Raw Food

Consists of uncooked, unprocessed foods — primarily fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouted grains. Foods not heated above 104-118°F (40-48°C).

In this guide8 sections
  1. 01Goal of the plan
  2. 02Who it is for
  3. 03Example meals and foods
  4. 04Foods to limit or adapt
  5. 05Grocery guidance
  6. 06Hydration guidance
  7. 07Flexibility and sustainability
  8. 08Individual nutrition note
Real chefs preparing food in a professional kitchen
Real chefs preparing food in a professional kitchen. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Visiting_Chef_Edward_Lee_prepares_food_in_the_White_House_Kitchen_with_Executive_Chef_Cristeta_Comerford,_Wednesday,_April_26,_2023,_before_the_official_State_Dinner_for_the_Republic_of_Korea.jpg. Visiting Chef Edward Lee prepares food in the White House Kitchen with Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford, Wednesday, April 26, 2023, before the official State Dinner for the Republic of Korea by The White House, Public domain. Sourced from Wikimedia Commons.

Goal of the plan

Source best-for note: Increased fruit/vegetable intake, detox philosophy.

Who it is for

The source category is Whole Foods, with difficulty marked Hard.

Example meals and foods

The source macro split is 10% protein, 60% carbohydrate, and 30% fat.

Meal timing: Grazing throughout the day or 3 raw meals.

  • Raw fruits
  • Raw vegetables
  • Nuts & seeds
  • Sprouted grains
  • Cold-pressed oils
  • Dehydrated foods
  • Raw nut milks
  • Fermented foods
  • Fresh juices

Foods to limit or adapt

  • Cooked foods
  • Pasteurized products
  • Refined foods
  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol
  • Processed anything

Grocery guidance

Suggested addition

Build a simple list around the foods you already enjoy, then add one or two easy repeatable meals before trying to overhaul everything.

Hydration guidance

Suggested addition

Keep water available through the day and adjust fluids around heat, sweat rate, long runs, and higher-fiber meals.

Flexibility and sustainability

Suggested addition

Very restrictive and difficult to maintain. Risk of nutrient deficiencies (B12, iron, protein). Some foods are more nutritious when cooked. Not recommended long-term without guidance.

Individual nutrition note

Suggested addition

Nutrition advice should be adapted to the individual. Consider medical history, medications, preferences, budget, culture, and support from a qualified clinician or dietitian when needed.