Takeaways From a Raw Food Diet Trial

Takeaways from a Raw Food Diet Trial

My former colleague, Mariah Ehlert, is our guest blogger today!  Enjoy her post on eating raw foods.

The “Raw Foods Diet” is consuming unprocessed, uncooked foods. The movement toward raw has many focuses. Some believe it is purely a diet that makes sense biochemically others that they are getting closer to earth, life forces, or just a simpler existence with less of a carbon foot print.  Chemically it synchs beautifully with our bodies. We are giving our organs, digestive system, and cells exactly what they need in a form they know exactly how to process. In contrast, trans fats are chemically the same but structurally different from naturally occurring fats; our cells harden and don’t know how to process trans fats. Raw foods offer an abundance of enzymes, which are required for every metabolic (chemical) process in our bodies (tissue repair, thought, heartbeat, digestion, etc.). Having more enzymes in our diet greatly aids in digestion and performance.

Additionally, a raw food diet is a very alkaline diet. Our bodies naturally produce acids (breathing, exercising, chemical reactions in the body, metabolism) for which we have natural buffers to keep our blood at the necessary healthy pH level (7.35-7.4). The foods we eat have a significant effect on our pH levels. The more acidic our diet (alcohol, sodas, meats, dairy) the harder our organs have to work to equalize our blood pH levels. An alkaline diet (rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and water) relieves a great deal of stress on our organs, putting up a strong, healthy barrier against sickness and disease.

I went on a raw food diet for 5+ days. I was mostly shocked how many processed items I had in my previously thought ‘purist’ kitchen.  I would recommend going on this diet between 7 and 14 days for detox purposes. However, I found after one week I didn’t want to go off it. My energy soared after the first few days on the diet. My chronic headaches went away. My workouts were more effective. I felt and feel great. There were some initial detox symptoms, i.e., dizziness and diarrhea, but they disappeared after about day 3. Unless you have a severe medical condition (in which case I suggest 100% raw), I recommend incorporating about 50-70% raw foods. The downside to this diet is that there’s a high grocery cost to getting organic raw nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables, especially in the winter months. However, the benefits of eating even 50% raw meals are significant to your health ―  they are priceless.

Start slowly, gradually add in salads every day, look up and try raw recipes, add a green smoothie (green vegetables, fruits, blended up), or try a meal share with a friend. Move to two raw meals a day, add in raw snacks, and eventually (depending on your tolerance for fiber) move to 50-70% raw meals and snacks. If you are more restrictive (70-100% raw), be cautious going back to cooked foods. Some have reported illness going back to cooked foods too quickly. Fall in love with fresh organic fruits and vegetables!

My favorite and the easiest way to incorporate raw foods into my daily life is the smoothie. The beautiful green smoothie allows for a lot of creativity and a powerful boost of nutrients to support excellent health. One of the first ones I made was the following:  2c  spinach, 1 pear, ½ cucumber, ½ avocado, ½ cup water (or even better, coconut water). Blend until liquefied and enjoy. The green color might take getting used to, but the texture and sweetness is definitely an easier adjustment. This simple smoothie is packed with goodness, omega 3 fatty acids, oxygen, nutrients, etc. The end goal is to support good health, well-being, and increased energy. I suggest one a day. Make extra and share with a nearby loved one.  Experiment with what you have. See what flavors, sweetness, or savor you prefer. Add blueberries and/or bananas to cut the bitter green taste. Go spicy with sprouts and celery or wheat grass. There’s no wrong way to go with a green smoothie.

Another suggestion is to stock up on some guacamole (or better yet make your own) with baby carrots or chop up some sweet bell peppers.  Use the fresh raw veggies to scoop up that delicious guacamole instead of a chip.

Mariah Ehlert
Student Nutrition Therapist at Nutrition Therapy Institute, Denver, CO
www.MariahEhlert.com, KALE; Keep active, live energetically