Defending rawfoodism

[edenvegan]

I think we all know that raw food is best, but I have a hard time convincing others--especially if they're cooked fooders. There's always someone who says, "I had a grandma who lived to be 101 years old, and she ate cooked"--or something to that affect. And I have to admit, I never had any major health problems when I ate cooked food--only minor ones.

The point is I believe raw food increases the quality of life, over quantity of life--meaning years lived on Earth. Sure someone can eat cooked food and live a long time...but are they on medication/pills just to "keep them going?" I'm sure some would argue that raw food increases quantity of life, but there's always unforseen events like car accidents, etc. which can cut a life short.

So, could someone tell me what to say when I tell people I'm trying to eat mostly raw food? (I'm not good at arguing or persuading others.) I've tried saying, "The body can take a lot of abuse before it finally breaks down," but I need more stuff than that. Got any ideas??? Thanks guys.

[Revvell]

There's been a lot of threads on this ~ one currently yet what I will say here is: I don't "try" to convince others of anything. Here's a saying I learned awile back ~ Leave others to their otherness and take care of yourself.

Another would be: Don't try to teach pigs to sing ~ you'll only frustrate yourself and irritate the pig.

Best thing to do is, do what you do and be an example of vibrant health.

R.

[Rawkinlocs]

Edenvegan,

I have never really used "rawfoodism" as a life-extender because of what you mentioned. Poor diet and/or sickness is not the only means of one passing out of this life. So, for me, eating raw IS about improving my quality of life...about lessening the chances of getting the same diseases many of my family members are plagued with and having to take the pills for the rest of my life, etc.

It's also about honoring and caring enough about my body/temple to try and give it the best. Are the folks you find yourself trying to persuade of the same faith as you (meaning, are they Christians)? If so, PM me and I'll "take it there" for you too!

But the best thing IF AT ALL POSSIBLE is to just not tell people and to not try to justify your eating habits at all.

Yep, I've had relatives live a long time too...but what kind of living is it to have to rely on medications, surgeries, dialysis, or be doomed to a mechanical chair for all those years? (No offense to anyone who does any of these or who has relatives who do...hope the point I'm making and intent is understood here)

I sometimes tell people who are close to me or my family that I'm attempting to break the vicious cycle of disease that "runs in my family" and they usually get the idea ESP if they're family members WITH said diseases (or know those who have them). But for the most part, I say nothing and don't really get a hard time from any of them anyway regarding it.

[levamssg]

Why do you have to persuade, convince, and defend? You've researched it, it works for you, you are feeling wonderful, so it's a choice you've made for YOU. period.

Having said that, when I first started on raw, I wanted to convince folks that this was best and they should do it too. But ya know, I discovered arguing and trying to persuade and convince folks takes a lot of energy I would rather use elsewhere.

Now, after a year, I simply do it for me. If asked, I just say it is healthier for me -- no artificial ingredients, chemicals, toxins, no killing the nutrients with heat. If someone is truly interested in learning about raw, I will chat a bit about dead food versus living, nutrients, enzymes ... but I don't bother unless someone really wants to know.

and, Is it really a question about living longer? ... perhaps it is more about the quality of the life we are presently living. If good food choices contribute to a longer life, - wonderful.

I've often wondered if, instead of "defending" raw vegan food, turn the conversation around and ask why they eat cooked food, meat, dairy? What are the benefits to that? ... and see what the answer is. :)

[kmik]

I try to keep it brief and smile and say "It's working great for me!" I'm at the point where I can let my results speak for themselves.

But if someone starts asking sincere questions... look out, you can't shut me up :rolleyes: