Natural Diets are diets based on eating a diet with as little processed food as possible.

Principle of the Natural diet

Natural Diets believe that the amount of food processing in modern foods is responsible for many health problems, such as weight gain. By eating food in as natural of a state as possible, Natural Diets claim to strengthen the body and help you lose weight.

Natural Diets promote eating fresh foods – such as raw vegetables, fruit and whole grains. The food should ideally come straight from the ground and has been organically grown. If meat is allowed in the diet, then it should be wild meat, or at least free-range.

Some Natural Diets hold that humans were originally herbivores, and therefore our bodies are not adapted to eating meat. Our bodies are also said to have difficulties processing meat, and Natural Diets would point to the health problems meat can cause, such as food poisoning and heart disease.

Natural Diets also believe that the process of cooking removes nutrients, and foods ideally should not be cooked before consumption. If cooking is required, the cooking should be reduced to the barest minimum possible.

Some Natural Diets include the Hallelujah Acres Natural Diet, the Makers Diet and the Natural Human Diet.

What are you allowed to eat on the Natural Diet

• Raw fruit and vegetables – ideally fresh from the ground or organic
• Fresh meat – such as wild game, or free-range animals
• Whole grains – such as wholegrain wheat
• Raw legumes
• Raw fungi – such as raw mushroom
• Unpasteurized milk

What is forbidden on the Natural Diet

• Processed foods
• Refined sugar

Some Natural Diets also forbids all meat, while the Makers Diet forbids certain meat (i.e. Shrimp, pork and eel) described as “unclean” in the Bible.

Natural Diet Pros and Cons

Natural Diets generally promotes some healthy dietary changes. For instance, Natural Diets promote the eating of raw vegetables and fruit, which can be beneficial because these foods contain most of their nutrients in raw form.

Natural Diets also promote more fibre in your diet, which can help digestion.

However, there are also flaws in Natural Diets. Firstly, they can be expensive because the foods involved can be difficult to obtain. Buying free-range and organic foods can be difficult in the long-term due to the expense. Some Natural Diets also require certain foods such as unpasteurized milk, which can be difficult to find.

The idea that humans are not designed for eating meat is not scientifically proven. While eating excessive amounts of meat is not healthy, eating meat in moderation is unlikely to cause damage. Meat also contains vital nutrients and minerals, such as iron and zinc. By limiting or removing sea food, you may miss out on Omega-3 oils.

If you are eating a Natural Diet that eliminates all meat, remember to ensure the foods you are eating will give you the required nutrients.

Daily and Weekly Plans for the Natural Diet

Plans may vary according to diet, but most Natural Diets have no plans. Rather, they are intended as a lifestyle choice.

Natural Diet Rating

Ease: 3/5 – Some foods may be difficult to source, while others can be expensive.

Balance: 3/5 – Reasonably balanced, although if you are removing all meat, you should be careful of what you may need to substitute.

Maintenance: 3/5 – Expensive and restrictive.

Overall: 3/5