The fruitarian ‘experience’ is often described as a euphoric, even spiritual feeling that enhances clear thinking and peaceful, loving feelings. If this sounds a little extreme, consider that thousands of people adopt a fruitarian diet as a fast to cleanse the body of toxins, and even break out of various addictions. While most extreme diets are difficult to continue for an extended period of time, there are still plenty of benefits of adopting a healthier nutrition plan.
Fruitarianism is a diet that is made of predominantly raw fruit, with the remaining foods made of raw vegan foods. This means no dairy, no processed foods, and definitely no sugar. Fruit in its purest form, preferably organic, is at the top of the menu. The concept of fruitarianism is idealistic in theory, and is rarely practiced for longer than a few weeks. Still, long-term success stories still abound, and many adherents have adopted the ‘diet’ into their lifestyles. Amy Bass describes some of the key Benefits of the Fruitarian Diet , and it’s clear that the dramatic increases in natural energy are part of the appeal.
Still, many argue that this clear-headed state of mind is often the same as an anorexic’s; food deprivation can give people that ‘spiritual’ feeling by sharpening the senses and increasing mental clarity. However, the side effect can be severe weight loss, poor stamina, and adopting obsessive behavior and food rituals. Since fruitarians are literally eating raw sugar on a daily basis, they may also experience similar sugar highs and lows as the average candy addict. Exercise and physical activity may also be compromised, and zinc deficiency are very common.
Still interested? Perhaps a near fruitarian diet would suit you better. Here’s how to get started on a fruitarian diet:
1. Plan on eating just one type of fruit at a time. You’ll want to eat until satisfaction, and surprisingly enough, it’s hard to eat more than 3-4 pieces of the same type of fruit in one sitting. Avoid overconsumption when you first start, which will easily lead to indigestion and sugar overload. The best fruit to start with are citrus-based fruits, or bananas. This mono-diet is supposed to improve digestion and enhance the taste of each type of food in the process.
2. Always search for organic fruit, and avoid ‘hybridized fruit’ that may have been tampered with. This includes seedless fruits that have been cultivated in non-natural ways.
3. Space your food consumption 3-5 hours apart. This means you’ll be eating just one type of fruit at any given time, and letting it digest completely before eating the next. An immediate side effect of improved digestion is increased energy.
4. Brush your teeth after citrus fruits. Since the acid content is relatively high, especially when you’re eating citrus fruit in bulk, be sure to make use of a rinse or simply brush your teeth after consumption.
5. Supplement the diet with liquid dietary supplements. Raw food vegans usually don’t get enough B12 and iodine in their diets. If you find yourself feeling weak, you’re probably low on the B-vitamans. Liquid multivitamins (organic) are great ways to balance out the change. Try Eniva Vibe for a little boost each day.
If you’re looking for a simple way to do a complete diet overhaul, a fruitarian diet may be just what you need to get started on an ultimate detox. Sites such as Fruitarian.com also outline key reasons to join the movement.A near fruitarian diet uses the same principles of a strict plan, but allows you to eat cooked (organic) foods as one or two of the main meals. The idea is to achieve complete digestion so that you have plenty of natural energy to spare.
