Raw Food Diet

Full Name: The Raw Food Diet

Origin: First studied in the 1800's by a biochemist. Recently gaining popularity when embraced by Hollywood actresses like Gwyneth Paltrow

Description: Only unprocessed and uncooked foods can be consumed on this diet

Likes: Raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, seaweed, purified water, grains, freshly squeezed juice

Dislikes: Processed foods or food cooked above 116°F

Looking for: Trendy dieter who wants to follow a popular diet

Works Well With: Uncooked food everywhere

Another weight loss diet that is creating quite a buzz in Hollywood is the Raw Food diet. According to the originators of this diet, by consuming predominately raw and uncooked foods, the body will become more efficient at digesting food. Raw foods provide an ideal mix of digestive enzymes, which help each nutrient become properly absorbed in the body. Heating foods above 116°F is believed to destroy the natural enzymes and positive energy of foods.

The concept of eating raw foods dates back to prehistoric times. A biochemist in the 1800's first studied the link between enzymes in uncooked food and the digestive system. The controversy behind this diet continues, as it has recently resurfaced in book form and is often backed by many Hollywood celebrities.

Only unprocessed and uncooked foods can be consumed on the raw foods diet. It is extremely low-fat and low-calorie, which may be the reason followers of the diet lose weight. But it is also very low in complete sources of protein, and is very limiting nutritionally. Another drawback is that this weight loss diet can be expensive to follow, as it is recommended that dieters eat only organic foods. It is also difficult to follow when cooking for or eating with others, not to mention the limited options in restaurants (unless you favor the fancy overpriced specialty cafés frequented by the stars).