The lowdown from:
Danielle Reda
Age: (it's a secret!)
Occupation: Equities trader
Home: New York, NY

For the last year, Danielle's been following a diet that includes eating primarily raw foods, called the Natalia Rose Program. Here, she lets iVillage readers in on what eating raw foods is really like.

What's your diet program all about?
The basic guiding principles were taught to me by Natalia Rose. Raw foods constitute between 85 and 90 percent of my diet. I make sure to combine my foods properly, I don't eat meat and I have eliminated dairy products and processed foods because they contain chemicals and processed oils.

I eat only good fats that have not been damaged by heat. I eat fat in moderation and choose only monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (avocados, nuts, seeds, olives, olive oil and coconuts), and I never consume saturated fats such as butter. Since I eat the right foods in the right combinations, I'm not focused on calorie restriction.

How did you decide to start this program?
Prior to starting the Rose Program, I had difficulty with asthma and acid reflux. I knew I had to change my lifestyle if I wanted to live a healthier, longer life. I had been searching for a good nutritionist for a long time when my fitness trainer, Alastair Greer, recommended Natalia. On the Rose Program, I eliminated dairy and processed foods and I started eating mainly raw, unprocessed foods.

Has anyone criticized your diet?
Yes, I experienced criticism regarding my diet, but only in the beginning. My family and friends were very hesitant about my switch to a mostly raw foods diet. Because I eliminated meat entirely, family members feared I wasn't getting the recommended daily allotment of protein.

I have assured them that my daily intake of nuts and seeds, kamut and spelt (protein-rich grains), and beans and legumes makes up for the protein lost by eliminating meat from my diet. And after they began witnessing the positive results in my appearance, attitude and general health, they became very supportive and accepting of my new dietary lifestyle. In fact, some friends and family members who were critical in the beginning began asking me for tips!

Has the diet changed the way your body feels?
I've felt healthier, both physically and mentally, since I started the Rose Program, and I've experienced many wonderful changes. Before I began, the asthma I had suffered throughout my whole life was a major hindrance to my athletic endeavors. I could barely run two miles.

After being on the Rose Program for six months, I was able to complete a half-marathon in sub-10-minute miles! My asthma and acid reflux essentially disappeared. The program revitalized me and gave me more energy. The usual daily sluggishness I'd experienced was gone. Also, the extra weight around my midsection disappeared, and my body became lean.

What can't you eat? Do you ever feel deprived?
I try not to eat processed or fried foods. But I consume such a large amount of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the day that I hardly ever feel hungry. Also, there are wonderful raw food recipes in numerous books and by Natalia that I use daily. Some of my favorites include Natalia's raw vegan homemade ice cream, made from all-organic natural ingredients. She has recipes for chocolate, strawberry, vanilla and orange sherbet, and it truly tastes like "regular" ice cream.

My favorite dinner recipe is her raw pad thai with "peanut sauce," which is actually made from almond butter, but tastes just like the peanut sauce in restaurants.

Another recipe I enjoy is sushi rolls made with various vegetables, avocado and "rice" created from fresh raw ingredients, with a wonderful teriyaki dipping sauce.

Occasionally, if I do feel deprived, I will eat foods that aren't recommended, like fried hors d'oeuvres or cake at a party. Eating less nutritious foods once in a while won't hurt me as long as the majority of the time I follow the basic principles. Everything is about balance.

How do you manage eating with other people in your life who aren't on your diet?
My family and friends are not as strict as I am about following a raw foods diet. However, since I've been on the program, they've started to eat more raw foods. For example, if I make a juice or a salad, I usually make enough for everyone. Since the food is both healthy and tasty, my friends and family have started to eat more healthfully by association! And, given that I live in New York, the capital of food delivery, everybody can always eat what they want when they want.

What about eating in restaurants or at parties?
If I know I'm going to a party, wedding or other social event where I cannot control the food I'm served, I will usually eat very lightly throughout the day and choose what I view as the most healthful options. I will also try to stick to my program more strictly before and after indulging in party food and alcohol so that I can compensate for the times I can't stay on the program as I would prefer.

Have your shopping habits changed?
I have no problem finding the foods I need. Grocery stores around the country are continually adding to their organic fruit and vegetable selections. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, approximately 73 percent of grocery stores in the United States now contain organic foods.

Do you plan to follow this diet for the rest of your life?
Absolutely!

What's the number one reason you stick with it?
I want to live a long and healthy life.

What's your advice to women thinking of trying a raw foods diet?
While it's hard at the beginning, realize that the transition you make will pay off over the long run. Most importantly, these changes in your diet will result in a healthier and longer life. Any challenges you face will pale in comparison to the benefits of a more vibrant lifestyle.

A day on the diet
Breakfast: In the morning, I eat fresh fruit and drink vegetable or fresh fruit juices.

Lunch: I usually have a large salad with avocado or guacamole or nuts of my choice.

Afternoon snack: After three to four hours of proper digestion, I'll eat a snack such as one or two bananas or veggies like carrots and celery.

Dinner: I begin with a small salad or raw vegetable. My main course is where I eat the majority of my cooked foods. I have soup; spelt or kamut pasta with tomato sauce; and brown rice with steamed veggies or a starchy vegetable such as potatoes or winter squash. For dessert, I'll eat raw vegan chocolate (which is delicious) or rolled oat cookies with carob chips or vegan chocolate chips.