The Raw Food Diet is a diet plan that consists of eating foods that are not cooked or processed above 116 degrees. A typical raw food diet plan consists of vegetables, fruits, raw nuts, bean sprouts and unpasteurized diary products. Raw eggs can be used in recipes depending on the preference of the dieter. Meats are not commonly part of raw food dieting, but Sushi recipes are one exception for those inclined. It is generally thought that organic foods are best for raw dieting.

Raw foods can be blended, chopped or pureed into a variety of raw food recipes. Dehydrating fruits and vegetables for on-the-go lunches is also popular. Meals can include fruit smoothies, salads, vegetable medleys, and even raw pizza – which actually tastes much better than one might think. Beans and lentils are commonly home sprouted for a highly nutritious salad item. Generally, diet meals are easy to prepare, (no cooking!), and are inexpensive. Many raw dieters report discovering foods and food combinations that are enjoyed long after their diet is over.

There are several reasons why this diet method is effective for weight loss. Raw foods are not digested is the same way as cooked foods, and tend to be more quickly absorbed and used by the body. Many cooked foods, however, require more fat for cooking and more of cooked meal ingredients tend to be converted to fat. The sugars in raw foods, especially raw fruits, tend to be quickly absorbed and converted to energy. This increases metabolism and is another reason why raw dieting is effective.

Raw food dieting is also healthy dieting, many raw food dieters report more regularity, better sleep, more energy, and better looking skin after a few days to a few weeks of starting their diet. Many folks also report some symptoms of detoxification early in a raw food diet. Low energy levels, cooked food cravings, dry skin and sleepiness can occur in some dieters during the first days or weeks. Positive effects and benefits of raw food dieting – including healthy, sustained weight loss generally replace signs of detoxification in two weeks or sooner into the diet.

Raw food dieting can be a healthy, inexpensive and enjoyable way to lose weight. Celebrities like Demi Moore, Edward Norton and Sting use raw foods as a way to stay healthy and trim. After the initial detoxifying phase of the diet, many people report high energy levels, better-looking skin, better sleep and sustainable weight loss. It is not uncommon for dieters to continue to eat more raw foods as part of a permanent life-style change after the diet is over.