Returning to Raw Foods (Blog)

[The Wise Turtle]

Having been a vegan for about 20 years, and now having gone raw about 8 months ago (as an Oh-my-goddess-my-husband-is-having-an-affair-and-threatening-to-leave-me-what-do-I-do sort of thing) and think choosing to go raw has been the best decision I've ever made. So, yeah, congrats to you Steve, and everyone else eating more raw food!

Also, something I've found useful in social situations is not to say anything about my raw/vegan diet, and just ask for specific things that are raw. And then if someone asks me why I'm asking for whatever it is I'm asking for, I say something like, "Oh, I'm just trying to eat more fresh whole foods, since they seem to make me feel better."

That way, I not only make it less intimidating, but I also have an "out" if I happen to feel inclined to eat something outside of my desired diet. (I still have periodic cravings, and I'm comfortable enough with myself that I'm ok with pretty much whatever I eat.) Not introducing a potentially charged label into my casual social situations seems to be a good way to go, while also offering some inspiration to others for actually eating more healthfully.

So yeah, happy fresh whole foods to you all! :-)

-Turil
The Wise Turtle Speaks

[Dan.Linehan]

How's the rawness going so far Steve?

[Steve Pavlina]

Originally Posted by Dan.Linehan

How's the rawness going so far Steve?

Good so far. I'm not having any dry skin problems this time, but I'm also not losing weight as quickly as before. I dropped about 2 pounds in 2 weeks, but I guess that's okay given that I'm not restricting calories at all. The nice thing about eating denser foods like raw nuts is that I don't have to eat as often; however, I feel more alert and energetic when I keep the diet low in fat and eat mostly fruit. I'll need to keep experimenting to find the right balance.

The upside is that I'm not having any cravings for cooked food. Eating more nuts and seeds seems to totally eliminate cooked food cravings for me. Even when I see cooked food, I'm just not attracted to it.

My endurance and strength are quickly rising again, especially this week, so it's nice to have those back.

I played disc golf Monday, and I noticed I was able to throw the disc noticeably further than usual. I almost broke my course record that day... if not for one bad throw where I hit a tree.

[MasterD]

Originally Posted by Steve Pavlina

The nice thing about eating denser foods like raw nuts is that I don't have to eat as often; however, I feel more alert and energetic when I keep the diet low in fat and eat mostly fruit. I'll need to keep experimenting to find the right balance.

I am also extremely sensitive to this. Looks like my body doesn't want the fats; though it indeed gives a fuller feeling and reduces cravings, so I have to make a trade off too.

The great thing about this diet is that I am really experiencing in my body what the practitioners of this diet (Dr. Graham, Roger Haeske, etc..) predict. I did not have this with other diets I tried (especially pH miracle). This gives some faith for the long term.