Hi all. I'm new to raw foods and have been reading Herbert Shelton 's book on nutrition. I have two questions -

How long should two meals be separated so that improper combination of foods does not occur? For example, if I eat a starch vegetable at noon for lunch, can I eat nuts at 2 PM? Would a 2 or 2.5 hour gap be enough to avoid combining these two incompatible foods?

Also, how often should one eat? From Shelton's book it seems that he recommends one large meal a day and two minor ones. However, I tend to get hungry after every 2.5 - 3 hours. My doctor once told me I digest Sugar quickly and that is one reason I need to eat frequent, small meals. If I don't do that, I tend to feel a little drowsy because of lack of sugar. Also, I am a vata type according to Ayurveda, who also require small, relatively frequent meals.

Going by Shelton's theory, it seems that I will be overstraining my digestive system if I have more than 3 meals, even if they are small. Also, I realise that this may not be what the hygienists call 'real hunger', but I don't know how to experience real hunger because the only way to do that seems to be to go on a long fast to cleanse yourself and make the body's instincts more palpable. What I feel is a sensation in the stomach that is close to feeling like there is a certain churning in my stomach, some cramps, maybe a little gas. That's when I eat.