Obesity and its consequent health problems may be self-induced but like drinking and smoking, it is due to an addiction and consequently the associated habits are very difficult to break. A raw food diet works as if by magic to nourish the body so that it is able to function more effectively and two of the consequences of this are dramatic weight loss and a restructuring of appetite.

A move to raw food is not just about eating the same food in an uncooked state. It is a change, to different types of food, to healthier ratios of nutrients, to organic food, to foods with a higher vitamin and mineral content.  A move to a raw food diet (transitioning) needs to be a gradual process. This is because, when the toxic input into our bodies is reduced, the liver and lymph are able to release some of the poisons they have been storing to protect the vital organs. As these toxins are broken down (detoxing) there can be side effects of tiredness and headaches. Also our bodies need time to adapt to this way of eating.

By eating food in its raw natural state a raw food diet offers nutrition as nature intended and in the very best possible form for our bodies to digest and assimilate. In natural foods, nutrients come in appropriate combinations that promote the best synergistic packages. The essential nutrients that we need to find from outside our bodies work optimally in appropriate combinations.  Vitamins, minerals, trace elements, EFAs, bioflavonoids, antioxidants and other subtle nutrients need each other for their protection, absorption and action once in the body. The best way of ensuring optimal synergy of these essential nutrients is to eat foods raw so that they stay in the natural arrangements offered to us by nature.

. In order to lose one pound we would need to eat 3500 calories less.

. The fatter we are the slower our metabolism. People over 18 stone (260lbs) can maintain this weight on as little as 1000 calories a day.

. The less we eat the slower our metabolism.

. If we starve ourselves the body gets the message that there is a food shortage and therefore uses less energy and sets down food stores in the form of body fat.

. Eventually our bodies crave nutrients and comfort from eating resulting in bingeing and even greater weight gain because of reduced metabolism and the body's self-preservation response mentioned above.

. Low calorie diets are boring and restrictive. Many people overeat for comfort. Low calorie diets deny comfort.