going raw?

2

Replies

  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    Are you scared of food or hate food or your body so much that you would want to live like like that forever? Why? That's no fun. That is suffering. Don't worry I've been down a similar road and turned a corner. Try to find a nice balance.
    I love my body to pieces. In fact I love myself and my body enough to fuel it with whole healthy foods! It's not suffering in my opinion, it's not that different from vegetarianism and I've done that for almost two years. Living raw is not necessarily what people think. In my case my diet would consist of 80-95% 'raw' food. And 'raw' doesn't necessarily mean uncooked just not cooked above 118°f.

    The problem is that it is very hard to get enough protein when you are a raw vegetarian. Have you researched what you can and cannot eat if you go raw and get your nutrients?

    I am not sure why you cannot fuel your body with whole healthy foods that are cooked. What is the purpose of not cooking your food (to above the 118f)?
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    Ok confused.

    Who said that raw has to be under 118 degrees?

    Apparently if you cook it over 118f, you start to kill the enzymes?

    "Heating food above 118 degrees F. causes the chemical changes that create acidic toxins, including the carcinogens, mutagens and free-radicals associated with diseases like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and cancer. Cooking also destroys the live enzymes that aid in digestion and health." - www.rawfoodlife.com

    Would love to see actual studies that show this.
  • SunofaBeach14
    SunofaBeach14 Posts: 4,899 Member
    Have you ever noticed the change in color or texture when you cook food? That my friends is the nutrients slipping away!! Going raw isn't a fad it's a way of life just like vegetarianism or veganism. It's definitely not for everybody you have to be focused and have willpower. And you have to do it for the right reasons. If course you will lose weight going from a mostly processed food diet to majority whole foods, but you shouldn't make the transition for weight loss. Do it for your body, longevity, the increase of energy, the better nights sleep. Food should thought of as fuel for the body not comfort!!

    LMFAO

    Where do people come up with this BS?
  • Myhaloslipped
    Myhaloslipped Posts: 4,317 Member
    For my newsfeed. :smile:
  • SunofaBeach14
    SunofaBeach14 Posts: 4,899 Member
    If this topic attracts you then you may also want to read this

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1229717-orthorexia-nervosa-the-new-eating-disorder
  • eric_sg61
    eric_sg61 Posts: 2,925 Member
    Have you ever noticed the change in color or texture when you cook food? That my friends is the nutrients slipping away!! Going raw isn't a fad it's a way of life just like vegetarianism or veganism. It's definitely not for everybody you have to be focused and have willpower. And you have to do it for the right reasons. If course you will lose weight going from a mostly processed food diet to majority whole foods, but you shouldn't make the transition for weight loss. Do it for your body, longevity, the increase of energy, the better nights sleep. Food should thought of as fuel for the body not comfort!!

    LMFAO

    Where do people come up with this BS?
    I blame YouTube gurus
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvAHVh0ZX50
  • jakeya16
    jakeya16 Posts: 40
    I have researched what is and is not considered raw. Protein is not a problem, nuts, natural nut butters, legumes, grains, mushrooms, sprouted beans, lentils...
  • FredDoyle
    FredDoyle Posts: 2,273 Member
    I have researched what is and is not considered raw. Protein is not a problem, nuts, natural nut butters, legumes, grains, mushrooms, sprouted beans, lentils...
    Raw grains and lentils? Have fun.
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    I have researched what is and is not considered raw. Protein is not a problem, nuts, natural nut butters, legumes, grains, mushrooms, sprouted beans, lentils...

    Pretty high in fats or carbs. Also, you will need to be careful to get a good mix as none of those are complete proteins on their own.

    Also, lentils can be cooked properly at less than 118f?
  • _Terrapin_
    _Terrapin_ Posts: 4,301 Member
    I vote for Sara to go raw....wait.....what was the question? Raw has many meanings.....
  • jakeya16
    jakeya16 Posts: 40
    There are lots of ways to prepare these foods! I am willing to admit when I'm wrong about something so I'll write here about my experience as I go and be honest and the entire thing. And if at the end of 14 days if it's something I can continue or if that's it.
  • SymphonynSonata
    SymphonynSonata Posts: 533 Member
    I have researched what is and is not considered raw. Protein is not a problem, nuts, natural nut butters, legumes, grains, mushrooms, sprouted beans, lentils...

    Pretty high in fats or carbs. Also, you will need to be careful to get a good mix as none of those are complete proteins on their own.

    Also, lentils can be cooked properly at less than 118f?

    You sprout 'em, they're really good! I'm not raw or vegan now and they're still super tasty on salads
  • MapleFlavouredMaiden
    MapleFlavouredMaiden Posts: 595 Member
    Advice: Don't go raw...

    I second this. The next step after being vegetarian in my opinion would be to go to grass fed/local/pastured meats, dairy, etc. Improve your health not worsen it.
  • SymphonynSonata
    SymphonynSonata Posts: 533 Member
    Advice: Don't go raw...

    I second this. The next step after being vegetarian in my opinion would be to go to grass fed/local/pastured meats, dairy, etc. Improve your health not worsen it.

    I think the progression is like this:

    Standard American Diet -> Organic/local fed etc -> Pescatarian -> Vegetarian -> Vegan -> Raw -> Raw Vegan -> Fasting -> Raw Vegan -> Vegan -> Vegetarian -> Pescatarian -> Standard American Diet lol
  • MapleFlavouredMaiden
    MapleFlavouredMaiden Posts: 595 Member
    Ok confused.

    Who said that raw has to be under 118 degrees?

    Apparently if you cook it over 118f, you start to kill the enzymes?

    "Heating food above 118 degrees F. causes the chemical changes that create acidic toxins, including the carcinogens, mutagens and free-radicals associated with diseases like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and cancer. Cooking also destroys the live enzymes that aid in digestion and health." - www.rawfoodlife.com

    Oh wow....... such BS. So easily disputed.....
  • KMC1012
    KMC1012 Posts: 20
    I think if going raw feels good for your body than why not. I'm vegan and at least one of my meals a day is raw just because I find eating raw at lunch time gives me the fuel for the rest of the work day. It is about what works for your body, not what anyone else thinks or does.
    I hope it works out for you. Can't wait to hear up dates.
  • randomtai
    randomtai Posts: 9,003 Member
    For my newsfeed. :smile:

    :laugh: :wink:
  • MapleFlavouredMaiden
    MapleFlavouredMaiden Posts: 595 Member
    Advice: Don't go raw...

    I second this. The next step after being vegetarian in my opinion would be to go to grass fed/local/pastured meats, dairy, etc. Improve your health not worsen it.

    I think the progression is like this:

    Standard American Diet -> Organic/local fed etc -> Pescatarian -> Vegetarian -> Vegan -> Raw -> Raw Vegan -> Fasting -> Raw Vegan -> Vegan -> Vegetarian -> Pescatarian -> Standard American Diet lol

    Hahaha! Yes sometimes I'm sure it goes like that. Not always though. I think a lot of young, inexperienced uneducated well-meaners go vegetarian/vegan for "health" reasons but don't actually understand human physiology and believe in crap like Netflix documentaries, Youtube gurus and other such edutainment garbage. Ask me how I know ;) I was veg for 5 years when I was younger and it did horrendous things to my health. Then I found better sources of animal products for most of my meals (I'm not orthorexic anymore though so I will eat crap if I want to once in a while).
  • MapleFlavouredMaiden
    MapleFlavouredMaiden Posts: 595 Member
    I think if going raw feels good for your body than why not. I'm vegan and at least one of my meals a day is raw just because I find eating raw at lunch time gives me the fuel for the rest of the work day. It is about what works for your body, not what anyone else thinks or does.
    I hope it works out for you. Can't wait to hear up dates.

    The "why not" is because it can do damage to your body. Just like any highly restictive diet that's lacking in important nutrients/macros.
  • KMC1012
    KMC1012 Posts: 20
    I think if going raw feels good for your body than why not. I'm vegan and at least one of my meals a day is raw just because I find eating raw at lunch time gives me the fuel for the rest of the work day. It is about what works for your body, not what anyone else thinks or does.
    I hope it works out for you. Can't wait to hear up dates.

    The "why not" is because it can do damage to your body. Just like any highly restictive diet that's lacking in important nutrients/macros.

    I personally don't believe that. I have been vegetarian all of my life and recently vegan due to a dairy allergy (diagnosed by doctor). I don't believe I am restricting because I have never liked the idea of eating meat, just the thought makes me feel sick, and if I eat dairy I become ill. Every one is different, just because consuming animal products works for one person doesn't mean it works for another.
  • SymphonynSonata
    SymphonynSonata Posts: 533 Member
    My "why not" (and I was raw vegan for a pretty long time) is because it becomes the single most boring thing ever. What happens (in my case, anyway) is that I'll be on a roll and become a raw Jehovah and after a year or so I get so sick of fruits and vegetables that I'll indulge in one thing, which turns into a lot of things, which turns into serious weight gain which could have all been avoided by just realizing that this is 2014, we have certainly evolved to handle things our ancestors couldn't, and while my choices may go against everything I "learned" through Maple's mentioned documentaries and Youtube gurus, at least I can enjoy my life with great flavors and social engagements while counting calories and coming to a similar weight-goal (or even less). The problem with raw veganism for weight loss is that everyone boasts that you can eat as much as you want - you REALLY can't, you still have to count your calories and that is VERY misleading. What they should say is that the foods are a little more filling because of how much bulk you can get for your calories, or they're just so bland that you don't want to over-eat. I can get anyone OBESE on raw veganism, easy. Just look at some of the raw vegan recipes - they're insane (particularly raw vegan snickers bars). The problem with those recipes is that they try to imitate foods that you can't have, which just makes you want them even more. But without them, food becomes really boring. So (in my case) you begin pushing the boundaries of what you can have and spend countless dollars on all of these special ingredients to create a clone of some food you can't have, but really want, and it tastes nothing like the real thing so you just day dream about tacos and stuff and end up wanting them more than you would have ordinarily (like, I'm not raw vegan now, and I couldn't give a **** about a taco).

    HOWEVER, while I WAS raw vegan, I enjoyed it thoroughly before the boredom sunk in. I felt great and had a lot of energy, but I can get that just by eating calories (and poptarts). I'd recommend it to anyone looking for an alternative LIFESTYLE (because yes, it is a lifestyle, and a lot of great people are really into it) - sort of like some subculture, or anyone who just wants to try new things. If I were morbidly obese and on the brink of possible death, I'd do it again - for a little while (because I feel that all of the information provided through reading some books, watching documentaries, living it, watching its effects on ill people around me, etc, that it is a healthy diet to have as long as you make sure you're getting appropriate things - which in my experience wasn't protein, but Vitamin B - had to take supplements for that), for the reasons stated above - even though it's not always a crash diet, it has been for me. But for now, I think I'll have longer term success just being conscious of my calories and not trying to ultra restrict myself. That's just my two cents, and your experience may be more wonderful or more horrible than mine - but, at the very least, now you have one unbiased opinion on it after trying to maintain the raw lifestyle for many years. :-)
  • nikkihk
    nikkihk Posts: 487 Member
    So I carefully read the contents of this topic because I'm always interested to see why people choose to engage in different types of diets. I think it's important to comment on because people of all types and ages will stumble on to this thread and COULD unknowingly start a new path in nutrition and perhaps NOT be better for it. So first? This is not a post to support or disagree with the OP. If she chooses to "go raw" then so be it. What this IS however is an opportunity to set some things straight because people deserved properly researched answers vs emotionally driven defensive retorts based on one biased resource.

    First off.....

    RaggedyAnnazo:
    I think going raw is a wonderful idea, our bodies really are made to handle food like that. Although we've been cooking it for thousands of years, what were we doing before that? Oh yea, eating it raw. Do what feels right for you girl! A lot of these people are just trolling, and some are just not open minded enough to look at it from a different standpoint. Science is on your side - go!

    Science disagrees with you and might even be angry that you've misrepresented it. We've actually been cooking food for 1 Million years, and with that length of time came a sentient evolution in human brain power that science suggests is directly related to adding fire to our food preparation practices.

    You will find NO "rawfoods.com" sources here to follow. Biased research is lazy research.

    Source #1: http://www.livescience.com/2764-cooking-cognition-humans-smart.html
    Source #2: http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodfaq3.html (see first cooks)
    Source #3: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/10/raw-food-big-brains/

    From jakeya16:
    Have you ever noticed the change in color or texture when you cook food? That my friends is the nutrients slipping away!! Going raw isn't a fad it's a way of life just like vegetarianism or veganism. It's definitely not for everybody you have to be focused and have willpower. And you have to do it for the right reasons. If course you will lose weight going from a mostly processed food diet to majority whole foods, but you shouldn't make the transition for weight loss. Do it for your body, longevity, the increase of energy, the better nights sleep. Food should thought of as fuel for the body not comfort!!

    ...... If you call this a fad diet then you must consider veganism, vegetarianism, gluten free, diabetic, etc. To be fad diets because as you said were created by someone who had to 'create the parameters' for the diet.
    I've done my research and I know it's safe and healthy and I think that's good enough for me

    Again, this is incorrect to a large degree. I will not say that these diet choices are "fads" by any means (side note gluten free and diabetic diets strictly address medical conditions and are a necessity not a choice like veganism) but that doesn't make them anymore healthy for your body then a balanced diet. I WILL say however that vegetarianism or veganism is less harmful to your nutrient state then raw. Again, NOT saying raw is bad but again science might just be calling you a liar.. ie. "Have you ever noticed the change in color or texture when you cook food? That my friends is the nutrients slipping away!!"

    Foods like Tomatoes, Asparagus, Mushrooms, and Spinach (just to name a few) only release desired nutrients (like cancer fighting lycopene) when cooked. So no, that isn't, "nutrients slipping away" in fact, cooking some foods breaks down it's cellular composition making it easier for the body to absorb the nutrients in the first place. Though I agree some foods like peppers and broccoli should be consumed raw? It is not true for all foods.

    Source #4: http://www.drlwilson.com/articles/Raw Food192.htm
    Source #5: http://www.diseaseproof.com/archives/healthy-food-the-cold-truth-about-raw-food-diets.html

    These are both very in depth unbiased reports from doctors (not some veggie guru from youtube) that explain the benefits and problems with raw food diets. I'd suggest anyone who is considering this read all five sources thoroughly and decide if it's right for you.


    And lastly I wanted to address two other posts that needed to be debunked or responded to:

    Reddon666:
    As someone who struggles with a legitimate eating disorder and who is also a nutritionist, the obsession with calling everything unorthodox on this forum horrific and suffering pisses me off greater than anything else.

    Stop right there. This isn't about you or your struggle, if eating a restrictive diet feels horrific or like a struggle to someone else? That is their experience and they have the right to express that. Diet choices are personal for people,but when they choose to share though choices on a public forum with the intent to inspire others to "give it a try" and follow with improperly researched supporting information? It is naive to expect that said information will not be countered and in some cases with extreme prejudice. Again, I'm not going to say her choice is unhealthy as I'm not a doctor? But considering the research, as a nutritionist... you should know that it's not just unorthodox but could cause problems or losses in essential nutrients. As a person who has lost four family members to cancer in two years, I'd certainly label that as horrific in my book.

    snazzyjazzy21
    "Heating food above 118 degrees F. causes the chemical changes that create acidic toxins, including the carcinogens, mutagens and free-radicals associated with diseases like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and cancer. Cooking also destroys the live enzymes that aid in digestion and health." - www.rawfoodlife.com

    This site is irresponsible. It omits opposing research so it can maintain it's agenda. *sigh*
  • nikkihk
    nikkihk Posts: 487 Member
    Sorry that was so freaking long... =/
  • PeggyCN
    PeggyCN Posts: 3 Member
    :-) I am not usually one to look into topics on here, but I have made the decision (last Monday) to begin the
    serious green smoothie/raw food thing, for a week initially, to lose the 20-25 lb that creepedup on me since
    Feb13 (I was quit thin then for my height and age--at 47 yrs old and 5'2" I as 95-100). Stress and kid problems
    (I have 7 kiddos ranging from 22 down to 3.5), I was using food as a 'helper' and getting into some very bad
    eating habits, which lead to gain and bad moods and more gain! But I have been having 2 way large green
    smoothies per day (2 L each, approx.) and I am feeling great, have lots of energy, sleeping well, and have
    dropped 4 lb already...since LAST TUESDAY. :-) I will support you if you want!
  • eric_sg61
    eric_sg61 Posts: 2,925 Member
    Sorry that was so freaking long... =/
    Long but necessary
  • MapleFlavouredMaiden
    MapleFlavouredMaiden Posts: 595 Member
    I think if going raw feels good for your body than why not. I'm vegan and at least one of my meals a day is raw just because I find eating raw at lunch time gives me the fuel for the rest of the work day. It is about what works for your body, not what anyone else thinks or does.
    I hope it works out for you. Can't wait to hear up dates.

    The "why not" is because it can do damage to your body. Just like any highly restictive diet that's lacking in important nutrients/macros.

    I personally don't believe that. I have been vegetarian all of my life and recently vegan due to a dairy allergy (diagnosed by doctor). I don't believe I am restricting because I have never liked the idea of eating meat, just the thought makes me feel sick, and if I eat dairy I become ill. Every one is different, just because consuming animal products works for one person doesn't mean it works for another.

    The reason you become ill is beacause your body no longer makes the enzymes and acids needed to digest the animal products. See....... this just proves what I'm saying about uneducated well-meaners.
  • KMC1012
    KMC1012 Posts: 20
    I think if going raw feels good for your body than why not. I'm vegan and at least one of my meals a day is raw just because I find eating raw at lunch time gives me the fuel for the rest of the work day. It is about what works for your body, not what anyone else thinks or does.
    I hope it works out for you. Can't wait to hear up dates.

    The "why not" is because it can do damage to your body. Just like any highly restictive diet that's lacking in important nutrients/macros.

    I personally don't believe that. I have been vegetarian all of my life and recently vegan due to a dairy allergy (diagnosed by doctor). I don't believe I am restricting because I have never liked the idea of eating meat, just the thought makes me feel sick, and if I eat dairy I become ill. Every one is different, just because consuming animal products works for one person doesn't mean it works for another.

    The reason you become ill is beacause your body no longer makes the enzymes and acids needed to digest the animal products. See....... this just proves what I'm saying about uneducated well-meaners.

    I am very educated on my body and how it functions. As well as the medical side, since my brother is a doctor and sister-in-law who advises the UK government on health issues concerning diets. I have a lot of information at my disposal.

    Like I said each to their own. Like I said I was a vegetarian, how ate lots of dairy products, food with milk, yoghurt, cheese and there was a correlation in my consumption of that and the allergic reaction I got. I had to take time from university because I was in a lot of pain. It comes down to this since I stopped consuming dairy I have not had these problems. So I am happy living my life pain free.

    I am not saying anyone else should live their life the way I do but I will support people who look for it. For every medical professional who says you should eat one way there is always another saying we should eat another.

    I am extremely happy with my health and that is all that matters, not what someone who thinks they know everything about the human body thinks.
  • SymphonynSonata
    SymphonynSonata Posts: 533 Member
    I am extremely happy with my health and that is all that matters, not what someone who thinks they know everything about the human body thinks.

    Here we go.
  • RllyGudTweetr
    RllyGudTweetr Posts: 2,019 Member
    Advice: Don't go raw...

    I second this. The next step after being vegetarian in my opinion would be to go to grass fed/local/pastured meats, dairy, etc. Improve your health not worsen it.

    I think the progression is like this:

    Standard American Diet -> Organic/local fed etc -> Pescatarian -> Vegetarian -> Vegan -> Raw -> Raw Vegan -> Fasting -> Raw Vegan -> Vegan -> Vegetarian -> Pescatarian -> Standard American Diet lol
    Is "Breatharian" before or after the "Fasting" stage? :wink:
  • jakeya16
    jakeya16 Posts: 40
    I really love the discussion going on here! But seriously I don't consider this a highly restrictive diet. If I decide to do this in the long run, I'll aim for whole raw foods. That doesn't mean that I'll never have cooked food or treats again. I'll just do do with control and moderation. I know how to happy with my meal choices and I know better than to beat myself up over eating food that doesn't fit in the parameters of my diet lifestyle:)

    I also believe that the only way to be sure of something is to try! Science, just like each and every one of us is flawed, and while I don't desire to prove science wrong, I do want to experiment as to what makes my body happy and healthy.