Anorexia vs Raw Food lifestyle

[lilsis716]

While I'm planning on moving from a regular vegan diet to a raw diet in the next week or so (once I've finished all of my soymilk and other processed products), I've got some curiousities.

I'm sure they would be answered in Alissa's book, but right now I don't have the means to get her book. So I have to wait until my birthday, but before then, I was wondering if some of you could answer a couple of my questions?

I know an anorexic girl, but I also know a raw foodist. While the anorexic girl looks emaciated and unhealthy, the raw foodist looks extremely healthy. He just glows.

Talking to the chef at the local vegetarian cafe (the raw foodist), he consumes <300 calories a day. He says he drinks water with honey, sometimes water with sea salt, his urine.. and once in awhile he will eat a piece of fruit.

This guy, again, just glows. His eyes are bright, his skin is clear, he works out.. so has wonderful toned arms.. and his health just amazes me.

He tells me that we produce our own omega 3s and omega 6s, that we create our own amino acids, etc.. and that we only need to eat the right amount of some foods to get our nutrients.

So my question is, can we truly be so healthy on such minimal food? Well, scratch that. Obviously we can, if we eat right, because hes absolutely beautiful.

But anyway, I guess my question is, have you raw foodists seen a major (good) difference in your skin, hair, and overall health since just eating raw?

[sport]

How long has he been raw. I would worry about taking only 300 calories a day long term.

[jaurequi]

I don't believe anyone could live a lifetime on such a diet. I would not believe someone who told me they lived like that for any extended period of time; in other words, it would be my opinion they are lying.

I have experienced improvements, yes, in hair, skin, nails and moods.

Best,

[lilsis716]

He was raw for 3 years, but then 3 years ago switched to his honey/salt water, sometimes fruit diet.

I thought it wouldnt be too healthy, but hes looking pretty good.


How many calories, on average, do regular raw foodists get per day? I know it can vary, but just an estimate?

[sport]

I believe that the callorie restricted diet is the only proven way to extend life but I think that they are talking about 1000 to 1200 calories, not 300.

[dreamrawalwz]

I believe that the callorie restricted diet is the only proven way to extend life but I think that they are talking about 1000 to 1200 calories, not 300.

I always was taught that 1,000-1,200 was what you should aim for, nor restriction. I believe that many people get WAY too many calories because they must eat more cooked to get SOME nutrients, but if you're raw I don't think you need that many calories...see what I'm trying to explain?

Anyway, to the original poster, yes, many have seen all kinds of improvements. My hair isn't frizzy after I wash it (but that could be the switch in shampoo), my skin is smoother than a baby's bottom, and my arm rashes/bumps are gone.

[vgloveforlife]

300 calories is such a small amount. I'm not reallly much for counting calories though. I eat when I'm hungry, stop when I'm satisfied and that's it.

I have definitly noticed differences in my skin, hair and overall health. I can tell the difference if I eat a lot of cooked food-especially that my brain fogginess appears again and I'm just not as happy anymore. Eating raw is just simply amazing!

[Im2Fruity]

I think <1000 calories a day done on purpose is a red flag for an eating disorder..if a person is ill and needs to eat less for a day or two that's different...also an active person needs more calories than the average person...a tall, muscular person would definitely need more calories than me (I'm petite) and males generally need more calories than females.

That said, I think that's pretty much universal no matter what diet people follow.
If what he said was true, he must be from another planet :D

[fiddler]

Wow, only 300 calories a day? Hard to believe. That's less than 4 bananas a day with nothing else.

Have you heard the rule of 10? Take your ideal weight and multiply by 10. That amount should equal the minimum amount of calories one should consume in a day. If your target weight is 150 pounds, then you would start with a base of 1500 calories per day minimum. Throw in extra calories to account for how physically active you are.

The above is just a general guideline, your mileage may vary. I heard the above rule/guideline from Dr. Neal Barnard, MD on the www.vegsource.com (http://www.vegsource.com) VegSource streaming TV video. I believe Graham states a similar quantity of calories.

Cheers,
Fiddler

[Rawkinlocs]

Maybe that's just what he's eating currently and whenever his body leads him to eat more, he does or will act accordingly.

I just don't feel that one has to live by "rules" of counting this or that or eating this amount or that amount...everyone is different. I also think that the mindset and motive differs in what he's currently doing and someone who has an eating disorder. This guy is probably healthy, has a healthy outlook on life, has fun, gets plenty of fresh air and sunlight and he's thriving. Food is only a small proponet to a healthy lifestyle.

I think sometimes we get a little too caught up into "the way we should..." rather than just doing what is needed to sustain ourselves...eating to live and not living to eat. There are people I know who only eat two meals a day...some only one meal a day and they are thriving.

But again, this may not be his life-long diet...just the way things are for now. If he is really intune with his body, this could be where he is for the moment and again, when it's time, he will eat what he needs. I mean, when people tell us that "Ooohh you are gonna get sick eating this way" we tell them, "But I FEEL wonderful...healthy...vibrant!" and we LOOK healthy to boot. So, from the way the OP described how this guy looks, it seems he is doing okay for himself and whatever he's doing works for him!

[juliebove]

Something just doesn't sound right. Even the people who are on a restrictive calorie diet eat more than 300 calories per day. The body can't survive on such a low amount of calories. And he is taking in no fat. That's just not healthy. Something just isn't right. Most likely the guy isn't telling the truth. I know people who claim they never eat. And yet I see them eat. They might never sit down and eat an actual meal but they are grabbing things on the go, tasting things here and there. Could be this guy is doing the same and just not realizing it.

[DavidZaneMason]

The above posts are great! Especially Rawkinlocs!

-I don't believe your raw foodist is the average raw food menu! LOL. Just ask yourself what YOU think is the highest quality food (does cooking improve nutrient or protein quality?) then make a plan to incorporate more of it.

-David Mason

[startootsie]

I have heard of breatheairans ( I think that is how you spell it), but you have to do a lot of work to get there. Maybe he has worked up to that?

[lissomllama]

I honestly would not take the advice of this raw friend of yours on the things you mentioned. Drinking one's own urine is practiced by many naturalists but a greater number of raw foodists feel that this is unhealthy, me included. Also, the body does not create its own amino acids or omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. I don't know where your friend got that erroneous information. He would be extremely unhealthy with no fat intake and with such a low amount of calories. This is bad news for you if you attempt to eat that way. Your friend may be glowing but that means he's probably eating more in private. I don't know why he'd do that but it takes all kinds. Anyway, you need to get these nutrients from raw foods regardless of what he does. Keep in mind also that women and men are very different (I'm assuming you are a female) and what works for him is likely to not work for you. Nuts and seeds are high in those omega fats and dark leafy greens are high in all 8 amino acids that you need. From these amino acids, your body will create 'protein'. You need to make sure you eat enough to feel satisfied and eat a variety of fruits, veggies, leafy greens, nuts and seeds.

Oh and personally, yes I have seen a huge difference. My skin is clear and smooth and supple, my hair is shiny and soft and my nails and strong and smooth. I don't count calories or nutrients or restrict myself. I eat whatever is raw, vegan and in its whole, unchanged state.

[janicejourney]

I am sure I eat at very least 2000 calories, and I maintain 118-121 at all times. I have been 100% for 2 months minus a couple/few bowls of rice noodle soup. I look better then ever. I just got carded for cigarettes (not for me) and I am 38. I really hope you eat plenty of raw food and don't think you need to restrict your calories. It is a great way to live. Janice

[swingbolder]

Drinking one's own urine is practiced by many naturalists but a greater number of raw foodists feel that this is unhealthy, me included.

I personally could never do it, but David Jubb (raw chef/deli owner, author) swears by it. I've seen the guy, he looks pretty healthy.

[luvnraw]

I think you are right on the money! As someone who has restricted calories (not while on raw), has tracked every morsel entering my mouth, I can tell you that you can restrict to 300 and even less calories per day and exercise over 1200 calories off per day for many, many months without visible effects of poor health except weight loss (at least in my case).....I am not saying this is healthy, it is very UNHEALTHY but in an eating disorder it happens....you do lose energy in time and the damage done inside will catch up with ya :o I think he just is eating that way now, for how long he has or will who knows? Hopefully he is in tune with his body and will make the necessary changes he needs to when his body needs more for health ;)

[Vegan Diva]

I have heard of breatheairans ( I think that is how you spell it), but you have to do a lot of work to get there. Maybe he has worked up to that?

I thought about breatharians as soon as I read what he was eating. Perhaps he follows a similar lifestyle? I don't know enough about it to comment on it. I remember David Wolfe briefly mentions a woman who practices this lifestyle in one of his books.

I never counted calories. The foods I eat as a raw foods vegan are lower in calores and they are nutrionally superior. My nutritional needs are definitely being met. I was mildy surprised when I lost 10 pounds within the first two months. I'm 5' and now weigh 103 pounds. I work out 5-6 days each week. I eat whenever I'm hungry.

What works for one person won't necessarily work for someone else.

[dreamrawalwz]

I think you are right on the money! As someone who has restricted calories (not while on raw), has tracked every morsel entering my mouth, I can tell you that you can restrict to 300 and even less calories per day and exercise over 1200 calories off per day for many, many months without visible effects of poor health except weight loss (at least in my case).....I am not saying this is healthy, it is very UNHEALTHY but in an eating disorder it happens....you do lose energy in time and the damage done inside will catch up with ya :o I think he just is eating that way now, for how long he has or will who knows? Hopefully he is in tune with his body and will make the necessary changes he needs to when his body needs more for health ;)

Ditto, unfortunately. It is possible. It'll take a few months to have serious physical affect besides drastic weight loss (unless your metabolism completely shuts down). Suprisingly I was NOT tired during all of this and I have no idea how I kept it up...

[misslinda]

Maybe that's just what he's eating currently and whenever his body leads him to eat more, he does or will act accordingly.

I just don't feel that one has to live by "rules" of counting this or that or eating this amount or that amount...everyone is different. I also think that the mindset and motive differs in what he's currently doing and someone who has an eating disorder. This guy is probably healthy, has a healthy outlook on life, has fun, gets plenty of fresh air and sunlight and he's thriving. Food is only a small proponet to a healthy lifestyle.

I think sometimes we get a little too caught up into "the way we should..." rather than just doing what is needed to sustain ourselves...eating to live and not living to eat. There are people I know who only eat two meals a day...some only one meal a day and they are thriving.

But again, this may not be his life-long diet...just the way things are for now. If he is really intune with his body, this could be where he is for the moment and again, when it's time, he will eat what he needs. I mean, when people tell us that "Ooohh you are gonna get sick eating this way" we tell them, "But I FEEL wonderful...healthy...vibrant!" and we LOOK healthy to boot. So, from the way the OP described how this guy looks, it seems he is doing okay for himself and whatever he's doing works for him!


This could not have been said more perfectly Rawkie and Friends!!!!!!!!! Let's not get carried away, just b/c someone eats "less" than what the convetional society poes as "healthy" let's not assume all those people have eating disorders............I mean, ED terms are becoming overly used-----it's a serious illness not to be used lightly or liberally.

David Wolfe in an interview I read online, looks foreward to only eating once a day and hopefully progress to the point where he may not hav eto eat much at all..............I don't know the specifics as he kept it general.

I think there is also a misconception that Raw LIfestyle is limited in portions and foods----that is interesting in itself.

[dreamrawalwz]

yea misslinda, that's waht I was kinda trying to get across on my first reply with this. If people here say we don't need x amount of fat, protein, carbs, and don't go by SAD standards, why should the same apply to calories? I think as long as the person looks and feels helathy doing what he/she is doing who's to judge?