The Raw Food Diet - Getting Started

You have probably heard about the raw food diet and may have a desire to get started with this unique way of eating. Here are some tips on what you should do to get started on the raw food diet:

1. Start Slowly

Do not jump into the raw food diet right away. This may be too much of a jolt for your digestive tract. Instead, start making some substitutions. Instead of cooking vegetables, for example, start eating them raw or only slightly blanched. Blanching vegetables involves just dropping them into boiling water and taking them right back out. It retains the flavor, nutrients and the vegetables will still be crisp. You can eventually work your way up to raw vegetables.

2. Cut out sweets

If you have a sweet tooth, try replacing sweets with fruits. Eating fruits will satisfy your sweet tooth urge and can easily be eaten raw. Make sure that you wash all fruits thoroughly before eating them.

3. Replace proteins

Instead of relying on meats for all your proteins, why not try legumes or nuts instead? Nuts can be eaten raw and will not hurt you. As a matter of fact, they are good in "good fats," especially almonds, walnuts and brazil nuts. They are also loaded with antioxidants and are good for your heart. When chewing nuts, be sure to chew them up very carefully so that you can easily digest them.

4. Start eating more fish

Fish is brain food and some fish can be eaten raw. This includes salmon and shrimp. Try them to see if you like them raw. Make sure that you wash them very well before consuming.

5. Eat celery and carrots raw

Celery and carrots are staples for anyone who wants a raw food diet. They can be consumed in abundance. You can eat as many carrots and celery as you want as long as you do not dip them in dressing. They will fill you up and provide you with vitamins.

6. Drink 100 percent pure fruit juices

You can get some nutrients through fruit juices if you make sure that they are 100 percent pure and not just sugar water. This is one way to get started with the raw food diet.

The raw food diet incorporates healthy eating habits and the replacement of many traditional foods such as cooked meats, with raw foods. It is a favorite of many who want to lose weight as well as vegetarians.

When you start out slowly, you will give your digestive tract time to fully get used to the raw food diet. Once you begin this type of diet and get used to the foods, you will feel and look healthier and find that you are better able to lose or maintain your weight.