Raw Food Detox Diet

Over time due to unhealthy lifestyle and eating habits, our bodies build up toxins and wastes from the food which doesn't get fully digested and eliminated from the body. Regular consumption of fast or junk foods which are normally high in fats and minimal in nutrients, can cause not only fat or cholesterol accumulation in the body but being difficult to digest can eventually toxin the body by building up waste materials in it. As a result, the person may suffer numerous health ailments like constipation, bloating, weight gain, allergies, fatigue, infections, etc. Hence, to overcome these health problems, it becomes vital to detoxify our body and for that, following a detox diet is the most simplest way.

Raw Food Detox Diet
As we know, our liver works as the body's filter by eliminating toxins and unhealthy materials from it. But sometimes our liver becomes sluggish and inefficient due to some disease or infection and its detoxifying ability takes a step back. In such conditions, a detox diet can help purifying the entire body by removing body waste and cleansing the liver. One such detox diet is raw food detox diet, that is based on raw foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, sprouts, seeds, nuts, grains, beans, dried fruits, and seaweed. The basic principle behind this diet is that heating or cooking a food above 116º F destroys enzymes in food, that help in proper digestion and absorption of food. Hence, eating raw foods help in easy digestion of foods and also improve the body's metabolic rate.

Detox diet is low in sodium and high in potassium, magnesium, folate, fiber and health-promoting plant chemicals called phytochemicals that help in reducing risks of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The diet has less trans fats and saturated fat, and serves by reducing the plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in the body. The diet also benefits by boosting our energy levels and immune system, improving skin appearance and controlling weight.

Detox Diet Plan
Making a sudden transition to a raw diet can have negative effects on the body. Therefore, it is advisable to make gentle and gradual change based on your earlier diet and current needs. However, one can start by incorporating organic, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, grains, seaweed, legumes, dried fruits, fresh fruits and vegetable juices, purified water, coconut milk, etc. in their diet. For your convenience, here is a sample raw food detox diet menu, that will help you in planning your diet menu.

Early Morning: A piece of fresh fruit.
Breakfast: Sprouted grain toast with fresh avocado slices, 3 celery stalks.
Afternoon Snack: 1 bag baby carrots, 1 small box raisins, 4 ounces raw nuts.
Lunch: Large raw vegetable salad, raw ranch dressing, 2 sweet potatoes, 4 raw crackers with organic butter.
Evening Snack: 1/3 bar Dagoba 75% chocolate.
Dinner: Large raw vegetable salad (goat cheese optional), roasted organic chicken, 1 - 2 cups steamed vegetables.

This diet also emphasizes on not eating raw poultry, eggs or beef and cutting down on caffeine, processed foods, complex sugars, smoking, and alcohol from your daily routine. Drinking plenty of water at least 6 - 8 oz of water or other fluids is essential to maintain the fluid level in the body and keep it from dehydration. The diet doesn't emphasize on eating 100% raw or vegan food, rather one can include some amount of cooked food in their diet to avoid intense detoxification as well to support pleasure and emotional satisfaction. However, if you are suffering any health problem and following a diet on that basis, it is recommended to consult your doctor or dietitian before moving to a detox diet.