Negative info.

[annavon]

When I started raw, I started with the Hallelujah Acres diet because I wasn't ready to go 100% and it seemed like a workable plan. I have now gone 100%! In the meantime, I told some members of my church what I was doing. The priest and his wife were interested in eating raw, so I gave them the H. A. book because they were in the same boat I was in not wanting to do 100%. So they are excited about eating raw. Here's the catch, their adult daughter who lives with them googled the diet and found some negative things on the internet saying all of the health claims are exagerrated, etc. I just did a search and I found only one negative thing on raw food in general and two that specifically mentioned the H.A. diet. (the main concerns raised were the B-12 and the protien issues) I looked up one of the so called doctors that wrote one of the articles and it turns out he is not even licesed to pracited medicine and he was a phychitrist!!! I emailed her this information. I am frustrated to here the negative informartion and that she is using to dissuade her parents from trying to go raw. The priest is really over weight and unhealthy and really needs to change. Any comments.

[fruitandveggies]

That's so angering. Why do people search for negative information? If they look at ALL the information they can find on a subject, only then can they make a solid judgement if something is good or not. Besides, how can you deny SO many postitive testimonials from people that aren't trying to sell you something?

[Rrose]

People will always find excuses for not doing something if they really don't want to, and vise/versa. The best teacher is a good example.

[shashibala]

My response to this stuff is that it is obvious that our current diet is failing us!
We are sick and dying from the diet that so many cling to as "safe"!
We need to be open enough to try something new, and then flexible enough to adjust as we go along. Though I don't wish to be dependent on a supplement, I have decided to supplement with B12 because our soil is so depleted. There are many decisions of this sort to make along the path to health. We need to learn to trust our bodies instead of trusting advertising. There is no harm in trying a new path. If they don't feel that it's for them they can revert to their old ways or find a happy medium that makes them feel good. People fear change, but clinging to a system that is causing so many problems seems much more frightening to me!

[Raine]

That's so angering. Why do people search for negative information? If they look at ALL the information they can find on a subject, only then can they make a solid judgement if something is good or not. Besides, how can you deny SO many postitive testimonials from people that aren't trying to sell you something?

It's a well known psychological response. Whenever a person decides to make changes to improve their lifestyle, for some insane reason, those around them that are content with things will do whatever they can to sabotage the person trying to improve. Even if that loved one needs to address their health concerns, they get sabotaged.

Given the fact that the man needing the assistance is in Religion, there are even more factors that might come into play here; however, this board does not discuss religion so I will keep quiet on that front.

[Misoi]

It's understandable being skeptical about a diet(or anything) when one hears about it the first time and especially one that seems as miraculous as this one. Although, personally I think it's a little strange that people feel raw food seems "out of the question" compared to the junk that's opted for instead.
Anyway, regarding b12--This can be taken care of with a supplement. Some people will think taking any type of supplement is going against the whole "natural healing" ideals but it's not obligatory--it's a choice. They can choose to eat dirt but yaaah. After all, where do the animals get their B-12?

Don't be too upset by their daughter. It's not like she's purposely keeping her parents unhealthy(I hope), she is just concerned. You can present her with a few books or websites you think present raw food in the best way possible (like this forum's before and after's). Every lifestyle will always have criticism. Some points that can be made are:
Raw food is not motivated by money.
Raw food is not a diet pill.

You can suggest they try this lifestyle for a week and see how they personally feel. I doubt a vegetable will kill them in that amount of time..

[rayofsunshine]

Why don't you share all of your positive things that have happened in your body, mind, and spirit from eating raw. I think the more specific you are, the more inspired they will be. They already know and trust you. I would also let them know about this website and they can see all kinds of positive results with health and weight loss (as a bonus).

[Ilse W.]

As with everything else, you can't force people to change. You can be an example. Fruits and vegetables really don't need a defense. The people are adults and should be able to figure out what's best for them. If they decide to go along with their daughter's view, there is nothing you can say to them to change their minds. You might just tell them that there is an abundance of protein in every fruit and vegetable and that a B-12 supplement will be far less detrimental to their health than the blood pressure medicine they will soon need or already do and all the side effects.

[annavon]

Thanks for your comments. I emailed her a link to an article that basically discredited the guy who said all that stuff. She responded that she didn't mean to make me feel bad and that she definately wants to incorporate more raw in her diet. She is not ready to give up all animal products yet, but most them (she still wants to eat eggs). I don't blame her, I was that way at first too. (eggs and fish are still a temptation for me:()

[Stina]

I've thought about writing a summary of eating raw just from my own perspective, like a college research paper, quoting the science and experts that I know to be valid, and having many copies on hand to share with those interested. I figured that way I'd also be able to better articulate issues to people.