need some friendly advice

[macybare]

Anybody have any advice on what to tell family/parent type figures or even friends. They all don't understand and know I have had eating problems in the past. I feel like I finally found the right thing and now everyone is coming down on me. I got poisin ivy and they say its a reaction to the food I'm eating I tell them all about detox but they are just stubborn and refuse to listen. My dad is having me see a nutritionist this weekend. I agreed b/c I'm not ashamed and don't think I'm taking anything too far. People that don't understand seem to look down on RAW. I wish they would just look at the websites I tell them too or something and stop being so closed minded!
on the other hand atleast my mom understands.

[michigan roman]

there was a man n.w. walker whom became a raw foodist in like his twenties then went on to attain a body span of 118 years . this man was a scientist / nutritionist and he wrote a bunch of books about his opinions on diet . and over past decade ive read say over 50 books on diet - nutrition - health and his book " fresh vegetable and fruit juices " is my bible . it only takes reading the first 33 pages or so to get his point , and you can get this book mail order for around $10 postage included from norwalk press po box 12260 prescott arizona . i think phone is 9284455567 . i suggest getting this book , reading it , then ask your parents to just at minimum read first 33 pages . i believe that the opinions of n w walker shall make them see that the way they eat is wrong and that your the one who knows what shes doing . not to mention pointing out to parents all the overweight diseased americans walking around by the tens of millions whom are eating like the tv tells them and say thats not what your going to become .

[TA]

My favorite line is: "I'm on a high enzyme diet of fresh foods, for my health.":D

Have you looked through the Forum (on the main menu) entitled "Need to Know More about Raw" where Alissa has posted some great specific information? It has helped me.

[jaurequi]

Well, if you've had eating issues in the past, their concern is valid, in my opinion. Are you still struggling with food? If not, then I would tell them that this is what you have researched and found to be the most healthful eating plan.
If you are still dealing with food issues, then it would probably depend on what they are and how serious. If you have a life-threatening eating disorder, such as bulimia or anorexia, I would seek professional help as well as continue your quest to eat healthfully; I think that's great you are trying.
If it's not as serious as that, then I would tell your family that you really appreciate their concern and are thankful you have them there worrying about you and loving you. Then tell them that this is part of your healing and you are choosing this for optimal nutrition so you can regain your health. The superior nutrition in whole foods is what you need right now, having neglected your health in the past.

Best,

[Revvell]

Are you still living under their roof? If so, my advice will be different than if you aren't.

The info on Norman Walker is excellent. Please, get some of his books ~ especially The Natural Way to Vibrant Health and Become Younger. I read those almost 30 years ago and still read them.

Revvell

[RowanC]

Are you still living under their roof? If so, my advice will be different than if you aren't.
Revvell

:::chuckling::: at Revvell. My response exactly. :D

[macybare]

No I don't. But I still don't want my dad to think I'm doing something harmful to myself or for that matter my friends. the walker thing will hopefully work since I can show my dad how he was a nutritionist himself.

[juliebove]

Luckily I am not having any problems with family and friends. They know of my struggles with various medical conditions and they've seen the dramatic transition I've had since I stopped eating food I was allergic to. I lost 15 pounds in 2 months. I stopped eating all dairy, eggs, and almonds. I added pumpkin seeds, coconut and am increasing the amount of raw foods I am eating. I think for me it will work better to ease myself into it. Partly because I don't have all of the needed food/equipment and can't afford to buy it all at once.

The people I am having problems with are those I talk to online such as in various newsgroups for medical problems I have. They fear that I won't be getting proper nutrition. However, this is something I have studied and continue to study and I can usually counter their claim with something to back me up. For instance, they fear I will get anemia. Well, I had anemia. And I learned that a dairy allergy can cause anemia. I stopped the dairy and hopefully that will take care of it! If they have a specific fear and you can disprove this, so much the better for you. I save links to websites about such things and that way I have the proof right there for them.

Then there are the ones who are vague in their accusations or fears. One person told me I should speak to my Dr. about this before I did it. I told him that Drs. aren't really the best source of nutritional information. And they're really not! Yes, there might be a few who take the time to learn this, but most do not know much. And even the three dieticians I saw were not up to snuff, IMO. All three of them told me I was eating too many vegetables and two were anti-vegetarian. And none could tell me why a vegetarian diet was bad. So for them, I say, it's my body! I know my body and I can tell what is right for me. If I find that what I am doing isn't working for me, I can always try something else.

[eatyourbroccoli]

just wanted to interject..

raw has helped me immensely with an eating disorder i struggled with for 2 years.

i'd say it has helped me recover about 99%. i say only 99% and not 100% because although i no longer have the obsessive habits, the thoughts and mindset occasionally pop up.

but, of course..99% improvement is absolutely incredible, in my opinion.

and i honestly honesty HONESTLY owe it all to raw, and a LOT of the support on this board as far as questions and information provided.

stick around here..this is a group of fantastically informed, generous people. at the least, you'll be able to get the desired support from them.

i suggest talking to the nutritionist about your raw diet plan, and i cannot see how they would deny it. maybe if the nutritionist agreed your father would be more apt to give it a chance. also, realize you can eat as MUCH raw food as you want and you're not going to gain any ugly weight. your body will normalize and all bad cells will be lost, all good cells preserved (to simplify it in a very non-scientific way :p )

maybe if you show your family how much food you're eating (though i suppose im assuming the eating issues were undereating. i apologize for that if they were obsessive eating, as that was part of what i dealt with in combination with exercise bulemia) and just give it time; teach them the benefits by showing how this diet positively affects you emotionally, physically, mentally, etc.

good luck :)

[dreamrawalwz]

I too have recovered from a eating disorders for 6 years by having raw. That's only if I'm 100% though. I owe it to raw and it's made my life SO much better, honestly. Sure, I'm not over it yet, but I'm 90-95% recovered I think. If people see you doing something different they'll act it with fear and rejecting your idea, or in this case lifestyle. If this is what you truely want and believe is best for you, then don't let what others think or say get to you ya know? Good luck. I hope this nutritionist is open about the raw lifestyle, but some are hard core "you must have meat and dairy..." :p

[ljannise]

Well, if you've had eating issues in the past, their concern is valid, in my opinion. Are you still struggling with food? If not, then I would tell them that this is what you have researched and found to be the most healthful eating plan.
If you are still dealing with food issues, then it would probably depend on what they are and how serious. If you have a life-threatening eating disorder, such as bulimia or anorexia, I would seek professional help as well as continue your quest to eat healthfully; I think that's great you are trying.
If it's not as serious as that, then I would tell your family that you really appreciate their concern and are thankful you have them there worrying about you and loving you. Then tell them that this is part of your healing and you are choosing this for optimal nutrition so you can regain your health. The superior nutrition in whole foods is what you need right now, having neglected your health in the past.

Best,

Exactly, your parents KNOW you & this may seem to be "just another diet" accoding to them. Maybe you've had some really hard times that have worried them. I dont think they are being close minded at all, but they should know that raw is for all ages, not just kids being rebellious.