Reduce Your Calories With Raw Food!

I have noticed a huge reduction in calories with my raw food lifestyle. Yet my energy level has never been better. Here is a comparison of the way I used to eat, versus how I eat now.

PRIOR TO A RAW FOOD LIFESTYLE

Breakfast - Honey Nut Cheerios, 2/3 cup of skim milk, 1/2 cup of orange juice.

Lunch - Grilled Stuffed Burrito from Taco Bell and a Diet Coke.

Snack - Starbucks Venti Mocha

Dinner - Marinated and grilled chicken breast, side of rice with salt and margarine, caesar salad. Cup of fruit juice.

Total Cals - 2,150

NOW WITH A RAW FOOD LIFESTYLE

Cup of water.

Breakfast - Spinach and banana smoothie.

Cup of water.

Lunch - Medium tomato, medium avocado, flax crackers.

Cup of water.

Snack - 1 ounce of raw almonds.

Cup of water.

Snack - Raw Revolution cacao and hazelnut bar.

Cup of water.

Dinner - 1 cup of steamed broccoli.

Cup of water.

Total Cals - 1050

With just a simple switch to a raw vegan lifestyle, I was able to lower my caloric intake to more than a half. As you can see, I eat differently, yet I never feel deprived. You may be wondering how I don’t feel hungry in spite of a reduction in my calorie intake. A raw vegan diet is centered on plant-based foods as a main food source. There are two things a raw vegan diet is known for—dietary fiber and nutrient density. So what does this translate to? Eating foods rich is dietary fiber is satiating. I eat less, however, I feel fuller. The satiation from eating fiber rich foods is lasting. Also, consuming foods rich in fiber slows down my carbohydrate conversion to glucose. As a result, energy is provided in a continuous and sustaining manner. Consequently, I have energy—high energy—that lasts me for the whole day! Another reason why switching to a raw vegan diet lowers calories but not my energy is--a raw vegan diet consists of nutrient dense food. As you all know, nutrient dense foods have more nutrients per every calorie. I only choose “superfoods” so to speak. You can consume as much as 2000 calories and still feel tired and worn out compared to consuming 1050 calories worth of “superfoods”—nutrient and fiber-rich foods. This is because you are probably just consuming 2000 worth of “low quality” calories. With a raw vegan diet, it is all about quality of calories rather than quantity! I am also eating or drinking more often, and if you notice I have a lot more water. Not only is water great for you, but it keeps you feeling fuller longer. Our body is composed of mostly water. By providing our body with what it naturally needs, we are one step closer in making it function in full gear. Notice too how I space out my drinking before or after meals. This is strategically done to keep me full. It is also a great way to evenly distribute it so that it will be effectively used by my body during digestion and excretion. I have cut my total caloric intake in half yet I don't feel deprived, and have more energy! With a raw vegan diet, my weight has come off easily and naturally, with more sustained energy!