Christmas Gift Idea

[stylestacey]

I would like to give my entire family a mini course on raw food. I am lucky that my family supports me but they still have no idea why i do the things I do (you could say I am the wild child).

I have 2 brothers and 3 sisters, a step mom, and dad who all have different views and different fears or concerns about their diet; meaning, i would like the material to be very well rounded without being too offensive (for instance, i don't want to give them something that says "don't eat meat because it will KILL you).

I want to give them an easy to read guide with the following points:
-why is cooked food bad for you
-why is meat/dairy bad for you
-why raw vegan is the best diet for optimal heath
-i want to give them something on natural hygiene
-vitamin deficiency mistakes, and myths (B-12, omega 3, protein)
-food combining

Please add anything you think would be helpful to a person who knows nothing, but is not too overwhelming.

Also any sites, articles, books you think are good for this idea would be helpful, I have 2 months but I feel like I am in for a whole lot of work!

p.s. I am asking each of them to give me a picture of themselves where they thought they were the most happy, beautiful and in shape, and I am putting it on the outside of a raw journal for inspiration :D

[Nini]

What a wonderful idea!

A few ideas to include:

raw food pyramid
recipes - like spicy nuts, etc. - those shouldn't scare them!
seasonal food chart
ask people for their before/after stories and photos!

As long as you keep the raw lifestyle positive, you'll lasso them in!!

Good luck.

[goobygirl]

I would get some raw food dvds either preparation or explanation, like Eating or Simply Raw.

I'm in the process of putting together a booklet eventually myself, and when I do, I'll be happy to share.

[juliesvoyage2]

Style, I am really new to this so don't have anything to add, so I want a copy of your Christmas book when you finish it. :)

By the way, what's the raw food pyramid?

[Christiana]

What a great idea! I don't think my family would even let me talk about it if I hadn't had some results, but Christmas is a few months away, and I'm on a juice fast for a month or two, so you never know! I may just do one of these myself! :D

Juliesvoyage, I think that the link below is a pretty good Bible-based pyramid. I like it, anyway.

http://www.planetpace.com/?bible-diet-pyramid,34

[juliesvoyage2]

Thanks for the link. That site says not to snack throughout the day, but I've been eating lots of small meals, since I've listened and my body is hungry more often. Is this okay?

[stylestacey]

anyone know where I can get ahold of a raw food chart, and a seasonal food chart? I think that is a great idea, maybe I will make sure to add recipes per season too!

[Christiana]

Juliesvoyage, I don't really follow that too much. Just eat whenever your body tells you to! :D

As for seasonal, I'm still looking. It'd be cool though!

[juliesvoyage2]

I'm on a juice fast for a month or two

Good for you for being able to make it a month or two on the juice fast. How do you do it?

[jacsam]

I would give them Alissa's book and then buy the DVD for yourself and put an invitation in it to come to your place and watch the DVD and then have several raw dishes from the book/DVD to eat after the DVD. While you try the recipes you can talk about it and answer questions.

[Christiana]

Well, a month or two (about 60+ days) is really my goal. I'd like to get to 90, but if my body doesn't feel like it, then it's a no go. I guess it's just the amazing, uplifted feeling that I get when I'm on it...that combined with drooling over beautiful organic clothing and picturing myself actually looking good in them, plus the other benefits...not to mention the fact that knowing me, I'd beat myself up and binge for a day...Well, it really provides alot of motivation!

[Veganforlife]

I would give them Alissa's book and then buy the DVD for yourself and put an invitation in it to come to your place and watch the DVD and then have several raw dishes from the book/DVD to eat after the DVD. While you try the recipes you can talk about it and answer questions.

EXCELLENT idea!

[Random]

OK, I've been avoiding responding to this post because I don't want to offend anyone, but I can't help it. I might be alone in this...but I'm not sure that this is the greatest Christmas gift idea. I think that it would be great as a gift that is SEPARATE from a gift-giving occasion: ie. I love this book and I love you, so I wanted to share with you!

But I really believe that Christmas gifts should be about the receiver rather than the giver. I think that we should make or purchase gifts based on what we think someone will like, rather than on what we feel they should learn. Especially since many people who choose a raw food diet do it for weight loss, this can even be a gift that might hurt someone's feelings. Even if you're not raw to lose weight, someone who isn't familiar with the lifestyle might assume that you are. I'm of the opinion that NOTHING weight loss related (books, DVDs, gym memberships) should EVER be gifted unless the receiver has specifically asked for it.

There's a possibility that buying a raw food book as a gift will have the opposite effect that you're hoping for - hurt feelings, rolled eyes or the thought "Oh, gimme a BREAK". While some people will certainly appreciate it, others may not.

There are other ways to share your new life with your family. Make them a raw meal. Give them some recipes or a book without wrapping it up and putting it under the tree. Make them some healthy Christmas treats, like cookies or dried fruit. But I really wouldn't make the entire holiday focus on your new diet.

Just my (probably unpopular) opinion.

[Christiana]

I think that's the best way to go, Random. I mean, my family doesn't really celebrate Christmas the way others do...it's more of just a family dinner, maybe some gifts...But I really think you have a point. Before I got started with raw, I was a scarily sensitive person when it came to my weight, so I can totally imagine my old self getting worked up over something like that. I dunno. It has alot to do with how your family might react to it, more than anything. If you think they'd appreciate it, then do it as a gift. :p

[RawHealthyBeauty]

bumping just to get the mind jogging for Raw Christmas Treats and Gifts to give for the SAD folks :)