Eat Raw Food

[gpond]

I just remembered that I have a little bit of hard data to share regarding the Raw Food diet, also known as the Raw Food lifestyle.

I have been almost completely Raw for 8 weeks now. Besides weight loss, superb energy, and very healthy looking skin, I have had significant improvement in my cholesterol numbers.

I was tested back in January and again on July 27th. Based on the earlier test my doctor was talking to me about cholesterol drugs which I declined to take. Based in my new test, I do not think the old doc will have a leg to stand on in trying to sell me these prescription pills.

All of my numbers are considered "high" but it is the improvement I wish to share.

My total Cholesterol fell from 288 to 227 or 61 points.

My LDL (bad cholesterol) fell from 192 to 104 or a scorching 88 points!!

My HDL (good cholesterol) rose from 59 to 60 or a statistically insignificant 1 point. The comment on the computer printout, however, notes: HDL cholesterol values >59 mg/dL are associated with reduced cardiac risk.

My LDL/HDL ratio fell from 3.3 to 1.7 or a reduction of 1.6 points.

LDL/HDL ratio "reference range" as reported on this printout is 0.0-3.6 so my earlier reading of 3.3 was towards the high end of the range, but has now fallen much closer to the center of the range.

OK.. Now for the "bad" news, and I'm not sure this is very bad.

My Triglycerides went from a high 184 to an even higher 313. That seems quite high based on a reference range of 0-149. Will watch that one next time to see what is up with that.

You can learn some basic facts about Raw Food here:
http://www.rawfamily.com/

[lhslancers]

You must be juicing huh?

[gpond]

Some, but mostly into the smoothies as they retain all that good fiber.

For breakfast I make a smoothie with a banana, some flax seeds, some blueberries, a medjool date (for sweetness), a bunch of green leafy vegetables like fresh spinach or dandelion greens, and some ice water.

I like to juice, too, but the cleanup is more intense. After a smoothie I just rinse out the blender. Plus I don't feel like I'm wasting all that good pulp.

I was very happy with these results. Now if I could only talk wifey into trying it...

[slvrbugjim]

My wife has been a raw foodist for over one year, I am about 70%, still eat a little fish, but I would swear by it if you are really wanting the ulimate in internal health.

David Wolfe has made millions at

Natures first law

Put only live and vital food into your body
http://rawfood.com/

http://www.rawfood.com/Product_Images/0572.jpg

[Halophyte]

That's pretty damn impressive gpond.

In only 8 weeks ?!?!?


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[gpond]

That's pretty damn impressive gpond.

In only 8 weeks ?!?!?


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I was only on the diet approx. 6 weeks before the second test. The previous test was 6 months prior to that.

[Halophyte]

Did you change anything in your diet prior to the raw food/vegie thing ?


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[gpond]

Did you change anything in your diet prior to the raw food/vegie thing ?


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Frankly, yes. I garden, so in the spring I naturally start increasing the fresh vegetables and decreasing the meat. I was only fully on the raw diet for the 6 weeks but had decreased the meat (with an occasional chicken-wing binge) and increased the vegetables for some time prior to the 6 week period.

Incidentally, since January when I weighed 188 lbs. I have lost a few pounds and yesterday clocked in at 155 lbs - a weight I have long considered to be my perfect weight.

So yes, my diet did improve prior to the 6 weeks of (almost) total raw foods.

[Halophyte]

You're prolly the same weight frame as me (5-10). I'm at about 185 - 190 now ...... luv to see 160 again.


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[gpond]

You have a couple of inches on me. (5-8)

I think I could see myself settling into 150 or so, eventually.

[bjgnome]

OK.. Now for the "bad" news, and I'm not sure this is very bad.

My Triglycerides went from a high 184 to an even higher 313. That seems quite high based on a reference range of 0-149. Will watch that one next time to see what is up with that.


I'm not sure about this, but triglycerides could be the increased sugar in your diet. Could have your blood sugar tested right after downing one of those smoothies.

Anyway, good show Gpond! Congrats on your improved health!

[gpond]

My wife has been a raw foodist for over one year, I am about 70%, still eat a little fish, but I would swear by it if you are really wanting the ulimate in internal health.
It is most excellent to hear that, slvrbugjim. It is very encouraging.

[BeefJerky]

Congratulations, GPond.:clap2: :clap2:

I have the wife on board to do the Master Cleanse then we are going to try it. I am just waiting for some lab tests from the onventional doc before starting.

[DrillAndFill]

Good luck with travel and social occasions: those are the killer.

I have been mostly salad and fruit for almost two years, and it has really helped my general disposition, as incredible as that may seem from some of my posts here. The only downside is the preparation time every couple of days, cutting up romaine, collard greens, kale, spinach, peppers, and cooking rice and beans to throw in to the mix. Then there's the time required to eat enough salad to meet daily caloric minimums. Talk about slow food.

Strawberry and blueberry smoothies in the morning are the bomb.

In Europe, I had to hunt down farmers markets and grocery stores, for hard-to-find vegetables. Tourists just eat crap. Eastern Europe was pretty bad, unless you wanted white bread, sausage, and beer. Looking for good food in an airport or train station? Forget it. At least you won't have to s**t for a couple of weeks.

Always under pressure to go out to lunch/dinner with so-and-so, but virtually all restaurants serve fatty crap. Waitresses nearly faint when you tell them to bring a salad without dressing.

There are some delicious vegetables out there. I think I'll head for the fridge and some more salad now.

What a hoot: we're discussing this in the Alternative Health Remedies subforum. The diet of the average person should be called alternative and fruitcake. :stupid:

[Curtman]

Svyvike, I guess the plane gets off the ground a lot faster without packing all that dead weight around, good for the mileage budget too. :aetsch:

Pond, I was wandering about the white count, have you had that checked and where are you deriving the protien?

I have done this that last several weeks but for me it is a seasonal thing, I have done this most of my life when the gardens grow. I am blending most but still lightly steaming the brocolli, cauliflower, carrots and green beens. Been laying off the rice because I eat it much more in the winter.
Everything elso goes in the blender and still drinking tons of green and white tea.
I have been buying my vitimins in gelcaps and then open them into a large spoon and sift them into the smoothies.
Nectarines, Peaches, Tomotoes, Bananas, Celery, Blackberries, Pineapple, Sometimes Lemon and Cinnomin and always a nice size ginsing and a pinch of Cayanne pepper powdered. I have not used flax in my smoothies because I like to just munch a handfull of the seeds a few times a day, (nice nutty flavor) I also take a gelcap of it so I am good there. will be starting to buy all my vitimins in liquid form in the future as I run out of the others. Got to get more Spirolina also.
Barbacue is not as busy as it used to be and will likely be slow until winter.

Still would be interested about that white count. Is you color staying well?

[Wyldwil]

hey, it was raw when I dropped it into the deep fryer!!!!:D :D :D

[gpond]

The raw fruits and veggies have one thing that cooked food and meats do not have anymore:

Life!

Way to go, skyvike! :clap2:

[gpond]

Curtman,

My color is great. The women in my life are commenting on my healthy skin, but I think they are really responding to my (i blush) "healthy glow."

As for white count, I got no idea.

Regarding protein, all the raw food folks that I have read say that this is the most asked question. I say I'm getting protein, and the amino acids which are the basic building blocks of protein, from fruits, vegetables, nuts. Then to hedge my bet a little once or twice a week I add a teaspoon of raw hemp seeds (high protein) to my smoothy. I don't really think I need it, but it doesn't hurt.

Here is a discussion of protein from raw food perspective. I think the concern is overblown if you think of where a Gorilla, or a cow or bull, or horse get their protein.

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12619&highlight=protein


I've found several people on this thread (I'm not pointing a carrot at anyone, just something that I noticed) saying they had to include ___ in their diet because they need the protein.

I'm sure most of you know, the amount of protein that we are taught we need is a myth. In fact, it is -- in some ways -- more dangerous (or just as, at least) to have TOO much protein than it is to have too little.

Think about it, have you ever seen an animal in their natural habitat that is protein deficient? The way we are supposed to eat naturally (this being raw veggies, nuts, etc) will supply our bodies with enough protein.

I got this ALL of the time.. "oh dear.. she is too thin, I bet she's protein deficient.. especially since she's --theme from the movie Jaws-- VEGAN!!!"

I was checked about a year ago for protein deficiency (vegetarian all my life, vegan for little less than half) and I was not in any way protein deficient. I'm glad I was tested for it, because I've been able to tell people that when they asked "but.. vegan.. but.. WHERE do you get your protein?!?!?!"

That little voice inside your head is more than likely there because of what the media (and friends, family etc) has taught you that we need tons of protein! must have more now now now! aaaaa!!

I found a great article for anyone who wants to know more about the protein myth.. here is a great quote from it:

"To consume a diet that contains enough, but not too much, protein, simply replace animal products with grains, vegetables, legumes (peas, beans, and lentils), and fruits. As long as one is eating a variety of plant foods in sufficient quantity to maintain one’s weight, the body gets plenty of protein."

article:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/...otein_myth.html (http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/vsk/protein_myth.html)

Now, IF you know (ie, by getting a test done that says with 100% accuracy that you are protein deficient) that you are in need of more protein, then ok. Otherwise, don't claim it. http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

Also, you can supplement your diet with some hemp seeds to boost your protein intake if you feel is necessary.

[bjgnome]

Sprouts are a great live source of protein.

Another thing to consider may be sodium. We are taught by the medical establishment to fear sodium, because together in combination with lots of meat the result is heart disease. A vegan diet tends to have much less sodium, and a lot more potassium. So, if you're going raw consider following your four-legged vegan friends to the salt lick for a treat.

One of the primary ideas of macrobiotics is balancing yin and yang, which includes balancing the Sodium/Potassium ratio. In macrobiotics, salt is added to a vegan diet in seaweeds, miso & medicinal pickled umeboshii plums. Mmmmm!

[cb&julie]

I've been eating a good % of my diet this way my whole life. Perhaps that's why I don't look like my fellow Americans (I'm slim and trim, afterall) and stay quite healthy. I could stand to get some more aerobic exercise, though. I get winded just going up a few flights of stairs at the library. Also, I've incorporated light weight training in the past that I need to get back into. If you eat right and exercise moderately, you can have the energy and stamina of people who put in way more time.

[Jasper]

http://goldismoney.info/forums/showthread.php?t=55282

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/sho...hlight=protein

Quote from post #19 by gpond:

... the amount of protein that we are taught we need is a myth. In fact, it is -- in some ways -- more dangerous (or just as, at least) to have TOO much protein than it is to have too little...

article:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/...otein_myth.html

The guy is right. Over-consumption of protein leads to many diseases.

As for 'raw food' there is no such thing.

The sun expertly cooks the only foods we ought to be eating.

The famous American poet, Emily Dickinson, has a wonderful poem that hints at this:

"... In Ovens green our Mother bakes / By Fires of the Sun."

From Poem #1143 in:

Thomas H. Johnson, ed., 'The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson.' London:
Faber and Faber Ltd., 1977 (1970), p.512.

A more accurate text of the poem might just be found in:

The Poems of Emily Dickinson: Variorum Edition. Edited by R. W. Franklin. 3 vols. Cambridge, Mass., and London, England: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1998. Fuller than T. H. Johnson's 1955 variorum, this edition gives the (normalized) texts of 1,789 poems, variant readings, MS provenance, publication history, and notes indicating line-breaks.

Or in:

The Manuscript Books of Emily Dickinson. Edited by R. W. Franklin. 2 vols. Cambridge, Mass., and London, England: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1981. A superb edition of photographic facsimiles, with full scholarly apparatus, of the poems ED copied and bound into forty fascicles, tiny hand-stitched manuscript books that she squirreled away in her room and that were not to be discovered until after her death, Franklin's volumes offer us the inestimable privilege of seeing ED's poems exactly as as they left her hands.

But then again, maybe it wouldn't differ much from the text I've given here.

The complete text of poem #1143 as given here may be found online at:

http://members.aol.com/GivenRandy/r_emilyb.htm

Just scroll down until you reach #1143.

:cheerful:

[Jasper]

Correction:

The quoted line should read:

"... In Ovens green our Mother bakes, / By Fires of the Sun."

:cheerful:

[smullen]

I wanted to try something simmilar as I love pretty much all fruits and veggies... Onions are the only veggie I don't care for...

My only problem with this is, if I eat to much fruits and or veggies or nothing but, I never seem to feel full and I feel like I crave something (guessing its meat) Also, to much Fruit or veggis makes me too regular (reguarding the bathroom)...

But, I have been really reducing the amount of Meat I consume... I've been eating mostly salads with no cheese and very little lite vinagarette dressing...

[Goldhedge]

Then to hedge my bet a little once or twice a week I add a teaspoon of raw hemp seeds (high protein) to my smoothy.
Hmmmm, you got a 'garden' or somethin? :listen: Are these... legal??

[gpond]

Hmmmm, you got a 'garden' or somethin? :listen: Are these... legal??
Yeah, I'm 100% legit, bro. Comes in a can from the healthy grocery store.

[gpond]

Correction:

The quoted line should read:

"... In Ovens green our Mother bakes, / By Fires of the Sun."

:cheerful:
I like the line, Jasper. Very much.

[Curtman]

Trying to find a ready made pyrex pans with a lids for the sproutings. I have a tupperware kind but did not like to use the plastic but except for dry storage of stuff. Glass is nice but heavy. Trying to come up with a plan.

[Jasper]

I like the line, Jasper. Very much.

Thanks. She truly was incredible.

It's not so much poetry as hyper-poetry.

[Halophyte]

@ gpond, hope this "raw food" thingie works out okay with the new-old food dehydrator I just purchased.

http://goldismoney.info/forums/showthread.php?t=32760&page=2&highlight=food+dehydrator

Would dried fruits and veggies be considered "raw" ?

I'm just tired of throwing out perfectly good produce from the garden and canning is a beach.


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[gpond]

Halo,

Most of the raw fooders use Excaliber, but I suspect that is only because of the thermostat present. To be considered raw, I think dehydration is supposed to be performed below 117 degrees (or close to that) because one of the theories of Raw Food is that enzymes contained in the foods themselves are very important. Many enzymes start to be destroyed, so the story goes, at about 117 degrees. In fact, the dehydrator "bread" recipe that we use specifies to set your Excaliber at 105, and that is what we do.

So, if you have a thermostat and can keep the temp fairly low, you will be OK. A friend loaned me (and tried to give me, cause he doesn't want it) a very cheap dehydrator that he received as a gift. It had no adjustable thermostat and is set at 175 degrees, which is much too hot.

Keeping the temp down is the key to following the Raw Food theory. I dunno if they are right about the enzymes, but have tried to follow this philosophy.

Jerry has spoken much about this. The enzymes necessary to digest most of these foods are contained in the foods themselves, or so the story goes. That is part of the theory of why one shouldn't heat.

I don't know. I just know what I'm trying seems to be working for me.

G'luck.