Raw, Organic, Detox, all while being a teenager

[RawFoodieCutie]

Hey. So I'm fourteen. I went vegetarian in sixth grade and vegan this past August. My parents understand that our beliefs on food are different and they won't try to force it on me which I am very greatful of. My father agrees with me as he is mostly vegetarian himself. My mom doesnt but still lets me (as if she could refuse her daughter fruits and vegetables:p)
I have support, I just need some guidance and answers to a few questions:

1. Organic food. I know the cost is high and I want to compensate my parents but I don't have a job so...i'm kind of stuck. As bad as I want my parents to buy all organic I know that'd be asking a lot. I do however want them to buy some where just washing off won't get rid of the pesticidal damage. What would you say is really important that be organic? I know the basics (apples, celery) but what else would you say? a list/website would be helful as well. Also nuts-how important would you say it be that they're organic? List, website, anything helpful:)

2. Detox affects? I dont know if this would classify as detox or not so please help:
-I'm going #2 A LOT more...normal correct? Just want to make sure...
-mild throat pain in the morning and night. could this be from the mucus?

Any more advice or tips would be sooo helpful and I'd really appreciate it:)

[Green_Woman]

Hello, Cutie! I'm 24 yrs old and I first went RAW a few years ago (virtually fresh outta' my teens at the time ;) ).

The more frequent #2 is definitely normal. Don't worry... it'll stabilize some, but just know that it's HEALTHY to cleanse often. It's NOT healthy to only go #2 once a day... :eek:

As to the organic food, until you CAN pay for your share of the household groceries, consider striking a compromise with your super parents (they sound awesome!) and just doing as much Organic as you can, for now.

All raw/living foods is still WAY better than SAD, even when it's NOT all organic!

Wishing you all the best and bliss on your journey,
and KUDOS to you for being a highly conscious young teenager,
Greenie
aka The Diva

[michigan roman]

my unproffesional opinion is that the plants like brocoli / head letteuce / etc that can have alot of pesticides deep down in the nooks and crannys are important to be organic because its hard to wash them out . and soft open pore things like strawberries could absorb alot of pesticide too

where as hard skinned things like apples / watermelon / etc , and thick skinned things like bananas / avacado / oranges shall be better at keeping the pesticides away from the part you eat

and i buy greens , when my garden isnt in season , that are easily washed like romaine / kale . i wash each leaf then stand up in big plastic strainer to let drip dry

in ohio you must have meijers stores and they sell organic bananas at only ten cents more per pound then regular . meijers also has good prices on good selections of fruit year round

just a heads up about B12 if your not totally informed is that ive seen alot of smart vegans say its stupid to not suppliment it as its a small risk / none that its a negative versus a larger risk that not supplimenting can be harmful . alot of people seem to like jarrow brand methylcobalin (dont hold me to that spelling though ;))

oh and root plants like carrots / radishes that grow in ground absorb right into them whatevers in soil including pesticides , so ide say it important theyre organic

kale (calcium , iron , vita a)
romaine ( " " " )
banana (sweet tooth , filling , potasium)
orange (vita c)
flax seed (grind in blender , omegas plus protein)
sun seeds ( protein , vita e)
pumpkin seed (protein , iron)
sesame seed (grind in blender , calcium , protein)

plan a garden in spring if have the space . i'll totally clue you in
on the awesome seed varieties and mail order sources

[bsqmurphy]

Congratulations on taking ultimate care of yourself!

There is a list from the Environmental Working Group called the "dirty dozen" - the 12 foods that have the highest contamination levels from pesticides & chemicals.

12 Most Contaminated

* Peaches
* Apples
* Sweet Bell Peppers
* Celery
* Nectarines
* Strawberries
* Cherries
* Pears
* Grapes (Imported)
* Spinach
* Lettuce
* Potatoes

You might be able to make the agreement with your parents that they buy these 12 items organic and anything else that can be purchased in season or at a price close to non-organic.

I hope this helps,
Bri.

PS For what it's worth, there is also a list of the 12 least contaminated:
12 Least Contaminated

* Onions
* Avocado
* Sweet Corn (Frozen)
* Pineapples
* Mango
* Asparagus
* Sweet Peas (Frozen)
* Kiwi Fruit
* Bananas
* Cabbage
* Broccoli
* Papaya

[RawFoodieCutie]

thank you all so much for the help:)
i am proud to announce i have been eating all raw for nine days and i love it!
i'm literally dancing around in homeroom while everyone else is sitting around being bleh. i'm so glad i found raw:)

[Green_Woman]

Cutie: I'm glad you found RAW, too!!! :D There's really nothing like it. :D :D

Abundantly happy and Rawkin' the World,
Greenie
aka Dauntless Diva