Raw Recipes: Why Bother?

[green_aj]

I was just wondering, if we are all about "uncooking" and making food more basic and simple, why make recipes to imitate the things we quit eating? Like, what's the point of making raw pizza or raw spaghetti, if those are unhealthy things and natural plant food is beutiful and tasty the way it is?
it's like those vegans that will go out and get "fake" meat that looks and smells like the real thing, you just gotta wonder...

Also, food combining rules are often completely violated in those recipes. It is more difficult to digest... It should be a goal of every raw foodist to eat foods as close to the natural state as possible, right?

I dont want to come across mean sounding or anything about this, by the way. I just want you guys to voice your opinions on this as well, what do you think? does "raw cooking" complicate things? cause slower digestion? waste your time?

J

[lioness]

I understand what you are saying and I often wondered this to, but I know a lot of that is for people who are transitioning from either a cooked food vegetarian/vegan diet or from an all out SAD diet and in order to help ween them off of that they need foods that tastes like some of the foods they use to eat. A lot of times people have to transition out of things, just like you transition into things. I mean think it took a lot of us 20-40 years or sometimes more to develop our habits. Habits don't just form overnight and they don't just go away overnight either. We have to give our bodies time to transition or a lot of us experience ugly detox symptoms. So everything is a process how long it takes depends on us.

[RawSinger]

You make a valid point. I've thought about this from time to time as well. In the past it was more along the lines of, "Why make mock pizza?? It will just make you want the real thing." But I'm glad there are raw pizzas, and raw spaghetti out there. For many, it makes the emotional journey to raw a little easier when they can have something that resembles food that they had been eating their whole lives. Many are able to channel their craving for SAD pizza or another SAD food, towards the healthy, raw version (I myself have not been able to do this). But aside from that, I'm glad we have these recipes because a lot of them are just tasty. I really like raw zucchini and marinara because it tastes good, not because it tastes like wheat pasta and cooked marinara (it has the essense of it but it doesn't really taste like it anyway).

But yes, I think the ULTIMATE goal of a raw-foodist is to eat as much whole food as possible and a fairly mono diet (ex: apples for breakfast, simple green salad for lunch, another salad for dinner or veggies in their whole form, and pineapple for dessert. Maybe even watermelon for all four meals). It is the healthiest way to eat. The beauty of raw is, and Alissa says this a lot, you can make this way of eating as simple or as complicated as you want. I like that flexibilty. I like having a lot of options if I want them. I like not having to bother and just eating an assortment of fruit for dinner if I want that.

[juliebove]

I have wondered that too, but then I prefer simple foods. My mom pointed out the other day that both my brother and myself tend to eat all of one food at a time. It's true. Even if I have a tossed salad, I tend to pick out individual pieces of things instead of mixing things. Exception being the onion. Onion by itself can be rather harsh unless it is green onion.

I do like the onion bread, the nut cheese and a few of the dessert recipes I've tried. But for the most part I like plain, simple foods.

[MOTH]

I prefer to eat very simply, but sometimes making a recipe is just fun.

Raw recipes can help people transition to raw, and then later on, they won't need the 'look-alike' foods so much.

[Rawkinlocs]

I hope that I don't come across as being mean with the following statement because that is not my intention at all but...

While I totally understand where you are coming from and appreciate your stance...do you feel that is fair to pose such a stance on a forum that was started by, that is owned by and that is paid for by a woman who advocates raw recipes, offers a book with raw recipes and has helped thousands with her recipes in her book (along with her past consultations)? I mean, I can't even count how many times people said "Thank God for Alissa and her book Living on Live Food".

I mean, that would be like going to Doug Graham's forum and saying, "Don't you all realize that some of us NEED raw recipes in our transition? Your way is difficult to maintain and BORING!" LOL! Ya know? And I have heard people feel that way about such a simplified way of eating especially just starting out!

No one has to eat raw recipes and not every raw person is "all about" uncooking. Those who are, do...those who are not, don't. Some people rather enjoy uncooking and creating healthy, delicious foods made without cooking and made with natural ingredients. So, one person's waste of time may be another's outlet or enjoyable part of their lives.

Raw recipes are here for two (main) reasons:

1. To offer variety because some people get bored eating just fresh raw foods and some so much so that they'd end up going back to cooked foods.

and...

2. To help people transition into raw foods. Sorry, but not everyone can go from eating McDonald's for lunch almost everyday and eating bacon and eggs for breakfast and meatloaf and potatoes for dinner right into eating simple raw foods.

Also, I have observed not only personally in my own raw journey but from stories posted here and other places as well... but people have had ailments go away, diseases reversed and just gotten overall healthier and more vibrant than they've been in years with having eaten raw recipes.

Now it IS common for many raw fooders to, after a while, simply lose their desire and taste for raw recipes and 'evolve' to eating simpler and there is nothing wrong with that; that is what happened to me, personally although I will never say I won't EVER eat raw recipes if I want them.

Some even go for simplistic raw right off the bat...but again, not everyone can do that...not everyone is "there".

I mean sure, the closer to nature we get with our eating the better in most cases...but I can name quite a few things we do that are no where near close to nature...remember, eating is only ONE aspect of this whole thing...one piece of the puzzle. If it were all about getting all the way down to the bare bones of nature, we would not be living in houses, driving cars, on computers, etc. etc. But I know that most of us are not ready to go live in the wild...and some are not in a place to eat completely simplistic.

It's a journey and everyone arrives at their destination at different times. Some people feel great with no disturbance to digestion and others do...so they can pass on them and eat simply... but those who choose to eat the recipes shouldn't be "judged" for it.

But everyone, please remember that this forum is dedicated to Alissa Cohen's "style" of teaching the raw diet...her approach as written in her book and what is on her DVD and that happens to include...recipes! Thanks!

[Lady Green Jeans]

Agree that simple is what you will naturally gravitate toward as you continue your journey in raw. It is so subtle, yet really is simply natural. Raw gourmet recipes are fun, no doubt about it, but after awhile, it becomes more an occasional foray instead of standard fare. Personally, I adored the many high gourmet creations but got to where time was more of the esssence, so I simplified. Maybe it is also a combination/transition from "living to eat" to "eating to live."

[Rawkinlocs]

Ohhh...didn't realize that you're so new here. Well, allow me to just say that Alissa is very passionate and adamant about the bulk of this forum being in line with her teachings in her book...that is why she created this forum - as an off-shoot of her book and dvd.

So again, please keep that in mind! Thanks!

[Avacado7]

We are just starting raw in our household. The first day, we sat down to one dish and a salad. (cannot remember what the dish was) When we were done, my husband made a comment that it was not "gourmet." Knowing him, I think that he meant that it was very simple.....but not hugely satisfying. The next night we had raw chili, marinated mushrooms and tossed salad with honey mustard dressing. He kept commenting on how good it was.
When making a change as big as this...it helps to go gradually. At least that is the way it is working in this house. I am actually looking forward to try more "recipes!"

[Stina]

I just love doing the raw recipes. I have a hard time staying raw and getting back to cooking, errr, I mean, preping raw food recipes gets me back to eating raw every time. I simply don't feel satisfied eating plain food; my digestion really isn't ready for it. The blended foods create a synergy of energy for my system that's very beneficial. The point is not to eat like a rabbit. Oh, wait, they eat their young. Never mind.

[cordeliasmama2]

i think it's fun & rewarding to eat something that you made w/love. it's fun to make stuff up & see how it turns out. my family enjoys it more when they see me make it, too ;)

[klomasius]

Why?

Because I love complex flavours, different textures, variation and the challenge of making raw recipes.

I can go for days not eating raw recipes, just fruits, nuts and simple stuff, but then I FEEL like I want something more complex, so I eat it. Simple.

And yes, as someone progresses on the path of raw, they may get simpler in their wants, but by the same token, if they feel they want more complex foods, should they feel they shouldn't? Is this because the recipes are complex, look like sad food, aren't as nature intended?

Sorry if *I* sound a little terse, but I get a little exasperated at this attitude of simple is pure is right is natural is next to godliness stuff.

Time and again I've seen people start out on a raw lifestyle, swing right to this attitude and after a while, lose interest in raw. I wonder why.

Yes, fruits and veg are beautiful and tasty in their own right, yes I love the flavours of all the simple things I eat, but sometimes I want to combine them, and I will never feel guilty, or 'unpure' or whatever about doing so.

I never understood people's distaste of the concept of fake vegan meats, and I will never understand the, sometimes arrogant (not directed at OP) stance against raw recipes that some cultivate. If it helps, if it's healthy and if it makes people *ENJOY* life more, then it's fine. And the key word here is enjoyment.

We are not monks, we should not live our lives doing penance for the sake of perfect health, which wont be achieved anyway, as if you're miserable on a pure diet then you are not totally healthy as total health is a COMBINATION of mental and physical health.

So for those that like the variety of raw recipes (what a sin! what a defect!) feeling inadequate for wanting them or feeling like there is something wrong is simply not doing them any good.

I know this probably isn't what you meant green_aj, but there is the danger of isolating SO MANY who would otherwise be drawn to raw by having a discouragement (cultural or otherwise) of making recipes because they are not 'simple'.

To add to rawkinloc's reasons for recipes, they are also good for....

TEMPTING friends and family into enjoying them and cultivating an attitude of positive feelings toward raw food in the general community.

SHOWING the general community that raw ISN'T just about fruits and nuts and carrot sticks (because believe it or not, people can find that extremely offputting).

OPENING people's minds to the possibility of raw, even if they wouldn't go raw themselves. Eg. they can have a raw brownie instead of a cooked, unhealthy version.

After all, isn't half our purpose (besides making ourselves healthy) to encourage others to move toward the raw lifestyle, and foster a growing community of people who can reach a critical mass and send the whole thing supernova?

It's certainly my aim!

p.s. end rant. :)

And I'm glad Alissa has promoted raw recipes to the masses, and made raw appeal to so many who would never have even thought about raw otherwise!

[raven]

Rawkinlocs gave a very thorough answer. I think each person evolves in his/her own way and makes different choices. What's valid and right for one person may not be the path for another. Something that works for you today may not be the best option down the road. I've heard many raw food teachers and chefs share that they eat very simply. I think Alissa mentions that in her book. She's offering options and you don't have to, nor is it recommended, to eat dessert at every meal, for example. The heavier recipes are more for special occasions.

Another reason for processing foods, such as making green smoothies, is that we just don't have the time to chew as much food as we need for good health. Blending will break the food down to a pre-digestible state. Not all people have strong digestion and may not do well with simple raw foods at the outset. You can pack so much easily assimilated nutrition into a blended smoothie or soup.

Personally, I'm not planning to eliminate raw recipes. I enjoy the variety and creativity on this forum. However, I am careful about food combining. There are so many recipes that you can choose what suits you best. I do eat some simple meals, such as a sliced mango sprinkled with lime juice, and most of my prepared foods are salads with light dressings.

Good luck in your journey.

Suzy

[Eva]

I like both. I like having fun recipes to bring to BBQs with my husband. I like variety. Sometimes I like eating 5 bananas or a couple avocados for a meal.

I like my green smoothies for breakfast.

I love the cacao mylkshakes I've tried (that were good) although some were awful.

I love the pates and actually the raw spaghetti is one of my favorites.

I despise Braggs and Nama Shoyu although I do like the taste -- I don't mind some maple syrup, honey or nutritional yeast.

We're all on a different journey. Going to different places in a different body.

On my journey, if I feel like having a recipe, even with the occasional bad food combining, I still feel pretty good.

[green_aj]

Well, just so you guys know, I'm not against the recipes, everyone has their own preference. But when I started raw, I didnt have a blender, a good food processor, or a dehydrator. It takes time to figure all this stuff out, and personally, I am just too busy for it.

What I am saying is that recipes are great and many people will take the time to incorporate them into their routine, but it is healthier to eat mono diet, right? I mean, I am just asking, because many of the books I read on raw food mention that eating things simply is ideal.

About the forum being based on the book: I understand that, and unfortunately I never read the book, but does the book mention anything on this subject?
Forums are places where people discuss things, and everyone is entitled to their opinion whether it agrees with the book or not. And no, this question does not cancel out the recipes, it is meant to be a discussion, otherwise this forum is nothing but an advertisement of the book... I believe the author has good intentions of sharing the raw food experience with people, and recipes are by no means the only way of being raw.

[green_aj]

Also, some people cant afford those appliances. I just graduated from university, and for the last three years I managed to get a juicer and a food processor, by scraping together little bits of cash here and there. The only thing that kept me going was the availability of produce at the grocery store and the fact that eating raw, say chopping up a salad, was quicker than actually cooking food, like potatoes.

If raw recepies were necessary, than a lot of people wouldnt be able to stay raw just because it takes longer to figure them out, and there isnt always the luxury of time for that. Do you see what I mean?

[green_aj]

Another point is that recipes aren't for everyone either. My digesting cannot handle the number of ingredients in some of those recipes. For example, I made raw food cake with nuts and dry fruit with some fresh fruit topping and banana icing. I ate a piece and it sat in my belly like a rock for two days. I got indigestiong with a capital "I", and that is not healthy.... This wasnt just once, my sister loves to make it and every time same thing happened. You dont NEED the recipes, they are an addition to eating simply to spice things up not a substitute

[Revvell]

.. but it is healthier to eat mono diet, right? I mean, I am just asking, because many of the books I read on raw food mention that eating things simply is ideal.

Well, I'm not a guy but I'll answer this ~ is mono diet healthier? I don't know anyone who's doing that for any length of time. For me, a wide variety of healthy choices is more ideal because there's more of a chance of receiving all the nutrients I need.



Forums are places where people discuss things, and everyone is entitled to their opinion whether it agrees with the book or not. And no, this question does not cancel out the recipes, it is meant to be a discussion, otherwise this forum is nothing but an advertisement of the book... I believe the author has good intentions of sharing the raw food experience with people, and recipes are by no means the only way of being raw.

No one is saying that recipes are the ONLY way of being raw yet, this forum was set up by Alissa Cohen to support HER experiences of how to do raw.


If raw recipies were necessary, than a lot of people wouldnt be able to stay raw just because it takes longer to figure them out, and there isnt always the luxury of time for that. Do you see what I mean?

We see what you mean and no one is saying recipes are the ONLY way to go or that they are necessary. What Alissa does say is ~ "Eat what you want, when you want, as long as it's raw." HOW you do that is your choice.

WE'RE giving you OUR reasons for doing recipes. It's our choice, for many it's fun and for others it's a way of transitioning and introducing people to how raw CAN be. If/when people choose to eat more raw, they'll then have options.

I'm doing a raw food class and many are coming just because they've tasted my fudge, brownies, cookies and now want to find out how one makes raw lasagna. These are people who DO think that raw is just carrot and celery sticks.

For me, whatever works. For you, seems what you're doing works for you.

Congrats and welcome.

Revvell

[Revvell]

You dont NEED the recipes, they are an addition to eating simply to spice things up not a substitute

Some people do to be introduced to the concept.

You know, you are saying this is a discussion forum yet, you seem adamant at getting YOUR point across.

If what you are doing works for you, enjoy yourself but hey! Others prefer recipes. Sounds as though if people don't agree with you they're WRONG!

You talk about ONE recipe you've eaten as though it were the be-all, end-all of recipes. So, that one doesn't work for you ~ doesn't mean it wont be good for others. Seems to work for your sister.

Revvell

[jacsam]

Well, just so you guys know, I'm not against the recipes, everyone has their own preference. But when I started raw, I didnt have a blender, a good food processor, or a dehydrator. It takes time to figure all this stuff out, and personally, I am just too busy for it.

What I am saying is that recipes are great and many people will take the time to incorporate them into their routine, but it is healthier to eat mono diet, right? I mean, I am just asking, because many of the books I read on raw food mention that eating things simply is ideal.

About the forum being based on the book: I understand that, and unfortunately I never read the book, but does the book mention anything on this subject?
Forums are places where people discuss things, and everyone is entitled to their opinion whether it agrees with the book or not. And no, this question does not cancel out the recipes, it is meant to be a discussion, otherwise this forum is nothing but an advertisement of the book... I believe the author has good intentions of sharing the raw food experience with people, and recipes are by no means the only way of being raw.
This forum isn't an advertisment for Alissa's book and DVD but having researched and read about everything I can get my hands on about raw food....hers is the overall most down to earth, level headed, not hanging off the edge approach out there. Some of those books really can come across as wacked out when raw food is about wholesome, nutritious food in their unprocessed state. You can usually tell when someone hasn't taken the opportunity (and it is an opportunity) to watch the DVD and read the book of Alissa's because of their questions and comments. If you are eating simply.....great but you'll still want to read her book so down the road your still balanced and know how to handle the bumps along the way. Her book has tons of recipes but the best part is all the information you learn about raw food and how it works....you'll be more informed when people ask you questions about where you get your protein and calcium. Instead of just saying from my greens, you'll be able to REALLY give them an answer backed up with knowledge. If I had to get rid of all my raw food books and only keep one, it would be Alissa's....it's worth every penny.

[klomasius]

haha! yes you are right, a forum is about discussion and a healthy forum is about healthy debate (not argument mind you)!

My most used pieces of equipment.

My hands

A large knife

A chopping board

A grater

Something like a grater that makes fine julienne slices (cost $10)

A food processor we found by the side of the road (free!, and before that a food processor from an op shop, cheap!)

A blender that cost $80, a bit on the expensive side but I share a house and it's not mine, so didn't cost me anything.

A freezer (most people already have these).

With the above (and you can usually find food processors and even blenders in op shops quite often), I can make just about anything, ice creams, nut butters, sauces and dips, soups you name it.

Cost is entirely up to the person, and as well as necessity, I say a challenge is also the mother of invention (and adaption).

I also ask people.... say someone told you of this new method of food prep, its great, makes things crunchy or soft and hot and all different tastes by heating things up. All you need is an oven! It only costs around $500 (?? not sure how much an oven costs, but at least that amount) oh, and you'll probably have to remove a portion of your benchtop to install it, and it takes a heap of energy.

It's often the way you look at something that makes it difficult.

As for things giving you indigestion, everyone is different, and I'd definitely avoid any foods that gave me a negative reaction, a good call on your behalf.

But I know people who get massive tummy cramps and wind from eating apples, or who break out in hives if they eat citrus fruits. These things are simple and as nature intended, does the fact that some people get negative reactions from them mean that everyone should avoid them?

I think the best thing people can do, is start listening to their bodies, and I came to the realisation a while ago that people have such differing reactions and tolerances to things that our OWN bodies must become our best indicators of whether or not the food we eat is doing us good or harm.

If living simply makes you feel the best and the most alive, then by all means do it! It's the best thing you can do for YOUR body! :)

[Rawkinlocs]

Let me just break it down like this...This is her forum...she pays for it and trust me, it's not cheap to keep this place up. No, people don't have to do things her way (you can eat whatever you like, not eat whatever you like, etc.) but it is expected that her way be at the very least respected here on her forum.

And no, this forum is not an advertisement for her book but once again, it IS an extension...an off-shoot of her book.

Imagine if folks who run the Gerson Therapy treatment facility (or whatever they have) for helping people heal from various diseases (which is based on coffee enemas and juicing amongst other things) had a forum and then people started coming on going on and on about how coffee enemas were dangerous and ineffective and unnecessary or how juicing was not necessary. That would not go over well with the person or persons who ran that forum, would it? No, it would not.

Same here, this is a raw foods discussion forum that Alissa created when she realized she was answer a lot of the same questions over and over again about her book and dvd (NOT to advertise it) and so she created this place for the purpose of being a support and a place of getting those questions answered in support of the approach she has taught for years...that just so happen to be in her book/dvd. Of course people find her forum who have never read or even heard of her book and other things are brought up...but we do have rules on this forum to try and keep things in accordance with how she wants them.

I mean, I'll mention this again...people don't go to Doug Graham's board and ask for recipes for raw pizza or dis his approach to the raw diet which is 80 10 10 and if they do, they're corrected about it real quick-like. His forum is dedicated to a specific approach to raw, point blank. Same here...it's dedicated to Alissa's approach to raw.

Please review our rules for posting as well as the mission statement (http://rawfoodtalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=18) and that may shed some light on the main purpose and focus of this forum which is not the mono diet, the 80 10 10 diet, the paleo raw diet or any other "approach"...it's for the Living on Live Food approach to raw foods. That approach does not say one has to do recipes...but it does include recipes for those who want or need them but her approach is about not restricting oneself unless it is from cooked food.

[tanishamarshall]

To be totally honest with you, I am starting to feel the way you do, but only because I've been making some really bad raw recipes, Alissa's recipes seem like one of a few good recipe books out there. Also it is true that most recipes are not properly combined. I do think it is nice to have transitional foods for people coming from SAD food, I think there is a better chance that a SAD eater will eat more raw if the food is a bit more interesting then just plain ole fruits and Veggies.

I noticed that now I just want a good salad or veggie dish, I don't need a ton of dehydrated foods, but I do make them on and off.

[green_aj]

So I went and read the rules of the forum once again, and here is an exerpt:

"This board is for the support of the raw food lifestyle, getting and giving advice and connecting with other people who are STRIVING TO GO AND BE RAW VEGAN according to the principles in Alissa Cohen's book Living on Live Food."

Is simple raw food prep not in accourdance with the book? Many people wonder about these questions, not just me. From what i can tell the forum is to support the raw food lifestyle in any shape or form, am I wrong?

The reason I asked the question was not to "convert" people to my opinion, but to find others who have had the same thougts and start a discussion based on personal experience and to leave the "politics" out of it. By the way, the name of the forum is "rawfoodtalk", not Alissa's book talk...

[green_aj]

thank you Docsharp, that is my view as well.
I've been a raw foodist for 3 years now and I crave specific simple foods when I need specific nutrients.

[Revvell]

Is simple raw food prep not in accourdance with the book? Many people wonder about these questions, not just me. From what i can tell the forum is to support the raw food lifestyle in any shape or form, am I wrong?

Your interpretation may be inaccurate. As it says which you, yourself quoted: according to the principles in Alissa Cohen's book Living on Live Food.


The reason I asked the question was not to "convert" people to my opinion, but to find others who have had the same thougts and start a discussion based on personal experience and to leave the "politics" out of it. By the way, the name of the forum is "rawfoodtalk", not Alissa's book talk...

You can attempt to make this forum different than it is but I think Rawkinlocs has explained it (twice) quite clearly.

To me, it does feel as though you are trying to "convert" people to your opinion as you are being quite adamant about it even though many have explained to you the "why bother?".

We've said why many of us "bother" yet, that doesn't seem to work for you. O.k., fine! What would you like from us here?

[Rawkinlocs]

That excerpt is from the mission statement...not the rules.

The rules are a little more cut and dry. This forum is to support the raw diet as Alissa teaches it in her book and dvd. Basically, once again, a non-restrictive approach.

I'll put it like this. Many of the people here are new...new to raw and new this forum. There was time when this forum was overtaken by every person's teachings and approaches. Alissa wanted a stop to that because it was no longer her board anymore. So, she developed the new rules and put them in place.

So, in short, no, this forum is not for any and every approach to raw foods. If that were the case then we'd be discussing Graham's HIGH fruit approach, Cousens' little-to-NO fruit approach, the paleo-eat-raw-meat-eggs-and-dairy approach, etc. etc. So no, that is not what this forum is for. It's not a general, free-for-all forum.

Is it wrong when a person says on here, "I don't do recipes anymore, I like to eat simply"? NO! But it DOES become an issue when people start saying, "recipes are bogus...recipes are unnecessary." or "Any advice on the 80-10-10 diet?" Alissa herself does not eat recipes day and night...her diet is for the most part simple BUT...she will tell you in a heartbeat that if she desires to whip up something or go to a raw restaurant she will! Other approaches would have a person believe that they'd be "doing something wrong or bad" if they decided to indulge in a recipe here and there. That's the difference. There is nothing wrong with simple raw food prep. There is nothing wrong with discussing simple raw food prep here. But what I felt coming from your post was a put down of one of the main components of the raw diet as Alissa teaches it in her book, etc. And my statements are basically to say, Hey, this is her board so please be mindful of your posts. Many people here do recipes and many don't...but putting down the idea of utilizing them, etc. is not going to fly well here.

So, how much longer are we to keep this going?

[Rawkinlocs]

So I went and read the rules of the forum once again, and here is an exerpt:

"This board is for the support of the raw food lifestyle, getting and giving advice and connecting with other people who are STRIVING TO GO AND BE RAW VEGAN according to the principles in Alissa Cohen's book Living on Live Food."

Is simple raw food prep not in accourdance with the book? Many people wonder about these questions, not just me. From what i can tell the forum is to support the raw food lifestyle in any shape or form, am I wrong?

The reason I asked the question was not to "convert" people to my opinion, but to find others who have had the same thougts and start a discussion based on personal experience and to leave the "politics" out of it. By the way, the name of the forum is "rawfoodtalk", not Alissa's book talk...

Yes, but what does it say underneath the words Raw Food Talk?

[jacsam]

So I went and read the rules of the forum once again, and here is an exerpt:

"This board is for the support of the raw food lifestyle, getting and giving advice and connecting with other people who are STRIVING TO GO AND BE RAW VEGAN according to the principles in Alissa Cohen's book Living on Live Food."

Is simple raw food prep not in accourdance with the book? Many people wonder about these questions, not just me. From what i can tell the forum is to support the raw food lifestyle in any shape or form, am I wrong?

The reason I asked the question was not to "convert" people to my opinion, but to find others who have had the same thougts and start a discussion based on personal experience and to leave the "politics" out of it. By the way, the name of the forum is "rawfoodtalk", not Alissa's book talk...
You'll never know until you read her book!!! Give it a shot....it will REALLY deepen your understanding of raw food. Promise.....you'll love it and then you'll really understand where all of us are coming from that have read her book and understand the principles behind it. It's kind off hard to be on the same page when you haven't read the page. Read the book and then come back and start another thread....the before the book thread and the after the book thread....then we can discuss the problem at hand.

[green_aj]

Rawkinlocks, dont you have an opinion on the issue, your personal opinion? That is what I want to know. I have a pressing question, and that is are recipes REALLY necessary, based on everyone's experiences. What do you find works, tell me? do you eat mostly simple or mostly recipes? how do you find time? etc... all that fire was really unnecessary...

I sent an email to Alissa and asked her personally.

and just to clarify things, I'm not new to raw food. I've been doing this for 3 years now and it was a fairly unheard of concept when I started out, now it has become commercialized in many ways. The couple that shared their experience with me is now doing this (raw food teaching) for a living and refuse to share any more information unless I pay them... The recipe thing seems that way too lately, there are just so many books out there that you begin to wonder why the recipe thing is pushed like this, because the pioneers advocated simple eating. It is such a hugely debated topic and very much relevant to the book. dont get offended, its just a question from my experience.

[Revvell]

I have a pressing question, and that is are recipes REALLY necessary, based on everyone's experiences. What do you find works, tell me? do you eat mostly simple or mostly recipes? how do you find time? etc...

Why is this so "pressing" to you? EVERYone will not respond. What works for you doesn't work for EVERYone. What works for others obviously doesn't work for you. Why be so adamant?

Others have responded to your question and you've thanked ONE person ~ because she agrees with you. Why would anyone else bother especially if they DON'T agree?

[tanishamarshall]

A J there are other forums where you can voice your opinion. I truly support Alissa and love her method but on this forum you can only discuss certain topics. I have a forum where I can voice my opinion and it doesn't matter but when I come here I know there are rules.

I have to say that I can understand where you are coming from I think as we all start including more raw foods we move in stages we might start with SAD replica's and then move on to more simple foods, but I do think it is necessary as I know it would have been harder for me to transition.

Alissa has some of the most tasty recipes, there are only 2 other books that I have that can match with hers. I think her approach is great and I do have my opinion on some of them but I know better then to discuss them here, I'll save it for another forum. Not against Alissa but I have come to form my own opinion and I don't think anything is wrong with that, but it is wrong to promote it here and I think I might have messed up a time or two but I am learning.

I don't think she is saying we can't have an opinion I am learning that it can be disrespectful to cut down her method on her forum although I don't think Alissa is promoting heavy dehydrated foods because in her book and in a post on this forum she says you will gradually change your eating style and that she does not promote consuming tons of dehydrated foods FOREVER.

I know for sure she is correct when she says our bodies will tell us when it's time to move on and it will.

[Rawkinlocs]

green_aj,

It's been said before by myself and others that recipes are not necessary. People can get by without them and people do get by without them. BUT...they are there for those who desire them...those who feel they need them and there is nothing wrong with them. THAT'S the whole point here.

I personally do not do a lot of recipes anymore like I did when I first started out. HOWEVER...I don't rule them out either. I may get a hankering for some onion bread or some chocolate mousse pie or raw ice cream, etc. and if I do, I'm gonna eat it! LOL!

But my raw diet is pretty simple...fruit, smoothies (which in a sense is a recipe), salad with homemade raw honey-mustard dressing (another recipe) and I also make flax crackers once a week or every other week and have them on hand to crunch and munch on when I want something a little "more".

Time-wise, I don't find it wastes time. When I was making a lot of recipes, I'd take like one or two days out of the week and make up a bunch of stuff and we'd eat it throughout the week.

[green_aj]

Rawkinlocks, that is exactly what I was looking for. And thank you everyone who responded with their experience, it really helped. It seems that people do mostly simple with some recipes, weekly or occasional.

and i still dont think my question was disrespectful in any way to the author. When she responds to me I will let you all know. And if I violated to rules by posting this thread, I will leave the forum. Is that reasonable?

[Rawkinlocs]

A J there are other forums where you can voice your opinion. I truly support Alissa and love her method but on this forum you can only discuss certain topics. I have a forum where I can voice my opinion and it doesn't matter but when I come here I know there are rules.

I have to say that I can understand where you are coming from I think as we all start including more raw foods we move in stages we might start with SAD replica's and then move on to more simple foods, but I do think it is necessary as I know it would have been harder for me to transition.

Alissa has some of the most tasty recipes, there are only 2 other books that I have that can match with hers. I think her approach is great and I do have my opinion on some of them but I know better then to discuss them here, I'll save it for another forum. Not against Alissa but I have come to form my own opinion and I don't think anything is wrong with that, but it is wrong to promote it here and I think I might have messed up a time or two but I am learning.

I don't think she is saying we can't have an opinion I am learning that it can be disrespectful to cut down her method on her forum although I don't think Alissa is promoting heavy dehydrated foods because in her book and in a post on this forum she says you will gradually change your eating style and that she does not promote consuming tons of dehydrated foods FOREVER.

I know for sure she is correct when she says our bodies will tell us when it's time to move on and it will.

Great post Tanisha! My sentiments exactly. I moderate this forum...But I also have a stance or a view on raw food...food period (religion-based) but I don't discuss it here because it's not the place for it and that's totally fine with me. I have talked to people personally about it, though (don't have time nor the desire for aNOTHER raw food forum! LOL!!) but I respect Alissa's space and her rules and I enforce them.

But we all have our own opinions...we're supposed to. But having opinions doesn't mean they have to be vocalized any and everywhere. For example, I would dare not allow a person to walk into my home and tell me they're of the opinion that God doesn't exist and try to debate it with me. Nope...take your opinion right out the door! LOL!

Thanks again Docsharp for your post!

[tanishamarshall]

Thanks Rawkinlocs. At first when I joined the forum I didn't understand this either but now I do.

[Care4raw]

Rawkinlocks, that is exactly what I was looking for. And thank you everyone who responded with their experience, it really helped. It seems that people do mostly simple with some recipes, weekly or occasional.

and i still dont think my question was disrespectful in any way to the author. When she responds to me I will let you all know. And if I violated to rules by posting this thread, I will leave the forum. Is that reasonable?

Hey Ajgreen,

Hang out, no need to leave. Now that you got the 'whole story here i am sure you can still share your wealth of information, not step on any toes, and make some friends here.

Keep your pics up, they are are inspirational for me and many people visiting! I read some really great advice already on another thread you gave without going against any of Alissa's concepts.You have a lot to offer and you are welcome.

Take care.

[Eva]

As long as there's so much debate about the rules and whathaveyou -- I fondly remember when I was new to this and asked if raw fish was included. I was so frustrated with the responses I received because my question was with good intentions. I didn't know about any "rules." :eek:

That said -- working within the rules -- this is a GREAT forum, and great discussions do take place.

We should all be able to find answers or be pointed in the right direction for all those burning questions.

I don't have any more to say about the recipes, though. I already shared my thoughts on that.

:)

[iluvmangos]

I eat pretty simply in my opinion. I eat either fruit or green smoothies in the mornings, romaine wraps or nori wraps around noon or early afternoon. Some might consider the wraps as recipes, but I think they're pretty simple, just some vegetables wrapped in romaine leaves or nori sheets. I eat salads or green smoothies in the evening. I might have some nuts or seeds for a snack in the afternoon.

I'd like to try some raw recipes, though. I'd especially like something that resembles spaghetti, but i don't have a spiral slicer. I don't feel like I need a recipe for everything, but I think they'd be nice occasionally. I don't have Alissa's book or DVD yet, but I plan to get them sometime in the near future.

[green_aj]

I dont think of wraps or smoothies as recipes so much, its pretty much a salad just chopped up a certain way. I only wonder about the dehydrators and combining many types of fruits and/or veggies in one dish, thats obviously better than SAD eating. The only time I get intestinal issues is when I eat too quickly or when I combine too much in a given handful.

[RawHeaven]

I dont think of wraps or smoothies as recipes so much, its pretty much a salad just chopped up a certain way. I only wonder about the dehydrators and combining many types of fruits and/or veggies in one dish, thats obviously better than SAD eating. The only time I get intestinal issues is when I eat too quickly or when I combine too much in a given handful.

Green aj, you just hit the nail on the head. It may not be completely healthier than SAD, but it's definately 99.98% healthier to eat dehydrated, enzyme rich foods and many, if not all of the raw recipes. There is no comparison. My own take on this forum and Alissa's philosophy is we have to be honest about the level of obesity and complete disregard for nutrition in many regions of the US. I can't speak for the rest of the world, as I know this is a global forum. When I compare, I'm talking about Americans in general. If you take someone who's used to eating fast food daily for example and they have an epiphany to become a raw foodist and really want to give it a shot, I believe they will have more success if they're replicating some SAD dishes vs. diving head on into a more strict raw food program. I'm not saying the strict program is not an alternative, I'm just thinking of the people in my life and I definately know starting out with carrots and salads and green smoothies would not work for them!

You are amazing that you were able to start out with your intentions clear and strong and are able to eat simply. But everyone is not on that level yet and perhaps they'll even continue to eat raw recipes for the rest of their life. No biggee.

In my personal experience, I was all over the raw recipes when I began because I used to love to cook and bake as a cooked vegan/vegetarian. When I became raw it gave me something to work with and I love creating delicious raw recipes. It's more of a meditation for me. I don't even always eat the food myself...I pass it onto others in my life. Now, a year, later I eat really simply. Compared to how I ate even five years ago it's mind blowing. Sometimes I get by with one green smoothie and an apple because that's all my body wants. It takes time to get to this level for a lot of people and it has been a gradual, 5-10 year process for me personally.

I hope that you'll stay here as your opinions and experiences are valid. You're inspiring, visionary and I hope you'll continue to share. I think it's just a matter of accepting that we are all different and there are many different ways to get to the same destination.

Welcome.

Crystal

[RawHeaven]

i didn't want to edit my post above, but really thinking about it i think it gets down to you learn to actually taste real food as a raw foodist. most (unhealthy, SAD) people are addicted to the flavors of fat, sodium and sugar and have no idea what foods tastes like. they're eating unconsciously and their taste buds and bodily systems are usually out of balance. so it probably helps on a mental level when they eat more recipes that replicate some of those "flavors" but they are at the same time, getting infused with tremendous nutrition and cleansing their bodies. over time perhaps, they learn we need less food in most cases and that's when it clicks in place. they begin to eat simply. i'm just speculating and thinking out loud....

[cara4art]

Good post by Rawkinlocs!
As a relative beginner, although many times I enjoy very simple foods, I do enjoy supplemental recipes that help me with the raw food lifestyle, like some dehydrator goodies, etc. and also to show people that really yummy things can be created and still be raw. Even non-raw folks have loved my banana-nut-oat raw energy cookies! For folks coming off a heavy cooked diet, they're useful transitions, IMO. There are many quite simple recipes out there too. If the more elaborate ones are too complex for everyday living, they're great for occasions like potlucks, introducing a newbie, celebrations, similarly to when we would cook up something special for the holidays, etc.
I do agree as one's tastes and system changes, one may well gravitate towards simpler fare, but for a whole lot of us, having some yummy recipes really helps and makes this lifestyle feel lots less like a "diet" and more of a pleasure that one can really get into. Every body is different for sure - one day you might want a more elaborate meal, other days you might just eat lots of fruit or simple veggies all day. Right now, I'm using my dehydrator about twice a week for goodies, and that will increase when summer fruits come in to dry them for winter.

[Avacado7]

......as a relative "newbie"....one of the things that attracted me to this site was the clip on Youtube of Alissa on the Tyra Banks show. The woman who did the diet was so excited and exuberant about the recipes......and she looked great, having lost weight...and seemed to have the "raw glow" about her, that I just had to investigate. I had heard of Raw before...and a cookbook (not Alissa'a) sat on the shelf for years.
It was Alissa's recipes that caught my attention. Just in case you are wondering.....I am not "pushing" the book or DVD....I have not even ordered it yet. BUT I WILL.
This thread has been good for me in that I am realizing that RAW is a journey.

Thankyou!!

[ltcartwright]

I just started today with a journey towards 100% Raw. I for one I'm glad that there are "un-cook" books out there. It's good to know that if I should crave something from my cooked days that there's a way to get me to associate that "cooked thing" for a natural thing. Sort of like, deprogramming.

Some people, like me, want to see things "normalized", (not to say that RAW food isn't normal) by that I mean, I like to know that if I crave meatloaf, I can substitute it with a nut loaf recipe in the "un-cook" book. If a book wasn't out there to show me that (being a newbie), then I'd probably give in to my cravings and that's worse than anything (going backwards!)

Plus, the books give you a visual on how the food looks, sometimes when you crave "something", its better to see a fake version of that craving as oppose to an apple in the fridge, or a carrot, etc. Even though the apple and carrot are BETTER, the craving doesn't know that, nor does it care. But if I look in the book and see something visually stimulating, then I'll try that and know that that's the RAW food that would kill that bad craving.

Well, that's my opinion on that:), I thank God for those books!

[debilana]

For me,the raw cookbooks and recipes really opened up a door to a new way of life. I was already eating salads and raw nuts,but seeing a cookbook full of yummy treats really turned me on! As a chef I became intrigued with trying out new versions of foods and it has helped keep me raw.

Also, other people love it,raw fun foodi s great to take to sad potlucks. I took raw tacos to my last one and everyone fell over themselves asking questions.You wont get that sort of feedback from a veggie tray!

I also have a sad hubby and daughter. Raw recipes give me a chance to give them and I both fun versions of old unhealthy foods- he loves raw lasanga and pizza. I put raw chocolate my daughter and I make in her lunch and truffles are a huge hit. Raw crackers are simply a godsend to those of us missing old foods.

I eat simply most of the time but raw recipes are fun, entertaining, give us something to spurlge on in raw restaurants, and make for amazing conversations that move more people toward better health! Isn't THAT all that matter????

[avanderland]

i think it's fun & rewarding to eat something that you made w/love. it's fun to make stuff up & see how it turns out. my family enjoys it more when they see me make it, too ;)

Agree! It's not about trying to imitate SAD foods for me. It's about the fun in cooking and creating new dishes, something that was fun to make, and then eating it afterwards. The taste combinations and the way they play off each other is amazing.

[Halo Aglow]

Agree! It's not about trying to imitate SAD foods for me. It's about the fun in cooking and creating new dishes, something that was fun to make, and then eating it afterwards. The taste combinations and the way they play off each other is amazing.

I agree as well! ;) To me, we as humans, are very creative and expressive beings. I personally see creating raw recipes as art (and play) and it's an amazing experience to be able to eat something that we create. A wonderful experience all around, from start to finish.

[steveoregon]

I hope it's OK to quote from Victoria Boutenko's new book, because this so perfectly on-topic. She talks about the three stages of the raw food journey.

===from Victoria's new book "12 Steps To Raw", p138===============

The Transitional Stage. During this time, which may last from a couple of months to a couple of years, people consume a lot of so-called “raw gourmet foods” that usually contain lots of nuts, oils, and condiments, and are not made according to the rules of proper food combining. Raw gourmet dishes traditionally have names and appearance that resemble popular cooked recipes, such as “un-burrito’”, Nice Cream’ or rawsage”. You will encounter a lot of these dishes in raw-food restaurants, and at raw-food festivals. The food during this state is somewhat comforting due to its heaviness and gourmet taste, and therefore such foods help to overcome the dependency on cooked foods. Many people crave a lot of flax crackers and other dehydrated foods during this state. You don’t have to learn how to prepare many different gourmet recipes unless you want to, but I highly recommend learning three of four basic recipes.

The Salad Stage. At a certain point in your raw-food life, you will begin to naturally crave simpler dishes as opposed to those heavy gourmet concoctions. From this time on, little by little, salads will become your staple for a long time, possibly for years. An endless variety of salads with some fruits and nuts or seeds will totally satisfy your needs for calories, nutrition and pleasure.

The Whole-Foods Stage. People usually arrive at this stage after many years of living on raw-food diet. During this phase you will naturally prefer whole foods to salads. You will develop a strong preference for the highest-quality seasonal ripe fruit and vegetables. You will most likely stop or greatly reduce your consumption of oils, sweeteners, and dehydrated foods. You will always crave exactly what your body needs for your health, and you will consume those precious foods with heavenly enjoyment. I don’t know yet if there are more stages after this one.

[Pansy]

Geezie Peezie....*smacking hand to forehead*....let's all agree to disagree...lol!!!

We love your forum and you Alissa! Thank you for all you do for us! ;)

[Dakini]

Thanks for posting that! I totally agree, there are stages of slowly getting off the SAD, one's not better than the other, just our bodies letting us know what it wants.


I hope it's OK to quote from Victoria Boutenko's new book, because this so perfectly on-topic. She talks about the three stages of the raw food journey.

===from Victoria's new book "12 Steps To Raw", p138===============

The Transitional Stage. During this time, which may last from a couple of months to a couple of years, people consume a lot of so-called “raw gourmet foods” that usually contain lots of nuts, oils, and condiments, and are not made according to the rules of proper food combining. Raw gourmet dishes traditionally have names and appearance that resemble popular cooked recipes, such as “un-burrito’”, Nice Cream’ or rawsage”. You will encounter a lot of these dishes in raw-food restaurants, and at raw-food festivals. The food during this state is somewhat comforting due to its heaviness and gourmet taste, and therefore such foods help to overcome the dependency on cooked foods. Many people crave a lot of flax crackers and other dehydrated foods during this state. You don’t have to learn how to prepare many different gourmet recipes unless you want to, but I highly recommend learning three of four basic recipes.

The Salad Stage. At a certain point in your raw-food life, you will begin to naturally crave simpler dishes as opposed to those heavy gourmet concoctions. From this time on, little by little, salads will become your staple for a long time, possibly for years. An endless variety of salads with some fruits and nuts or seeds will totally satisfy your needs for calories, nutrition and pleasure.

The Whole-Foods Stage. People usually arrive at this stage after many years of living on raw-food diet. During this phase you will naturally prefer whole foods to salads. You will develop a strong preference for the highest-quality seasonal ripe fruit and vegetables. You will most likely stop or greatly reduce your consumption of oils, sweeteners, and dehydrated foods. You will always crave exactly what your body needs for your health, and you will consume those precious foods with heavenly enjoyment. I don’t know yet if there are more stages after this one.

[Raspberry4]

Some of the recipes can be time consuming but for me, I enjoy 'creating' them. I would like to eat simpler, when I am ready, but for now I don't 'feel' ready. That, for me, is the beauty of raw. Being able to listen to your body and decide what is right for you - simple, vs. gourmet. At this time, I don't like dehydrated food. That is a change for me and moving me towards simpler things (like smoothies, soups, salads). Like anything else in life, we all have to follow what our instincts tell us. Eating simpler, and according to food combining, may be 'better' for the digestion. But not everyone can do that. At this time in my life, I just want to get through the day, the stress, the holidays, parties, occasions while staying raw. All the rest will come in time. Good luck to your on your journey.

[Revvell]

Geezie Peezie....*smacking hand to forehead*....


*looks at you with concern* You o.k? :o :p

[RawHeaven]

I hope it's OK to quote from Victoria Boutenko's new book, because this so perfectly on-topic. She talks about the three stages of the raw food journey.

===from Victoria's new book "12 Steps To Raw", p138===============



Great info! Thanks for posting. I think I skipped the salad stage, never really liked them. I prefer to just dump everything in the blender or eat it whole.

[Pansy]

*looks at you with concern* You o.k? :o :p

Hey, I'm do'in great! Thanks for your concern....appreciate it! ;)

Wonder how many pages this will go....care for alittle bet...lol!!! :D

[Revvell]

Hey, I'm do'in great! Thanks for your concern....appreciate it! ;)

Wonder how many pages this will go....care for alittle bet...lol!!! :D

It's pretty much done.

[RawSinger]

Like others have said, I really like the feeling of making food for people. I liked that feeling when I was cooking all the time for my boyfriend and I like that feeling now. You don't really get that from handing someone an apple and saying, "Enjoy dinner." Not that there's anything wrong with that and it's certainly a nutritious dinner. But I like being in the kitchen and preparing a meal from my heart for people I love...that just happens to be raw.

[Pansy]

It's pretty much done.

Oh, I care to differ...lol!! unless the troops (love ya!) step in! :eek: :)

[JudyMac]

I like both styles. At the end of it, it is just a variant on RAW.

I try to keep most of the day simple, but have a bit of fun in the evening. Why? Because I used to love to cook, I adored finding new recipes and trying them out.

I still think that way even though I did slip back to standard Vegan for a while, it was not a total relapse, with two meals a day remaining Raw and the other being a lentil or bean dish with a large salad.

One of the reasons that I lapsed was due to trying not use recipes. I felt that it was striking at my very creativity. Now I happily sit down with one of my (many, many) cookery books, and plan how I can make a RAW version of my favourites. Thai and Italian food being my greatest loves. I do not think of it as eating a 'meat' substitute because it isn't.

I have Alissa's book and think that it is an excellent starting point for creative RAW foodies. Raw doesn't have to be boring!

[Brookeee]

I certainly don't believe that you have to make the recipes all the time, but I know for me I really enjoy taking the time to make them and when I make a raw version of something it helps me not to want the unhealthy version of it.

I think if you are someone who does fine without the recipes than that's great! I myself am very thankful to be able to make a nice raw treat once in a while. :)

[rosehiptea]

But everyone, please remember that this forum is dedicated to Alissa Cohen's "style" of teaching the raw diet...her approach as written in her book and what is on her DVD and that happens to include...recipes! Thanks!

Wow You are right ! I really need to leave this forum cause I haven't read her book yet cause I found this forum first. Her mission statement clearly states that we are all supposed to be following the principles of her book and since I haven't read it I guess I need to get outta here.

. This board is for the support of the raw food lifestyle, getting and giving advice and connecting with other people who are STRIVING TO GO AND BE RAW VEGAN according to the principles in Alissa Cohen's book Living on Live Food.

[Revvell]

Oh, I care to differ...lol!! unless the troops (love ya!) step in! :eek: :)

And the beat goes onnnn, and the beat goes onnnnnn... :D

[Pansy]

And the beat goes onnnn, and the beat goes onnnnnn... :D

lol!!! Yes, it is getting out of hand....moderators HELP!!! :eek:

[Revvell]

Wow You are right ! I really need to leave this forum cause I haven't read her book yet cause I found this forum first. Her mission statement clearly states that we are all supposed to be following the principles of her book and since I haven't read it I guess I need to get outta here.

. This board is for the support of the raw food lifestyle, getting and giving advice and connecting with other people who are STRIVING TO GO AND BE RAW VEGAN according to the principles in Alissa Cohen's book Living on Live Food.

Which basically means eat what you want when you want. No counting calories, no counting carbs, fats, etc. Keep it simple and allow yourself to evolve. No reason to leave. Basically she's saying, this is NOT a place to discuss other peoples' way of doing raw with all their restrictions.

IMO, Alissa's way is soooo easy. No more rules, regulations, except eat raw food! FREEDOM!!!!

[Revvell]

lol!!! Yes, it is getting out of hand....moderators HELP!!! :eek:

O.k., now it's REALLY getting out of hand. LOL

[Rawkinlocs]

Which basically means eat what you want when you want. No counting calories, no counting carbs, fats, etc. Keep it simple and allow yourself to evolve. No reason to leave. Basically she's saying, this is NOT a place to discuss other peoples' way of doing raw with all their restrictions.

IMO, Alissa's way is soooo easy. No more rules, regulations, except eat raw food! FREEDOM!!!!

Thank you Revvell!

That is exactly it! There are many people here who have not read Alissa's book and have been here for a long time and do not own or have not read her book. That's not what it's about. I'll just leave it at that as I've already said enough about what this forum is and isn't about in my previous posts. Also, in the rules area, at the very end there is a blurb that Alissa wrote that kinda sums up her approach for the benefit of those who have not read her book and it goes a little something like this:

Just a reminder of Alissa Cohen’s philosophy:

I do not promote a high fat raw food diet which some claim. I promote freedom of choice. For those of you who think I promote a high fat diet, my first response to you would be… READ the book! My second response to people who think I promote a high fat raw food diet is, “no, what I promote is a no starvation diet. That means that if I eat my typical daily diet of juice, smoothies, salad and fruit but once in a while I want something else, like mock salmon pate on top of my salad or if I want a dessert after eating simply for a week or so, im going to have it. My point in doing raw food is not to analyze everything I put in my mouth and not to beat myself up if I want to eat something other then a fruit or vegetable.

My diet is probably much simpler then most peoples here so it’s funny when people say I promote high fat. I think they say that because they get so neurotic about having a handful of nuts once a week or they eat so lightly and then god forbid they have a raw dessert. It’s also bizarre to me that the people who are the strictest and have the most rules are the ones who are not 100% raw or who fall off the raw wagon constantly. My philosophy and book do not promote a high fat raw food diet. I talk about all of this in my book. I talk about transitioning and using lots of recipes at first and then moving away from that to a lighter diet. Im not sitting around making calzones all day. I eat mostly whole fruits, veggies, juice and salads.

But I know that the reason most people fall off of this diet is because they get too rigid. Yes, you may after a time of eating raw foods move gradually to a simpler diet. But if you put rules on yourself around what you can and can’t have within a raw food diet, there will be a day when you want a flax cracker, dessert, pate or a prepared raw recipe and if you don’t allow yourself to have it, you’ll be driving to the local pizza hut. Or, you’ll be white knuckling it. What kind of way is that to live? Certainly doesn’t sound like a fun, easy way to live to me. This diet is supposed to be about, in my opinion, freedom. Don’t make this more complicated then it is. Stress causes just as much if not more sickness in the body then what you eat. Relax, eat raw, and live.

[goingrawchelle]

Getting and reading Allissa's book helped me tremendously! She really does promote eating simply. I love her philosophy on raw eating. Recipes are great to have IMO so I can make food to substitute the foods that I lovED to eat but that made me lethargic, painfully stuffed, and feeling guilty. I personally don't see a problem at all doing that. I like the option. Now I can eat those mock recipes and enjoy the food for my health! :cool:

[rosehiptea]

Thanks Revvell,
I feel sooooooo much better. I thought OH No! , more rules , and I started to panic. I am definitely horriible about following a list of "rules" especially about food. I just can't remember complicated stuff when it comes to eating. I am glad to hear that Alissa promotes SIMPLE. I am doing great with simple right now but I will definitely grab a copy of her book since I obviously should become informed
Since you were kind enough to give me the scoop I guess I will be happy to stay!

Thanks to you too Rawkinlocs! Like I said without reading the book I was feeling a bit outta the loop but your explanations helped me to breath a big sigh of relief. SImple I can do!

[Revvell]

You're welcome.

Alissa's got 365 recipes in her book along with LOTS of ideas, things to help people get started, etc. but, the only rule, "Eat what you want, when you want" which is why I'm here. IF someone enjoys eating one food at a time, fine! but then, if they want something more "gourmet", it's there for them. I'm like you ~ Don't give me rules about food. We complicate our lives enough! Food is to be for nourishment and enjoyment. Just remember, always, play with your food. :D



Thanks Revvell,
I feel sooooooo much better. I thought OH No! , more rules , and I started to panic. I am definitely horriible about following a list of "rules" especially about food. I just can't remember complicated stuff when it comes to eating. I am glad to hear that Alissa promotes SIMPLE. I am doing great with simple right now but I will definitely grab a copy of her book since I obviously should become informed
Since you were kind enough to give me the scoop I guess I will be happy to stay!

Thanks to you too Rawkinlocs! Like I said without reading the book I was feeling a bit outta the loop but your explanations helped me to breath a big sigh of relief. SImple I can do!

[IamLoved]

Rosehiptea, I live in Maine also. Where in Maine are you?

Allisa's approach is very balanced and grounded. Her book is amazing, maybe you could check out a copy from your library?

We are in the Augusta area, by the way.

[mberam]

I hope that I don't come across as being mean with the following statement because that is not my intention at all but...

While I totally understand where you are coming from and appreciate your stance...do you feel that is fair to pose such a stance on a forum that was started by, that is owned by and that is paid for by a woman who advocates raw recipes, offers a book with raw recipes and has helped thousands with her recipes in her book (along with her past consultations)? I mean, I can't even count how many times people said "Thank God for Alissa and her book Living on Live Food".

I mean, that would be like going to Doug Graham's forum and saying, "Don't you all realize that some of us NEED raw recipes in our transition? Your way is difficult to maintain and BORING!" LOL! Ya know? And I have heard people feel that way about such a simplified way of eating especially just starting out!

No one has to eat raw recipes and not every raw person is "all about" uncooking. Those who are, do...those who are not, don't. Some people rather enjoy uncooking and creating healthy, delicious foods made without cooking and made with natural ingredients. So, one person's waste of time may be another's outlet or enjoyable part of their lives.

Raw recipes are here for two (main) reasons:

1. To offer variety because some people get bored eating just fresh raw foods and some so much so that they'd end up going back to cooked foods.

and...

2. To help people transition into raw foods. Sorry, but not everyone can go from eating McDonald's for lunch almost everyday and eating bacon and eggs for breakfast and meatloaf and potatoes for dinner right into eating simple raw foods.

Also, I have observed not only personally in my own raw journey but from stories posted here and other places as well... but people have had ailments go away, diseases reversed and just gotten overall healthier and more vibrant than they've been in years with having eaten raw recipes.

Now it IS common for many raw fooders to, after a while, simply lose their desire and taste for raw recipes and 'evolve' to eating simpler and there is nothing wrong with that; that is what happened to me, personally although I will never say I won't EVER eat raw recipes if I want them.

Some even go for simplistic raw right off the bat...but again, not everyone can do that...not everyone is "there".

I mean sure, the closer to nature we get with our eating the better in most cases...but I can name quite a few things we do that are no where near close to nature...remember, eating is only ONE aspect of this whole thing...one piece of the puzzle. If it were all about getting all the way down to the bare bones of nature, we would not be living in houses, driving cars, on computers, etc. etc. But I know that most of us are not ready to go live in the wild...and some are not in a place to eat completely simplistic.

It's a journey and everyone arrives at their destination at different times. Some people feel great with no disturbance to digestion and others do...so they can pass on them and eat simply... but those who choose to eat the recipes shouldn't be "judged" for it.

But everyone, please remember that this forum is dedicated to Alissa Cohen's "style" of teaching the raw diet...her approach as written in her book and what is on her DVD and that happens to include...recipes! Thanks!

Rawkinlocks

You're input is very right on and valuable, however, you can't blame people for asking questions and looking for answers. Its perfectly acceptable to question the teachers teaching as long as your not bashing it or saying negative things. I am new to raw and I have lots of questions and many of them are things about Alissa's teaching in her book and if paid money for the book and DVD (which I did), and I have a question--I want an answer.