Alcohol, jalapeno, et insecurities...

[Tito235]

Vaya to all,

I have been Raw since Dec. 3rd and still wearing my pampers. I have to say I am not only emotionally, physically, and gratefuly feeling (and starting to look better) but I am learning as well.

I have a few questions if you don't mind, and thanks to all who have replied to my two previous posts.

1. Alcohol. I switched to Bass & Organic as this is what they sell at the whole food store. I love my beer and would give it up but prefer not to. Is it allowable? I sometimes get double messages between reading the other posts and the book (Living on Live Foods). I just want the bottom line, please.

2. Jalapeno, I love my Jalapeno and would like to know what is the recommendation about this as I know that the ones they sell are soaked in some type of liquid (not sure). Any ideas?

3. Lastly, I am usually uncomfortable in large eating establishments. I am by nature a clutz and tend to trip and other things. First I went to my Company's Christmas party that had a wonderful menu but only ate Raw. (Hence, my being proud of myself). Two co-workers lauged in my face, but I still felt great and said "Thank You very Much to them" and then I went to a rather large fancy restaurant that features a Farmers Market Salad Bar (You probably know which one this is) and only ate Raw. Both times not only did I not feel insecure and uncomfortable but I would say that I really enjoyed myself, dancing and laughing loudly.

I am amazed by the difference in my mannerism as well. I still fell down sometimes but I know this is partly due to detoxification. I lost about 15 lbs since Dec. 3rd.

I guess I am trying to basically show my appreciaton and this allows me to get this great news off my chest and to share it with others.

Thank You

Alissa Cohen.

Tito :)

[Tito235]

I did lose 15 pds but I started transitioning to a Raw Diet in Mid-November. This is why I lost 15 lbs. I was eating Breakfast and Lunch Raw and Dinner coventional.

Sorry, but I had to clarify this.

Tito :)

[girlsmiley]

If you are talking about the canned jalepenos or the ones in a jar, I'd say they may be cooked.

Here is a thread about jalepeno poppers ... I haven't made them yet, I plan to make them for my family Christmas gettogether ...

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7805&highlight=jalepeno

[Rawkinlocs]

About the alcohol...it's a personal choice. Some raw fooders still drink organic (raw) wine and others prefer to not put alcoholic beverages, raw or not, into their bodies. I mean, there is no "raw police" that's gonna get you if you drink so it's really not a question of whether or not it's "allowed"...it's all about do YOU want to allow it in your own body. I don't drink but I do take communion and wine is used. I don't have a problem with taking communion and it's not going to hinder my raw lifestyle one bit...it's a spiritual thing.

As for jalapeno's, you could always buy them fresh and then "pickle" your own in some apple cider vinegar. I have done this with banana peppers and they're off the hook (very good)!

As for the insecurities, very ironic...I was walking on my way home from the co-op and thinking about this very thing...how we tend to get very insecure and "embarrassed" about our eating choices in public yet; if we are non-smokers/drinkers or former smokers/drinkers and we go out, we don't give a second thought to the fact that perhaps we're the only ones at the table or at the bar not drinking liquor or puffing a cigarette. We take pride in the fact that we do not do these things and even if our buddies or family members called us "duds", "party poopers" or what have you we don't let it bother us. But when it comes to food choices it's different.

Probably because food/eating is a more "universal language" if you will. But even if you are simply having the salad, you are still eating! Also remember that oftentimes if not ALL times, when people ridicule you for your eating habits, they do so out of their own convictions. People will get defensive from you simply eating healthy foods in their presence and start making all kinds of excuses or coming up with all kinds of reasons why "I could never give up my ________" and you haven't even uttered one mumble or word.

So, try not to let it get to you. Be CONFIDENT and SECURE in yourself and your food choices. Someone here said in a recent thread that if people sense that you are uncomfortable or insecure with your food choices, then they will bother you...but if you take pride in what you are eating (or not eating for that matter) then people will not be so quick to pick on you or laugh at you, etc.

When I first started wearing my dreads, I kept my head held high and walked around as though I were an African Queen with my natural pride atop my head. Most people complimented my hair but every now and then, I'd get a few odd stares. One time, there were two teenaged girls kinda looking at my hair, giggling, pointing and whispering as though they were saying something negative about me. As I walked by her, I slowed down and I stared at their hair that was broken off and just not looking healthy or even neat. She then turned and walked away and did not look my way again...'nuff said! I mean, how dare anyone comment about someone doing something healthy and natural when they are apparently UNhealthy!

Be proud of yourself and let your confidence shine through!

[Pierre]

Beer is cooked (hops are added at some time during the cooking, and the taste depends on when). Wine is raw, unless it's mevushal.

I currently have a jar of pepper slices soaking in olive oil. I'm hoping that the capsaicin will soak into the oil.

[Tito235]

I am surprised of how supportive this forum is. Thank you all for the advice and believe me I read it more than once and found it right on the mark.

I am now more confident with the decision to go Raw due mostly to the feedback and reading others posts and replies.

Again

Thank you.

Tito