The Raw Food Buzz

We are made to persist. That's how we find out who we are.    -Tobias Wolff

I was motivated to write this piece after learning of a recent raw food challenge posted by one of our Tools members. How happy was I to hear of her already impressive results – better energy, healthier skin, improved sleep, fewer food cravings, and even improved night vision; all just a few weeks into the program! Way to go! So what’s all this raw food talk about, anyway?

‘Raw foodists’ base their practices on the theory that cooking can destroy most of a food's nutritional value, making it less healthy for the body. Raw foods have large amounts of enzymes, which are important for health and digestion, not to mention thousands of other processes in the body. These vital substances are destroyed when food is heated to above 116 degrees Fahrenheit.

 Some people believe that many chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes are directly linked to the consumption of cooked foods. One chemical called acryl amide, which is found in plastics and known to be cancer causing, is high in many baked and fried foods, like French fries, cold cuts, and chips, while raw foods show little to no traces of the chemical. Meat cooked at high temperatures is contaminated by heterocyclic amines, or HCAs, which are also known to be carcinogenic.

Are there drawbacks to an all-raw food diet? The answer is yes – for some people. No one diet can be good for everyone, and so it is important to always take into account your individual needs. Do most people feel incredibly well on going raw? You bet.  Any time you start eating healthier, more wholesome foods in place of processed, depleted, fast foods, you’re going to feel better. The question is, does healthier eating need to mean going 100% raw? I doubt it, but in general it’s a great start. Some people might have a harder time digesting raw greens, or root vegetables, and could likely benefit from lightly steaming, sautéing, blanching (quick boiling), or baking their foods.  If you’re just starting out, try some of these strategies for a few weeks until your body has had the chance to adapt to a fully raw diet.

For those of you interested in starting a raw food lifestyle, keep an eye out for a raw food support group that’s just forming on Tools as we speak! Let me also introduce you to a wonderful group called the Raw Food Network, an online organization that will provide you with a host of resources, information, and opportunities for local group meetings in your area.

Healthiest regards,