Vegan Raw Food Diet
A vegan raw food diet combines the principles of both raw foodism and veganism. Those who choose to follow a vegan raw food diet avoid any foods that contain animal meats or animal by-products. The vegan raw food diet can also specifically be one of several variations which include fruitarianism, sproutarianism and juicearianism.
The Main Characteristics of a Vegan Raw Food Diet
Those who choose to be a vegan rawist will always eat their foods raw. If there is a need to heat something, they make sure that the heat doesn’t go above 115 degrees Fahrenheit. It is because they believe exposing foods to high temperatures will destroy the nutritional content.
The diet will usually consist of raw vegetables, nuts, seeds, sprouted grains and fruits. Most of the time, processed foods such as cereals, condiments and canned goods are not part of the daily diet.
Following this diet will usually necessitate eating foods such as nuts to ensure the uptake of sufficient protein for proper body function. Although there is disagreement on just how much the human body needs, there is certainly a requirement for good health. This needed amount will also vary depending on age and physical output. Eating only fruits and vegetables may lead to a protein deficit at which point health will suffer.
Common Misconceptions
Many people mistakenly believe that this type of diet consists of nothing more than raw vegetables and fruits, with a few sprouts on the side, all eaten in their most basic form. In reality a vegan raw food diet provides people with a healthy alternative to other often unhealthy foods.
The diet is also not as spartan as many may assume. For example, if you have a sweet tooth and enjoy the occasional cake, you can always bake a chocolate cake (not over 115 degrees) made from raw cocoa, ground almonds and raw dates.
Benefits of the Vegan Raw Food Diet
If you follow this diet your health can benefit in many ways. Followers of this diet are statistically far less likely to suffer from several degenerative illnesses such as some cancers and Alzheimer’s disease.
Strictly observing this type of diet will greatly assist an overweight person to lose weight and keep it off. Many people follow this diet for that very reason. Plant-based foods are low in calories and fats so you will reduce the risk of having high blood pressure or high levels of cholesterol.
Another benefit, besides helping prevent both onset and development of serious diseases, is that it can promote faster healing from any illnesses. Digestive and circulatory problems, diabetes and fibromyalgia are just a few of the many diseases that can be healed faster by eating more raw plant-based foods.
The Challenges of Being a Vegan Rawist
Being a vegan rawist entails more preparation, patience and planning with ingredients and meals than a TV dinner diet. To get the maximum benefit from this diet you need to have or develop an appreciation for working in your kitchen preparing your meals.
You may need to dehydrate or blend your ingredients to obtain a variety of tastes to suit your appetite. As well as maximizing eating enjoyment, this increased awareness will add to your emotional well-being and sense of appreciation.
Another challenge can be attending social functions and gatherings where meals will be served.
These small challenges may seem difficult at first but any worthwhile change to our lifestyle usually is. You will soon become accustomed to making the needed changes to balance your dietary requirements and routine. If your beliefs are those of a vegan rawist, the benefits of sticking to a raw vegan diet will outweigh those difficulties that you will experience in the beginning.
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