Any tips for a person trying to do a raw food diet?

I'm really interested in the health benefits of doing a mostly raw diet ( I read that even 75% raw is still considered a raw diet). Is there any books or sources that were invaluable when you made your dietary changes? Any tips or advice for a newbie? I'd be particularly interested in any kind of websites with a support chat or meal plans, also any books or other sources that are helpful.

The best books to start with are "Raw Food Made Easy" by Jennifer Cornbleet- which has great recipes that do not require special equipment like a high speed juicer, dehydrator, or spiral slicer, and "The Complete Book of Raw Food" by Lori Baird and Julie Rodwell which is full of resources, nutritional info, and basic recipes.

Best advice? Consume fat. Keep a supply of avocados and raw nuts on hand for when you get cravings.

And find a supplier of Lara Bars. You won't believe how good they are!

Find your staples, and make them frequently- for me that includes flax seed tostadas & guacamole, cashew ranch dressing and baby carrots, and frozen bananas for smoothies and ice cream.

Good Websites:
Sunfood Nutrition-
http://eat.rawfood.com/index.php?flag=3&...
Rhio's Raw Energy -
http://www.rawfoodinfo.com/
Living and Raw Foods -
http://www.rawfoodsupport.com/

A good tip is to keep healthy foods stocked up.

Fruits, vegetables and nuts are essential must haves. A raw vegan diet includes raw vegetables and fruits, nuts and nut pastes, grain and legume sprouts, seeds, plant oils, sea vegetables, herbs, and fresh juices.

Why not make your own delicious, health boosting smoothies?

Raw dairy will keep your hair from falling out
Also seaweed

Otherwise in a few months you'll be losing fistfuls of hair in the shower

Avoid alcohol OMG one sip will make you so hungover after all the detox

Carbs (pasta,bread,rice) you'll be sensitive so if you cheat on a raw diet with these foods you'll likely crash (sleep)

Raw vegan food is tasty
food prep takes a while

eat a lot of food

watch your gums, too much fruit will make them recede = painful

You'll need to be able to store the produce if you can't make shopping a part of your daily or biweekly routine. That became a problem for me, and gets in the way of my efforts.

Good luck. I saw a difference in my energy level. I never gave up meat, but cut back a great deal. I think it is worth the effort.

www.RuthannRusso.com

www.rawfoods.com

www.rawfoodrightnow.com

www.rawfoodbook.com/index.html

rawfoodlife.com

The juicer and smoothie route is a great start.

Good luck!

my advice to you is to buy a juicer and a dehydrater, they come in handy.

Organic Food Bar has some raw bars and a protein kind that is 80% raw. They are really good!

http://organicfoodbar.com