Does almost raw count...a little bit??

[bellabella]

I was just wondering if anyone had any stories to share about being vegan and about 80% raw...compared to going 100% raw?

[Frugal Raw]

I can say that for me it is much easier to go 100%, rather than leaving the door open to cooked foods and excuses. I feel much cleaner and energetic at 100% raw vs. less. That's not to say that you're not benefitting, but Victoria Boukento has a breakdown of the differences of (her estimates) of the assimilation of food at % variables of raw foods. I don't want to post the entire chart, but I can tell you that the difference between 99% and 100% is that with 99%, there is an approximated 1% nutritional assimilation, vs. 30% at 100% raw. I read this in her book, "12 Steps to Raw Foods."

Hope it helps!

[bellabella]

Thanks Amberstorm! Oh, I totally wanted that book actually; apparently it discusses addiction to raw food similar to any other addiction and takes the 12-step approach. They didn't have it though....Comparatively was this one more or less useful than Alissa's, in your opinion?

[lafsalot]

Absolutely!! Increasing raw in any amount is better than having none. However, for me personally, it was easier to stay/maintain raw only after going 100% because of the addictive powers (again, I am speaking from my own experience) of SAD, and because I preferred to go through detox in one fell swoop ~ Cathy

I

[Nurse in the Raw]

Which ever way works for you. Try both for a week and see which one makes you feel better.

I try different things to see what I like, for instance, I wasn't sure if I should eat more veges than fruit so I ate just fruits for a week and then I ate just veges for a week. I found that I actually like more sweet fruits and non sweet fruits than I like carrots and broccoli, although I eat them too. Now I am trying a week without avocados to see if I can reduce fats just a bit. It's all trial and error and just when I get comfortable.....I get an urge to change it up again. I guess I like variety.

[samariah]

thats a good idea stacie. i think once sept comes (and ive used up my current groceries) im going to try to go without fruits for a week and eat just veggies and fats like avocados and coconut and see how i feel on that.

[Coriander74]

Hi BellaBella...

Absolutely. Any amount of raw is better than none!

Keep rawking on, and maybe try one week 100% and see what you feel. :)

[Frugal Raw]

Thanks Amberstorm! Oh, I totally wanted that book actually; apparently it discusses addiction to raw food similar to any other addiction and takes the 12-step approach. They didn't have it though....Comparatively was this one more or less useful than Alissa's, in your opinion?

Unfortuneately, I can't say. I've never had my hands on Alissa's book. You can sometimes find Victoria's on eBay, but she also just recently published an updated edition of the 12 steps. It's a great book in my opinion, and I am hoping my dh will read it soon. I've read it three times now, and can easily do so in one day! You can also order it directly from her website.

[ShelShel]

Honestly, you have to Alissa's book. There is a wealth of info in it. The pics of food alone...are inspiring.;)

Secondly, I think if you are gradually going raw when you hit that 80 % mark you will think, wow...I can totally get rid of those last few cooked items! Because trying to maintain 80 % is sort of like counting calories...if you do it naturally and that seems to work for you, more power to you, but for me I would be constantly monitoring how much raw verses how much cooked. I know because that's how I've lived since Jan. It's no fun. Just go raw and live. Don't let food be your constant thought.

Just my opinion. Raw Rawks at any level! For me personally, I feel best at 100%.

[samariah]

see im like 90-95 percent raw. but thats how i am naturally, i dont really count or try to be that way. i just allow a few small non raw things into my general diet and stick to those.

and of course being almost raw "counts." this isn't about being perfect as some people may act like it is. its about getting healthier and healthier and you can do that in the way that works best for you. every once in a while i have a cooked vegan meal if i really want to and i dont beat myself up for it. its still loads better than a mostly cooked every single day vegan diet that i used to adhere to. this isn't all or nothing nor is raw black and white. followers of hinduism feel that the path to experiencing the divine is not a solitary one. there are many branches. and that's how i feel it is with health. do what works for you and you will he happy.

[iamacranberry]

I find that near raw works best for me, having tried both 100% raw and almost 100% raw. This is because I am a person who tends to become obsessive about everything to the point of causing myself considerable stress, and going 100% raw seems extreme enough to me that it feels as if I am indulging that obsession. So for psychological reasons more than any other, I allow myself to have the occasional non-raw item, such as salad dressing, food at a restaurant, etc.