How Much Raw Food is Enough?
There is a lot of debate surrounding this subject. Some people say that you should go 100%. Others disagree. There are those who say that the only way to get the best from raw food is if you take nothing else but it. Other people say that a diverse diet composed of 50% to 70% raw food will do just fine.
Many things are open to debate in the raw food world. Take cacao for example, some people advocate its use and say that it is the answer to your chocolate cravings. Then again, there are those who say it’s toxic and that it’s better to stay away from it.
Whether you take cacao or not depends on your own decision and whom you listen to. The same thing goes for how little or how much your diet is composed of raw food.
I personally believe that there are no rules to what percentage of raw food you should be taking. However, if there is anything you should be listening to, it’s your body. We are all different, we are all unique and there is NO one perfect way for everyone.
If your body is telling you that it can take more and that you can benefit from increasing your raw food intake, then go ahead. There are people who do well with 100% raw food diet. They see a great deal of improvement in their health from doing so. Many see it as a lifestyle, one that they cannot live without. It has become who they are and they cannot see anything other than taking it 100%. AND chances are they live somewhere warm to hot and it’s easy to get fresh, raw (and probably totally organic) foods and its easier on the body when and where one is as far as warm weather is concerned!
On the other hand, some people benefit better from having a more diverse diet. It could be because their bodies cannot cope with some of the constraints of an all-raw food diet plan. Time and accessibility may also be an issue.
If you are new to raw food and if you are wondering how much of it you should take, it is advised that you should only take the amounts that you are comfortable with. You can start with just a meal or two a day for a few days a week, or start the day with a green smoothie or substituting salads instead of fries. Some people need to ease into more- make little changes daily and build on it – don’t overwhelm yourself.
This is NOT a diet and should not appear to be restrictive – this IS a lifestyle – and one that will take you more in alignment with total health.
Be sure to listen to how your body is reacting to your new diet. Take your energy levels into consideration. Figure out if you are getting a boost in your energy or if its making you feel bogged down.
Over time, your body will change and adjust. Soon, you may be able to live with a diet of up to 80% raw food. You may even be able to accommodate 100% on days.
The more clean foods you eat – even whole foods and or superfoods – the less dead, processed foods you will and your body will actually want or crave.
It’s better to have more real, natural food in your way of eating than not! That is always the best choice over man made, processed, synthetic or chemical filled so called ‘food’s. Think about that for a minute – what we now call food that was not around 20, 30 or 50 years ago
And now we have way more health problems…….it’s not rocket science!
Here’s a thought that may help you in choosing food – if it comes from a field, farm or forest choose it (with some exceptions of course like some mushrooms) and if it comes from a factory – stay away!!
Adjust your raw food intake based on how your body is reacting to it. It is your best compass and the best way of finding out how much raw food is right for you. Keep things as natural as possible. Even if you do not go for 100% raw food, ensure that you still make healthy choices. Organic food items AND NON-GMO will work well.
Don’t be so hard on yourself when it comes to making this decision. Keep in mind that you should always listen to your body. There are no fixed rules except nurturing and nourishment. Do what is best for you and the benefits are going to follow.
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