For the past week or so I have been experimenting with a raw diet. I say experimenting because 1) I have a lot to learn and 2) I haven’t been 100% raw, though I’d say I’ve been close to 90-95%. I am doing this because I have read a lot about the potential benefits of eating raw, including increased energy, more vivid dreams, less sleep, increased healing, and of course detox.

I have already learned quite a bit, and trust me, it’s not all about a salad and fruit. Though that’s what a lot of it has been, but my options are already expanding and I have learned to make a few tasty treats that would rival a regular processed sugar desert in taste. Also, I will say that I don’t want to continue this 100%, mostly because variety is the spice of life and I also enjoy indulging in things that are not good for me like drinking and happy hour. Though I will say I will incorporate many of the things I am learning into my regular diet, whatever that becomes. (Yes I know, beer doesn’t exactly match a healthy raw diet, though I still believe a positive change is a positive change, regardless. I may not get all the benefits of a raw diet if I still have vices, but it for sure still beats most people.)

Another reason I don’t want to stay 100% dedicated to this is that I don’t believe it is inherently wrong to eat meat. I believe that humans evolved eating many things, of which meat is one of them. That said, I do believe that the meat most people eat which comes from cows that are corn fed and beefed up with hormones and antibiotics is crap and a raw diet would beat that any day. But I am not ruling out eating chicken, turkey, beef, or other meats that are naturally and sustainably raised. In fact though I have always loved cheese, I would probably choose meat over cheese, since I believe meat is more natural for us than animal milk.

It has been a little over a week since I started, and it has not been too difficult. The worst things are the outside temptations, including lunch at work. Thus far I have not had any extreme food cravings, but this is probably because I was already a decent eater prior to this, staying away from processed foods and high sugar treats. I had a headache for a few days, though I would attribute this to giving up my morning coffee, and I did have some pretty extreme body aches for a couple days. My sleep hasn’t really changed, nor have my dreams intensified. I do seem to have a bit more energy, but nothing very noticeable, it’s mostly when I’m at work, I don’t get the urge to doze off anymore.

I have been mostly raw now for a little over a week, and have not had meat or dairy for 5 days. I do think when I ease back into a more “typical” diet I will probably keep a lot of these habits, and I will probably replace cheese with goat or sheep cheese, and possibly raw cheese if it’s economically viable.

What else? I guess that’s about it. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Or some good food ideas?

Oh I went to Blissfull Food in San Diego [note: it's now closed] last night and it was really good. There was a portobella walnut pate that was awesome (and could have passed for meatloaf), a great “sushi” roll, some spring wraps, and then sorbets, truffles, and live chocolates for desert!

Related posts:

1. Experimenting with a Vegan diet
2. Eating a Raw Diet while surrounded by meat eaters
3. Diet overload, healthy choices, and which label fits?

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Originally posted on Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 at 1:51 PM .