The term raw food refers to food that is uncooked and unprocessed, typically vegetables, fruits and nuts. This page is a guide on how to eat raw.

For some people, eating raw food is a lifestyle for several reasons, including the belief that it comes with several health benefits and is friendlier to the environment. For others, eating raw food is a temporary diet aimed to result in weight loss, detoxification of the body, increased energy and other health benefits.

People who choose a diet of raw food do so for several reasons. One reason is that they believe it's more environmentally friendly since food is not processed or packaged. Others do it for health reasons and believe it can prevent and treat several diseases and medical conditions and result in increased energy and other health benefits. People who eat raw food should make sure, however, that they get enough nutrients and a balanced diet, since they are restricting their food intake to a few food groups.

Since food cannot be cooked, vegetables, fruits and nuts make up the majority of the diet. Grains and seeds should also be added to a raw diet. Some also eat raw fish, dairy products and meats. People eating a raw diet need to be aware of the importance of getting all the nutrients the body needs. Some of the most common things that people who eat a diet of only raw food lack in their diet are protein and fats. Soy, avocado and nuts are all good sources of both fats and protein. Most people who eat raw food eat mostly or only organic food.

Raw food can be eaten whole or cut into pieces. You can eat one type of food at the time or mix ingredients to prepare a full meal. It should be ideally be eaten as soon as possible after gathering or purchasing it. Many people following a raw food diet still eat some cooked and unprocessed food, but eat mostly raw food. To follow a strict raw food diet you will need to find ways to be creative and innovative. Consult raw food cooking books and recipe sources to get ideas on what to eat. Using a blender can help you to come up with new recipes for raw food. For example, cauliflower can be blended for a result similar to mashed potatoes and coconut milk can replace dairy milk.

To begin a raw food diet, stock up on vegetables, fruits and nuts. Eat only or mainly uncooked and unprocessed food (organic if possible). Make a decision whether you want to eat a vegetarian raw food diet or if you want to include raw fish and meats to it. Consult cooking books or other recipe sources for ideas on how to cook raw food.