"How's the diet going?"

[Beckla]

While I appreciate people taking an interest in my eating raw, it's been nearly 3 months now... I feel like I'm a repeating record when I respond to folks, "Well, it's going great - though it's not really a diet as far as I'm concerned... it's a lifestyle..."

Just an observation that my mindset has shifted and I'm hoping that soon others will be able to accept my eating habits as they do someone who's just plain ol' vegetarian or lactose intolerant or whatever. Glad that Alissa's posting about additional media coverage, etc... it'd be so great to have this widely known.

[Veganforlife]

Oh, I so agree. A gal at work talked to me in detail yesterday and is very interested seeing how this "diet" (if you will) has healed my migraines. I sent her my typical blurb I send out to folks who are interested in my lifestyle change and her reply was that she is going to check out Alissa's website - YAY - though she's concerned about the nuts and dates as she has Crohn's disease and has to be careful - really sensitive stomach. I did a search on here and copied and pasted and sent her the wonderful results folks have had w/Crohn's disease. She is so very encouraged and seeing/knowing someone who is living proof that we are truly what we eat is awesome!
Alissa - I've said it before - it's in my signature - but she truly is an Angel sent to me. There are other Angels around me too - Victoria Boutenko, Ann Wigmore, etc. Getting the word out is so very cool!!! Every chance I get - I'm foaming at the mouth about it - um - that's a good thing!!! ;)

[soulstar]

Beckla,

I totally understand what you are saying.

I have had several people look at me with the most shocked and almost annoyed expressions when I tell them I only eat raw foods. This only happens when I have been out for a business meal with them. (I don't bring it up otherwise.) They automatically think it is some form of "extreme" diet, like eating only grapefruit. Then I try to explain the whole concept of living foods to them while their eyes begin to glaze over, and they change the topic. Admittedly, the North Country (Northern, NY) is a bit less open about such "radical" departures from the meat & dairy & potatoes norm. Simply being a vegetarian is counter-culture enough for the kind folks of this Northern US region.;)

It will be helpful when The Raw Food Lifestyle gain more attention in the mainstream media via Alissa's efforts and those of others who have been promoting it for a long time.

[Sharon in Colorado]

Sometimes it's just easier to tell people you prefer to eat fruits and vegetables, then it's no longer a "diet".

Although the word diet has different meanings to everyone - to some it's just the way you always eat, like "the diet of the people in North China", to others it means eating a different way for a short period of time.

[Banshee]

Wow, my cousin just asked me how "the diet" was going......my husband thinks I'm on a "diet"....I guess I didn't realize that this does sound like "extreme eating" to the SAD eater until I read this thread.

:D People make me laugh!

Oh, my reply was: "the change is going well, I'm enjoying it"

The word definately needs to get out...I'm talking about it to anybody that will listen......

[DavidZaneMason]

As Sharon so rightly mentioned: You don't HAVE to even use the word 'raw'. You can just say you are eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. Most folks will understand and appreciate that.

-David Z. Mason

[dreamrawalwz]

Diet just means what you're eating, not a weightloss thing, though many people put that conotation on the word. I think people get confused with the two meanings.

[soulstar]

I have experieced a wide range of reactions. I have lived most of the past 17 years in Massachusetts before moving up to Northern NY about 2 years ago. I was first Raw in Mass. The reactions between folks in the two area are like night and day. It may be hard to believe, maybe I wouldn't have believed it myself, if I hadn't experienced it.
There is almost a "patriotism" or something "sacred" many of the folks I've met here feel about eating meat. WHen I have had these conversations I have almost felt like I was viewed as a Commie Pinko, or some kind of a Hippie Freak. It certainly has been a learning experience. The culture here in a large way revolves around Pork Roast Dinners and 21 oz steak specials.


When I have been out for a business lunch I will order a (sad excuse for a ) salad.;) Then often the person I am meeting with will ask "are you on a diet?"
No, I say. I only eat fruits and veggies. (they hear "vegetarian" Then they say, oh, well there is a alfredo pasta dish on the menu you can have, or the onion soup, or other things that they percieve are "vegetarian" including enchiladas, omelettes, and other things around these parts that almost ALWAYS include eggs and cheese.

At that point I tell the person in question, I prefer my veggies uncooked. That is when they think I have really gone over the edge.:D I am not overstating it when I say that several business associates have actually expressed irritation (In one case anger) when this subject came up over a business lunch. And I was NOT proselytizing, just answering their questions.

Like I said, this area is not as open-minded as the last one I lived in.
Boy what a difference it was when I lived in Mass. People in my area in Western Mass were actually Interested.

It must be nice to encounter people who are open when this subject comes up. That is why this forum means so much to me. I really get soo much support from being connected to all of you, even if it is only through the cyberstrands of virtual space.

So thanks for being my community where I can be myself and not feel like I am single handedly destroying the local dairy and beef industry (which is BIG up here). ;)


Best to all of you..


Soulstar

[Sharon in Colorado]

When I have been out for a business lunch I will order a (sad excuse for a ) salad. Then often the person I am meeting with will ask "are you on a diet?"
No, I say. I only eat fruits and veggies.

Sometimes you have to stop at "no". When you give them a little too much info, that's when they start with the inquisition.

Q: Are you on a diet?

A: No.

end of discussion. in rare cases:

Q: Aren't you hungry?

A: Yes.

end of discussion. in very rare cases:

Q: Why aren't you eating the other food on the menu?

A: Because I don't want to.

end of discussion. hopefully!

[Ginger]

ROFL!! So true Sharon!!

[Stina]

My favorite response I got from someone upon being told that I'm Raw was, "Oh, you don't want to eat too healthy in today's toxic environment. You need a little junk food to act as a homeopathic." Isn't that great?

[Ariannah]

I've got issues with the word diet as a verb, "Oh, you're dietING...."
or a diet as something I "go on", or "try".

I much much MUCH prefer "lifestyle". However, other "diet gurus" and industries are catching on to that (increasing preference for the word "lifestyle") and are calling their programs "lifestyles" (when they are truly down to the very core, diets as the mainstream sees it!).

So, then when the word lifestyle is used, it comes back to, "Oh, you mean, like a diet?" LOL :D

[dreamrawalwz]

My favorite response I got from someone upon being told that I'm Raw was, "Oh, you don't want to eat too healthy in today's toxic environment. You need a little junk food to act as a homeopathic." Isn't that great?

Haha wow. I'm not sure if i should laugh at the ignorance or be sad about it. :confused:

[Beckla]

Wow. I didn't expect such a response. Nor did I think that Moonstone and I would find immediate common ground.

I agree that the immediate response can - and effectively, in many cases can be - as she suggests.

I say it on my myspace - to which I'm certain some here take offense - this "crap" isn't for everyone.

If that bothers you, take a step back, a deep breath, and know that - or accept that - it's sincere, but not meant in a literalist sense.

Contact me for more direct conversation. I'm 110% game ... and open minded!