All or Nothing?

[sam]

It seems as though some people are ruining their lives to stay 100% raw. Is it really worth it? I believe in balance. I eat raw until dinner. For dinner I can eat whatever I want as long as it's vegetarian. I even drink beer sometimes. This allows me to still have a life and feel good.

[DavidZaneMason]

-You mean is there some arbitrary goal that is important? No. Only that YOU have a goal...and that you feel successful. I'm on board for THAT! LOL.

-David Mason

[Rawkinlocs]

Ruining their lives? How so?

The struggle isn't eating our optimal diet...that's easy. The struggle is with living in a world that is the polar opposite in their eating habits. The struggle is with our bodies being so used to eating crap or cooked food period and to stop is not always comfortable when the "withdrawals" kick in in the form of cravings.

But to strive to have the best health possible isn't ruining one's life. Why does "balance" have to mean eating some raw and some cooked? Why can't it mean eating a well-balanced variety of raw foods? Cooking food is not natural and I don't say that to knock anyone who still eats any percentage (great or small) of cooked food...but I say that because you are making it seem like it's a yin-yang thing with raw and cooked. We only adapted to cooking food, but it's not how we were naturally meant to eat our food. It's only a "balance" in one's own mind, but it's not a "balance" from nature.

And...I'm wondering if this was a "baiting" thread...

[Rawzula]

I think that "sam" might be a spammer. That posting seems highly suspicious:eek:

[sam]

Thanks David, I appreciate that someone in this forum can think for themselves.

[Seren]

Sam I don't think there is any need to make out that people on this forum can't think for themselves. Its quite the opposite actually.

[juliebove]

Carole Alt claims that one needs to eat at least 80% raw to get the benefits of raw. How she determined this and whether or not it is true, I do not know. I can not say I am 100% raw. To say that seems extreme to me. Nor could I saw I will eat all raw except for dinner. To me that seems silly. I do try to eat as much raw food as I can. If I am out somewhere and eat a few bites of cooked hummus or use a seasoning that I do not know whether it is raw or not, I am not going to stress about it. Now if I eat something and I feel bad afterwards, that's probably the last time I'm going to eat it. I might give it the benefit of the doubt and try it a second time. If I feel bad after eating it again, then you'd better believe I will avoid it again at all costs. I don't like to feel bad.

Another thing that I feel I should address is "living" food. I have Alissa's book. The word "raw" is not in the title. It is called "Living On Live Food". Some people choose to eat live foods that are not raw. Like cider vinegar or miso. I'm probably being picayune here but these things come to mind every time I see someone posting something about this being a "raw" board.

Bottom line, you have to do what is right for you. Lots of people here eat a lot of fruit. Doesn't make it right for me!

[Gosia]

It seems that some people are ruining their lives by trying to find holes in other people's lives. ;)

Becoming all-raw can be a side of effect of choosing foods that one likes best.

Gosia

[Rawkinlocs]

Sam, is the only reason you joined this forum is to insult the people here? To say people are "ruining their lives" by striving for a 100% raw diet and then indirectly telling people they're not "thinking for themselves"? In other words, to bait us?

If so, your stay here will be a very temporal one indeed.

If you take the time to read some of the posts here, you will find that there are PLENTY of members who are comfortable at eating a lower percentage of raw than 100%. But at the same token, many of us also realize that we simply DO NOT FEEL OUR BEST when we incorporate cooked food. I'd rather "not have a life" than to feel like crap for the sake of "having a life" via eating cooked food when I know it doesn't make me feel good nor is it benefitting my body and my health...having a life to ME is feeling my best and I feel my best when I eat 100% raw.

If you want to eat raw until dinner and have a beer, that's your choice and no one is going to knock you for that, so you most certainly have no right to come to a forum that was designed to be a support system to those who are striving to eat an all raw diet - though we do invite and support those who choose to eat less than 100% raw - and make such statements as you have in your introductory posts.

[rawpriestess]

Hi Sam,


I'm not sure what you mean by your posts, but I will give you the benefit of the doubt, if you mean that people are ruining their lives, and not feeling good is because they are going through detox, then maybe people are not feeling as good as they will, once they go through the detox, but ruining thier lives, I just don't see that.

People on this board, ARE free thinkers, that is why they are here, instead of on a mainstream meat eating chat site. LOL

Raw foodists, ARE the free thinkers, the rebelious ones, the ones who think out of the box, the ones who walk to a different drummer, and often they sacrafice alot of their lives for their beliefs, but that isn't ruining their lives.

I've lost alot by eating raw, I lost my beloved, I lost 85 pounds, I lost my identity, I lost some friends, and I lost my pain, my issues, and my challenges, yes, I've lost alot by going raw, but NOT ONE THING would I exchange for eating cooked again. LOL

I'd rather eat 100% raw foods, feel good, and toss everything else out the window, than to go back to cooked food eating, and get anything back.

So, maybe eating some cooked food works for you, that's fine, IF it really works for you, but I sense a great deal of hostility in your words, and us sweet gentle raw foodists, just don't get hostile, because we ARE balanced, in fact we are so balanced, that we don't have to go around telling everyone how balanced we are, it radiates from our raw clean pores.

So, if you wish to keep posting, that's fine, ask lots of questions, let us know your opinion, but please keep in mind that this is a free to use board for the support of those people wishing to incorporate MORE raw vegan foods into their diet, and to continue on that path, if that is you, then welcome to our board, if that is not you, than may you find peace and joy some place else that supports your personal choices.

[sam]

WOW, now I know what a punching bag feels like. My point was that it seems people are so concerned with being 100% raw that they are isolating themselves from family, friends, social events. Mental health is also important. It is not a contest, it's about living a full life. I am sorry in advance if I offended more people. I just simply wanted to hear other opinions on the issue.

[Rawkinlocs]

Sam, no one is trying to throw blows at you, but please realize that we get enough flack from society and loved ones for choosing to eat this way and this is a place we like to come to and feel some solice and support in our decision.

One of the main reasons people isolate themselves from others is because they get ridiculed and their diet becomes a main topic of discussion at the family event or the social gathering.

The statement you made singling David out as being "someone who thinks for themselves" (as opposed to everyone else who posted along with him) could have been taken as a low blow as well.

But listen, again, not everyone here is all raw and some even have chosen to stick with a less-than-all-raw diet and again, that is fine...no problem. However, RFT is a forum to support the raw side of one's diet. So, if I chose to eat all raw during the day and then have beans and rice or steamed veggies for dinner, that's my perogative, but I know that in coming here, it's the RAW portion of my diet that I discuss here and not the latter. I can go to a vegetarian or cooked vegan forum for the other portion.

So, as RP stated, you are more than welcome to stay and get to know us and us you and offer/receive support for the part of your dietary lifestyle that IS raw - but I had to know where you were coming from.

Yes, it is challenging and I understand what you are saying from your last post - but anytime you go against the grain with anything be it eating raw, homeschooling, etc. then you have to expect some things to get shaken in your world and sometimes that means changing who you associate with IF the people who were previously in your life cannot and will not support you.

I still have most of the same people in my life as I did pre-raw...I am comfortable and they are comfortable and while they may not be ready to make such a change, they support ME in my choice. But not every is so fortunate to have that. I DO have a few in-laws who aren't quite as accepting, but that's fine too...still love 'em!

[lodestar]

"I'd rather "not have a life" than to feel like crap for the sake of "having a life" via eating cooked food when I know it doesn't make me feel good nor is it benefitting my body and my health...having a life to ME is feeling my best and I feel my best when I eat 100% raw."---Rawkinlocks

i love, love, love that statement! :)

[vgloveforlife]

I understand what you mean Sam. Some will really beat themselves up if they eat cooked food and obviously that isn't healthy.

I personally like the challenge of doing 100% raw and I try to obtain that but if I eat cooked that's fine but I'm always striving towards all raw.

[swingbolder]

Sam: If eating a cooked dinner every night works for you, then great.

Many of us have tried to eat a small portion of cooked food on a regular basis and it just didn't work for us, that's why we continue to try and eat 100%, even though it can be a struggle at times.

I didn't come to this site chanting the 100% mantra, I just found from experience that this is what worked well for my body, bc I had serious health problems that were only helped by going 100%.

I basically went from needing nearly $200 of legal meds a month for various conditions to now, when I'm down to one medication ($20) every three months or so. In fact, I can't remember the last time I had that script filled. :)

And all those people, friends and extended family, who made fun of me for eating this way and tried to get me to eat meat and such-like, they were not kicking in any $$ to pay for those meds!!!! In fact, it is my family that is closest to me (my son and husband) who support me whole-heartedly in eating this way because they've seen the before and after, and it's obvious to them that the "after" is a much, much healthier woman.

So basically, it wasn't a question of not thinking for myself, it was a matter of listening to my body and finding what was right for it. I think you will find many such stories on this site if you would take the time to browse through some of the threads.

[rawfigure]

WOW, now I know what a punching bag feels like. My point was that it seems people are so concerned with being 100% raw that they are isolating themselves from family, friends, social events. Mental health is also important. It is not a contest, it's about living a full life. I am sorry in advance if I offended more people. I just simply wanted to hear other opinions on the issue.

I am one who is Raw and am not isolating myself from friends and family or social events. I do the exact same things I did Pre Raw that I do now. The only thing that changed is now I choose to eat a different way. No one in my life really cares how I eat. They may not choose to eat raw and that is OK and I choose not to eat cooked & animal products and thats ok with them.

In fact my friends and family are more accepting of my Raw Diet than they were of my weird hi protein bodybuilding/starvation diets.

BTW I do believe the members of this site CAN think for themselves. :eek: It is a harsh judgement of a group who loves to share and learn from one another.

[GoingtoRAW]

I agree with all who come to this board because of the support we get from those on the board 100% raw or not! I have followed a vegetarian diet before any efforts to transition to raw and I have been ostracized by most who, after nearly 9 years of my following this lifestyle still find something negative to say. At family gatherings "you're still doing that vegetarian thing?" "I don't understand how you can NOT eat meat!" Then at times it becomes the focus of the entire conversation - very uncomfortable.
And the fact that they still find this topic interesting to talk about really baffles me - I mean get a life people! I don't go around saying "how can you eat that nasty pork chop" or why in the world are you eating that Tripple Whopper with fries and a shake?" So why do people find it acceptable to badger people when they are chowing down on a pint of sweet strawberries, or an entire sweet honey dew melon! I don't get it.

While trying to transition to 100% raw - which is my goal - I have only told three people in my inner circle because unfortunately revealing that information would be even worse than saying that I am vegetarian and I would be hounded relentlessly.

What I am trying to say is that I don't come to this board to get offended. To each his own I say. Whatever your level of raw or not raw - that is your right to choose. I just enjoy having a place to go where negativity and judgement are uncommon and support and love are the main thing.
:rolleyes:

[Sharon in Colorado]

WOW, now I know what a punching bag feels like

Just curious, did you come here to get support, give support, or go 100% raw?

Or are you just trying to "figure us out"?

Not sure what your presence here is.

Could you humor us and share what you had for dinner, and what you normally eat when you are not eating raw. Maybe we can help.

And it's okay if you are still eating some cooked food. One step at a time! You'll get there.

[spicyfull]

Its a Journey, its your Journey and you travel it as you wish. Each of us travel as we wish. I have to die for myself as I must eat for myself. Whatever I choose.

I know my Health has improved on RAW. And that was with me calling the shots. Who do I call in the middle of the night when the blood pressure was too high, not my Family. I had to call on Jesus. Being RAW MY BP is normal most of the time, and my belley is full.

Life is about choices and I choose Life and RAW. I WISH YOU JOY...........

[sport]

It seems as though some people are ruining their lives to stay 100% raw. Is it really worth it? I believe in balance. I eat raw until dinner. For dinner I can eat whatever I want as long as it's vegetarian. I even drink beer sometimes. This allows me to still have a life and feel good.
I eat 100% raw up to dinner and then I have what I want for dinner and it is vegan and it just so happens that what I like to eat for dinner happens to be raw so I eat that and I love it and I still have a life.
The thing is that I can not finish up like you and say "I fool good" because I do not feel good.
I feel GREAT.
I do understand what you are saying though and agree with you 100%. If this is where you are happy then that is great but I want you to know that you can take it that step further and still have a life.
Do not let the propoganda convince you that there is any more satisfaction to be had from holding out and maintaining that cooked food in your life just for the sake of it.
Try sitting down to a raw dinner for a few nights. Make sure that it is something that you really love. You will find that you do not feel that your life has come to an end.

[sport]

Sam
Lots of people here are not 100% and some are far far away from it. You are further ahead than a lot of us and great credit is due to you for that.
Stay with us. You do not have to change or go 100%. You will be welcome either way.

[Lay-Lay]

Howdy Sam and Welcome!

I have found the opposite to be true. Raw and living foods have saved my life. My friends and family see how happy and healthier I have become on raw foods and fully support my changes. Actually it has influenced most of them to take charge of their own health and begin making changes in their own diet and thinking on health. That is wonderful that you are eating so much raw. Are you thinking of doing a 30 day 100% challenge? It is an awesome experience if you haven't tried it. I wish you success and hope to be a part of your raw journey. Hope to hear more of your posts in the future.

[sam]

I am thinking about the 30 day challenge eventually. First I need to learn how to prepare some raw meals. My meals yesterday:

Morning: Green smoothie(oranges, pineapple, banana, romaine)

Snack: 2 Apples

Lunch: Smoothie(Almond milk, banana, grapes, berries)

Snack: Juice(oranges, spinach)

Dinner: Breadbowl soup(breadbowl, vegetable soup made in vitamix)

my dinners are not always this healthy, but it allows me the freedom I need. I don't think I will ever be 100%, but would eat a raw dinner some days.

[Revvell]

my dinners are not always this healthy, but it allows me the freedom I need.

Raw is all about freedom. There is almost nothing more freeing than eating raw foods. When one lives by the dictates of others (I wont be accepted by my friends if I don't drink or eat cooked food) then, that's not living free.

Freedom is also about choice. You can choose 100% ~ or not. *shrugs*

If your mindset is that you cannot be social while eating raw or that you wont be accepted or supported by your "friends" and/or family because you eat fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds and are eating healthier than the majority of folk you know, then, that's what you'll receive ~ unacceptance, disdain, etc.

Those who know me, know I have a life. It's a life filled with joy, love and freedom. I don't allow others to dictate to me what I eat or drink. I've not had alcohol in about 30 years. I still have friends, I still have fun. Actually, I'm having more fun now than when I ate the way my "friends" did and drank what they drank

Yeah, it's about balance. Balancing who I am with how I want to live and I certainly wont live by the dictates of others who are unhealthy and think ragging on someone because they choose to eat healthily and be healthy is fun to do.

I've had people tell me ~ you don't smoke, you don't drink and you don't eat meat? You're no fun!

Do you think my life will be with those people? Is drinking, smoking and eating meat where their fun lives? Sheesh! How about dancing, singing, hiking, hooping, clubbing, doing qigong, eating food that brings my body more life? Loving my husband! SHOPPING! Living in joy, awareness and celebration??? Now, THAT is fun!

Revvell

[Sharon in Colorado]

You pegged it Rev.

Some seem to think that freedom or fun is doing things that will have adverse affects on the body.

I used to drink, thinking it was "fun". The side-effects of that was compromised brain activity and slower reaction time, saying things I never would have said when not drinking, followed by a nasty hangover the next day.

Eating cooked will also give a similar type of hang-over.

Other nasty side-effects and longer term effects are experienced when I eat cooked foods. So in a sense, it is more like a prison, whereas eating foods correct for my body is more like freedom.

We all have to decide which is best for us.


I believe in balance.

As for balance -

Some people may think of balance as eating anything under the sun.

Others may think of balance as eating raw food and a cooked dinner "as long as it's vegetarian".

While others see balance as eating a variety of fresh, whole foods.

So when you find YOUR balance, it is what works for you, and not everyone else.

[Veganforlife]

...My point was that it seems people are so concerned with being 100% raw that they are isolating themselves from family, friends, social events. Mental health is also important. It is not a contest, it's about living a full life. I am sorry in advance if I offended more people. I just simply wanted to hear other opinions on the issue.

Hmmm...I'm not thinking this is case, at least not with me. My family has welcomed these new, delicious treats that I present to them. AND, they are amazed at my boundless energy, my mental clarity, my feeling good for once in my life!

This has been a very easy transition for me. Vegetarian for 26 years, Vegan for 2 and now 100% raw. Your posting negativity can really mess with some folks here. Folks that are going through detox and trying their darndest to beat these evils.

I have found this board to be very positive and uplifting. I admire the success of so many of the folks here. I feel like they are my raw family. :)

[MacaMan]

Carole Alt claims that one needs to eat at least 80% raw to get the benefits of raw. How she determined this and whether or not it is true, I do not know. I can not say I am 100% raw. To say that seems extreme to me. Nor could I saw I will eat all raw except for dinner. To me that seems silly. I do try to eat as much raw food as I can. If I am out somewhere and eat a few bites of cooked hummus or use a seasoning that I do not know whether it is raw or not, I am not going to stress about it. Now if I eat something and I feel bad afterwards, that's probably the last time I'm going to eat it. I might give it the benefit of the doubt and try it a second time. If I feel bad after eating it again, then you'd better believe I will avoid it again at all costs. I don't like to feel bad.

Another thing that I feel I should address is "living" food. I have Alissa's book. The word "raw" is not in the title. It is called "Living On Live Food". Some people choose to eat live foods that are not raw. Like cider vinegar or miso. I'm probably being picayune here but these things come to mind every time I see someone posting something about this being a "raw" board.

Bottom line, you have to do what is right for you. Lots of people here eat a lot of fruit. Doesn't make it right for me!


One of the more sound posts I've read so far here. This is how I see it as well. More than a couple pieces of fruit a day doesn't make me feel good at all. Certified organic free-range bison makes me feel great. I'm sure that fact won't win me any fans here, but it works for me. To each his own!

[Veganforlife]

Certified organic free-range bison makes me feel great. I'm sure that fact won't win me any fans here, but it works for me. To each his own!

The poor bison doesn't feel so great now. :( And just think - he was ranging around free. Not no more!!! :eek:

[sungoddess]

I've had people tell me ~ you don't smoke, you don't drink and you don't eat meat? You're no fun!

Do you think my life will be with those people? Is drinking, smoking and eating meat where their fun lives? Sheesh! How about dancing, singing, hiking, hooping, clubbing, doing qigong, eating food that brings my body more life? Loving my husband! SHOPPING! Living in joy, awareness and celebration??? Now, THAT is fun!

Revvell

That was so well put :) It really inspired me!!!! AHHH!!!

[Revvell]

That was so well put :) It really inspired me!!!! AHHH!!!

Excellent!!! Love to inspire people into celebrating life! :)

Thank YOU for posting that.

Revvell

[Angeline]

It seems as though some people are ruining their lives to stay 100% raw. Is it really worth it? I believe in balance. I eat raw until dinner. For dinner I can eat whatever I want as long as it's vegetarian. I even drink beer sometimes. This allows me to still have a life and feel good.

Hey Sam, Did you expect to get this much response? :)

Just wanted to add what caught my attention is the word you used life. That's a key word because eating raw is about creating life, not ruining life. Creating life inside of our bodies with live food. While we are doing this there are things that may have to be sludged off that keep us from having this abundance of life. While keeping to our old habits may force us to change, and make us feel like we are destroying what we thought was our life, maybe what it really is, is just habits we have grown accustomed to, and patterns we feel comfortable with. Our brain carries deep imprints from years of adhering to the same patterns that started with our families and furthered on from society. It's very hard to change these imprints and create new ones. It's worth it. Your life is a precious gift, and getting the most out of it through health and vibrant living is a gift that you give to yourself and others.

Regardless, it is your life and I wish you all the peace and love you can find in it.

[Amberly]

So you think we should have a balance of healthy and unhealthy, Sam?

[Revvell]

So you think we should have a balance of healthy and unhealthy, Sam?

Good question.

Revvell

[dyemundluv]

Sam: sweetie, honey, babycheeks...whatever floats your boat.

I don't care if you eat all raw and then eat your recliner chair w/some BBQ sauce sprinkled on top for dinner. If you feel good after doing so, then stick with it.

Frankly, I am intune with my body...I will try different things, and based upon it's response -adjust accordingly. Nevertheless, this is doesn't negate the fact that this is a RAW site -when in Rawland, you do as the Rawins. You will not receive a positive response when discussing the smothered porkchop casserole stuffed w/ carmelized refried beans recipe you discovered.

BTW: if you haven't noticed -this is not a religious occult, we made a decision to maximize our health through the medium of raw foods; whatever % that may be ...and with that said;

the boat continues to float. :p Have a nice day.

[DeadNutrition]

The only reason anyone has cooked food cravings is because for thousands of years man has made the mistake of cooking his food. It's as simple as that.

[Revvell]

Where's Sam???? :confused:

[Veganforlife]

Hunting bison... :eek:

[Revvell]

Hunting bison... :eek:


:eek: Baaaaaad Vegan, baaaaaad!!! :p

[Conscious Midwife]

Sam: sweetie, honey, babycheeks...whatever floats your boat.

I don't care if you eat all raw and then eat your recliner chair w/some BBQ sauce sprinkled on top for dinner. If you feel good after doing so, then stick with it.

Frankly, I am intune with my body...I will try different things, and based upon it's response -adjust accordingly. Nevertheless, this is doesn't negate the fact that this is a RAW site -when in Rawland, you do as the Rawins. You will not receive a positive response when discussing the smothered porkchop casserole stuffed w/ carmelized refried beans recipe you discovered.

BTW: if you haven't noticed -this is not a religious occult, we made a decision to maximize our health through the medium of raw foods; whatever % that may be ...and with that said;

the boat continues to float. :p Have a nice day.

DEAD :D

ROTFLACOAB* (rolling on the floor laughing and choking on avacado burps)


*rembering there are to be NO explicative inferences

[sport]

I think that we gave Sam a bad break and I for one am regretting it. If you do get to check in on us again then this is me saying sorry.

[Revvell]

ROTFLACOAB* (rolling on the floor laughing and choking on avacado burps)
[/B]

*spews organic o.j. all over the keyboard and computer*

[Sharon in Colorado]

I think that we gave Sam a bad break and I for one am regretting it. If you do get to check in on us again then this is me saying sorry.

On the contrary I was glad to see the thoughtful and decent posts replied to the OP's accusations. Any other raw mesasge board there would have been thoughtless, mean and cursing replies.

It can be difficult to keep ones composure when someone says such things.