In recent years, raw food diets have gotten a lot of attention, mostly because of their ability to shed pounds quickly. But people have also provided amazing testimonials about raw food's ability to cure diabetes, asthma, skin diseases, migraines, and even cancer.
Although eating only fruits, vegetables, and nuts may sound like a big drag, many “raw foodists” claim that once they’ve made the transition, they learn to prefer apples to oatmeal, or even broccoli soup to a hamburger. But it’s getting started that can be the hardest part.
Mental preparation
More than half the challenge for many people who decide to “go raw” is battling the emotional connection to food. “How will I live without ice cream? I’m never going to be able to go to the movies without eating popcorn! What about my mom’s banana bread with cream cheese?”
These are real concerns, because when it comes to food, your mind will betray you long before your body will. Many raw foodists recommend making the decision to go 100% raw right from the start, because having only a little bit of cooked food will cause people to return to their old habits. Others decide to start gradually, removing meat the first week, dairy the next, then sugar. You may need to experiment, but do so with the understanding that experienced raw foodies really believe that you’ve got to buckle down and just go for it, 100%.
Equipment
To make your transition to raw easier, it’s important to have the right equipment.
For the first 3-4 weeks:
- Sharp knives and a good cutting board: you’ll be cutting lots of veggies and fruit
- Filtered or bottled water: you’ll be drinking lots of it!
- Tupperware: for storing chopped fruit, vegetables, and soups
Bigger investments, once you’ve decided to really “go raw:”
- Mandolin: a state-of-the art vegetable cutter that saves time and cuts veggies and fruits in fancy shapes. Making the food attractive makes a big difference in the psychology of eating raw (about $20-30 US dollars)
- Vitamix: a high performance blender for pureeing soups, making smoothies, chopping nuts, etc. An expensive purchase (runs between $400-500 US dollars), but well worth it
- Dehydrator: a tool that will allow you to “cook” food without destroying the essential enzymes needed to keep you healthy. Important tool during winter months, when your body is craving hot food ($125-300 US dollars)
- Coffee grinder: for grinding herbs (less than $20)
Recommended books
One of the most important tips for going raw is finding good recipes. You will get bored eating only salads and fruits, so it’s important to find quick and easy recipes that can be whipped up fast, before you break down and order a pizza. These are some favorites.
Eating without Heating: Favorite Recipes from Teens Who Love Raw Food, by Sergei and Valya Boutenko. Has some nice dessert and “junk food” recipes. While you’re at it, convert the whole family!
Hooked on Raw: Rejuvenate Your Body and Soul with Nature’s Living Foods, by Rhio
LifeFood Recipe Book: Living on Life Force, by Annie Padden Jubb and David Jubb. Gets into the science of a raw food diet. Many, many recipes.
Living on Live Food, by Alissa Cohen. Includes a front section on raw philosophy, facts and fiction, and personal testimonials. The last section has some of the fastest and tastiest recipes out there, including fettuccini Alfredo (made with macadamia nuts and zucchini, but tastes like the real thing), and banana fudge cookies.
The Raw Transformation: Energizing Your Life with Living Foods, by Wendy Rudell
Web resources
Alissa Cohen: the Raw Food Diet
Everyday Superfoods: The Raw Food Diet
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