Cost of eating raw/healthcare...trying to convince DH

[catscharm74]

Many years ago, I was a complete vegetarian, eating as much unprocessed, whole foods as possible. I felt terrific!! I never got sick and look great and felt even better. I know raw is the next step for more but DH is skeptical at the costs but I look at it as an investment with an excellent return. Why not do everything we can to prevent illness/bad health than wait for something to happen that could have been prevented and then be forced to change our lifestyle or worse, take some pill and pay $$$$ to go to doc? What are your feelings on this? How can I convince my DH that price of food is so well worth it? We are a family of 3, 2 adults and one toddler.
Thanks.

Cheers,
Heather

[Green Life]

the best way to try and convince anyone about raw food, is to be a good example. In time, the rewards will be obvious.

[Blazin'Jane]

I figure that if I don't spend it on RAW, I'll spend it on something totallly non-helpful to my body and spirit: popcorn, Dairy Queen, pizza, to name a few. Spending on RAW is not a waste of money. Sme of those other items in the SAD definitely are!

[Stina]

Our priorities in life are a funny thing. Can you trade something off? "Okay, honey, no more fifty dollar pedicures in exchange for budgeting more produce!" I got a funny feeling you're not doing the pedicures to start with, but you get the idea.

[Veganforlife]

Hey catscharm74 - I agree with the replies you've gotten, but let me ask you this. What is your husband's reasoning for being skeptical? You've stated excellent points. Prevention is what it's all about. AND to raise a child this way from the "git-go". That is so wise. What are his "come backs" to what you've stated? Just curious. The cost? Is that his main concern? You will be saving money in the long run...
Had I not gone raw? I would have had no choice but not to exist. You can read about it down at my signature.


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[MysticTree]

It doesn't really need to be hugely expensive I don't think. It just can be if you let it!

Seeds for sprouting are cheap and go a long way. Depending on the space you have you might be able to grow some food and if you live somewhere as I do, you can pick from the wild - I picked 1kg of wild spinach yesterday and I have my eye on the various apple and pear trees that grow in the hedgerows! I just found a quince tree that I am excited about. Not sure if there is anything raw I can do with quinces but if I can't, I'll sell them at the farmers market and use the money to buy fruits I can't grow!

Herbs at any rate you can grow on the windowsill. If you have a cool place, you can store apples and pears in newspaper over the winter so buy them while they are cheap. Softer fruits like plums and apricots can be dehydrated if you have a dehydrator and will keep over winter too - nice to have with nuts at christmas :)

You can make sauerkraut etc which is also cheap and very good for you :) Once you have sorted out the low cost staples, you can add the higher cost desirables.

I think the expense comes in mostly on equipment. I am debating whether to get a dehydrator on my credit card which I really want but which I feel sure could be spent on something more essential:o

Georgina

[catscharm74]

Thanks for all the answers!!! I think it comes down to he is a bit skeptical of eating raw itself. Leading by example is a great idea!! I like things pretty simple and basic, so I don't think it will costs as much as he thinks, maybe a bit to stock up, but that is all.

We don't live high on the hog (or shall I say fruit??? LOL) as far as things are concerned and we are learning more and more about frugal and simple living each day. I know the benefits of healthy living. I think maybe a good transition time is best for us, giving him time to adjust to both the food, the idea of the whole thing and let me work on our budget.

I have always wanted a juicer, even before I foud raw, as I like the fresh taste. I am going to sell my kitchen aide and a few other things to raise a good portion of the money. I guess time will tell!! Thanks.

Cheers,
Heather

[lore-ah]

I still think it comes down to all change and comfort levels. If I told my husband I was going on an all beer and steak diet, he wouldn't think twice. I told him about raw and he had about 20 questions that kepts circulating throughout that next week. "Are you doing this forever", "so no cooked food at all?", "what happens when we go out?", etc

I think it's about change and they worry because it's pretty far out of their comfort zone. I swear to God I would not hear a single word if I pitched the beer and steak diet to him. But fruit, OH MY GOD HOW WILL YOU LIVE

[MysticTree]

The opening post states that he has said he is skeptical about the costs. If that is what he says then I would address that aspect rather than give him other things to become skeptical about. Show him it needn't cost a month's pay to be raw. Show him that it can be quite economical depending on what you choose to eat. Point out how expensive the SAD snacking can be and that would stop under RAW diet rules.

Good luck :)

Georgina

[beppa66]

Unexpected health crisis/hospital bills are a huge reason people file for bankruptcy in the US. Something like 44%...How's that for a reason to stay healthy!??!

[Dakini]

Do you know if there is a co-op in your area? That would be a good source of nuts & seeds, buying in bulk. Another thought would be to see if there is a community supported agriculture happening. That might work as well, good luck!