This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.
This summer I celebrated five years plant based! What a difference that switch makes in my health and my life.
I began my healing journey by reading Medical Medium, by Anthony William, and following his 28 Day Cleanse at the back of the book.
For a month, I adhered to a raw vegan diet. Read more about that experience HERE. At the end of the first week, my pain, chronic inflammation and lack of mobility improved so much that I happily continued for the next three weeks. I parked my cane in a corner of the bedroom, where it remains to this day.
At the end of the cleanse, I felt so much better, so much lighter, so much healthier. There was no looking back for me. I adopted a 100% plant based diet. Although I am not fully raw vegan, I eat that way about a third of the time. And several times, during my journey, I’ve returned to a raw vegan diet to give my digestive system a break and boost my energy.
You might want to do the same. Check out the raw vegan diet benefits and tips below.
What is a Raw Vegan Diet?
A vegan diet means no animal products.
Raw vegan takes things a step further.
While eating raw vegan, you focus on fruits, vegetables, nuts, sprouts and seeds, all uncooked.
This diet originated in the mid 19th century, as a way to prevent diseases. Recently, eating raw vegan has gained popularity again, spawning cook books, YouTube channels and restaurant options.
Uncooked fruits and veggies provide the highest levels of nutrition. And eating raw naturally minimizes the amount of processed foods consumed.

Raw Foods
The list for a raw vegan diet is fairly short:
- fresh fruits or flash frozen fruits not boiled before freezing
- fresh veggies or flash frozen veggies not boiled before freezing
- whole, unprocessed foods such as cold pressed oils, seaweed, cocoa powder and pure maple syrup
- seeds – unroasted
- nuts – unroasted
- sprouted grains and beans
- home made plant milks, made from raw, unroasted nuts
Foods that are not raw:
- refined, processed or pasteurized foods
- roasted or processed nuts or seeds
- plant based milks purchased in stores
- cooked foods

Raw Vegan Diet Benefits
Whether eating raw vegan for a couple of days, a week, 28 days or longer, the benefits for the body are many.
- raw foods contain the highest level of nutrients, in a form most readily digested by the body
- the vitamins and minerals, and the antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant compounds cleanse and strengthen every system in the body
- detoxifies the liver and digestive system
- gives digestive system a break, as raw foods are processed quickly and easily
- live enzymes make digestion smoother and more efficient
- body is able to rebuild itself, on a cellular level
- stops unhealthy food cravings
- allows the body to flush out toxins, chemicals, preservatives, sugar and excess fat, which can result in weight loss
- raises the body’s vibrational energy level

Tips for Implementing a Raw Vegan Diet
Are you ready to eat the most healing foods on Earth? Try these tips for a smooth week or month.
- eating raw vegan is naturally low fat, which allows the liver to recover from a typical American diet
- limit salt intake, using herbs and a small amount of sea salt for flavor
- stay hydrated with lots of water, coconut water, fresh juices and herbal teas
- start the day with a glass of lemon or lime water, followed by celery or cucumber juice
- drink a fruit smoothie for breakfast that includes bananas, dates, chia seeds and fruit or try a smoothie bowl or a simple bowl of mixed fresh fruits and berries
- have a mid morning snack of fruit, cucumber slices or celery sticks
- enjoy a huge salad for lunch with dark leafy greens, chopped veggies or fruits or try a blended spinach soup with fresh spinach, herbs such as dill or basil and mushrooms
- for a midafternoon snack enjoy sliced apples or pears, grapes, dates or oranges
- try the spinach soup for dinner, if you opted for a salad for lunch, or try zoodles or coodles (spiralized raw zucchini or cucumber noodles) served with julienne veggies
- evening snack is the time for a cup of herbal tea and an apple or orange

My Experience Eating Raw Vegan
Before experiencing the 28 Day Cleanse, I tried eating raw one other time. The recipes that I found in a health magazine were too complicated. I lasted about four days.
When I tried again, using Anthony’s suggestions and meal plan, I had a big why. Having a motivating why is important I think, in completing a raw vegan cleanse. Otherwise, we too easily give up. My why was an upcoming trip to Italy with my daughter and grandson. Dayan was graduating from high school the following year and I wanted to gift him the trip. I knew my high pain level and inflammation would keep me from going, if something didn’t change.
I completed the 28 days. Was it difficult? Not really. I had a headache and low energy for a few days, as my body detoxed. However, as my health improved and my pain, inflammation and immobility decreased, I felt encouraged to keep going.
Anthony offers a sample menu plan and recipes in the newly revised Medical Medium book. Using his info, there are hundreds of possible food combinations you can create, adding variety and flavor. I didn’t get bored with the food.
Was I happy to eat cooked food again? I was. However, I’ve since done another month of raw vegan, a 7 day raw diet and I’ve enjoyed week long juice fasts. The companion book to Medical Medium, Cleanse to Heal, is another excellent resource.

Have You Considered a Raw Vegan Diet?
Have you ever thought about a raw vegan diet? What questions do you have?
Leave them in the comments below and I’ll gladly answer them.
I know several people who only eat a raw vegan diet…and have for many years. They are healthy, vibrant and incredibly fit. Check out Kristina and Jonny Juicer on Instagram.
While I don’t eat this way all the time, I appreciate the benefits enough to start my days raw. During the summer months, when I don’t enjoy cooking as much, I may eat raw vegan for several days or longer.
You have to do what feels most right for your body and your health.
Anthony says,
“You have to think of your body like an old friend in need. Imagine yourself reaching out a helping hand to this friend as she climbs out of a ravine. This is your commitment to use your free will and the power of your intention to give your body the support it’s crying out for.
When we connect to our bodies, truly listen to them, and give them the nourishment they’re yearning for, everything changes. True miracles happen.”
I agree. Everything changed for me. My body has aged backwards, as it finds its optimal level of health and wellbeing. I can walk, without assistance or pain. And that is a miracle to me.

Journey With Healthy Me is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.
I am not a medical practitioner. I study health and wellness related topics and share experiences from my own personal healing journey.