To eat raw in a sad world, you must be creative!

[kaleidoscopeeyes]

This is the thread for anyone who has gone into a restaurant that served a non-raw fruit dish and asked if they could buy the fruit off them, or goes to pinkberry and spends $6 on a giant cup of DELICIOUS seasonal fruit*points to self* ^^ Anyone care to share how they manage to stay raw when there aren't any obvious options?

[momma-rawma]

We went to smokey bones the other day. I wasn't fully prepared for the salad options and did end up with grilled chicken on it....but essentially, I had to order just veggie salads with nothing on them. I brought my own Apple Cider Vinegar for dressing (which looked very interesting in the cup.:eek: ). It was very delightful.

Literally nothing else on the menu.:mad:

[justinesmith]

Sometimes, I just don't eat. I ALWAYS try to have a back up in my purse (a raw bar or nut mix) but when we go to the Zoo or the Aquarium and they are out of fruit cups (doesn't happen often ~ sad for everyone else, good for me) I'll just skip it all until I get home. Most often my brain is hungrier than my body.... :p

[DavidZaneMason]

Sure. I always prepare my own fruit / meals. I eat before I leave....and bring a snack bag wherever I go.....so I'm never hungry....and never 'stuck' someplace and feel obligated to eat what they eat. Worst case scenario is I order a glass of water...and just say I'm not eating...and I'm there to be with friends. You know? Going without 1 meal...or even fasting for the day...is certainly not a tragedy for me! LOL. They say that true health is all about the long-term crap you are NOT eating. Heh..heh...Power to you & Happy New Year!

-David Z. Mason

[RawHeaven]

I always carry fruit and nuts with me. Most of the people in my life know I'm raw and we generally go to restaurants that are either raw, vegetarian or I know I will be able to order something, like an organic salad. I rarely go out to eat anymore. If I get caught off guard I drink water with fresh lemon or freshly cut lemons in it or something similar.

One of the most interesting learnings and observations I've had since becoming Raw, is just how much attachment there is to socializing and eating food in our western culture and maybe many others. I find moreso that people (in my life) are generally more concerned with the fact that I'm not eating vs. what I'm eating. I've crossed over that threshold myself and no longer associate food with socializing and "fitting in" necessarily, but it's made me more compassionate to understand just how frightenening I can seem to those closest to me who are still eating destructively and unconsciously, because it's hitting their buttons that they're still pretty unware or afraid of when I'm doing my thing and minding my own business.

Being Raw I see this so clearly now, I can't help it. When I see someone who's unhealthy, I just want to grab them and shake them and say, no shout "THERE IS ANOTHER WAY!" I'm digressing a little with this example, but I was in the store yesterday evening to pick up some spring water in bulk. The woman in front of me was purchasing what looked like half the store's stock of supersized candy bars and other junky processed things that were on sale. The counter was piled high with this stuff. That's all she was buying and without being disrepectful to her appearance I think you know what state of health she was in and what she looked like. In that moment, I felt very proud of how far I've come. Because 10 years ago maybe less, I was that lady buying monster candy bars in bulk just because they were on sale. Food is a powerful thing and everyone has some connection to it...be it negative, positive or an addiction.

This lifestyle is not just about eating and food choices. I think we get most of the flack from others who are very threatened by living their lives for themselves and taking care of their own health. I'm not saying everyone is like this of course. I've met some wonderful people who wanted to learn more about raw when they found out I am. I think I had some influence on them. Certainly many people have influenced me as well. Just my humble thoughts on the subject.

To circle back to the topic, you certainly do have to be creative and resilient to be Raw in a SAD world. Amen to that. Each year it gets a little bit easier though I believe. :D I haven't experienced a full year yet myself being Raw, but next year I'll really be able to get back to you on that statement. hahaaa! :p

Peace!

&

Happy New Year.

Crystal

[GlimR]

Crystal~
Great post and insights..thanks for sharing~

I go out to eat fairly often with my DH, who is NOT raw. I bring food with me....if we go to breakfast I have a green smoothie before we go then bring fruit with me. There is a place we go that I can get an orange or a banana...I get that and then break out the cherries, clemintines and apple from my purse. I carry a small paring knife with me and my own special fork, because it's pretty and I like it...feels "special"~:D
If we go to dinner I get a large salad...I have a card that I made asking the kitchen to prepare a salad and specify what I eat AND what I don't. They get pretty creative many times and if not, oh well! I bring a little container with nuts, apple and sometimes an avocado and a small bottle with enough raw dressing for one salad. It's pretty much second nature now and no big deal.
It's easy to grab a few pieces of fruit and put them in your purse or keep them in the car, etc...also a little bit of dried fruit or a handful of brazil nuts.
It does take a change of thought to remember those things...but becomes a matter of course after awhile....and like others have said sipping water and just relaxing...we are pretty far from ever starving and can always wait till later to eat...all perspective and attitude~

[EZ rider]

Before I "discovered" RFT and the raw food lifestyle as a vegetarian I would get dishes that included animal carcass as part of the meal and I would ask for a "dogie bag". Then as I ate my meal I would pick off the meat and put it in the bag and eat the rest. Later I would dispose of the cooked carcass to a pet or a friend who was still a carnivore or to the garbage can. I see no reason that I can't do the same thing as a raw foodist separating out what I don't want, example a chicken salad minus the chicken. This will allow me to order dishes almost anywhere. Best wishes for the new year. -- EZ