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taustin34 — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:37:35 CDT

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Raw Foods Diet FAQs

slenderella — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:37:19 CDT

So, you're thinking about starting the Raw Foods Diet...or maybe you're a long-time raw foodist... Either way, read the Raw Foods Diet FAQs below and post a question, or answer a question to spread the word about raw foods.

Click EasyEdit to ask or answer away!

Learn more about getting started on the Raw Foods Die

Q: Is eating raw a fad?
A: Eating raw is probably the oldest form of eating on the planet. Without implements to kill and cook animals in early human history, eating raw was the only way to eat. A raw, plant based diet is the main food staple throughout most of the history of humanity! We ate fruits, leaves, nuts and berries --- all raw and all natural.

Q: How long do people stay on this diet?
A: For purists, going raw is a lifestyle choice, not a temporary fad. They usually get hooked on the way the diet makes them feel – energized and glowing with good health – and stay with it.

Q: Is it a lifelong commitment or a quick fix?
A: It can be both. The keenest advocates stick with it forever. But many others will go on it for five or more days as a nutritional cleanse or detox respite.

Q: Can you eat partly raw and still be raw?
A: There are no hard and fast rules about who’s raw and who isn’t. Some of the most dedicated raw foodists draw the line at 75 percent raw, meaning you can cheat and still maintain the diet, making room for the occasional cooked fish for example.

Q: What are the purported benefits?
A: Raw food adherents glow from clear skin, weight loss, increased vitality and longevity. Raw foodists also say they don’t get sick as often with ordinary illness likes colds and don’t need as much sleep. Their energy levels are higher and don’t crash after meals.

Q: Any drawbacks to watch out for?
A: Without adequate planning and shopping, eating a variety of raw foods can be difficult in a convenience-oriented society. Be prepared to learn a new form of food preparation. Many recipes involve odd kitchen gadgets like dehydrators and long ingredient lists to mimic cooked foods such as cheese or bread. Such recipes often involve a lot of prep time.

Q: Can I drink coffee on this diet?
A: Short answer: no. Anyone who needs their morning Joe will have to swear off coffee, though sun tea is acceptable. Organic wine does pass the raw test.

Q: Who shouldn’t eat raw?
A: Though raw foodists are passionate in their beliefs regarding the health benefits of eating raw, some in the medical community find the diet low in protein and calories, which may be particularly harmful to children. Older folks at risk for osteoperosis should also monitor the diet closely to make sure they’re getting enough calcium. For these reasons and nutrients only found in some foods that require cooking for safety, the Biblical prescription of "balance" makes sense for most people on an on-going basis.

Q: Is it important to choose organic foods?
A: When eating raw, its important to select only organically grown produce. Conventionally grown fruits and vegetables are grown using pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers and other chemicals that can be harmful to your body. Organic foods are grown naturally, and generally taste better.

Q: Can I remove pesticides from my raw foods?
A: Yes, for the most part, with a mixture of 3 tablespoons salt + 3 tablespoons lemon juice in one quart of water. Soak strawberries 30 minutes, raspberries and blueberries 10 minutes, other fruit according to the strength of its compostion. You will see the junk in the residue. This gives an extra flavor of freshness but not salitness (unless you soak too long - don't do that!).

Q: What's the difference between following a vegetarian diet and eating raw?
A: Vegetarians and vegans believe in eating a plant based diet. Those who choose to eat raw believe in eating only uncooked, unheated, unprocessed and organic based plant foods.

Q: Will I get all the antioxidants and trace minerals I need from a raw food diet?
A: No, not without supplementation. You cannot eat large enough quantities, given the earth's depletion today, to provide all your needs without more. SeaSilver is an excellent liquid supplement for trace minerals, Mona Vie has the highest quality blend of 19 fruits and berries in a concentrated liquid, and other antioxidant supplementation is highly recommended with any diet, even a healthful raw one.

Q: If I eat an all raw diet, do I still have to worry about parasites and other toxins?
A: Yes. You cannot breathe the air, eat foods grown in the earth, take an aspirin, drink tap water, have metabolic processes, or anything else without accumulating toxins in the body over time. And parasites thrive in raw food (mostly killed in cooking). Your kidneys, vital to controlling over 50,000 enzmes and hormones and removing toxic waste from your body, accumulate sludge, lose effectiveness with critical health dangers beyond the scope of this question. So does your colon. There's a lot of truth to the writings about "death begins in the colon." Everyone who has lived on the earth over 20 years or more, regardless of diet, needs a liver and kidney cleanse and a colon cleanse in addition to the scrubbing effects you can get from excellent raw foods.

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IF I GAINED WGT I MUST HAVE EATEN TOO MUCH . HOW DO I KNOW WHEN TO STOP OR WHAT QUANTITIES TO OMIT

Raw Food Diet | Raw Food Recipes | Detox

Wild-Kat — Wed, 14 May 2008 12:03:22 CDT

Out of all species on the planet, how many cook their food? Just one.

The Raw Foods Diet

Raw Foodists, gather and share your knowledge here!

Learn More about the Raw Foods Diet!

Have you considered trying the raw foods diet, but don't know where to start? Or maybe you're a raw foods master? Share your experiences and advice on Why Go Raw?

Are you already on the diet but need some new inspiration, raw foods diet recipes and support? The raw foods lifestyle isn't always easy, but this site is here to help!

On this site, you can:

Learn how to make the switch to raw foods
Get and share recipes for tasty meals and snacks
Discover the benefits of a raw foods diet

Raw Foods Diet Recipes

From menu planning to kitchen equiptment, to recipes galore, this is the place to be! Browse or add palate pleasing raw foods ideas and recipes to our growing collection of raw foods recipes! Add to our current raw foods recipe collections on:

Burgers

Bread Substitutes

Drinks and Smoothies

Wraps

Salads

Desserts

Pasta

...and more!

What Did You Say?!

Dining Out the Raw Food Way

Eating out can be tricky on the raw foods diet. Add your favorites to our Raw Foods Diet Restaurant Directory to help get the word out on the best places to eat around town the raw food way!

Share Your Success Stories

Raw foodists, have you lost weight? Improved your health? If so, please share your success stories here and help others get started on the raw food way!

Find out who else is eating the raw way!

Add to our growing collection of raw foods diet resources!
Raw Foods Diet Websites	Raw Foods Diet Resources & Cookbooks	Raw Foods Diet Blogs

Prepared Raw Foods

Wild-Kat — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:33:10 CDT

The raw foods craze is taking off as more and more people are learning first hand about the benefits of a raw food diet. Whether you eat raw 25%, 50%, 75%, or even 100% of the time, the food industry is taking notice and coming up with new prepared raw food options all the time!

If you have a favorite prepared raw food item, click EasyEdit and add it to the list below!

If you've tried any of these snacks, please add a comment and let us know what you think about it!

Type your photo caption or credit here.	Raweo Cookies	Kale in a Krunch Chips
Gopal's Organic Rawma Bars	Kookie Karma Raw Banana Bread	LaraBars
Perfect 10 Bars	Type your photo caption or credit here.	Type your photo caption or credit here.

Raw Foods Diet Websites

rawguru — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 21:11:41 CDT

Add your favorite raw foods diet web resources to the directory below!

Also, add your favorite blogs to the Raw Foods Diet Blogroll!

1. Living Light Culinary Arts Institute is the nation’s top raw food cooking school counting Roxanne Klein co-author of “Raw” as an alumnus. In addition to professional chefs the school teaches home cooks in courses ranging an evening to five weeks at its northern California headquarters in Fort Bragg.

2. The free, web-based Raw Foods News tracks the world of raw food and publishes articles on new restaurants, research and recipes.

3. Raw foods advocates like Alissa Cohen and David Wolfe hold seminars, lectures, retreats and consultations.

4.Raw Living Foods Education and Training a variety of information and resources about raw living foods, and the living foods lifestyle. Full of the latest news, scientific studies, events, recipes and more. New content added daily.

5.Home Study Lessons learn the Living Foods Lifestyle, as pioneered by Dr. Ann Wigmore, in your own home, at your own pace, and become certified.

6. Chi Diet - A comprehensive website detailing the benefits of the Raw way of life, and helping beginners.

7. RawLivingFoods Blog - A helpful blog with testimontials, tips and recipes.

8. Raw and Living Food Support Forum - A great forum to find recipes and personal guidance.

9. http://www.ehow.com/how_2121287_find-raw-food-diet-recipes.html?ref=fuel -- ideas and support for your new llifestyle

10. Raw Food Health Raw and living foods resources, articles and news on health and nutrition, superfoods and raw food weight loss tips. Comprehensive raw food videos section with recipes, discussion and testimonials.

11. Raw Food Diet by RawGuru - A wonderful raw food site with interviews, chatroom, recipes, pictures and an online raw food store.

How to Stock a Raw Foods Pantry

Devi_L — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:06:31 CDT

What would you find in a well-stocked raw foods diet pantry? See our list below of raw food must-haves.

Click EasyEdit to add other ideas to the list!

Fresh Foods to Have on Hand:

mango

mushrooms

nectarines

onions

peaches

pine nuts

pitted cherries

radishes

grapes

red cabbage

sesame seeds

berries: strawberries, cranberries raspberries, salmon berries, thimble berries, logan berries blueberries, rosehip
edible flowers: violet, rose petals johnny-jump-up, nasturtium, berry petals, oregon grape, mallow, etc...
coconut
rhubarb

tomatoes

walnuts

whole herbs (cilantro, basil, lemon thyme, etc.)
Sprouts: alfalfa, broccoli, onion, garlic, sunflower, pea, lentil, radish, adzuki, garbanzo, soy, mung, almond, clover, etc...
wheatgrass
buckwheat lettuce
pea sprouts

garlic

Apple Cider vinegar (RAW)

flax

coconut oil (organic)

olive oil (organic)
hemp oil
flax oil

kamut

oat groats

buckwheat

millet

wild rice

black beans

chickpeas

mung beans

edible weeds: nettles(blended!) miners lettuce, sea asparagus, lambs quarters, fennel, chickweed, purselane, comfrey shoots, wild sorrel(sour grass)
melons
papaya
citrus fruits

Dry Stuff & Spices to Have on Hand:

celtic salt
kelp
dulse
spices
honey
raisins
dried apricots, dates and other dried fruits
tamarind
hemp seeds
raw carob powder(as opposed to roasted)
agar agar

Raw Foods Diet Blogs

Wild-Kat — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:05:40 CDT

Do you write or know of a good Raw Foods Diet Blog? If so, click EasyEdit and add your blog to the Raw Foods Diet Blog Roll!

	Raw Food, Right Now!
Add photo caption or credit here.	Add photo caption or credit here.
Add photo caption or credit here.	Add photo caption or credit here.
Add photo caption or credit here.	Add photo caption or credit here.

Raw Foods Diet Resources

Wild-Kat — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:55:33 CDT

Do you have other favorite resources for information on the raw foods diet? From raw foods recipes, to the benefits of the diet, list your books, websites, videos, and more on the raw foods diet!

Raw Foods Diet Web Resources

Raw Foods Diet Resources & Cookbooks

Raw Foods Diet Blogs

Click EasyEdit to add a new category of Raw Foods Diet Resources here!

History of the Raw Foods Diet

Wild-Kat — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:36:23 CDT

Eating raw is arguably the oldest form of human subsistence. Some native groups such as Inuits still largely eat a raw diet. Chemistry studies by Finnish researcher Arturri Virtanen in the first half of the 20th century showed that chewing raw food produced enzymes that aided digestion. That and other enzyme studies as well as an experiment that compared the health of cats on a raw food diet to those eating cooked foods – the raw food cats were found to be healthier -- inspired a small group of vegetarians to speculate on the health benefits of humans eating raw.

Considered an extreme form vegetarianism, raw food came into its own in the 1980s with a series of books that advocated raw foods for health and longevity. It entered the mainstream in the 1990s with the emergence of fine dining restaurants that specialized in raw such as the now-shuttered but much-celebrated Roxanne’s in Larkspur, California. Now several raw foods diet cookbooks vie for attention on the bookshelves and upscale chefs across the country are putting raw dishes on their otherwise cooked menus.

What Is the Raw Foods Diet Way?

Wild-Kat — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:35:21 CDT

Raw Food Experts Needed! Click EasyEdit to share info and add your advice here!

The raw food diet is just that, raw. Aficionados heat nothing above 118 degrees to avoid changing the molecular structure of food. Eating foods uncooked, say raw foodists, preserves vitamins, minerals and, most importantly, the enzymes that aid digestion. They also banish all processed foods such as flour, dairy products and white sugar – foods that have been heated and refined in the preparation -- from their diet.

Why go to the trouble? Raw foodists cite a number of benefits to eating the raw way. They boast, improves their health and vitality. Raw foodies have clearer skin (some say it glows), leaner bodies, don’t get sick as often as other eaters, don’t need as much sleep and generally feel elated on the diet.

Some people might think raw food means dull food, a rabbit-food diet of carrot sticks, for example. In fact, the exact opposite is true. Raw food is one of the liveliest and most flavor-packed in the vegetarian range. Raw food cooks are very creative in their preparations – including making convincing and delicious pasta from shredded zucchini and savory cheese from nuts. They also expand the vegetarian repertoire of ingredients, mining a broad range of fruits, vegetables, seeds, sprouts and nuts for intriguing recipe combinations.

See also:

Why Go Raw?
Recipes
Getting Started

Raw Foods Diet and Veganism

Wild-Kat — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:30:24 CDT

Raw food is largely vegan, though some raw foodists do include raw meat and fish in their diet. However, the raw foods diet is typically more health focused than the vegan diet, since it involves allegedly the most healthful kind of food, ie, raw. The vegan diet simply tries to avoid suffering in the production of vegan food, therefore could still potentially be unhealthful for its followers.

Raw and vegan diets are claimed to be less likely to be unhealthful than other diets , which include fish, meat and dairy. Studies have shown unhealthful eating to be implicated in the spread of the diseases of affluence, cancer, heart disease, and obesity. See Eating for Health, Dr. Joel Fuhrman, and the China Study, Professor TC Campbell.

Sprouting

Wild-Kat — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:28:27 CDT

Sprouting is a convenient way to prepare nuts, seeds and grains to become highly nutritious, digestible and delicious additions to your raw diet.
It is a very efficient way of utilizing the minimum amount of space in order to produce the maximum of nutrients all year round.

Most seeds, nuts or beans are suitable for indoor sprouting including alfalfa, mustard, green lentils, chickeas (garbanzos) and Hazel and almonds.

Mung beans can be bought in health food stores or grocery stores, although care should be taken that these are intended for sprouting or human consumption rather than sowing, as these may have been treated with chemical dressings. Several countries, for example New Zealand, also require that some varieties of edible seed be heat-treated, thus making them impossible to sprout.

Sprouter Mixed bean sprouts
(Images from Wikipedia)

How to Sprout

The main requirements for successful sprouting are moisture, warmth, and (in most cases) some indirect sunlight. Provided a few guidelines are followed, it is remarkably easy to obtain good results requiring very little time, effort or space.
Initially a small handful of seeds should be run under a tap, then left at room temperature (between 13 and 21 degrees Celsius) in the sprouting vessel. Although a number of items can be utilized for this task (ranging from a jam jar with a piece of muslin or net curtain secured over its rim by an elastic band, to specially designed ‘tiered’ sprouters), it is important that the vessel is free draining, to keep the seeds moist rather than waterlogged.

The seeds will soon swell, and within a day or two begin germination. They should then be rinsed at least twice a day, possibly even three or four times in hot weather. After around two to three days on average they will have developed to be suitable for use. Sprouts are at their most nutritious, and most tasty(!) when sprouts have just started to show: the growth process can be halted by placing them in the fridge until needed.

Using Sprouts

They are a very nutritious source of protein and minerals, and are a good addition to salads or to food wraps . Also, seeds and legumes can be prepared through sprouting as an alterntive to cocoking, eg in preparation for adding to another dish, such as chickpeas for addition to hummus.

Tips for Tastier Raw Foods

Wild-Kat — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:27:16 CDT

Share some tasty tricks for creating the ultimate raw foods meals!

Recommend the spices, herbs or flavorings that make your raw foods pop, zing, and stand out!

Share tips and tricks on how you make your foods totally tasty!

Click EasyEdit to add your ideas to the list below.

Herbs. Chopped fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, rosemary and sage will make most dishes aromatic.

Others?

Spices. Boost flavor with dried and crushed spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and cloves.

Others?

Zests. Zest – or scrap a little of the peal – any citrus fruit including oranges and lemons for a burst of flavor.

Others?

Natural sweeteners. Use honey when you need a sweet note.

Other ideas for sweeteners?

Also, find out what's in a well-stocked raw foods diet pantry or what are must-have kitchen tools to make your meals a breeze!

How to Eat Out on the Raw Foods Diet

Wild-Kat — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:23:59 CDT

Click EasyEdit if you can share tips or advice with others who are interested in dining out on the raw foods diet.

Eating out raw in traditional restaurants can be a challenge. The iced tea is likely brewed and the salad may contain croutons or toasted pine nuts. Raw food diners generally have to scrutinize the menu and quiz servers. But in many of the nation’s major cities, raw food restaurants cater creatively to followers of the diet--all you have to do is ask!

Do you have a favorite place to eat out that caters to the raw foods diet? Or maybe you just have a favorite raw foods dish at a conventional restaurant.

If so, share your favorite places to eat out in the Raw Foods Diet Restaurant Directory

Getting Started on the Raw Foods Diet

Wild-Kat — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:16:09 CDT

Congratulations! You've decided to try The Raw Way. . . Now what?

This is more than a diet for many people; it's a way of life. Because of that, you'll need to think about food--and food preparation--differently. So, before you start a raw foods plan, consider the equipment, planning, shopping, and preparation that will be involved in this new way of eating.

What helped you during the transition to this diet? Share tips on how to get started.

Develop an eating plan: Gather recipes for the week; search through cookbooks and websites for ideas.

As with any diet, the key to staying the course is shopping well. Stock your kitchen regularly – at least once a week -- with enough fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts to take you through the week.

Plan a day in advance for items that need to be sprouted or soaked overnight including grains and some nuts, depending on the recipe.

Invest in some quality equipment that will make preparation faster and more convenient

How to stock a Raw Kitchen

Read up on how to eat out on the Raw Foods Diet

Raw Foods Diet Eating Plan

Wild-Kat — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:05:07 CDT

Plan Your Way to Eating the Raw Foods Way

Transitioning over to a raw food side can take several weeks to make the full transition. Your body will feel noticeably different as you adjust to the new diet plan, so to ease the transition, here are a few helpful tips:

Begin by monitoring your beverages, drinking only water and fresh fruit juices (not canned or packaged which often contain sugar and preservatives).

When shopping for produce, seeds and nuts, make the switch to organic wherever possible to avoid pesticide-contaminated food.

Boost your raw intake by increasing the number of salads in your daily diet.

Clear your kitchen of canned and packaged food as well as meats and cheeses, not to mention junk food, to avoid temptation. Do not shy away from snacking, however. A handful of nuts mid-morning or mid-afternoon with a piece of whole fruit can keep you going between meals.

Spend the first few weeks reading raw food cookbooks to expand your repertoire of uncooked dishes which will eventually take you from steady salads to “pastas” made of ribboned zucchini in crushed tomato sauce.

Some of the biggest boosters of the diet don’t eat raw 100 percent of the time--80%, 70% or even 50% of the time is entirely acceptable! It's up to you to regulate your eating plan and make sure that you fnd the right mix that works for you! And most importantly, if you fall off the bandwagon, forgive yourself and just get on with eating raw the next day!

Do you have other tips to share with people who are just starting out on the raw foods diet? If so, click EasyEdit and share your advice here!

Happy Eating!

Why Go Raw?

Wild-Kat — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:42:35 CDT

Why did you go raw? How has it changed your life?

Share your story and help others learn more about the benefits of a raw foods diet.

The Benefits of a Raw Foods Diet

Many people may come to the raw way of eating because it is an effective way to lose weight. But that's not the only benefit of adopting this healthy lifestyle; the raw foods diet has been linked to more energy, healthier skin, a reduced risk of heart disease and better digestion. In addition, raw foods provide the following benefits:

Raw foods are easy to digest
Raw foods provide the maximum amount of energy with minimal bodily effort
Raw foods have healing powers that can alleviate many illnesses from low energy, allergies, digestive disorders, weak immune system, high cholesterol, candida, to obesity & weight problems (weight normalization), etc.

Research and real life experiences have also shown that a person can prevent a body's healthy cells from turning into malignant cancerous cells by consuming mostly a raw food diet & whole organic foods.

What is Wrong with Cooked Foods?

Heat changes the makeup of food. Foods that have been heated have lost all of their life force, and their beneficial enzymes are destroyed. The digestive system has to work harder and longer to process cooked foods to get nutrition & energy from it. Once cooked, a food can lose up to 85 percent of its nutritional value. Raw foodists call that "dead food." Since we are essentially what we eat, consuming the dead energy of dead foods make our bodies feel heavy and stagnant.

Have you had success with the raw foods diet? If so, share your success story with others to spread the word about the benefits of a raw foods diet.

If you're thinking about going raw and need some answers from those in the know, ask a question below.

Also, see who else is eating raw...

Must-Have Raw Foods Diet Kitchen Equipment

Wild-Kat — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:14:02 CDT

Creativity is only one half the battle in coming up with new and tasty raw foods creations. What are the essential tools and appliances needed for a well-stocked raw foods kitchen?

Be sure and post your recommendations here! Please include specific brand recommendations where possible!

Knives, Mandolins, etc	Food Dehydrators
Food Processor	Blenders and Juicers
Do you know of other must-have kitchen equipment for a well-stocked raw foods diet kitchen? *Click EasyEdit to add the cool tools to the list!*

Raw Meat and Fish

Wild-Kat — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:21:46 CDT

Something to consider

Raw food purists do not eat meat or fish, even raw preparations such as tartare, carpaccio and sashimi. Though these are indeed raw foods, some feel the parasites carried by raw fish and meat are damaging to the body and counter the health aims of a raw food diet. They also worry that, with regard to fish, ocean contamination known to collect in the fatty deposits of fish is passed on to sushi diners, again working against the purification aims of eating raw.

However new-school raw foodists do make room for a broader range of raw foods including raw or unpasteurized dairy products, raw eggs, raw fish and raw meat, arguing that humans have evolved to eat this array of raw foods going back to the Stone Age and that evolution hasn’t had enough time for us to adapt to a world of processed foods. These eaters claim to get more calcium, protein and vitamin D than plant-only raw foodists, though debate rages over the subject.

Do you eat meat and fish as part of your raw foods diet? Why? Why not? Weigh in!

Who's Eating Raw?

Wild-Kat — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:17:25 CDT

Would you have heard about the raw food diet if Demi Moore hadn’t practiced it?

Celebrity fans of this way of eating have certainly drawn the spotlight to raw food. Even celebrity chefs like Charlie Trotter who offers raw dishes in his eponymous Chicago restaurant have helped put the diet in the headlines.

Here are some of the "raw celebrities" who are helping to popularize this way of eating and living.

Musician Sting, Actress Angela Bassett, Actor Woody Harrelson, Musician David Bowie, Actress Lisa Bonet, Actor Robin Williams, Designer Donna Karan, Actress Alicia Silverstone, Chef Charlie Trotter, and Canadian Rocker Bif Naked

Know other famous people who are going raw? Add their name--even a photo!--to this page. . .just click EasyEdit.

Raw Foods Diet Web Resources	Raw Foods Diet Resources & Cookbooks
Raw Foods Diet Blogs	Click EasyEdit to add a new category of Raw Foods Diet Resources here!