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    My Raw Diet

    Around May 14th, I began a high raw diet. Since, I have been mostly 100% raw.. but some days around 90%. Here is a little bit about my diet:

    • Low fat. I am sticking to a low fat diet, with minimal amounts of overt fats (nuts, seeds, avocado). Too many raw fooders get their calories from fats instead of nutrient-packed vegetables and fruits. (Great video here!)
    • Not focusing on 100% raw. A lot of people beginning raw food diets are too focused on making sure that every morsel of food they eat is raw. This is an unhealthy way of thinking, especially because not all raw food is healthy (ex. Raw sweets, many dehydrated foods, gourmet raw dishes, agave, etc).
    • High in fruit, but also high in greens. Originally, I was interested in the 80-10-10 raw approach, where 80% of calories are from carbohydrates (primarily fruits), 10% from protein, and 10% from fat. But now I’ve decided that my diet will be more along the lines of 70-15-15 and will include an equal amount of fruits and greens.
    • Getting enough calories. I have to make sure I’m getting enough calories, and from the right sources (veggies, fruits, minimal fats). This is absolutely essential! If I find myself having cravings, I’m most likely low on calories.
    • Supplementation. B12, C, and a great multivitamin!
    • Regular blood work. I’ll be getting an initial test done to check out my “before” levels, and will retest in a couple of months or so.
    • Keep it simple. Instead of buying all the “superfoods” on the market, I am going to get back to basics and stick to locally grown produce.
    • Listen to my body. As always, I’ll be paying attention to how my body reacts to this diet and different foods, and will adjust accordingly.
    • Take it easy. Must work on not having an obsessive relationship with food!

    Sample Menu (as of 7/31/11)

    Right after I wake up: 1-2 liters of water

    Breakfast: Green smoothie, or fruit

    Dinner: Raw Sweet Corn Salad with Raw Hummus and 1/4 Small Avocado

    Snack: Fruit Mono-Meal (bag grapes, apples, strawberries)

    On occasion: Brown Basmati Steamed Rice if watching sugar intake.