Become a Fruitarian
A fruitarian is a person who follows the original human diet. Even the vegan diet does not come up to the mark on the ethical fruitarian's scale. 'Raw foodists' will eat fruits, nuts, herbs and certain vegetables and grains, as long as they can be consumed uncooked.
'Ethical Fruitarians' respect universal plant-rights and animal rights as well. Fruitarians choose to eat only ripe fruits that grow on plants or on trees. Fruitarian sub-groups use differing definitions of what is considered a "fruit". Some will only eat fruit that can be harvested without damaging the plant. Some eat nuts and seeds, while some do not.
Steps
- Buy organic fruit when possible. Certain fruits are more likely to contain chemicals than others. Look at MSN's article "The Dirty Dozen" for a list of foods you should buy organic.
- Make the change to a fruit diet gradually. Your digestive system may not adjust easily if you make the switch all at once.
- Try to eat every 2-3 hours, and stop when full.
- Wash fruit thoroughly before eating it, to remove all traces of harmful chemicals and fertilizers.
- Drink water or fresh squeezed juice. Store-bought juice is full of unnecessary sugars, corn syrup, preservatives, and is also cooked. Make large smoothies of mixed fruit for a fast meal.
- Make sure you are eating a variety of plant fruits that are sweet and fleshy such as plums, apples, and oranges. Understand which fruits contain which nutrients, and plan a balanced diet. Don't live only on a few types of fruits.
Tips
- Fruitarians will differ in what they eat. Some will eat foods that are usually referred to as vegetables, such as bell peppers, tomato and cucumbers, and even nuts and grains (because they come from a plant), while others will not.
- Eat the fruit slowly and chew well, so that the saliva and stomach acids get a chance to absorb the nutrition properly.
- Try new and exotic fruits.
- Keep a stock of fresh fruits in the house. You will need to eat frequently, and this readily available food source will keep you from bingeing on unhealthy foods.
- Search for free recipes on the internet, or buy books suitable for your preferred type of a fruitarian/raw food lifestyle.
- When outdoors, at school or work, take along whole fresh fruit (not cut up - that destroys the nutrients) or some dried fruit (make sure it is raw - no preservatives, salt or other added ingredients).
- Dried fruit is highly calorie-packed, so just a handful or two will make a nutritious and satisfying small meal.
- Considering that you save on the expenses of cooking fuel, cooking equipment, processed packaged foods and preparation time, a fruit diet works out as cheap as any other, especially in those countries where fruit and vegetables are easily available.
Warnings
- Eat fruits that are in season - avoid exotic artificially-grown fruits.
- Some people will need to exercise well, to get rid of the withdrawal effects of processed-food habits.
- Since fruit and vegetables contain a lot of energy, fiber and water, they are usually quite sufficient for a healthy lifestyle. Your doctor may want you to take some nutritional supplements of vitamins/minerals. He may also suggest that a fruit diet is not good enough for the long term. Read as much as you can about the subject.
- As with any traditional diet, always be knowledgeable and clear in your mind; consult your doctor and listen to his/her advice before you make mistakes. You may also want to discuss this with a fruitarian nutrition specialist.
- Avoid eating genetically-manipulated organisms and fruits; some people view them as unhealthy and/or bad for the environment.
- Some people believe that hybrids are less healthy than traditional fruits.
- Be prepared to have your friends/family throw some of the standard and often unproved fears/myths at you. Read what omnivores think about fruitarianism.
Things You'll Need
- fresh fruits
- maybe a blender
- maybe a juicer
- maybe a dehydrator (for raw unhealthier dried fruit)
Related Articles
- Say the Names of Fruits in French
- Make Dried Fruit
- Make Fruit Salad
- Wash Fruit and Vegetables
- Prepare Fresh Citrus Fruit Peel
- Make a Fruit Bouquet
- Make a Snack from Yogurt and Fruit
