Advice needed!

[RawViking]

Hi O Beautiful & healthy ones!

I need some advice on an issue that has been bothering me lately. Im about to go into a new job. This job is at an institution for youths with behavioral and drug problems. I will stay there for 15 days straight then I have 12 days off. Ive told the people working there that I have a quite strict diet(if u want to call it that). The thing is that the people working there say that I cant have it like I want 100%. They cant accomodate all the workers dietary wishes. This leaves me wondering what to do. I said that I at least need my green smoothie for breakfast. That was ok. Also, the place doesnt buy organic foods. They are on a budget. All of this leaves me with a lot of thoughts about how this will work out. This is a job that ive wanted for some time, so I really dont want to look for an alternative. At the same time, things should be possible. They cant force me too eat what they are eating and some of the things served is bound to be raw! Hm... Please, I beg for something to clear up my mind...Think Ill go and have a late night smoothie:D

[Green_Woman]

Are you allowed to bring your own food? If you are, and if they have a Freezer unit on site, I recommend the following:


During your 12 days off, prepare dehydrated foods + raw casseroles that you can freeze and bring with you and store in the Facility's freezer/fridge.
Buy produce the day before that you can separate into bags and containers to keep in the fridge + freezer.
Bring your Vitamix.
Buy SOME ripe fruit but also buy LOTS of unripe fruit that will ripen during your stay there and thus last longer.

[snoops]

I assume you have your own room. I would bring my Vitamix, juicer and maybe buy a small fridge and just make my own meals. You could make them and take them to the area where everyone else eats so you aren't being anti-social.

That said, kids with behavioral and drugs problems could surely use a better diet. Maybe you could try incorporating some raw in their diets too!!

[kathy8429]

I worked at prison as a nurse for some time. I would not have called anything they served there raw. Fruit was canned. Vegetables were canned and then cooked A LOT. There was iceberg lettuce bagged lettuce served occasionally. I would see if you can stock your room as someone suggested

[Revvell]

Yeah, it's an institution. Think of school where they first taught you that carrots came as lil orangey cubes and nothing lived.

I've got a friend who is a prison guard. 100% raw. Don't know how she's doing it other than she brings it and shares and many cannot tell it's raw!!!

[lovenlife]

I would BYORF !!!!!!:eek:

No not vomit ....JUST Bring Your Own Raw Food

[RawViking]

Thanks for good advice folks! The problem, as I see it, at this particular place, is that if I have a lot of my own food, it will give the kids there some issues with what they eat. They are addicts and drug addiction can quickly be replaced by an eating addiction or health addiction. I think those who are running the place are thinking alot about that. But, I have some good advice Ill check with the other workers if I can implement. THANX :)

[freshlight]

Take care of yourself, the others are going to do the same I'm sure.

Enjoy your goodies :)

[michigan roman]

Thanks for good advice folks! The problem, as I see it, at this particular place, is that if I have a lot of my own food, it will give the kids there some issues with what they eat. They are addicts and drug addiction can quickly be replaced by an eating addiction or health addiction. I think those who are running the place are thinking alot about that. But, I have some good advice Ill check with the other workers if I can implement. THANX :)

ide present a short paper to the institution heads on how improving diets
can help their cases

and scout around yourself to also present to the institution what types of produce are available at what times of year in your region , and to that add a schedule like maybe :

oct thru dec = apples / kale / brocoli

jan thru mar = oranges / bananas / pineapples

apr thru jun = etc etc

maybe if you become an advocate for improving diet there you can help everyone

[chilove]

Tell them and the kids that you have multiple food allergies and must eat raw (and bring your own food) for health reasons. It works for me plus it's true!

Blessings,

Audrey

[punpkin]

Just like when I have to pack food to bring with me if I am not going to be ear my kitchen for a while, I think of it like being a diabetic. This institution wouldn't fault you for bringing sugar-free candy with you or any of the other things diabetics require, would they? I wouldn't budge on this with them at all- sounds like you are not the one with the problem, but they are! Make it clear that Raw is A Non-Negotiable Issue! Stand stong!:)

[andra]

I have worked in a similar environment; you should be ok implementing the suggestions listed above by RFT members. :)

My only suggestion would be to keep raw desserts to yourself and eat them away from the patients/clients; that could trigger cross addiction issues (which is what I am sure the staff is concerned about). But your non-dessert foods should be fine.

andra