New to this site and new to raw

[karotw]

:)
Greetings.
I'm really glad to have found this site. I have been on a very long journey regarding food, my body and my health. It has lead me here, to try eating food as nature intended it. I first read about raw food last spring sometime and thought it was kinda crazy, but as I continue to try to find "the diet" that would work, I began to realize maybe I was the one who was crazy. Right after Christmas, I started trying to transition to vegan and raw eating. I'm trying all the local vegan restaurants and have found at least 4 that have complete raw dishes!

I'm, of course, looking for any support I can find. Particularly when it comes to letting the people in my life know what I'm doing and why.

I'm in Orange County, Ca. if anyone has any resources in this area that would be great!


Thanks!!
Karen

[Joopie]

Hey, Karen! Welcome!

You are doing great! As for letting people know what you are doing and why-I'm at the point where I don't say anything anymore because of their ignorance, everyone puts me down. I am trying my hardest to not be around negative people, so for those that aren't so accepting I am going to let my transformation speak for itself. (People are noticing.) There are other people that are really curious and positive about it, so that is always nice. Of course you will have to stand up to your decision when people find out, or if they see you and ask about it. The best advice I got for this is to make eating raw sound like the best thing in the world- don't tell them about the initial struggle, don't tell them about detox (right away), just talk about the great energy you have, how you feel calm and clear, how you are losing weight, how your skin is soft and clear, etc. Just say you want to improve your health! No one can legitimately argue with that!

It's awesome that you have found some restaurants!

Blessings on your journey!

Julie

[cozmo]

Hi Karen,
good luck on you new journey. I just started to so far i have enjoyed it sometimes it takes a little extra work but in the long run it is so worth it and your worth it.
good luck
deb

[delaray]

I started raw on 12/27 too! You are so lucky to live in an area that has raw restaurants...ahhh, if only.....

I have found through past attempts at raw, to not even mention it. In my experience even just saying your eating a raw food diet somehow makes those around you weird (at least those here in Virginia ;) ). I don't know if they are intimidated or envious or what but I have learned to just not say anything and if offered something not raw, simply say "oh, I just ate and am still full - thanks anyway, it looks great!" or if eating out say "I'll just have a salad of lettuce and tomato and some lemon wedges, thanks". Those have worked pretty well for me.

When all the beautiful raw benefits start showing so much that they ask you what you've been doing, then tell them. That way they can't dispute your living testiment!

Best,
Del

[karotw]

Thank you for the great welcome!
Yes, I have found that not sharing too much info about what I'm doing with food is usually the best - the people that really know me always know that I'm "up to something" and I've found it best not to go into too many details, generally. When I gave up sugar and flour, my appearance changed drastically and people noticed - of course, when I exlained what I was doing they all looked at me like I had two heads. . .

:)

[cozmo]

that is great you have raw restaurants by you. i have none around where i live. when people asked about me doing raw they look at me too with two heads. i know i am enjoying it and that is all that matters so go ahead and enjoy. EAT RAW :)))
enjoy those raw restaurants
deb

[Telia]

Hi!
I am new to raw foods too. I live in HB. Just started the raw transition in Jan. Anyway, I don't really know anybody who also does this and I was wondering if you might want to help me start some sort of weekend breakfast club. Maybe we could go get smoothies or go to Good Mood Food for breakfast. You can email me at telia_weisman@yahoo.com.
Telia

[caramba]

Welcome Karen - you'll find more than enough advice & support on this site (also Alissa' book it brilliant!!)

Remember - you're doing the right thing & your body with thank you for it.


Particularly when it comes to letting the people in my life know what I'm doing and why.

I am actually interested to see how Raw I can go *without* telling anyone, I mean, without making an "official announcement". Depending on how far Raw I go, I guess I'll have to one day, but for the moment I just say "I'm trying to eat more healthy food" and as I feel so much more energetic & my skins cleared up alot, then no-ones' going to argue with me. (yet)...

Good luck with your Raw journey

[SusanF]

The few friends I have told about this think it makes good sense, and some have laughed out loud, but generally I have found that people who have not had health issues, exercise and are not overweight are the most dismissive. I too have decided not to tell anyone until I can show them the changes. They just think I've "gone vegetarian". Ya know what "they" say....the proof is in the pudding... :p

[karotw]

I was so excited to see replies to my post today! I have been traveling for work, so sorry to get back to you all a few days late! I've had a few laughs and a few really odd looks and one person who was supportive of me, but said, there was NO WAY he could ever eat raw. . .Telia - I'm very excited that you are in HB. I would be absolutely THRILLED to get together or be part of a "breakfast club" on the weekends. . those are, by far, my most difficult times. . .I'll email you, too.

Traveling this week has been hard, but there has been lots of fruit available!! I'm really glad to be back again. . .

Karen