The Raw Food Diet

What it is: Somewhat similar to a vegan diet, the Raw Food Diet has one difference – at least 75 percent of your consumed food should not be heated above 116 degrees Fahrenheit. Eating the raw fruits, vegetables, and grains is meant to ensure that the vital nutrients they offer are not lost during the cooking process.

How it works: This vegan approach to dieting detoxifies as it helps you shed pounds. The enzymes absorbed from raw plants aid our bodies’ digestive processes. The diet is rich in vitamins, fiber, and potassium and has almost no salt or fat so followers of the Raw Food Diet have less of a chance of developing heart disease.

What you do: While on the Raw Food Diet, stick to all-natural and organic fruits, vegetables and grains. No animal by-products may be consumed. Also, don’t forget to keep the cooking below 116 degree – nice and raw!

Benefits: While the Raw Food Diet has other intentions as well, it will most definitely help with weight loss. On top of that, the nutrient-rich diet has many health benefits including more energy, improved skin, and better digestion.

Downsides: Without extreme willpower, this diet may be a little much for most people, requiring an extreme lifestyle change. The Raw Diet makes eating out quite difficult and is nearly impossible to share food with those not following the plan. Also, many critics of the Raw Food Diet claim that it will not provide a balanced diet and is lacking in protein. For this reason, children and those suffering from osteoporosis should not follow the Raw Food Diet.