needing encouragement

[sareli]

what do you say/how do you handle eating out when family invites you. I keep thinking if I went then every single time I'd have a leaf salad with whatever veggies they can put on it, only to hear an in-law say "must be fun on that diet--you can't eat anything but veggies" Of course they don't realize the amazing and wonderful different meals that can be prepared, but the constant harrassment is so hard to deal with. they don't realize the health benefits...as they sit there with their high cholesterol, diabetes, and cancer.

this is my biggest hang-up. I feel like being raw separates me from the "real world"....even though I know it is them who will suffer, it feels like it's me. My ex-sister in law is RAW, but she lives in california--I'm in Michigan and no one else gets it.

any thoughts? words of wisdom? encouragement?
sarah

[Morn]

Yeah - Another Michigander! What city do you live In?

Anyway I would continue to eat out at places that hopefully you have input in. I go out to eat every week with my family and mother in law and I thought the same thing, however, I try to eat at places like Ruby Tuesday, or Big Boy and just order off the salad bar. Also Chinese buffets are good because they generally have salad bar and fresh fruit on them. I also like japenese restaurants cause you can order vegtable sushi and a salad.

I wouldn't even talk to them about it if you think they are going to be negative. It was a long time (about 2 months in before I told my mother in law), but the positive for me was that my husband is 100% behind me backing me up and that helps alot.

And if you Mother in law asks about why you are not eating more, you can tell her that is what you want and you are not that hungry or something like that. Or tell her you are watching what you are eating and trying to be healthier. If you think that the raw conversation will be a negative don't even go there. In time it will be a non issue. I always say as people see the positive changes in you they will begin to ask you and then you can share. How negative can people be when they see how happy and healthy you are?

Hope this helps a little.

[sareli]

I think that's a good idea not to say anything at all at first. I haven't told anyone anyway. I'm kind of stuck at home with my kids most of the time--so going out isn't really a constant battle (except maybe tomorrow morning at devotions when all anyone brings to eat is donuts and cheese :mad: ) anyway...just outside of traverse city, and you? (I'm guessing detroit because you have both japanese and chinese restaurants ;) )

sarah

[Veganforlife]

Sarah - I can understand how you must feel, but you are very wise in your thinking and realizing it is they who are suffering. Maybe they are envious that you can eat the way you do. One day they may get it. And maybe not.
When one comments about how "fun" this must be, do you tell them it is actually? Do you tell them you can eat everything from pizza to cheesecake to brownies to fudge to calzones to chick-un fingers to Angel hair pasta with marinara to burgers and fries? That you aren't deprived of anything? That your body, your mental clarity is thanking you for this? Do they understand what eating raw is REALLY about? Or would they not want to listen. I fortunately have a wonderful family that really listens when I start telling them all that I eat and how wonderful I feel and how my body (which they can see the transformation), but how great I feel ALL THE TIME. No migraines. How it has healed me.
Please don't let it discourage you. You KNOW you are doing the best thing you can and bravo to you for that.
Recently for a Christmas dinner my Aunt and Uncle had at their retirement community dining room? I brought my own meal. I had a tomato, and avocado and olives that were cut up and veggies and dip. No one minded, no one belittled me, they thought it was great.
Have you talked to them? Would anyone be interested? If not, then so be it. You keep on doing what you are doing. Your body thanks you.

[girlsmiley]

just outside of traverse city
Sarah .. lanasq is from "northern michigan" ... not sure what city though ...

[Morn]

Yes - a suburb of Detroit (about 45 minutes). I am in Chesterfield Twp. Bummer - I wish you were closer!

[Apasaraw]

People mock what they do not understand or what they have trepidation about. Just do your thing. Order what you want and make it a part of who you are and they'll get used to it. I do alot better when I don't even talk about being raw and just order the salads, grapefruit and fruit plates and enjoy. We do have it easier in California, where fresh is the norm and people are open to what others may consider wacky ways of eating...come visit! :) The next time anyone bugs you about your "diet" just tell them "I like it!" take a big bite and smile!

Good luck!

[luckitri]

I think that people are threatened by it when they invite you because they want to be the host and provide for you and they don't know what to provide and if it is a restaurant they don't know what will be available for you. Once you show that raw food is easier than cooked food they might be less afraid.


The other ways of being threatened by it. I have been reading on other threads here how people don't talk about it - they just do it. They show and share. I can't imagine anyone who has tried it and does not feel better. I wish I had a bunch of raw humor for you to share with them when they are verbal about your eating style.