eating plan for you.

Pros

Proponents of the raw food diet say that, in addition to weight loss, those who follow this way of eating also benefit from higher energy levels and skin that is less prone to pimples and blemishes. They feel that by eating foods in their natural state, your body gets all the vitamins and minerals that are in the food as none are lost in the cooking process.

Also, because you’re eating foods in their natural states, you’re also not getting all the preservatives and chemicals found in so many processed foods. Some people have sensitivities to these unnatural substances and don’t realize it until they eat this way and feel so much better.

Those in favor of this way of eating also believe that eating only raw, natural foods lowers your risk of major diseases and conditions, such as different cancers. Not only are plant foods healthy for you, but when you get your body to a normal weight, you lose all of the problems associated with being overweight and obese.

Cons

Those who object to this diet believe that when you limit your food choices the way this diet wants you to, you risk not getting all the vitamins and minerals you need to have a healthy body. For example, when you cut out all of your high sources of protein (like in most meats), you’re not getting all the amino acids and fatty acids that your body needs to stay strong and fight off colds and illnesses.

Also, there’s the issue of raw eggs. By now you’ve probably heard that salmonella poisoning is a huge risk by consuming eggs that aren’t cooked. Not only does this particular bacteria live inside the egg, but it is on the outside of the shell as well. So, you risk getting yourself sick if you are eating the eggs raw the way this diet wants you to.

Is the raw food diet right for you?

Keep in mind that no matter what diet you’re looking at, you will always find someone who sings its praises and someone who thinks it shouldn’t exist. In the end, you have to make up your own mind based on your own beliefs and lifestyle.

If you go on a diet only to lose weight and then go back to your old habits and behaviors, you’re just going to regain the weight. Therefore, you have to be willing to commit to this eating style the rest of your life. This is true across the board.

That means that one of the key considerations should be whether or not that particular diet fits in your lifestyle. And, be realistic and look at it for what it is.

For instance, it may sound nice to never have to worry about cooking again, but prepare to spend the same amount of time cutting, slicing and otherwise getting the foods ready for dehydration. If you want to go out to eat, your options are going to be extremely limited and your grandmother’s cake that you like to eat every time you celebrate your birthday is not going to be allowed because it has sugar and other processed ingredients.

Now, some of these things may not be big deals to you or perhaps you feel that your health is worth these sacrifices. If that’s where your mind is and that’s what you believe, then you’ll do just fine by eating this way.

But, if not, you may have some problems when the newness and excitement wears off. You may find it hard to stick to eating just raw foods and wind up feeling like you’re always depriving yourself.

In the end, you have to decide what is right for you. Only you know what you’re willing and not willing to do. At least now you can make an educated decision.