Anyone got their friends or family raw?

[raweater]

I was wondering if anyone managed to get their friends or family to go raw? I'm cured of a rather severe disease (Crohn's) with raw and have been doing TONS of health info reading because I found the information so important, yet so suppressed, that I felt it was my responsibility to spread the truth, because I've lived through the inhumane pain and suffering doctors are taught to let the patients suffer through to exploit them and suffered so much for their profit that I have to spread the truth.

My mom went about 60-70% raw (and off the 8 pills that corrupt quack doctors were pushing on her) as she had several health problems, now all cured (even on "just" 60-70%). I have a friend that went about 100% raw with very rare cheating (he got so sick last time he ate cooked food he said never again), and a few other friends that increased to a high raw diet around 60% or so. They also have my raw recipes each time they come and they know how good it is (they are often anxious to come back for more!), I've also given them many recipes which they make at home.

I'm really glad to see that my suffering can now be put to use to prevent others from suffering. Since I've learnt the truth that Crohn's disease is just the result of a toxic diet, I think it's the best gift I ever got, because it taught me the importance of eating well (after 5 years of believing "doctors" that insisted that diet has nothing to do with our healths and I was stupid enough to believe it).

I haven't talked much about it to my family as they are EXTREMELY gullible and easy to exploit, they are in fact currently being killed for profit by the health care system which is one thing that motivated me to write the book I'm writing. They believe ANYTHING that any quack doctor makes them swallow, and I mean ANYTHING. For example, my aunt goes as far as saying "I just let them give me the prescription and leave, I don't care about anything else", such thoughts are suicidal with the corruption in health care today, ANYONE this gullible today WILL be killed for profit unless they have the "luck" of dying in an accident first. We are now at 10,000 to 40,000 patients killed EVERY DAY, yes that's DAILY, NOT YEARLY by the "health care" system, anyone who blindly believes a conventional doctor is on the highway to be one of these 10k-40k victims per day.

Even though it's hard, I prefer not to say anything or much about health to my family since they are all relying on quacks and have full confidence in these quacks, so if they see my information goes to the complete opposite of that their quacks tell them, they'll actually think I'm nuts (gullible people always think it's others that are gullible). So my plan is to not say anything and then give them my book, where ALL the information and proof will be put in their face, and the only way to deny it with the amount of proofs I've compiled is to bury your head very deep in the sand.

One thing I'm worried about is I'm not sure how I'd react if they think I'm an idiot after reading the book. I honestly strongly think I would consider not considering them family anymore and no longer seeing them, if this seems extreme please consider my reasons:
-I was intentionally being killed and left to suffer as much as getting shot in the stomach for profit, do you really think I want a family who supports the murder of it's own members?
-They themselves are being left to suffer and being killed intentionally for profit, if they really are too gullible to realize something so important in their lives, then I don't think they are people I want to be seeing
-The drugs not only kill themselves, but polute our environment and lead to the deaths of other innocent people, if they are willing to kill other citizens for their shelfishness and carelessness for their health, this is another reason not to consider such people family
-I normally see them at times like Christmas, do you really think I could manage to spend Christmas with "family" that supports killing me and letting me suffer while killing themselves? I would go crazy spending Christmas around such inhumane people (that is, if they turn out to be, I don't know yet)

So I'm well aware I may be breaking a large part of my family off by writing this book, but it's a risk I'm absolutely willing to take and will take, I absolutely want to risk saving their lives and preventing them needless suffering in exchange of a chance of not wanting to see them anymore.

Now I'm hoping they go "Holy crap, I had no idea the things I was eating were killing me and the drugs I was prescribed accelerating my death even faster! I'm now FURIOUS at my doctors for the crimes they commited. Now I understand why you eat raw and fired your doctor!", but there is a chance they go like "That's quite a fairytale you wrote there, don't you think it was quite a waste of time writing such health nonsense that will kill people? My doctor said such a diet is DEADLY, he obviously knows more than you, he has 15 years or education".

I'm REALLY anxious to see their reactions as it may save or break my family. I'm also not sure what I'd do for Christmas if I do want to seperate myself from them. Maybe my parents will understand and we can spend Christmas just ourselves, but if they want to see my family anyway I wouldn't really want to spead Christmas alone, but certainly not with people that support killing me either.

If they do think I'm nuts, maybe I will find a way to keep seeing them, but I doubt it, and hopefully hope not, supporting such crimes is inhumane and if my family does it, I no linger want to see them, ever. I know this is harsh, but we're talking about supporting the murder of 10,000 to 40,000 people a day and letting sick people suffer intentionally! This is not a crime I can tolerate, even if it's my family members commiting it, I just can't, and I think many others can understand, especially other victims of the health care system which I know there are many of here.

Thanks

[Holli]

My family, although many on several meds etc., have all been very supportive of what I'm doing. I do get the occassional worried question here and there, but overall, everyone has been great. My mother-in-law is eating almost all raw now, along with my sis in laws and my own mom who has a lot of health problems has recently been incorporating green smoothies into her daily diet and LOVES Alissa's raw spinach dip. So, I feel good about my circle of influence.

As far as your book goes and your family...well, that's such a personal choice. I've had to severe some relationships with close family members, not over diet, but over other reasons that I felt were not supporting me in progression. It's a hard call. I wish you luck with that.

I can tell from this post and some of your other posts that you are very passionate person and that you have done your homework and feel very convicted. I think this is a great blessing. I would only caution you in your writing to be careful not to alienate people. Sometimes passionate people come off as well...fanatics or crazy people. I know your intention of writing this book is to help others, especially your family, so be selective in your word choice and maybe get a good editor's opinion before it goes to print. We've all read those books that just shove ideas down our throats and leave a bad taste in our mouths. It is a delicate balance to produce a work where you don't compromise your beliefs and constantly worry about "sugar-coating", but still produce a product that appeals to more than a select group who already have been convinced of your own ideas.

I hope this was helpful (sorry, the writer and an editor in me took over towards the end!) and good luck again!

[raweater]

Thanks for the reply. I do know how people react to this information depending on how it's presented, this is one reason I'm not talking to them about it until I'm satisfied with how it's written and presented. I've also talked about this on many non health forums where 99% of people violently disagree with everything, no matter how much proof you provide. So I've gained experience from that, mostly, I learned not to bother trying to help people that have their head in the sand, as their heads all seem to be cimented in the sand, never to be taken out and see the light of day, ensuring a life of disease, suffering, and premature death, but if that's how they want to (or think they have to) live their life I have no problem with that (other than the pollution the drugs they carelessly take creates). Also, since this is my family, and they know I had Crohn's disease, and they'll obviously see I'm in perfect health doing the exact opposite of what my doctor told me to (told me to eat anything I want, diet has nothing to do with health, I now eat healthy food, told me drugs are the only solution, stopped taking them), and I was not healthy when I was listening to my doctor.

Also, I don't mean that I want my family to go 100% raw, I just want them to acknowledge that what I say makes a lot of sense and is supported by independant science (unlike the inhumane treatments their doctor prescribed), and hopefully stop taking the drugs that have no benefits whatsoever for them, they only create false hope, and hopwfully stop eating the "foods" that are the cause of their diseases in the first place (since they believe their doctor, they are convinced diet has nothing to do with health, so they think I'm nuts eating like this, while I think they're nuts thinking diet has nothing to do with health).

Thanks again about warning me about the wording, this is what I am the most careful of in my book, I want it to be professionally presented in a logical, easy to understand way. I've also read books and seen documentaries on the subject, and so I've learnt of ways of presenting this information with those also.

I'm trying to finish it for Easter, but I've been wanting to finish it for a long time, one problem is I'm subscribed to health newsletters and am constantly learning more I want to add to the book, but I must stop at some point or it will never be finished. Also, as I said some of my family members are taking drugs that do nothing other than accelerate death (Lipitor and blood pressure drugs), so I really want to get this book out before one of them dies, otherwise I will feel responsible for their death (and would be) and I don't want that to happen as it would be a terrible weight to carry for the rest of my life. On the other hand if they read my book and they think it's nuts, then I'm no longer responsible for their death as I did what was necessary to warn them of the danger, if they want to keep being killed by drugs it will then be their choice, and not my fault, so I would not feel guilty, this is one thing that's putting pressure on me to get it out, no one can predict when the drug will kill them, and their diet is just as deadly.

[Vivafree2]

I am the one and only raw eater in my surroundings - most of the peple think that i am nuts - after readung a lot of posts here - i just do my thing, spread the good word about the raw and avoid parties or choose activities around some other things not sit down dinner. When i will loose the weight and look great - they will ask me what i did to achieve that. It is very hard especially with traditional families and friends - with some i do not even raise the subject! I want to keep social so i make some sacrifices - but it is getting easier now.

[Aleesha Sattva]

i've assisted a few people to go raw. three friends so far. they are all 'exploring' it... :P

[MiahTay]

Personally, I find that old saying comes into play "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." In my experience this is also an effective tool in feeding someone information. Through my sharing AS I LEARN and implement changes in my life I share these things with those that I love. I think if I were to dump it on them all at once and expect them to change immediately would not be a realistic expectation on my part. And just as I don't want people to cut me off because I eat differently, I wouldn't DREAM of cutting off relationships because they CHOOSE to eat differently than I. We are beings of FREE CHOICE, it is what makes us unique. And as much as I would pray that those I love would choose raw foods, it is THEIR choice. And I will love them anyway. Over my almost 19 years of marriage most of my closest family relationships have embraced raw food to varying degrees. It took my FIL a heart attack last year to make a change. It takes different things for each of us. Good luck with your book!

Heather

[mel_s12]

I agree with MiahTay. You can't cut relationships because of what they choose to eat. And just because they continue eating SAD definitely does not mean that they are supporting this killing industry. (People would rather change their religion, than change the way they eat). This is your family. Let them read your book and let the information sink in first. This may take a while. And they might transition very very slowly. If you break your relationship to them, it might turn them away from healthy eating entirely.

As for your book, I am 100% behind you. I, too, am starting to write a book but it's more about the health behind raw food rather than politics. Put me down for a copy when you're finished! :D
Happy writing.

[SandraDee]

I've always gone with the "you can lead a horse to water... but you can't make him drink" policy with people. Diet is a very personal and difficult decision to come by. I myself feel that a RAW vegan diet is THE way to go, and have since I was in highschool. But I never seem to stick with it. I hope I'm going about it the right way this time and it sticks. But regardless... I fully support the concept, but if someone had said "you have to" it just would have been all the less likely that I would have come back. Everyone has to find their own "right" time for this. There's no doubt that knowledge is power and I pass on every tid bit of info I can to anyone who will listen... and I encourage everyone to do so... but let everyone come to it in their own good time.

On a different note... I have a friend at work who has chrone's and she is truely sick with it... to the point where she quit work for a few months. I tried to tell her about the raw diet and she wouldn't even listen to me. Absolutely wasn't the right thing to do... no how... no way. I just wish I could get her to listen to success stories like yours. The best way I can think to show others the benefits of raw, is to show them thru myself... hopefully I can encourage not only her, but the rest of my family as well.

I wish you the very best of luck with your family and your book!!
Sandra

[MiahTay]

I too had a friend with chrones and after fighting it "the medical way" for almost 30 years he passed away 3 years ago due to complications from surgery leaving behind 2 young children and a wife that loved him very much. He was totally not open to hearing about raw foods and even made fun of my family behind our backs for doing things such as drinking carrot juice. It is sad but people do choose their own path. My husband has an aunt who is in stage 4 cancer and has said she would rather die than eat "just vegetables". I too support you in your book writing efforts there is far to little information out there but it is WAY better than it was 10 years ago.

Heather

[lily]

My approach is to hold fast to my own views and way of life and let my ever-increasing health, happiness, vitality and slenderness be an example... when people start to ask questions, I'm ready to help and advise them.

But I have stopped trying to 'make' people see it my way, and have tried to stop worrying about their (in my view mistaken) choices...

Cultivating a mixture of love and detachment, as well as hope and optimism for the future seems to work best...

[Alina]

I think we can only lead my example and only be responsible for our own actions. I don't think your family was intentionally trying to kill you. Our society is extremely brainwashed and relies heavily on what the government and the doctors tell them to do. But if you were able to cure yourself with raw foods I think your family has to accept that fact but you can't make them follow you. Should you isolate yourself from the rest of them? No, they are still your family and food is not the only thing that unites you. None of my family or friends is interested in raw food but I still spend time with them and enjoy their company. One of my friends called me up one day and said she was raw for four days and her skin got better and she was so happy I introduced her to raw food! Another friends bought a Vitamix after my raving about it for months. So, you never know... Just be yourself, stay healthy, stay happy and who knows, one day you might find yourself enjoying an all-raw Christmas with your family :)

[chilove]

Yes! I've influenced several people to go raw. My father and step mother are raw and my mother and sister went vegan and mostly raw! They have all experienced wonderful health benefits including lots of weight loss, getting of blood pressure meds, and healing from pre-cancerous conditions.

I was just speaking with a coaching client of mine today about this. She told me that has had such awesome results on raw (She has lost 27 lbs, healed an acne problem and looks years younger) that her mom and sister decided to go raw! She is an actress and she went on tour this fall and two other actresses who were on tour with her decided to go raw as well. They were amazed at her stamina and energy!

The longer that you are raw, the more people you will attract. It will happen. It is inevitable.

Raw is amazing!

Blessings!

Audrey
www.rawhealing.com

[c'estlaviebelle]

Raw *is* amazing! My boyfriend has decided to go raw with me (I have not pushed the issue at all). He's been feeling so much better now that the meals he eats with me are primarily raw, that he decided all on his own that he wants to eat primarily raw. We are getting rid of the microwave and I just ordered an Excalibur to sit in its place! (SO excited! :D)

I think him seeing the transformation that has taken place with me in the last month, the weight loss and the energy, plus how he said he *feels* after eating raw food (great of course!) has been the motivating factor.

Just being a living example is enough I think, but everyone's path is different and unfortunately it is impossible to make people see how great raw is unless they want to. My parents would benefit so much from the raw lifestyle, but they are both stubborn (a Taurus and a Capricorn to boot!) that it is impossible to even get them to give it a chance. It is a shame, but I have to remind myself that we are all on a different path, and there is nothing I can do to *make* them get it...

[MangoMadness]

I agree with not trying to force opinions on others, however, I also react 'passionately' sometimes, which is something I am trying to curb. I pretty much always react this way when somebody responds to me in an ignorant manner and criticises what I am doing without giving me a chance to explain. I have a friend who does this alot, despite the fact that I have explained to her several times, she will say derogatory things in front of other people.

[RawSinger]

Since I went raw, my boyfriend hasn't really had a choice about what to eat for dinner. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. I prepare my raw food for dinner and he usually eats whatever I make, and likes most of it. My journey has inspired him to make better choices throughout the day as well. He's not entirely raw but you still have to hand it to him, as he was a real junk food guy. Since I went raw a month ago, he's dropped about 15lbs.:) I'm very proud of him.

[Eva]

SandraDee: There is a great book you could get for your friend called Self Healing Colitis and Crohn's. It advocates mostly raw food and really helped me a lot.

As for the original question, my mom is a raw foodie... but when we stumble, it's together. And then I feel horrible because it's like I'm encouraging my mom to stop eating raw. Ah well, we're both doing well now. :) And she HAS lost a lot of weight and feels better since the switch.

[c'estlaviebelle]

I forgot to add in my earlier post, I have inspired a co-worker to be raw too! She started roughly a week after me after she saw the huge benefits I was getting (tons of energy plus weight loss after only one week). Its fun to have someone at the same stages as me too- plus we go out to lunch together regularly which really helps. So, that plus my bf are 2 people thus far, in only a month or so!!

Also, I have to append my earlier post- I talked to my Mom this morning and she *is* willing to give raw a try. Maybe not 100% or even 90%, but she is going to try to eat only raw during the day and eat a cooked (vegetarian) dinner at night. I guess the meat recall really scared her, plus the footage of the poor animals being abused at the meat farms got to her (I've been telling her for ages, but people need to see for themselves I guess).

Additionally, my aunt was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and that has scared my mom as well. She is starting to see the link between diet and health. My aunt was a 1-2 time a day fast food eater, as well as having taken the hormone replacement therapy post menopause. Luckily my mom didn't take that stuff, and my parents don't eat fast food anymore (they never ate all that much anyway, but I convinced them of how awful it is). Now that my mom is on board, it is a matter of time before she strong-arms my dad too. (She is the only person on the planet who can convince him of anything). She is going to start packing him fruits and veggies for work too, since he has gained a lot of weight recently eating all of the junk food that his company provides to its employees.

I really am excited that my Mom (and hopefully my Dad too) is taking an interest in her health. Pretty soon I'll have converted everyone! *evil laugh* :D