I Tried The Raw Vegan Lifestyle for 3 Weeks. What It Taught Me.

Trying new approaches to manage health challenges can feel overwhelming. When symptoms like IBS, insomnia, headaches, and anxiety persist, it’s natural to seek solutions beyond conventional methods. I decided to experiment with a raw vegan diet for three weeks to see if it could make a difference. What I experienced was surprising: many of my symptoms vanished, and I felt a renewed sense of well-being. This post shares my personal journey, observations, and practical insights about how raw vegan eating affected my health.

What Led Me to Try a Raw Vegan Diet

Living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), insomnia, frequent headaches, and anxiety can be exhausting. Over time, I noticed these symptoms were affecting my daily life and energy levels. Conventional treatments helped somewhat, but didn’t fully resolve the issues. I wanted to explore how food might be influencing my health, especially since digestion and mental well-being are closely linked.

Raw veganism involves eating only uncooked plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouts. The idea is that cooking can destroy enzymes and nutrients, potentially affecting digestion and overall health. I was curious to see if this approach could reduce inflammation and improve my symptoms.

Changes I Noticed During the Three Weeks

The first few days were an adjustment. My body reacted to the sudden increase in fiber and raw foods, causing some initial bloating and a mild breakout on my skin. But soon after, positive changes became clear:

• Digestion improved significantly. Bloating and abdominal pain decreased, and bowel movements became more regular and comfortable.

• Sleep became effortless. I fell asleep faster and woke up feeling more rested.

• Anxiety and headaches stopped. These symptoms, which had been frequent, disappeared completely.

• Energy levels increased. I felt more vibrant and alert throughout the day.

• Periods became less painful. The usual cramps and discomfort were noticeably reduced.

• Skin cleared up after the initial breakout. My complexion looked brighter and healthier.

• Heart-related symptoms vanished. Episodes of tachycardia and sensations of a heart murmur stopped occurring.

• Weight loss became easy. I was losing anywhere between 1/2 a pound to 2 lbs a day, mostly through detoxing. I didn't experience constipation anymore, which made it extremely easy for me to lose the weight. My body was finally flushing out toxins.

These improvements made me realize how strongly my body responds to the way food is prepared and consumed. After these three weeks of experience, I decided to try a high-raw diet to see if I could still experience these powerful benefits, and I did!

Challenges and Lessons Learned

While the benefits were clear, the raw vegan diet also presented some challenges:

• Dizziness on low-calorie days. On days when I didn’t meet my calorie or macronutrient needs, I experienced dizziness. This resolved once I ate more intentionally, focusing on balanced meals with enough fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

• Social and practical difficulties. Eating out or attending social events required planning and sometimes felt restrictive.

• Initial skin breakout. This was likely a detox reaction, but it was uncomfortable and required patience. However, it quickly dissolved, and my skin began to glow!

  
  

These experiences taught me the importance of listening to my body and ensuring nutritional balance, even on a restrictive diet.

Returning to Cooked Foods and What Happened

After three weeks, I gradually reintroduced cooked vegan foods, including whole foods like grains and legumes. I didn't notice too many of my symptoms coming back until I introduced more of a vegetarian diet. My symptoms slowly returned:

• Bloating and digestive discomfort increased.

• Insomnia came back.

• Sleep became less restful.

• Anxiety and headaches reappeared, though less intensely than before.

• My heart murmur and tachycardia symptoms became pronounced.

• IBS pains came back.

  
  

Interestingly, on days when I ate raw foods again, I noticed immediate boosts in energy and mood. This pattern reinforced how food preparation affects my well-being.

Practical Tips for Anyone Considering Raw Vegan Eating

If you are curious about trying a raw vegan diet, here are some practical tips based on my experience (please consult a health professional, as I am not a licensed dietician):

• Plan your meals carefully. Ensure you get enough calories and a balanced macronutrient intake to avoid dizziness or fatigue.

• Start gradually. Introduce more raw foods slowly to allow your digestive system to adjust.

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and consider fresh juices or smoothies to support nutrient intake.

• Listen to your body. Pay attention to how you feel and adjust your diet accordingly.

• Expect some detox symptoms. Skin breakouts or mild digestive changes can happen but usually improve with time.

• Combine with other healthy habits. Sleep hygiene, stress management, and gentle exercise complement dietary changes.

• After being raw for a while, request a blood test to ensure it works for you! I thankfully had incredible blood test results.

  
  

What This Experiment Taught Me About Nutrition and Health

This raw vegan experiment is not a recommendation for everyone but a personal journey that highlighted how food choices impact health in profound ways. It showed me that:

• Food preparation matters. Raw foods can provide enzymes and nutrients that support digestion and reduce inflammation.

• Intentional nutrition can simultaneously improve multiple symptoms, including digestive issues, sleep problems, and mental health.

• The body’s response to diet is individual. What works for one person may not work for another, so experimentation and mindfulness are key.

• Returning to previous eating habits can reverse benefits, emphasizing the importance of consistency.

You can incorporate these practices into any healthy lifestyle. Prepare in advance to maintain consistency in your health journey!

Moving Forward with a Balanced Approach

While I may not plan to stay fully raw vegan indefinitely, I now regularly incorporate more raw foods into my diet. I consider myself High Raw rather than fully raw. I still enjoy roasted nuts and seeds, along with roasted vegetable seasonings! I also remain mindful of how different foods and preparation methods affect my body.

If you face similar health challenges, consider exploring how your diet influences your symptoms. Consult healthcare professionals before making major changes, especially if you have underlying conditions. Nutrition is a powerful tool, and with careful attention, it can support your journey toward better health.