For most of us, it’s hard to think that we can feel satisfied eating like rabbits (lettuce, carrots, raw vegetables) and, more importantly, many of us feel that we could ever follow a diet consisting only of those foods. However, there are numerous health and weight loss benefits to raw food diets, benefits that we experience while allowing ourselves a full dinner and other treats.
Here’s the good news about starting a raw food diet: You don’t have to make it a lifestyle, and you certainly don’t need to feel confined to eating only raw foods when you’re hungry. What I propose is called the 60/40 raw food diet, which means that 60% of the food you eat is raw and 40% is regular cooked food. simple and not intimidating.
I have personally known several women who have had tremendous success on the 60/40 raw food diet because even though they eat as much (if not more) food than before, 60% of those calories come from healthy foods. This means their fat and calorie intake is drastically reduced for most of the day and they can save that 40% of their diet for a healthy but filling cooked meal and perhaps, if they are feeling daring, a small dessert and glass of red wine afterwards.
What makes the 60/40 plan for eating raw delicious is that you never have to go hungry, and what’s more, the calories you take in are packed with essential vitamins and minerals to pack more punch than that low-carb candy bar you’ve been desperately munching on to satisfy your hunger all day. The natural simple sugars contained in a single apple or banana are enough to give you the kick you need to start your day off right, and the calories and fat found in most raw foods are much more sustainable than the complex, processed sugars found in many candy bars, and even the brand-name bars you can buy at the store.
Most women who have tried the Partial Raw Food Diet find that the best system for them is to make all foods for breakfast and lunch and then for dinner, when they are most craving something substantial and filling, they can enjoy a delicious and complete dinner at will without regard to calories or fat intake.
Don’t you care about fat and calories? How can it be?
Because if you’re already on a low-fat, low-calorie diet, the calories and fat in your breakfast, lunch, and snacks probably only make up 40% or less of your daily calories. That gives you room to breathe at dinner (within reason, of course) and is a satisfying and much-needed break from what you’ve been eating all day.
Give it a try and you’ll find that you feel better on a diet of fresh, healthy foods and you never go hungry and can afford a big dinner, dessert and maybe a glass (or two) of wine.
