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Login Here Signup Here Signup using FacebookOkay…after investigating various raw foods websites I am realizing that when I say “I am eating 80-100% raw,” I don’t really know what I am talking about. What do the percentages actually mean? For instance, what does it mean to have 90% of your diet be raw? Is 1 out of every 10 meals a cooked meal? Is it the occasional agave nectar, brazil nuts, cashews, etc (which I just found out were not raw even though they say “raw”)? I am lost. Sorry if this is a stupid or many times over answered question.
Also, does anyone know if I am truly missing out on all the benefits of a raw foods diet if I incorporate agave nectar, cocoa, brazil nuts, etc? Will eating these foods really have much of an effect? I am transitioning slowly. I can’t give up my raw (at least I thought they were raw) chocolate, brazil nut shakes just yet! Seems the more I read, the more I am considering going 100% raw. I am just not there yet. Please don’t tell me that raw honey isn’t raw as well! :)
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Hi Electra, This is so relative, you ask a room full of 50 raw foodists what does 90% raw food mean you’ll get 50 answers. I used to say I was a 95% vegan raw foodist, because to the best of my knowledge most the food was raw, because I use “controversial foods” like Braggs, nutritional yeast, Agave, spices, tea, etc. I also trust when a product says its raw, like the raw nuts in bulk at Whole Foods. I even emailed them and they confirmed that there was no heat applied, so I trust that to be true. Now I’m finding it more useful to say I am “high raw.” Its my journey, right? Which brings me to my question, why is it important for you to label yourself?
I think there’s way too many raw fooders out there that feel the need to say they are “this percentage” raw. I agree, there is no need to label. I don’t understand why all of that got started anyway… maybe for some people to feel that they are better than others??? Who knows! I say, don’t worry about it!!! Eat what makes you feel good! And I wouldn’t give up on your little treats (raw agave, raw chocolate) just because according to some people they are not officially 100% raw. It’s your own choice, and they definitely come in handy every now and then! Good luck to you and do what feels best FOR YOU!
Thanks for the answers! It is good to know that there are no clear guidelines. From now on, if someone asks, I will just say that I am trying to eat a diet that consists primarily of raw foods. Thank you. :)
This question wasn’t about labeling myself. It was just for clarification about what percentages mean.
Hi Electra,
I think all the responses are great ones. I believe our ultimate goal is healthy cells and a sound mind and body. The variations in raw sustenance are going to change from person to person. Ya gotta listen to your own instincts and walk away from thejudgy-ness of others. Check out Natalia Rose’s Raw Food Detox Diet if you have not already. Its a great resource as you are starting out on this journey!
i am not a nutritionist but i know one and she uses agave nectar, cocoa and i believe pine nuts also. i personally do not think these things will harm you in anyway!!! i love the raw food thing but i do not think adding some things in your diet that are not raw(as long as you are getting enough raw that you need) is ok. but thats me :) so no one get mad at me haha
Just want to say that the more I cut out cooked foods the better I felt. And now after having no agave nectar, no dodgy nuts, no nori etc etc I feel the best I have ever felt. When I eat anything that is not raw, in any quantity, even a tiny bit, it seems to trigger cooked food cravings which aren’t a problem when I am 100% raw. It is magic to be truly 100% maybe just try it for a couple of weeks to see what it is like, to see if you have the same experience?
Right on Zoe! Sure fire way to rid those cravings.. the things you’re just not ready to give up. Quit eating them for awhile and see how you feel, then eat them and see what happens.. then you’ll really know how they’re affecting you. Also, be careful about overconsuming nuts.. they’ll drain your energy because of the fat content.. and cocoa raw or cooked is a stimulant and not good for your liver.