Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Having Difficulty with Portion Control? Switch to a Raw Diet and Lose Weight

By Alistair Bedingford

Even though you might know that you are eating too much it can be very difficult to stop and control your intake. It is surprising to discover that people on raw food diets don?t have this problem. Here are some of the reasons why.

Raw Food Takes Longer to Eat

Many people know that it takes around 20 minutes for the body to recognize that it is full. This is why most people who are trying to lose weight are reminded to slow down. Raw food can be very helpful for people who have a difficult time slowing down because it takes longer to eat and chew. This gives you time for your body to communicate that it has had enough.

Raw Food Has a Lower Calorie Ratio

Raw foods have much more fiber and water than cooked foods because the cooking process can break down the fiber and remove the moisture. Hence raw food has a lower calorie ratio than cooked food meaning that you will feel full before you have had the chance to eat too many calories.

Many highly processed foods also have a very low nutrient to calorie ratio. This might result in the body trying to get its required nutrients by needing more food and more food means more unnecessary calories.

Processed Foods Do Not Communicate as Well with Your Body

Processed foods are designed to be laden with the basic flavors that the human body finds irresistible. We are genetically wired to crave fats, sugars and salts. When you consume such food your body is bombarded by these tastes making you want to eat more and overpowering signals that tell you that you are full.

So go raw and stop over eating by slowing down, eating fewer calories and more nutrients and by being able to know when you are full before you are stuffed.

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