Guide to Increasing Protein on the Raw Food Diet

The Raw Food diet is based on eating foods that are unprocessed, unpasteurized and uncooked. Raw foodists believe that heating food at temperatures of 116 degrees or higher destroy enzymes that support digestion and absorption. There are two major types of raw foodists. Those who are vegans only consume organic fruits, vegetables and grains. There are also raw food omnivores, who consume raw plant-based products, raw dairy products and raw, usually dehydrated meats.

For raw food adherents who consume raw dairy and meat products, the problem of getting protein in the diet is less of an issue than those who are vegans. However, protein is an essential part of healthy diets because it provides amino acids that support the muscles. Yet, a few simple guidelines can help raw food dieters increase the amount of protein they need in order to stay healthy on this diet.

The most important tip is to study the raw food diet before undertaking this lifestyle. Check out books from the library that list a number of plant-based protein sources. Once you decide to go raw, get recipe books that will give you a number of alternatives to add protein to your diet.

The best way to get protein in our diets is by consuming this nutrient in our food. So, raw food dieters can add raw seeds and nuts at every meal. In this way, they are getting protein to sustain them throughout the day.

Protein can also be obtained from other food sources. Not only do leafy, green vegetable have antioxidants, but they also have protein. Spinach, kale, broccoli and parsley are a few of the greens that contain this important nutrient. A salad of mixed greens with flax seeds is a delicious way to get needed protein.

If eating nuts all day does not appeal to you, drinking raw nut milks is another way to get plant protein in your diet. These milks can be purchased at a number of health food stores and come in a number of varieties, like almond and hazelnut. The adventurous raw foodie may decide to make their own milk by pureeing the nuts and adding a little raw sugar. To sweeten it even more, raw chocolate or carob can make it like a dessert drink.

Raw food vegans should also consider taking a multivitamin, especially if you are woman. Multivitamins make up for any deficiency that can occur in the body when we restrict our diet.

A balanced diet will always be the best way to get all of the micronutrients, including protein in our diets. However, if you choose to undertake the raw food diet, the above-mentioned tips can help you get the most benefits from this diet and not harm the body more than help it.