Kind of a Different Situation Than Most

[PammieTaj]

This might be what some raw foodists dream of having happen. I have folks at work asking me about my 'raw food diet'. All of them need to lose weight and over the last two weeks they have been seeing me bring in tons of food to eat (fruits and salads) and they've seen me slim down a bit (I have a long way to go). They've also seen my energy get better, my skin look better, etc. I'm really concerned because I don't think they understand my perspective. I'm approaching this as a lifestyle change, not a 'drop it fast' kind of diet.

So far, I've just been suggesting that folks add more fresh fruits and vegies to thier meals and snacks and start cutting out the processed stuff. I think slow and steady is less likely to freak people out. Particularly the hard core meat eaters (I couldn't live without meat ... etc).

How far should I go into explaining how my lifestyle is transitioning? This is a change that's been taking place over years for me.

[CaliRaw]

I've told them that I did it to alleviate my allergies and losing weight was a bonus. They've seen first hand that my eyes are no longer irritated and that I've lost weight. I've brought in samples of some of the dishes I've made.

I give them the link to Alissa's website and recommend the book. I also point them to this forum.

[Lilly the Naiad]

I've told them that I did it to alleviate my allergies and losing weight was a bonus. They've seen first hand that my eyes are no longer irritated and that I've lost weight. I've brought in samples of some of the dishes I've made.

I give them the link to Alissa's website and recommend the book. I also point them to this forum.

This is brilliant. I think when you point it at something that you want to improve in your life, like allergies or heck, headaches even, which sounds reasonable to the average person they will stop questioning you. And of course they see all the benefits so get a bit curious and with a small refference that leads towards the 'bigger picture' or bigger aspect of the change (Alissa's book for instance), then they can educate themselves if they wish.

I tell people it's to aleviate arthritis symptoms. Yep, cooked gave me arthritis at 26.

[beppa66]

If they are truly interested you can point them to Alissa's website to order a book, or to the teacher site for classes: http://www.rawteacher.com/usa.php (scroll down to texas for teachers near you)

Lots of people come to raw for different reasons, but they end up loving it for the energy, vibrancy, health...and yes weightloss. There is no shame in eating like this, be proud to let people know about it. The more who learn about it the less it will seem extreme.