Coming back to raw???

[runningmama]

I used to eat raw it would be one year ago this month if I would have stuck with it. My question to the group is this....how do u continue being raw when no one in your family is eating raw or want to eat raw? It was beginning to get SUPER expensive for me. Please give me some advice because I really want to get back to raw but I am just not sure how to afford it. I had no problem making meals for my family so that isn't the problem. Oh yea one other question...my children are 4 & 6how do I explain to them why I am eating differently then them. Thank you for your help.

[Saria]

I definately think it would be more challanging to eat raw around other people, especially when they are your children! I have the luxury of living with a roommate who doesnt eat with me so I make decisions just for me. It's a little more expensive but i just make sure not to waste anything. The only advice I can give you is about how to overcome wanting to eat the cooked food and SAD. I stay at my parents' house frmo time to time and this is what helps me. If you fast on water for 2-4 days you will want to eat raw foods only. SAD doesn't appeal to me, the only time i find myself eating it is if I let someone pressure me into it. Then it's hard to stop until I fast again. So I won't be letting anyone pressure me again.
This may or may not work with your young children, but i tell people I'm eating raw to cleanse because I need to clear up my acne (which is minimal) You could pick something else if you don't have acne, like sore joints or something. Over time, when they realize you're still eating raw just say it's because you don't want the problem to come back.
Hope that helps!

[runningmama]

Hollycfx,
Thank you! That did help. I think this time around I will try hard not to make so many of the fancy foods and just try to stick to the basic of the raw diet.

[Saria]

The basic foods really are the best in my opinion! There are so many simple smoothies you can make, too, if you're getting bored. you could always cut up an apple or some carrots or broccoli or something to munch on while preparing SAD for the family. If you eat this while you cook maybe you won't get tempted by the cooked food. Just remind yourself how good raw and live food is! Another easy thing to make is ants on the log; i use organic celery, smuckers natural PB crunchy style (the peanuts in this brand are not roasted) and organic raisins. That's an affordable snack that tastes delicious!

[EmpowerEnergetics]

I agree with Hollycfx: back to the basics! I follow the 80/10/10 plan (80% of my calories from carbohydrates, 10% from protein, and 10% from fats), and I find that my dietary staples are also the cheapest things! I LOVE buying as much of my produce in bulk as possible. In bulk, bananas and romaine lettuce are some of the best bang for your buck. Bulk quinoa, which you can sprout & do yummy things with, is another good contender! Good luck! ;)