It’s been a while since the last weight loss revolution. Back in the day, we used to rely on heavyweights like Weight Watchers and Atkins to keep us motivated. Nowadays there are a variety of options when it comes to losing weight. However, the most popular diets are focused on highly processed foods and dairy. While these products are necessary for a healthy diet, they may not be the best for weight loss. Fortunately, there are alternatives. Here’s a look at how a raw food diet works and why it might be the right fit for your weight loss goals.
All The Basics
To start, let’s discuss the nuts and bolts of a raw food diet. What exactly does it entail? Well, at its core, a raw food diet is simply a diet rich in uncooked fruits, vegetables, and nuts. There are no processed foods permitted, no snacks, and no oils. Instead, you’ll find foods like these:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Nuts
- Game
- Bone Broth
- Organic Kale Chips
- Curry Powder
- Chia Seeds
This is in sharp contrast to the highly processed foods that most people are used to eating. The benefits of a raw food diet are numerous. First, it’s higher in fiber than most other diets. Second, you’ll stay fuller for longer. Third, it can increase your body’s vitamin and mineral levels. Fourth, many studies have shown that it can improve overall health. And last but not least, it’s a fantastic way to lose weight.
All The Health Benefits
Now that you’re convinced that a raw food diet is right for you, it’s time to discuss all the health benefits. First and foremost, eating raw food means you’re not going to be plagued by empty calories. These foods provide your body with necessary nutrients that it needs to function properly. The diet is also high in vitamins and minerals, which are needed for countless body processes. Finally, eating lots of fruits, veggies, and nuts can help prevent certain diseases. For instance, one of the best known disease prevention theories suggests that eating lots of fruits can help prevent cancer. This is because fruits contain anti-oxidants and other micronutrients that help keep your cells healthy and functioning correctly. When these cells begin to malfunction, it often leads to the development of cancer. So, in a nutshell, here are the health advantages of a raw food diet:
- Less Likely to Develop Disease
- Fewer Reflections
- More Energy
- Larger Waistline
- Healthier Skin
- Better Bone Health
- Better Mental Health
- Longer Lifespan
On the other side of the coin, eating highly processed foods can have some serious consequences. First of all, most fast food places and many restaurants use a lot of oil in their cooking. When you eat these types of foods, you’re often ingesting large amounts of oil, which can clog your arteries and leave you with a host of health problems. Second, many foods are sprayed with massive amounts of pesticides and other chemicals that can’t be totally removed from the food. Third, a lot of junk food is loaded with sugar, which can cause you to gain serious weight. Last but not least, you’re usually ingesting highly refined flours and starches, which can disrupt your digestive system and cause you to lose lots of weight. Here are the most notable disadvantages of a typical Western diet:
- Large Waistline
- Increased Risk of Disease
- Mental Dullness
- Decreased Lifespan
- Decreased Energy
- Sudden Weight Gain
How Is The Diet Measured?
One of the most crucial things to consider before starting any type of diet plan is how is it measured? There are 3 basic measurements that you need to know:
- Weight
- Waistline
- Body Fat Percentage (BFP)
Each of these measurements serves as the basic indicator of whether or not you’re losing weight. You’ll need to track these numbers for yourself to know for sure. The easiest way to do this is with a fitness tracker such as the FuelBand. These are waterproof devices that track your activity and sleep, as well as display your weight, waistline, and BFP. They’re also extremely popular because many people want to lose weight and don’t know how. A fitness tracker will make it much easier to keep track of your diet and exercise routine.
How Does It Work For Some People?
Well, that’s the million-dollar question. Just like any other new diet or fitness regimen, not all people who try the raw food diet will lose weight. In fact, many will probably gain a few pounds. The good news is this is often a normal reaction to a new diet and it means you’re on the right track. When you begin a raw food diet, you’ll likely experience some weight loss due to the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in these foods. These substances help your body rid itself of toxins and waste, which in turn, helps you lose weight. Furthermore, people who are used to eating highly processed foods might experience a bit of shock to their system when they first try the nutrient-dense diet.
Once you’re over this initial adjustment period, your body will begin to function at its best and you’ll begin to lose weight. By closely following a few simple guidelines, you can ensure your body maintains its healthy functions and continues shedding off unwanted pounds:
- Consume More Fruits And Veggies
- Avoid Dairy And Grains
- Cut Back On The Booze And Skateboards
- Eat More Organic
- Be Active
- Nuts Are A Healthy Snack
By strictly following these guidelines, you can rest assured your body will function at its best and you’ll continue losing weight
Most People Can Benefit
If you’re looking to lose weight, you might be wondering if this diet is right for you. Most likely, the answer is yes. Many people can benefit from a raw food diet, especially if they’re looking to get rid of excessive weight. However, keep in mind there are various factors that you need to consider before starting any type of diet regimen. For instance, if you’re struggling with depression or anxiety, you might want to avoid these foods altogether. On the other hand, if you’re looking to boost your health and reduce the risk of disease, you can’t look past the healthy and delicious fruits, vegetables, and nuts that make up a raw food diet.