Would I be able to live off of a diet of fruits and vegetables?

Question

If I were to only eat fruits and vegetables and only drink water and juices would anything really bad happen to my health? Or would I still be healthy?

Answer 1

Good question, unfortunately such theories are little discussed in modern culture. We seem to be expected to eat what we are given and just accept that its the right thing to do (at least that's what it seems to me).

I am not an expert but I am a 12 year vegetarian and 9 year vegan (for the most part). Fruitarians, as they are called, only consume the fruits of plants, or more specifically the produce which can be harvested from plants without killing the plant. I believe it to be a very noble effort, one which I don't feel I have the luxury to attempt. However fruits and vegetable make up a large part of any (successful) vegan diet. Indeed many of us depend solely on fruits vegetable and nuts for our nutrition, mixing in things like soy for something to sink our teeth into. However, it is very important to remember the nuts! Fruitarians consider them fruit anyways (because they can be harvested as such), however they are an Extremely important part of any diet, especially veg as they provide good protein and good oils/fats.

As for drink, I believe water is all a person needs, no? Juice is just another form of fruit, and anything else is just water with sugar or other non-essential additives. Water...good.

So the quick answer: if you are including nuts in the diet, and making sure you are getting a Very good variety of fruits and vegetables (all colors), it is my opinion that that diet, supplemented with only water and juice would be more than adequate. But because it would be an "alternative" diet and you would essentially be "on your own" with it...it is up to you to be aware of how the diet is effecting you, particulary paying attention to any possible deficiencies of minerals (trace or otherwise) and/or vitamins. (common issues might be B-12, or iron (particularly for women)). These issues can be easily solved with a simple vitamin supplement (many are prepared vegetarian now).

That was the quick answer! The long answer: Anybody not used to such a diet will surely have a transitional phase as the body adapts to its new regimine. Most new veg's notice an obvious detoxification interval, not to mention the cravings. And probably most importantly: every person has their own unique nutritional needs. No matter what the diet, it is essential to find a diet that makes you feel good. That has been my greatest guide.



One more note on beverages...I didn't include coffee and tea above, but I think most would consider that, again, a mixture of water and a food, since it is just an extraction.

Also, legumes! that is, beans! I dont know where they fit in but I am assuming we are putting them in there somewhere...They, mixed with rice, can be a great source of complex proteins.

I pray this sheds some light on the issue, and at least partially answers your question.

Answer 2

i would recommend adding some nuts for zinc.

MYTH: "Vegetarians get little protein."

FACT: Plant foods offer abundant protein. Vegetables are around 23% protein on average, beans 28%, grains 13%, and even fruit has 5.5%. For comparison, human breast milk is only 5% (designed for the time in our lives when our protein needs are as high as they'll ever be). The US Recommended Daily Allowance is 8%, and the World Health Organization recommends 4.5%

MYTH: "Beans are a good source of protein."

FACT: There is no such thing as a special "source of protein" because all foods -- even plants -- have plentiful protein. You might as well say "Food is a good source of protein". In any event, beans (28%) don't average much more protein per calorie than common vegetables (23%).

MYTH: "Milk is necessary for strong bones."

FACT: McDougall: "Where does a cow or an elephant get the calcium needed to grow its huge bones? From plants, of course. Only plants. … People in Asia and Africa who consume no milk products after they're weaned from their mother's breast grow perfectly healthy skeletons in the normal size for their race. A consistent conclusion published in the scientific literature is clear: Calcium deficiency of dietary origin is unknown in humans. Dairy products contain large amounts of animal proteins. This excess protein removes calcium from the body by way of the kidneys. Knowing the physiological effects on calcium metabolism of eating excess protein explains why societies with the highest intakes of meat and dairy products--the United States, England, Israel, Finland, and Sweden--also show the highest rates of osteoporosis, the disease of bone-thinning."

Answer 3

Yes, you certainly can, but remember that your body cannot absorb iron without absorbing vitamin c ie., fruit, and make sure you eat raw nuts and seeds etc., as a lot of the dried fruit actually contains more sugar, so to eat well , eat plenty of natural foods, whatever you can get raw or naturally is better for you, hope that helps!

Answer 4

No, since you would need protein. Protein can be derived from low-fat sources such as beans and nuts. Just check out the calorie/calorie from fat/fat content when choosing a protein source; green beans are good too, and you can add pepper to spruce it up a little. You will also need a source of dairy product (calcium) such as milk; skim (0% fat) is the best way to go if you're looking to lose weight. You may also consider a calcium pill, but your body gets more nutrient from a natural source than an artificial source.

Answer 5

Are you gonna be vegetarian or vegan?

Dairy is very good for you, as are fish (if you are open to the idea) and egg whites.

Everyone has different reasons for eating the way they eat, and a conscious decision to eat vegetarian/vegan is a noble deed and a difficult task. But our bodies do need the protien, calcium, and vitamins/minerals found in some products that we may not wish to consider natural. The fact is, though, that if you do not want to get these the easy way, you will have to make a very conscious effort to keep your protein and vitamin/mineral intake high.

Answer 6

You would probably suffer from a lack of protein. If you want to get protein but don't want to eat meat, you can get it from sources like tofu, rice and beans (together) and other combinations of foods. Protein contains chemicals called amino acids that your body needs, and your body cannot make all of the amino acids by itself, so you have to eat them in your food.

There are people who eat a vegan lifestyle and do well, but I don't think you should cut out grains unless you are allergic to them.

Answer 7

Absolutely! Very healthy!
http://www.hacres.com/home/home.asp
http://www.poweredbyveggies.com/veg/vegan_vegetarian_recipes.html

Answer 8

Your diet must consist of Protein, Carbohydrate and Fat. Fruit and vegetables won't give you adequate protein.

Answer 9

You would be missing your protein intake. Add beans and legumes to your diet and it will be a lot better. You are also missing dairy, so add a good multivitamin along with a calcium pill.

Answer 10

Milk, yogurt, lentils, beans, legumes, rice/wheat will provide you protiens, carbohydrates, fat that is neccessary for your body.

We've been vegetarians for generations and living long and healthy lives as anybody else.