Susan Schenck, LAc, MTOM, and Victoria Bidwell, PhD, EdD have written what could be called the raw food bible. The forwards to the Live Food Factor are written by Dr V Vetrano and Victoria Boutenko.
Obviously, a lot of talent has gone into the nurture and production of this book. The quality and talent of the authors are evident in the pages of this well-researched and tastefully written book.
At 620 pages, this book might seem like a voluminous read. However, this is exactly what distinguishes this raw food diet book from hundreds of others. The book contains more than 70 scientific studies (which are presented alphabetically) to show the benefits of raw food versus cooked food.
In addition to this, the authors have also taken inputs from experts like Dr Vetrano and Dr Tosca Haag to enumerate the benefits of the raw diet.
The principle behind the book is simple. Eat everything raw. Within this recommendation lie the fundamentals of healthy eating because when the authors ask you to eat everything raw, they are obviously recommending a plant based diet. Raw foods have a number of benefits. They are nutritionally richer. Cooking depletes food of a good percentage of nutrients. In addition, raw foods are also rich in fiber. By taking in these foods, you can stay fuller for longer periods of time and enjoy the natural health benefits of good food, like regular elimination, better skin, glossy hair, fresh breath and a healthy body.
A good part of the Live Food Factor is dedicated to explaining the why and wherefores of a raw food diet. A number of personal testimonials and examples show how a raw food diet could hold the key to eliminating many of the modern diseases that we suffer from.
The book also contains a number of sample menus that make it possible for you to follow a raw food diet. A section of the book is dedicated to how we can stick to the raw diet. Valuable information is provided on how to bring children up on a raw diet. The book even delves into the common myths and pitfalls of a raw diet.
The Live Food Factor Review
This book is not so much about diet or weight loss as it is about adopting a lifestyle that is healthy. The information is vast and anyone who is interested in a raw food diet can find what they are looking for in this book from what to eat, why to eat and how to eat for the best benefits. Thus, it won’t be wrong to say that this book is a complete guide to a raw diet. The authors have also painstakingly provided data, testimonials and a number of studies to show that the best diet for humans is a raw diet.
Pros:
- Advocates healthy foods
- Suggested foods curb hunger
- No calorie counting
- No food restriction
- Advocates eliminating processed foods and doing away with unhealthy cooking practices
- Sample menus are available
- Scientific studies, research and data are provided
Cons:
- Plant based diet may not be suited to non-vegetarians
- Requires a complete change in food habits
- May be difficult to follow
In Conclusion
By limiting your diet to raw foods, it is but natural that you would lose weight naturally and easily. However, the difficulty is in implementing such a diet when you are surrounded by foods that are dripping with oil, carbs, sugars and spices.
But, if one were to look at this book as a starting point to a healthier way of living and implement those strategies that are doable, then, one is assured of losing weight and enjoying the benefits of good health. Healthy living, not weight loss, is the objective of the book.
Readers may also be interested in the Eating For Energy program
