Shortly after I began eating a raw food diet, I discovered that doing so was having a profoundly positive effect on my mental, physical, and spiritual health. At the same time, however, I encountered various formidable challenges that periodically made the diet seem problematic and perhaps even worth abandoning altogether. As I have continued following the diet, however, I realize that staying on this journey is a process that sometimes necessitates gaining access to more information. In doing this for myself, I have come across a variety of helpful tips and tricks that have enabled me to experience continual success on this path. Here are three:
1. Don’t Beat Yourself Up If You Fail.
Although we all have our unique proclivities and ways of being and knowing, many of us are the type of “all or nothing” individuals who want to do something completely or avoid it entirely. This principle is as applicable to the world of raw food as any other sector of life. Given that this is the case, it is unsurprising to note that many people who begin a raw diet and subsequently go back to eating cooked food feel like failures and berate themselves about not being able to follow the diet completely. This isn’t a prudent thing to do because it can damage self-esteem and preclude you from getting back on the wagon. Instead of beating yourself up when you go back to eating cooked food, it would be better for you to consider what precipitated the behavior and subsequently make the changes necessary to preclude it from happening again.
2. Look At Your Food Labels.
Although we now know that food labels are often deceptive, it is still important to consider them carefully so we can gain a better understanding of what we’re putting in our bodies. I learned the importance of this principle just yesterday when I thought I was purchasing two little cans of raw cashews from a local store. Upon looking at the front of the can, I saw the word “Whole” and no mention of any salt or cooking. Therefore, I purchased them. Unfortunately, they were not really whole at all given that oil had been added to them. Upon popping a few into my mouth, I noticed that they didn’t taste very fresh and subsequently looked at the food label. It was then that I discovered that the oil was the factor limiting the wholeness of the cashews. Next time, I’ll be sure to look at my food labels. And you should, too.
3. Try Juicing.
I am submitting this tip because it can be incredibly fun and healthy. Juicing is a great way to get a high volume of fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet, and consuming these types of foods can provide you with great vitamins and minerals. Some of the benefits of juicing that result from their high vitamin and mineral content include boosting your immune system and balancing your blood sugar levels. Additionally, they can be very tasty. One of my favorite juices thus far comes packed with apples, pineapple, kale, and spinach. The first two ingredients keep the taste sweet and the last two offer me some great nutritional aids. This morning I tried a new juice comprised of fresh beets, apples, and ginger. The taste was strong but it was still very good.
Conclusion
Many people who adopt a raw food lifestyle do so for ethical or health reasons. Both of these motivational factors are great. At the same time, however, there are a wide variety of pitfalls that can preclude an individual who wants to pursue raw veganism from having success. By following the strategies I’ve outlined above, however, you can avoid these pitfalls. Good luck!
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Three Tips for Success on the Raw Vegan Diet
