Ann Wigmore, a pioneer in the raw food movement, has significantly influenced our view of nutrition and wellness. Her Raw Living Foods Diet demonstrates her dedication and offers a comprehensive approach to optimal health. This article explores the principles, benefits, and practical application of her diet.

A Brief Bio of Ann Wigmore

Ann Wigmore, born in Lithuania in 1909, later moved to the United States. After facing health issues, she turned to natural and raw foods for healing. Inspired by her grandmother's herbal remedies and childhood knowledge of natural healing, Wigmore began experimenting with raw foods. Her recovery led her to promote raw food diets for health and longevity. In 1963, she founded the Hippocrates Health Institute in Boston, a cornerstone of the raw food movement, now led by Joshua Helman M.D. and Brian R. Clement. Other institutes and influencers promote Wigmore's work, ensuring her protocol continues to have many followers around the world.

Principles of the Raw Living Foods Diet

The Raw Living Foods Diet believes that eating raw, living foods promotes better health and prevents diseases. The theory is that by heating foods, critical enzymes, probiotics, and other nutrients are destroyed. In addition, damaged proteins are produced, and could cause and/or contribute to cancerous formations. Ann Wigmore's diet focuses on raw, unprocessed foods rich in enzymes, vitamins, and minerals in their natural state. Here are the core components:

Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is key in Wigmore's diet, valued for its chlorophyll and nutrients. It is thought to detoxify, boost the immune system, and increase energy. Wigmore called wheatgrass juice "liquid sunshine" for its life-giving qualities.

Sprouts

Sprouts are essential, offering a concentrated source of nutrients. They are rich in enzymes, proteins, and vitamins and minerals. Sprouting seeds, beans, and grains unlocks their nutritional potential, making them easier to digest and more beneficial.

Fermented Foods

Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and rejuvelac are key to the diet. Rich in probiotics, they support gut health by balancing the microbiome, without containing cooked, denattured or fractionated proteins.  Fermented foods improve digestion, boost the immune system, and enhance nutrient absorption.

Benefits of the Raw Living Foods Diet

The Raw Living Foods Diet offers numerous potential benefits:

• Improved Digestion: The diet is rich in fiber and enzymes, which support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
• Increased Energy: Many followers report higher energy levels and improved mental clarity, likely due to the nutrient-dense foods.
• Detoxification: The high chlorophyll content in wheatgrass and the fiber in raw foods aid in detoxifying the body, eliminating toxins, and promoting overall wellness.
• Enhanced Immunity: The diet's emphasis on fresh, living foods supports a robust immune system, helping the body fend off illnesses more effectively.

Challenges and Criticisms

While the Raw Living Foods Diet has many proponents, it is not without its criticisms and challenges:

• Nutritional Deficiencies: Some critics argue that the diet may lack essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are typically found in animal products. However, Ann Wigmore believed and has been shown to be correct about the fact that these nutrients can be produced by endogenous microflora in the GI tract.  
• Accessibility: Finding fresh, organic produce year-round can be challenging and expensive for some individuals. Wigmore as a result was a big proponent of growing your own lettuce, herbs, and sprouts, which not only saves significant money but also allows one to have control ove the growing environent, which has increasingly become contaminated. 
• Transition Period: Adopting a raw food diet can be difficult, especially for those used to cooked and processed foods. The transition period can involve detox symptoms like headaches and fatigue, similar to detoxing sugar or alcohol. 

Practical Tips for Adopting the Diet

For those interested in transitioning to the Raw Living Foods Diet, here are some practical tips:

1. Start Slowly: Begin by incorporating more raw foods into your current diet. Gradually increase the proportion of raw foods over time. Some people do well, however, going fully raw immediately, such as by eating raw salads for every meal. 
2. Invest in Equipment: Tools like a high-quality blender, food processor, and dehydrator can make preparing raw meals easier and more enjoyable.
3. Educate Yourself: Learn about the nutritional needs and how to balance your diet to avoid deficiencies. Consider consulting with a nutritionist or dietitian. 
4. Join a Community: Connecting with others who follow a raw food diet can provide support, inspiration, and practical advice. Some popular Youtubers are Gillian Berry and Kristina Carrillo.

Conclusion

Ann Wigmore's Raw Living Foods Diet promotes health through natural, unprocessed foods. By emphasizing nutrient-rich items like wheatgrass, sprouts, and fermented foods, it enhances digestion, energy, and detoxification. Despite some challenges and criticisms, it can transform those who commit to it. With the right resources and support, anyone can achieve vibrant health and longevity through this diet.

Here are a few links that provide in-depth information on Ann Wigmore's Raw Living Foods Diet:

1. Ann Wigmore Chart for Raw & Living Foods - A valuable chart for transitioning to a raw foods diet.
2. Living Foods Essentials - Details on the cornerstone of the Living Foods Lifestyle™.
3. Ann Wigmore Natural Health Institute - Offers insights into the Living Foods Lifestyle® and its benefits.
4. Living Foods LifeStyle® Summary - A summary of diet plans based on raw foods.