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Do you think a "raw food" diet really enhances health and weight loss? I know that raw foodists believe heating foods over 116 degrees Fahrenheit destroys health properties, enzymes, vitamins, etc. and makes food "toxic" to the body, but how do you eat raw beans? I might be a vegetarian, but I need my protein, you know?
Hi! I'm a Raw Vegan (Raw for me is about 85-100% Raw - depending on the month pretty much). I eat some cooked vegan meals once in a while. I've never felt better in my life. Many people lose a lot of weight going vegan and eating a high raw at that.
Let's see, I answered this question really great and my computer deleted it! BUMMER! But, I'll quickly try to address this again.
Protein - World Health Organization recommends that we only need about 10% of our dietary intake as protein. I usually get from mine from fresh leafy greens. I juice my greens or drink in the form of green smoothies typically (recipe below). Beans are hard for a lot of people to digest, although some raw foodists do eat sprouted black beans, sprouted soybeans, and sprouted lentils :)
I eat 100% Organic whenever possible.
B12 - I don't supplement but I don't need to. I get my blood levels checked annually and I've not had a deficiency since going Raw (3 years ago). If the numbers ever came back low, then yes, I'd supplement.
Green Smoothies are a great way to start eating cleaner and getting tons of energy! They can take the "edge" off when you have a sweet tooth, tooJ This is one of the best way to get protein, vitamins and lots of minerals into your diet.
You’ll be amazed at how delicious these are. Many people use organic green energy smoothies to help them lose weight, because they help reduce cravings and can replace meals and/or snacks.
Greens (think spinach, parsley, kale, swiss chard, arugula, sprouts, cilantro, celery, romaine lettuce) are a great source of quality protein and minerals. Not only that, but green smoothies have plenty of fiber, which helps to reduce cholesterol and to steady blood sugar levels. Make one and see for yourself. It’s super easy.
I make sure I always have a Green Smoothie with me. I’ll take it to the movies for my snack or keep it in a cooler, in my car, when I’m out running errands. This way, if I get hungry or have any cravings, I can drink my green smoothie and be satisfied and full of pure, natural energy.
Green Smoothie Recipe
2 cups of filtered or spring water 1 handful (or more if you like) of Organic leafy greens such as spinach, kale, parsley, romaine lettuce, herbs, your choice 2 pieces (or more if you like) of Organic fruit (depending on size and sweetness desired) for example: banana and/or apple, mango, berries, etc.
Put all of it in a blender, give it a whirl, and ENJOY!
By far the easiest one is probably doing spinach and banana. Put 1-2 handfuls of spinach in your blender with the water and 2 peeled bananas. Blend.
Cheers!
www.KristensRaw.com www.KristensRaw.blogspot.com
Raw food diet is really a lifestyle kind of a form actually of vegetarianism. They believe in eatting fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, sees and seaweeds, sprouts, juices, salads, basically nothing from a can, it it's from a can it's been cooked in some form. Raw food digest fast but it also contains alot of pesticides, so I think organic foods are better, you would also have to supplement yourself with vitamins like zinc, copper and of course B12, But to lose weight this diet is one approach, I would add some cooked foods to it, for your general good health, no diet plan is advisable if you cut out entire food groups.
Hi,
I actually recently read a study that said people who eat raw foods only have lower bone density, which can lead to osteoporosis...it was suggested that this is simply because they tend to weigh less, but in the study, doctors recommended that you eat raw foods as well as cooked foods for a balanced diet...
And I'm with you on the beans thing... :)
Thank you Kristen for such a great response! I'll have to try that smoothie. While I am vegetarian, I'm not ready to go "raw"--but I do try to eat a lot of fresh fruits and veggies. I also go for organic as much as possible.
