The raw food diet, primarily popularized by David “Avocado” Wolfe, is touted by followers to cleanse, rejuvenate, energize the body and even slow the visible signs of aging.
But what does going raw really mean?
The raw diet relies on unprocessed, uncooked plant foods including fruits, vegetables, sprouts, seeds, nuts, nut butters, cold pressed oils, lacto-fermented foods (like Rejuvelac), sea vegetables (like spirulina), Celtic Sea Salt, and exotic antioxidant-rich foods like maca, lucama, acai, mesquite, camu and others. Some raw foodists add raw dairy and even raw organ meats to their diet.
To be considered a raw foodist, at least 75% of the diet must be raw or living food that has not heated above 115 F. Raw food proponents believe heating food destroys enzymes and the vital life force of food.
What’s involved in going raw?
The specific “un-cooking” techniques for the raw food diet include:
- Dehydrating
- Sprouting seeds, grains and beans
- Juicing
- Blending
- Soaking nuts and seeds
What are the drawbacks of a raw food diet?
- Time Intensive: A raw food diet can be very time-intensive. Dehydrating and sprouting require planning, waiting and harvesting.
- High Cost: If you choose to purchase prepared raw foods, expect to pay a premium.
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Poorly planned raw food diets can increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies in protein, calcium, iron and vitamin B12.
- High in Sugar: If you’re eating a raw food diet, it’s all too easy to load up on sugar. That’s because dried fruits – especially dates – are relied on to sweeten many raw food smoothies and snacks. While rich in nutrients, dates are high in sugar (one date has 16 grams) and have a high glycemic load.
With some planning, close nutritional monitoring and smart supplementing, you can overcome these challenges and enjoy a raw food diet that is both healthy and simple. Use the recipes in our Raw Food Recipes section as inspiration and add your own favorite raw recipes to the collection.
Do you want to add more raw food recipes to your diet, but not ready to give up cooking entirely? Why not try Delicious Solutions. You’ll have access to hundreds of easy raw recipes and meals you can incorporate throughout the week - allowing you to eat lighter and get more diversity in your diet… without sacrificing your sumptuous slow cooker favorites.