The definition of a raw food is any food that has not been subjected to temperatures over 118 degrees Fahrenheit. At temperatures over 118 degrees, enzymes begin to break down, thus draining food of its full nutritional potential. By consuming unheated, raw products that are bursting with natural enzymes and antioxidants, your body will receive the best possible diet and without any of the toxins found in cooked foods.

A diet plan that typically encourages an 80-10-10 rule with at least 80% of the diet coming from fruits and no more than 10% from protein, no more than 10% fats (seeds and nuts). Choosing the right kinds of seeds and nuts is essential. For example, flax seeds are an excellent source of Omega-3′s and Red Star Nutritional Yeast with vitamin B-12 is a fantastic addition when it is sprinkled over sliced fruit or a salad.

Vegan or Not?

Though the majority of raw food dieters are entirely vegan, some people choose to include raw, nonpasteurized milk, raw meats and raw fish or raw egg. There can be significant health hazards in consuming certain animal products in their raw, uncooked form. As it is, our society tends to consume too much protein. The most healthy and supported form of this diet is entirely vegan.

Another popular method for encouraging the maximum nutritional benefit in raw grains and legumes is sprouting. Using a combination of moisture and warmth, sprouting leads to increased metabolic energy. Numerous resources are available on the benefits of sprouting if you are interested in learning more. It can be a fantastic method to add to your raw food arsenal.

Raw Food Diet Plan Meal Suggestions

There are numerous recipe books available for these diets that are full of creative and fun methods that make a raw food diet plan interesting and fun. Though you do not need any fancy kitchen gadgets, it can make your meal planning much easier if your kitchen includes a blender, a high quality juicer and a dehydrator.

Breakfast for raw food eaters typically consists of a few pieces of fresh fruit, a fruit-seed-nut smoothie or even muesli (raw rolled oats, dehydrated fruit and nuts).

There are a number of raw food products available in health food stores if you like to snack or if you travel frequently and need on-the-go items. The next time you visit your grocery store, ask your grocer if they carry any pre-packaged raw food items. If they do not, encourage them to consider stocking a few that you would like to try.

A Great Raw Deal!

Main meals for this diet plan usually include hearty salads, cold soups, sprouted-legume loaves and creative versions of cooked favorites like raw chili or raw tomato sauce over vegetable curls. It is important to remember to diversify your fruits to ensure a wide variety of vitamins, minerals and nutrients in your daily diet.

If you are not a fan of dark leafy greens, consider juicing them along with a few pieces of fruit to mask their flavor. If you are looking to save money, make your own snack bars out of chopped dates, fruit, seeds, raw grains and a touch of fruit juice instead of purchasing premade raw food bars.

This diet is healthy, smart and easy to implement if you use a little creativity in your meal planning. By cutting out the fat, toxins, preservatives and needless sugars, your body will become lean, efficient and more energetic than it has ever been.

     Healthy diet during early pregnancy is yet another challenge considering the signs of morning sickness and cravings that you must be experiencing during the first trimester of the pregnancy. Despite everything, a balanced diet must be maintained for the health of your baby. Following are the foods that must be a part of the daily diet of a pregnant woman.

     High Fiber Diet
     Include fiber rich foods in your daily diet as they are the best source for all the requirements of your unborn baby. By high fiber diet, I mean food products like whole wheat breads, whole grains, rice, cereals, raw fruits and loads of green leafy vegetable and cooked beans. These foods are a great source of energy that is required during pregnancy. Around 5-10 servings of high fiber diet must be included in the daily diet of a pregnant woman. Meat, fish dairy and poultry must be included in adequate quantity as well.

     Calcium and Vitamins
     Calcium rich foods and those high in vitamin and minerals should be included in the healthy diet during pregnancy. Decent levels of vitamin D and folic acid must be maintained to avoid any complications in the pregnancy. Protein levels, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C levels must be maintained by eating enough of fish, fruits and vegetables. Iron rich food must be consumed that helps in healthy blood circulation. You can also opt for calcium and vitamin supplements on the doctor’s advice.

     Distribution of Meals
     There must be equal distribution of the meal into 5-6 mini meals rather than 3-4 whole meals. At least 3 servings of dairy products, 1200 mg of calcium, 27 mg of iron, 70 mg of vitamin C and vitamin A (less than 1000 IU) must be consumed each day by the expecting mother. It is also important to consume at least 6 to 8 glasses of water everyday.

     Things to Avoid During Pregnancy Continue Reading »

     Zone Diet Plan: One of the most popular choices for fast diet plans is the zone diet which was developed by Barry Sears. The zone is based on the idea that we should return to the diet followed by ancient people that is the diet which stressed on fruits, vegetables, and meat. The diet does not deny people carbohydrates, but simply limits their use. Dieters are encouraged to sharply curtail their intake of pasta and potatoes. The zone works according to a formula of 40:30:30, meaning 40 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent fat, and 30 percent protein. There is a physiological basis to the zone. Dr. Sears developed the diet in an effort to limit the amount of insulin in the body. This is because a large amount of insulin can lead to a build up of fat, causing obesity and other medical problems. Read more on zone diet basics.

     Atkins Diet: The Atkins diet needs no introduction. Perhaps, one of the most well known choices for fast diet plans that work is the Atkins diet plan. The Atkins diet was first presented in 1972 by Dr Robert C. Atkins. The diet is based on the theory that overweight people eat too many carbohydrates. Our bodies burn both fat and carbohydrates for energy, but carbs are used first. By drastically reducing carbs and eating more protein and fat, our bodies naturally lose weight by burning stored fat more efficiently. Thus, the Atkins diet is a system that enables our body to lose weight in a natural way by motivating a change in our eating habits and metabolism. Although, the foremost reason why people turn to Atkins diet is fast weight loss and to overcome high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes etc. Reports have proved that people feel more energetic after one week of being on the Atkins diet. Read more on Atkins diet menu plan. Continue Reading »

       Maintain a Record: Keep a weekly account of your weight. This will indicate how much you have been successful while achieving your goal of weight loss or weight gain. Once you know that you have succeeded, it will boost your confidence. And if there is no noticeable success, then you can find out the causes and improve your plan.

     Dietary Chart: A meal planning chart will help you in planning your diet in advance, so that, all the required ingredients are handy and you don’t have to eat any undesired food.

     Fiber Rich Food: Whatever may be your diet plan, you should always include some fiber rich foods, as high fiber diet helps the digestive system to function properly.

     Nutrition Facts: The nutrition facts of the ingredients of the diet, should be taken into consideration. Sufficient vitamins and minerals, high amount of proteins, moderate amount of carbohydrates and minimal unsaturated fat is essential for the metabolism and for overall health.

     Exercise: A healthy diet should be accompanied by proper exercises. Unless you burn more calories than the calories you consumed, you won’t lose weight. While weight gaining also, exercises help in building and toning the muscles. Thus, exercise is the key for a healthy life.

     Nutritional Supplements: Nutritional supplements are to be chosen under the guidance of a physician, as they can lead to various side effects.

     Plenty of Water: Drink plenty of water, whatever may be your diet plan. This enhances the metabolism and keeps you fit and fresh.

     Unprocessed Food: Try to eat as much unprocessed food as possible. Home made food should be preferred always. Ready made or processed food may have hidden calories, it may lack in vitamins and it may be harmful for the body. Continue Reading »