Raw diet and romantic relationships

[mcster]

Having been vegetarian/vegan most of my life, I know that dietary choices can have a big impact on the quality of relationships with significant others. If you follow vegetarian/vegan/raw, chances are your choices stem from deep-seeded beliefs (spiritual/ethical/health/environmental etc.) that can either bring people together or set them apart. I have always tried to be open-minded, respectful and accommodating when dating but historically, all my ex's were veg and those that weren't didn't get past the "date" stage. Raw is definitely going one step further away from the mainstream, potentially making it even more challenging or conversely, easier for people to connect.

So, for those who are in relationships, is your significant other raw or does he/she still eat SAD? How has raw impacted the quality of your relationships with them?

And for those who are single, how does raw impact your dating life? If you are open to a relationship, are you open to dating someone who eats SAD or is raw a requirement? Where/how do you meet raw people?

[Eva]

At home, we don't have cooked food or anything from animals... Outside of home my husband makes his own choices on what a eat. Yeah, he eats salad if it's there... but if beer and pork are there he eats that too.

Of course... he's eaten enough raw that he pays for it later so now has to limit that food quite a lot. And he's annoyed about that. *giggle* Ever since that 40 days raw... he's been unable to eat much of the "other stuff".

We almost divorced several times over the differences in us. But we didn't. And I hope we won't. It has turned out to be quite the amazing relationship to be together and so very different.

He is my biggest supporter, even if he isn't my twin.

:)

[Revvell]

My husband eats what he wants and supports me in eating what I want. He makes his own food and I make mine. We go out to eat where he knows I can and will eat. We keep it simple, relaxed.

[Aleesha Sattva]

same here. my hubby and kids eat what they want and i eat (or don't eat) what i want. no one cares either way.

it's really only a problem if you make it one.

[January Noir]

I have the same situation as Revvell and Aleesha.

Live and let live, I say. :hippy

The only thing that may be contentious is my SO knows that I demand a clean environment in the kitchen where I prepare food. Any greasy pots and pans have to be cleaned up stat! I have all my own cutting boards and other food preparation utensils and tools and they are not for his use.

He does like the food I prepare and he will eat raw if he likes what I've made.
He supports me 150% in my journey. :heart:

[Aleesha Sattva]

hahahahaha we have the same rules/issue in our kitchen. i have my own juicing/raw counter and nothing non-raw is allowed over there. i even have own knives!

[changeisgood]

My husband is 100% supportive and only joins me in raw salads. He will take a bite of other items. He knows I have had the best of many miracles in my life from eating raw (am no longer IBS/constipation). And would never want me to compromise that. He's seen me suffer.
We enjoy being in the kitchen together and I have a separate place for my 'stuff'. Even before I went raw I was OCD about my kitchen.

It is our sense of humor and respect that allows us to have our differences in anything, not only SAD/RAW. He will only eat organic unless we just can't locate something. ANd he will call companies to find out how animals are treated from what they are fed to during their 'process' of making it to his hands. He has heard me say a prayer and talk to the animal and ask for forgiveness if I am cooking something for him and he has even joined in.

Your 'prince charming'/King will show up and he will treat you like a princess/queen ! In the meantime, if I were in your shoes, I would not compromise my standards. If I was just meeting someone, eating a salad has never raised an eye. When we had our first few dates, we used a 'book' (don't remember the name) that has many questions regarding how we feel about different things and we seriously went thru many of them. BUT, we knew on our first meeting (match.com) that we were meant for each other. I traveled 2300 miles to find him - felt I was led my - whatever you like to call it - spiritual/karma/luck???? I do not bother him about what his choices are, either. He is too good a man for me to badger him!

[Stella Green]

It's a little tough for me. I have a long distance relationship, so I don't get to see my boyfriend as often as I like. When we visit each other, we either eat out a lot (and you know, dining out raw gets old kinda fast) or we're shopping together at the grocery store. It's so different than shopping by yourself and getting what you want, as opposed to thinking about getting stuff to enjoy meals with another person. My boyfriend cares a lot about health, but we are both strapped for cash so it actually makes things difficult because he doesn't know the raw food stuff that I'm obsessed with, like the fact that I learned for myself to snack on fruit and nuts between meals to curb my hunger. It also made things difficult because, suddenly our visits were always centered around food. I wish I had the kind of relationship where it was like, you eat what you want and I'll eat what I want, but that just didn't work.

So now we plan our meals together, and I plan the raw stuff that we both like (green smoothies! salads!) but I've also relaxed on some stuff and help him remember to buy grains and starchy cooked foods that help him stay full...it's not the best plan, I mean, I wish I had a boyfriend who could go raw 100% or just do his own thing completely, it was just too tough to handle for me. While he was willing to follow my lead, the truth is, you can't really go raw if you don't do your homework and learn about what your personal body needs. And my beau wasn't interested in it enough to go all out and do the background stuff. And so now, we just do it all easy and include healthy cooked stuff for him...this way, the whole relationship isn't centered around food. Afterall, we want to eat to live, not live to eat. :heart

[Revvell]

We began our relationship long distance and didn't see each other much either ~ him having to travel 5000-6000 miles and 24 hours on a plane to see me.. He ate what I ate ~ 100% at the time. He looked GREAT! I prepared the food. Raw is filling. Make up Alissa's chili (it'll feed about 10 people or more) or her lasagna... Between visits, find and make great, heavy, filling foods that you both can enjoy. Freeze if need be.

After we got married, he chose to focus on the not-so-good food yet will eat raw if/when we go to a raw restaurant, or, at least vegan; we go to San Sai where I get my salad; he gets his and his sushi. We go to Soup Plantation where I can fill up on veggies and he eats whatever he wants.

[mcster]

Thanks for all the responses guys. Before I go any further, I guess I should clarify that I'm not looking for prince charming...I'm a straight dude. :p Actually, I'm not really "looking" for anything per se. I don't "need" to start a family nor do I "need" to be in a relationship and I'm very happy with my life either way. This post was meant more as dialog to share experiences and thoughts about what it's like to live with someone who shares/doesn't share in your health/dietary beliefs.

I believe when dating someone seriously, things like diets that deviate from the mainstream (like veg/vegan/raw) can sometimes play a big role over the long-term because they are belief-based. If relationships are based on friendship and friendship is based on common ground, it would stand to reason that things like health and dietary decisions might become important, especially as time passes by. Sure, everyone can compromise, especially at the beginning, but is it ideal and would you if you had a choice?

I should also point out that dietary issues go both ways. I specifically recall dating a woman a few years ago who had an issue with me being veg. We parted ways because she was actively looking to start a family and wanted her kids to eat meat so she could take them to McDonald's. :rolleyes: She had fond memories of going there when she was a kid and wanted to make the same memories with her kids. There's some lovely ladies out there but yes, I've dodged a few bullets. :)

Both my parents are vegetarian but even they have snags with diet. My mom is extremely health conscious and has taken great interest in going raw following in my footsteps. My dad loves junk food and even though he knows better, he doesn't take care of his health. It becomes an issue for my mom not only because she has to either compromise on her health or cook two different meals but also because she's concerned about his health as they get enter their 60's.

It's just so much nicer in my experience when you can philosophically share this very important aspect of our lives with a significant other and have the option to learn, shop and cook together. I'm in no way suggesting I would select a potential partner on the basis of diet alone, but I certainly rank it very high on the list. Then there's the question of where to meet local raw people...

[mcster]

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=61384&highlight=husband&page=2

Looks like it's not a new topic. Sadly, sounds like a lot of people in less than desirable situations.

[Revvell]

For one, I don't have a philosophy and what I eat is not "belief-based". That's a very weird thing to say. I eat how I do, not based on belief but on what makes a difference for me.... and, neither of us compromises.

Yes, many are not in good situations in many cases for many reasons. Food is just one more thing!

[mcster]

For one, I don't have a philosophy and what I eat is not "belief-based". That's a very weird thing to say. I eat how I do, not based on belief but on what makes a difference for me.... and, neither of us compromises.

Yes, many are not in good situations in many cases for many reasons. Food is just one more thing!

Revvell: Everything that everyone consciously does is preceded by and based upon beliefs. People abstain from eating meat, animal products in general or eating cooked food for a variety of reasons which in wholesale include the following:

Spiritual: some people believe eating meat has negative karmic consequences.
Ethical: some people love animals and believe torturing and killing them for food is wrong and unnecessary.
Health: some people believe they consume less toxins and feel better eating veg/vegan/raw. This includes people who believe it "makes a difference for me".
Environmental: some people believe the meat industry is significantly and unnecessarily contributing to global warming.

So, there is nothing "weird" about the idea that conscious decisions are based on beliefs. It's actually nothing but logical. I'm interested in discussing relationships in the context of the raw diet. And indeed, it seems that there are a number of people who are in relationships with partners who have completely opposing (or at least different) beliefs about diet that either have to make sad compromises or end up in less than desirable circumstances.

On a more personal note, I appreciate your contributions but this is the second time that you respond with judgmental comments to one of my threads/posts. I kindly request that if you can't respond without passing judgement, that you please refrain from responding to my threads/posts.

[modernmonkey]

Every single thing we do.... every single thing we say is because of our beliefs. It is weird to 'believe' anything else.

[Aleesha Sattva]

I believe when dating someone seriously, things like diets that deviate from the mainstream (like veg/vegan/raw) can sometimes play a big role over the long-term

It's just so much nicer in my experience when you can philosophically share this very important aspect of our lives with a significant other and have the option to learn, shop and cook together. I'm in no way suggesting I would select a potential partner on the basis of diet alone, but I certainly rank it very high on the list.

If I found myself single, I would definitely be looking for someone who shared my love of raw and of fasting. Doesn't mean I'd find them, but it would be a priority. The fact that it works in my current relationship is great... but I'd love to have a partner who wanted to fast with me... someone who was happy to go into the kitchen and toss some kale chips in the dehydrator for us to share while watching a movie. So I hear you on that note.

I wouldn't not date someone but when I met my hubby he went vegan with me... and said he'd wanted to for years... once we were married... he started bringing dead animals in the house and cooking them... I was no pleased. Then my midwife was freaked out that I was vegan and the two of them bullied me into eating meat while I was pregnant. My other two kids who were vegan up to that point decided they loved meat and didn't want to give it up after the baby was born. That was over 12 years ago and it took me a long time to get back to vegan. I would definitely like living in my home more if there were never animal products inside of it.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is this. It can work if you don't eat the same things... but it would be so much nicer if you did eat the same things.

I hope you find whatever it is you are looking for... for your greatest good and highest happiness. :heart

[Aleesha Sattva]

oh and one more thing... how about raw potlucks? perhaps you could even organize one in your area?

[Revvell]

Revvell: Everything that everyone consciously does is preceded by and based upon beliefs.

And, that's your belief.

And, it's also your belief that I come from judgment. Inaccurate! :encore:

[Revvell]

Every single thing we do.... every single thing we say is because of our beliefs. It is weird to 'believe' anything else.

That is YOUR belief. Inaccurate. :encore:

[modernmonkey]

That is YOUR belief. Inaccurate. :encore:


Please enlighten me with what guides you through your choices in life if it has nothing to do with your beliefs?

[mcster]

I wouldn't not date someone but when I met my hubby he went vegan with me... and said he'd wanted to for years... once we were married... he started bringing dead animals in the house and cooking them... I was no pleased. Then my midwife was freaked out that I was vegan and the two of them bullied me into eating meat while I was pregnant. My other two kids who were vegan up to that point decided they loved meat and didn't want to give it up after the baby was born. That was over 12 years ago and it took me a long time to get back to vegan. I would definitely like living in my home more if there were never animal products inside of it.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is this. It can work if you don't eat the same things... but it would be so much nicer if you did eat the same things.

I hope you find whatever it is you are looking for... for your greatest good and highest happiness. :heart

Firstly, thanks for the well wishes. The best part of my situation is that I've already found what I'm looking for. Whether I meet someone in the same head space as me to share life with or not is immaterial at this point.

That's a tough go Aleesha. At the end of the day, everyone is their own little world and there is nothing we can do to predict how others will evolve. I'll share with you a funny story about a wacky situation:

A couple meet and it's love (lust!) at fist sight. She's a vegetarian who doesn't drink and follows a guru from India and he's an atheist restauranteur who eats a stake for lunch with a bottle of red every day. They get married three months later and have a couple of kids. The rule is, no meat at home and kids make their own informed decisions (who chose to go veg). It works for a while but eventually "philosophical differences" leads to divorce 14 years later. Here's the funny part...after the split, he leaves restaurants for good, stops drinking, becomes a vegan naturopath doctor and starts volunteering at churches and seeking spirituality.

I just love the watching the world unfold. Sometimes we can miss the purpose in things if we don't watch long enough. :)

And thanks for the potlock suggestion. A friend suggested meetup.com and I'm just not that keen on the idea but it would be nice to meet other raw people locally. We'll see.

[mcster]

That's a very weird thing to say.


Inaccurate!

Your statements are judgmental at best. It wouldn't bother me otherwise but in the short period I've been around, self-righteousness and put downs seem to be part of your MO. Other's might be okay with it...I'm not. This approach might be helpful to you in "Teaching women the sacredness of self through building self-confidence, self-worth, self-acceptance and self-esteem." but you might find yourself outside of your element with me. As I said, your comments are welcome and appreciated if you can abstain from passing judgement and being rude. Otherwise, I will keep you in check every time. Sorry.

[snoops]

I think in reading all the posts that you are taking Revvell very wrong.

This is not the first thread in which you have had issues with what she has said. Seems to me like you are jumping on her for no reason. I had to go back and see what she said that offended you so much and I was a little surprised that I saw nothing there. Perhaps you are perceiving judgment where there is none??

Just a thought from the peanut(s):woot: gallery...

...and for the record I live with two carnivores and they cook their own dead meat. If I was single I would be looking for a vegetarian - but who knows what you will meet.

[Aleesha Sattva]

Regardless of what others are or are not perceiving... Mcster has asked very politely that Rev refrain from responding to his threads/posts.


Revvell:
On a more personal note, I appreciate your contributions but this is the second time that you respond with judgmental comments to one of my threads/posts. I kindly request that if you can't respond without passing judgement, that you please refrain from responding to my threads/posts.

Perhaps Rev could respect that choice and no longer respond.

in light,
Aleesha
Moderator

[snoops]

:eek:

really?????

[changeisgood]

My apologies - how would I know what sex you are?

In the past I have steared clear of on-line groups because sooner or later crap like these responses happen. I hope this gets cleared up In the meantime I will stay only with food topics..

[modernmonkey]

Revvell's posts are devoid of humility. It's trace. I'm even sure she would agree and say :encore:

From time to time it will clash with the more humble posters amongst us. Humble posters will struggle to find her posts 'mature' or wise or even helpful and will have difficulty accepting them. But being contentious is part of Revvell's character. I'm sure it has made her successful.

So many of us consider so much in these communities. Who posted? What time? In relation to what?..... before we respond. Revvell admits she takes a post at face value and then blurts out her first feeling without any beliefs whatsoever. It's bound to rub people up the wrong way. But she has a right to do things the way she does. I don't have time for flip, thoughtless postings that are not based on any beliefs but mood and antagonism. How are they helpful to me? They are all about THAT person. I benefit from postings with thought and consideration. Those people are trying to connect. I love learning from those kinds of people.:hug

[Revvell]

Revvell admits she takes a post at face value and then blurts out her first feeling without any beliefs whatsoever. It's bound to rub people up the wrong way.

Uh, no, I don't ... blurt, I mean. And I feel experience and knowledge far outweigh belief.

[modernmonkey]

Uh, no, I don't ... blurt, I mean. And I feel experience and knowledge far outweigh belief.

But isn't gaining knowledge and experience all about altering what you believe or what you thought you believed?

The definition of belief appears to be debatable with you. Does belief stop at faith and doctrine? It obviously does not extend to emotion, morals and social conduct. I'm curious to know how you form your personality and opinions when you rely so little on belief?

[Revvell]

But isn't gaining knowledge and experience all about altering what you believe or what you thought you believed?

The definition of belief appears to be debatable with you. Does belief stop at faith and doctrine? It obviously does not extend to emotion, morals and social conduct. I'm curious to know how you form your personality and opinions when you rely so little on belief?


I rely on NO belief! The problem with belief is, most stop with that. They FIRMLY believe this or that which stops them. Why check things out? They already believe!

Osho said many times ~ Don't believe what I say; do the experiment.

Doctors believe chemo (I wont call it "therapy"), radiation and mutilation cure cancer. No matter how many people die with these modalities, they still "believe" they "work".

I've seen people change their diets because they "believe" this will make a difference for them. Well, does it or does it not? I've seen people hurt themselves badly because they wont drop their beliefs.

I've seen hundreds of clients who "believe" things their parents, other authority or peers told them. Until they dropped those beliefs, they couldn't move on in their lives.

Hard to live in the moment, experiment and live fully when stuck in belief.

I have NO idea what you mean by "... Does belief stop at faith and doctrine? It obviously does not extend to emotion, morals and social conduct. I'm curious to know how you form your personality and opinions when you rely so little on belief? "

You don't need to believe something to experience life. You do the experiment. If it works, then it's experience. You don't have to believe anything. Either something is, or it isn't. People like convoluting things by bringing belief into it. What does belief have to do with emotion, morals and social conduct?

[modernmonkey]

I rely on NO belief! The problem with belief is, most stop with that. They FIRMLY believe this or that which stops them. Why check things out? They already believe!

I agree, but the problem is not with belief but with dogmatics. One can believe but be open to changing that belief. It appears you have great experience with those whom a shift in belief is nigh impossible. It is not 'beliefs' per se at fault but a fear of change.


I've seen people change their diets because they "believe" this will make a difference for them. Well, does it or does it not? I've seen people hurt themselves badly because they wont drop their beliefs.

I've seen hundreds of clients who "believe" things their parents, other authority or peers told them. Until they dropped those beliefs, they couldn't move on in their lives.

This is where we view things differently. You are of the opinion that these folk are 'dropping their beliefs' and becoming free of them. I disagree, they are merely changing them because they have become open. A new belief now governs them; not the absence of belief.



Hard to live in the moment, experiment and live fully when stuck in belief. I agree.


I have NO idea what you mean by "... Does belief stop at faith and doctrine? It obviously does not extend to emotion, morals and social conduct. I'm curious to know how you form your personality and opinions when you rely so little on belief?"

You gave me the impression that you recognise belief in religious faith and political doctrine; dogmatic belief which is uneasily shakable. But you suggested it is not belief behind what makes you angry or what makes you passionate, or what makes you think the way you do or what makes you choose how you treat people. I would like to know what makes you choose if it is not belief because you said you have no beliefs.


What does belief have to do with emotion, morals and social conduct?

EMOTION: Belief decides for you whether or not you get angry when a man does not open a door for you. Belief decides for you whether or not you feel sad when passing a homeless youth.

MORALS: Belief decides whether or not you keep the money you witnessed the person ahead drop. Belief decides whether or not you tell your lover you have herpes.

SOCIAL CONDUCT: Belief decides whether or not you clean up after your dog. Belief decides for you how you post on a public forum.

This argument began because you 'believed' it was weird to suggest belief governs everything we say and do. If you disagree with my examples please tell me what YOU think governs these choices.

[Revvell]

I agree, but the problem is not with belief but with dogmatics. One can believe but be open to changing that belief. It appears you have great experience with those whom a shift in belief is nigh impossible. It is not 'beliefs' per se at fault but a fear of change.

30 years experience with people, I have with both. I'm just giving you examples of people who believe and are unwilling to drop them. Once they do, their lives change.




This is where we view things differently. You are of the opinion that these folk are 'dropping their beliefs' and becoming free of them. Not "merely"... the ARE dropping them and for many, that's a MAJOR change.


I disagree, they are merely changing them because they have become open. A new belief now governs them; not the absence of belief. Really? How do you know? Have you worked with them? Do you know them? Why have any beliefs at all?



You gave me the impression that you recognise belief in religious faith and political doctrine; dogmatic belief which is uneasily shakable. But you suggested it is not belief behind what makes you angry or what makes you passionate, or what makes you think the way you do or what makes you choose how you treat people. I would like to know what makes you choose if it is not belief because you said you have no beliefs. Again, your belief and your impressions are inaccurate. I'm not talking religion or politics. I'm talking about people whom I've worked with who are or were stuck in their beliefs.... any and all. Doesn't matter. I've already responded in full.




EMOTION: Belief decides for you whether or not you get angry when a man does not open a door for you. Belief decides for you whether or not you feel sad when passing a homeless youth.MORALS: Belief decides whether or not you keep the money you witnessed the person ahead drop. Belief decides whether or not you tell your lover you have herpes.

SOCIAL CONDUCT: Belief decides whether or not you clean up after your dog. Belief decides for you how you post on a public forum.[/quote]
Obviously that's how life works for you which is fine with me.




This argument began because you 'believed' it was weird to suggest belief governs everything we say and do. If you disagree with my examples please tell me what YOU think governs these choices.Not true. And, I really don't need to defend my experiences and how I live. You live yours in belief, continue on. Fine with me!


btw ~ we've already hijacked this thread enough and, that's enough. Back to our originally scheduled programming.

Enjoy!

[modernmonkey]

I really don't need to defend my experiences and how I live. You live yours in belief, continue on. Fine with me!

I don't live in my beliefs. Beliefs govern how I live whether I'm aware of it or not. You too probably.

You believe you don't have to defend yourself? I'm not asking you to defend anything. I'm asking for enlightenment. I'm open to it. I love to learn.



btw ~ we've already hijacked this thread enough and, that's enough. Back to our originally scheduled programming.

If that's what you believe that's fine. It stops when one of us no longer responds to the subject. : )

[Revvell]

I'm asking for enlightenment. I'm open to it. I love to learn.


Actually, you're not, as you keep putting what you believe onto me; which is fine. I'm done.

[modernmonkey]

Actually, you're not, as you keep putting what you believe onto me; which is fine. I'm done.

I asked you several times to enlighten me with your philosophy on what governs someone without beliefs. I'm truly curious but you have chosen to not share it. Only you can allow my beliefs to be put onto you. I am only sharing what I think. I am totally open to changing my mind about it if your argument is powerful. I can only assume you live your life as a child does. In the moment and stripped of opinion, pattern and predictability. If you successfully live your life without any beliefs I can imagine that makes you inconsistent and always full of surprises to others and to yourself. That interests me.

[mcster]

Definition of belief: Any cognitive content held as true.


Uh, no, I don't ... blurt, I mean. And I feel experience and knowledge far outweigh belief.

Experience and knowledge forms belief.


I rely on NO belief!

Actually your posts not only display that you have beliefs, their tone suggests you're dogmatic about them.


Osho said many times ~ Don't believe what I say; do the experiment.

That quote means "experience for yourself and form your own beliefs rather than adopting mine". It doesn't mean, "don't have beliefs, experiment instead".


You don't need to believe something to experience life. You do the experiment. If it works, then it's experience. You don't have to believe anything. Either something is, or it isn't. People like convoluting things by bringing belief into it. What does belief have to do with emotion, morals and social conduct?

Wow.


I'm done.

:woot: :dance: :woohoo:

Good night everybody! :throwhearts:

[January Noir]

This thread took a turn.:confused:

[climbing]

Why are you guys arguing so much over what the word "belief" means? I don't get the anti-belief thing. Because:


Experience and knowledge forms belief.

^^This. You always have beliefs in any given moment, but that doesn't mean they cannot change. Maybe Revell is arguing against hard and unchanging beliefs that people are unwilling to let go of?

Anyways...

My partner is not raw and neither of us are vegan although we both have done some work to cut meat products back from our diet. My partner went from eating multiple pounds of meat per day to maybe a half to one pound of meat per day now. It's something. He still pretty much lives on whey protein as the main calorie source in his diet which makes me cringe. :( But he won't hear it. He feels he needs "this much" amount of protein per day and doesn't really believe in the whole vegan, everything has protein even greens sort of viewpoint.

It isn't that I want to control him, I just care about him so much and worry for his health. He has breathing problems and a constantly stuffy nose and I keep telling him it's the ten pounds of dairy you eat per day. We fight about it often because as much as I believe he should have the right to choose for himself, what he does to his body scares me a lot...

All I can try and do is make him good salads, fruit and veggie drinks and hope that his tastes change over time. So far, every time in our life that I have told him "you should change something" and he actually takes my advice he's come back and said "YOU WERE RIGHT!" so I don't know why he hasn't learned to always listen to me by now, lol.

But yeah, overall I try and live and let live, while having as much influence as I can. We are both always a work in progress.

[Stella Green]

Come on everybody, this thread is supposed to be about romance :throwhearts:
Make green smoothies not war

I was just thinking about how funny and sweet it would be to watch a movie starring a dreamy guy who is a raw foodie. But you know, I think that real relationships don't necessarily have a "happy ending." It's like that book, After Enlightenment, You Still Have To Laundry (or something like that). You just have to find somebody on your same wavelength. Like there's a huge difference between somebody who supports what you want to do as opposed to dismissing it. Even if they aren't that fantasy dreamboat, if you still feel comfort and support, then I think you've found your match. :heart:

[mcster]

He has breathing problems and a constantly stuffy nose and I keep telling him it's the ten pounds of dairy you eat per day. We fight about it often because as much as I believe he should have the right to choose for himself, what he does to his body scares me a lot...

There is no doubt that dairy is probably to blame for his issues. I used to loooove cheese and dairy products. My throat felt like it would close up on me and I couldn't breathe or speak properly. Problem solved the moment I eliminated it from my diet.


All I can try and do is make him good salads, fruit and veggie drinks and hope that his tastes change over time. So far, every time in our life that I have told him "you should change something" and he actually takes my advice he's come back and said "YOU WERE RIGHT!" so I don't know why he hasn't learned to always listen to me by now, lol.

Lol. You sound like my mother talking about my dad...and it's true! On a serious note, she has the same dilemma you do...caring so much for someone who is stubbornly chipping away at their health. But as you are, we're working on him. :)


Come on everybody, this thread is supposed to be about romance :throwhearts: Make green smoothies not war.

Awesome!

Thanks for helping bring this back on topic guys! :)

[SunshineMN]

Lucky for me, my SO is going raw with me. I know I've been hanging out here for a while now, but home situation and money are now in place so we can finally go raw! We're going to start out with a fast in a couple days, shooting for a nice 10 day water fast. By the time that's done we will have all our sprouting stuff, wheatgrass growing stuff, water filtration stuff we determined we needed with a vitamix and dehydrator next month. We've been doing a lot of fresh fruit lately as we can afford.

During the time I've been reading this board and doing research on the whole raw food thing, including researching the whole protein myth, I pointed out interesting and/or disturbing things about the food industry and lies we've been told about food. I've also seen the few movies and relayed info from them. My SO is pretty turned off meat and dairy, and the prevalence of corn and sweeteners and way way too much salt in everything. Plus, my SO wants to live a very long healthy life.

We're both convinced now that raw is the only way to live a very long healthy life! Now we just need to jump in and do it. :heart

[modernmonkey]

Wow, Sunshine. I think you win the award for best pre-raw preparation. Impressive!:encore:

[mcster]

+1 on what modern said. I did a cleanse before going raw too. Aside from the obvious benefits, it's a great way to reset the palate and eliminate any desire for SAD-type foods.

And congrats on what seems like a very healthy partnership. It sounds like you guys are on the same page and it's great that you're embarking on this together.

[Eva]

Sipping away on the green smoothie my non-raw hubby made for me this morning. :juicy: Feeling incredibly blessed. It's been 4 years in the making to get things just right... wouldn't change a hair of it.

Which is great, because if I were out lookin' for a mate, I'd want him to be raw.

But this is more fun. Carlos is so funny. Every time I tell him things like "you have such a nice butt," or "have you always been that much taller than me?" or anything positive, really... he says "It's because I'm RAW" in a really funny way. Makes me giggle just thinking about it. :wuv

[January Noir]

How cute Eva! :)

[Stella Green]

Awe, Eva that was a wonderful post

[bananaberrie]

In so many ways my hubby and I could not be more different. Food could be one of those things. But if I look over the past 10 years we have been together I can see that he has moved much more towards the healthy side. He was raised on white bread and soda...Yikes! We never were allowed soda in the house and my mom made the bread we ate. I have just started my raw journey so my diet has changed but my families has not, but we have always been pretty healthy. I mill the grains that I use to make bread for my family. When we were first married my husband told me he didn't like the whole wheat pancakes I made for our family and preferred white flour. It use to really bother me, but now I find that he loves my freshly milled whole wheat bread. "One small step for man one giant leap for mankind."

At time I do wish he would share my love for food knowledge. One thing that got me thinking about going raw was watching every food documentary I could get my hands on. I agree that it is hard to see your loved one suffering from things that you know a pure raw diet would help with. My hubby, being the hunk that he is, :) still struggles with adult acne and depression. I know that a raw life style would help with both of those things but he is just not ready to make that jump yet. But that is okay it was a process for me and he just has to move through things at his own pace. All I can do is be a good example. He does tell me often that he appreciates so much that I search out healthy organic foods for our family.

But I think he might come around one day, but if not that's okay too. Having kids it is good for them to see there mom and dad who are two different people work together even though they don't agree with everything the other does, but just my very humble opinion. Oh and like others have said, since I keep healthy food in the house if he eats too much of the wrong thing he knows it and feels it.

[Eva]

How cute Eva! :)


Awe, Eva that was a wonderful post

He made me another smoothie this morning, at 6am no less, so glad to have something cute to share. I've totally caught the love bug over here. (Even though sometimes he makes me crazy. Maybe that's a symptom?)

:heart

[Eva]

In so many ways my hubby and I could not be more different. Food could be one of those things. But if I look over the past 10 years we have been together I can see that he has moved much more towards the healthy side. He was raised on white bread and soda...Yikes! We never were allowed soda in the house and my mom made the bread we ate. I have just started my raw journey so my diet has changed but my families has not, but we have always been pretty healthy. I mill the grains that I use to make bread for my family. When we were first married my husband told me he didn't like the whole wheat pancakes I made for our family and preferred white flour. It use to really bother me, but now I find that he loves my freshly milled whole wheat bread. "One small step for man one giant leap for mankind."

At time I do wish he would share my love for food knowledge. One thing that got me thinking about going raw was watching every food documentary I could get my hands on. I agree that it is hard to see your loved one suffering from things that you know a pure raw diet would help with. My hubby, being the hunk that he is, :) still struggles with adult acne and depression. I know that a raw life style would help with both of those things but he is just not ready to make that jump yet. But that is okay it was a process for me and he just has to move through things at his own pace. All I can do is be a good example. He does tell me often that he appreciates so much that I search out healthy organic foods for our family.

But I think he might come around one day, but if not that's okay too. Having kids it is good for them to see there mom and dad who are two different people work together even though they don't agree with everything the other does, but just my very humble opinion. Oh and like others have said, since I keep healthy food in the house if he eats too much of the wrong thing he knows it and feels it.

I don't know WHY I feel like a voyeur now (maybe I've been without internet for too long!), but I really enjoyed reading this. I could feel with you the whole read. You are kind and brave and such a sweet love for doing your best but seeing the good parts of his movements no matter what! I bet you are a stellar mom. :heart:

[mcster]

Eva: Carlos sounds like a good guy!

banana: I can't think of a better way to handle your situation. Lead by example, be supportive and I'm sure in time your influence will help him make better choices. A very loving approach indeed. :)

[Namaste13]

Being single, I will only date vegetarians and/or Raw; I'm lucky I do have a choice and would not compromise in this area of my life. If I don't meet anyone that fits this, at least it is my own decision and I'm a happy gal either way. I'm an educator in fitness and health and would only practice what I teach! :eat

[bananaberrie]

Eva: Thank you so much for the wonderful compliment. I should be able to live off you kind words for a week or more :wuv

My hubby and I have both learned the hard way that we can't change each other but love can. Super corny, I know, but true.

Mcster: thanks and best of luck to you on your love journey :heart

[Stella Green]

Bananaberrie:
"Having kids it is good for them to see there mom and dad who are two different people work together even though they don't agree"

I really like this part. Wonderful message!

[Non]

are vegan diets considered manly?

we already know females have less trouble finding partners of the opposite sex.

[mcster]

Killing a cow with bare hands and BBQing it is what society considers manly, so no. But only a brute of a woman would be attracted to that just as much as an intelligent one might think a manly man as someone who makes choices based on principles and independent of public opinion. Any buffoon can kill and burn a mild-tempered animal but the latter takes balls. Beyond that, I would say that everything else being equal, a raw vegan can outperform a heavy meat eater in every category and, well, the proof is in the pudding.

As for the other issue, I would say that the opposite is true. Single women by and large would much prefer to be with a veg partner (even evident in this thread) and that makes veg guys a hot commodity. These are general statements of course, but statistically, the odds are clearly stacked in favor of the vegan guy IMO. I think the bigger question is...where, how, when do you meet other vegans, especially raw vegans?

[modernmonkey]

One attracts whatever behaviour one sends out. Football loving, speed, power junkies will attract different mates compared to deep thinking, analytical introverts. And then there's everything in between. The trouble, from my deductions is, the intellectual type of man and woman usually loses out until much later in life because when they are younger, society expects and demands men and women to behave and desire superficial qualities. It is getting worse what with the era of the celebrity etc... There are literally 1000 of girls in the UK saying, 'when I grow up I want to be a celebrity or a footballer's wife'. It is only years later that the more thoughtful or intellectual type has the confidence to accept who they are and actively seek a complimentary mate. This is why the gear heads and sportos seem to have it all. It is because their way is accepted much earlier on and during a time when 'dating' is at its peak; during teens and twenties.

[Revvell]

are vegan diets considered manly?


Check this out ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqrAwoBtbxc

35 year+ vegetarian with a large part of that being raw and vegan.

Together they've done over 1600 days of training ~ straight. Not a day off.

He's a former marine having done 3 tours of duty. A bit of a manly man methinks.

[Eva]

Eva: Carlos sounds like a good guy!
I think so, completely adore him, even though he truly does make make me bananas at times. All I can do is shake my head and smile. :)


Eva: Thank you so much for the wonderful compliment. I should be able to live off you kind words for a week or more Wow, won't you get hungry. :eat hehe, just being silly. And was just saying it how I read it! :throwhearts:


are vegan diets considered manly?

we already know females have less trouble finding partners of the opposite sex.

Um, are you kidding? Have you seen how many hot chicks out there are vegan and especially raw?! Do you know how many of them would fall for a vegan guy in a heartbeat? Not to mention, vegans just smell better. Maybe it's the lack of putrefying flesh? (Yummy!) Veganism is incredibly sexy, and manly is manly, no one loses his chest hair from going vegan!

[mcster]

One attracts whatever behaviour one sends out. Football loving, speed, power junkies will attract different mates compared to deep thinking, analytical introverts. And then there's everything in between. The trouble, from my deductions is, the intellectual type of man and woman usually loses out until much later in life because when they are younger, society expects and demands men and women to behave and desire superficial qualities. It is getting worse what with the era of the celebrity etc... There are literally 1000 of girls in the UK saying, 'when I grow up I want to be a celebrity or a footballer's wife'. It is only years later that the more thoughtful or intellectual type has the confidence to accept who they are and actively seek a complimentary mate. This is why the gear heads and sportos seem to have it all. It is because their way is accepted much earlier on and during a time when 'dating' is at its peak; during teens and twenties.

Yes, but...there are more than enough examples of famous veg Alpha males...actors, rockers, entrepreneurs and athletes. I race cars, lift weights, do extreme sports and take big risks in business. I also study philosophy and spirituality and meditate at least an hour and a half every day. So being an adrenaline junkie (I certainly am) and having sensitivity for more intellectual or spiritual pursuits is not necessarily mutually exclusive.


Have you seen how many hot chicks out there are vegan and especially raw?!

Ummm, yeah, I'm catching on to that. :)

[modernmonkey]

Yes, but...there are more than enough examples of famous veg Alpha males...actors, rockers, entrepreneurs and athletes. I race cars, lift weights, do extreme sports and take big risks in business. I also study philosophy and spirituality and meditate at least an hour and a half every day. So being an adrenaline junkie (I certainly am) and having sensitivity for more intellectual or spiritual pursuits is not necessarily mutually exclusive.

That's why I said, 'And then there is everything in between' ;)

[somelikeitraw]

So, for those who are in relationships, is your significant other raw or does he/she still eat SAD? How has raw impacted the quality of your relationships with them?

And for those who are single, how does raw impact your dating life? If you are open to a relationship, are you open to dating someone who eats SAD or is raw a requirement? Where/how do you meet raw people?

Married for 15+ years. Retired Navy Commander meets Flower Child. 18 & 1/2 years age difference, he's the older one. I was ovo/lacto veg when we met. We were friends before we started dating and both of us have said that if we were walking down a street neither of us would have given the other a second look. This was definitely not love/lust at first sight. After having a child, I was veg years before, during and for 2 years after pregnancy, the pressure to eat meat was difficult to deal with. Our baby was veg for the first 2 years & then hubby thought it was important that our little sweetie eat meat and ice cream and candy. I could have strangled him! On top of that he insists to this day that it is my "fault" that our teen is such a sugar addict. I decided to eat only raw foods 2 years and 1 day ago and went "cold turkey", lol. I was so very unhealthy and out of breath more often than not doing just simple basic things. Since eating raw has made my health so much better, my hubby supports me in it but not to the point that I have my own area/utensils (although I fought & won the battle of not having meat jerky in my excalibur, yay me!) or even that the meat eaters cook their own stuff. I am still chief cook and bottle washer and have to admit that there are times that I get quite a bit bent out of shape about it. One of the nice things about being raw is not having to deal with the greasy mess and I wish I had that bennie. In the beginning I struggled with resentment of them eating the last piece of fruit or veg finger food and then following it with a bunch of gross stuff that I wasn't eating, thus leaving nothing in the house that I was able to eat. It became apparent to me that by my having that resentment hubby and teen decided there was my food and their food, when hubby said I was spending a lot of $ on "your kind of food". I replied that I was buying good, local, organic food that we could ALL eat. Salads are about as raw as hubby gets and at that they are drenched in SAD dressings. That said, he has brought me breakfast in bed many times, a plate or bowl of cut up fruit, a glass of freshly squeezed oj or gfj. He and our teen do make their own smoothies but find it necessary to add things like sherbet, sorbet or even ice cream, so they don't share with me. My awesome teen has tried some of my raw concoctions and liked 1 or 2 of them. Has even gone so far as to self impose a one-a-month only rule for fast food. I have finally decided that even though I am cooking for them, and some of those things I believe (duhoop! there's that word, lol!) are very unhealthy to consume, the food is still world's better than what they would eat at a fast and loose food establishment. This has helped me to deal with guilt feelings over feeding them what I perceive to be garbage.

So being raw has helped me lead by example in regards to my teen. I also find that I am a much more compassionate mom now. My teen and I have a great relationship that other moms and teens have openly coveted.

The relationship with my hubby is always growing and changing. There are many things that we simply agree to disagree on (as you can imagine). I find myself more self confident and more assertive with next to no aggressiveness. I don't think my choice of eating raw has had any ill-effects on our relationship. Quite the contrary, I am much more flexible and compassionate, and we seem to keep growing more and more in love. I do wish hubby was more open to trying more raw stuff. He continues to say, " I could never eat the way you do" without realizing that he, in fact WE, would benefit from simply incorporating more raw into his diet. His health could use improving and I am still hoping that by my quietly leading by example he will finally start eating better. I love the stuffin's out of him and wouldn't trade him in. That said, if I ended up single and thought I wanted someone else in my life, I would definitely look for a raw vegan mate.

Wow! Sorry, hadn't intended to be so long winded!

[Non]

I think so, completely adore him, even though he truly does make make me bananas at times. All I can do is shake my head and smile. :)

Wow, won't you get hungry. :eat hehe, just being silly. And was just saying it how I read it! :throwhearts:



Um, are you kidding? Have you seen how many hot chicks out there are vegan and especially raw?! Do you know how many of them would fall for a vegan guy in a heartbeat? Not to mention, vegans just smell better. Maybe it's the lack of putrefying flesh? (Yummy!) Veganism is incredibly sexy, and manly is manly, no one loses his chest hair from going vegan!

well there was a study done recently... that suggested the vegetarian men are considered less manly, even by vegetarian women. also in another study it suggests that the more spiritual a woman is the more sexier she is. Literally, as in Im not just talking about appeal.

But then again mabe it's just these types are most common.

[Revvell]

well there was a study done recently... that suggested the vegetarian men are considered less manly, even by vegetarian women.

But then again maybe it's just these types are most common.

Which is why I posted a link to a 35+ year vegetarian male ~ At one time, many veggie men were skinny, pale, sickly looking. Not anymore!

[Eva]

SOMELIKEITRAW! So bare, so raw, it's so interesting to see the different experiences we have, the pros, the cons, the realities... and the simple fact that love and commitment are as strong as we allow them to be!


well there was a study done recently... that suggested the vegetarian men are considered less manly, even by vegetarian women. also in another study it suggests that the more spiritual a woman is the more sexier she is. Literally, as in Im not just talking about appeal.

But then again mabe it's just these types are most common.

Your average veggie woman is not even close to vegan. They do the cheese, the cooked crap, the chips, the tofu, with abandon. (Especially raw) Vegan men are sexy -- but you take a man filled with the same ole pus from dairy and ick from processed foods -- it's better -- but not the same Sexy I'm talkin' about. :)

I think (even though there are PLENTY) there are not enough raw vegans and vegans around for those mass studies to be easy to do and compare in that way.

When my husband went raw for 40 days, he lost a ton of weight but was still quite strong and was becoming more kind, patient, aware, etc. It was so friggin' sexy. I like him as he is, I do, and I don't even want him to have the faintest idea that I am trying to change him... but gah! If he just went back to that. That was the best 40 days ever, better you-know-what, better conversations, everything really.

Aw well, for better or for worse. And I at least get some comic relief out of his antics. :heart

[mcster]

@somelikeitraw: If the quality of our lives is determined by our attitudes and perspectives toward our particular set of circumstances then you're doing a fine job of living a great one. :)

@Non: I've been around long enough and seen enough to know not to rely on "studies". It's too easy to make a case using statistical information for whatever argument you want to make. Regardless, manliness and sexiness are purely subjective topics.

@Eva: I hear you! :hug

[modernmonkey]

When my husband went raw for 40 days, he lost a ton of weight but was still quite strong and was becoming more kind, patient, aware, etc. It was so friggin' sexy. I like him as he is, I do, and I don't even want him to have the faintest idea that I am trying to change him... but gah! If he just went back to that. That was the best 40 days ever, better you-know-what, better conversations, everything really.



'I don't even want him to have the faintest idea that I am trying to change him'...Tee Hee!!!

Why did he stop Eva?

[Eva]

'I don't even want him to have the faintest idea that I am trying to change him'...Tee Hee!!!

Why did he stop Eva?

Ha, it's funny right?! I do try to get him to change in smaller ways, which is always fine, as long as he thinks my ideas are his own. ;)

I'm so bad. But you know what? This is just the way it works with couples everywhere.

The 40 days was really for me. I was just SO FLIPPIN' HAPPY (still am!) and SO CLEAR and quick on my feet, and he just didn't get it. He was so grumpy sometimes, and we were having a tough time as a couple. I was sticking it out, because I truly love him, but I felt like we were on other planets.

So, we had made this commitment, at the same time, to pray together daily for 40 days. Somehow, we both on that first day, expressed such sentiments to God, that neither of us realized were so strong.

Somewhere in there, on that first day, he just *poof* made the decision that he wanted to try raw food for 30 days, really just to understand me better. Then he got to 30, and wanted to extend it to the full 40 days we had committed to praying together.

Then it was all over. lol! I was sure at that 30 days that he was going to stick with it!

But, nope. It's all good, though. He lost 20 pounds (exactly what he really needed to lose) in that time, and he's constantly telling others how miraculous it is. He's also my green smoothie machine and gets ill after too much beer or meat, because his system just won't allow it.

So, it's all good. And you never know, he might just do it again. You'd think HE was the CURRENT raw foodie with the way he talks it up! And it's great for me, because I have very specific methods of explaining my diet to others in order to prevent the jealous/defensive/silly issues people often have when they perceive that my diet is "better" than theirs. SO, I have my specific way of explaining, and then Carlos always follows it up with saying how it's the best thing ever. As he noshes on BBQ nasties and drinks a beer. lol!

:)

[mcster]

You'd think HE was the CURRENT raw foodie with the way he talks it up! And it's great for me, because I have very specific methods of explaining my diet to others in order to prevent the jealous/defensive/silly issues people often have when they perceive that my diet is "better" than theirs. SO, I have my specific way of explaining, and then Carlos always follows it up with saying how it's the best thing ever. As he noshes on BBQ nasties and drinks a beer. lol!

:)

Sounds like it's just a matter of time for him...

How do you explain your diet if you don't mind me asking?

[Eva]

Sounds like it's just a matter of time for him...

How do you explain your diet if you don't mind me asking?

I wrote a whole article about this, which I think was a funny one, but it is of no use since I can't think of where to dig it up! So I'll just give you the short explanation (which I never have been so good at! ha!)

So, background first: When I first went raw, I had been suffering with (amongst other things) ulcers & gas. I googled for natural cures, because I was tired of doctors not really fixing things. (I had already dealt with ulcers off and on for 4 years then.)

Next thing you know, I found raw food, thought I would try it, and *BOOM* I was healthy, my skin got better, I lost weight, etc.

SO, when I explain it to others, I *really* spotlight the gas thing and the ulcers in a funny way. How can another woman (because it's women who deal with the jealousy issues) jump into defensive/jealous mode when you're telling the whole world you used to be very gassy?! hehe

And for men, I do this, but I also make sure to point out that my problems got to be very bad after I married my husband because I had been eating meat at all the BBQs with him. I tell them I love the smell of meat (true - when it's cooked, no idea why because I really think it's gross!), but I CAN'T eat it because I will feel awful afterwards.

So, essentially, the focus is on 1/ I had problems, 2/ they were embarrassing and 3/ raw solved it all and 4/ I have no choice if I want to stay healthy.

The result is, this has NOTHING to do with their personal issues with weight, health, diet, overeating and NOTHING to do with me being sooo superior with sooo much self-control or whatever.

People are such funny creatures. You have to be careful! But I'll tell you, this WORKS LIKE A CHARM!!! I have NEVER had anyone become defensive, argumentative, or self-righteous when explaining it this way.

All about the love, not about the food!:throwhearts:

[mcster]

That's an interesting approach. I asked because historically I've learned to avoid engaging in a discussion about my dietary choices. Broaching the subject for me is a bit different because my choice was and remains first and foremost a philosophical one. Some people are energized by the opportunity to learn a different perspective but unfortunately the overwhelming majority are quite simply threatened by people who think or act differently. I find people's defensiveness is exasperated on the topic of vaganism because unfortunately so many vegans are preachy and dogmatic about animal rights (which has little to do with my reasons). I, on the other hand, adhere to an MO of "live and let live". If someone is genuinely interested, I'm more than happy to invest the time and share my thoughts but for the most part, when someone has asked why I'm veg, I just say it's for philosophical reasons and most people let it rest.

HOWEVER, with raw, it's a bit different. I'm doing raw strictly for health. After all the homework I've done and experiencing the results I'm seeing in the short time span I've been on it, I feel like I've found the fountain of youth (and what's truly funny is that it's just a return to our natural human nature). So, I naturally feel compelled to engage a bit more with people and explain how I found raw, the evidence I found to form my decision and my own experience on the diet. I feel the argument has so much logic behind it that it should be self evident to anyone with an iota of reason. Unfortunately, I also understand that I'm an optimistic guy and the reality is that the majority of people will think it's "weird" and may ask out of curiosity or simply as a way to create conversation and have something to gossip about later. So far the overwhelming response to what I'm doing is: "I just couldn't eat like that!". I can relate to that. Initially I thought of dipping my toes in the water with 70-80% raw for the same reasons. But as many of us here know, the experience is quite different once you commit to it.

I do feel compelled to act as an advocate of raw for health and environmental reasons (I work in sustainability) so I guess I'll have to see how much acceptance/resistance I get...and refine my pitch from there. ;)

Thanks for sharing your story. :hug

[RawHealthyBeauty]

mcster ~ I totally hear you. What you just said totally clicked with me and I feel the same way!

What I found before I started sharing my story about how I got into raw food...When anyone see me eating raw food over a period of time, they get curious and ask. I just simply reply that I eat this way for health reasons. That really just make them think when I'm looking at them to be respectful, because I could go there too to get in their personal space about the food they eat. I could ask them if they are aware of the ingredients in their food, do they know what each ingredient is, how do they know it's good for them, and could ask them alot of challenging questions only if they give me a hard time about raw food. No one ever has and it seems to be making a difference just by having a good attitude about raw food, because later on I would noticed that others seems conscious of making healthier eating choices whether raw or not! It's pretty cool!

Oh and I haven't met any raw vegans in my area so far which makes it really tough meeting any raw vegan males around here!! I'll have to try going to raw potlucks or start my own.
I have dated a few times over the past year, the men I dated don't seem to mind, because I don't imposed raw food on them. However I would like to meet someone who is a raw vegan, into taking care of his health. and being in great shape. It would make the relationship alot more hip and fun!!

[Eva]

I never had any success with telling people about how good/bad/healthy/unhealthy foods were, long term. Sometimes it would spark discussion, but there were a situations where I wished they didn't even know.

I am VERY sensitive to energy from other people, since going raw. I found, before I developed this strategy, that many people would play nice and their face would not register the negativity but their energy would change. Others were strong enough and confident enough that my lifestyle is unrelated to theirs.

I attribute the negativity to personal issues, sensitivities, and jealousy. I made this change to the way I explain raw specifically after arriving in Hungary. I was making TONS of money (thank raw for my improved focus at work -- WOW!) and was in a country where people usually didn't have the conveniences or travels I could afford. I also do not struggle with my weight and feel happy and light almost all the time.

SO, it was my goal to prevent the issues. The GREAT thing is that, most people come around anyways and start asking questions about raw.

:) Here in Brazil, where I am living now, I had ONE situation which left me feeling BLECH. It was a Christmas Eve party (which they do quite differently here!)... the hostess, who I adore and knows all about my diet... decided to tell everyone about it... So there we were, in the area where all the women were. She says to all the women (I'm almost 29 but look/act more like 21, their age range was 32ish-45ish) "Eva eats only fruits and vegetables. And look at her skin, it's so perfect. Look at her figure! She is the picture of health!"

She meant well. She did. But... then one of the women says "Like us. We have nice skin too. How old are you?" So, I answer politely, and she says, "Talk to us in 10 years when you have kids." Then turns to the other women, putting her back to me so that I was like some kid on the playground with cooties or something. So, there I was, unable to speak much Portuguese, and totally alienated.

Never again.

Guaranteed, 100%, if I had been able to introduce the idea to them bringing up my gas and ulcers, everyone would be fine.

------------

And honestly... all is good with a good attitude. It's easier to brush off the nonsense with a smile. But women can be VERY catty with thin and confident women. And men can be unsure of how in the world to respond to a confident woman (especially here in South America!). It is what it is.

------------

mcster -- I'm fascinated by your perspective and approach. I wonder how much of the difference lies in the fact that you are male. (lol! That is correct, no?!)

------------

To the original poster -- so sorry for taking this so far off topic! I guess it's not just the men or women in our lives who can vary. It's just part of being human to being different from others and to have to manage that in the best way possible. :heart

[GoingtoRAW]

My SO is definitely a meat eater. He is very supportive of what I eat though even though he has absolutely no interest in eating raw. He will try some of the foods I eat though - but just to see how they taste. I like that he'll at least try. When we go out to eat he is always very conscious of where we go because he wants to make sure there is something on the menu for me.

[RawSar]

:) Here in Brazil, where I am living now, I had ONE situation which left me feeling BLECH. It was a Christmas Eve party (which they do quite differently here!)... the hostess, who I adore and knows all about my diet... decided to tell everyone about it... So there we were, in the area where all the women were. She says to all the women (I'm almost 29 but look/act more like 21, their age range was 32ish-45ish) "Eva eats only fruits and vegetables. And look at her skin, it's so perfect. Look at her figure! She is the picture of health!"

She meant well. She did. But... then one of the women says "Like us. We have nice skin too. How old are you?" So, I answer politely, and she says, "Talk to us in 10 years when you have kids." Then turns to the other women, putting her back to me so that I was like some kid on the playground with cooties or something. So, there I was, unable to speak much Portuguese, and totally alienated.


I know how you feel Eva! One of my closest girlfriends seems to have to announce it to the world when we're together that I am on a 'special diet'. When we are out and we get asked if we want a drink or something to eat she always answers for me saying 'oh no not her shes on a special diet'
I'm still not quite sure why she does this.
I finally told her to stop speaking for me and to stop mentioning anything about my diet. I know she means well... She is one of my closest friends I just still don't get why she does this lol.

[RawSar]

Eva I love reading your posts about your relationship. Always so cute, happy and loving! :)

Before I met my boyfriend I was almost vegan but an unhealthy one. He was 100% raw vegan which I was very excited about! Before I moved in I was 100% following his way of eating. I gained my health back! After 3 years lots of unpredictable, uncontrollable 'life things' happened and that some how got us off track. We started eating cooked foods, processed vegan cookies, crackers and chips ..... oh my right..
Its been almost a year now of not being 100% raw and its starting to get to me... He's not allowed to go grocery shopping anymore! :woohoo:
I'm trying to get us back on track but he's happy where he is so I just try and fill him up on the good stuff. I don't force anything I am just having a bit of a time trying to get my strength back and to say 'no' to his garbage food.

I am happy that we both agree that all animal products are absolutely revolting and will never be allowed in the house. All is good :heart:

I dated a guy who thought it was 'neat' that i didn't eat meat and said to me a few times 'I think I could go vegetarian for you' I hated that sentence! The lie wasn't even the worst part of it! hahaha
He constantly took those Tums pills for stomach problems... but wouldn't look at what he ate as causing the problems.. I couldn't handle it anymore as he was slowly destroying himself and so I called it off. Plus he was a Detroit Red Wing fan..... I think that bugged me even more hahahaha
GO CANUCKS GO - THE CUP IS OURS THIS YEAR!!!!!!!

[kaleboy]

I'm single and was wondering where is the best place to meet women who follow the raw food lifestyle ? I've tried posting on online dating sites and used headings such as..."wanted at least 50% raw" but all the cooked ladies seem to take it the wrong way... :rolleyes:

[Amii]

I'm single and was wondering where is the best place to meet women who follow the raw food lifestyle ? I've tried posting on online dating sites and used headings such as..."wanted at least 50% raw" but all the cooked ladies seem to take it the wrong way... :rolleyes:

I'll date you ;)

[kaleboy]

thanks amii ur a smoothie :)

[mcster]

I never had any success with telling people about how good/bad/healthy/unhealthy foods were, long term. Sometimes it would spark discussion, but there were a situations where I wished they didn't even know.

I am VERY sensitive to energy from other people, since going raw. I found, before I developed this strategy, that many people would play nice and their face would not register the negativity but their energy would change. Others were strong enough and confident enough that my lifestyle is unrelated to theirs.

I attribute the negativity to personal issues, sensitivities, and jealousy. I made this change to the way I explain raw specifically after arriving in Hungary. I was making TONS of money (thank raw for my improved focus at work -- WOW!) and was in a country where people usually didn't have the conveniences or travels I could afford. I also do not struggle with my weight and feel happy and light almost all the time.

SO, it was my goal to prevent the issues. The GREAT thing is that, most people come around anyways and start asking questions about raw.

Here in Brazil, where I am living now, I had ONE situation which left me feeling BLECH. It was a Christmas Eve party (which they do quite differently here!)... the hostess, who I adore and knows all about my diet... decided to tell everyone about it... So there we were, in the area where all the women were. She says to all the women (I'm almost 29 but look/act more like 21, their age range was 32ish-45ish) "Eva eats only fruits and vegetables. And look at her skin, it's so perfect. Look at her figure! She is the picture of health!"

She meant well. She did. But... then one of the women says "Like us. We have nice skin too. How old are you?" So, I answer politely, and she says, "Talk to us in 10 years when you have kids." Then turns to the other women, putting her back to me so that I was like some kid on the playground with cooties or something. So, there I was, unable to speak much Portuguese, and totally alienated.

Never again.

Guaranteed, 100%, if I had been able to introduce the idea to them bringing up my gas and ulcers, everyone would be fine.

------------

And honestly... all is good with a good attitude. It's easier to brush off the nonsense with a smile. But women can be VERY catty with thin and confident women. And men can be unsure of how in the world to respond to a confident woman (especially here in South America!). It is what it is.

------------

mcster -- I'm fascinated by your perspective and approach. I wonder how much of the difference lies in the fact that you are male. (lol! That is correct, no?!)

------------

To the original poster -- so sorry for taking this so far off topic! I guess it's not just the men or women in our lives who can vary. It's just part of being human to being different from others and to have to manage that in the best way possible. :heart

I'm the OP and you have my full permission to stretch the topic as far as you want. :)

Thanks for the compliment Eva. I'm humbled and likewise, I really enjoy your logic. I'm not sure it has so much to do with my gender (yes, I am a dude :)). I can tell you I'm right brained and that my mother was the black sheep of the family and hell bent on bringing me up to think independently. The coolest woman I know and a major reason why I turned out the way I did.

Maybe this is a gender thing or maybe it's the approach but this past weekend I was in four separate social situations where the topic of my diet came up. Without exception, I was able to get those who listening very engaged and interested. Actually, I'm expecting a couple of calls for more info and recipes, lol. Growing up I never liked talking about being vegetarian. I didn't really know how to respond intelligently and I wasn't exactly the healthiest or fittest guy. Now things are different. How I look and feel is self evident and most people in their 30s are starting to feel the repercussions of abusing their bodies for years. Their self confidence seems to be a little humbled and their minds a little more open when they see what they want for themselves.

PS - I know exactly how to respond to confident women...please send them my way! :juicy:

[mcster]

GO CANUCKS GO - THE CUP IS OURS THIS YEAR!!!!!!!

Go 'nucks!!! This is your year!!!


I'm single and was wondering where is the best place to meet women who follow the raw food lifestyle ? I've tried posting on online dating sites and used headings such as..."wanted at least 50% raw" but all the cooked ladies seem to take it the wrong way... :rolleyes:

I met a girl at a raw food restaurant the other day. Aside from that, I found several potlucks at meetup.com. I haven't decided if I'm going yet.

[RawHealthyBeauty]

:heart: I'm hot and single looking for a cool raw vegan male!! :wuv Any single raw vegan male can e-mail me and see if there's a connection!!!

[Eva]

I know how you feel Eva! One of my closest girlfriends seems to have to announce it to the world when we're together that I am on a 'special diet'. When we are out and we get asked if we want a drink or something to eat she always answers for me saying 'oh no not her shes on a special diet'
I'm still not quite sure why she does this.
I finally told her to stop speaking for me and to stop mentioning anything about my diet. I know she means well... She is one of my closest friends I just still don't get why she does this lol.

She might just not know how in the world to respond. My friend who introduced me this way is VERY interested in the way I eat, is even open to making more big changes. (yay!) She only speaks limited English, but she is constantly trying the recipes I post on Facebook and even subscribed for my newsletter.

It's sweet actually, they are thinking of us and looking out for us too. BUT, it just doesn't work so well unless it gets played off. I'm SO THANKFUL I've learned enough Portuguese since Christmas that I can explain every piece of the thing without issue. So no more speaking for me needed!


Eva I love reading your posts about your relationship. Always so cute, happy and loving!

Before I met my boyfriend I was almost vegan but an unhealthy one. He was 100% raw vegan which I was very excited about! Before I moved in I was 100% following his way of eating. I gained my health back! After 3 years lots of unpredictable, uncontrollable 'life things' happened and that some how got us off track. We started eating cooked foods, processed vegan cookies, crackers and chips ..... oh my right..
Its been almost a year now of not being 100% raw and its starting to get to me... He's not allowed to go grocery shopping anymore!

I'm trying to get us back on track but he's happy where he is so I just try and fill him up on the good stuff. I don't force anything I am just having a bit of a time trying to get my strength back and to say 'no' to his garbage food.

I am happy that we both agree that all animal products are absolutely revolting and will never be allowed in the house. All is good

I dated a guy who thought it was 'neat' that i didn't eat meat and said to me a few times 'I think I could go vegetarian for you' I hated that sentence! The lie wasn't even the worst part of it! hahaha
He constantly took those Tums pills for stomach problems... but wouldn't look at what he ate as causing the problems.. I couldn't handle it anymore as he was slowly destroying himself and so I called it off. Plus he was a Detroit Red Wing fan..... I think that bugged me even more hahahaha
GO CANUCKS GO - THE CUP IS OURS THIS YEAR!!!!!!!

Aw, thanks!! I certainly enjoy your posts in general so I'll take the compliment and hold it tight! Aren't people so funny? We all have issues of some sort, unfortunately. Some are Red Wing fans, some eat Tums, some have mommy issues. What can ya do?

P.S. That used to be me! I had to take several Tums every time I ate because of the unbearable heartburn! I'm Tums-free for 4 years+ baby, yeah! lol!


I'm single and was wondering where is the best place to meet women who follow the raw food lifestyle ? I've tried posting on online dating sites and used headings such as..."wanted at least 50% raw" but all the cooked ladies seem to take it the wrong way...

Meetup.com is great for socializing with raw foodies. I have met many dear friends that way, and I'm sure if I'd been single I could've had some dates and potential matches out of it! Seems you've got a start on here already...


I'm the OP and you have my full permission to stretch the topic as far as you want.

Thanks for the compliment Eva. I'm humbled and likewise, I really enjoy your logic. I'm not sure it has so much to do with my gender (yes, I am a dude). I can tell you I'm right brained and that my mother was the black sheep of the family and hell bent on bringing me up to think independently. The coolest woman I know and a major reason why I turned out the way I did.

Maybe this is a gender thing or maybe it's the approach but this past weekend I was in four separate social situations where the topic of my diet came up. Without exception, I was able to get those who listening very engaged and interested. Actually, I'm expecting a couple of calls for more info and recipes, lol. Growing up I never liked talking about being vegetarian. I didn't really know how to respond intelligently and I wasn't exactly the healthiest or fittest guy. Now things are different. How I look and feel is self evident and most people in their 30s are starting to feel the repercussions of abusing their bodies for years. Their self confidence seems to be a little humbled and their minds a little more open when they see what they want for themselves.

PS - I know exactly how to respond to confident women...please send them my way!

Your mom sounds awesome, a lot like mine actually. ;) lol! My mom has ALWAYS been the "different" one in her family... actually she is now raw and the ONLY of the women in her family who has never (and I'd venture to say WILL NEVER) dealt with breast cancer or "needing" a hysterectomy. It's crazy and sad how "sheeple" just eat like they're told by The Man and then allow themselves to keep getting sick.

And hey, that sounds AWESOME that you have some people calling you about recipes and such. Always good to plant the sees and have them actually take root!!

And... continuing on to the next post....:heart


:heart: I'm hot and single looking for a cool raw vegan male!! :wuv Any single raw vegan male can e-mail me and see if there's a connection!!!

I think there may be a connection in the works here. I'm just sayin'. There may be a man (a "dude" haha) who knows how to handle confident women. And then we have an awesome sauce raw vegan P90X's lady here...

Just sayin'!

[mcster]

I think there may be a connection in the works here. I'm just sayin'. There may be a man (a "dude" haha) who knows how to handle confident women. And then we have an awesome sauce raw vegan P90X's lady here...

Just sayin'!

You're terrible...:hug

[RawHealthyBeauty]

Hee hee!! She's playing Cupid!! :heart:

[mcster]

Just a bit of an update...

Literally three days after the last post on this thread I very serendipitously met someone. It's been a phenomenal experience and there is no doubt that a good part of the alignment between us comes from the fact that we both value health and fitness. I'm happy to report she is vegan and about 90% raw. She's also an avid skier, climber and runner. We have made plans to marry this July. Funny how life works. :)

[bananaberrie]

Just a bit of an update...

Literally three days after the last post on this thread I very serendipitously met someone. It's been a phenomenal experience and there is no doubt that a good part of the alignment between us comes from the fact that we both value health and fitness. I'm happy to report she is vegan and about 90% raw. She's also an avid skier, climber and runner. We have made plans to marry this July. Funny how life works. :)

We ladies love a good sappy love story, can you share how you two "serendipitously" met?
And Congrats!!! :throwhearts:

[Eva]

Just a bit of an update...

Literally three days after the last post on this thread I very serendipitously met someone. It's been a phenomenal experience and there is no doubt that a good part of the alignment between us comes from the fact that we both value health and fitness. I'm happy to report she is vegan and about 90% raw. She's also an avid skier, climber and runner. We have made plans to marry this July. Funny how life works. :)


We ladies love a good sappy love story, can you share how you two "serendipitously" met?
And Congrats!!! :throwhearts:

OOOOH, so true banana! LOVE IT! This is exciting, although seems a couple ladies around here may be disappointed! lol!

HOW WONDERFUL!
:throwhearts:

[BeingK8]

Funny, after I said I was going to check out your link in just a sec, I started to say some of the things in response to someone on my thread that are more suited to THIS thread.

I'm single and food style/lifestyle is clearly part of my criteria. Since I'm not militant (and hope to never BE so) and want to remain tolerant, loving and open to all, I don't only look for vegans or raw foodies or anything to date, but I DO at least look for health conscious guys. The way I figure it, if he's conscious about health and diet, even if he's an omni, he'd be more likely to understand and support my decisions. Guys who are all meat and potatoes and who don't touch salads, especially as a meal, or who haven't had a piece of fruit in months are not for me. And some are perfectly lovely guys, but I just know this would become WAY too much of a negative issue way too quickly.

I kind of feel the situation out by finding ways to work in things like the idea of a green smoothie with sprouts in it for breakfast. If he scrunches his nose and says anything denigrating, it's unlikely that it goes much past that date. LOL! If he says, "Wow, that's interesting. Sounds like a good idea, but I don't know if I'd like it," there's more to explore with the guy. And THEN, definitely if he says, "But I'd try it," we're good for another date. LOL!

It IS something I want to be able to share with a partner. It's such a big part of my life on so many levels, that it's important to me to find someone open to understanding, exploring, experimenting, etc.

Fun conversation, thanks!

And when are you coming back to tell the tale of your whirlwind, serendipitous encounter with your twin flame raw skiier chick? ;-)

[mcster]

We ladies love a good sappy love story, can you share how you two "serendipitously" met?
And Congrats!!! :throwhearts:


OOOOH, so true banana! LOVE IT! This is exciting, although seems a couple ladies around here may be disappointed! lol!

HOW WONDERFUL!
:throwhearts:

Thanks guys!!!

Well...let's say that we were introduced by a mutual acquaintance on the basis that we are both veg and interested in fitness and the outdoors. It was a blind date of sorts and I got an incredibly good vibe from the very first day. Before the end of the first week, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. The fact that she eats mostly raw (she's also a nutritionist) who loves nature and is very active/adventurous (does alpine mountaineering, has lived in 8 countires etc.) is only icing on the cake. A lot of it is an incredible alignment in values and the way we both approach life but most of all, it's the stuff that words can't describe. She's the most wonderful and beautiful woman I've ever met.

So I went from being happy committed to being single for the rest of my life a few weeks ago to being committed to spending the rest of my life with this incredible woman. I've come close to marriage before, have dated more than my fair share of women and I'm well into my 30s now so this is not an impulsive decision. We both just "knew" from very early on. So, now we've set a date and we've started making a list of all the preparations to wed this summer. Today, I'm making inquiries about rings and booking our honeymoon. :)

So there you have it. This man is well and done. :heart:

[mcster]

It IS something I want to be able to share with a partner. It's such a big part of my life on so many levels, that it's important to me to find someone open to understanding, exploring, experimenting, etc.

Fun conversation, thanks!

And when are you coming back to tell the tale of your whirlwind, serendipitous encounter with your twin flame raw skiier chick? ;-)

I think that for health conscious people (and most of us here go well past that description), philosophies (or lack thereof) about diet is one of those things that people mistakenly think is a minor compromise only to wake up years down to realize it actually is a very big issue. You eat three times a day and there is nothing I can think of that is more social on a consistent basis than sharing food. Then, when you factor in the idea of growing old and having to deal with health issues (yours and your partner's), it really does become a big consideration. I used to think I wasn't being open minded if I didn't at least consider the possibility of a non-veg partner. But the reality is I have no inclination whatsoever in making compromises when it comes to health. That's part of what led me to make my commitment to being single for the rest of my life, and the...BOOM!!! :)

[blue_soda025]

My boyfriend is an omnivore and I don't see that changing ever, nor do I ever wish to change that. Actually, so am I. You all are probably like, "why the heck are you on this forum then?!" I suppose my answer is that I became fascinated with the raw diet for scientific reasons. I also love using recipes and raw cooking is just super different. I am interested in incorporating some raw foods into my diet. However I have my own reasons for never wanting to go mostly/totally raw.

My bf watches what he eats (most of the time) though and knows way more about nutrition and health than almost ever other guy I know. We rarely ever eat out and we're both from Asian families so it's not like we eat the "SAD" diet. No offense to Americans or anything, but real Chinese food that's cooked at home (not the "Chinese food" catered towards Americans like what you find in Westernized Chinese restaurants) is actually significantly healthier in general.

[luvmyzoe]

hahahahah! LOL!

[julie-lmp]

my husband was so unsupportive at first it really caused problems with our relationship. if we went out to eat he would throw a fit if i didn't order something or requested a "special" salad. at home he would throw tantrums that we all didn't eat the same thing at dinner. it took him awhile to just let go. now he is really jumping on board the raw train. i love it. although now he will call me at work to ask what he can and can not eat, where is the sea salt, is the buchwheat cereal raw, and once he called to tell me the dehydrator was set at 115 degrees. holy smokes someone call the raw police!

[Aleesha Sattva]

:LOL: hahahahahahaha thanks for the chuckle julie! not 115 degrees!!!

[BeingK8]

Then, when you factor in the idea of growing old and having to deal with health issues (yours and your partner's), it really does become a big consideration.

THIS. A 100% this. This has become a HUGE thing for me recently. I just turned 35 this year and aging and mortality and things like that have come more and more into the foreground. I mean, that's absolutely one of my reasons for raw - slowing down the aging process, and not just for vanity, even though that's huge. I don't want a partner who's on the fast track to diabetes, heart attacks, gout, and all the other diet-diseases. Really, I can't imagine finding spiritual connection with someone who was totally unconscious about food and nutrition, though, either. They kind of tie into each other. Most people who are as into ontology and metaphysics and all the things I am, are also aware of, and at least KIND of conscious about, the body being a temple and it needing proper care to vibrate at optimal frequencies.

And ? on 115 degrees:
I don't dehydrate. Don't have one, so I just eat non-dehydrated (although I would LIKE one and that's why I want to know about this) what is the ideal max temp? I thought 115 and even 116 were good. In fact, I'd seen some products, websites, etc, that said 118 is the MAX. Of course, I understand why less is more and if you can dehydrate foods at lower temps you would want to, but at what temp are the enzymes ACTUALLY denatured? Anyone know? Is it slightly different for different ones? Do some denature at 110 and some stay a-ok up to 118 and that's why the discrepancy? And so is that why some sources say keep dehydrator at like 105????

Grrrr!! So confusing! LOL!

[julie-lmp]

THIS. A 100% this. This has become a HUGE thing for me recently. I just turned 35 this year and aging and mortality and things like that have come more and more into the foreground. I mean, that's absolutely one of my reasons for raw - slowing down the aging process, and not just for vanity, even though that's huge. I don't want a partner who's on the fast track to diabetes, heart attacks, gout, and all the other diet-diseases. Really, I can't imagine finding spiritual connection with someone who was totally unconscious about food and nutrition, though, either. They kind of tie into each other. Most people who are as into ontology and metaphysics and all the things I am, are also aware of, and at least KIND of conscious about, the body being a temple and it needing proper care to vibrate at optimal frequencies.

And ? on 115 degrees:
I don't dehydrate. Don't have one, so I just eat non-dehydrated (although I would LIKE one and that's why I want to know about this) what is the ideal max temp? I thought 115 and even 116 were good. In fact, I'd seen some products, websites, etc, that said 118 is the MAX. Of course, I understand why less is more and if you can dehydrate foods at lower temps you would want to, but at what temp are the enzymes ACTUALLY denatured? Anyone know? Is it slightly different for different ones? Do some denature at 110 and some stay a-ok up to 118 and that's why the discrepancy? And so is that why some sources say keep dehydrator at like 105????

Grrrr!! So confusing! LOL!


i reall think it depends on personal preferance. i have read that different foods can be effected at higher/lower temperatures than others. when i am rushing something i will go to 115 but usually i try and stay around 105. 115 is a little hot. i love my dehydrator! it is great for warming up pasta, soup and raw flatbread or cookies during the cold winter months(or in the spring when it is still snowing). you should get yourself one, but no smaller than 5 trays.

[Stina]

my husband was so unsupportive at first it really caused problems with our relationship. if we went out to eat he would throw a fit if i didn't order something or requested a "special" salad. at home he would throw tantrums that we all didn't eat the same thing at dinner. it took him awhile to just let go. now he is really jumping on board the raw train. i love it. although now he will call me at work to ask what he can and can not eat, where is the sea salt, is the buchwheat cereal raw, and once he called to tell me the dehydrator was set at 115 degrees. holy smokes someone call the raw police!

That's darling about your husband! I chuckled over that, thanks for sharing.

[holistica]

it's really only a problem if you make it one.

I like that. Thanks, Aleesha.

My fiancee had a hard time accepting my food-style choices for a long time. For the first several months we were together, I ate a lot more cooked food than I would have just because we were going out on dates, or getting to know each other and he wanted me to try his favorite foods, or we'd have dinner with his family...

But as time has progressed and raw has become less of a choice and more of a necessity for me, I've sat him down and explained to him why I can't eat cooked food anymore. And he accepts it, which is great. He eats what he wants, I eat what I want, and all is well.

We're not having children, which will make "family" meal time a non-issue. I said to him one day (and this is not the only reason, I was really just being playful), "I can't have children with you because I don't trust you not to feed them candy and cheese burgers the moment my back is turned," and he said,

"you're right. You know I would."

Haha! But you know even if he didn't, I know my parents or his parents or whoever they might end up being watched by for the day or overnight would say, "oh one hotdog won't hurt, and Angie will never have to know..." That makes it really hard to want to have a family.

Come to think of it, having romantic relationships hasn't been the real struggle for me as far as raw eating goes... Getting my family to understand was the real killer. I weighed 135 pounds (which is still 15 pounds above the bottom of the healthy range for my height) and my father decided he wanted to have a family intervention and force me into an eating disorder clinic.

If ignorance is bliss, he must be orgasmic.

[BeingK8]

i love my dehydrator! it is great for warming up pasta, soup and raw flatbread or cookies during the cold winter months(or in the spring when it is still snowing). you should get yourself one, but no smaller than 5 trays.

Ugh...I had one. A nice one. And then my exH lost his mind, became a woman, and we split. S/he asked if s/he could keep the dehydrator and in all my depression and sadness and confusion, I couldn't have cared less about trying to be raw, so I let him have it. I'd definitely like to get another.

I never thought about making things warm in one. though. That's genius!:woohoo:

[mcster]

my husband was so unsupportive at first it really caused problems with our relationship. if we went out to eat he would throw a fit if i didn't order something or requested a "special" salad. at home he would throw tantrums that we all didn't eat the same thing at dinner. it took him awhile to just let go. now he is really jumping on board the raw train. i love it. although now he will call me at work to ask what he can and can not eat, where is the sea salt, is the buchwheat cereal raw, and once he called to tell me the dehydrator was set at 115 degrees. holy smokes someone call the raw police!

Awesome story! I know people in similar situations. One in particular where she was a non-drinker vegetarian and was a restauranteur who ate a steak for lunch every day and washed it down with a bottle of wine. It didn't work out for them but after their divorce, he became vegetarian, stopped drinking and left restaurants to pursue a career in holistic health. Haha. True story! I'm glad yours has a happier ending. :)


THIS. A 100% this. This has become a HUGE thing for me recently. I just turned 35 this year and aging and mortality and things like that have come more and more into the foreground. I mean, that's absolutely one of my reasons for raw - slowing down the aging process, and not just for vanity, even though that's huge. I don't want a partner who's on the fast track to diabetes, heart attacks, gout, and all the other diet-diseases. Really, I can't imagine finding spiritual connection with someone who was totally unconscious about food and nutrition, though, either. They kind of tie into each other. Most people who are as into ontology and metaphysics and all the things I am, are also aware of, and at least KIND of conscious about, the body being a temple and it needing proper care to vibrate at optimal frequencies.

And ? on 115 degrees:
I don't dehydrate. Don't have one, so I just eat non-dehydrated (although I would LIKE one and that's why I want to know about this) what is the ideal max temp? I thought 115 and even 116 were good. In fact, I'd seen some products, websites, etc, that said 118 is the MAX. Of course, I understand why less is more and if you can dehydrate foods at lower temps you would want to, but at what temp are the enzymes ACTUALLY denatured? Anyone know? Is it slightly different for different ones? Do some denature at 110 and some stay a-ok up to 118 and that's why the discrepancy? And so is that why some sources say keep dehydrator at like 105????

Grrrr!! So confusing! LOL!

There are a lot of people well into their 70s, 80s and beyond who are extremely active. Some are athletes who train every day. I don't know what pace of life I want to live when I get to be that age and I don't necessarily want to live a long life. What I want is to have the option to pursue whatever I want for as long as I'm around. Watching people in their 50s live limiting, disease-ridden lives is the saddest thing to watch and I want no part in it if I can help it. The woman I've chosen to be with is of the same view. It's about having the vitality and positive disposition to live full lives. You can't do that if you don't have health.

As for the dehydrator, I don't have one either and I'm not rushing out to buy one, though the yummy raw crackers I buy are getting a bit long in the tooth at $1/each. That said, while 115/118 might be the point where the pace at which food looses a lot of nutritional value, I doubt it's that simple. I have yet to come across any information to support my idea but I'm willing to bet that loss of nutritional value happens more gradually. When I'm concerned about getting full nutritional value, I eat fresh.

[Stella Green]

I have learned so much about eating raw as a team. The longer I am raw, the more relaxed I became. I'm really making it my mission to live and let live. At first, I just wanted to tell everybody about the food conspiracies, but nobody wanted to hear about why their beloved staples were bad, including my fiance. But its really about patient, subtlety, being a healthy example and all that. When a problem arises, I just remember that I want him to enjoy food, because adopting a healthy eating lifestyle is important for everyone. Reflection is also a really interesting thing. He'll try to encourage me to eat something, and I won't, and then after our meal I'll remark how delicious and satisfied I am. And that will really stick with him so that next time he is like, "Honey, I got you extra mangos because I know how much you love them." So there's a big difference between being firm on what you eat, but loving and accepting with what your SO eats. Oh, and my fiance also loves those green smoothies. :juicy:

I totally stopped asking for "special salads" at restaurants. It may work for other people, but it just embarrasses everybody involved when I tried to make up something exciting with ingredients I saw on the menu. Now I just get the salad listed on the menu minus the non-raw stuff... and you know my fiance made me happy when he actually brought me an avocado from home to decorate my boring restaurant salad. :woot:

[julie-lmp]

Ugh...I had one. A nice one. And then my exH lost his mind, became a woman, and we split. S/he asked if s/he could keep the dehydrator and in all my depression and sadness and confusion, I couldn't have cared less about trying to be raw, so I let him have it. I'd definitely like to get another.

I never thought about making things warm in one. though. That's genius!:woohoo:

i would have said hell NO!!! if that ever happens to me i am holding on to all my beloved kitchen appliances. sorry to here it didn't end well.:heart:

[The Sproutarian (Mr Raw)]

lt would be nice to have a raw food partner, it would be so much fun doing it together.

[Seductive Arts]

Having been vegetarian/vegan most of my life, I know that dietary choices can have a big impact on the quality of relationships with significant others. If you follow vegetarian/vegan/raw, chances are your choices stem from deep-seeded beliefs (spiritual/ethical/health/environmental etc.) that can either bring people together or set them apart. I have always tried to be open-minded, respectful and accommodating when dating but historically, all my ex's were veg and those that weren't didn't get past the "date" stage. Raw is definitely going one step further away from the mainstream, potentially making it even more challenging or conversely, easier for people to connect.

So, for those who are in relationships, is your significant other raw or does he/she still eat SAD? How has raw impacted the quality of your relationships with them?

And for those who are single, how does raw impact your dating life? If you are open to a relationship, are you open to dating someone who eats SAD or is raw a requirement? Where/how do you meet raw people?

Raw for me is just a dietary lifestyle. I assign no spiritual, ethical or environmental belief to my eating habits. The only thing I am concerned about is health and not having any degenerative diseases that I have seen some of my family members die from an early age from. So I have no issues dating someone who is non-vegan. I am not even vegan myself. I tried to be, but it is not a lifestyle compatible for me. I am HIGH vegan, but to say that I will never eat any animal by-products ever in life is something I am not committed to. I guess you can say I am on a Raw Paleolithic diet that is HIGH vegan. The only thing I want my partner to do is eat healthy by eating whole foods that is organic, hormone and antibiotic free as possible. Everything else doesn't matter much to me.

[Seductive Arts]

are vegan diets considered manly?

we already know females have less trouble finding partners of the opposite sex.

Interesting. There are far more female vegans than male. And quite frankly, the male vegans that do exist, most don't even interest me. I find them too passive and not manly enough. I find it similar to dating a male yoga or meditation instructor, which are mostly on the vegan, hippie-dippie side of things. Not my type of man.

I think not eating meat for me on a biological level makes them a little too "effiminate". I hope this doesn't this statement doesn't become too offensive, but there has been lots of correlations between lack of masculinity among Asian certain Asian men coming from societies that have a high vegetarian diet. Also there is a lots of medical correlations that men eating lots of soy and tofu products promote too much estrogen in a man's body.

I find these studies quite interesting, especially in regards to how most men feel that a meal is not a meal without their meat. And usually meat eating society usually promote more masculine acting and physical appearing type of males.

Maybe it is racist base, or maybe not, but I find a huge correlation between masculinity in relation to food. And you can ask any of your friends and family members, if you don't judge their opinion, what society continent has men that seem less masculine, or not known for their masculinity and I will guarantee you they will pick the continent that supports a high vegan dietary lifestyle: Asia.

I think veganism is mostly a female-centric dietary lifestyle.

[Seductive Arts]

Check this out ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqrAwoBtbxc

35 year+ vegetarian with a large part of that being raw and vegan.

Together they've done over 1600 days of training ~ straight. Not a day off.

He's a former marine having done 3 tours of duty. A bit of a manly man methinks.

He is a rarity in the vegan community. And like you said, he is a former marine. Doubt he was a vegetarian as a marine, especially for like spiritual and ethical reasons. If so, I would find it interesting that a person who cares so much for not killing animals has no problem killing a human by joining the military. LOL That got to be one of the great ironies of all ironies.

Most people who were once military personal keeps their dedication of staying physically fit, even when they are outside the military. I don't care if they are vegan, or non-vegan. I have a huge meat eating uncle who was in the Army and makes sure his body is fit.

Military guys are a different breed of people, whether they are vegan, or heavy duty meat eater. They almost really don't count as being the average man. Their career and survival is based on them being fit. The average man doesn't have that obligation to be fit in order to survive war training.

[BeingK8]

i would have said hell NO!!! if that ever happens to me i am holding on to all my beloved kitchen appliances. sorry to here it didn't end well.:heart:
Thanks. :heart: I just saw this. Forgot about this thread until it popped up at the very top of recent posts. I DO wish I has said "Hell NO!" but you live and learn and I guess there's so reason I was not meant to have it. Grrr. LOL!

lt would be nice to have a raw food partner, it would be so much fun doing it together.
It would, I totally agree.

Interesting. There are far more female vegans than male. And quite frankly, the male vegans that do exist, most don't even interest me. I find them too passive and not manly enough. I find it similar to dating a male yoga or meditation instructor, which are mostly on the vegan, hippie-dippie side of things. Not my type of man.

I think not eating meat for me on a biological level makes them a little too "effiminate". I hope this doesn't this statement doesn't become too offensive, but there has been lots of correlations between lack of masculinity among Asian certain Asian men coming from societies that have a high vegetarian diet.
LOL! You know, I've often held these same...
(dare I say the word? **she says, looking around pensively**)
...beliefs...
(again looking to see if any bombs are going to drop)
and I've decided to start challenging them because beliefs are just that - beliefs. But they're not truths. There ARE some manly vegans out there. And lo and behold, when I consciously decided to try and find some, lots of evidence came to me, including a friend from high school who's all vegan for quite a few years now and very manly.
I still have some work to do on that belief, because I'm still manifesting in my experience plenty that are not attractive to me because they seem too effeminate, but just the fact that I found any is great and it's forward progress.
I don't think it's not eating meat that makes them effeminate in my mind, but there is something that has made me think that belief that no longer serves me well.
Of course, I'm totally hippie dippie and so is the high school friend. I like that, just in a guy who's also a manly guy. LOL

[RawBogan]

Military guys are a different breed of people, whether they are vegan, or heavy duty meat eater. They almost really don't count as being the average man. Their career and survival is based on them being fit. The average man doesn't have that obligation to be fit in order to survive war training.

Ya reckon???????

Got two ex soldiers in my family and they are waddling down to the butcher to pick up there next consignment of bacon. Personally I think the SPARTANS went the way of the ancient Greeks.

[DandelionPuff]

Funny, this subject came up with my family not too long ago.
I cannot see myself marrying somebody who is not vegetarian. I care too darn much about animals to be able to fall in love with somebody who didn't care enough to even get up at least meat... but that's just me...
As far as raw goes, I'm only 60% raw, and that probably will only last until october when it begins to get cold again... I'm totally cool with going out with people who aren't as enthusiastic about raw food! As long as they try raw recipes! :)

But animals and healthy eating have to be important to him too...

[mcster]

Raw for me is just a dietary lifestyle. I assign no spiritual, ethical or environmental belief to my eating habits. The only thing I am concerned about is health and not having any degenerative diseases that I have seen some of my family members die from an early age from. So I have no issues dating someone who is non-vegan. I am not even vegan myself. I tried to be, but it is not a lifestyle compatible for me. I am HIGH vegan, but to say that I will never eat any animal by-products ever in life is something I am not committed to. I guess you can say I am on a Raw Paleolithic diet that is HIGH vegan. The only thing I want my partner to do is eat healthy by eating whole foods that is organic, hormone and antibiotic free as possible. Everything else doesn't matter much to me.

Congratulations. I'm sorry it wasn't clear to you but I posted this in a raw vegan forum to engage in discussions with raw vegans. Clearly, input from people who consume animal products is quite irrelevant.


Interesting. There are far more female vegans than male. And quite frankly, the male vegans that do exist, most don't even interest me. I find them too passive and not manly enough. I find it similar to dating a male yoga or meditation instructor, which are mostly on the vegan, hippie-dippie side of things. Not my type of man.

I think not eating meat for me on a biological level makes them a little too "effiminate". I hope this doesn't this statement doesn't become too offensive, but there has been lots of correlations between lack of masculinity among Asian certain Asian men coming from societies that have a high vegetarian diet. Also there is a lots of medical correlations that men eating lots of soy and tofu products promote too much estrogen in a man's body.

I find these studies quite interesting, especially in regards to how most men feel that a meal is not a meal without their meat. And usually meat eating society usually promote more masculine acting and physical appearing type of males.

Maybe it is racist base, or maybe not, but I find a huge correlation between masculinity in relation to food. And you can ask any of your friends and family members, if you don't judge their opinion, what society continent has men that seem less masculine, or not known for their masculinity and I will guarantee you they will pick the continent that supports a high vegan dietary lifestyle: Asia.

I think veganism is mostly a female-centric dietary lifestyle.

Notwithstanding the racial undertones, your post is akin to me going to a weigh loss forum and saying that I don't date women who are size 22 or larger because...well...they are fat and not what I consider feminine or attractive and that I find them too passive and worried about food all the time. But I wouldn't do that because it would make me an ignorant a-hole.

Let me help you dispel some of your misconceptions. Please follow this here linky and tell me which of those men you find "effeminate". http://features.peta.org/sexy-veg-2011/Round1.aspx

Or you can google NFLer Tony Gonzales or UFC fighters Mac Danzig, Jake Shields, Aaron Simpson, Jon Fitch etc. or NBA champions Bill Walton and Robert Parish or dozens of the other bodybuilders and professional athletes who follow a vegan or raw-vegan diet. These are all "manly men" who are at the top of their game involved in aggressive pursuits and I don't think any of them could be referred to as "effeminate". Most of them credit their diet for being at the top of their field.

You're welcome to think that killing and eating a defenseless animals makes men "real men" and that the world needs more aggression. I mean, we could certainly use more abusive pricks and wars. However, I would argue that any buffoon can do that (and that most of these "manly men" buy their meat pre-killed at the supermarket) and that in fact being a "real man" includes such traits as thinking independently and having the courage to make moral decisions and take a position amid prejudice by the lemming heard. But hey, whatever turns your crank.

[Revvell]

He's vegan and, willing to kill to protect. He owns numerous weapons (as do I) and has taught his women how to shoot. Is he really a rarity? You've not looked deep enough methinks.



He is a rarity in the vegan community. And like you said, he is a former marine. Doubt he was a vegetarian as a marine, especially for like spiritual and ethical reasons. If so, I would find it interesting that a person who cares so much for not killing animals has no problem killing a human by joining the military. LOL That got to be one of the great ironies of all ironies.

Most people who were once military personal keeps their dedication of staying physically fit, even when they are outside the military. I don't care if they are vegan, or non-vegan. I have a huge meat eating uncle who was in the Army and makes sure his body is fit.

Military guys are a different breed of people, whether they are vegan, or heavy duty meat eater. They almost really don't count as being the average man. Their career and survival is based on them being fit. The average man doesn't have that obligation to be fit in order to survive war training.

[DawnD]

I prayed for a man that would put up with my strange ways and my prayers were answered. My hubby goes along with just about anything. He isnt 100% but is getting closer all the time. We make it a point to live in blissful peace and be supportive to one another. He was out of work after selling his business so he had to learn to be home and wax domestic. He just never learned to prep our food. Lately he has been so sweet and I keep hearing the phrase " anything for you my love". My jaw usually drops and I wonder where this is coming from. But I guess 20 months of raw brings out the more gentle side of a person.

Anyway back to the OP. I would have to date someone that understood my lifestyle and lived very similar. I am not going back to SAD and I am not going to fight with anyone about it. Its too important to me. For now its not ethical or spiritual but what I need to do for health and good energy.

[evelynf]

My husband is an omnivore, as was I when we met. I've been vegan for over a year and interested in raw veganism for a large part of that time. Been more on the raw side for about 6 months now.

I never really liked preparing animal carcasses and my husband's repertoire of cooking consists of a lot of veg meals. Therefore, the transition for me was pretty easy, he's been supportive, most of the meals he makes are vegan and if they aren't he'll let me know. Most of the meals I make are enough for two and he'll usually try it and give me honest feedback - he was TOTALLY impressed with Alissa's blue cheese from RFFE. I don't force anything on him. We make our own meals a lot, I also buy all of my own produce, if he wants animal products he has to get them himself so when he complains about not having eggs it's not my problem. Sometimes we cook together those will be my occasional non-raw meals

He's been OK with the raw transition, I guess it helps that I do have cooked food when I'm out.

It would be easier to have a partner that was the same but in the end, I was the one that changed and you can't force someone to change, although I think if he was a big meat and potatoes guy there would be conflict. I feel for the people that have to cook for their families. I won't prepare or purchase animal products for anyone.

[Seductive Arts]

Ya reckon???????

Got two ex soldiers in my family and they are waddling down to the butcher to pick up there next consignment of bacon. Personally I think the SPARTANS went the way of the ancient Greeks.

Just saying overall there are two types of men who are above average than the average man: military men and athletes (runners, cyclist, weight lifters, etc). There are lots of athletes woofing down bacon as well, but they can still kick the a$$ of the average man in terms of being fit. Same with military men.

Yes, nutrition helps, but lets be fair and honest, you can't just say food helped a person when you are talking about people whose life or livelihood depended on them being fit, in shape and ready to compete in war or sport. You are comparing the average person to the elite in terms of fitness, or shall I say survival of the fittest.

Unless some athlete or military person has let themselves go completely by being fat with a beer belly, it almost becomes a mute point when someone shows an in shape military or ex-military person who has kept up their military pride and honor of being fit and in excellent shape and say "Oh, look, this is what Raw/Veganism/Carnivore diet has done to them." No, having pride in keeping in shape is what has "done" to them. And no person like a military person has lots of pride and damn big ego in having DISCIPLINE. Yes, there are a few get lazy when their military life is over, but over all a lot of them still have a lot of discipline. I saw them at the Veteran's hospital all the time when I took a late relative to the VA bi-monthly for his cancer before passed away. Those who had LONG military life were fit. The ones who just went for 4 years just to get on the GI bill because they couldn't afford to go to college, well you know, they never had interest in military life. Just looking for something to do since they couldn't afford college. Sure when those types finish, they get and lazy like everybody else who is non-military.

[Seductive Arts]

Congratulations. I'm sorry it wasn't clear to you but I posted this in a raw vegan forum to engage in discussions with raw vegans. Clearly, input from people who consume animal products is quite irrelevant.


There are different reasons why people are raw vegan and the consumption of animals has nothing to do with it at all. I am sure raw veganism would have interest for PETA type animal rights people. However, just not the fact that not all vegans or people who choose high veganism is not interested in animal rights, or base their food choices on "I can't eat meat because rabbits look too cute with their big bauble eyes."

For some of us, we just like vegetables and fruit more than meat and know the fact that a high vegetable and fruit diet aids to good health. And that is as far as we go on the subject of veganism or high veganism.



Notwithstanding the racial undertones, your post is akin to me going to a weigh loss forum and saying that I don't date women who are size 22 or larger because...well...they are fat and not what I consider feminine or attractive and that I find them too passive and worried about food all the time. But I wouldn't do that because it would make me an ignorant a-hole.


I don't think it would make you an ignorant a-hole but a one who has preference. I am a size 20, after being a size 24 in January. I will say I don't find fat anyone attractive either. And I have been dateless for years, because I am not going to date a fat person, since it is not attractive to me. I like slim, but muscular men. However, people usually like to date people who are like themselves, of course with some exception. However, I am losing weight, besides health, is because if I want to date a certain type, I should be that certain type myself. If that makes me an a-hole then I own my a-holeness with pride. People can date on their preference and they have the right to believing what is attractive to them or not.

Let me help you dispel some of your misconceptions. Please follow this here linky and tell me which of those men you find "effeminate". http://features.peta.org/sexy-veg-2011/Round1.aspx
[/quote]

Interesting site. However, I think, based on my definition of sexy, some people on there are sexy and many are not. And some, in my believe, don't deserve belong on that website to be defined as sexy.

And where I live, I am not finding any sexy vegans based on WHAT I DEFINE AS SEXY. Most of the vegans look like 60/70s type hippies, or emo hipsters wannabes. The type of dudes that you see selling me food at Whole Foods and Trader Joe's and if you go to both of those stores, you know what type I am talking about. And that type does not interest me at all.

And if you have no clue to what I am talking about, then this is the type of vegans I see that I don't like based on my definition of sexual attraction...

http://i45.tinypic.com/9tinoj.jpg

http://blog.skimkim.com/wp-content/upload/hipster-beard-pbr.jpg

These are the type of vegans I see a lot at vegan events. Now if you see a dude who looks like this the men below, send them my way please AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/bg/Shia+cleans+up+well+slIn3gb7KAGl.jpg

http://www.therealstevegray.com/wp-content/uploads/seersucker_suit1.jpg






You're welcome to think that killing and eating a defenseless animals makes men "real men" and that the world needs more aggression. I mean, we could certainly use more abusive pricks and wars. However, I would argue that any buffoon can do that (and that most of these "manly men" buy their meat pre-killed at the supermarket) and that in fact being a "real man" includes such traits as thinking independently and having the courage to make moral decisions and take a position amid prejudice by the lemming heard. But hey, whatever turns your crank.

The difference between you and me is that I have no problem killing animals for food, nor see it as a moral issue, because it is not a moral issue at all. Some how if you are human and you kill an animal for food it is some big BOO HOO, you are a buffoon. However, if a lion, tiger or bear kills an animal for food, we call it a part of life, because lions, tigers and bears don't eat apples, cabbage and alfalfa sprouts. I think, in my opinion it becomes illogical where a cat or dog can eat meat without being accused of being immoral, but when a human wants to eat meat, I guess for the vegans there is a carnivore hell for meat eaters in the afterlife.

Now the only thing I can agree with vegans, the logical agreement, is that people eat way too much meat to the point that 1. it is unhealthy to consume more meat than one consumes fruits and vegetables and 2. once you start treating animals as if they have no more importance than a sack of nuts, then you start to treat animals inhumanely, plus a poor life quality of an animal in a food farm fashion equal poor quality meat. Now one can debate that killing an animal is inhuman for it loses it life. Yeah, it can be. Such is life when a tiger tears done a deer by shredding its neck with its teeth. Such is life! I am sure if a tiger can get hold of a human as a food source, it sure will snap a neck of a little kid. SUCH IS LIFE! Same with sharks tearing off the arms of a surfer in the ocean. SUCH IS LIFE!

Hey, do vegans get upset when a fish eats another fish for food? I guess, a certain type of vegan, the PETA TYPE has issues with life in general for something and everything dies in order to become food. Vegans should weep a tear any time they yank a pull carrots out of the ground. I am sure vegans killed plant life all the time for food. I am sure plants don't like dying in order to be part of your Green Smoothie.

This is when vegan fanaticism gets absurd with me, because fact is every living then has to die to be something else food source. One can not avoid that fact of life. And anyone who doesn't acknowledge that fact is not living in reality.

Fine be vegan. I am all for it for you and for me. However, I can't stand delusional people and their utopian fantasy land ideals that nothing dies when it becomes a food source. People need to stop being in denial that anytime you make a salad, you have KILLED A PLANT LIFE....a life period. So everyone who eats anything is a buffoon, because I am sure your carrots, beets and strawberries were defenseless and mind it own business before you came along and "pluck", "pick", "snap", "grab" out of the ground, or off a tree for you to munch on.

Hey, don't blame carnivores for wanting to eat meat, blame God for making life this way and for beings, whether humans or animals, for being on the top of the pyramid as being predators while other beings, whether animals and plant life, for having to live life as prey.

Predator and prey is part of life. Some people just need to get over it.

Now excuse me, I have delayed dinner to type this out. I got a strawberry, banana and chia seed smoothie calling my name.

[Dougal]

So.. my boyfriend found out I'm going raw on May 9th and he's agreed to join me in the 30 day challenge!!!!!! :heart