Pros & Cons of a Raw Food Diet

Most raw food diets are great for losing weight, because raw foods are low in calories, fat, low in sodium and are high in fiber.

The additional benefit of eating a lot of fruits and vegetables is that they are very nutrient dense.  Most of what you eat will be high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, phytonutrients and enzymes.

When you eat a raw food diet, you have to make sure that you are getting adequate amounts of protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin B12.

Cooking some foods release more nutrients, such as beta-carotene and lycopene. Cooked tomatoes contain three to four times more lycopene than raw tomatoes.

Due to the risk of food poisoning, a raw diet isn't recommended for pregnant women, young children, seniors, people with weak immune systems and those with chronic medical conditions like kidney disease.

Tips:

1.  Start slowly. Start with 50% raw and go from there. Don't be focused on going 100% raw right away. Instead, find the balance that works best with your lifestyle and consider it an evolving process.

2.  If you are going to try the diet, you'll need to find recipes and make meal plans, especially as you begin. Don't allow yourself to go hungry.

3.  Make sure to eat a variety of foods.

4.  Consider the source of your food. Organic food is much less toxic than conventional.

5.  Goodreads has a great list of the some of the best raw food guides, recipes and books. 

http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/8808.Best_Raw_Food_Books

For More Information:

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