Recently I noticed a lively conversation over at Kevin Gianni’s Renegade Health Blog about thoughts on a complete 100% raw food diet.
Kevin mentioned since he wasn’t 100% raw, he couldn’t comment on some aspects of the diet and invited others to share their thoughts.
Being 100% raw for over 3.5 years, I thought I could share some insight. Basically, here’s what I wrote.
With all the parties during the holidays, there are many temptations and opportunities to get cooked.
I like to look at it a little differently.
Since this time of year is for celebration, giving and appreciation, I see it as an opportunity to grow stronger in your convictions and celebrate them… celebrate your path to awesome health through a vegan raw lifestyle.
By growing in your healthy relationship with yourself, you not only grow into better health, your relationships with others blossom as well.
And in addition to sharing gifts with friends and loved ones, what better time to give yourself a gift… the gift of awesome health (only you can do it).
Here are some ideas to thrive during the holidays:
Celebrate and enjoy the holidays, vegan and raw!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and yours!
Mark
OK, I know this is a topic usually reserved for women… but it’s important to guys too :).
Now about 6 months after transitioning to raw foods I’ve noticed something interesting. Very smooth skin. Especially my hands.. normally they’re dry during the winter months but not this year.
Others that I’ve spoken to and read about report similar experiences… a glow to the skin, more elasticity, fewer wrinkles, youthful look. It’s the ultimate anti-aging diet.
Just another benefit of a vegan, raw and whole food diet.
To your best health!
Mark
The Vegan Raw Diet
In talking with many people that have tried to transition to raw, much research and personal experience I’ve found a central theme around why many people don’t successfully transition to a raw diet.
And that theme is Fruit.
Many that try eating more fruit stop because it causes an upset stomach or digestive tract. Some stop because they get hungry right away and don’t feel full.
Interestingly enough, the reasons for these difficulties are not related to eating fruit, but most often a different reason. They think it’s fruit because it’s usually the last item they ate.
Many transitioning to a raw diet consume a large amount of fat from nuts and oils to get that feeling of satisfaction. A high fat diet combined with fruit is a recipe for failure and one of the reasons for digestive difficulties.
Eating fruit and not feeling filled up is many times because not enough of the fruit (calorie wise) was eaten. Additionally, once you start eating larger amounts of fruits regularly, you will begin to lose the feelings of hunger shortly after eating them.
I’ve found that after a few months of eating mainly fruits throughout the day, my cravings and hunger have gone away. When I am hungry, it’s subtle and peaceful. The important thing is to eat a good amount of fruit throughout the day, not just one or two servings.
Frederic Patenaude discusses this at length in The Raw Secrets and cleared up some questions about hunger, fats and how to choose the best selection of foods on a daily basis.
All the best for your health!
