Raw vs. Cooked

[RawMomma]

I have been debating about this issue in my own mind for awhile now. If we (the parents) really think that raw is the best and also the more experienced ones that have written books believe that 100% raw is the best why do we give our children cooked food at all? I am not at all knowledgable about being 100% raw and have only skimmed over a few books on raw food and children, but in each case the author either suggested or admitted that they give their children some cooked food. I am probably babbling, but this is a question that I think about a lot for myself and my children. I was hoping that I could get some feed back from others that have more experience.

Thank you,

Annie

[kmik]

I have only poor reasons for giving my kids cooked... as in I don't feel like trying to convince them that they should eat the raw food without complaining, I know they'll eat the cooked, it's less preperation time for me, as it's usually a can or box or something out of the freezer, I'm too lazy to make multiple batches of my raw dishes (I've got five kids, so enough usually won't fit in one food processor full, or one blender full).

But do I feel like a bad mother? Yes, actually I do (not saying that anyone who feeds their child cooked is bad... just saying this is how I feel, cuz I feel that I know better.)

I have been increasing raw foods overall for them, I'd like to think. They all eat fruit. My oldest and middle daughter share my green smoothies, my youngest son loves pesto stuffed mushrooms, but my oldest son and youngest daughter have so far turned their noses up at most of my food.

I'm hoping that the example I'm setting, and experimenting, and finding things they do like over time, without forcing it on them, will give them a positive introduction to raw and help them develop good habits in their lives.

I just wish that I had found this before I started having kids. It'd have been so easy to just start them on raw!

[Rawkinlocs]

I TOTALLY feel you on this! I think for "me", it's because I introduced cooked to my kids at such an early age and that's all they've really ever known up until fairly recently (the last almost 2 years) Raw is new to us all and my eldest simply does not like enough variety of things to go all raw...I sometimes wonder if he would become deficient because his diet would be so limited. So, should he eat the limited amount of raw foods ONLY or should he eat the limited amounts of raw with some cooked stuff - is my dilemna.

My girls and my 2 year old are very high raw, but if junk is presented to them, they won't turn it down, but my eldest son...whole 'nother story. I wouldn't consider him high raw at all. He will drink smoothies or eat certain fruits here at home, but once he leaves during after school time, he's getting his fill of junk!

I know I have a better chance with my 2-year old. He had gotten acquainted with cooked foods, but we started on raw just in time for him to feel THAT is more normal for him.

But my older ones...I'm not sure what's going to become of it.

[TimmyC]

Well for me....my wife isn't raw (says she wants to be) and she feeds them other than raw food. If I had my drothers, my whole family would be....but force is not the answer...just good leadership, and eventually they'll make the right choices.