Pretty exciting, my mum is trying raw!

[klomasius]

So I've talked to my 67 year old mother over the years about being vegan, then being a raw food enthusiast etc. and she's pretty open to ideas and possibilities these diets have.

And blow me down she's decided to try raw for a while!

I just couldn't believe it when she told me she was going to do it, though I guess I'm not too surprised as she is very flexible with her thoughts and actions for someone of her generation.

I think also that the death of my father earlier this year from prostate cancer really sent home the message to her (and the rest of my family) that we are all mortal and that we can succumb to ill health quite quickly.

The only difference being that my mother has made a true connection (not just an academic but a visceral one) between what we eat and the state of our health.

So she has been 'high raw' for the last week and is already feeling the benefits and being surprised at the changes! I keep telling her there's much more to come and that if she sticks with it she'll probably feel healthier than she EVER has before! She's aiming to ease into 100% raw and see how far she can go.

Today I sent her a care package including the following:

Flax crackers: she loves to eat these when she comes down to my place, so these are an obvious choice.

A small shaker of raw seasoning: for her salads and when she is eating out.

Some organic medjool dates: because they are so useful in so many recipes and great as a snack.

Some organic dried tomatoes: as I've let her know that all the semi dried ones in the stores would be cooked or have preservatives and they are great for pates, dips etc.

An organic raw bar: for 'emergencies' I told her I keep these in my bag just in case I get stuck somewhere and can't eat for ages.

A block of raw cacao butter: just in case she wants chocolate! I've already sent down agave nectar and cacao powder as she liked them when she last visited.


I love the fact that I can send my mum a gift that helps her to live a healthier life! I love my mum, both for her open mindedness and for the fact that she's my mummy!

Has anyone else had any success getting their parents to come around about eating raw?

[GlimR]

Sorry about your Dad klomasius~
Very awesome news about your mum!!!:D
My mother is 87 and other than some degenerative bone loss and arthritis she has no health conditions and is on no meds. About 5 years ago she visited and picked up Sugar Blues which I was reading at the time and read it herself. She went home and got rid of all white sugar, flour etc...her health improved dramitically. Now she is making green smoothies with ground flax and chia seeds almost every day and eating lots of fruit and veggies, nuts, seeds, etc... Small changes but ones she can feel the difference from .
I'm thrilled for you and your Mum~

[Mialsse]

That's awesome! Good for her. And open mind is all one needs to succeed, she'll be great!!! She sounds like a wonderful women :)

I'm very sorry to hear about your Dad. (((hugs)))

My Mom gave raw a "try" a month or so ago, which was actually a huge shock (I didn't expect her ever to give it a second thought). She didn't last more then a day, but the fact that she was even willing to try was amazing. One day she may be ready to REALLY give it a go. We live on different coasts, and she doesn't have the support system there. She's coming to visit in a few months (first time in over 2 years), and she's really excited about learning more about the lifestyle, so that's encouraging!

[klomasius]

Thanks for the thoughts guys, much appreciated.

It's great to hear that others have succeeded in at least getting their mums to think about and try raw or improving their health. I hope I'm that flexible of mind when I get to be a lot older!

Glimr, your 87 year old mum is making green smoothies? Absolutely fantastic!!!

[justinesmith]

Will you be my child?!? :D So happy for you and your mom. Sorry about your dad (((HUGS)))

[EZ rider]

My Mom gave raw a "try" a month or so ago, which was actually a huge shock (I didn't expect her ever to give it a second thought). She didn't last more then a dayI'm not sure if this would work or not ? as I went all raw all at once. But I have read some posts from people that have tried a more gradual approach. The idea is to start the journey and go from there. Try to have something raw everyday, maybe a grape or something, and increase slowly. I have heard people say they have used a meal at a time approach with success. For this method your Mom eats a raw breakfast everyday (if she slips up then she just continues on the next day still on the raw journey) until she feels ready for additional challenge. Then she goes for lunch also. Then its raw until dinner. Then its dinner too. And then its all raw. See if she thinks she could take a very easy, laid back, take your time, one step at a time approach to the raw food life style. Good luck

[Bananapie]

Thats great! My mom is thoroughly convinced she NEEDS animal products.:( Although one small glimmer of hope is that she agrees to be my Ginni pig for a few weeks when next she visits.:)

[maraw]

I think it's so wonderful that you are embracing her like this - sending her so much good food and love. Just wonderful...I'm so happy for you both.

[klomasius]

EZ, a really good point!

I think easing into it is a good thing. Especially if you aren't totally convinced about the lifestyle and are possibly doing it to please a kooky offspring.

I reckon is says more about 'celebration' than 'restriction', and also means that they get to enjoy the tasty foods rather than eat them with 'this is my restricted diet for X days' in the back of their minds.

Positive reinforcement via tasty colourful foods is always a better way.

Though if someone can go 100% first off, congrats to them! :)

[Eva]

klo... You are too precious the way you talk about your "mummy"! That's so great that she cares about her health and has you for support. :)

My mom went raw at the beginning of last month!!! She has been eating a lot of raw food because I've told her so much good stuff, but she went all out almost two months ago now. We also have had many family members die from cancer or get it and go through chemo. Her sister has breast cancer. I am so thankful that my mom wants to grow old gracefully and has the actions to back it up.

She has had two different occasions when she turned to non raw stuff, but that's it! And she's doing soooooooo great!!! She actually moved from FL to MA to be with me, so we've had so much fun together! She only weighed about 130 (at 5'2" and a small frame that was "a lot" for her), and she's probably lost about 5-10 pounds already. Her eyes are turning a much brighter shade of blue... so much more vibrant! And her skin is looking great.

She's had her bouts with emotional detox... but hey... it ends!

Yay!!! :)

[jacsam]

How fun to have this part of your life to share with your mother....you are very blessed. Also, what a lucky mother to have a daughter be so thoughtful and kind. I have two daughters that are my joy and delight and I can tell you that your kindness meant more than words can tell. What a sweetheart!!! It's so nice to hear how you love you Mom.