Have any of you intentionally went from 100% to less?

[faith4u]

If you have, what have you experienced?

Thanks

[sigtau66]

My wife and I intentionally ate cooked food the other day, but it was a 1 time thing. We did it for a multitude of reasons (which you can read about in my journal), but the experience wasn't good for either of us. We had been raw since Jan. 1st.

After I finished eating, I immediately felt like I was going to puke. I stayed that way for about 20 minutes. For the rest of the evening, I wasn't feeling the greatest. The next day my wife felt horrible. Her stomach was bothering her for most of the day. So, for both of us, it was not a good experience. Definitely something I don't want to experience again for a while, if ever.

As for long term experiences, someone else will have to answer that.

[Jackie1995]

For Valentine's Day I was all set to go home to my sprouted raw chickpea hummus and lettuce, but my wonderful spouse was really determined to bring me to a Chinese restaurant. I figured, hey, my lifestyle needs flexibility, or else I'll be like one of those folks who quit something bad (for example, smoking) and spend the rest of their lives preaching at everyone and being so overbearing that it makes everyone avoid them...you get the picture.

So we went to this Chinese restaurant.

Background: there is NO good chinese food in our part of south florida. It just is impossible.

It wasn't terrible, the stuff was fresh, but overcooked to death. No msg. I had "buddah delight" which is 4 different kinds of mushrooms (about a cup full) and another cup of veggies like baby corn, carrots, broccoli, water chestnut in some corn starch sauce and 1/4 cup vegetable fried rice. Oh, and an eggroll. It was ok.

I didn't get sick, or anything like that, and I didn't feel bad. But the next day the only problem I had was that I was a tad constipated, which made for a non-soft stool, and that irritated my hemmorhoids a bit. Not terrible, but not something I'd want to repeat very often.

Flexibility...made the spouse happy, I wasn't preachy, no really bad effects. Works for me!

[Light of an Angel]

I had some Indian cooked food (vegetables in spices) plus some pita for Valentine's lol..same reason as Jackie...hubby and I went out to eat.....and got bloating, stomach cramps, and felt tired...although my portion was minimal...I tried to focus on white wine instead :D Felt better late afternoon next day.

[newyearspromise]

This is something I am thinking of incorporating in a few months. Until then, I am planning to stay 100% raw.

The thought of never eating anything cooked again in my life is sort of...well, a little depressing. I know some people here would be sad to hear me say that, but I really do miss Korean food and Chinese and Domino's...etc...

What I am thinking is that 1 day a month I might allow 1 cooked dinner. The whole day would not be a free for all--it would just be that specific meal that would be cooked. The whole month would need to be 100% raw...which I don't have a problem staying on right now.

1 cooked dinner a month would mean my hubby and I could get a babysitter and go out on a date to any restaurant we want once a month. I think that is the most I would go off.

I really love being raw...I am on day #1 of a juice fast for getting over a cold and I am loving the way I am feeling... :)

[tglasco4]

I have in that i use bulgar wheat. Its the only non-raw item on my menu. I use it because my system doesnt react to it as it digests very quickly and I didn't realize when I started using it that it wasnt raw. But asides that, I am all raw and dont do anything cooked or even dehydrated now.

Peace.

Todd

[kitchenfairy]

I'm just not stressing when all I have is hubby's store baught dressing on hand...I'm still eating the salad. Just remind myself to plan for me more.

Sometimes I'm in a situation where there are not good choices. I survive.
I think feeling the difference in digestion from cooked is OK and a reminder of how great raw is.

[tracyb519]

What do you make with the bulgar wheat? Do you use it as a cereal?

Thanks,
Tracy

[MoniDew]

yes, I was 100% for 3 years, and yes, I got very healthy.

As I have discussed on this board before, raw very nearly cost me everything I had. For a time, I lost my family over it. I actually DID lose my former teaching postition over it. My whole world used to be researching, writing, and teaching on the biochemistry of raw. I learned how to reverse cancer with living foods and dedicated my whole life to reversing as many as I could.

I know EXACTLY how important it is to be 100% raw and stay that way for life. I would venture to say maybe 5 other people in the world today has been/is doing more research in raw, living foods than I am.

But I lost all perspective. My family was not and is not supportive of a 100% raw diet. We could never go out to eat (something they very much enjoy) I could never eat with friends (I am the only raw person I know) and I don't fit into society at all anymore.

I missed fun! I missed vegetarian foods I used to enjoy: like veggie fajitas, REAL hummus, Indian foods, Pad Thai, etc. I wasn't having fun at all anymore.

2 days ago, I made a conscious, deliberate intention to transition to "healthy vegetarian." I will eat all the raw living foods that I can, use organic produce whenever possible, and I will moderate it with fun and healthy vegetarian foods. I will eat enough raw to stay healthy and enough cooked and fun to HAVE A LIFE!

I very nearly left the raw world without a peep. I almost decided to leave the boards today without even saying goodby. But then I saw this post topic...

In short, YES. I AM raw foods, I am the queen of raw foods, and I am one who INTENTIONALLY is less than 100% raw.

[jaurequi]

That's interesting, Monidew. I'm glad you stayed, though :)

When did you make this decision? I mean, how long have you been eating cooked again? I ask because I'd like to know how you're feeling in general (physically, emotionally -- effects from the cooked food on your body and mental state, is what I mean) and also, if you feel solid in your decision (any doubts?).

I'm sorry you had no life! That is really terrible. That must have been a negative existence. I suppose you tried everything to get it to work? I really can't say what I'd do if my family and friends reacted that way, but I think I'd probably cut them out of my life...not sure, though. It's easy to say that when hypothesizing, isn't it? ;)

Are you vegan? (fingers crossed! :D)

Anyway, if you don't want to answer, obviously you don't have to; or you can pm if you don't want to answer publicly. Either way, I wish you some well-deserved peace, finally!
And all the best, :)

[MoniDew]

I thought I should answer publicly, because I am a public figure in the raw world.

Do I physically feel as great cooked as raw? NO WAAAY! Our bodies are absolutely designed for ONLY raw foods, anatomically, physiologically, and biochemically. It's just basic biology that every creature eats its own anatomically appropriate, raw/living foods. This I know as fact. I researched it, studied it, proved it 12 ways from Sunday. Publically taught it, wrote about it. EVERYTHING.

Do I emotionally feel as great cooked as raw? NO! Like every raw teacher of note, I am guilty of the elitist mentality - "I am all raw, all the time - and you're just a slimy dog worm." It's like Hitler, only raw. I began to realize that this attitude is nothing short paranoia. My mental state was in such schizophrenic dissaray, given the disparaty between what I knew was right physically, and what I knew was wrong emotionally. I had to take a step back, moderate the Hitler approach to raw with a healthy dose of reality, and just be NORMAL, psychologically, again.

So, I now deal with not feeling well sometimes. I deal with not having everything my way sometimes. I deal with not being perfect sometimes.

I chose become REAL. I chose to become Human. I no longer live in the Garden of Eden because I chose to fall from perfection. I joined the rest of the world, because the world would not join me, EVEN AFTER I UNEQUIVICALLY PROVED THEIR WAY WRONG.

Nothing prepared me for the YAWN of the universe when I announced, "hey world, I know how to cure cancer!!" I expected the world to stop spinning on its axis, stand at attention and salute me! When I didn't receive the Nobel Prize, when the world simply rolled over and went back to sleep, I lost my mind! I had a nervous breakdown. I had a totally mental collapse.

Eventually, I chose to give up trying. It wasn't doing me any good. This decision has been months in the making. I didn't make it overnight. I just knew I had been beat. And there was no way to win. The world will never change.

So I changed.

and yes, occassionally I eat dairy products. (no meat yet.)

[rawpriestess]

I am also not 100% raw, after being 100% for 4 months, not a very long time, but longer than many, and not as long as a few.

I did not make a conscious decision to not be raw, I struggled with cravings, and wanted to eat something that felt familiar, that felt and tasted and SMELLED like home, like comfort.

What I couldn't really understand, is this I have a truly loving partner who totally supports me, we have no canned or boxed or cooked foods in the house, he eats almost what I eat, and mostly raw like me, but that wasn't enough.

I have enough money to buy all organic, and I have a great kitchen, all the gadgets, I can even hire a raw chef, we looked into that for a while, and that wasn't enough.

We have our own organic gardens, brimming with great wonderful delicious foods and that wasn't enough.

We have plenty of time to do what we want in the kitchen or garden or greenhouse, because we are self employed artists, and that wasnt' enough.

We don't have to cook for anyone in our family, noone stopping in to eat, no family we need to cook for, no nothing, and that wasn't enough.

We don't have to feed our kids, or struggle with them wanting junk foods, we don't have junk foods in our home and that wasn't enough.

we live way far away from town or any stores or restaurants, so it's not like it's really easy to grab a burger, and that wasn't enough.

We don't have to drive into town past fast food places on our way to work, as we work out of our home, and that wasn't enough.

We don't have to have power lunches with drinks and the big boss, again, because we are self employed, and that wasnt' enough.

We don't have in-laws that don't understand, we don't have mothers who are sabotaging us, we don't have spouses that challenge us, and that wasnt' enough.

What we do have is freedom of choice, and free will. we can do what we want when we want, and we do.

I was 100% raw, so was my hubby, we did it, we took the challenge, we felt great, and we loved it. so for what purpose are we no longer 100% raw?

Life, there is no one reason, but life. I love my life, I love being the organic gardener, raw foodist, nudist, freak, who lives in nature, and grows her own food, and paints, and all. I love that.

But, I'm not ready, maybe tomorrow I'll be ready.

[rawfigure]

yes, I was 100% for 3 years, and yes, I got very healthy.

As I have discussed on this board before, raw very nearly cost me everything I had. For a time, I lost my family over it. I actually DID lose my former teaching postition over it. My whole world used to be researching, writing, and teaching on the biochemistry of raw. I learned how to reverse cancer with living foods and dedicated my whole life to reversing as many as I could.

I know EXACTLY how important it is to be 100% raw and stay that way for life. I would venture to say maybe 5 other people in the world today has been/is doing more research in raw, living foods than I am.

But I lost all perspective. My family was not and is not supportive of a 100% raw diet. We could never go out to eat (something they very much enjoy) I could never eat with friends (I am the only raw person I know) and I don't fit into society at all anymore.

I missed fun! I missed vegetarian foods I used to enjoy: like veggie fajitas, REAL hummus, Indian foods, Pad Thai, etc. I wasn't having fun at all anymore.

2 days ago, I made a conscious, deliberate intention to transition to "healthy vegetarian." I will eat all the raw living foods that I can, use organic produce whenever possible, and I will moderate it with fun and healthy vegetarian foods. I will eat enough raw to stay healthy and enough cooked and fun to HAVE A LIFE!

I very nearly left the raw world without a peep. I almost decided to leave the boards today without even saying goodby. But then I saw this post topic...

In short, YES. I AM raw foods, I am the queen of raw foods, and I am one who INTENTIONALLY is less than 100% raw.


This is so perfect and such a testiment to keeping it all in perspective.

I eat Raw, BUT there are times when I choose to eat a cooked food...like last night. Friday is "date night" my husband go out to dinner, enjoy. I do not want to ever let my diet come between us and our time together. I went through too many years of that when I was competing. Going out was often a fight waiting to happen because I had to eat, not eat ! based on the condition i was in for a show.

I will not let Raw Diet do this same thing to me. My husband does not me too continue to have food issues and he is concerned about my Rawism So I ate a Veggie Wrap..with eggplant, squash, portabello and such...ok I removed the wrap but the veggies were grilled. So I felt fine with it. Today I eat Raw...

Balance balance balance ............

[swiss_miss]

So your choosing to stray from what you know in your heart to be the best and most nourishing way to live because of the lifestyles and beliefs of the majority of people...and your trying to justify it?!?! I dont even know where to start with that one. :confused:

About the hitler comment, there are plenty of people who are 100% raw and dont act like "a raw hitler" for example when I talk to people about raw, if they want to know about it, great I'll tell them more and if they dont want to know thats fine too.

It sound like you are trying to blame raw food for your "schizophrenic dissaray" Interesting...I didnt know raw food caused mental problems...guess I better cut down on fresh veggies and replace them with some greasy fried chicken and a donut...that way I'll be sane and most importantly NORMAL :rolleyes:

Hmm...If u eat SAD food you become more real than me? wow. I guess obese people with heart conditions stuffing themselves with McDonalds must be the "most real" people on the planet...how I envy them! :D

So most people werent terribly overwhelmed and awestruck that you were living your life in the healthiest way humanly possible and that you knew that raw food cures most physical problems and illnesses. They ignored you and kept living SAD emotionaly as well as physically...Well guess what? thats life. You can't change people. All you can do is what is best for yourself and hope that they will follow your example, and if they dont it dosent matter because you are still dong what is best for yourself.

"Eventually, I chose to give up trying. It wasn't doing me any good. This decision has been months in the making. I didn't make it overnight. I just knew I had been beat. And there was no way to win. The world will never change."

The only way the world is ever going to change is if people stick to what they know is right instead of giving up and joining the rest of the herd because its "easier".

Please dont try to justify your weaknesses.

You have not been beat. You are giving up.Take responsibility.

[sport]

MoniDew. I felt a great saddness reading your posts. It seems to me that you have a lot to offer to the raw community and to the people on this board who are starting up but you are not prepared to settle for just helping a few. There is no healer in the world who can honestly expect to heal everybody but are happy to heal whoever they can.
Please reconsider your decision ,for your sake more than for others. The fact that in spite of all that you know, you can still go back to eating dairy, sends a shudder through me. I am no Hitler but I try to get the message across to anyone that I think will be receptive to it and if they do not want to know then I consider that my responsibility to them has ended. What is so wrong with that approach.
Please don't give up.
Mary

[FreshAir]

MoniDew, please don't leave the board here. I am one of many guilty of not letting people know when their post really hits home with me, gives me a new perspective on raw, or helps me through a bad day. Your posts always inform and inspire me.

What's hard for a lot of us, I think, is not having places we can go to and order something besides a salad. I would like to get an appetizer, entree and dessert that is all raw :D But we are the pioneers, and right now, we have to be patient until others (some of us, hopefully) open raw restaurants. It is so sad that our lives are built around socializing that must include food - food that is making us sicker and sicker, and more dependent on drugs. I just can't go back now that I know better.

You have researched and shared so much on raw with us, and I always feel I can trust what you say, because it is backed up with research and actual experience with patients you have worked with.

Whether or not you stay raw is your choice, but please stay and continue to share your knowledge with us.

I'm sorry life has gotten you down right now, but this too, is just a small part of the journey. I wish you all the best.

[Kimbato50]

Swiss Miss - FYI there is a relationship between raw foods and mental difficulties. All raw can be healthful, but is sometimes it is practiced in an unbalanced way. It's called sugar addiction! Many arrogant raw fooders would be judgemental of someone on SAD consuming 10 candy bars a day, but think nothing of consuming nothing but smooties, fruit, and dates all day. The connection is there. Please do your research before you lecture the rest of us!

Kimba

[juliebove]

Swiss Miss - FYI there is a relationship between raw foods and mental difficulties. All raw can be healthful, but is sometimes it is practiced in an unbalanced way. It's called sugar addiction! Many arrogant raw fooders would be judgemental of someone on SAD consuming 10 candy bars a day, but think nothing of consuming nothing but smooties, fruit, and dates all day. The connection is there. Please do your research before you lecture the rest of us!

Kimba

I can believe that. I don't personally like most fruit, so I would never go overboard on it. I also have diabetes and I know that I can't eat much dried fruit because of that. However newly diagnosed diabetics are often given vague information about diet and might be told to eat plenty of whole grains,fruits and vegetables. So they go hog wild on the fruit and eat tons stuff labeled "whole grain" that really isn't. Like processed cereals. They think they are eating healthy things and then they wonder why their BG (blood glucose) is through the roof.

My husband is one who doesn't normally watch what he eats. He loves junk food and will happily eat that until he gets in trouble for his weight. He is in the military and they do get weighed. So then he'll go into a panic and want to eat healthy food. I have learned that when he asks if something is healthy, never to say "yes". If he thinks a food is healthy, he'll eat tons of it. He was eating entire huge bags of banana chips for snacks. I think some people are just attracted to those sorts of foods.

[divaitalia]

I really love this site!! It makes me feel better knowing that there are people out there that are honest with themselves and with others in the process of becoming better and better for themselves and humanity. I respect what everyone has said on this particular thread. It is very hard to change habits and lifestyles and we all know that eating is a very big habit that we are struggling to change daily.

I am a little disgruntled when people like Swiss Miss come onto the thread and pretty much blow everybody out of the water with her combative, judgemental attitude towards what people are feeling and trying to say. I did not realize that this was that kind of site.

Swiss Miss, if you read the bylaws of what Alissa has laid down for us to follow, you will realize that you are being a little out of line with the way you have conducted yourself. For one that has little to say on this site thus far(23 posts to be exact) I feel you need to keep your BAD attitude to yourself and let others try to be supportive when support is due.

Have a great day,

Divaitalia

[Rawkinlocs]

I am sensing judgemental attitudes coming from a couple of areas in this thread.

Let's keep some things into perspective here:

1. This forum is for support of those who choose to eat raw. Alissa (the SITE OWNER) advocates an all-raw diet, however, she does NOT make being all-raw a neccesity for being a part of this forum BUT, you must respect those who are choosing that path because that is the purpose in which this forum was created...to learn more about the raw lifestyle and/or to receive support in the process of transitioning to said lifestyle.

2. There are many who thrive on a mostly fruit diet or even an all fruit diet. Fruit is the optimal food for humans...it's what we're designed to eat. There is a grave difference between 10 candy bars and eating the natural, unprocessed, unadulterated sugar in fruit. But regardless, there should be no judgments because we've all come from a diet of eating less-than-optimal foods. But I don't think raw fooders need to be criticizing other raw fooders...so if there are those here who choose to eat nuts, lots of fruit, smoothies, dates, etc....then there should be no judgement there either.

3. One person does not represent this site. There are over 4000 people on this site. It is very difficult to try and control what everyone here says and does. Yes, SwissMiss' comments could very well be taken as harsh and abrupt...but she could have meant it to be moreso of a "tough love" approach..it depends on perception.

I honestly don't know what to make of this thread, period. My thought when people say they choose to eat or are going to start eating cooked food or more cooked food is, "Do whatcha gotta do" UNLESS they are seeking advice because they don't want to eat cooked food. But if someone decides to, that's their business. I have eaten cooked foods...recently, but that's a personal decision "I" made that "I" have to live with...it's really no one else's business. Like Monidew, I believe with all my heart that eating all raw is most optimal for me and my well-being. I feel my BEST when I eat raw and I feel the effects of eating cooked food. But there are times when I make my bed and when I make it, I lay in it...I deal with the consequences of my actions. That is what she is choosing to do. She would rather feel more "normal" and like she's a part of the world and if that means giving up the great way she feels when she eats raw, that's the price she is willing to pay.

People make this decision and choice everyday...those who have spouses who are less-than-supportive and giving them grief about causing division within the home; those who have to cook for a family and be tempted by the smells and aromas and tasting the foods they prepare for their loved ones; those who are accustomed to a lot of socializing perhaps for their line of work or just their lifestyle, period but they get tired of eating "just salad".

Being raw is easy, but it's hard. It's mainly due to the society in which we live that makes it difficult at times. It's very challenging for those of us who live with non-raw loved ones...not impossible, but challenging. Grabbing fruit or veggies is THE most simple and easy way to eat...but letting go of the emotional attachment to food and the ideals that have been ingrained in us since childhood is not so simple nor is it easy.

Even some of the most adament raw fooders have been broken and humbled by cooked food...maybe after months or years of doing so well.

We all just need to realize that we are where we are meant to be at this moment. Those who have made the decision to go from all raw to some cooked, they are where they need to be at this very moment...there is something to be learned and gleaned from all of our experiences in life. That's not to say that Monidew or Rawpriestess or anyone else who makes that choice will remain there, although perhaps they may...but regardless, it's THEIR decision to make and live with...as Revvell so wisely states very often, we need to focus on ourselves and leave others to their otherness.

If we see our brother or sister stumble and fall (not saying that making a conscious decision to incorporate cooked food back in is stumbling or falling), yes, we can extend our hand and offer to help them up...but sometimes they may want to stay there for a while and rest...then they'll get up when they're ready.

[rawpriestess]

If we see our brother or sister stumble and fall (not saying that making a conscious decision to incorporate cooked food back in is stumbling or falling), yes, we can extend our hand and offer to help them up...but sometimes they may want to stay there for a while and rest...then they'll get up when they're ready.
__________________
WOW, how profound.

I love the way you put this Rawkinlocs.

Especially, the part

...but sometimes they may want to stay there for a while and rest...

That is exaclty how I am feeling right now.

thank you for your wisdom and putting my thoughts into words.

[raeannasun]

Back to the original post.............
You may want to check out these sites for help in your decision.

http://www.rawfood.com/cgi-bin/forum/ultimatebb.cgi
I've noticed a lot of people on here are intentionally not 100% raw

http://www.hacres.com/publications/health_tip.asp?tipid=436&year=2005#4
www.hacres.com is a Christian health organization that advocates a high raw diet.

[MoniDew]

Well, I'm actually going to come to Swiss Miss' defense here, and thank her for the tongue lashing I deserve.

She's right, I do think far too highly of myself, I had set my expectations too high. Who am I to think I deserve a tickertape parade? I am just a housewife from No Where, Oklahoma. And I was being far too arrogant.

I confess that I am in the midst of trying to become more emotionally stable. I realize that I am not behaving "normally." This past 12 months have been very hard. As I have mentioned before, I lost my job, very nearly lost a child in an accident, discovered my oldest son had been forcing my granddaughter to perform oral sodomy on him, nearly lost my marriage, was separated from my children for 6 months, cannot have my grandchildren in my home because I have a child molester living with me, nearly went bankrupt, lost my license to practice, lost 2 dear friends and a very close relative, lost 2 vehicles and had no transporation for nearly a year, had to drop out of the PhD program, etc. etc. etc.

I AM NOT STABLE. AND I KNOW IT.

It would be impossible for me to behave normally right now, given what I've been through. I am overreacting to everything. When everything in my whole world had gone wrong, I guess I just wanted SOMETHING to make it all right again, bring it all back into balance. I must have set all my hopes on the possiblilty that my reasearch would gain me enough professional kudos to bring my corner of the universe back into balance. Enough meaning "tickertape parade, Nobel Prize, World stop spinning," enough. (that's way out of balance, I can see now.) :o

That didn't happen. And my scales became even more unbalanced. I overreacted. And I appologize.

I needed the healthy dose of reality she sent me, and I am thankful for it. THANK YOU SWISS MISS. I will try to put things into perspective now. I will try to get a firm grip on reality. I will try to keep myself sane and sensible. And I am thankful for everyone on these boards who is reaching out in love to me, encouraging me to do my best.

THANKS. To ALL of you!

[honeybee joy]

MoniDew,

I am so sorry to hear about all of the stuff that has happened. I think everyone has had a time where we act a little "crazy". When crazy stuff happens we get crazy. Things will get better. You will pull through all of this. It might take time, but It will get better. I will be thinking about you. Good luck with your journey.

[rawfigure]

The only way the world is ever going to change is if people stick to what they know is right instead of giving up and joining the rest of the herd because its "easier".

Please dont try to justify your weaknesses.

You have not been beat. You are giving up.Take responsibility.



A bit harsh here I think. I am not sure who or what it is in reference too but calling someone weak...well I said it already. Harsh.

I chose to eat a plate of steamed veggies when in a situation I deemed to be appropriate,and in my heart it was right for me at that time. I do not see that as "weakness" or letting the Majority rule me. I am my own person.

Rawlin, thanks for your post. You said it so perfectly.

Yes we are a Raw Site, and I consider myself Raw there are times when the others in my world who are not raw need to see that I support them and thus they will support me.

If I am a "fanatic" and beleive me I have this tendency.. and show my husband "I AM 100 % RAW and that is this is ONLY WAY.." then he will not see it as a lifestyle he can follow. I have him from about ..from N0 Raw..to about 75% !!!!!!! He can eat raw if he see that he has the option to a cooked meal if he wants too.

My peace said...out of here.

[Kimbato50]

Rawkinlocks,

Thank you for moderating and coming forth with some good points for all of us to ponder. As you can see from my posts, I'm new in this forum, but I've been involved in natural foods and healing for decades. I was one of the first wheatgrass distributors (I juiced and delivered daily) in southern CA. in the mid 1970s. I've been blessed and honored to be a part of the "health concious community" for over 30 years. In this time I've personally experimented with many diets and lifestyle changes seeking the "perfect" way of eating and met many others doing the same. And yes many "raw food" enthusiasts were among them. They have become my friends....My people. I was attracted to this forum mainly because of the quality of people who paricipate here and the interesting and informative insights. You made it clear that this site is supported by Alissa who advocates 100% raw but allows others who opt for others to participate who eat less. So, after your post though I must ask a key question: Is it allowed to discuss problems and challenges WITHIN the raw diet? It's obvious that a predominance of raw in the diet is very healthful, but it appears that many of you feel that 100% raw = 100% perfect health and anything less is inferior. After observing many get involved in this lifestyle for over 30 years, I have personally witnessed incredible healing and restoration of health with raw foods. I have also observed significant health problems arise due to dogmatic thinking and extremism in the movement. If you look wider (outside this forum) and deeper (back to the history of natural hygeine etc.) you'll see much information on this. If the purpose of this forum is to promote the raw foods lifestyle, shouldn't it also be open to discussing OPINIONS about potential pitfalls and how to do it in a balanced and healthy way?


Kimba

[sweetgoddess]

Kimba, good questions. It is not that 100% raw is the perfect diet. There IS NO perfect diet. This is an important realization.

What it is though, is that this particular forum is set up to give support TO people doing or striving to do a raw vegan diet. There are many, many forums available online. If the theme of this forum does not suit someone, that is more than fine. There will be one out there that will.

In the meantime, this forum again is a place of support and information exchange for the people who are interested in or are doing a raw vegan diet, as outlined in Living on Live Food. It is a forum paid for by an author to give a place of further support to the people who follow or agree with the particular philosphy in her book.

It is not a place for arguing with people, arguing about diets etc. Support = positive. If someone moves on to a place where a raw vegan diet does not interest them, or does not agree with their new philsophy there is absolutely nothing wrong with that at all!!!! Not in the least. But this forum is not the place to delve further into why they dont want to do raw. Just as a carnivore board would not be the place to delve into why you should eat all fruits and vegetables.

It is a matter of keeping a forum specific to its topic, a welcoming place for people interested in its theme and organized! This is a challenge, but it is necessary or chaos will reign. It is never, ever a matter of judging people's choices or right verses wrong. It is only a matter of keeping this forum specific so that it serves the purpose for which it is intended and is available to the people who are interested in that, without having to wade through piles of negative , fearful, oppressive or confusing posts.

I hope that makes sense. Exploring is great and discussion welcome, but this is a themed forum. So if the discussion falls into all of that, go for it!

We want this to be a friendly and supportive place for people interested in and supportive of a raw vegan diet. It doesn't mean you have to be 100 %, but if someone does not support it, or is against it, this is not the place for them at this time. We don't consider it perfect, that is just the one theme of this particular forum. It is not a statement of perfection or a judgement, just a theme.

I encourage anyone confused on this issue to read Alissa's mission statement.
http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=29992#post29992

Warmly~
Carmel

[swiss_miss]

Hi MoniDew
ok ok, I realize I was a wee bit brash and outspoken, but I dont apologize for the way I phrased my words because they were meant as a wake up call and I choose not to sugarcoat my words. Thank you very much for understanding what I meant as I did not mean it in a bad way. I meant it in a "HEY! WAKE UP! SNAP OUT OF IT!" kind of way. Sometimes there is only one way to get that kind of message across, and it is not with dripping sugary sentimentality. Again, thanks for understanding.

To Kimbato who said: FYI there is a relationship between raw foods and mental difficulties. All raw can be healthful, but is sometimes it is practiced in an unbalanced way. It's called sugar addiction! Many arrogant raw fooders would be judgemental of someone on SAD consuming 10 candy bars a day, but think nothing of consuming nothing but smooties, fruit, and dates all day.

In that case, the mental difficulties are caused by lack of knowlege about raw food and poor nutritional choices while on raw food, not by raw food itself.

To Divaitalia, I am glad I said what I did and I stand behind it. Why? MoniDew's words sum it up:
"I needed the healthy dose of reality she sent me, and I am thankful for it. THANK YOU SWISS MISS."

To me, along with the loving words and all the sweetness, support also includes a good, even perhaps harsh wake up call.

If I was going through a phase where I was feeling like "Im giving up, I've been beaten" I would want a verbal smack in the face rather than some drippy sentimental drivel. But maybe thats just me. :D

So MoniDew, Stand up for what you believe in, stay strong and do what you believe is right for your body and your wellbeing, regardless of what the "majority" believes.
.
Hugs,
Sasha

[Kimbato50]

This is a GREAT forum!

For the record, I personally aspire to 85% - 90% raw vegan foods with ample fruit, but mainly vegetables. The remaining 10% - 15% will be cooked vegan whole (no processed flour products) foods including grains, starchy vegetables, and beans. Also limited oils (processed) and no concentrated sweetners of any kind. I have experimented over the years with my diet and I believe this to be the best for my body. At this time I do not aspire to go 100% raw - but who knows, that may change down the road. I never meant to "rain on the parade" of the 100% raw food movement. I BELIEVE that many in the movement have done incredible good for themseves and others. Please don't misinterpret open, candid discussion about problem areas WITHIN raw vegan perameters as lack of support. In fact, I feel it is important and necessary and supports the movement in the long run.

To SweetGoddess - Thank you for a your input. I did re-read the by-laws and you are exactly right. The purpose of this forum is very well articulated there and your comments were well thought out. I never meant to argue against All raw - only pointing out that historically there have been serious health issues associated with high intake of simple sugars, even fruit, when done to the extreme and at the expense of other important foods. That's all. Thank you.

To Swiss Miss - Wake up calls and tough love can be very useful in helping others and if that was your only motivation - I apologize! I know Monidew came out in support of you, but please consider your tone and use of heavy sarcasm (see paragraphs 3 and 4 of your original post). To compare gorging on McDonalds to a few cooked vegan dishes and running with it did come off as "mean spirited" and "preachy". Tough love is always firm...but compassionate as well. I wish you well !

Kimba