Why Cheating Doesn't Work on the Raw Food Diet

OK, you've decided to "go raw". Congratulations!

But now you have temptations and cravings for cooked and processed foods. Is it ok? Is it acceptable to eat 'mostly' raw?

Sure, eating some cooked/steamed foods is ok, it just depends on your goals and how you feel. Especially in the transition time when you get started. Of course, you'll get the most benefits by sticking to as close to a 100% raw diet as possible. Again, it depends on your goals.

Here's the rub. I've been doing lots of research to determine the reasons for cravings and observing my experiences. What I've found is that by eating cooked foods occasionally, you're actually building a desire for more cooked foods. This also applies to spices, salt, garlic, chocolate, sugar and other foods.

If you crave a pizza and eat it, you'll have a desire for more. If you have salt, you'll build a desire for it again. It's a vicious circle that won't end unless you give it up. You have to remove the offensive source completely to get the results you're looking for. These are highly addictive foods. The fact that you crave them is evidence of that.

And is 'addictive' good or healthy to begin with? Do you want to be 'addicted' to anything?

In my experience, just a few weeks after going 100% I lost all desire and taste for cooked foods. It was a natural result of eating raw. I also found that when I tasted something cooked, I then had a desire for it again. After a short time, that desire went away. This in becomes easier as you eat more greens over time I've found. More greens in your diet seems to curb cravings dramatically. And instead of those cravings for your 'old' favorites, you'll start having a taste for fresh vegetables, greens especially. It's amazing, and sometimes hard to believe, but I believe the greens seem to satisfy nutrient deficiencies that create some of the cravings to begin with.

My personal goal has never been to label myself 100% raw... I've chose to be 100% raw for the way I feel as well and the health benefits. For me, they've been dramatic and I feel grateful for the many benefits I've experienced.

Here's an interesting quote from the great German thinker Goethe:

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness.

That the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves, too.

All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would come his way.

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it! Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."

In essence, until you commit yourself 100% to whatever you desire (in this case, better health through eating a raw, vegan food diet full of vegetables and fruits and minimal nuts and seeds) there will always be hesitancy, and you'll never reach your goals, whatever they may be.

Something to think about.

All the best for your health!

About the Author

Mark Idzik is a natural health advocate, raw foodist and helps others learn and succeed in the raw food lifestyle. You can get free raw food tips, recipes, videos and resources at his blog at http://www.VeganRawDiet.com and Raw Food web site: http://www.RawFoodHowTo.com

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