Exploring the Raw Vegan Lifestyle: A Growing Trend or Just a Fad?

The concept of raw veganism is becoming increasingly popular, particularly with the rise of companies like Impossible Burger and Beyond Meat. But is this trend just a marketing ploy, or is it a genuine shift in people's approaches to health and ethics?

Is Raw Veganism a Growing Trend?

While some insist it is a burgeoning movement, others view it with skepticism. Ferris, a tech professional from Silicon Valley, reflects on this:

I’m not sure it really is a growing trend but if it were I should be very pleased. Including other species within our ethical framework seems a desirable thing to do especially as our population and our impacts on the rest of nature continue to increase.

Health and Ethical Considerations

Much of the debate around raw veganism centers on its health benefits and ethical implications. Ferris acknowledges that vegetables are beneficial and that meat prices are rising:

Vegetables are good for you. Meat prices keep climbing. It's not too surprising but perhaps a little extreme.

However, others dismiss raw veganism, viewing it as a niche interest. Dr. Sarah, a nutritionist, shares:

Vegans are only a tiny but noisy minority that I don’t think about at all nor have I any intention of becoming one.

The Personal Journey to Raw Veganism

Many individuals have personal stories about their experiences with raw veganism. Jack, a former raw foodist, recounts:

I used to think a raw food diet was right for me. I was dead set on becoming a raw foodist even if it meant paying more for food each month. Eventually, I realized that I didn’t want it bad enough. Also, it’s a big lifestyle change. In the end, I decided to go back to my old diet where I just eat whatever I feel like eating.

Yet, he still advocates for healthier eating habits:

But yeah, I'm not saying to not try to be healthy. Eating healthier foods is always nice.

Protein and Nutrient Concerns

A common concern among critics of raw veganism is the supposed lack of protein. However, raw foodists argue that this is a misunderstanding:

It’s a great way to improve or maintain your health… if you can do it. Food addictions, gluten, dairy, processed junk are no joke. You should look up Tannyraw Tanya Muphy or Lissa’s Raw Food Romance Melissa Raimondi on YouTube. They are relatable, well-known raw foodists who’ve cured themselves of multiple health problems and/or diseases when they started and maintained a high carb / low fat raw food diet.

They explain that a raw vegan diet, rich in nutrients, should provide sufficient protein:

Basically if you're getting enough calories you're getting enough protein – if you're eating a nutrient-dense diet which a HCLF raw vegan diet is. Also, some of our largest, strongest animals on the planet eat a raw food vegan diet. Think bulls, gorillas, rhinoceroses, etc.

Challenges of a Raw Vegan Lifestyle

One of the biggest hurdles faced by raw foodists is the perception of loneliness associated with this lifestyle. As Ferris notes:

Many people shy away from trying to follow a HCLF raw food diet because it's unfamiliar. Very few people eat this way and you'll most likely be the only person you know who does. It can potentially be a lonely way of life. You'd feel like a weirdo and everyone who follows the status quo probably the way you're eating now will suddenly question your nutrients. These are the same people who won’t ask you about your nutrients or fiber when you go through the McDonald’s drive-thru.

Additionally, the lifestyle can be seen as a change from the typical marketing-driven trends:

Our way of life revolves around marketing. We're accustomed to eating the way companies tell us to eat so they can make profits. We're accustomed to commercials where companies try to get you to buy their processed including protein products. We’re also accustomed to thinking that when we hit middle age heart attacks, cancer, and arthritis, etc. are normal. We're then expected to go see an M.D. and get placed on maintenance medication that won't cure us but keep us in a state of suspended illness aka 'symptom control' until we die.

Why the Raw Vegan Lifestyle Isn't for Everyone

Not everyone is suited for a raw vegan lifestyle. While it offers significant health benefits, Ferris suggests that it is not suitable for everyone:

Following the status quo will help you keep your friends and won’t rock any boats with your family— they can breathe easy that they won’t have to change their ways if you don’t—but it won’t help you keep or regain your health.

Instead, he advocates for seeking healthier diets that are vibrant with fruits and vegetables, such as a high-carb, low-fat raw food diet:

Farmers don’t have the funding to tout the benefits of fruits and veggies but that's where health is at. If you're interested in improving your health there are many diets that'll get you healthier than the Standard American or Western Diet but a high-carb low-fat raw food diet is one of the most nutritious and should definitely be considered as an option to try if you're actively seeking health.

Good luck on your journey to better health!