Rice and potatoes

[jackson]

Is cooked rice really bad if you’re trying to go totally raw?
I wanted to commit to raw because I want good health and immune system repair and vitality and that raw foods ‘glow’ and I’m also going to be an on screen actor on TV.
However is a little bit of rice or baked potato OK to mix in? I feel it’s really grounding food that you need some starch every once in a while, is there raw rice?

[Aleesha Sattva]

You can sprout wild rice. But support in your choice to eat cooked food is not something you will find here. This forum has been set up to support people who follow Alissa Cohen's philosophy of eating raw live food.

in light,
Aleesha
Admin

[modernmonkey]

Hey, you can say that about anything. A little bit of steamed veg, a little bit of chocolate, a little bit of wine, a little bit of salmon, a little bit of coffee. However you want to eat is completely up to you. I am sure there are dozens of people allowing dozens of things within their raw lifestyle. But no one here can tell you a little bit of rice/potato is okay. There are good reasons why all non raw foods are less than desirable. The same cannot be said of raw foods. Please do what feels best for you.

[Stella Green]

Mushrooms are super grounding! I gave up potatoes but raw sweet potatoes are the best and also grounding. Also, believe it or not, cauliflower makes a great substitute for rice. The raw version of "fried rice" is super delicious. Check out as many recipes as you can...and try to keep an open mind as your journey towards raw. Think: I need something grounding... I want potatoes but what could I have as a substitute? You'll surprise yourself at how delightful the substitutes can make you feel: grounded, but not heavy like glue

[James Carmichael]

What is ment by "grounded" and "grounding"?

[Mrs. Papaya]

I was wondering about the "grounding" comments too. I think it's meant to mean something filling and satisfying. In the past, before I tried raw, I would often feel unsatisfied until I was able to fill myself with some starch. That's a sign of a type of food addiction, I believe, and now that I am giving 100% raw a shot, I think raw foods are the truly "grounding" foods in all senses.

With that said, I do not plan to be 100% raw forever and plan to transition to maybe 80% raw. For me, that's good enough. It's not like I'm totally anti ever having potatoes or rice (though I would have sweet potatoes or brown rice....the white versions are just bad!!).

But suggesting that you need to add them to your mostly raw diet in order to be "grounded" strikes me as an excuse because you don't want to let go of them. That's understandable, but just be aware what is happening.

Bottom line, do what works for you. If that means including some rice in your diet, okay, but don't try to convince yourself it's beacuse these foods are somehow necessary to keep you energized/healthy/grounded.

p.s. When I crave starchy stuff, I eat like 2-3 bananas. :)

[lovenlife]

Grounding to me means a few things..
1) when green juice or smoothies sends you high as a kite...grounding bring you back to earth.

2)Grounding when your emotions are all over the place and you want to come back to center.

2)Similar as previous 2 only caused by electromagnetic "noise" like cell phones, pcs, etc....grounding would mean to get your feet in the dirt, on the earth somehow.

Raw roots veggies will do this sometimes as well as visualizing being grounded!

[Raw Angel Mom]

They are starches and highly addictive. Rice makes my body gain weight, i had no clue until i experimented. Healthy fat doesn't.

What i suggest, is to have a plan and prepare yourself to take the plunge for 100% raw food. I understand how much it cans be scary to you but trust me, once you are free from the addiction, you would wish you would have done that sooner.

If you are a compulsive eater without question ditch the rice and potato.

On the other hand, it is important to focus on your accomplishment. If you want to make a smooth transition to raw, then so be it. Make sure to eat greens as much you can (Cilantro, parsley, spinach, kale, dandelion, arugula, etc.. and even wheat grass juice). Green smoothie heals addiction and in time, you will let go on your own the cook food all together.

As long as you have a food in the cook food, you will remain under the spell of the addiction just like an alcoholic try to quit drinking and have a drink once in a while.

What i suggest perhaps, if you aren't ready to do just yet a 100% raw food, is to do the steam vegetables only.

Write down why you want to do raw food and remind yourself everyday the reasons.

You are worthy to be free, healthy and happy.

Best wishes with your journey

p.s Alissa has a 30 days support group on this message board. It is truly easy to do raw food. She has a fantastic DVD that was a great help for me.

[belleadonna]

Keep in mind that rice and potatoes are two of the most mucus producing foods on the planet. If you feel that you have to have some cooked food, go for lightly steamed veggies rather than starches.