The Kaizen of the Raw Food Diet

Many people are curious about the raw food diet, but they quickly become discouraged because they feel that it is an “all or nothing” proposition. Some of the “gurus” in the raw food movement do a disservice to potential converts by making it sound like you must abandon your customary diet cold turkey (no pun intended).

If you are interested in the benefits of a raw food diet, may I suggest that you disregard the fanatics and food Nazis, and simply test the raw food waters at whatever pace you are comfortable. Perhaps for you it would be instituting a “raw food day” once a week, or even once a month, just to see if you notice any changes in how your feel.

Gradually, if you feel the raw food approach has potential for you, increase the amount of raw food that you consume. If you eat french fries (not recommended) or steak, don’t beat yourself up and give up.

Try to get each day right, whatever “right” means to you at your present level. If you miss your mark today, start again tomorrow, without reproach or disparaging yourself.

Approach the conversion to a raw food diet with the Japanese concept of kaizen, which loosely translates as continuous improvement or gradual improvement. That is all that is required for your success. Just try to improve a little each day, or week, or month.

Success breads success, so establish goals that you can achieve easily at first. Then, build on those successes. As you begin to notice your weight dropping and your energy increasing, you will be inspired to do even more for your own good health.