Question about 100% vs 90%

[RighteousYogini]

Hi Everyone!
Im just curiuos about the benefits of being 100% versus, say, 90% RAW. Does anyone have any reference or scientific information on this? Is the idea that with 100% RAW we use absolutely no enzymes to break down food? Or what are your thoughts on this. . . .

[Mrs. Papaya]

Everyone will probably have different opinions on this. I'm still newer to eating mostly raw foods but I personally think 90% is just fine if that feels okay for you. It's a wonderful thing for your body and I don't think that 10% will hurt you. (Of course, it depends on what the 10% is, exactly...if you eat a box of donuts 10% of the time vs. 90% raw, that's not good. :)) But then I'm not striving for perfection and I don't want to put undue pressure on myself. I get the sense that most people here are striving toward 100% raw and as I understand it, we aren't really supposed to talk about eating cooked foods at all. (?)

With that said, I have naturally been eating 100% raw most of the time because that's what feels right for me. There are some days, however, that I might eat cooked foods for various reasons, probably equaling about 10% of the time overall. But I don't feel guilty about it.

[Eva]

I don't know about the "scientific" evidence but can tell you from my own experiential evidence that 90% is a shadow of the ridiculous energy I have with 100%. It just doesn't even come close.

With 90%, the cravings, the less fabulous taste buds, the old habits, all enter the mix.

With 100%, raw just is. And then all the other changes happen to boot.

To anyone doing 90% wondering about 100%, I always recommend to try it for a month. The real-life evidence speaks for itself!

:heart

[green goddess]

I think what the 10% not raw is very important, in looking at 90% vs. 100%. If it is comprised of steamed brussels sprouts (as one of my friends indulges in!) as opposed to, say, a box of donuts that was mentioned earlier, it's a big difference!

I find for myself, if I allow little things to slip by (like the occasional baked potato when I've run out of home-brought food at work!), my raw-ness energy levels are not as constant, and I think leaving that door open a bit (the 10%) makes slipping away from rawness easier.

Of course, circumstances play a lot into it. If I have access to fresh, whole foods 100% of the time, that is what I will eat, and I feel great. If I have access to raw foods, I'm not interested in non-raw foods. And I'd rather have a bowl of mangos than a bowl of steamed brussels sprouts any day!

[RighteousYogini]

Thanks so much for replying everyone! Eva: when you say 100% do you mean with the sprouted nuts etc? so if I let some nuts slip in without sprouting them, wud I then be 98% raw? That's so interesting why such a dramatic shift with going "all the way"..... I wonder why that is... Im waiting for my vitamixer in the mail now and weaning myself off some of the strongest bad habits (coffee now gone thankfully and raw till dinner)..... and then would be happy to try 100%. I just think.....how many smoothies can I drink? Does it ever become unhealthy to eat a bananna smoothie with vega protein? I kud probably live off them, but don't feel like Im losing any weight!

[mcster]

I don't know about the "scientific" evidence but can tell you from my own experiential evidence that 90% is a shadow of the ridiculous energy I have with 100%. It just doesn't even come close.

With 90%, the cravings, the less fabulous taste buds, the old habits, all enter the mix.

With 100%, raw just is. And then all the other changes happen to boot.

To anyone doing 90% wondering about 100%, I always recommend to try it for a month. The real-life evidence speaks for itself!

:heart

This is exactly why I went 100%. You get the raw experience and can always dial it back if it doesn't work for you. Anything else will always be "almost" raw.

[Raw Angel Mom]

If you read Victoria Butenko 12 steps to raw food, she has an interesting finding about being 98% raw versus 100% raw. The amount of nutrient absorption difference between the two is huge. If you absorb more nutrient, you eat less, if you eat less as per many study, you slow down the aging process.

Testimony from me. I wasn't entirely 100%raw, the none raw was steam vegetables, beans and brown rice. I went 100% raw, i first did a live food detox diet with simplyraw.ca, i notice dramatic change. My urinary system seem to have normalize, my mood is also more balance and of course a dramatic gain of energy.

As for enzyme, even if you do 100% raw, unless you pick your food directly from the garden, it is always good to supplement. Of if you eat raw gourmet such dehydrated food. The enzyme are still there but nothing compare with freshly pick food.

I ate microgreen, wheat grass and smoothie every day.

If you have health problem, you may want to consider 100% raw.

[JustaHumanBeing]

I'll try to throw in another angle.

Mentally, I like being 100% a lot more. I am honestly not sure it's physical, because there are so many factors towards well-being physically. I do assume that I feel better physically when I am 100% raw, but even so it's a little complicated as to how you perceive how your body feels, IMO.

I think the power in being 100% comes mentally. Mentally, when you are 90%, well, at least for me, I am fighting myself, convincing myself not to let my non-raw stuff creep up. It's hard for me to manage being partially cooked, because cooked stuff is so easy to order when ur out with friends, etc, and it's addictive to me. When I am all raw, mentally not having to deal with many addictive foods (aside from nuts lol - but I mean, they aren't everywhere like cooked food is and are far less addictive) I feel more so much more balanced, level. So I suppose having a small amount of goods food daily wouldn't hurt my body in the long run (health is complex, 10% won't kill ya!), but it's just so much more enjoyable doing 100%. To me.


edit: lol so I guess my answer is kinda like Eva's :)

I don't stress though...don't stress about 90% vs 100%...as soon as you stress I think you are losing benefits. We are probably all guilty sometimes - I know I am.

[NYC Elerunner]

Quick question - Is there a difference between considering yourself 100% raw and being a "purist"? For example, I am not sure if the sundried tomatoes that I use are actually sun-dried or have been heated above 118 (same with raisins and dates etc.). Also, since "raw" almonds that I buy at the store are not really raw, are these are accepted in a 100% raw diet? I don't want to lose my sanity, however I stay away from these products if that means that I would gain the benefits that Angel Mom refers to when being 100% raw.

[RighteousYogini]

Great question NYC and I wonder the same thing........ I think the energy and motivation behind something is also so important. For example, running a dehydrator for 7 days to have raisins seems not only insane but environmentally irresponsible. But that's just me. No offense intended not at all... but we are a"green" culture aren't we?

[Raw Angel Mom]

Quick question - Is there a difference between considering yourself 100% raw and being a "purist"? For example, I am not sure if the sundried tomatoes that I use are actually sun-dried or have been heated above 118 (same with raisins and dates etc.). Also, since "raw" almonds that I buy at the store are not really raw, are these are accepted in a 100% raw diet? I don't want to lose my sanity, however I stay away from these products if that means that I would gain the benefits that Angel Mom refers to when being 100% raw.

I dehydrate my own tomatoes, not as dry as the one you buy but enough to make my tomato sause. Also the color is a bright red versus that cook looking brown.

There must be a difference because when i did my detox program, it was on live food only and no dehydration. Nut weren't allow toward the end. Anyway, i noticed a huge amount of healing in my body. It was only for 28 days.

I try not to be religious about raw food but i do enjoy to give only 100% pure life food to my body for a short period of time.

[Eva]

Thanks so much for replying everyone! Eva: when you say 100% do you mean with the sprouted nuts etc? so if I let some nuts slip in without sprouting them, wud I then be 98% raw? That's so interesting why such a dramatic shift with going "all the way"..... I wonder why that is... Im waiting for my vitamixer in the mail now and weaning myself off some of the strongest bad habits (coffee now gone thankfully and raw till dinner)..... and then would be happy to try 100%. I just think.....how many smoothies can I drink? Does it ever become unhealthy to eat a bananna smoothie with vega protein? I kud probably live off them, but don't feel like Im losing any weight!

What you're asking about with the nuts is the difference between "raw" and "living". When the raw nuts are not sprouted, they are still technically raw. But sprouting/soaking them is what removes the enzyme inhibitors and converts them to "living" and more vibrant.

I generally only eat soaked nuts, but I do have a touch of unsoaked on occasion too and don't sweat it then.

I know a lot of raw foodies (especially athletes) who use Vega powders even though not all of them are raw. I don't know what to say b/c I've never been drawn to them but have heard generally very positive feedback from friends who use the Vega products. I LOVE Brendan Brazier's book "Thrive".

BTW, CONGRATS for kicking the coffee habit! My detox from coffee was INTENSE, and I'm sooo glad to be "off" of it!


This is exactly why I went 100%. You get the raw experience and can always dial it back if it doesn't work for you. Anything else will always be "almost" raw.

True that!


I'll try to throw in another angle.

Mentally, I like being 100% a lot more. I am honestly not sure it's physical, because there are so many factors towards well-being physically. I do assume that I feel better physically when I am 100% raw, but even so it's a little complicated as to how you perceive how your body feels, IMO.

I think the power in being 100% comes mentally. Mentally, when you are 90%, well, at least for me, I am fighting myself, convincing myself not to let my non-raw stuff creep up. It's hard for me to manage being partially cooked, because cooked stuff is so easy to order when ur out with friends, etc, and it's addictive to me. When I am all raw, mentally not having to deal with many addictive foods (aside from nuts lol - but I mean, they aren't everywhere like cooked food is and are far less addictive) I feel more so much more balanced, level. So I suppose having a small amount of goods food daily wouldn't hurt my body in the long run (health is complex, 10% won't kill ya!), but it's just so much more enjoyable doing 100%. To me.

edit: lol so I guess my answer is kinda like Eva's :)

I don't stress though...don't stress about 90% vs 100%...as soon as you stress I think you are losing benefits. We are probably all guilty sometimes - I know I am.

lol! True, but you gave the details so much justice! It's interesting how we can have such similar experiences b/c the truth is that kicking the cooked makes such a difference!

[RighteousYogini]

These answers have clarified a lot for me. I dont need to get caught up in defining myself one way or the other.... another glorified outfit for the ego to wear, if you will.... but this has definitely given me some clarity. Particularly in terms of it being easier to just be 100%....all this talk of food........Im hungry!!!
ttyl!

Oh yah, as an aside, Eva.... coffee!!! HELL!! I think half my detox and definitely the sinus migraine can be attributed to THAT! You know something aint good for you when your body revolts to that extent in withdrawl, eh? Well I made it through to the other side.... gluten-free, totally vegan, dairy-free, sugar-free caffeine free.... and today.......feel this INSANE clarity and energy. I swear it's like I can even see better, physically. and I'm not even 100% yet. I've tried this full-on many times and failed and put myself through misery, so this time...it seems my new approach is working!! Also, i ordered mat monarch's book Raw Spirit because Im really interested in the spiritual aspect that some raw foodists talk about. As a yogi..... that's huge to me, and I know that food full of life (prana) enable us to function at much higher frequencies... scientific studies are supporting this as well, which I love!!!
shanti, shanti, shanti!

[rawererin]

I think what the 10% not raw is very important, in looking at 90% vs. 100%. If it is comprised of steamed brussels sprouts (as one of my friends indulges in!) as opposed to, say, a box of donuts that was mentioned earlier, it's a big difference!

I find for myself, if I allow little things to slip by (like the occasional baked potato when I've run out of home-brought food at work!), my raw-ness energy levels are not as constant, and I think leaving that door open a bit (the 10%) makes slipping away from rawness easier.

Of course, circumstances play a lot into it. If I have access to fresh, whole foods 100% of the time, that is what I will eat, and I feel great. If I have access to raw foods, I'm not interested in non-raw foods. And I'd rather have a bowl of mangos than a bowl of steamed brussels sprouts any day!

I totally agree with the importance of what your 10% is made of, if you still feel the need for warmed food, keep your intake limited to vegetarian/vegan options and whole, clean foods.
I wouldn't juice all morning, eat fruit until dinner, have a filling raw salad or entree for dinner and then clock my 10% in with a hunk of Arnie's chocolate cake...