Do you think it's easier to stick to raw foods in a warm climate than a cold climate?

[livenraw]

It's always difficult for me during the winter time as I live in a very cold climate & nothing ever sounds as soothing as a steaming bowl of hot soup. But right now-even though it's supposed to drop to the below 0 category in the next few days and stay that way for awhile-I am challenging myself to continue with eating the raw foods.

And right before spring next year, we are moving to a place that is warm year round. I really believe it will be so much easier for me once I am in a warmer place. We didn't decide to move there because it would be easier for me but because we both have a desire for warmer weather. And warm weather always makes me want to eat nothing but raw foods.

[Veganforlife]

Hi there! I think it's what one makes it. It's a mindset thing. There are many spices that can "warm" foods. It's choices of what you (think) you can eat.

Think about it. Does one really eat a "hot" bowl of soup? Of course not. It would burn their mouth. We wait until it's warm. Same can be done with raw soups. "warmed" in the dehydrator or blended until warm...

You'll be fine...

[Dimond]

I live in Florida and am freezing year-round so if I can do it anyone can. :) Just keep foods out to warm up before eating or warm slightly with blender or dehydrator.

[rawviveyourself]

Well, if 2008 is meant to be an example, for me I would have to say no. I fell off the wagon during the summer and last winter/spring and this fall have been a breeze.

[MelissaO]

This is my first winter being RAW - and at times I do find it a challenge to desire a ice cold smoothie when it is -20 below outside. I am out of work right now so the heater in the house can not go past 68 degree's. I am going to try salad or green soup maybe for breakfast to see if that helps out.

Winter time for me sometimes means I want to be less active, when it is so cold outside that yours eyes water and your tears freeze on your cheeks you just do not want to go out to the gym and work out.

I am determined to stay on track regardless of the seasons.

[rawstrength]

I had no problem getting through last winter raw. This winter has been more challenging, due to a freezing cold dorm room and a more limited variety of food (ahh, college life ;) ). I make sure to keep my skin moist using warm oil massages, to drink lots of warm miso soup and warm herbal teas (not technically raw, but close enough for me . . . they keep me on track). I meditate daily to stay more calm and grounded during the windy winter months. Also, exercise warms you up. I agree about exercising less in winter. I get so bored in gyms - I prefer to exercise outside, but it's just too darn cold!! I make sure to keep my gym workouts short and sweet, with several per day, to avoid boredom, rather than doing one long workout. I also listen to a wider variety of music and educational tapes/recordings while working out in the winter.

[jacsam]

Have you tried Alissa's Broccilli soup? It's really good.

[RawHeaven]

I agree with Lucy that it's a mindset thing. Of course, we have been raised and conditioned to associate filling our tummies with warm foods when it's cold so absolutely it probably is tougher when you're transitioning. There is so much to unprogram ourselves from. I have noticed this winter that I'm very comfortable as long as I stick to getting a lot of greens and fruits in my system - I'm eating a ton of greens and drinking a lot of water to stay hydrated. When I'm dehydrated it throws my whole body out of sync. When I don't eat enough food, then I get cold. I've also been adding ginger root to my smoothies. I think it helps to experiment with the foods your body wants in the winter and it will find balance.

That said I'm a complete hypocrite because if I do get too chilled during the winter months, I will not hesitate to warm up a cup of herbal tea (not raw) and jump in a steaming hot bath. lol. That usually does the trick for me.

[Inca_faerie]

I think it's easier in a warm climate for a few reasons. In a warm climate you have that sort of tropical feel/atmosphere and don't seek comfort foods as much as in a cold climate plus there is more fresh produce readily available. In a cold climate you have less fresh produce and when the land is coated in a thick blanket of white and your freezing your butt off, your much more likely to want to snarf fresh baked cookies/bread (although you can make these raw) than a fruit salad. BUT you can make it easier by dressing warmly, using hot spices and eating warm dishes like soups, warm raw breads and tea.

[SheLovesToEat]

YEP! a WHOLE lot easier to stay raw in a warm climate. once the temp drops its hard to drink green smoothies which i like cold.

now ....here in the desert it doesnt get to freezing up like it does up north with all that snow and ice....but its still cold and staying raw is not as easy as it was in the summer.

good luck with your move to a warmer place. you will enjoy it.

[spicyfull]

Yes it is Much Easier to Eat RAW in a WARM Climate. YES, YES,YES.

[freshlight]

I don't think so. To think that the warm food warms you up from inside doesn't work at all. I was feeling really HOT when I did a one week fast in winter: people were walking around and complaining about the cold weather and I went out running wearing my shorts and a t-shirt....I didn't even need to put the heater on at home.

Since being raw I do feel warmer than I did before. You can also make yourself feel warm by thinking the "right" kind of thoughts, if you know what I mean,-appreciating the wonderful nature around you, feeling grateful etc.

Enjoy the sun in your heart :)

[Bad_Bananas]

I'm just beginning to transition into raw....i am still drinking herbal tea and black coffee ( i know ..bad bad)....but other than that i feel very warm...i'm usually freezing all the time...my friends said i was cold blooded! haha ...but now i don't feel like i'm dead anymore...it's winter here and i haven't been bundling up like i used to.... all i know is that i feel great, and i don't really want to ruin that for a hot bowl of soup when i don't really need it(i haven't felt tempted to eat cooked food yet)....i agree that it is all in your mind....hot showers are nice too!
and i wish you luck on your move!

[RawSun]

I find the time of year makes no difference to me, and I live North of Canada's most Northern city!

Other factors have caused me problems in the past - but winter - no way!