October Raw Food Experiment

At Banana Island I made a promise to myself and to the group that I would eat 80/10/10 for all of October. 80% of my calories coming from simple carbohydrates, 10% of my calories coming from protein and 10% of my calories coming from fats. This is more simple than it sounds. Basically I ate a huge smoothie for breakfast, fruit for lunch, and greens for dinner and more fruit if I was still hungry.

All of October (with the exception of one day and 3 carrots dipped in hummus) I ate a low fat raw vegan diet. Every meal was intentional. If I was eating with people who were eating differently than I was eating, it was a real struggle. There were several benefits to this way of eating: my digestion was awesome. My stomach and bowels were mostly empty therefore I could feel what good digestion feels like. I never had gas. Food digested fairly quickly. I felt lighter. Also, you have to eat a lot of food to get 1500-2000 calories of raw low-fat food. Low-fat meaning that I wasn't pouring oils, avocados  and nuts on everything. Shopping is a breeze! You simply walk into the produce section and you're done!

Starting November 1st I introduced cooked foods back into my diet. My digestion has been very sluggish and I broke out with a big zit on my cheek. Also, I haven't slept well and I have been very thirsty. Needless to say, I think I am going to stay on 80/10/10 the majority of the time. I will eat a few cooked meals a month.

This is a very controversial way to eat. People get harassed about it because you aren't eating any grains, beans, or animal products. On top of that, there is only a limited allowance of raw nuts, seeds, and oils. It is truly a unique way to eat, but it feels phenomenal. Oh, I forgot to mention this, but there were 2 or more Olympians that were at Banana Island the week before I was there (one was a gold medalist for sprinting). Most people who eat this way are VERY athletic. I am not, but I am interested in being more healthy. Watch this awesome video. Note that the man who runs these retreats and is doing all the pull-ups is 60 years old and around 38 seconds is my crush lifting an enormous rock :)