Can A Raw Food Diet Help You Lose Weight?
by Lee Dobbins
While raw foods are not new, the focus on eating plans that
focus on them are and this trend in healthy eating appears to be
gaining strength across the country. The focus of the diet is on
eating uncooked, highly nutritious foods - fruits and
vegetables. Of course, these foods are low in calories and
extremely good for you, but eating them raw or uncooked is
favored as it is believed that they lose nutritional value when
cooked.
Those who subscribe to the raw food diet eat fruits, vegetables,
nuts, seeds, and legumes. They drink unpasteurized milk, water,
juice, and tea. It is a revolutionary way to eat, but also a
natural way and many of those who follow this way of eating say
it keeps them thin and healthy.
However, while the raw food diet is rich in some nutrients, it
lacks others. Although fruits and vegetables do have some
protein and calcium, this diet may be lacking in these things.
Experts are torn on whether it is healthy as a long term way of
eating.
Another thing to consider when taking up a raw food diet is that
most of the fruits and vegetables that you see in your
supermarket are loaded with pesticides. Therefore, it might be
best to consume only organic raw food.
If you decide a raw food diet is for you, you might consider
supplements to compensate for the nutrients this diet is
lacking. Some supplements to consider include vitamin B12,
copper, zinc, and chromium. Also, proteins from plants do not
the same amino acids as animal protein so you'll have to consume
a variety of different type sof raw foods in order to remain
healthy.
Some medical experts see great benefits in the raw food diet. In
addition to enabling weight loss, the diet can ostensibly
increase one's metabolism, making calorie burning easier. Some
medical experts have also suggested that a raw food diet is a
good antidote to eating disorders. In addition, it can help make
your immune system stronger, and help the body rid itself of
harmful toxins. Some supporters even claim that eating raw foods
improves the look of their skin.
A raw food diet is not recommended for children, women who are
pregnant, people suffering from osteoporosis, and those who are
anemic. If you try a raw food diet, you should to plan your
meals in advance to insure that you are receiving the maximum
amount of nutrients. Also, it can be time consuming to prepare
all the foods you need so make sure that you set aside the time
to chop, blend and puree for each meal every day.
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