Blogs & Recipes

What’s the deal with raw vegan?

Share

Raw vegan diets receive perhaps equal vilification and praise, with some people claiming them to be the magic pill to cure any ailment, and others telling you they’re downright dangerous- so what’s the truth?

What is a raw vegan diet?

A raw vegan diet is generally classified as one in which at least 75% of food consumed is uncooked and typically minimally processed. The foods are of course vegan, which excludes animal products including meat, eggs and dairy products, though some people following a raw vegan diet include bee products such as honey or bee pollen.

A raw vegan diet aims to preserve “life” in the food, by not destroying the enzymes contained within the food itself, and not changing the molecular structure of the food from how it was grown in nature.

Is a raw vegan diet nutritionally complete?

Just like cooked vegan diets (or vegetarian, or omnivorous diets for that matter) there is no one type of raw vegan diet that we can deem as nutritionally complete or incomplete, and what one “raw vegan” eats can look entirely different to another. Foods that can be included on a raw vegan diet are fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, seaweeds, certain soaked and sprouted legumes and whole grains; these same food groups are deemed by plant-based dietitians to comprise a balanced whole food plant-based diet. This same diet when supplemented with B12, and (IMO) optimised with Ahiflower oil, can readily provide all the macro and micronutrients we require for optimum health, along with abundant amounts of fibre and antioxidants- healthful features lacking from processed/animal-heavy diets. Often the most restrictive (and most nutritionally inadequate) raw vegan diets are the ones that gain the most attention both from critics and followers.

Is a raw vegan diet dangerous?

A raw vegan diet certainly could be dangerous! If you were to consume insufficient food groups in insufficient quantities for long enough, you could run into serious problems. Likewise if you are not mindful of keeping on top of your B12 levels (through regular monitoring in blood tests, and supplementation where required), you could face some serious consequences. However, were you to eat an unbalanced diet of any category, sooner or later you are likely to run into trouble, whether in the short term, or with the development of long term chronic disease.

The raw vegan community often advocates for extended fasting protocols- some of which if not suitably monitored by a healthcare professional can indeed be dangerous. “Dry fasting” where one does not consume liquids (including water) or solid food can be life-threatening, and the advocacy of this online appears to me very irresponsible.

It is perfectly possible to lead a raw vegan lifestyle in a sensible and balanced way, just as it is acknowledged by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that  appropriately planned vegetarian, including vegan, diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. These diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, older adulthood, and for athletes.”

Can you eat warm food?

Believe it or not, you don’t HAVE to eat cold food on a raw vegan diet. Food can be warmed up to 38-48 degrees Celsius (opinions differ!) and remain raw. Tools such as a dehydrator, porringer, Thermomix or commercial Dynapro blender can aid with this. Whilst a raw vegan diet can easily feel delightful in the tropics, this flexibility goes a long way to making it doable in colder parts of the world.

Where do people go wrong with a raw vegan diet?

There are SO many ways in which people get a raw vegan diet wrong, in the same way that there are multiple ways people become unwell on any form of diet. However, a raw vegan diet is more easy to “get wrong” because it is the furthest away from the style of eating most of us have been raised on. One of the most common mistakes is not consuming sufficient quantities of the right foods to get enough calories; the calorie density of whole plant foods is drastically lower than processed or animal foods. Simply put, eating the right amount and the right type of foods is imperative to sustaining this diet in the long run, and simply takes a bit of education and effort to get right.

Ignoring the importance of B12, or partaking too frequently in cleansing practices (such as enemas, colonics, fasting) etc. can lead to significant deterioration of health. These factors are all readily avoidable, but unfortunately the rise of irresponsible voices on social media can encourage people to partake in these practices far more frequently than is advised, or in a way that is not safe.

What are the benefits?

There are innumerable potential benefits from a raw vegan lifestyle, many of which are so evident in the “glow” of those following this way of eating, that it is understandable why there is so much interest online about this way of eating, and why so many dive in head-first without getting sufficient support or education to maximise the chances of success. If designed properly, a raw vegan dietary pattern is likely to be extremely high in fibre, water and antioxidants, and to be sufficient in calories, macronutrients and micronutrients. It reduces exposure to any potentially harmful compounds created in the cooking process and makes it nearly impossible to eat processed and unhealthful food. If the diet is planned properly, the food is deeply hydrating, energising and nourishing. The evidently glowing health of long-term raw vegans, and the many personal stories of health transformation make this an appealing lifestyle to many people. As a vegan of over eight years who previously ate a cooked whole-food plant-based diet, and then switched over to a raw whole-food plant-based diet, I can attest that I have experienced numerous additional personal health benefits from the change.

How can I learn to do this properly?

Seeking advice and support from a healthcare professional who is qualified to give nutritional advice (i.e. a nutritionist, naturopath or dietitian with the corresponding qualifications) who is experienced in a raw vegan diet, is the safest way to achieve the positive health results you’re looking for from this way of eating. Unfortunately the internet is rife with people who are unqualified to give the advice they are giving, and in my mind it is these same people who give a plant-based diet, or a raw vegan diet a bad name.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

For a happier, healthier you, and a happier, healthier planet.
Samala Austin
Samala Austin
14:00 29 Nov 22
Camilla has been helping me with my health. She is thorough, and has a broad understanding of what the body needs and issues we may have and not know about.She’s been super helpful in suggesting supplements for me to take, which has been great, as it can be so confusing in knowing what to buy and what I actually need. She helped get a proper blood test and was able to give me a thorough reading of it.She’s very caring and Thoughtful.She goes above and beyond. I highly recommend working with Camilla. ❤️💫
Chantelle Johnson
Chantelle Johnson
03:31 25 May 22
Amazing. I've worked with a few naturopaths and I've found naturopathy so very helpful on my health journey but Camilla is next level! Such a supportive, kind and knowledgeable resource.
L Bratty
L Bratty
09:14 30 Nov 21
I cannot thank Camilla enough for her support and guidance helping me discover my health issues and setting me on the path to getting my health back on track. I am so thankful I sought her advice, as I have seen drastic changes within a fortnight. I am looking forward to continuing my health journey with Camilla and would highly recommend for those seeking to improve their health in a natural way.
Emma Fabricius
Emma Fabricius
22:56 11 Sep 21
I cant ´t describe how grateful I am to have got in contact with Camilla! She really has an amazing knowledge about the body and how it all works together on a different level than anyone I´ve ever worked with. I came to her to get help with my headaches, migraines and fatigue after years and multiple visits/treatments with different doctors, experts etc. without any luck. Instead of just recommending me a "quick-fix", she worked with me to find the underlying issues.I've been working with her for a couple of months now and she never fails to give me the highest quality treatment in all aspects. She is also super quick to respond to any question or concern I might have, which I really appreciate.She is also one of the kindest, sweetest and most understandable people you will ever meet. It is so comforting and calming to finally have found a person who truly cares about your health as she does (AND is vegan!!). I can´t recommend her enough!! Thank you Camilla :)
Punam Mann
Punam Mann
02:02 06 Sep 21
Camilla has been absolutely amazing and I highly recommend her. She understands and respects my vegan dietary choices which I have struggled with other doctors and naturopaths. She patiently listens and created a thorough treatment plan for me. I have been on the treatment plan for a few weeks now and my symptoms have greatly reduced and I’m already feeling much better. I’m highly impressed by her prompt response to my emails. She is very knowledgeable and helpful and has made my healing journey extremely comfortable.Thank you Camilla
Fabiana Loddo
Fabiana Loddo
23:10 20 Jul 21
In the past, what I found difficult with doctors was the fact that they did not listen to me; they literally finished the sentences on my behalf all the time, rushing a diagnosis!Camilla is such a great listener, she really took all the possible information from me, she studied my case meticolously and came up with a cure which makes a lot of sense...and she explained it to me! Some other practitioners just prescribe lots of things and do not even explain what is cointained in those supplements/herbs and what they are specifically for.I highly recommend Camilla to all the ones who want a "same-level" relationship which their practitioner and not a "yes, I trust you, you are the expert" kind of relationship.Thank you Camilla!
Julien Fouquet
Julien Fouquet
11:31 19 Jul 21
I'm so glad I went to see Camilla, being vegan it's nice to find a naturopath who shares the same values.She asked me a lot of questions during the initial consult, I felt that she was genuinely trying to help. After a few weeks and some tests done, she made a very detailed treatment plan which was very thorough and well explained.After only a few weeks following the treatment plan, the symptoms greatly improved as my gut health got better.I'd highly recommend Camilla as she has great knowledge combined with a caring and effective holistic approach.
Charlene G
Charlene G
02:35 18 Jul 21
I truly wish I found Camilla earlier and I HIGHLY recommend her to anyone looking for a naturopath! I've been seeing her for a few months now and I'm constantly impressed at how thorough, knowledgeable and passionate she is. I've had gut and hormonal issues for as long as I can remember, and from the get-go, I felt Camilla was truly invested in finding the underlying causes and helping me resolve them. She is also the warmest, kindest person - an absolute joy to work with.I've already seen such vast improvements in my health, and for the first time in my life, I'm confident that my issues can well and truly be resolved. I also really appreciate working with a fellow vegan who not only understands my values, but is equally passionate about them too.Thank you so much, Camilla! I cannot recommend her enough!
Libby Penney
Libby Penney
07:09 05 Jul 21
I am so grateful I have found Camilla. We hit it off straight away and she understands me. Her knowledge is second to none. She goes above and beyond and has helped me so much, so quickly. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without her. Thank you Camilla.
Matt Gussin
Matt Gussin
16:41 22 May 21
I've had a pretty horrid time with gut and fatigue problems for over two years and in this time, I have seen countless doctors, naturopaths, gastroenterologists, Chinese medicine practitioners and so on...Some of which told me to stop my vegan diet, so this was when I searched for a vegan Naturopath and found Camilla.Camilla has been nothing but outstanding since our first contact. She is the first person in my health journey who I feel is genuinely invested in my health and has worked tirelessly to help and provide answers. She is always quick to reply to my lengthy emails and although currently at the early stages of my treatment, every piece of advice and treatment given has been based off facts and logical reasoning.I really recommend Camilla. I have felt very comfortable with her from day one and you will get someone who is knowledgeable, passionate but most importantly, will do her utmost to help you through any problem.
Sophie Smith
Sophie Smith
02:36 22 May 21
I would without a doubt recommend Camilla to anyone looking for a naturopath. She is so warm, caring, knowledgable and helpful. I sought Camilla’s help to work on my severe PMS, heavy and painful periods and PTSD and mental health. From the moment I saw her she went above and beyond and is always there to help whenever I have any questions or concerns. I have just started my treatment plan and feel confident that I will see an improvement with my concerns.Thank you so much Camila x
Laura Harper
Laura Harper
02:59 07 Apr 21
I have been working with Camilla for a couple of months now with the aim of treating and managing hair loss, stress, and anxiety. Camilla's process is incredibly thorough and informative and it has been amazing to not only feel better, but learn SO much in the process. My treatment plan has been very manageable, and Camilla has always made sure I understand why we are doing things rather than just telling me. This ​has really helped me to feel more in control and kept me committed to the lifestyle changes. Prior to working with Camilla, I felt a pretty overwhelmed with information, none of which I could be certain was true or even relevant to my symptoms whereas Camilla's process is so personal, and completely tailored to the individual.Camilla has been so kind, and understanding and has made the whole experience as comfortable and easy as possible. I have been shocked by how quickly I began to feel positive changes, and cant wait to see them continue!
Millie Guest
Millie Guest
02:45 04 Mar 21
Camilla is an incredible naturopath. I was recommended by a friend. I was struggling with my energy levels and needed help to figure out why. The consults were thorough and in-depth and camilla made me feel super comfortable the whole way through.I had bloods done which confirmed i was low on iron as she had predicted. She wrote me an amazing in depth treatment plan, which included when and how to take my supplements with loads of tips & tricks on how to get the most out of them and include more into my diet. She also gave me loads of great recipes to cook to help with my iron intake.It has been over a month into treatment and i feel super energetic and full of life again. It was exactly what i needed to help get back to myself.I couldn’t recommend her enough. If you’re struggling with anything her in-depth knowledge in her field will help you.Thankyou camilla.
Sophie Farrelly
Sophie Farrelly
03:42 29 Dec 20
Camilla is very knowledgeable, helpful and has a wonderful nature. She’s caring and goes above and beyond to help. I can’t recommend her enough. Thank you!
J D
J D
02:07 06 Nov 20
Highly recommend. Camilla is a delight, very passionate and committed to getting clients back to their best!
Vivian Ruth
Vivian Ruth
09:03 28 Oct 20
I’m so grateful for the treatment that I received from Camilla. My results improved within a month!! She is very attentive, knowledgeable and caring. I highly recommend her for everyone!!
Chloe Compton
Chloe Compton
10:20 24 Sep 20
I had several online consultations with Camilla. She was a pleasure to work with and very knowledgeable. Her treatment plan has really helped me and improved my skin condition. Highly recommend.
Lilla Magyari
Lilla Magyari
11:16 01 Sep 20
Camilla is an amazing Naturopath! Her knowledge and enthusiasm is absolutely fantastic! She helped me a lot in the past and still does whenever I need. You can count on her 100%. I only can recommend her!!! 💚 🌱 💚🌱💚🌱💚🌱💚
More reviews
js_loader