If nutrionally deficit before raw

[my_sunshine]

Is jumping in at 100% a good idea? Or would it be better to build up your mineral and nutrional deficits before raw. I'm just thinking in terms of detox. If you are deprived of nutrients, obviously raw would be great- but would the detox on your system be too much at once?

[DavidZaneMason]

My opinion is that if you have a compromised digestive system (or even if you don't) you should compromise. What I mean is: Analyze what level of raw food you eat NOW and are very comfortable with right NOW. Set a generous timetable to increase this 1-2% per week...until you reach your goal. If you find this is going TOO easy...you can always speed up. You'll feel like a wonderful success! (which you will be). But expecting to make a HUGE life change.......and then failing at it.....to me seems unnecessary.

-Just my thoughts / opinions.

-David Mason

[raw-siobhan]

A few months ago I decided to go raw 100% and after the second day I was terribly miserable with aches and pains and headaches, etcetera. Since then I have decided to work at it and not expect 100% right away. I have, however, found that my cooked food addictions - specifically fast food - have gotten the better of me. Now, after having introduced a heck of a lot of organic fruits and veggies into my diet, going 100% raw isnt having nearly the same detox effect that it had on me before. Thats just my experience.

[Frecs]

Eating a 100% raw vegan diet should improve your nutritional levels, not decrease them! Don't confuse detox symptoms with the symptoms of a nutritional deficency because they are not the same thing. Detox is when your body begins to remove toxins from your body -- and in doing so you will have detox symptoms. Fruits and veggies are jam packed with nutrients including minerals PLUS they have the enzymes to help your body digest and utilize them.

My doctor has done blood work on me every 3-4 months since I started on a 100% low-fat raw vegan diet last December. The only measurement that has continually been lower than he'd like it to be (though still within "normal" range) is blood protein. I have no nutritional deficiencies and my cholesterol has gone from 242 to 133.

If you have a compromised system, I can't think of a better way to bring healing than through a raw vegan diet. It is easier on your body than SAD and it gives your body a rest and precious time to heal.

[AvoMama]

I just wanted to add that I took 6 months to transition to 100%. I set a specific deadline for myself and worked on increasing my raw intake and learning how to be raw (recipes, food prep, etc). That was there was little pressure to know it all right now. I was 100% before the date I set and hadn't really noticed it. I consider that time "practice" and my raw-versary is that date I set lol

Good Luck!

Beth