Modified Raw Food Diet

Eating raw foods is gaining popularity. Raw foodists claim their lifestyle diet is the healthiest way to eat. However, raw food eating is restrictive and may be difficult to begin and maintain. Not all raw vegetables are healthier. A modified raw food is a way to balance raw food benefits with a less restrictive diet plan.

Features

Raw foods are not cooked above 106-to-116 degrees to preserve the food's natural enzyme content. According to Living and Raw Foods, enzymes aid digestion and are food's "Life-Force." Enzymes are the substances allowing you to get the maximum nutrition from food. Raw food proponents contend cooking food not only destroys enzymes, but renders food toxic.

Issues

While nutritionist Ralph Roberts, M.S., C.H.N., supports raw food eating, he recognizes the limitations of a raw food diet. Roberts recommends a modified raw-food diet to provide essential nutrients from cooked and animal foods. According to Roberts, raw foodists ignore that cooked and animal foods are essential sources of "calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and vitamin B-12." Roberts also advocates some of food's "guilty" pleasures. Raw food advocates can avoid psychological feelings of deprivation by allowing themselves goodies that are raw food no-nos.

Modifications

Roberts suggests ways to avoid nutritional shortages, physical ailments and psychological responses to raw food eating. Often, people forget that raw foods can be cooked up to 106-to-116 degrees. Cooking releases beta carotene in carrots and lutein in tomatoes. Roberts cautions that raw foods are difficult to digest and can cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome and diverticulitis.

Also, some cooked foods just taste better. Finally, modify a raw food diet and allow yourself coffee or ice cream in moderation. Ease into raw-food eating. Always consult a health care provider before making radical diet changes.