Hi from Virginia

[witandwhimsy]

Hi All,

I live in central Virginia and am mom to three rambunctious little boys. I have never been much of a meat eater but unfortunately, I have enjoyed my SAD diet very much over the years.

Next week I will be 10 years cancer free and in January I will turn 40. The best gift I can give my kids is to take care of their mother and I feel that I'm ready to go raw. This lifestyle is something I've been interested in and researching for five years now but I never felt ready. I'm the heaviest I've ever been and while I have no major health issues, I know I'm headed in that direction. Having survived breast cancer, I never want to go back to that place.

My husband is supportive but not interested in making the same commitment so I will need the support of everyone here to stick with this as it is a drastic lifestyle change. I'm hoping that when my husband sees me making such positive changes, he will want to as well. At the very least, I'm hopeful that I"ll be able to get my entire family eating more fruits and vegetables.

I look forward to learning from all of you!

[Veganforlife]

You can so do this! Do you have Alissa's book and DVDs? Powerful tools to help you on this healing journey!

[Humanist]

Welcome! And may I ask, how exactly did you conquer cancer?

[Dimond]

Welcome. :) You can probably also find support in your community. Raw potlucks are fun.

[spicyfull]

I wish you everything you need to Stay RAW................Welcome to MY World.

[freshlight]

Welcome and congrats on your healing. Enjoy this place :)

[BethMO]

Raw is very good for everyone and all and you can incorporate more raw by making it part of the meals you serve (fresh fruit and veggies plates, and salads) get some really great smoothie recipes this way you get the kids started eating more healthy raw and then there in less space (want) for the junk hubby can pick and choose the parts he likes along with his sad diet. Congrats on being cancer free this way of eating will help you feel your best!

[fruitandveggies]

Welcome! I'm from Northern Virginia good to see others from my state around here!

[Humble Pie]

Hi! I'm new too, and also live in Virginia.

Congratulations on being cancer free. :)

[somelikeitraw]

Welcome! This is a wonderful place for support.

As you mentioned, just setting the example is the best way to get others eating more healthfully. I also am the only one in my household to be raw and I find that I can usually incorporate a raw dish in the menu so that the fam is eating some raw and I am not doing the short order thing. My daughter, a young teen, is sometimes open to trying some of my more "odd" raw dishes. Both DD and DH are open to fruit smoothies and if there is cut up melon in the fridge they will eat that.

You hit the nail on the head when you stated that the best gift you can give your family is the health of their mom. Keep remembering that. It might also be helpful to phrase a help request with that in it. Ex:Please help me stay healthy by keeping the junk food out of the house so I can be here for you and the kids longer.

More power to you!

[Frugal Raw]

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