It’s not difficult to make sure you nibble a bit of raw food every day.
There’s no cooking or really much washing or chopping – just good old fashioned chomping.
That’s why I know that after you’ve read this post – you WILL increase the amount of raw food you eat – especially when I tell you that sinking your gnashers into a stick of carrot or nibbling on some nuts actually helps you lose weight.
Before I get to the science bit I thought I would list all the reasons why raw is good – just to really get you in the mood.
The List
What is Raw?
Okay so this might sound a bit basic – but let’s look at what is considered ‘raw’ food.
Well anything frozen is on the list – but anything canned or pasteurized is not. Simple really.
Here is the science bit….
Raw food is fresh whole food that has not been refined, chemically processed, denatured or heated above 48 degrees C, so its nutritional content is preserved.
The major raw food groups include:
When we eat foods in their natural, uncooked state we receive all the vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and enzymes that good old Mother Nature intended us to eat.
In contrast, when we cook our foods we lose around 70 per cent of these essential nutrients.
Why Raw helps with weight loss
If you increase your raw food intake, then it will naturally reduce your craving for sugary food. Hence the weight loss bit.
Also many people notice their energy levels increasing when they eat raw – this is because your body doesn’t have to use so much energy digesting it.
Raw foods are hydrating
Eating lots of raw stuff can help with sluggishness, dry skin and false hunger that hits us when we don’t drink enough water.
Raw foods contain loads of fibre
Fibre is essential for sweeping the digestive tract of waste – which basically means ‘it keeps you regular.’
Many health problems such as gas and bloating can stem from poor digestion, but it can also cause other nasties such as irritable bowel syndrome, yeast infections, skin conditions such as acne and even colon cancer.
Raw foods contain phytonutrients
So what the hell are phytonutrients?
These are plant chemical compounds that act as anti-oxidants, immune boosters and hormone stabilizers and have huge health benefits, such as detoxifying the liver, preventing heart disease and cancer, and protecting our eyes from macular degeneration – so pretty important really.
A phytonutrient called Lycopene is found in red fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, watermelons, red bell peppers and papayas and has very powerful antioxidant properties.
Research suggests it is also effective in preventing cancers, especially prostate, lung and stomach cancer.
How Raw should you go?
Well you don’t need to be a vegan to enjoy the benefits of raw food.
The starting point is that any amount of raw food is beneficial.
But if you want to give your body that healthy kick start, aim for five portions of veg and three fruit a day.
A don’t forget to include essential fats in your diet – maybe a handful of nuts or some oily fish such as salmon.
Raw food tips and ideas
If you add a smoothie and a bowl of muesli with fruit and yoghurt to your breakfast menu and a salad with lunch and dinner – you’re already there.
There is also Raw Chocolate to nibble on – who knew – healthy chocolate!
For more healthy recipes have a look at my previous post – where I tell you how to make Ginger Energy Bites and Chia Pudding
If you want any advice or a tailor-made diet plan you can email me, Nutritious Lolly at cunningham_lorraine@yahoo.com
