24-hour carrot gold!

10:20am Monday 23rd April 2007

REAL deal or just a fad? In part two of our guide, Tracey Scott continues her quest to find the ultimate detox.

The Raw Deal

I'LL try to keep this write-up as raw as possible to save you from the pain, and me from reigniting bad memories.

First things first, the timeline. The length of this diet is the raw foodist's prerogative. It is up to you whether you diet for one day, or one week.

For this to be a success you must eat uncooked, whole-plant-based foods like seeds, beans, grains and dried fruits. Which, for the first morning, I did.

I started my first day full of beans - or should that have been lentils, or maybe seeds? I had stocked up on fresh fruits, vegetables, all things nutty, and unpasturised dairy.

With the cupboards full, unlike myself, I was ready to go raw. I prepared a carrot juice for breakfast accompanied by a glass of Britta's purified finest - tap water is a big no-no.

Lunchtime. After six packets of raisins, my tummy wasn't satisfied.

Subconsciously, knowing this would be the case, I had already left a cup full of lentils soaking by the sink that I had sprayed every hour to avoid lentil dehydration. They were still dry as a bone.

So with cold carrot juice, bone dry lentils and my blender too large for my handbag, I threw in the towel and headed straight for the vending machine.

Perks: Of course the perks to sticking to this diet are many. Apparently, had I stuck it out, I would have felt like Mr Motivator after 20 shots of espresso. Also, my weight would have normalised, consequently reducing my body fat and risk of heart disease. Oh well.

Last minute advice: According to fitness expert Lucy Brown: "I wouldn't suggest a total raw food way of eating. Besides being pretty limited in foods, it's not a practical diet to follow in this day and age. People must also be aware that certain nutritional deficiencies can occur on a raw food diet, such as calcium, iron and B12. Reducing calores will aid the ever sought after weight loss, but lowering protein means damaged tissue cells and muscles won't so easily be repaired."

The Holistic Health System

AYURVEDA - which means "life" or "life principle" - is now a recognised medical system of health care like any other medical system. And although confusing when first starting out, this ancient Indian therapy is easier to digest than it first seems.

Ayurveda integrates the mind, body and soul, helping to sustain the body over time - preventing the inner-body from decaying. It's about comparing what you were, to what you are now, and about tailoring your diet with your DNA.

The first step for any person on this holistic highway to health is to take our online test to establish your "doshic" type. After answering the 26 dual-box questions about your stools, sex drive and menstruation - among other things - your dosha will be unveiled. The three doshas are Vatta (V), Pitta (P) and Kapha (K) and each have their own dos and don'ts.

My doshic type is Kapha, which related to my current physical, mental and social state enormously. As for the spiritual link - no comprendo. I struggled to see the spiritual connection between reducing my salty foods and banana intake, with my inner ambience? I did, however, clearly link the dietary requirements with my current food regime.

Admittedly I do consume too much salt and drink far too many Lattes with cow's milk - K-types are recommended to consume goat milk - and I'm guilty of going crazy down the cereal aisle - if you are a Kapha then laying off the wheat is an order. All those who fall under the letter K are advised to favour brown rice rather than white, increase intake of bitter-tasting foods to combat fluid retention, and follow a mainly plant-based diet. Which I did, and still am doing. The simplicity of the dietary changes required by this detoxing fad make implementation easy. Foods were not banned, but only limited. Each food group was allowed but in moderation. And there was no mention of alcohol - happy days. As for the physical changes to my body, I can't say there are any. My insides however, may well be singing a different tune.

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