New, Inspired & a bit concerned

[LindyLoo]

Hi everyone

Well its that time of year again! Full of good intentions and new beginnings. I have just found this site after watching (most of) Alissa's DVD, which I purchased for myself as a Pre-Christmas present.

I am planning on doing 1 month 100% raw (which I decided prior to seeing the DVD!) to see how I get on. I did 1 week whilst on a retreat and felt pretty good but once I got back to "normal" life, it all fell apart.

I am going to announce my plans to my husband tonight (over a cooked dinner) and will start when I get back from a skiing trip (far too difficult before - what on earth would I eat?!

Another strange concern - what if I really like it? My life is going to get tricky then - especially with some of my friends - they already think I am strange and an extremist because I don't eat wheat!!!!

Enough for now, this site looks great and I look forward to reading and chatting in the coming year.

Happy New Year to you all from the UK ;)

[twinyoga]

I have the same concern and I think it's preventing me from becoming totally raw. Will this be my life forever? What will people think? How do I handle friends and family who even hate me being vegetarian?

My husband is supportive and so are my friends...but not extended family. Not at all.

Good luck.
Debbie

[Rawkinlocs]

If they truly love you, they will accept you for who you are and whatever you choose to eat. They should not be anymore offended at you turning down their cooked foods than you would be if they turned down one of your raw dishes. You have to do what is right for you...your health (if you truly believe eating raw is good for your health, that is) and once they see it benefitting you and your life - you're glowing, you're healthy, certain conditions you may have are now healed, your skin is clear and beautiful, etc...there's no room for arguement.

I just read a very interesting article about this very topic. I'm going to get permission from him to post it and if he grants it, I will post it...but it's definitely food for thought (no pun intended).

Btw, welcome to the group LindyLoo! :)

[VeggieGirl]

Hi LindyLoo,

I guess my first question for you would be: Why do you want to go raw? What inspires you about it? What do you want to accomplish?

I have been a vegan for over 3 years, and I don't eat refined sugar either. I only recently went totally raw. I had many of the same concerns when I went Vegan. I worried about my family teasing me, inconveniencing/offending people, being called 'high maintenance', weird, freaky, fanatical...all that stuff! It's pretty funny to me now how much energy I put into worrying about it.

One of the things I have found that is the KEY (can I emphasize that again? KEY!!!) to success in eating this way is to give up any self-righteousness that you may find creeping in about it. We all have it to some degree, and we can all do without it. You know vegetarians with a chip on their shoulder - the ones who look down on anyone who eats meat, who look down on anyone who doesn't subscribe to the same philosophies, try to make meat-eaters feel bad or guilty - well, that's probably the extreme of what I'm talking about but you get the picture. It just simply is a way of being that is completely innefective and mostly pisses people off (not saying you are like that, I am just speaking in general terms)

I tell people that I eat the way I eat because that's the way I love to eat (which really is true!) It is a strong preference, so much that I am willing to go out of my way to make it all work out. I don't make a big deal about it. It feels right to ME, and I recognize that no one else - NO ONE else - has to ever agree with me, because it's MY preference. And others can eat whatever they want, too. There's plenty of room for all of us :) I liken it to someone who, say, has a great affinity for chinese food. They eat it when they go out, they cook it at home, they have chinese cookbooks and all the supplies in their kitchen. And you can almost ALWAYS go out to eat and find a Chinese Chicken Salad on any restaurant's menu (OK, maybe not at Italian or Mexican restaurants but you get the picture!) So it is with being raw.

Keeping that mindset has made it so much easy for me. And I have found that as long as I maintain that attitude, I encounter VERY little negativity from anyone. How could I? They don't have anything to 'hook' me with because I'm not being positional about my diet. It's funny - people try to tease or taunt me sometimes and they just don't get anything out of me. Eating Raw is just a stand I'm willing to take for myself, and no one can mess with my stand. And, no one is wrong or bad or inferior for not jumping on the bandwagon. Quite often I find myself commenting on how good other people's cooked/meat etc. food looks/smells. I like meat, I like sugar, I like dairy, I like cooked food - I just don't eat it. My committment to my health is much bigger than my feelings and cravings. Make sense?

So, go for it, eat what inspires you, and share your passion with other people. If you share it because it inspires you, and you aren't looking for agreement...if you don't expect people to support you and you do it anyway...if you give up the need for approval around you - ironically, when others clearly see how inspired and committed you are, they will be interested, supportive, or at least mildly curious. (FYI I have yet to hear someone say they are on the Atkins diet because that way of eating really inspires them! LOL...)

Anyway, hopefully I haven't way overspent my welcome in this post... and just so you know, this is more directed to everyone out there and not based on any particular assumption about you personally. ;) Thanks for asking such a great question though, and giving me a chance to share my thoughts.

Cheers,
VeggieGirl

[Curtis]

Hi LindyLoo,

I like meat, I like sugar, I like dairy, I like cooked food - I just don't eat it. My committment to my health is much bigger than my feelings and cravings. Make sense?

VeggieGirl

Wow VeggieGirl this blew me away when I read it! This just makes sense! Thank you. :)

[caramba]

Thanks Veggiegirl - that makes so much sense. I found when I "came out" to my family and friends about being vegetarian, I only said "it's right for me" and never expected any mass conversions! Am just dipping my toes in Raw, because it's right for my health and it tastes so good - for me that is. I must say, sometimes it's hard not to say "How can you refute this Common Sense?!", (i.e. how can you not agree with me?). I find once I've "seen the light" about something I *do* want to share it (e.g. I'm a bit of a cloth nappy, sorry diaper, zealot too!! ;) ) But I think results speak for themselves so as my Raw journey unfolds I hope people around me will see the difference in my energy and self acceptance and maybe convert just a little??? :)

Fiona
Sydney, Australia

[twinyoga]

Wow! Thanks VeggieGirl. That was well said and has completely blown me away. I am always looking for approval...don't know why. And it has gotten worse since I've had my twins. It's some sense of insecurity I'm going through. I loved being vegetarian, I even dabbled in veganism. But raw has scared me to death even though I feel so good with it. Thank you.

Most important is thajkht my dh is suppourtive. can you tell my dd is trying to type?

Thank You!
Debbie

[Sharon in Colorado]

The first time I went raw I made a whole to do about letting people close to me know about my change in diet (I mean, besides my husband and immediate family who I regularly eat with) . They didn't need to know that! Especially when a few weeks/months later they'd see me eating a bean burrito.

Since then I've been on and off the diet so much that I don't even bother telling people, besides my immediate family. They already know I'm a vegetarian so ordering a salad wouldn't raise an eyebrow from them. So I'd suggest doing that, not really going out of your way to tell people unless they ask you, and then letting them know that you are eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies, which makes you feel really good. Sometimes the term 'raw food' tends to turn people off or start a big discussion about your diet and defiencies they think you'll develop while on it.

I find that being positive about the diet helps as well.

Recently I was at an office holiday function type-thingee and I met a hippy-ish couple who talked with me about cleansing, etc. They were really open about all that stuff and I was on the Master Cleanse at the time sipping my MC limeade while they were eating the pizza. I told them that I've been on and off the raw food diet and they were really open to hearing about it. They asked me how it made me feel and I told them it made me feel fantastic but the social stigmas sometimes made it hard to stay all raw.

I realized by saying this I was sort of making excuses and somewhat apologizing about the diet. Even though it's true that being raw socially can be a challenge, I didn't need to say that. By telling them I had those difficulties staying on it, they may not ever really consider doing it because of how hard it potentially could be. And for some people it is so much easier to stay raw than it is for others, so who was I to judge it?

Then they went on to say that raw is cool cause you could eat sushi and I just nodded my head in agreement at that point. I should have said that I have made a really yummy raw vegan sushi that was out of this world...lol. That would have been a more positive way to share what the diet is all about, but sometimes I don't think fast enough when in a conversation like that.

Oh well, practice for next time. I don't find myself in those kinds of situations much but when I do it is good to sieze the moment and be positive and encouraging about the raw diet.

[tracyinfo]

Sharon mentions being positive helps. I found this to be true. While at my family visiting this past week, I told them I wanted to eat only fruit and vegetables along with a some nuts. Eating like this makes me feel good and not overly full. They accepted that easily. They would not have accepted a "raw diet". I would have to go in depth as to what it means, why I am doing such a crazy thing, etc..

So, I ate alot of simply prepared foods. Big salads for dinner, and whole fruit, almonds and vegetables for breakfast, lunch and snacks. Only once did I throw cauliflower into a blender with a lemon juice, seasonings and such did they look at me weird!

Good Luck, Tracy

[LindyLoo]

Hi again

Thanks everyone for your views and especially to VeggieGirl - fantastic! I will try and play the part although my body language does tend to give me away and I am probably being more challenging than I realise- lol. I suppose it is a case of wanting everyones approval. I really agree with you though, I don't care what anyone eats, although I do care what my clients eat (I am a Nutritionist) but so many people express an opinion as to what I eat (or don't eat).

When I went on the raw food retreat, I received some good advice as well and that is not to be a food bore. Before I say any more I am not suggesting anyone here is, after all, we are just like minded individuals. However, the point being made is the occasional dinner party is not going to do too much harm. I realise this won't suit everyone. However, sadly, the reality is we don't go to many dinner parties!!! So I am probably just making excuses.

One of my friends is so intrigued that she is dying to see what I actually eat, so I plan to do a Raw Food Party. I am practising already, as it better taste good. Will probably do lots of sweet, salty and nutty things ( not necessarily in the same dish :D )

Interesting question as to my reasons for wanting to do this and one which I haven't actually asked myself. I think I just want to see if it makes a difference. I mostly eat OK (as in, I don't live on McDonalds, pizza or any fast food etc) but always want to push the envelope, to see how good it gets. I love food and I love to eat and this way of eating just makes sense - so now I want to know, does it really work?

Finally, it will be really interesting to see how well I do on it as I was a vegetarian for 7 years (a long time ago) and didn't do very well on it. There are 2 reasons for this
1. I am an "O" type blood group, which seems to suit a higher protein diet
2. I wasn't a very good vegetarian i.e. I ate a lot of junk, dairy, wheat etc. just no meat, which is probably why I wasn't that healthy on it.

Anyway, this has turned into a ramble, so thanks again to everyone.

[caramba]

The term "Raw Food" seems challenging for some people...I have wondered if I should say to people I'm trying to eat an "enzyme rich diet" instead of a Raw one? ;) (lol)

Fiona

[twinyoga]

Lindyloo, I think it's really interesting that you're a nutritionist and starting raw food. I am planning on seeing a nutritionist soon and I think they are going to freak when I tell them I want to eat mostly raw food.

I, too, eat rather healthy and have been vegetarian for quite a while. And I also lean towards sweets and sometimes "healthy" junk food. Why do I want to be raw? Same as you, I want to push the envelope and see how good I can feel. I personally don't think raw is the answer to everything and nor is it for everybody but I had a week on raw where I felt like a million bucks. I want to be like that again. I feel light on raw, not bloated or uncomfortable (unless I eat too many seeds!).

Anyway, I appreciate this thread and how open everyone is being.

And I also don't like the term raw food. It's too harsh sounding. But I can't think of anything better at this time. I'll think about it.

I'm off to the grocery store.
Debbie

[Sharon in Colorado]

"And I also don't like the term raw food. It's too harsh sounding. But I can't think of anything better at this time. I'll think about it."

I've heard people use the term 'fresh food'. Maybe you can tell your nutritionist that you only eat fresh food that hasn't been denatured. What do you think s/he will say about that? I'd love to know, if you'll report back to us on the outcome of your visit!

[LindyLoo]

There are in fact quite a few of my "Nutritionist Friends" that are either into Raw Food or are at least aware of it.

In fact that is how I became aware. I also tutor nutrition in London and it was last Christmas there was a "do" for the staff and tutors and they organised a Raw Food Buffet which completely blew me away. I then purchased the books, bought a dehydrator and set to.

Unfortunately I became overwhelmed and 3/4 months later read a book by David Wolfe and every paragraph ended in "cooked food is poison". This completely turned me off (I don't like any form of fanaticism - I love enthusiastic people, but not fanatics). So I gave up. Something in my brain kept niggling though and then I heard that Chad Sarno was coming to London so I signed up for one of his weekends. It was fantastic.

However, I have to say it was Alissa's DVD that made the most sense and I will be sharing this with my friends and will be lending it to one nutrition friend in particular who is especially interested.

I have since discovered there are a lot of people doing raw that just don't really talk about it, which in a way is how it should be. It just is, I wouldn't normally discuss everything I eat with people, so why would I just because I am eating differently. i.e. I wouldn't normally go to a social gathering and say "guess what I had for breakfast today - scrambled eggs on toast, it was great, you should try it and my lunch was amazing, I felt really good after......."

Interesting about the term Raw Food, everybody I know dislikes the word. It has such negative connotations, feeling raw, raw steak, red raw etc etc etc. "Fresh" is good and I love "none denatured food".

Oh look, another ramble!! Must clean the house, must do the paperwork, must stop chatting on here ;)

Lindyloo

[LindyLoo]

Oh Debbie, I forgot to say, good luck with the Nutritionist, would love to hear how you get on. If you haven't already decided on anyone in particular, then find one that is not only well qualified but also specialises in raw food, or at least has an interest.

I consider myself a very good Nutritionist, however if I had seen anyone 18 months ago I may have been sceptical. I know so much more now. Although I have always encouraged people to eat a high raw diet, I would not have considered 100% raw.

I wish you well

Lindyloo

I really am going to do some work now!

[twinyoga]

Thanks LindyLoo. I don't know when I'll see the nutritionist, but it will probably be soon. I have 9 month old twins and I've seen a psychologist a few times because I went through a period of post partum and I was getting really emotional. Anyway, he thinks I do better on strict diets because I like routine but does not want me to cause any health problems with a radical diet so he wants me to see a nutritionist (that he'll recommend) for some structure. He knows I like raw food.

Right now I'm letting myself eat anything (well, anything that's a whole food). I'm taking a few day break from raw and just letting myself relax and start fresh. I am planning on making a raw dinner for myself tonight which my husband can have as a side dish. I hope we like it.

My husband is very, very supportive and I don't plan on discussing it with anyone else. I think I'm just worried about the long term plan of being raw.

Oh, and I like saying "natural foods", I also like saying "whole foods".

Gotta go make dinner now.
Debbie

p.s., it's nice to know you're both a nutritionist and eating raw foods. I would think most nutritionists wouldn't even attempt it. I don't know why, but I don't even know any vegetarian nutritionists!

[VeggieGirl]

...this is a good discussion!

As for other 'words' for raw - I saw an ad at Wild Oats for a class on "Natural, Unprocessed (Raw) Foods Preparation". I like that.

The other thing is... that pesky word 'diet'. As Alissa says in her book/dvd, it's hard to use the word 'diet' because most people relate to it as something you're doing and will quit someday. I try to avoid using that word because of the negative connotation.

And now for my final thought of the day...regarding 'socializing' - I never, EVER apologize for my diet or lead anyone to think I am deprived in any way. In *being* proud and inspired about it, I find that people are actually inspired if not amazed that people actually can eat that way! So this includes taking phrases out of my vocabulary like "I can't have that..." and switching to "I won't eat that"/"I don't eat that". Shifting your speaking leaves you empowered and 'at choice' in the matter vs. a victim of something outside of you. Do you see the difference?

And then you can take that one step further, clearly stating what you DO eat and CAN eat ie: I read a book by the Boutenko family that made me laugh - they said to a neighbor: "We are on a great diet. We eat cookies, cakes, and pie all the time!" (all raw, of course!)
So, find what inspires you about your diet and share that with people. Be Raw! Be Proud! :D

Cheers,
VeggieGirl

[SimplyRawesome]

Well said, Veggie Girl. I agree wholeheartedly. Thanks for sharing your thoughts for the day. :)

[twinyoga]

Well said Veggie Girl.

I agree that I've been focusing on what I can eat and not what I can't. And that goes for when I'm with other people and eating meals. I also realized that I never ask my family or friends what they are eating for their meals, so why do I need to share what I eat with them? They don't ask me.

I also agree that the word diet is not appropriate. I do not say raw "diet". I also don't use the word vegan or vegetarian much anymore. Too many people are scared by it. Instead, I just eat my meal and feel good about it.

Phew!

Debbie