Raw Food Lifestyle: Has Nothing to Do With Renunciation

Many think that raw food lifestyle has close associations to a life that is almost saintly, having semblances of severe austerity, renunciation of worldly pleasures and so on. These mythical notions are nothing but false. Raw food lifestyle happens to be another category of vegetarianism, except that it is in a class of its own. What is so unique about raw food lifestyle? If raw food lifestyle is another category of vegetarianism, why would anyone opt for this unique and special lifestyle, where eating raw food is only part of the package? To understand the rationale behind choosing this option, you have to keep in mind that someone decides on becoming vegetarian primarily for two reasons: health issues including weight loss; concern for preservation of animal life. Of all the countless benefits of vegetarianism, health benefits are the strongest drivers. Lowering of cholesterol, reducing BMI, reducing risks of developing some chronic ailments, regularizing bowel movements and weight loss are some of the most prominent benefits of vegetarianism that motivate people to abandon animal foods and pick up plant nutrition. There is another important category of vegetarianism that many opt for, who, over and above the health benefits would also like to voice their concern for animal protection. To achieve these twin objectives, someone may decide to become vegan, by which he or she denounces not only meat, fish and eggs, but also stays away from using leather, wool, silk and fur, since these have animal origins. These people do not even have milk or milk products. The third category of vegetarianism is opting for raw food lifestyle, a unique option for people who would like to give equal importance to the maintenance of mental health along with caring for their bodies. As emphasized earlier, there is nothing ascetic or puritanical about this special choice. This simply implies that you take a holistic approach towards healthcare that includes mental well being. Raw food lifestyle: the expectations A lot of doubts and myths about raw food lifestyle ought to get cleared if you realized what it expects from you, in terms of changing some values and beliefs: • Raw food diet consists of foods cooked under 116 degrees F, or else, foods would lose its essential nutrients. • Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains form the staple diet in raw food lifestyle. • Juicing, soaking, dehydrating, sprouting are some of the processes allowed while eating raw food. • Treatment of any disease condition needs an in-depth probe into the root cause of the ailment rather than merely treating the symptoms. • Plenty of activities, which are designed for the upkeep of mental health, are part of this lifestyle. These include keeping a close circle of friends and family; spending significant amount of time amidst natural environment; pursuing a creative hobby, etc. Raw food lifestyle: keep nutrition in mind The ultimate goal of every vegetarian is to meet the daily calorie needs – no matter which category of vegetarianism is opted for. Two handy tools are available for vegetarians and vegans – the vegetarian food pyramid and the vegan food pyramid that not only explain what foods to have but also mention their individual calorie values, so that one can plan his or her diets accordingly.