What motivates u to be raw?

[kiwilime]

Sticking to raw has always been hard for me....so I juggle back and forth but am now finding it hard to even have one single 100% raw day. I'm not feeling so good now, I've been having a real bad throat pain, and a nasty metal taste for the last 4 days...its not detox...I've been eating a combo of raw and regular food. But something inside me is still telling me to keep trying to be at least mostly raw. So for those of you who have and stayed mostly raw.....what really motivates you? What have you noticed that has been a real change, can someone be specific? I just need some inspiration again.......thanks!

[PixieGreen]

I finally feel like what I eat is consistent with my beliefs and and with my healthful intentions.

I feel empowered because I know exactly what I'm eating and why. I know that while I could overeat some raw foods that information is available to me, not hidden behind science-speak and marketing babble.

Over the years I'd started to lose hope that there even was such a thing as real food anymore, at least within my reach. I become quite cynical about even the ability of the health food industry to tell the truth. And forget about fast food and processed "food products" that make up 90% of the typical grocery store. The companies that make and market that stuff *certainly* didn't have my best interest at heart.

Probably sounds pretty silly. I mean, fruits and vegetables are nearly everywhere. They have their own food group. I understand they're coming out with a new cd this summer. But with pesticides, genetic modifications and that waxy crap they put on most produce I wasn't confident it was much better for me. Nor did I think I could live on it. But of course we can, with nuts, seeds, and grains.

It feels good. And it keeps me from eating cooked. The fact that I'm healing myself. That I'm not dependent on doctors or some exotic herbal remedies imported from a tiny island populated by little monkeys. I choose this. And I can't even afford organic produce yet. I may never. I'm saving up money to buy my own place so I can grow it myself.

Being raw has a way of inspiring other areas of life. Like work. How I spend money. My relationahip with the Earth, and my god[dess], and my family. It is all fine and dandy to get raw to get rid of health problems, as I did. But I stay raw because of what I have gained and where I can sense myself growing.

Christa

[kiwilime]

Christa, I loved what you wrote, I read it several times and what a great response!!!!!

[RawTruth]

Eloquently stated, Christa.

For me, being raw is in alignment with who I am now.

I began because I wanted to live my entire life with good health. My grandmother died recently at 98 years old and my other grandparents all lived into their 80s, so I've got genetics on my side as far as longevity. But ... I don't want to live a long life plagued with illness and disease and, especially, I don't want to end up being elderly and frail. I want to be vital, strong, and active till the end.

So, I began for health reasons. And, I've gathered information like crazy over the last 4 months ... which is part of what has helped me stay totally raw during that time, I think. For example, learning about the mucous "plaque" layer extending from the mouth to the anus and how the body produces it as a defense against the onslaught of the cooked food -- well, it's kept me from giving in to the smell and sight and thought of old favorites. I literally conjure up that image when I'm tempted. And, yes, I'm still tempted. I thought that after the first month, and then the second months, and then the third ... (you get the idea) of being 100%, I wouldn't think of SAD anymore, but I do. I just am now in the habit of overlaying that statement in my head of "That sounds/smells good. Oh, I want that" with something like "I'm choosing to eat _____. I'm choosing health."

To keep raw, though, it's been more than just these things. There are concrete behaviours I've incorporated into my life that've kept me faithful: I've done exactly what Alissa said. I purged my kitchen of all the old stuff way back in January. I got rid of the old appliances in addition to the unhealthy food. I got a dehydrator, a spiralizer, a blender, a food processor (all either from eBay, 2nd hand stores, or really really cheap.) I learned how to cook raw gourmet (not tons, but enough to have gotten the hang of preparing several types of dishes). I keep my fridge, counters, and cabinets stocked at all times. I always have food with me. I take my own crackers, salad dressing, and even chopped veggies with me when I go out to eat with friends so I'll always be able to at least dress up a blah salad (I keep it in the car in a soft-side cooler and, if I don't end up needing it, it goes back home with me). I don't worry about how much I'm eating of what. A speaker I heard last night (Craig B. Sommers, M.D.) reiterated that, for the first year or so after going raw, we'll often be ravenous and want to eat a lot and it's okay. This is what our bodies do as we leave the cooked world behind. So, sometimes I eat a lot and almost every hour! I'm prepared for that. If I didn't satisfy those urges, I'd probably start eating cooked again.

I feel like I'm rambling, Kiwilime. I hope you haven't fallen asleep from boredom.

I guess, to try to put it succinctly, for me, I stay raw for my health -- but I define health as more than physical. It's emotional, spiritual, environmental, social health.

[kiwilime]

Oh Rawtruth, Thank God you rambled! I love what you wrote and I had to give my 3yr old nephew a calculator so he would let me read ur response. He won't leave me alone right now, but when he does I'm going to reread ur rambling :)

[RawTruth]

I just read this new members post. It's so fantastic!! I just had to post the link here. I think you'll really like it.

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=34719&posted=1#post34719

Everything she says is so intense and important -- what really stuck was "No food is worth becoming diseased over."

[deedub]

Some things when I hear them I just know that they are true. One is that as human beings we are meant to eat raw fruits and vegetables. I have been gaining and gaining weight and could not seem to control my weight at all so when I found the raw food diet on the Web I thought this will do it. I had no intention of giving up meat let alone cooked food but as I read the information I realized that I had the same relationship to cooked foods that I had had to cigarettes, drinking, drugs and coffee all of which I have quite and all of which I know that if I were to do just one of, I would be full out back in my addiction. So what keeps me "cooked food sober' is knowing that if I eat anything its going to take me awhile to get back here. Also I feel great which is incentive beyond measure. And I really want to know for my self how great I can feel and I'm excited to have people I know who have weight issues and health issues ask me what I'm doing so that I can tell them and have my excitement rub off on them and So that I can support folks to do as I and so many others have done.
In Love and Light

[rawpriestess]

Raw is a way of life, not something I "DO" it is who I am "being".

So, what keeps me raw is the fact that there is no other choice for me.

That is what making a commitment is, it is "no other option".

I simply don't look at cooked food as food, I look at it, as plastic, kind of the way I look at meat. I've been vegetarian for 10 years, so it is easy to feel this way.

[Ginger]

rawpriestess I am word for word the exact same way! It just dosn't even register as food for me anymore.

[RawTruth]

I realized that I had the same relationship to cooked foods that I had had to cigarettes, drinking, drugs . . . all of which I know that if I were to do just one of, I would be full out back in my addiction.

DeeDub, have you read Victoria Boutenko's 12 Steps to Raw Food yet? If not, you might like to get it; she's based it on 12 step programs and the conviction that cooked food is an addiction. It's at www.rawfamily.com

[deedub]

It's on my list of "raw stuff" to buy. I got some work this week :) so hopefully I'll be getting it soon. I also plan on braving the net and getting Alissa's book and DVD. Thanks for asking RawTruth.

And RawPriestess ~ commitment ~ Say that!! (High Five)

[AubreyG]

Hi, kiwilime!

I think RawTruth referred you to my "new members post" and you may have read it. As you can see, I was very sick, and I am 25 years old...way too young to be sick.

I was on all sorts of prescriptions: xanax, vicodin, tramadol, zanaflex, indomethacine, desogen, doxepin, lexapro, neurontin, promethiazine, ambien...not to mention the over the counter medications that destroy your liver (tylenol!). In August, I went on the Zone Diet. It helped for a while, but I have never felt right about eating meat, and many of the dishes were labor intensive, or required dairy to fulfill the "ratio" and I don't do dairy (I'm allergic). So the diet began not to work for me, and my health declined.

I practice yoga, and have for 6 years, and it is the only thing that has truly kept me sane throughout this entire process with ill health. I never appreciated feeling good or having energy until I didn't have it anymore...and then to be fatigued and feel malign became normal...when it is so far from normal or natural! Reading Yoga Journal, and being a practicing Yogini, I felt that the aspirations I had (physically, mentally, and spiritually) were not lining up. I am studying to become an environmental attorney, yet here I am only "half-assing" it (excuse the french); psychologically, I believe, when your spiritual, physical, and mental/emotional self are not in alignment, this is when these "discrepancies" begin to manifest themselves even more so as physical ailments...language from our higher self letting us know that there is something wrong, and we can either be inspired by this message and make a concsious effort to change and put ourselves into alignment, or, we can succumb to the "quick fixes" that a superficial society would have us believe are right just to turn a profit. I chose truth, and inner wisdom. That is why I am here.

The question should not be "how do others find inspiration"...rather, it should be "What am I missing? Why do I want to eat healthy, and how can this make my spiritual, emotional, mental, and phsycial health optimal?" Others can inspire, but true inspiration comes from a source deep within you that only you can tap.

Living this lifestyle, the one that I was meant to live in spite of criticism from my very traditional, conservative family that it is "radical" and that my quest for spiritual enlightenment and alignment in all that I do is a little"over the top" and unconventional; but it gives me meaning, purpose, and inspirtation to know that I am standing within my own truth, not just going thru the motions, and standing outside my truth by practicing it partially. Its a commitment and an investment in yourself that only you can make.

I made mine for health reasons. It wasn't working, and I began to feel worse. I read about raw foodists, and their terrific health and the way the diet has helped many battle disease and live in a more harmonious lifestyle. I was tired of living up to everyone's expectations, and society's expectations of what is okay; my standards are higher, and I have more value in myself now that I am pain and ailment free! Those are my reasons, and my inspirations. I want to be an honest and sincere example, not just the image of someone who cares about myself, my environment, and life on this planet.

I am sure with some reflection, you will come to stand in your own truth, too, and honor what you feel is best for you! Best of luck with all endeavors!

Aubrey

[RawTruth]

The question should not be "how do others find inspiration"...rather, it should be "What am I missing? Why do I want to eat healthy, and how can this make my spiritual, emotional, mental, and phsycial health optimal?" Others can inspire, but true inspiration comes from a source deep within you that only you can tap.Well said, young Jedi. You are very wise.

[kiwilime]

Oh my gosh.....you guys are great..ur answers are so moving and inspirational , every response moves me a little more. Aubrey...ur right about "what it is I am missing"...and I think that is the little voice that won't let me give up on this raw way of living. I wish I had a little more confidence in myself to not worry what my friends/family/co-workers think of me. Staying raw is hard enough at times, and easy at times too...but most of the time I find myself giving up b/c I have plans and I'm just not sure how to incoporate raw into my life, and not looking weird to others. Sorry if this all sounds "wimpy". But I did complete 100% raw today after reading both Christa and Rawtruths response. Deedub, I like what you said about it feeling good which is incentive beyond measure. And Rawpriestess, "there is no other choice for me"....is honestly what kept me raw for about 21 days in April. Thanks all for the support and stories...I can't wait to hear more.

[RawTruth]

Do you have Alissa's book and/or DVD? She explains so well how to incorporate the raw lifestyle into your life.

[Old Fashioned Oats]

:confused: Ok for me going raw started out being mostly for health and weight loss reasons. A few years ago I was very overweight and leading an extremely stressed life. A friend of mine turned me onto a class that was put on by Hallalujah Acres. I followed the class 100%. Unfortunately there was no follow up or support. I fell away, gained all my weight and health problems back. I am really glad for the information as it gave me a good foundation for going 100% raw. I will say that going raw was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. I feel so much better!!! The weight loss is slow but that is ok.
Every day is a new day, and another chance to do the best I can.
I do wantto say THANKS to all of you. It is wonderful to have your help and support. Malinda

[AubreyG]

Kiwilime:

RawTruth is right. The more you can learn from others about finding easy ways to incorporate raw and living into your lifestyle, the easier it will be. One way to make it easy on yourself is to plan ahead. I work in an office, and there is a Whole Foods Market close by to my work. About every 3 days, I pick up fresh groceries after work. I look trhough recipe books and keep a log of what i have eaten for quick ideas. I keep these on hand and in my car so that when I go to the store, I know what has worked in the past, and have quick access to menus and grocery reciepts so I know what to buy and have a general idea of what to prepare. My only concern when I began this way of life is that I would be overwhelmed when shopping, and just buy fruits and veggies, but forget to buy other key ingredients, and not eat a balanced diet. When I have this information to jog my memory, and to inspire me in which direction I would like to take my nutrition for the next couple of days, it is much easier for me. That, and each trip to the store, I try to pick up what I need to try one new recipe, so that my options are always expanding, and I don't get "bored" and stuck on eating the same things every day. Carrying snacks with you at all times helps a lot to beat urges to go to vending machines, fast food restaraunts, etc.

Hope this helps!
Aubrey

[levamssg]

I started raw as a tool to use in my fight against cancer. It worked wonders in how much better I felt then, and still do today.

I stay raw because I know too much now. On days when I'm smelling my husband's BBQ and thinking how good that might taste -- I sometimes wish I didn't have this newfound knowledge. But I do have it, and that is that.

Every new thing I learn about raw food versus SAD, fortifies my ability to stay raw. It's something like that saying "you can never go home again" ... once aware of the pitfalls of SAD food, versus the vibrant energy and goodness of raw food ... I simply can't go back.

and I want to continue to feel good -- raw food does that for me.
As many others have said in their response .. it is who I am now.



Keep at it Kiwilime. Everything about it gets easier and easier ... dealing with other people's attitudes; eating out; organising food for lunches; preparing meals, etc. ... until one day you are going about your life and realize you aren't thinking about food at all. It just fits in like it did before, only now it is healthier and you feel better.

[PixieGreen]

... I did complete 100% raw today..

Well done, kiwilime! One day at a time, to borrow a very handy phrase. You don't have to have all the answers for yourself now, just enough to stay raw. It's perfectly natural to feel self-conscious about your new way of eating. Once you start to feel the real benefits of eating raw it won't matter so much what anyone else thinks. If you are like most of us it will become difficult not to recruit everyone you know. :)

Christa

[Fuzzball]

I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired........and fat.....

[kiwilime]

RawTruth, I do have Alissa's book, and also several other books. I also recently bought a dehydrator, but I made some flax crackers that was not so good. Oh btw, I saw your pic at the raw dinner...I thought you looked so radiant.
Aubrey, thanks for all the great advice. I'm so happy for you that your feeling so much better and off those awful medicines. Oh I can't believe I am saying this...but I'm a Pharmacist.... and after seeing all these sick people at work...I started to look for natural ways of staying healthy, which led me to raw.
Leavamssg, thanks for the support especially telling me everything will get easier..dealing with people's attitudes. I hope so. It's still something I have not shared with many people...I don't want to be asked "why are you on a diet" etc... it's not about that for me. I often think I wish I did not have this new found knowledge, but I do and I'm so blessed that I have it.. I wish I didn't though on the days when temptation is just too much for me to handle :)
Thanks Pixiegreen...after struggling for weeks being 100% raw, I just finished another day. I'm taking it one day at a time now, and if I eat cook, I'll just do my best the next day to stay raw again. It's like what Malinda said, everyday is another day for me to do the best I can... and that is what I'm going to strive to do.
Fuzzball....I'm also sick and tired of being sick, foggyminded, fatigued, overstressed.
Thanks everyone for so much wonderful, heartwarming, and wise responses. I've taken something away from each and everyone of you, and so much of what you guys said is what I do feel..and want to feel.

[RawTruth]

RawTruth, I do have Alissa's book, and also several other books. I also recently bought a dehydrator, but I made some flax crackers that was not so good. Give the onion bread (the recipe is on this forum -- just search for it) a try - it's a sure fire hit! The crackers from the raw family also turn out well. Was it the taste that wasn't great ... or the thickness?

[AubreyG]

Something that helps the flax crackers is to buy raw organic GROUND flax seed. That helped me out soooo much. And instead of making the flax crackers, I just added some of this powdered flax seed to vegetable crackers, which I liked a LOT better. Maybe that will help?

Thanks for the well wishes and encouragement. Some people need medication, and its fine to be a pharmacist as long as you feel good about what you do. At least you have a job! (I know of quite a few people that don't and wish they did!) I can see how your job would be a big motivator!

My boyfriend keeps telling me that I look great, but I am shrinking...he keeps asking me how much I weigh. Truth is, I have no idea, and don't particularly care. As long as I feel good, then weight ceases to be an issue. Its not about what others THINK...its all about how you FEEL, and preferrably, that you feel so well, that even if others think that you don't look skinny "enough" or if you are too small, it doesn't matter because you are healthy and are living a better quality of life...and doing what is right for YOU and no one else (though, invaribly, this diet is great for the environment, and the more people that decide to be on it, the bigger the message that gets sent to society as a whole...which is super positive!!!!)

Take care!
Aubrey :D

[RawTruth]

Are you saying that you used ground flax seeds in making crackers rather than the whole seeds? I'm a little confused by you saying that you added it to vegetable crackers, but I'm assuming you mean that you added it to the ingredients for vegetable crackers. Is that right?

By the way, where do you find ground flax seed that is raw and organic?

[AubreyG]

Yeah, I add the ground seeds to the veggie cracker mix. I found raw organic ground flax seeds at Whole Foods Market. They were by the flax seed oil, and came in a 1/4lb bag and were about $4.00. I thought it would be a great way to add protein and omega 3 to my crackers and "breads"! If anyone is near a Whole Foods Market, or goes to one of those stores, the Flax Products are generally in the supplements section; the same place I find my hemp seeds and hemp oil.

I think that it helps the texture of the crackers, too, they aren't to thick and gritty. This way they are smoother. Here's my recipe:

1 organic avocado, softened
1 stalk of organic corn, kernels stripped off
1/2 cup of hemp seeds, soaked 6 hours
1/2 cup sesame seeds, soaked 4 hours
1/3 cup of raw organic ground flax seed
1 organic tomato, chopped finely
5 leaves of basil chopped finely
2 green onions chopped finely
sea salt to taste
pepper to taste
cumin to taste
Water to consistency

In a food processor, I process the avocado and the corn until smooth. I add the hemp seeds and the sesame seeds, as well as the flax powder, tomato, basil and green onions. I pulse the mix until it is a slightly chunky/smooth consistency. I fold in the spices, and a little water if need be. I spread onto a teflex sheet in small sections (about 1/4-1/8" thick) and dehydrate at 105* for 4 hours; I flip the crackers over, take out the teflex, and dehydrate another 4-6 hours. They taste great with some extra virgin olive oil or some raw organic hummus! ;)

Hope this helps!
Aubrey

[kiwilime]

HI Rawtruth, my flax crackers were not hard enough, it was all chewy, I ended up throwing it away. I haven't given it another try, cuz I was so dissapointed. So as of right now my dehydrator is just sitting there. I'm sure I'll use it again, but as of right now I'm not interested in making much of anything. Thanks Aubrey, ur right at least I have a job, and even though I don't always like my job..there are some people that really do need their medicines. And also seeing all these people with long medication histories makes me want to learn more about natural and healthier ways to prevent long term problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc. I so wish I lived close to a whole foods market, but the closest one is in San Diego or LA. Well, my boyfriend lives in LA so I guess I could check the place out the next time I'm there. Not much of anything is here in Riverside, so buying organic has been so tough. But I went to ther market today and I did pick up some organic veggies. Thanks for all the support and advice, it really does help on my journey to be heathier and eating more raw.

[AubreyG]

Hi Kiwilime!

My Mom is from Riverside (Canoga Park!)...small world! She was raised there. She really misses California. I wouldn't mind living there myself. Another tip that might be helpful: You can call the chamber of commerece in Riverside and find out when and where there are farmers markets in your city. They provide an excellent opportunity to buy recently picked fruits and veggies at very low prices. The only thing you have to worry about is whether or not they are organic, but then the farmers are right there to tell you! I go to the farmer's market every saturday morning, and I love it; it supports local and small businesses, too. As for the dehydrator, it takes practice. perhaps they needed to be dried longer, and maybe there was too much water in them. I make small batches with my first go round on any new recipe to make sure I like it, but also to fiddle around with it and figure out what works so I don't waste food and money. I've done the same thing. It takes some getting used to! Hang in there; it will come!

Aubrey

[deedub]

Hey AudreyG thanks for that recipe. I just bought a dehydrator and I am going to make your recipe its maiden voyage. It sounds great!! :)

[maraw]

I went raw for many reasons, but what keeps me raw is the love I have for myself and my family. I am 38 years old with 4 children under 5. One of my life goals is to see my children happy, secure and settled in their adult lives. I recently had a rather scary situation with skin cancer. It all turned out fine, but it taught me a very valuable lesson.

I have always thought of myself as a young person - what I mean is invincible. You don't think about aging, or illness or death until you are faced with the reality of it. You take "wellness" and fitality for granted.

For the past couple of years, I have worked to remove refined sugars and grains, hydrogenated fats, dyes and petroleum-based preservatives from my families eating. But that wasn't enough for me, personally. I needed to go one step (or rather several steps) more. Going raw has made me more complete. Almost like a metamorphosis. I feel like I am returning physically to what God created me to be.

Society has spent the last 38 years encouraging me to eat and live in a lifestyle that is not at all healthy or respectful, and for that, I should sue. But what I do with rest of my life (i.e., how I eat, who my friends are, what clothes I wear, etc) is all up to me...and I choose raw! And you know what, it feels good to be in control of my health. I may get lectured to by friends and family, and people may think I'm weird (it wouldn't be the first time), but THEY are no longer in control of my life. And THEY don't give a flip about seeing my children 40 years from now... I do.

Sorry about the soapbox. I'll step down now...

Best wishes on your journey.

[RawTruth]

Society has spent the last 38 years encouraging me to eat and live in a lifestyle that is not at all healthy or respectful, and for that, I should sue. But what I do with rest of my life (i.e., how I eat, who my friends are, what clothes I wear, etc) is all up to me...and I choose raw! And you know what, it feels good to be in control of my health. I may get lectured to by friends and family, and people may think I'm weird (it wouldn't be the first time), but THEY are no longer in control of my life. And THEY don't give a flip about seeing my children 40 years from now... I do.So very well said, Maraw!! Ditto for me, too.

[RawTruth]

My Mom is from Riverside (Canoga Park!)...small world!Hey, Aubrey, this is so NOT important, I know ... but Riverside and Canoga Park are not near each other ... different counties, even. However, if you're looking in from out of state, they're definitely closer to each other than they are to you!!
:D

[kiwilime]

HI Aubrey, thanks for more tips. I actually searched for a whole foods market by me...but none. I'm so bummed, I lived in San Diego for 4 years and just moved to Riverside a couple of months ago. After that I got interested in Raw and was bummed that I had all that San Diego had to offer me and did not take advantage of it. Like I said my b/f is in LA and I'm planning to eventually move there. I told him last night that I want to live close to a whole foods market and a bikram yoga studio.:)

[tracyinfo]

HI Aubrey, thanks for more tips. I actually searched for a whole foods market by me...but none. I'm so bummed, I lived in San Diego for 4 years and just moved to Riverside a couple of months ago. After that I got interested in Raw and was bummed that I had all that San Diego had to offer me and did not take advantage of it. Like I said my b/f is in LA and I'm planning to eventually move there. I told him last night that I want to live close to a whole foods market and a bikram yoga studio.:)

Kiwilime, perhaps my funny bone is just very active right now, but I had to laugh when you stated that you wanted to live close to a whole food market and a bikram yoga studio!

I love it! See what raw will do to a person!

Blessings.

[kiwilime]

Tracy, ur right I had to laugh at myself. Everything is just so far from Riverside! I really want to move to LA cuz of all it has to offer in supporting my new lifestyle.....Oh yeah of course my boyfriend too :) . Raw sure did start to change some of my thinking and its great!!!!!!

[RawTruth]

kiwilime, you picked one of the most health-unfriendly places to live in the greater LA area! The Inland Empire just doesn't have anything (I know; I was reared there!) though Riverside/Redlands is by far the crown jewel of the area. Sad, huh. I have close friends in Perris and they drive in at least once a week just to get some culture and decent food.

[AubreyG]

RawTruth:

A subdivision in Riverside called Canoga Park! I dunno if it is even there anymore! The last time I was in LA, I was 8 years old. Since then, everytime I've been to CA, I always head for Santa Cruz, San Fran, or San Diego! But I didn't know there was a town close to Riverside called Canoga Park! LOL! I think I need to schedule my next vacation to California!

-Aubrey

[Gosia]

Great food!
Gosia.

[banananana]

I'm currenty juice fasting, but want to continue to eat raw afterwards. How do u guys deal with the outside pressures from friends and coworkers? I know for a fact my friends are going to be pussy and bug me about it, ask for my reasons. I know i shouldnt let things like this bug me but is there a good way to go about this? ** also im going to a concert in a few weeks, how will i be able to continue eating raw, what should i bring that will stay good and not spoil within a few days? thanks!!!!! :)

[banananana]

oh mygosh!! above i ment to say pushy!!! not the other word!!! sorry guys! eeeek!

[AubreyG]

Bananana (there are so many n's and a's I hope I spelled it right).

Pressure from friends and coworkers and family sux. I am the ONLY raw person I know. I'm the only vegetarian I know, for that matter. I mean, its TEXAS, for crying out loud! (Sigh....)

I get tired of explaining myself to people, especially when I know they are doing it to badger me, and not because they are truly interested. Lots of people like to point it out like its some sort of quirky eccentricity, and I feel like that really is exploitative and impolite. So when they ask me about my diet, I ask them, "Why do you eat meat? Why do you eat sugar, caffeine, and fast food when you know that none of it is good for you?" Turn the tables around and make them justify THEIR diet to you. They're the ones that have explaining to do, in my opinion. Sometimes I just say, "Hey, I went into remission with my chronic illnesses. I look great. I feel great. Reason enough for you? No? Well how about the environment?...." Its only fair that if they expect reasons from you, then your should equally expect justifications from them about their diets.

As for foods to take with you: fresh fruit, fruit leathers, soaked nuts, anything dehydrated. When you go out to eat, get salads and bring your own dressing or just as for some extra virgin olive oil and lemon and make your own dressing right there. Since we have been taught that cooked food and prepackaged food is more convinient, it takes while to deprogram and learn that raw food is actually easier and more convinient. It even more readily available to the body! How much more convinient can you get? I would buy lots of dehydrated organic fruits and such, or make my own and take them along. Me personally, I could live off of dates!

Aubrey

[banananana]

aubrey~Thanks! Being able to handle the critizism will be the hardest part for me. Most of family is nothing like me, and even tease me about food while i am fasting. :( What types of nuts should i soak?? Almonds? And would i let them soak overnight? K Another question, i am thinking about dehydrating some veggies and fruit. What kinds taste the best? sorry for all the q's!

[AubreyG]

Don't apologize. its no problem. Whatever kind of nuts you like! Actually, what is REALLY good is soaking some walnuts and making Alissa's walnut fudge (I think it's 2 cups of walnuts, 1/4 cup dates, 2 T of honey, and cinnamon to taste). Blend all this in the food processor until smoothish...you can refridgerate for fudge, but I also threw some of this in the dehydrator to make snack bars and they turned out great. they would make for a most rawsome concert snack.

My family keeps telling me to eat some meat or I will be really unhealthy. Uh, okay! My mom is an organic gardener, and granted, they do eat free range meats, which is good, but still! Its just ignorance, and remind yourself of that when they poke fun. You just woke up, that's all!

Aubrey

[Heather Lynn]

okay i am the newbie in this discussion but here it is. i decided to go raw for the health of it. i suffer from clinical depression and i REFUSE :mad: to take any medication. i was on paxil for 9mo or so and they don't call it paxil for nothing cuz you just pax on the pounds. WOOF! i thought about raw several times in my life but i never went forward. i live outside of chicago and i loved eating at karyn's fresh corner. over the past month raw has popped up in discussions many times, a patient that came to see me was 50% raw and working on 100%, as well as other signs (if ya believe in that sort of thing) i took it as the universe letting me know that this is what i need. the past few years i have lost touch with myself both emotionaly and spiritually but finaly understanding that i have to detox my life. i got rid of a job that was toxic (and as a wellness professional how can you best serve others if you are not in a good enviornment). we are finaly moving and sold our townhome (a fresh start) out with the old and in with the new. if i detox my life then i have to detox the body :) the hardest part for me is the hubby. he HATES most fruits and veggies and he is a meat and potatoes guy but he supports my choices. just going raw 3 days maybe 2 (is bulgar wheat raw???) i am feeling better except for some of the healing crisis i occasionaly am experiencing. i am giving up a toxic life for a life of health, and wellbeing! :D
i also suffer from ibs (tmi i know) being constipated for days at a time and it is all from how i would eat. goddess, i love pizza :o but is it worth suffering for 3 days, not to mention what dairy does to you. i want to be healthy but mostly become a more enlightend spiritual being.....
heather

[banananana]

Heather! Welcome! I'm sort of a newbie also.. I've been really health consious for the past 4 years but i've recently let myself go so i took on a rigorous juice fast for 3 days. Now i'm still juicing in the mornings and afternoons but snacking on raw, fruites and veggies. Anyways, i feel GREAT! My head less flustered, i can concentrate much better, and even better i lost a few pounds in the past 4 days. I'm guessing about 5 but i havent weighted myself. I was so supprized at how inspiring and motivational everyone here is. I'm glad your here and decided to be raw like the rest of us! :)

[theresaann]

I'm glad you guys are talking about this. I admire people like Alissa who are so clear in their committment to stay raw that they just do it and that's that. I originally was drawn to the raw lifestyle 15 years ago, when I was about 25 and had just heard of the book "fit for life". TC Fry was referenced in the back and I immediately bought his home study course in natural hygeine, and went almost 100% raw (still had to drink beer on the weekends, of course) I initally did it because I wanted to be really healthy and thin (who doesn't at 25-not to mention 40). But there was something else-something spiritual, something about the "purity" of living that way-it just felt right to me. Now, at 40, with cooked food addiction even MORE deeply entrenched, while at the same time being MUCH more spiritually aware than I was 15 years ago, I am again being called to be 100% raw vegan, but now it's TOTALLY for spiritual reasons. I am an intuitive channel and the spirit guides I work with have been requesting for me to be 100% raw for the last 5 years, and now they are rather strenuously requesting it. I realize for me to commit it has to be for more than my looks, or even my physical health. What motivates me the most is my committment to be in service to humanity, and I am being instructed that in order to do that to the best of my ability I need to consider being 100% raw. So now it's spirit that's requesting me to do it. How can I say no to that? It's a matter of trust and dive in. I am inspired so much by role models like Alissa-isnt' she amazing?