Raw Foods; Moving To The Mainstream

The raw-foods lifestyle is becoming more accepted thanks to not only the obvious health benefits, but also the press celebrities are getting when talking about their experiences. High profile chefs have also created menus and restaurants around the concept of raw foods.

A raw foods diet, basically anything that's not heated over 118 degrees, has been reported to clear your skin, reduce risks of disease, increase energy, improve moods, drop excess weight, eliminate headaches, sinus problems and heartburn, and clear your mind among other benefits.

Eating vegan and mostly raw, I've experienced all the benefits mentioned above and more. Before becoming vegan, I would regularly feel exhausted after a meal (consisting of meat, dairy or processed foods) feeling like I needed a nap, had low energy levels, mood swings, and was overweight.

Some of the benefits I noticed most were almost boundless energy, weight loss, a consistently "good feeling" and an incredibly clear and vivid "mental clarity". It's hard to explain the "clear thinking" because I didn't feel "fuzzy" before, but in comparison, there is a distinctly clear difference in being able to focus with a clear mind.

I now taste the difference between fresh, organic foods and regular produce easily (organic tastes fresher, live and much better) and am able to notice the negative impacts of processed foods, meat, dairy, additives and preservatives clearly. I feel blessed to rarely get sick, don't worry about my weight, rarely get tired and have seen improvements in almost every area of my life.

Now over 12 years into my vegan lifestyle, to say I feel great is an understatement! A true blessing.

Read more at: In the Raw - Newsweek Health Beat - MSNBC.com

BTW, the article above quotes some research that indicates vegans may have low bone denisty and a nutritionist that believes the USDA food guidelines are sufficient. As well meaning as that may be, the research doesn't support those assertions. The study they refer to indicated that vegans has a lower bone density because they are lighter and consume less calories, not that they have risks of osteoperosis. In fact, the study mentions they will follow the subjects in the study to see if those risks develop. Also, USDA guidelines in the past have lead to our current health crisis and to say they are sufficient is careless and not founded in fact, in my opinion. Follow the links here in previous posts for more details. Of course, research well and make informed decisions.

What are your experiences?

To your best health!

Mark
http://vegandiet.blogspot.com