Eating a Raw Food Diet

Eating a raw food diet may seem like something too difficult for you to take on. However, according to Mark Reinfeld, co-author of the book The Complete Idiot's Guide to Eating Raw, it isn't as difficult as you might think. See how simple it can be in the following interview.

Co-authors Mark Reinfeld and Jennifer Murray

Recently, LoveToKnow was able to speak with Mark Reinfeld about the benefits of eating a raw food diet. In the following interview, you will learn some tips from Mark and his co-authors Bo Rinaldi and Jennifer Murray. As you will see, this type of diet has great benefits and may be more enjoyable than you previously thought.

LoveToKnow: What are the benefits of eating a raw food diet?

Mark Reinfeld: Serving for serving, raw foods contain more nutrients than their cooked counterparts. The body responds favorably to this enhanced nutrition. People experience wonderful results and increased energy when they replace even a small amount of cooked and processed foods for fresh and vibrant raw foods.

LTK: How can raw foods supply everything the body needs?

MR: By eating a wide variety of raw foods, all of the body's nutritional needs can be met. The one nutrient of concern is vitamin-B12. Many in the raw food community do recommend some form of vitamin- B12 supplementation. We get ours from fortified nutritional yeast.

LTK: What about protein?

MR: The body needs a lot less protein than we were taught to believe. It's actually a relatively small amount. There are plenty of delicious raw sources of protein, including seeds, nuts, many vegetables and sprouted grains such as quinoa.

LTK: Aren't some foods easier to utilize if they are cooked?

MR: There may be some nutrients that are more absorbable in cooked foods, such as the lycopene in tomatoes. In general though, the nutrients we loose through cooking is typically much greater.

The 30 Minute Vegan

LTK: What are some basic kitchen tools needed for someone who wants to eat a raw food diet?

MR: In order of importance, we would say a high quality knife and cutting board is a must. Then comes a good blender, such as Blendtec or Vitamix. A food processor would come after that. Then when you are ready, you can get a dehydrator to make crackers, pizzas and granolas and other treats.

LTK: Are there certain foods to avoid on a raw food diet?

MR: Certain sprouts such as buckwheat, shouldn't be consumed in large quantities. There are other foods like sprouted kidney beans that should be avoided. We would also recommend observing your reaction to various foods to see if you have any allergies.

LTK: What foods should everyone include when eating a raw diet?

MR: Look to include a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in a rainbow of colors. Dark leafy greens are the superheroes of the plant kingdom and we recommend a liberal amount of them. Also include seeds such as sunflower, sesame and pumpkin. And nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans.

LTK: What changes will people experience when they start eating raw foods?

MR: Most people experience more energy. Many also experience weight loss. Your taste buds actually become more sensitive as well.

Vegan Fusion World Cuisine

LTK: What tips can you share to make the change easier?

MR:

• Start by making a smoothie in the morning with fresh fruit and a handful of kale or other leafy green veggie.
• For as many meals as possible, look to include large and creative salads with lots of your favorite veggies.
• Consider snacking on raw foods such as fresh fruit or carrot sticks with raw almond butter.

LTK: Is there anyone who should not follow this style of eating?

MR: A raw food diet can work for people of all ages. We do recommend checking in with a qualified health care provider if anyone has any preexisting conditions and concerns about making diet changes.

LTK: What is the biggest misunderstanding regarding raw foods?

MR: The biggest misunderstanding is probably that raw food cuisine is boring. The flavors are actually quite abundant and there is a lot of innovation in the raw world. There are world class restaurants opening up all the time that specialize in this cuisine. Its truly on the cutting edge in the culinary world.

LTK: What else do you want people to know about eating raw foods?

MR: Every little bit helps. Even having a raw snack or a raw salad at dinner is doing your body a favor. For anyone interested, we publish a free newsletter that offers recipes and information on living a healthy life. People can sign up on our website, VeganFusion.com.

LoveToKnow would like to thank Mark Reinfeld for sharing these tips for getting starting eating a raw food diet. To learn more, check out The Complete Idiot's Guide to Eating Raw written by Mark with his co-authors, Bo Rinaldi and Jennifer Murray. Together, these authors have written other helpful books as well that should be on every vegetarian bookshelf, such as The 30 Minute Vegan and Vegan Fusion World Cuisine. These books can be purchased through their website or at Amazon.com.

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