Any raw fooders here?

[unusual_suspect]

Hi, I am wondering how many other forum members are in to eating raw food.

I am on a bit of a raw journey, I am no expert but I am about 90% raw, and I trying to go 100% raw and vegan. I'm doing it at my own pace though.

I find when I have PMS I crave junk food still :(

As I have stopped smoking, knocked the codeine and tramadol on the head and I can't drink alchohol I am still drinking coffee - I have to have some sort of vice!

I feel like I am resonating at a higher frequency now and I really don't want to go back to my old way of eating, other people are a problem as they get funny when you only want plant based raw foods. That is a bit annoying, I don't bang on at them about what to eat.

One big thing I have noticed is that I am by nature a very highly strung and fiery gal, I also have one hell of a temper, I can be very frightening for a lass of 5 foot 3! However, I think this raw plant based diet is chilling me out and I am not as quick to flare up.

Has anyone else experienced changes and benefits on a raw diet?

[cafetimes1991]

Hah! I was thinking of starting a thread like this; it was going to be my next. :)
Anyway, I'm not one, but I do plan on living on raw food when I'm older and have moved out of home, close to a vegetable/fruit store.

[unusual_suspect]

Hah! I was thinking of starting a thread like this; it was going to be my next my next. :)
Anyway, I'm not one, but I do plan on living on raw food when I'm older and have moved out of home, close to a vegetable/fruit store.

I don't think it's for everyone, but some folk thrive on it. I'm pretty new to it all, been dabbling with it for nearly a year, but it's getting a bit more serious now.

[cafetimes1991]

I recommend Slim 4 Life by Jason Vale.

[paolo]

A bold step. I was quite impressed with Holly Paige's material, though I could never make that big step. I'm pretty sure that Holly's thesis that raw foods feed the right brain,whereas a predominantly cooked diet starves it, to the enhancement of the left hemisphere, is correct.
However she does use unpateurised dairy products in her diet - see -
Dangers of a vegan raw food diet
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/healthy-living/how-our-vegan-diet-made-us-ill-848322.html


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq5WnHCsEkk&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzPE0IBA1ug&feature=related

[unusual_suspect]

A bold step. I was quite impressed with Holly Paige's material, though I could never make that big step. I'm pretty sure that Holly's thesis that raw foods feed the right brain,whereas a predominantly cooked diet starves it, to the enhancement of the left hemisphere, is correct.
However she does use unpateurised dairy products in her diet - see -
Dangers of a vegan raw food diet
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/healthy-living/how-our-vegan-diet-made-us-ill-848322.html


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq5WnHCsEkk&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzPE0IBA1ug&feature=related

Yes, I think you have to watch how you are feeling on a vegan diet, I have been vegan before (not raw) I ended up craving and eating fish.


I'll give it a go and see how I feel. Thanks for the links I'll check those out :)

I had never heard about the right brain thingy, good god, I really don't need to be any more of a right brained person!

I do think raw foods are more life giving, especially living foods, I believe they are full of chi and you absorb this, cooked and processed food has no chi.

Also, raw foods are life giving, I got a bunch of celery and put it in some water and it grew roots. It is now very happy in a plant pot outside! Cooked food just rots though.

I can't be bothered with all the juicing and fasts, that's a bit too faffy for me, just whole natural foods will do.
I recommend Slim 4 Life by Jason Vale.

[cafetimes1991]

Well apparently juicing vegetables makes it easier to absorb the nutrients, so it's less work for your body (of course then there's the preparing of the juice, but there' less chewing :D).
I tried juicing before, but it took too long cleaning up for lazy me.

[unusual_suspect]

Well apparently juicing vegetables makes it easier to absorb the nutrients, so it's less work for your body (of course then there's the preparing of the juice, but there' less chewing :D).
I tried juicing before, but it took too long cleaning up for lazy me.

Yes, I also found this, and you have to clean the juicers, I don't want to be fanatical about food and all puritanical, food should be enjoyable :)

[whiterain]

im gonna try but theres no chance ill do it with all the tasteless shit they sell in the shops. thats why ive tried to do the gardening thing the last couple of years, so hopefully this summer ill have enough to do a bit of a mostly raw stint

[cafetimes1991]

I think the first step healthwise for me would be giving up smoking, eventually progressing to a raw diet, and then eventually lving like Anastasia. :) Um, give it a few decades. :D

[cafetimes1991]

From About, although I'm stating the obvious a little: The raw food diet is a diet based on unprocessed and uncooked plant foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, sprouts, seeds, nuts, grains, beans, nuts, dried fruit, and seaweed.

Heating food above 116 degrees F is believed to destroy enzymes in food that can assist in the digestion and absorption of food. Cooking is also thought to diminish the nutritional value and "life force" of food.

Typically, at least 75% of the diet must be living or raw.

[moondancer]

A friend sent me a dvd on this.. I still havent watched it.. but you have to be in the right place, hey..

I've started thinking about it more n more lately though.. I'm so sick of what they have done with the food around us, it makes me want a more simple option.. Maybe soon :)

Do you ever give in to your cravings? What happens if you do? :eek: I dont eat any processed meals and a few months ago I had a random one.. I got a raging headache before I had even finished it! I would say MSG... but really, where do you start :(

Well done unusual :) and anyone else who has achieved it..I'll keep my eye on this thread.. :cool: x

[unusual_suspect]

I think the first step healthwise for me would be giving up smoking, eventually progressing to a raw diet, and then eventually lving like Anastasia. :) Um, give it a few decades. :D

I am still of the evil weed, do it if you can, you'll save so much money and you might aswell do it sooner rather than later.

There is never a good time or right time to stop smoking :)

I think the raw thing is really personal, you can take it as far as you want and take your time. Eating more fresh foods has got to be good.

[gaias child]

I'm a mostly raw food vegan for over 20 year and having spent at least 10 years of the 20 being 100% raw vegan. I eat some cooked grains such as buckwheat and quinoa and squash now.

I did loadsof juicing in the begining and it is very healing at first but most people develop problems after several years juicing.

I recommend joing a raw food support forum such as www.rawfoodsupport.com or www.giveittomeraw.com, there are lots of other active raw food forums where you can read all about people's journeys, there are quite a few longterm 30 year raw foodists

[unusual_suspect]

I'm a mostly raw food vegan for over 20 year and having spent at least 10 years of the 20 being 100% raw vegan. I eat some cooked grains such as buckwheat and quinoa and squash now.

I did loadsof juicing in the begining and it is very healing at first but most people develop problems after several years juicing.

I recommend joing a raw food support forum such as www.rawfoodsupport.com or www.giveittomeraw.com, there are lots of other active raw food forums where you can read all about people's journeys, there are quite a few longterm 30 year raw foodists

Thanks, that is exactly what I was looking for :)

[amercury]

I TRY to eat 2 raw meals a day....not always successful.

I do notice the more raw food I eat the better I feel. Even after one day, my mood is better, and I have more energy, also I lose weight fast.

I just end up missing certain foods like bread products :D Which always make me feel awful after eating...but I crave them.

But this website has been on this forum before and has really good recipes: http://www.goneraw.com/

You can even make crackers and chips with a food dehydrator! This helps satisfy the bread product cravings.

[unusual_suspect]

I TRY to eat 2 raw meals a day....not always successful.

I do notice the more raw food I eat the better I feel. Even after one day, my mood is better, and I have more energy, also I lose weight fast.

I just end up missing certain foods like bread products :D Which always make me feel awful after eating...but I crave them.

But this website has been on this forum before and has really good recipes: http://www.goneraw.com/

You can even make crackers and chips with a food dehydrator! This helps satisfy the bread product cravings.

I am having cravings for cheesey baps, cheese, chocolate and cake at the moment. I know what you mean about feeling ropey afterwards.

Thanks for the link. I might make myself something with banana, dried fruit, lots of nuts and honey later as I feel like comfort food. I have a coconut also :)

Do you use a food dehydrator?

[amercury]

Oh yes thanks for reminding me about cheese...I don't eat any other kind of dairy, but I don't know if I will ever be able to give up cheese :(


A food dehydrator really does come in handy. I have an old one a friend gave me, but I want to make a solar one like this: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yourself/2006-08-01/Build-a-Solar-Food-Dehydrator.aspx
No electricity needed :) Seems to work in places that don't get a lot of sun too.

Dried fruit that you buy in a store usually has crap preservatives added. Dehydrated produce is next to fresh produce in terms of nutrition, and it has a very long shelf life. Longer than frozen or canned. You can add water to re-hydrate, and I have also taken the dried produce and powdered it to put into sauces and soups. (Great for putting nutritous food into a picky child :D)

[unusual_suspect]

Oh yes thanks for reminding me about cheese...I don't eat any other kind of dairy, but I don't know if I will ever be able to give up cheese :(


A food dehydrator really does come in handy. I have an old one a friend gave me, but I want to make a solar one like this: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yourself/2006-08-01/Build-a-Solar-Food-Dehydrator.aspx
No electricity needed :) Seems to work in places that don't get a lot of sun too.

Dried fruit that you buy in a store usually has crap preservatives added. Dehydrated produce is next to fresh produce in terms of nutrition, and it has a very long shelf life. Longer than frozen or canned. You can add water to re-hydrate, and I have also taken the dried produce and powdered it to put into sauces and soups. (Great for putting nutritous food into a picky child :D)

Cool, I might have to get one of those.

I know what you mean about cheese, I absolutely love it I have been cutting down, it's been about a week without it now :(

[amercury]

One big thing I have noticed is that I am by nature a very highly strung and fiery gal, I also have one hell of a temper, I can be very frightening for a lass of 5 foot 3!

You sound like one of my best friends...she is tiny, but she is scary. You do NOT want to piss her off. LOL.
She does not eat a raw diet.

It is interesting that you said your diet chills you out. I feel less stressed with raw food, and stress makes me irritable. So I am also more chilled because of it.

[wells]

Just stay away from Soy. http://www.soyonlineservice.co.nz.

[unusual_suspect]

You sound like one of my best friends...she is tiny, but she is scary. You do NOT want to piss her off. LOL.
She does not eat a raw diet.

It is interesting that you said your diet chills you out. I feel less stressed with raw food, and stress makes me irritable. So I am also more chilled because of it.

Yes, but I'm mellowing with age :D

I just fell of the wagon and ate evil cooked food and sweets , I feel terrible :(

Will have to start detoxing again tomorrow, flakey or what!

Just stay away from Soy. http://www.soyonlineservice.co.nz.

I am sceptical about soy anyway, soy products are all a bit frankenfood if you ask me ;)

[arty2000]

been  a veg. for about 2 yrs...bout 3 mos ago added spirulina(good source, of protein/minerals),flaxseed oil,ground flaxseed(omega 3s)and a b12 supplement(also get it from some fortified cereals) I also have been taking clay for about 4 yrs (helps to remove unwanted toxins from the body...best wishes:)

[abigail]

Hi, I am wondering how many other forum members are in to eating raw food.

I am on a bit of a raw journey, I am no expert but I am about 90% raw, and I trying to go 100% raw and vegan. I'm doing it at my own pace though.

I find when I have PMS I crave junk food still :(

As I have stopped smoking, knocked the codeine and tramadol on the head and I can't drink alchohol I am still drinking coffee - I have to have some sort of vice!

I feel like I am resonating at a higher frequency now and I really don't want to go back to my old way of eating, other people are a problem as they get funny when you only want plant based raw foods. That is a bit annoying, I don't bang on at them about what to eat.

One big thing I have noticed is that I am by nature a very highly strung and fiery gal, I also have one hell of a temper, I can be very frightening for a lass of 5 foot 3! However, I think this raw plant based diet is chilling me out and I am not as quick to flare up.

Has anyone else experienced changes and benefits on a raw diet?



I have experienced life changing benefits eating a raw food diet, i am at peace with myself, the food tastes diving and you are always know what you are eating. People do get a bit funny with you and think that you are a bit of a maniac........... it makes be people feel guilty sometimes, when they know that they could improve their health and dont. Good luck to you! The journey is never ending but all so worthwhile.........i am 3.5 yrs down the raw road and is the best thing i have ever done.
xx

"Let the food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food" or thereabouts

[wildhorse]

Yes, but I'm mellowing with age :D

I just fell of the wagon and ate evil cooked food and sweets , I feel terrible :(

Will have to start detoxing again tomorrow, flakey or what!



I am sceptical about soy anyway, soy products are all a bit frankenfood if you ask me ;)

hi unusual...

dont you go feeling guilty now will you..? it never does any good..and just to be having a go is better than not. The food industry hides so much addictive crap in food that alot stays within our system, and its THAT that sets off the cravings...rather like smack. This is why I did a fast, and it certainly helped...and it sorted out my smoking and drinking habit too. Ok last week, had a few beers and a pack of 10 but thats not bad in 6 months :D

besides, i do believe in life and living it ;)

at mo, i pick up raw fruit, just eat it as it is, the less hassel the better. For tea I have veg soup, with cpl of bread rolls and butter. Mabe have some organic milk in a morning cuppa, and the odd tin of mackeral say once a week. Would rather not eat the fish, but it seems to work for my body not my soul :rolleyes: - I was vegan when I dropped the fish and used soy, but theres worrying stuff about soy at mo, and it don't go well in Earl Grey lol

I def think mostly raw vegan is a good diet, it just takes gradual change to get rid of the crap food corps have fed us. I admire anyone who does this long term as vegans unfairly get labelled as sickly etc (rubbish)

all the best on it :~)

[gaias child]

Hemp seed is a good alternative to soy, it has a high ratio of amino acids and healthy fats etc , together with spirulina which is 70% protein and high in omega three fats, fish get the omega 3 from algae.

[abigail]

I think the first step healthwise for me would be giving up smoking, eventually progressing to a raw diet, and then eventually lving like Anastasia. :) Um, give it a few decades. :D

If we aim to live Anastasia now then it should happen sooner rather than later. I have been doing this properly for the last 4 years and feel amazing and undone much damage. I would love a hectare scheme in the UK or at least somewhere with a 365 growing climate. x I love Anastasia x

[dawnismygoddess]

I am a 'raw fooder' but I am not a fan of the vegan diet.

I do not consume any red meat, but I have natural, hormone-free/drug free poultry about twice a week. I have white fish a few times a year.

Unless you are substituting properly with the right kind of leafy greens, the vegan diet can be dangerous.

[deetox]

Unless you are substituting properly with the right kind of leafy greens, the vegan diet can be dangerous.

Any diet that is low on leafy greens can be dangerous, they are the most most nutritious and important foods that we can consume. The best way to get enough is to drink green smoothies, make them right and you can't even tell the greens are in them. A good ratio is 60% fruit and %40 greens.

I've been drinking 1-2 quarts per day for the last 7 months and my health has seen a massive improvement.

[dawnismygoddess]

Any diet that is low on leafy greens can be dangerous, they are the most most nutritious and important foods that we can consume. The best way to get enough is to drink green smoothies, make them right and you can't even tell the greens are in them. A good ratio is 60% fruit and %40 greens.

I've been drinking 1-2 quarts per day for the last 7 months and my health has seen a massive improvement.

Exactly, Which is why when most people see someone who is overweight, they view it as someone who just eats too much, when the reality is that they are malnourished

[gaias child]

I am a 'raw fooder' but I am not a fan of the vegan diet.

I do not consume any red meat, but I have natural, hormone-free/drug free poultry about twice a week. I have white fish a few times a year.

Unless you are substituting properly with the right kind of leafy greens, the vegan diet can be dangerous.

Veganism isn't dangerous, there is not one single nutrient in an animal product that cannot be found in a plant. My father was vegan all his life. It is true that humans have adapted to eating meat and many find it difficult to adapt, but we also now eat more meat (factory farmed chemical meat) than ever in our history as humans. The ancient essenes were also a vegan community.

I've eaten raw food for thirty years now.

[dawnismygoddess]

Veganism isn't dangerous, there is not one single nutrient in an animal product that cannot be found in a plant. My father was vegan all his life. It is true that humans have adapted to eating meat and many find it difficult to adapt, but we also now eat more meat (factory farmed chemical meat) than ever in our history as humans. The ancient essenes were also a vegan community.

I've eaten raw food for thirty years now.

Kindly re-read what I wrote.

Unless you are substituting properly with the right kind of leafy greens, the vegan diet can be dangerous.


I make no claim that veganism is dangerous. I simply do not want people to fall through a basement door. You know as well as I do, that if someone who eats the 'normal' Western diet were to go 100% vegan, without knowing how to do it........things wouldn't be pretty. Thank you.


Peace

[gaias child]

Kindly re-read what I wrote.




I make no claim that veganism is dangerous. I simply do not want people to fall through a basement door. You know as well as I do, that if someone who eats the 'normal' Western diet were to go 100% vegan, without knowing how to do it........things wouldn't be pretty. Thank you.




Peace

Sorry if I misinterpreted you dawnismygoddess it did sound as if you were saying veganism is dangerous. I'm happy you agree it is not. It is true people need to research this fully before they attempt but I guess because I'm not a newbie and i've made all the mistakes and been long term. I have got some information to add.

Not everyone needs to do leafy greens. I do however. Certainly when transitioning I would recommend them. I know several people who do just fruit only for many years and are perfectly healthy. No nutritional deficiencies. It is good to be aware of this too.

Anne Osborne fruitarian 20 years and reared two children. I agree with you it not for most people because most people don't really understand how the body works or even that the body can make its own nutrients when fully healed. She does not personally feel that greens are a suitable food for humans as we are not herbivores with stomach for digesting greens. Also they are not naturally pleasant to the taste buds. Dr David Jubb long term raw vegan says juicing causes problems too long term. Because juice is an inbalanced food long term it is just a part of a food, not a whole food,although they are healing in the begining, to those coming from conventional diets. Animal products do not contribute to healing the body at a cellular level.

http://www.lifefood.com/Lifefood/Latest_Innovation/Archive.html


http://www.fruitgod.com/trustyourinstin.html

I agree with you however that people need to be more informed on this sort of diet.

Low fat is the key for long term success on raw food or cooked food veganism

[dawnismygoddess]

Sorry if I misinterpreted you dawnismygoddess it did sound as if you were saying veganism is dangerous. I'm happy you agree it is not.

Not everyone needs to do leafy greens. I do however. Certainly when transitioning I would recommend them. I know several people who do just fruit only for many years and are perfectly healthy. No nutritional deficiencies. It is good to be aware of this too.

Anne Osborne fruitarian 20 years and reared two children. Again I do agree with you it not for most people because most people don't really understand how the body works or even that the body can make its own nutrients when fully healed. She does not believe that greens are a suitable food for humans as we are not herbivores with stomach for digesting greens. Dr David Jubb long term raw vegan says juicing causes problems too long term. Although they are healing in the begining

http://www.lifefood.com/Lifefood/Latest_Innovation/Archive.html


http://www.fruitgod.com/

I agree with you however that people need to be more informed on this sort of diet.

Low fat is the key for long term success on raw food or cooked food veganism

No worries. I agree with everything you are saying.

I am a little sensitive to fruit, I can't have too much because of sugar levels, even tho it is natural sugar, it's just too much for me.

I do not eat red meat either.

[gaias child]

No worries. I agree with everything you are saying.

I am a little sensitive to fruit, I can't have too much because of sugar levels, even tho it is natural sugar, it's just too much for me.

I do not eat red meat either.

Yes, I guess it is because most fruit is so unnatural these days and some fruits are artificially bred to be sweeter.

The lady who eats all fruit grows most of her own, and picks it and eats it or she gets wild fruit, she says herself it would not work with conventional or supermarket fruit.

The hardest thing is getting high quality produce.