ShelShel

I've discovered what works me...and really well I might add. If I eat raw all the time...except when the family eats together...it's easy.

My family has always hated me eating something raw when they are eating with me. For a long time, I really just thought of myself and what I want...thinking they would come around. After two years...I know it's just not going to happen. They absolutely hate it. (I'm a really good cook, if I do say so myself.. and when they are oooooing and ahhhhhhing, they hate to look over and see me eating a carrot stick. LOL) It hasn't mattered to me, but it really matters to them.

So! I've tried it for two days now and I feel good, they are so happy...I'll eat raw breakfast and lunch and any snacks throughout the day, but when the family is eating together, I will join them. It doesn't even have to be a normal portion (with is usually too much for me) or all the sides, just a few bites here and there.

For example, our girls and I will be eating alone tonight, so I'm making veggie fajitas. Our girls will be fine if I make mine raw, cook theirs and for a wrap use lettuce leaves. If I top it with a little salsa, sour cream and shredded cheese...they feel like I'm enjoying what they are enjoying...enough.

Does this make any sense? It's me not being overly strict. They saw me make this the other day for lunch and said, "Mom that really looks good!" I know I could make raw cheese, sour cream and salsa, but to be honest I can't afford all the extras these days. Nuts are two small bags every two weeks. And I use one (almonds) for my raw granola snacking and the other (cashews) I use to thicken smoothies and make smooth raw treats. To blow them all on one or two meals...instead of stretching them and making them last just won't work for me. ;)

I've noticed that this also makes eating raw, really easy for me because I know there will come a warm meal sometime within the week. Or a slight splurge here and there. Makes me feel less confined and more apart of the family. Makes my family feel so much better too.

I've always said that this has to be a lifestyle rather than a diet, for it to stick...for me to make if work. Morphing it just slightly, makes it way more enjoyable for all of us.

Breakfast: cashew milk/strawberry smoothie
Lunch: Mixed veggies
one orange and a bunch of red grapes
Dinner: lettuce leaf, raw veggie fajitas with sour cream, shredded cheese and salsa
late night snack: handful of almonds
handful of raisins

So...a mostly raw day planned. I'm very excited about how well this works compared with strict 100% raw for me.

I know there are no raw police out there, but in my mind...there has always been an all or nothing mindset. Now, I'm finding in more ways than one, I can't throw out everything good if I can't hold to all the little details. I'll do the good I can and let the rest go. :)

Peace and balance is so important to our minds, bodies and spirit, I pray that for all of you this new year. In what you eat and how you chose to live your lives. (((HUGS)))

I love this fresh new year already!