For most of us, it’s hard to think that we can feel satisfied eating like rabbits (lettuce, carrots, raw vegetables) and more importantly, many of us feel that we would ever be able to stick to a diet that consisted of only those foods. However, there are numerous health and weight loss benefits to raw foods diets-benefits that we experience while still allowing for a full dinner and other treats.

Here’s the good news about starting a raw foods diet: You don’t have to make it a lifestyle and you certainly don’t need to feel confined to eating only raw foods when you’re hungry. What I propose is called the 60/40 raw foods diet, which means that 60% of the foods you eat are raw and 40% are cooked, regular foods. Simple… and unintimidating.

Personally, I’ve known several women who have had enormous success with the 60/40 raw foods diet because although they’re eating just as much (if not more) food than before, 60% of those calories are coming from wholesome foods. This means that their fat and caloric intake is drastically reduced for most of the day and they can save that 40% of their diet for a healthy but filling, cooked meal and perhaps-if they’re feeling daring-a little dessert and a glass of red wine afterwards.

What makes the 60/40 plan for eating raw foods such a delight is that you never need to go hungry and furthermore, the calories you take in are packed with essential vitamins and minerals to pack more of a punch that that one low-carb candy bar you’ve been desperately gnawing on for food satisfaction all day. The natural simple sugars contained in just one apple or banana are enough to give you the kick you need to start your day off right and the calories and fats found n most raw foods are far more sustaining than the complex, processed sugars that are found in many treats-and even in the diet-brand bars you might buy at the store.

Most women who have tried the partial raw foods diet find that the best system for them is to do all foods for breakfast and lunch and then, by dinner, when they are most craving something hearty and filling, they can indulge at will in a delicious, full dinner without regard to calories or fat intake.

Not worrying about fats and calories? How can that be?

Because if you are on a low-fat and low-calorie diet already, the calories and fats contained in your breakfast, lunch, and snacks will likely only amount to 40% or less of your daily calories. That gives you room to breathe at dinner (within reason, of course) and is a satisfying, much-needed break to what you’ve been eating all day.

Give it a try and you’ll see that you feel better with a diet comprised of fresh, healthy foods and that you never go hungry and can have the luxury of a great dinner, desert, and perhaps a glass (or two-be decadent) of wine.