One of the most common questions I get is, "Do I need to go 100% raw?"In my opinion, not necessarily! It depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
For those who are dealing with an illness or disease, it may be necessary to intervene with a strict protocol to detoxify the body on a cellular level... to reverse the condition and heal the body.
For the majority of us, incorporating 50-70% raw fruits and veggies into our diet is optimal for long-term success.
The problem with trying to attain a 100% raw diet as a percentage, is that it’s easy to lose sight of whether or not the diet is balanced. Living on cacao, dehydrated crackers, and raw desserts is technically 100% raw, but is that healthy? For me, it’s less about the percentages and more about keeping my diet balanced.
The foundation of my diet is primarily leafy greens, in the form of green juices, green smoothies and green salads. I try to eat high water-content fruits and veggies in place of dehydrated foods. I also make sure to get in sea vegetables and micro-algae like spirulina and chlorella.
My non-raw staples include steamed/backed root vegetables, gluten-free grains, legumes, eggs and goat/sheep yogurt, etc. (Yes, I'm not vegan!)
The idea of all or nothing, or that all cooked food is poison is simply a thing of the past! It is far more important to focus on getting high quality, organic whole foods.
It is equally important to be at peace with the lifestyle we have chosen. If we're always stressed out about not eating perfectly enough or in a constant state of guilt, we've missed the point! I often see people struggle with raw foods thinking they have to be perfect 100% of the time, trying to live up to some unrealistic ideal. But it's not about perfection, it's about enjoying a healthy and balanced lifestyle... which is absolutely possible on a high-raw diet.
So before you jump in 100%, make sure to first lay down a strong, healthy foundation for your diet. If you do choose to go a 100% raw, I admire your courage. Just keep in mind that the raw food lifestyle is all about creating a healthy and happy life. And definitely remember to keep it balanced!
REPOST (10/1/2009)
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I am so glad to read your post. I think it can be so easy to get caught up in numbers/%'s, and you're right - we miss the point. This way of eating is not supposed to add stress to our lives.
ReplyDeleteEating a balanced diet with lots of raw fruits and veggies is the best way to go, in my opinion.
So glad you resonate with the message of keeping it balanced! Thanks for your lovely thoughts.
ReplyDelete~Mila
I couldn't agree with you more, Mila. It's all about balance and finding what works best for you. Every body is different.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I consume mostly greens, fresh-picked veggies from the garden and organic fruits. LOVE sea vegetables too. I don't eat too many "raw gourmet" dishes or desserts. But, if I feel like having one, I do. Likewise, if a baked sweet potato calls to me on a chilly autumn day, then I eat it and enjoy. No guilt tripping.
Most days, I do eat 100% raw, but I'll never attach that label to myself. What's the point, really?
I like that... no labels, no guilt tripping!
ReplyDeleteThanks Earth Mother,
~Mila
"Living on cacao, dehydrated crackers, and raw desserts is technically 100% raw, but is that healthy?"
ReplyDeleteHaha, you hit the nail on the head, Mila. This sounds oddly like my diet right now, but I'm starting to get the hang of things and really striving for a balance.
You're already ahead of the game... most still struggle to recognize this :-)
ReplyDelete~Mila
I love hearing this. Thank you ((so)) much.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed :-)
ReplyDelete~Mila
Since we are talking about percentages ;) I agree with you 100% on what you're saying here. I'm also eating 70%-80% raw, but keeping a 30% veg cooked food option open as I find it hard to be eating completely raw in winter months especially. Up until a few weeks ago when the temperatures were still around 30° (Celsius) I was perfectly happy with lots and lots of fresh hydrating fruits and veggies, sometimes when it was even hotter than 30 I even just had only those beautyful summer, juicy and fresh fruits all day long and was perfectly happy and satisfied. But now, temperatures are dropping and feel I can't rely on seasonal fruits, such as apples and pears only, maybe some grapes and persimmons for a little while, but need some more during the coldest months.
ReplyDeleteNice blog, I'll be back.
Ciao!
Yes, it seems that eating 100% raw during cold winters is a concern with many people. I do personally feel that it's a great idea to include some warming foods, whether in the form of spices, hot tea or cooked grains :-)
ReplyDelete~Mila
Yes, herbal teas and even cooked grains and some other vegetables you would not be able to eat raw I can be definitely included (I was thinking about potatoes but on the other hand it should be noted their toxicity). The intake of spices is a bit controversial: I personally use a lot, both in winter and summer, but I know that for those who follow a strict macrobiotic diet -and philosophy- spices have a refreshing, cooling effects (which is true, in a way, if we consider that people living in very hot climates eat lots of spices and spicy foods, think about Mexico, Morocco, India etc.. ).
ReplyDeleteAlice
Nice insight on the potential cooling effect of spices... something to think about :-)
ReplyDelete~Mila
What is the method for estimating percentage of raw/cooked foods? Is it 80% by volume, or by servings, or by calorie? Thanks, I've been wondering this.
ReplyDeleteIt depends on how technical you want to get. The most accurate way to define percentages is by calorie count. But who wants to deal with it... what a headache? Lol
ReplyDeleteI usually just eyeball it by volume or serving size. No need to obsess over it, health is not only about what we eat, it's equally about the state of mind we're in. Obsession is not a positive mindset ;-)
Hope this helps ;-)