Raw Vegetable Diet Warnings

The raw vegetable diet is one of many fad diets that promise improved health and weight loss. Like many diets there are possible health risks associated with the diet that you may not be aware of. Vegetables are high in vitamins and nutrients, but should not be the sole source of nutrition for long periods of time. While on the diet you are denying your body fat, protein and sufficient calories. Before going on the raw vegetable diet, consult with your physician or dietitian to determine if this diet is safe for you.

Fat

While saturated fat is unhealthy fat that should be limited, completely removing fat from your diet can cause a number of health complications. Fat is used as energy that is burned off throughout the day. Vegetables do not contain fat, and without enough energy your body burns stored fat and muscle. Fat is found in dairy, fish, eggs and meat. According to The Complete Idiot's Guide to Eating Raw your body goes into starvation mode when it does not receive enough nutrients. This causes your metabolism to slow down as well.

Protein

Protein provides energy, repairs muscle tissue and strengthens the immune system. According to the Harvard School of Public Health you may experience loss of muscle mass, weakened immune system and respiratory problems when you cut out protein-rich foods. Protein provides nutrients to your scalp necessary for strong hair growth and also strengthens your nails. This essential nutrient is found in fish, dairy, eggs and meat. Protein is also found in some vegetables including spinach, asparagus, beans, leeks and sweet corn, but it is not enough according to the Harvard School of Public Health. You should consume 8 g of protein for every 20 lbs of body weight.

Calories

Although calories are often thought of as "bad" in dieting, your body needs daily at least 2,000 calories for women and around 2,500 calories for men. According to the American Heart Association, you should only consume as many calories as you can burn off. Vegetables are low in calories and requires mass consumption to reach the amount of calories needed daily. Whether you're walking or laughing, any physical activity causes you to burn calories. As stated previously, a lack of calories causes your body to go into starvation mode by burning stored fat and then muscle. Your body requires carbohydrates found in grains for energy and also to feel satiated after eating. Side effects of the raw vegetable diet can include dizziness or fatigue, and should be discontinued if the side effects worsen.