We’ve all heard the old adage, “You are what you eat.” Yet the foods in the typical American diet are so full of artificial this, that, and the other, I’m amazed some of them are even considered edible.

Is it any wonder we have so many health problems in this nation? 

While I was raised vegan, I don’t believe all meat is unhealthy. (Everything in moderation, right?) I do, however, believe we live in an age when much of our commercially-raised livestock is tainted with disease, GMOs, hormones, and antibiotics. My husband and son hunt, and our family eats venison—one of the leanest, cleanest meats available, and a protein source I personally believe is superior to highly-processed vegetarian options.

It’s also possible to seek out (or better yet, raise your own) organically-raised, grass-fed meats, that constitute a perfectly healthy addition to a primarily plant-based diet.

What about eating a raw plant-based diet?

You’ve probably heard of raw eating, but what does it mean and why do people eat this way? A raw diet consists of foods that have never been heated above a certain temperature (depending on the source, between 105° and 118° Fahrenheit). Proponents believe we do not receive full nutritional benefit from cooked foods because heat destroys enzymes, vitamins and minerals our bodies need to be healthy.

The first time I switched to an entirely raw diet, I wanted to try it for a few days and ended up doing it for weeks. The first couple of days were rough…I felt awful, with a persistent headache for two full days. As my body adjusted, and my brain-fog cleared, suddenly I found myself feeling incredibly clear and alert, like I was on some fantastic new drug. (I make this comparison because it’s an addictive feeling you’d have to experience to understand or believe.) It was amazing!

While I don’t eat completely raw all the time, I have periodically adopted the diet for weight loss or general well-being. Over time, I’ve concluded that I feel better when I consume at least 60-75% clean or raw foods.

It is my belief that a plant-based diet is the best dietary option, and here is why:

1. It can extend your life expectancy.
   According to the National Institutes of Health, you can extend your life by as much as eight years by eating a balanced plant-based diet.  It can lower your cholesterol, blood-pressure, and even prevent type 2 diabetes.

   If you research a plant-based diet for very long you are bound to encounter the studies done by Loma Linda University. They have been foremost in leading the research in this area, studying over 96,000 individuals over the course of years to arrive at their results. I have actively been a participant in this study for over 15 years.

2. Great diet plan!
   There are countless diet fads floating around, but let’s talk about simple clean eating. I personally lost an amazing 10 lbs. in a week eating a raw vegan diet. I don’t think you could eat raw for any significant length of time without losing excess weight. The study cited above also states that, “vegans weigh about 30 pounds less than non-vegetarians of similar height”—that’s not an entirely raw diet, just cutting out meat and dairy.

   A plant-based diet allows you to eat until you are completely satisfied, multiple times per day, and still lose weight.  The facts are plain: when your foods contain fewer calories, you can eat more—both in quantity and frequency—and still maintain a healthy weight. Everyone understands there are fewer calories in carrot sticks compared to French fries, but consider the real numbers: 41 calories vs. 274! Just imagine the mountains of carrots you can eat!

3. Superior nutrition
   Whenever I mention raw eating, someone inevitably asks, “Well, where would I get protein?” I grew up on a dairy farm, surrounded by 1,500-pound herbivores. Where do you suppose a cow gets protein? I’m not suggesting you only eat grass, but you can definitely stay healthy with a plant-based diet. Many nuts, beans and lentils are high in protein. Even lettuce contains small amounts. 

Have I piqued your interest in eating a primarily plant-based diet? If so, allow me to share a few tips I’ve learned through years of eating this way:

Variety, variety, variety!
Eating various foods is key. Nutritionally speaking, an apple is completely different than an almond. The more variety you eat, the more likely you are to have balanced nutrition and to provide the vitamins, minerals and nutrients your body requires.
Don’t think for a minute you will be limited to salads if you adopt a clean diet. I love a good salad, but once you start the process of discovery, you’ll find there is so much more to plant-based eating. From savory soups to delicate desserts, the internet is a near-endless source of amazing recipes! (You can start with Beth’s tomato soup from just a few days ago.)

Even an entirely raw diet is not as restrictive as you might imagine. Check out the recipes at my favorite raw foodie site, Sweetly Raw, if you’re worried about becoming bored with a raw diet. Using a dehydrator, you can make kale or squash chips, fruit leather, even “bread” for sandwiches. As long as you keep the temperature below 105°F, foods remain raw and the dehydration process does not compromise their nutritional value. Dehydrating will take a bit more time, but when you eliminate cooking, you’ll find many raw meals come together quickly and easily.

Smoothies are also quick alternatives…and a great way to sneak greens into your pickiest eater’s diet, even if that title happens to fall to your husband!

Plan ahead!
Convenience makes all the difference. We live in a fast-paced world where we’re used to instant gratification. Kids will get hungry during the day; to help resist the temptation to snack on unhealthy foods, I’ve learned to plan ahead. We keep a multi-sectioned dish filled with raw snacks in the refrigerator, so I can pull it out at a moment’s notice. If it’s accessible while I’m preparing supper, the kids will have a nibble or two before their meal is ready—there’s no concern of “ruining your dinner” by eating a few grape tomatoes or celery sticks!

Start gradually & discard what doesn’t work.
Begin by tweaking a few meals here and there, eliminating processed foods and substituting healthier choices in their place. Don’t starve your family by going overboard, or think you’ll change everyone’s habits in a day.

Trust me, there will be times when that exciting new recipe just doesn’t work out. My husband once choked down a “hot-dog” consisting of a whole, peeled carrot I had marinated then grilled. (Poor guy, he must have been starving! And he did make up an excuse to run errands soon after; I have no doubt he sought comfort in a local drive-thru.) Friends swore the recipe was fantastic, but it just didn’t turn out so well for me. With so many other amazing options, I don’t fret when new recipes get a thumbs-down from the family.

Need a sweet fix?
Keep a bag of frozen fruit in the freezer. It’s guilt-free, just as quick as ice cream, and surprisingly delicious. My favorites include mango, pineapple and cherries, all of which are absolutely dreamy as a frozen treat.

Sneak a “cheat” and savor it!
If you start off great, and the day comes when you feel the need to indulge in a (less-healthy) favorite food, go for it! Make sure you savor every bite and don’t feel bad in the least. Everyone needs a little cake, chocolate, or cheese now and then!

Final thoughts …
Curious about what long term raw eating can do for you? Check this woman out; you won’t believe her age. Her husband looks more like her father!

Yes, our bodies are finite and will inevitably age…but if simple dietary changes can make it possible to feel better (and have the cholesterol and blood pressure of a typical teenager) well into your 30s, 40s and beyond, why wouldn’t you want that?

I hope I’ve inspired you to try adding more healthy foods into your diet. Your body will thank you, and you won’t regret it!

Does your family have some favorite healthy choices you’d like to share? Feel free to leave us a note; we’d love to hear your ideas!