Monday, November 5, 2012

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 :)


3 comments:

Becky Foster said...

Stace, I think you're so cool. I love that you did this retreat, and are seeing benefits from this change. I'm anxious to chat to you and hear more. I'll try to call next week sometime. Love you lots, and happy banana eating!! :)

Heather said...

Stacie, I'm glad you've found a program that you love, that you're feeling better and that you're getting the results you hoped for. Sounds like it was a cool experience for you!

Sam and Riley said...

I did this also and felt amazing. When I went off a little I totally felt a huge difference, with digestion, energy, sleep, ect.
I am glad you did it too.
We should exchange recipes sometime, I need more!
Oh and Yes Riley and I got a lot of crap for eating this way!