Struggling but really want to do this

[Vivid Lily]

Hi. I'm really having trouble staying Raw. I do super for a couple of days. Then I have to make something for hubby (like this morning breakfast. He wanted bacon, eggs , toast. and of course coffee with cream. I don't know why I can't get him to eat healthier since he had a heart attack in Sept, He thinks he's been cleaned out and had stents put in (3)he's ok. He has to take tons of meds. which he has never done before (not even an aspirin) so I'm surprised he's ok with this. Or he wants to go out for dinner. I don't like it anymore since I'm never happy with anything out there. They don't even know how to make a decent salad. I'd rather stay at home and prepare it myself. But he sometimes makes me feel bad that I'm not social. It's been 4 1/2 months now since I've had meat and I don't miss that. But I'm having a hard time not having my decaf with Cream and toast in the a.m. Any suggestions. Tomorrow I'm going to a Raw Food Class so I'm hoping they can help me & give me some helpful answers. Thanks Suzy:D

[StarFire]

Aloha and Welcome VividLily... You've been around the forum for a while haven't you? I think it's wonderful that you will be going to a Raw chef class!! You will really enjoy it! I'm sure they can help you with some alternative yummies...

there is a recipe floating around RFT for cinnamon buns and I'm sure there are other raw breads and goodies you can make for your morning breakfast!

You're really doing great -- and very often -- the very best way we can help others to change their eating habits -- is by simply concentrating on changing ours... When we become that 'walking advertisement' of glowing radiant health -- it's surprising how many people want to know what we're doing... and want to add in some of 'our foods' into their daily routines... and before you know it ... they are eating 'high raw'!!

You're a wonderful example for your husband... just keep on pushing forward -- and you'll do great! Jump in on the April 30 day challenge... lots of support and love over there...

blessings on your journey -- don't give up girl -- You're doin so great!!

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[Vivid Lily]

Thank you so much StarFire - I will let U know how my class goes!! I'll see if I can find that cinnamon bun recipe. Do you have a dehydrator? If so, is it something that U use often. I'm worried that it will something else on my counter that I don't use often. But if it will help me keep raw, maybe it's a good investment. I just had a conversation with my husband, and I asked him for his help. I said I'm having a hard time doing this on my own. This is my life since I'm struggling with being diabetic,high blood pressure & high cholesterol. & him having a heart attack in Sept. He knows this would be the best for him too, but he's struggling even more than me with SAD DIET. His cardiologist told him his diet is fine and to continue to take alllllllll his meds.!!!!! He said he would really try. So as of right now - I'm not buying anymore junk food. No cookies for grandkids - I'll have to make some treats for when they come. Maybe raw pudding or icecream etc. Thanks again Suzy:D

[gingincal]

Re: your dehydrator question, I use mine about 2-3 times per week (I'm no chef and don't do potlucks, etc., but I do enjoy working in my kitchen :) ). From what I've read here and on other sites, it seems that many people simplify their diets after being raw for a period of time (mono meals, etc.) and it follows that dehydrator use might decline over time.

Best wishes to you, Vivid Lily.

[bornagnhippy]

:) Hi everyone! I've been vegan for the last 11 years and now I feel it's time to take the next step to raw. I know it's not going to be an overnight transformation. I've been "dabbling" with raw for the last few months and don't beat myself up when I can't stay on track. I have a 14 y/o son at home that I cook some for but I do include my raw dishes in his meals as well. If I set the example I'm hoping that he'll eventually go raw as well. I look forward to using this forum for inspiration and to inspire as well.

[EZ rider]

as of right now - I'm not buying anymore junk food. No cookies for grandkids - I'll have to make some treats for when they come. Maybe raw pudding or ice cream etc.Kids love fresh fruit. Have some grapes, etc and maybe something they may never have tried before like kiwi or mango and watch em go for it.

[Vivid Lily]

Thanks I'm sure your right - I think I try and do too much, kids are happy with simple things like a bowl of grapes and a few nuts. Good reminder!!! Suzy:D

[Frugal Raw]

Welcome!!! I wish you the best of Rawesome health!

[StarFire]

Do you have a dehydrator? If so, is it something that U use often. I'm worried that it will something else on my counter that I don't use often. But if it will help me keep raw, maybe it's a good investment.

hey VL... yep - I have a dehydrator and I am so thankful that I have it. I use to dehydrate lots of things from fruit to breads, to more gourmet meals.

When I first got my dehydrator I loved experimenting and made ALL kinds of stuff -- most of which my husband loved too. but the longer I've been raw - I have found that I go in 'spurts'... sometimes I want mono meals -- or I want more simple things... but every once in a while I want something a little more substantial.

and now that I'm doing the PotLucks and teaching classes -- I use it more often... but all in all --- even if I wasn't a Certified LOLF Chef and teacher... I would STILL use it.

Having this tool has helped me to stay raw. Being able to have an amazing sandwich - that is healthy and all raw is wonderful! being able to make my own crackers, breads, dehydrated fruits... has saved me soooo much money!

Personally -- I'm just not a 'eat only salad' kinda gal -- I love (occassionally) the heavier foods like RAW PIZZA!!!! RAW ENCHILADAS, Pesto stuffed mushroom, spicy tacos with RAW tortillas... even something simple like an 'un~stir fry' chopped veggies with a sauce over them - pop that in the dehydrator for a couple of hours before serving and omg -- so delicious! It's meals like that --- that I can get my dh to eat and have even served these to my carnivore friends for dinner -- and they have loved all the recipes!!

RAWk on! hope that helps!

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[Vivid Lily]

StarFire you got my mouth watering!!! I'm with you I need more than just salads. Everyone tells me I make the best salad they've ever had. Everything in it but the kitchen sink. I think that's why I'm never happy to go out and get salad from a bag with chemicals and bottled dressing YUK````` In :D it - defrost when needed, YUK``` - I think I will look into a dehydrater. I'm sure it will keep me raw because I really miss my toast (sprouted bread) from health food store. but still not raw. I'll let U all know how I make out. Thanks again Suzy

[aliciamatheson]

Hi Suzy,

When I first went raw (over a year ago) my husband was not interested at all - but slowly over time, he tries things and loves -I made these amazing raw deserts and just "left" them on the kitchen counter.

As Starfire said in an earlier post, lead by example but in the end, you can only change for yourself. Eating out? I eat beforehand and have a salad (even if it's something to push around on the plate) and bring an avocado.

You are doing great - keep the faith! Alicia

[Raspberry4]

Personally -- I'm just not a 'eat only salad' kinda gal -- I love (occassionally) the heavier foods like RAW PIZZA!!!! RAW ENCHILADAS, Pesto stuffed mushroom, spicy tacos with RAW tortillas... even something simple like an 'un~stir fry' chopped veggies with a sauce over them - pop that in the dehydrator for a couple of hours before serving and omg -- so delicious! It's meals like that --- that I can get my dh to eat and have even served these to my carnivore friends for dinner -- and they have loved all the recipes!!

RAWk on! hope that helps!

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Stop it girlfriend - you're making me want to lick the computer screen for just 'a taste'. Off to the kitchen....:D

[shashibala]

Hi and welcome! You are doing something wonderful for yourself! And, in time your husband will see the changes in you and might be inspired. People fear change, especially around food. He has been through a lot with the heart attack and is probably taking comfort in the old foods he has always eaten. It is sad that the silly doctors would rather feed people tons of meds, than admit that diet can help. Just take care of you! You will be a shining example and you will feel so good! Best wishes!!!

[Vivid Lily]

Thanks all of you, you make me feel like I can do this!! My husband came home tonight and said that's it, he's not drinking anymore coffee. It gave him heart burn all day. He's said this before - let's see. I know how hard it is , because he'll get the dreaded headache from withdrawl. Bye for now. Suzy:D

[spicyfull]

Hang in there, WE are Always here for you. AND ABOVE ALL STAY IN TOUCH WITH THIS FORUM. You can Do It.............

[Vivid Lily]

Just want to say that I really love this site & all the people I've met here. Another site I belong to for diabetics. All they talk about is how much insulin to take and what vitamins work and how I ate a terrible meal and my sugar didn't go really high. But not healthy eating , just feeding on sad diet and feeding the insulin habit. I hardly ever go there anymore. This is where I'm fed with such helpful information. Thanks again. Struggling from day to day to keep raw.
Just wanted to mention that today I thought twice about putting even a little mint in my mouth. Before I would never have done that , I would have just popped it in. I gave the mint to someone else. Thanks guys Hugs Suzy:D

[2 Corinthians 7:1]

Suzy, I think you're doing great. You may not be 100% raw yet, but it looks to me like that is where you are heading. It's like the truth. Some people jump right in, but everybody is different. Others have to get in slowly. And what is the encouragment we always give people in regard to their mate? Lead by example. Win them over without a word. Stick to it, show him you're serious about it, and your husband may just be compelled to join you.

Anyway, you've gotten some wonderful support here. Starfire is so encouraging! Everyone here is!

[iamacranberry]

Do what you can do, when you can do it, and gradually increase it. Making a huge change to your diet is difficult--so depending on your personality type it may be better to transition into it gradually. I know that is what worked for me, as trying to go 100% right away resulted in me binging too much!

[Vivid Lily]

So My husband didn't last not drinking coffee. Only 1 day!! I went to Costco yesterday to buy nuts & veggies and found my husband eating pizza and then icecream. so you're all right I'm just going to look after myself and hopefully he will see how much better I am and maybe!! I went to my Raw Food class - the instructor called me the morning of my class to say she had thought about me and didn't think the regular class would benefit me since I had already gone to many of her classes. So she made up a special class just for me. Catering to my needs. (diabetic, high blood pressure, high cholesterol) and how the raw foods would help. So for the next 5 weeks I promised her that I would do everything she asked of me. No Meat, No dairy,No fruit except a little in a smoothie. I watched 3 videos and had lunch with them.Raw of course. Already after just 1 day I already feel less bloated. I feel lighter somehow. 1 class each week (3 hours each) for the next 5 weeks. The next one will be a breakfast class. Take care Hugs Suzy:D

[iamacranberry]

Good for you for sticking with it! Hopefully he'll start to cut out some of those more harmful foods when he is more ready...physically and mentally.