A little rant

[Little Mango]

I have been raw for just over two weeks now and I am finding it difficult. Some days I am really excited to try new things and to finally be on the right path towards health but then it all goes wrong. I dont think I am trying to run before I can walk or maybe I am. I see how wonderful peoples food looks on websites and in raw cook books and when I try them it is always a disaster. It seems like all I have been eating are stuffed peppers.

But thats all so trivial. The problem is I have no support in my home apart from my mum but she has her own worries. My father is pig ignorant and doesn't believe that what I am doing is of any benefit. He always says "why dont you eat properly?" "why dont you eat 'real' food" and it just upsets me so much. And then when he stresses me it aggrivates my eczema also. There is no point in talking to him coz you see everything he says is always "correct".

Sorry to go on like a little child, I know Rome wasn't built in a day but I guess I just need a few words of encouragment. :(

rant over

Much lovex

[RowanC]

Don't give up.. it's ok to have these ranting, raving days.. we all do it. Consider it part of your detox! :D

About your recipes... what have you tried? Maybe we can give you some pointers?

What types of things do you like and not like to eat?

What equipment do you have or not have?

About your mum. It's great she's supportive. I'm sure she has her own life to deal with too, so cut her some slack.

About your dad. I'm sure he's just concerned about you. He has been brainwashed to believe the "correct" foods are the SAD diet.

There is a thread here of daily appreciations. I'd love to see you post on it. Maybe you might consider telling your dad that you love him and that you know he loves you and is concerned about you, but that you need to try this for YOURSELF and it would be helpful if he cannot support you if he would at least just not comment?

I guess my last question is why you're living at home at 26? I'm not judging, just curious/nosey?

[Beckla]

Congrats, first and foremost, on making this commitment to yourself and your peace of mind and well being. Screw what the others say. You should be extremely proud of yourself for putting in the effort and making the mental commitment.

Just stuffed peppers? Lawdy. You need some variety. I'm more than happy to share some favorite recipes of mine - easy, as I'm no chef! (I know this isn't the recipe thread, but c'mon - she needs support, people)

We're all in this together - prove your father wrong. Not with words, but with actions. Wait'll he sees the results. He'll ask for some celtic sea salt to put on his foot.

[Veganforlife]

Oh I agree with RowanC and Beckla!
Welcome! You have made THE BEST decision that you could ever make concerning your health. Please do not let others, yes, even your parents, persuade you to think otherwise. Yep, your Dad is brainwashed. Oh you DO need variety in your life. Ask away what you like and I know we all can get you started in helping with those wants. All my taste needs are satisfied. Chocolate (number one, of course ;) ), salty, crunchy, creamy, dips, pizza, ice cream. I do not want for ANYTHING by being 100% raw. That was my first thought too when I read about you having good times and bad times with this two week start. It sure could be part of detox. You haven't eaten SAD for only two weeks. It will take some time to physically and mentally get that mind-set out of your body.
Please do post on the Daily Appreciations. I KNOW that will help you.
And DO NOT GIVE UP! Sorry to shout, but that is so important. Hang in there. Prove your Dad wrong! You will do fine!

[PATH301]

hey Little Mango,
Trust me your not the only raw lone ranger out there - there are tons of us :rolleyes: :D
That's why we come here to the okay raw coral.
Yes it can be very challenging being around family members and friends who are ignorant about RAW foods, because as RowanC said:

About your dad. I'm sure he's just concerned about you. He has been brainwashed to believe the "correct" foods are the SAD diet.
Most people are brought up believeing one way about foods. They've been taught that by their parents and relatives and schooling and society. They've been brainwashed into believeing that that's the only way. But once you start doing research about the teachings you come to find out most of them are money motivated.
As you learn more about the truth keep track of the things you learn so that you'll be able to explain it or share with those who are searching just like you. I don't know you living arrangements with your parents but somethings are temporary, if you know what I'm :rolleyes:
Keep going there's plenty of people here who have been where you have, who can help you out :D

[KatK]

Here's something simple that I thought tasted unually good:

Cut off some corn from the cob, mixed with sliced cucumber, chopped cilantro, and chopped red pepper. It was pretty and so fresh tasting!

[SmilingRawDancer]

Believe me, I have the same problem. My mom (and my brother) are the only supportive ones in my family, and my sister and dad and other relatives are nothing but rude and judging.
They always question me, ask me if I have an eating disorder, talk about me behind my back, say I don't eat enough and "that's why I'm grouchy" (when I'm not! I don't see where they see the grouchiness..I'm totally nice and calm when I explain what I eat.)
If hard, but after awhile I decided that I need to do what I need for me.
I was NEVER happy when I was trying to please them all of the time. I was stressed, overweight, breaking out with horrid acne.....I just have to remind myself from time to time that what they think can't really affect me.
They can't ship me off, try to get me "help" or anything of that nature, and my mom always steps in to defend me :)

[Nimmanu]

Everything takes practice!

I'm going to try to say this as gently as I can. Which is not my strong point, so please forgive me if I suck at it.

You are having unrealistic expectations of yourself. 2 weeks, and you think you should be making gourmet creations that are picture perfect?? People go to school for months, sometimes YEARS to become a gourmet chef and make picture perfect foods. Cut yourself some slack.

As for dad, well, tell him, "Maybe next time, Dad," every single time he says, "why don't you eat real food?"

[Veganforlife]

I was giving this some more thought and why not "WOW" your Mum and Dad with a creation (once you've tried it and like it, like RP's brownies) and then see if they don't soften up somewhat? I feel once folks taste how GOOD raw food is, they change their minds. I wish you luck, and also, don't be so hard on yourself...

[Nimmanu]

By the way, I think I'll reiterate the "maybe next time."

I used to use this on a woman who would constantly tell me to eat more. She had decided that I was too skinny, and I guess she felt that she had an obligation to "fatten me up some."

So, she'd say, "Why don't you have another serving of XYZ?"

I would say, "Maybe next time, thanks though."

So after about a month of this, she said, "You say that every time."

I replied, "Yes, and yet you keep asking me that."

It's pretty hard to argue with, "Maybe next time," and if someone pushes it, then you have the opening to let them know, without saying it bluntly, that they're being rude.

Maybe next time just seems to take the wind otu of people's sails. They think they might have convinced you, so they'll let it alone for the moment.

So for me, with people like that... it's always, "Maybe next time, thanks."

[trinity082482]

Hi Little Mango,

Don't give up hon. I personally am not 100% raw yet. I've been learning for the past 2 months and I'm closer to 100% than ever before. It was hard and it gets easier. I would never go back to feeling like I did. I don't even have arthritis pains anymore!!!!!!!! :D


No lie!!! :eek:

[Little Mango]

Thank you to everyone for your kind words and support. It means a great deal to me. Nimmanu, you are right in saying that I am having high and unrealistic expectations of myself so don't worry it came out exactly the way I was thinking it. :o

I do have other things apart from peppers its just that seems like all I am capable of making at the moment....yes, I do need more variety. Also, I live at home still due to various health problems. I cannot work right now. It isn't my ideal living situation but I am trying to get well first and then moving out can come later. Hopefully.....


xxx

EDIT: SOryy, I forgot to say, I think Rowan C asked me what equipment I have. Hmm, Not much I am afraid. I have a good juicer, blender, smothie maker. No dehydrator yet.....

[Beckla]

You have all you need for now. Slice up some fruit for a yummy snack. I've got crazy work weeks, so I make stuff all weekend and then can grab and go.

Take it one step at a time - but stay, and stay strong. This will be so helpful to you.