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Ann Wigmore, a self-taught nutritionist, began popularizing the "Raw Food" or "Living Food" movement through her health institute back in the '50s, but the diet really didn't take off until the late '90s, when a number of celebrities and gourmet chefs who began singing its praises. Foods allowed on the diet are uncooked vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains, believed to contain more nutrients and digestion-aiding enzymes than cooked foods.  "Raw foodists" claim that when any food is heated above 118 degrees, most enzymes will be destroyed  Therefore the body has to use its own enzymes to digest food, hastening aging, and sapping energy .

Adhering to the the strict tradition of the "vegan" vegetarians, meat, chicken, eggs, dairy and animal products are totally taboo on this diet plan.  Distilled liquor is also forbidden, although wine is acceptable since it does not go through a heating process.   Dietitians argue that a diet of this type may be too low in protein, since it allows no meat, eggs or dairy.  "Raw foodists" believe that the Raw Food Diet plan promotes healing and rejuvenation benefits, and that it reinforces a healthy lifestyle.   Several celebrities, such as actress Gwyneth Paltrow, Demi Moore, Woody Harrelson, Sting and Alicia Silverstone and Donna Karan have embraced the raw food lifestyle, raving about its many benefits such as speedy weight loss, increased energy levels and a more youthful looking appearance.

One reason for this healthy diet's growing popularity is the recent explosion of books and cookbooks that have been written on the raw foods lifestyle - one of the strictest regimens around.  In addition to restaurants offering raw food selections on their menus, there are also a number of informational diet websites devoted to subject, such as rawfoodinfo.com, operated by Rhio, a longtime "raw foodist" and author of the book, Hooked on Raw, and rawfood.com, operated by David Wolfe, who authored Eating For Beauty, (Maul Brothers Publishing).  Other recent books exploring the Raw Foods lifestyle include Raw, by Roxanne Klein & chef Charlie Trotter, and Nature's First Law:  The Raw Food Diet, by Arlin, Dine and Wolfe.  A growing selection of prepackaged raw food products are now available by mail order, and several cooking schools are even offering raw food.  Most "raw foodists" advocate buying organic foods - pricier than standard grocery products - in order to avoid pesticides. 

Despite the claims of "raw foodists", the American Dietetic Association has stated that this diet plan is particularly not suitable for pregnant women, children, the elderly, or people with compromised immune systems.  In our opinion, this weight loss program may be good as a short term solution to shed a few extra pounds, and cleanse the body of toxins, but it should not be considered a long-term weight loss solution.  As a diet plan, we find it to be especially deficient in protein, and it lacks some of the essential nutrients necessary for a well-balanced diet.

The information on this web site is intended for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Before starting any weight loss program, it is recommended that you consult your physician or other health care professional.