I can't think of how many food related challenges I've put myself through over the years.  I've tried everything from giving up sugar for a few weeks, to removing caffeine from my diet completely, and even crazy detox potions that were less then favorable.  Generally speaking, there is no reason for it.  I eat extremely healthy on a regular basis, love to cook, never eat fast food, and I'm active and in decent shape.  I JUST LOVE THE CHALLENGE!!

This is the first time I've tried the raw food diet.  After a long vacation, my co-worker, office mate, and great pal Kay came up with the idea of a 3 day raw food detox.  I can't blame her at all.  I don't remember the last vacation I went on that didn't involve a bit of food remorse and detox afterwards.  So we would do this together, after all we do spend at least 40 hours a week sitting next to each other, quoting Harvard Sailing Team, and listening to dub music ... might as well share lunch.  And if you're gonna put yourself through some torture, it's best to have an accountability partner, amirite?

So what are the benefits of this? Raw foodies talk about the enzymes naturally present in food.  These enzymes are suppose to be the life force of food, helping you digest food and absorb nutrients.  When we cook food, we break them down, forcing our bodies to work harder to produce more enzymes.  Over time, the lack of enzymes in our food is thought to lead to digestive problems, aging, nutrient deficiency, AND, dun, dun, dun, weight gain.  Essentially what I'm saying is, blaw, blaw, blaw...

This is our account of the raw food journey complete with two amazing recipes that I'll definitely make again, how we felt, the headaches, and all the random acts of aggression...

In food processor, blend all ingredients except Nori.  Spread mixture on Nori.  Top with veggies - carrots strips, tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, etc... (whatever your heart desires). Roll Nori into long tubes and slice into pieces.  Top with sesame seeds.
"RAW" QUOTES ON DAY 2:

Kay:  As she falls off her chair trying to fix her headphones, "I'm going star craving mad over here!"  

Katelyn: "Whatever Bi#ch! ...I'm sorry, I don't know where that came from... Maybe I need a snack." 

How This Changed Us:  Umm, well I got headaches everyday and went to the bathroom regularly.  Was generally unsatisfied with meals.

Weight Loss: nope.

Weight Gain: Probably...  It's possible we over did the "good" fats and pretty much used olive oil and avocados for everything.  The overall lack of protein wasn't enjoyable (nuts and seeds alone aren't sufficient).  Basically we had a large amount of sugar (fruit) and "good" fats (nuts, olive oil, avocados).

Headaches: About daily.

Would I do this again?: Been there, done that.  I'll just stick to a balanced diet.