Raw food to lose weight
Raw, raw and more raw. That is the credo of the raw diet. According to the supporters, by not cooking food, you leave all enzymes and vitamins intact. This diet is not just about losing weight. The philosophy behind it is that you restore contact with nature.
What does it mean?
The raw diet dictates that you eat all your food raw or dried. The maximum temperature at which it may be prepared is 40 degrees Celsius. In addition, the raw diet is vegan. It has no meat, fish and dairy. Especially fruit, nuts, grains, beans, vegetables and seaweed are on the menu.
The raw diet came over from the United States. New York has several restaurants that serve raw food. Internet company ‘Nature’s First Law’ sells raw products online, in all shapes and sizes. There are also several forums in the air. On this, raw followers exchange dishes and help each other in difficulties. It is not a simple diet.
How does it work?
According to its supporters, cooking food destroys important substances, such as enzymes and vitamins. By eating it raw, these substances remain intact. Now the body also makes enzymes itself, but an extra supply is desirable according to the raw movement. Raw food provides richer food and more energy.
For many adherents, the raw diet is more than a diet. It is a way to (re) get in touch with nature. Cooking food, the movement says, is unnatural. In fact, it caused the human fall from paradise. Didn’t people cook their food in the past? In addition, cooking releases toxic substances.
Pros and cons
Eating raw has a number of benefits, such as weight loss, less risk of cardiovascular disease and better skin. Raw food is also better digested and you feel more energetic. According to forum visitors, you suffer less from depression and mood swings. In addition, the meals can be prepared quickly.
However, there are also disadvantages. For example, the stated health benefits have not been proven according to the Nutrition Center. You can suffer from various ailments during the raw diet. Examples are dental erosion, underweight, lack of menstruation and growth disorders (in children). In addition, it can cause deficiencies, including saturated fats, protein, calcium, cholesterol, vitamin B12, phosphorus, salt and iron.
The enzyme theory that supports the raw movement should be taken with a grain of salt. The body does not need additional enzymes; this one makes it by itself. Moreover, eating everything raw is not as healthy as claimed. Bacteria can easily grow on unheated vegetables. This can lead to intestinal problems and possibly even miscarriages. You simply have to heat some beans, animal products and legumes, according to professor of food technology Tiny van Boekel.
Suitable for whom?
The raw diet is not for everyone. The unusual eating pattern makes it difficult to sustain. It is better not to start with children, pregnant women and people with osteoporosis or anemia. It is also a good idea not to start the diet too fanatically. Don’t go 100 percent straight to raw food. Your body has to get used to the lack of nutrients that you used to eat.
Disclaimer
The effectiveness of a diet depends on many factors. Losing a lot of weight quickly is never a good idea, so avoid the so-called crash diets. People who are seriously overweight (BMI > 30) are better off consulting a dietician for a tailor-made diet than following a diet on their own. Also keep in mind that most diets are designed for ‘life’. Whoever falls back into his or her old diet, will quickly regain the lost kilos.
