question about guilt

[BerryGirl]

I've been reading and sometimes posting on this site now for a little over a month. I've given up chocolate and caffeine, as well as become vegan, and I've lost 6 pounds so far, but in a way, more importantly, I've learned to appreciate and like all sorts of new foods. For the first time since I was probably eight or nine I feel comfortable with what I eat and how it makes my body feel. I'm not 100% raw, but usually when I do eat cooked it's something vegan and pretty healthy. I've had a few times where I ate not-so-healthy (ok, *really* unhealthy) since eating more raw, and I've discovered that it's not worth it! However, when I eat something that's cooked and light, such as vegetable soup, I don't feel guilty about eating something that's not raw. And it doesn't hurt my tummy either or make me feel bloated or fat or anything like that. I've read a lot of posts on here by people who've "slipped" or "fallen off the wagon" or whatever phrase you prefer, and they all seem to feel horribly guilty. But I don't feel that way. I know a lot of people on here are "all-or-nothing" people when it comes to raw, and I know that there's no Raw Police out there waiting to get me, but I guess my question is this: is my lack of guilt a bad or counter-productive thing? It's nice to not feel guilty about what I eat now.

[Rawkinlocs]

I don't think your lack of guilt is bad. I think it's the guilt and shame that we tend to put on ourselves that causes the stress and angst over this "diet" and as it's been said many times, that stress can be more toxic than cooked food!

[squidly]

If you don't feel guilty then that is fantastic - guilt is an unproductive emotion as we can't change what we have already done. Guilt only makes you ill - I should know as this is an issue I deal with (because I often sugar binge but I am putting that behind me) so hats off to you for eating without guilt!!

If you eat some cooked and don't slip into binges or a life of all cooked again then that is great. Many people here are 100% because as soon as they have one bit of cooked it is a down hill slide from there. If you can eat a little healthy cooked and not backslide and it suits you then great - remember many raw foodists define raw foodism as eating anything greater than 70% raw so keep the cooked food healthy vegan, enjoy your food and love life!!

[BerryGirl]

Thanks-- I appreciate your encouragement!

[Lisa42]

I've been reading and sometimes posting on this site now for a little over a month. I've given up chocolate and caffeine, as well as become vegan, and I've lost 6 pounds so far, but in a way, more importantly, I've learned to appreciate and like all sorts of new foods. For the first time since I was probably eight or nine I feel comfortable with what I eat and how it makes my body feel. I'm not 100% raw, but usually when I do eat cooked it's something vegan and pretty healthy. I've had a few times where I ate not-so-healthy (ok, *really* unhealthy) since eating more raw, and I've discovered that it's not worth it! However, when I eat something that's cooked and light, such as vegetable soup, I don't feel guilty about eating something that's not raw. And it doesn't hurt my tummy either or make me feel bloated or fat or anything like that. I've read a lot of posts on here by people who've "slipped" or "fallen off the wagon" or whatever phrase you prefer, and they all seem to feel horribly guilty. But I don't feel that way. I know a lot of people on here are "all-or-nothing" people when it comes to raw, and I know that there's no Raw Police out there waiting to get me, but I guess my question is this: is my lack of guilt a bad or counter-productive thing? It's nice to not feel guilty about what I eat now.

Keep thinking the way your thinking - you are on the right track.

[ShelShel]

I personally look at eating raw...as a journey. You will start it doing one thing (maybe just adding more raw to your normal diet) and finish on a different path altogether. (some are good at high raw...some are 100%...and some are fruitarians...mono eating...etc...)
If right now you are content and happy and healthy with what you are doing...that is AWESOME! :D Congrats! Go with what your body tells you. It will lead you if you listen.

[twinyoga]

It sounds like you are transitioning slowly and are very balanced. I envy that.

[BerryGirl]

roflol I'm balanced? I love that, twinyoga! It's the first time in my life anyone has called me "balanced"!!! :D

[PhoeniX]

I think that you have exactly the right attitude. There is no need to feel guilty. Keep eating raw an enjoyable thing, not a prison sentence!