When I first moved to raw food eating as a result of an illness about 10 years ago, I became very focused on learning as many parts of the living food cuisine as possible. I already knew the value of such a lifestyle and had experimented previously; I already knew a lot about nutrition.
To me, the illness itself is irrelevant. I was sick and the only thing that mattered was returning to vibrant health. I made a choice to focus on learning about health rather than learning about illness.
My quest for knowledge helped me to have a focus that was "for" something rather than "against" something. I saturated myself with information. I found the hope and the beauty in everything I saw.
I read books, took classes, watched videos and DVD's. My new knowledge led me in creating a raw-food kitchen, purchasing equipment, and sharing information with others. The more I educated myself and experimented, the more aware I became that I would not turn back. My original plan was to eat 80% raw, living, vegan foods, but as I was acquiring knowledge, I committed to 100%.
That 100% commitment continued for a full 6 months. I returned to full health in about three months and continued to get stronger. I now maintain a 75-95% raw food lifestyle each week. The most difficult part of maintaining 100% commitment for me is social. Most of my friends and family are considered by American standards to be conscious of making healthy food choices, but they have not adopted a raw food cuisine.
Most raw food enthusiasts are passionate about helping others. I'm definitely passionate both about the lifestyle and about helping others. However, I sincerely honor the choices that others make. In fact, I recently started writing a blog that's specifically about making choices, making healthy choices joyfully.
I love helping others, yet only when they take the first step. I don't argue for the lifestyle I've chosen. I'm especially not interested in arguing against the lifestyle others have chosen, even if it's very different from mine.
I've found that the most important ingredients in beginning and maintaining a mostly raw food lifestyle are knowledge and a positive mental attitude. I prefer the term "living foods," but that has not caught on as much as "raw foods."
Life is filled with choices. When I chose the name of my blog, I decided to honor the importance of choices, and especially choices made joyfully. Writing helps me to stay focused on health. http://joyfulchoices.com/
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Hi Rylons,
I think the important thing is to keep experimenting. The Raw Food Energy soup is very carefully constructed, so if you're thinking of adapting that, just add the raw foods you like. For example, zucchini is a green food, so include it as your greens.
I have lots of yummy raw food desserts. Last week I posted a truly awesome one called "Raw Lucuma Ice Cream" on my blog which we make regularly with seemingly limitless variations. It does require some planning, though once you have all the ingredients, it is extremely easy. Soon I'll be posting a follow up article at my blog with variations and suggestions. And I'll also be posting some other raw desserts.
Here's the link to the Ice Cream, http://joyfulchoices.com/2009/06/raw-lucuma-ice-cream/
Joyfully,
July 1, 2009 - 2:22pmJoy
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Thanks Joy,
July 1, 2009 - 11:54amI will try that recipe. How might a raw soup with avocado and zucchini be? I have lots of zucchini right now!
Do you also have yummy raw dessert recipes? This is exciting!
I just found this recipe!
http://beautiful-vegan.blogspot.com/2008/02/our-spicy-raw-zucchini-soup.html
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Oh, Diane, it is an adventure! Please tell me how you like the soup.
Joyfully,
June 30, 2009 - 8:16pmJoy
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Joy,
I am a vegetarian, but not a vegan (though I don't eat eggs). I love your philosophy about pursuing information about health, not sickness. I'm sure that a mindset like that helped your healing as well.
I've got a watermelon sitting on the counter now, so I may grab an avocado tomorrow and try your soup. It'll be an adventure!
June 30, 2009 - 6:49pmThis Comment
Hi Rlyons,
I'm so delighted you're interested in adopting a raw food diet for life. This is such an expansive subject, and you are really asking the right questions. Just taking the next step is the right mindset.
For recipes, I have easy, easy and I have gourmet, as well as everything in between.
I think one of the easiest and most nutritious is Ann Wigmore's Raw Food Energy Soup. I've written the basic ingredients as well as some variations on this blog post, http://joyfulchoices.com/2009/05/raw-food-energy-soup/
If you're going to purchase a book, I'd suggest Brigitte Mars' "Rawsome," which I reference in that same article. She has lots of recipes, as do many, many other authors.
Let me know if you have any other specific questions and I'll do my best to offer something of value.
Joyfully,
June 29, 2009 - 8:01pmJoy
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I am very interested in adopting a raw food diet for life. I already enjoy occasional raw food at a little restaurant near me and am already mostly vegan(except for seafood). How do I take the next step? Do you have recipes?
June 29, 2009 - 5:40pmThis Comment