Green Lemonade

Today, it’s actually hard to define a “raw foodist.” This is because many raw foodies do eat some cooked foods, others eat some dairy and still others eat small portions of meat and fish on occasion. More people are beginning to realize it’s about what’s leaving the body, not only about the raw foods that are entering it.

Many 100% raw foodists feel better adding back in some lightly steamed foods

There have been reports of some self-proclaimed “100%” raw foodists actually feeling better with the introduction of some light cooked foods to their diets. Interestingly, when old dehydrated matter in the body is flooded with water through the intake of hydrating alkaline foods such as raw vegetables, fruit, green vegetable based smoothies and juices it is re-hydrated to a much larger size, which often causes many people to feel uncomfortable and bloated as they begin transitioning to raw foods. (Why?) In this case, taking a step back in cleansing by incorporating more cooked foods ultimately moves them forward. You’ll know the raw food diet is working for you, if you are having good eliminations. Good eliminations, are key to good health.

For many of you starting out, and myself included, I continue to eat lightly cooked foods and some meat and dairy on occasion. That’s just what I’m feeling. It may be different for you. I try and skip the heavy nuts (unless they are called for in a recipe) and I also prefer just a few scattering of beans now and then. But this is just me. I can’t just eat 10 nuts – I want more than that! The key of course is to eat as many recognizable foods as you can (leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, legumes) – so that body can take the nutrients it needs and then eliminate the rest. Anything that hangs around in the bod just turns to excess weight after all.

Moving to a 100% raw diet can take years; It’s not for everyone

Interestingly, when I talk to a few of the “raw foodists” who I know are eating closer to 90% raw (Vs many of which are closer to 70-80% raw) many of them have actually come to this way of eating only gradually. They started to eat more raw foods, but also still enjoyed light, cooked foods that they loved. Then overtime, as they started to feel better eating only raw foods they ate less of the cooked foods. But for many of these raw foodists, this period of change took place over several years….

Try to migrate to some additional raw foods and see how you feel. No need to declare war on cooked foods if you want to move toward a more raw food-centric diet. Even moderate enjoyment of lightly steamed veggies, meats, fish and dairy will still put you far ahead in the detox journey through more living, whole foods.

How are you thinking about making this transition to raw? Please share your thoughts!