Nay-Sayers

[holisticfox]

Okay, so I've been watching the Alissa Cohen DVD, and I'm getting more and more excited about this every day. I had stuffed portabellas for dinner last night, and on Tuesday I made a strawberry cheesecake for a birthday party. All this food is phenominal. I just can't seem to get people as excited about it as I am. Here are some of the things I have been subject to:

"I can't believe you're going on that diet. It just seems to unnatural to me!"
UNNATURAL??? What could be more natural?

"How was the cheesecake?"
"It was AMAZING!"
"Is that the real you talking, or the deprived little raw food girl?"
Who's deprived? Have you ever been on a diet that let you eat left-over cheese cake for breakfast?

I just can't believe some of this bull****! And I'm always too stunned to know what to say. Are any of the rest of you coming across backlash like this too?

[aenea]

yeah i've already been called a fanatic and a hippie and I haven't even started yet. Oh and that I listen to a bunch of fanatics and that this is the dumbest thing I've ever done and that I'm just following a fad diet. PFFT

That was just from a couple of friends my family however lvoes that im going to do it so thats all that matters:)


*for the record I've yet to see any of you as fanatical, there are some extreme view points which is fine, but when I think of fanatics I think of crazy people and thus far you are the most sane individuals I've run across online*

[Revvell]

Are any of the rest of you coming across backlash like this too?

Actually, no, and I have to say it's because of the people I draw. Maybe if one changed the frame around what people are saying and didn't think of it as "backlash" one could view it differently. It's not personal. It's just people afraid of what they don't know and are not aware of.



Revvell

[portiz]

It's just people afraid of what they don't know and are not aware of.
Revvell

I couldn't agree more with you there. Its amazing how people will warm up to you though after you let them taste your nut bars (just newly created this morning!!); spinach soup; guacamole and sprout sandwich (or romaine leaves dipped in quacamole and sprout dip); colorful salads; banana, mango and blueberry ice cream.

[Firicia]

My roomies made fun on me the moment they saw the book. They honestly think it's more sexy for a woman to eat and then throw up "it shows they care about what they look like and what food they put into their bodies" my roomies sad last night. I know they meant it as a joke... well sorta they seemed serous and then when I was compleatly grossed out they started giggling. Seriously what is wrong with some guys? Anyways, ya, so other then my roomies no one knows yet. I haven't fully been able to start yet cuz I haven't like the recipies I've made so far but I'm hopeful that now that tonight my dehydrater is going to be here that I am gonna find some amazing recipies that I love so I can start 100% very soon. Excited, health and those skinny jeans here I come :cool:

[RawFoodieMom]

My roomies made fun on me the moment they saw the book. They honestly think it's more sexy for a woman to eat and then throw up "it shows they care about what they look like and what food they put into their bodies" my roomies sad last night. I know they meant it as a joke... well sorta they seemed serous and then when I was compleatly grossed out they started giggling. Seriously what is wrong with some guys?

YIKES. :eek:

It's really scary to me that some people find that funny. Holy!

[livingatthetop]

I always say Let all Naysayers eat hay :D :)

[sweet pepper]

Yes! People are always making comments about what I eat, from strangers, co-workers, husband, adult children. I have even been yelled at by my oldest son because his daughter actually gave up meat and began to start eating fruits. I didn't understand where that was coming from, she made up her mind on her own and then come to find out it was some movie they showed at school and by my eating raw she decided to try it. I have decided to be very, very quiet about it and here lately, I don't even want to go out because it might cause me to binge on cooked again. That happened today. I have been 2 day raw and this would have been my 3rd day, but I caved in. But, I am finding that each time I realize cooked isn't as good as fresh and raw, packaged by nature, it is that much easier to get back on the program and cooked really doesn't taste as good as it used to. (sometimes) I have also found out that simple is better for me. Just straight from nature's packaging. Who can argue with that? But, they do and they will and it is like Revvell said; people are afraid of what they do not know or understand. So, I dream of the day when I can claim I eat ONLY raw & living foods, my body will have shed all the excess poundage so that I might be a LIVING example, not by word but by deed.

Namaste'
Sweet Pepper ;)

[Raw Deal]

Peace and Blessings Holisticfox,

If you keep getting this so called backlash start stating the facts to them (which you can find plenty of on Alissa’s website and many others). But don’t do it in a sarcastic condescending way. The reason they are making comments like that is because they are not educated on the subject, and most people have fear of what they don’t understand. When they start seeing how vibrant and healthy you have become, they will want the same results for themselves. :)

[Apasaraw]

holisticfox, I really enjoy the DVD too. Keeps it looking eady and I enjoy the enthusiasm from Alissa...

I can't figure out why people think we are depriving ourselves! UN natural?

They're just being crabs in a bucket.... you just keep climbing and having that cheescake for breakfast!

[chilove]

Hi there,

I know that dealing with those kinds of comments can be vrey frustrating. I think that sometimes people feel defensive when they hear that someone is eating in a very healthy, life supporting way because even though we haven't and don't intend to criticize them for the way they eat, they mentally compare their diet to ours and know that they could be doing much better. This leads to some internal feelings of quilt and feeling inferior and it is easier for them to get defensive and antagonistic rather than deal with those feelings and face the prospect of improving their diet and possibly having to let go of their favorite comfort foods. When I remember this, it helps me have a lot more patience and to not feel so attacked. This in turn, helps me have a gentler attitude towards thems in general which hopefully helps make me a better promoter and example of the wonders of a raw diet!

All the best,

Audrey
www.rawhealing.com

[Veganforlife]

I agree with what folks have said here. I have not had that problem fortunately. When I first started, I was silent about it. UNTIL folks started noticing "the glow" and the weight dropping off. THEN is when I told them. I usually got the "huh!" comment. Others say, "Oh I know I should eat more fruits and veggies." But they don't. That's their problem.
Are you doing this for you? Of course you are. At the end of the day does it really matter what others think? Of course not. YOU are the one becoming healthier. YOU are the one being more level, clear-headed. YOU are the one that will benefit from this. Ignore them. Or just smile and go about your business. Wow them with RP's brownies. Or any of Alissa's creations.
I know it's gotta be hard. Don't worry about getting people excited or as excited as you are. We are all excited here. WE all know what's good for us. Once they see your glow and how much energy you have and how well you feel, then maybe they will come around. Don't try to change them yet. It's taking away energy from you. It's a negativity that you don't need. Concentrate on changing YOU and becoming the healthy, energetic person YOU are.
As far as the roomies laughing about binging and puking? Have pity on them. They are lost souls. Idiots!

[Sharon in Colorado]

I haven't had too many comments. Sometimes I've shot back about them eating dead carcusses like vultures (this is a good come-back to someone saying you eat "rabbit food" - telling them that they eat "vulture food").

Like Chilove, though, it's always better to come across non-defensive and caring. People tend to not want to argue or insult you when they see how kind and mature you can be.

[Little Mango]

I love the way everyone supports everyone here. Its so comforting (like a raw cheesecake) :D

I had this last week:

1. So what the heck are you gonna do now?
2. No cooked food? Ever again? Thats so Sad, man.
:rolleyes:
Yes, thank you for the support

I got my DVD this morning and saw Alissa make Fettuccini, I went downstairs to make it. I saw her make nori rolls, I went downstairs to make some. Now I am rather full but if I were watching a Living on "dead" foods DVD you can guarentee I would be sleeping right now....

[aenea]

well I just cut my x out of my life completely he was the main source of negativity and was the 1 person making nasty comments about going raw.

[eatyourbroccoli]

Actually, no, and I have to say it's because of the people I draw. Maybe if one changed the frame around what people are saying and didn't think of it as "backlash" one could view it differently. It's not personal. It's just people afraid of what they don't know and are not aware of.



Revvell
when i grow up, revvell, id like to have a worldly-perspective just like yours :p :)

holistic..i do understand what you mean. i dealt with that in the beginning from my 3 best friends with whom i had been friends with for around 7 years. they are no longer my 3 best friends :D. when comments are made by people like that, perhaps reply with something along the lines of "eating this way makes me happy, and i am in no way obligated to justify myself for it" with a smile on your face. if that doesnt keep the comments at bay, simply refrain from having conversations with these people, and focus your full attention on finding people who are supportive of your chosen lifestyle. if they are coworkers, limit conversation to necessary work-related. there are so many people in this world, and so many open-minded ones at that. it may just be a matter of bypassing the fear of evolving from the past into the present for you; or if there is no fear, it may just be a matter of executing this :)

this is your life, and you deserve nothing but happiness. remind yourself of that constantly, and remove those things in life that make you anything-but.

[DavidZaneMason]

Even if there is backlash or criticism....why do I have to control others? The answer is I do not. I am perfectly able to ensure my own dignity and simply go about enjoying my life. I don't HAVE to change their minds. I have a car....and a brain....and my own two feet! LOL.

-Who I am speaks a lot louder than any words anyway. If they have questions, or want help....they will approach me in private......and I'll be more than happy to help and support where THEY are at......and share my experiences.....if they wish.

-What do you think?

-David Z. Mason

[RawNurse]

I have a workmate who always leans over my lunch and states "I could never eat that way. It's bird food. Can I try some?" Its rather comical. She takes a taste and redeclares her inability to give up her SAD favorites.