This question comes up a lot in my fitness circles. And, truthfully, I don’t have a definitive answer for it. What I can say is this: If you are looking for a way to lose 100 pounds or a certain amount of weight, then avoiding the common pitfalls might be the path you want to take. Maybe not completely raw, but more fruits and vegetables and less meat overall. You don’t want to go completely against what your body needs, but you also don’t want to damage your health by overeating. Finding that middle ground is something you might have to wrestle with, but it’s worth it.
How Much Does Eating Raw Food Help You Lose Weight?
As with most nutritional matters, it varies from person to person. Some people feel that eating only raw food helps them lose weight, while others feel that it hurts them. In reality, neither one of these is completely true. It’s more complicated than that. Let’s take a look:
- For some people, eating raw food helps them lose weight. That’s because fruits and vegetables provide them with a lot of filling fiber that makes them feel fuller for longer. Also, some vegetables contain high amounts of water, which leaves you less likely to crave sugary drinks. The end result is that you might lose a few pounds while eating only organic fruits and vegetables.
- For others, eating raw food helps them maintain their weight. That’s because some people feel that the texture and flavor of fresh fruits and vegetables is more satisfying than the same food cooked or processed. If that’s you, then keeping up with your healthy lifestyle might mean consuming more cooked food than usual. There are definitely pros and cons to both options.
- For still others, eating raw food actually helps themgain weight. That’s because some research shows that people who eat more fruits and vegetables tend to have higher metabolic rates and, thus, are able to burn more calories than those who don’t eat as much of the food group. Whether you agree with this theory or not, it’s still a fact that the average American consumes approximately 95% of their calories from sugary drinks and processed snacks. Eating more of the aforementioned food might result in you gaining a few pounds.
- So, how does eating raw food help you lose weight? It depends on what you are looking for. If you want to lose weight, then avoiding the foods that you know you shouldn’t be eating (like fried foods and sweets) and focusing your attention on fruits and vegetables can help you reach your goal. On the other hand, if you are happier maintaining your current weight, then you might want to consider increasing the amount of food you eat each day. That way, you won’t have to worry about whether or not you’ll lose weight after following a diet plan.
What Type Of Raw Food Does Best?
Like I said, not all raw food is made equal. Certain types of vegetables contain more nutrients per calorie than others, and this, in turn, can affect how you gain or lose weight while eating them. For instance, berries contain high amounts of antioxidants and anti-cancer compounds, which give them potent health benefits. These compounds make berries one of the most nutritious and versatile food items around. That being said, they do have a low water content and, as such, might not offer the same satisfaction as other fruits and vegetables when it comes to keeping you full. Some research also suggests that berries might not be the best for those looking to gain weight. This is because they contain substances that act as stimulants and appetite suppressants, which can, in turn, affect your hormones. This is why they are often used as natural medicines to treat disorders related to appetite and weight gain. If you have a medical condition that might be improved with food supplements, then it’s worth exploring whether or not berries are right for you.
Conversely, carrots contain relatively little water, but they are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These foods offer decent bang for your buck and might be ideal for those who want to lose weight or simply want to maintain a healthy diet. Carrots don’t have the same effect on hormone levels as some other root vegetables, so you might not experience the same highs and lows while eating them as you would with others. Furthermore, carrots contain the antioxidant beta-carotene, which is known to help protect against cell damage from free radicals, molecules that can form when your body is exposed to toxins, radiation, or pollutants. These compounds are potent antioxidants that play a key role in keeping your skin looking young and healthy. Carrots also have a low glycemic index, which means that they don’t cause your blood sugar to rise as quickly as other food items, such as white bread or rice. This might be a welcome change for those who have issues with blood sugar regulation. Finally, if you peel away the rough surface of a carrot, you will find an edible layer, which contains more nutrients than the white portion. This makes carrots a great choice for those who want to gain weight, as you are getting more bang for your buck with every slice!
What About Organic vs. Inorganic Fruits And Vegetables?
Aside from the fact that some fruits and vegetables are better than others, there is also the option to choose organic or inorganic fruits and vegetables. Generally speaking, organic produce is more expensive than its non-organic counterpart, but the health benefits make it worth the extra cost. For example, strawberries contain a chemical, cynthia-12, which has been known to damage fertility. While this chemical is allowed to be used in food supplies in the EU, American manufacturers aren’t required to disclose it under FDA rules. This is why strawberries grown in the U.S. don’t have to be labeled as to whether or not they contain this chemical. If you are absolutely sure that your strawberries don’t contain this chemical, then consider buying organic. Otherwise, you’re simply paying more for something you don’t need. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Can You Lose Weight While Eating Cold Food?
It is true that some people lose weight eating cold food, particularly salads. This is because the fiber within fruits and vegetables helps you stay fuller for longer while eating food at room temperature. This makes it easier to satisfy your hunger pangs. For example, a Caesar salad has around 10 grams of fiber per serving, which helps keep you feeling fuller for up to two hours. Salads and other cold foods are ideal for someone looking to shed a few pounds or who wants to follow a diet plan. If you are not a fan of cold foods or if this is not the ideal way to lose weight, then you might want to try another option.
The Bottom Line
In the end, not all raw food is made equal and there are a lot of variables that could affect whether or not you lose weight while eating it. If you are looking for a way to lose weight, then you should try to eat more fruits and vegetables than usual while avoiding foods with high amounts of sugar and starch. This way, you might find that you lose a few pounds while still maintaining the health benefits that come with a plant-based diet. On the other hand, if you want to keep up with your current weight, then you might want to consider eating more frequently throughout the day. This will, in turn, help you maintain your healthy weight without having to worry about whether or not you’ll drop a few pounds after each meal.