Going raw, even just part way, can transform your life in more ways than you can imagine. These days there are so many diets, theories, recipes, and books floating around that it’s easy to get overwhelmed by it all. Leave alone trying to figure out which one is best and results guaranteed.
On a recent trip to Bali, the main purpose being to unwind and “detox”, I chanced upon this beautiful diet called the “raw food diet”. It was a 3-day detox programme where I ate everything (vegetarian) raw, and certain dishes, which were barely cooked—parboiled. Almost instantly I felt so good that I went through with it for the rest of the month and the results were unbelievable! I felt leaner, healthier, more energised, more productive, glowing skin and of course, a few kilos lighter.
It is proved that the easiest way to lose excess fat is to eat lower calorie foods that are high in nutrients. When you eat foods high in nutrients and you’re able to assimilate them because your body is clean, then your hunger tends to decrease, as well as your cravings for “bad foods”. Wouldn’t that be nice not to have so many cravings for “bad” foods? Half the struggle to losing weight is not having cravings or always being hungry and then feeling deprived. Raw greens and vegetables have the fewest calories per bite of any food. Fruits are the second lowest, and they give satiation because they raise blood sugar and reduce appetite. Hence this diet works the best.
The raw food diet is based on the belief that most healthful food is uncooked. It is best to consume unprocessed, preferably organic, whole plant based foods, at least 75 per cent of which should be uncooked. It consists of: fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, grains, legumes, dried fruits, other organic or natural food which have not been processed, freshly made fruit and vegetable juices, milk from a young coconut and sea vegetables. You could begin with sprouting seeds, grains and beans; soaking nuts and dried fruits; and juicing fruits and vegetables. Eat lots of salads and snack on fresh fruit smoothies.
On a raw food weight loss diet, the pounds are likely to fly off you, especially when you first begin. The great thing about raw food is that you get to eat a ton. It’s just that you’re eating a ton of healthy food instead of a ton of junk food. You’ll probably be so satiated by your meals that you’ll lose your desire to snack. When you’re starting a raw food diet, you may not know how to begin. What can you eat? What should you buy? Should you go 100 per cent raw or is it better to go gradually? To make the transition to raw food easy, find the 3 Top Tips below.
Start Juicing
Fruit and vegetable juices will give you a jump-start to the raw food diet. You feel better quickly. The juice is full of enzymes, vitamins, co-factors, life force, alkaline, organic minerals and much more. Vegetable juice boosts your energy and immune system. Make blends like spinach, apples and lemon; or carrots, orange and celery. Go wild with your imagination and try out all sorts of combinations.
Eat Smarter
Add healthier foods to your diet gradually. You can try something new every day, week or month. Whatever works for you. Before you know it, you eat a large amount of your diet raw. And you feel it. There are few things you can do to make it simple and delicious. Have dips, sauces, and pates done in advance. Also, many of these freeze terrifically if they have a higher fat content like nuts and seeds. That makes it super easy to make large batches and freeze some for the following weeks. Then, take your sauce or pate and stuff it inside a half of a seeded red (orange or yellow) bell pepper or tomato. Or, you can make a sandwich by wrapping the pate in collard greens or romaine lettuce leaves. It’s so refreshing, satiating and delicious!
Go Organic
Start buying organic. The advantages of organic foods are ridiculous. Just this change will have a dramatic result on your health and weight loss.
Tejsinghani is the author of Aapplemint, a food, travel and photography blog