Social worries

[crunchyquest]

Hi, I'm on my 6th day at 75% raw. I was 100% raw 2 years ago (for 8 months) but fell off the raw wagon when faced with all the family functions, restaurant get-togethers, barbecues, and parties. I feel like that's what's preventing me from going 100% now - that I'll keep slipping when these social occasions arise.

How can I enjoy an eating event with my family and friends and stay raw? My dd is making her Confirmation in October and we have a big party planned at an Italian restaurant. How do I just not eat? I know I can have the salad and fruit, but the smells are still so tempting.

What can I bring to these events that I can eat and not look so "different"? Can you recommend something I can make that others might like? Help!

=Marie=

[veeg]

cq,

It is truly difficult in social situations, especially when friends and family say things like "oh, just have a bite of [fill in the SAD food]"

I have fallen off the wagon many times b/c of these types of occasions, because for me one bite is all it takes.

What I've tried recently is to fill up on fruit prior to the event and bring a fruit platter with me.

Unfortunately, with some folks, I've had to be a little firm (but still polite) in explaining to them that I'm committed to a certain lifestyle and no matter how much they prompt me I'm not going to change my mind.

Best of luck.

Peace.

[Biff]

To quote from a previous post, just tell them that eating raw food gives you incredible sexual powers! That will shut them up. :)

[pomegranatebliss]

Restaurants and gatherings with non-raw individuals are definitely a challenge.

For the Italian restaurant in particular, I have a suggestion. Do you know that the pastas are even good to you anymore? I used to eat a LOT of pasta prior to going 75% raw, then when I had a little bit after my first four weeks, it was bland and tasteless. I have no desire to eat pasta anymore and am not tempted by it. My palate has really changed a lot after only two months high-raw, so maybe yours has too! :)

[pomegranatebliss]

Restaurants and gatherings with non-raw individuals are definitely a challenge.

For the Italian restaurant in particular, I have a suggestion. Do you know that the pastas are even good to you anymore? I used to eat a LOT of pasta prior to going 75% raw, then when I had a little bit after my first four weeks, it was bland and tasteless. I have no desire to eat pasta anymore and am not tempted by it. My palate has really changed a lot after only two months high-raw, so maybe yours has too! :)

[Lay-Lay]

Raw coleslaw is wonderful. It taste better then the SAD version. It is awesome to take to barbeques. I take candy balls to parties. They are always a big hit. You don't have to tell them that anything is raw. If they ask what is in it just give them the recipe. Before you know it you will be at a party and someone else will have made your recipe. Now that is really awesome. Raw corn is fun at a barbeque too. You could always make raw garden burgers but I don't like them myself. Alissa's book has many recipes that are excellent for get togethers.

Welcome to the forum.

[crunchyquest]

Great advice so far guys. Keep 'em comin'!

Filling up on fruit (or salad) before going out and bringing along a fruit platter makes total sense and is something I can do. Thanks Veeg!

Biff, you're a riot. But I'll probably be using that line at some point! :D

Pomegranite, I wonder if I'll feel that way. That's so interesting. I would love for my palate to change and then I won't even want cooked food anymore. When does that usually happen??

I'm glad to know I'm not alone.

=Marie=

[crunchyquest]

Lay-Lay that sounds delicious! Do you have recipes for the cole slaw and candy balls? That would definitely work for me. Thanks!

=Marie=

[dreamrawalwz]

For parties and BBQ's, ect. volunteer to bring a nice salad or fruit salad. That way there's always something for you to eat and others will enjoy.

[Lay-Lay]

to make coleslaw I use Doe's recipe for mayonaise and just add it to shredded cabbage and chopped tomatoes. It is awesome.

¨ Mayonnaise ¨

Blend until smooth:
½ c almonds, soaked and peeled
1/4 cup water
½ lemon, juiced
1 small garlic clove
½ tsp salt
Add in a steady stream, until emulsified:
1 ½ c olive oil
Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.


Candy balls

20 pitted dates unsoaked

20 nuts (any kind) I like to use pecans or walnuts

Food process until its like cookie dough

then pinch little bits off and roll in the palm of your hand

then roll each ball in dried coconut or sesame seeds. Chill and serve

Makes 20 balls. You can make more or less depending on the party size. Just double or triple recipe or whatever.

[Lay-Lay]

I often substitute the almonds in the mayo recipe with other nuts that I have on hand. Walnuts and pecans work great.

[pomegranatebliss]

Pomegranite, I wonder if I'll feel that way. That's so interesting. I would love for my palate to change and then I won't even want cooked food anymore. When does that usually happen??

I can only speak for myself, but mine started after about three weeks. The first thing was that I let myself have a "treat" of a small 42g Cadbury Hazelnut chocolate bar. I was all excited because that used to be my favorite, but then I was really surprised to find that it didn't even taste good! It was just like wax to me.

The day I had a little bit of rigatoni, I was otherwise raw and was going to have a "treat." The pasta was just tasteless and the consistency wasn't appealing either.

My husband made two of his no-bake cheesecakes (not raw) for his co-workers after he passed his five weeks probation and was hired full-time. I had a couple of spoons of the filling and got promptly sick.

I am 75% and higher raw each day, but usually don't eat stuff like the above. Each time I've thought it would be good, but all I keep learning is that I don't want those foods anymore. it's been a surprise each time. I've actually had something that I never though would happen - I don't want dessert. I made the raw chocolate cream pie recipe on this board a couple of time (filling only, no crust), but even that is too heavy to me now. The desire is just gone.

I'm not going to say that I have no problems with ALL bad foods, but I have definitely found that my palate has changed to prefer raw foods. A lot of my old problem foods aren't problems now. It's not only taste, but texture as well. Pasta doesn't compare to my lovely, crunchy, salads or a big bowl of watermelon!

I was also very ready for this. I hit my point where I just said enough and things just keep getting better from here. I'm trying to heal some old ED behaviors, so I'm currently at 75% raw so I don't feel restricted, but once I feel that my attitudes toward eating have healed, I'm not adverse to trying 100%. I'm naturally moving toward that anyway. I know that Alissa's way is optimal, but I have some emotional stuff to make peace with, so I'm taking the journey in my own time. :)