As I continue my raw foods journey, I have come to appreciate the simplicity and pure enjoyment that comes from eating one fruit at a time. I am healing several digestive issues and have experienced the highest level of relief through eating water rich fruits in mono form. What exactly is a monomeal you ask? To eat one type of food for a meal. In the case of raw vegans, have one type of fruit or vegetable as a meal. For example, having a meal that consists of only peaches.

When introduced to this idea I thought it was a little bit dramatic and downright insane, and if you’re not familiar with the concept, you may too. Fear not! When put into practice, I have experienced that this is the optimal way for my body to digest food effortlessly. The “proof is in the pudding” as they say. The banana pudding that is. In addition to having single monomeals, I have personally experimented with extended monomeals.

“Eating a single-ingredient “monomeal” of fruit is an extremely pleasurable experience quite simply because it is so satiating and yet, so uncomplicated. The minimalism of the meal runs counter to our habitual multiple-food approach, with its accompanying titillation of the taste buds, thereby allowing us to avoid addiction to stimulation and overeating.

Judging from the way most people eat, I feel safe in saying that addiction stems from variety. Because the mono-fruit meal does not excite the body, and is easily digested, it does not leave us dulled and fatigued after eating, but rather engaged and clear of mind. We are left both perfectly satisfied and mentally poised.”

–Page 160
The 80/10/10 Diet

I’ve had orange juice for 2 weeks, grapes for 7 days, and melons for 7 days. They were all quite pleasant experiences. I have felt increased energy most days, improved digestion, more flexibility in joints and an overall feeling of lightness and contentment. Monomeals give me simplicity in planning and preparing my meals, taking the question of “what am I going to eat next?” out of the equation, allowing me to work on improving myself as a person and in healing my relationship with myself.

Here are 4 reasons why I like to monomeals:

1. Improves digestions and assimilation.
2. Heightens taste buds sensitivity and allows for a deeper appreciation of the subtleties of natures handy-work.
3. Simplifies life! Easy prep and clean up.
4. Allows freedom of mind, not having to constantly think about what to eat next.

Give it a try! What do you have to lose? Ultimately your own experience is the best proof over anyone’s opinions or theories.

Come join us on a tropical vacation to Banana Island!

Written by Neda Guiv, a student in Dr. Graham’s 80/10/10 Certified Lifestyle Coach mentoring program.