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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

Updated: 02-25-2008

 

  1. What is Raw Food / the Raw Food Diet? Fresh raw fruits, vegetables and nuts (although I avoid nuts).
  2. Does your idea of Raw Food include raw meat, raw fish, raw dairy products, raw eggs, raw honey, raw vinegar, fermented foods, dehydrated foods, frozen foods, salt, spices, soy sauce, olives, or anything other than fresh raw plant food? No. My opinion is that these foods are not as healthy as fresh, raw plant foods that have not been processed – so I avoid them.
  3. At what temperature are foods still considered ‘Raw’? Aren’t enzymes destroyed at 118 F? Temperature is NOT a reliable indicator. Eat unprocessed, fresh raw plant foods and you’ll be fine!
  4.  Is ‘x’ product / item Raw? In short, if it’s processed – no. My experience is that I avoid ALL processed items as being less than optimal and transitional foods at best. And why would you want second best?
  5. Why should I eat fresh Raw Food? Because applying heat to your food does nothing to improve the vitamin, nutrient or protein quality of the food you eat. Therefore eating fresh raw plant food means you are eating the highest quality foods possible.
  6. What is wrong with raw meat or fish? These items often contain antibiotics, mercury, parasites or other unhealthy substances. Plus, I choose to avoid killing or utilizing animals in my lifestyle whenever possible. These are just my opinions. You will have to make your own decisions on this issue – and do whatever you can!
  7. What about all these raw food gurus that eat processed foods or non-vegan items? I believe that there is no ONE set of rules or specific guru to adhere to. Eating fresh, raw plants food is just one way that a person can show caring to themselves and there body. This is the important point. If the person feels that they are showing more love to themselves by eating these foods - then more power to them!
  8.  Do you eat 'Superfoods' like Cacao, Goji Berries, etc? Since they are processed and not fresh - no. In the case of Cacao, I also wish to avoid stimulants like caffeine and other substances...no matter how trace the amounts.
  9. How will I get my protein? This is a very common question & it is a myth – in my opinion. ALL raw foods contain excellent quality proteins in sufficient quantities. If you are worried, eat more fresh, raw nuts and seeds and sprouts, which have a high level of usable proteins for your body.
  10. Can you give me a little background information on the Raw Food Diet? Sure. Try: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raw_food_diet or http://www.wikihow.com/Go-on-a-Raw-Food-Diet
  11. How do I get started on the Raw Food Diet? It is as simple as eating more of the fruits and vegetables that you love consistently – for the rest of your life! Eating healthy will naturally make you less tolerant of crap!

    Suggestion: Try writing down a list with two columns. One side should be the list of the raw foods that you love and think you need to incorporate into your diet. Bring your list down to your local supermarket and start writing down the fruits / vegetables / nuts that interest you. The other side of the list should be the very worst habits and foods that you think you have. Start setting goals to incorporate the good stuff – while cutting down or eliminating the things that you think are bad. Thus begins the road to what Maslow called ‘Self-Actualization’.
  12. Should I set a personal goal? Yes. YOUR goals are what is important to YOU. Accomplishing them will grant you true health...not some system. First write down a master list of all your major life goals and dreams. Brainstorm and do not censor yourself. Leave space underneath each goal. Then set very small and very specific goals under each life dream. Set goals that you are prepared and motivated to do on a daily basis. These goals should be real actions or changes in thought. If you cannot perform your goal that day, then your goal is probably too big or too general. In that case, make your goals smaller, with a more realistic timeframe. There should be a realistic time frame attached to every goal you have (example: eliminate smoking by July 1st, 2010. Although your goals might evolve, you should never set a goal unless you are prepared to swallow that change for a lifetime. If it’s not appropriate to do forever, then you probably shouldn’t be doing it.
  13. What does it mean to ‘Transition’? It means to improve your diet slowly, consciously, and comfortably over time. It is the period of time when you go from the way you are eating now, to arriving at your raw food goal.
  14. Should I Transition slowly or go 100% cold-turkey right away? My opinion/experience is that a person should set their own slow time frame: perhaps a consistent 1-2% increase in over-all raw per week, until you reach your lifetime raw food goal. If you are comfortable and feel you are moving too slowly, you can always speed up. But if you fail (even at a noble goal like 100% raw) this does nothing to encourage success. Slow and steady wins the race – with an option to speed up gradually if you feel good. Don’t set ANY goal that you are not prepared to incorporate for lifetime.
  15. What is a realistic time frame for Transition? If your lifestyle is rather healthy now, then 6-12months is a reasonable time frame. If your lifestyle is and has been rather un-healthy, then allow yourself 1-2 years or more to reach all your goals. It probably did not take you 30 days to reach your present health condition, and it will probably not take you 30 days to reach your new goals.
  16. What are ‘Transitional Foods’? Cooked or processed foods that are generally healthier, and chosen by you to help you feel full and satisfied and better reach your raw goals. Some examples are: meat substitutes, salt substitutes, sugar alternatives, healthier snacks, healthy condiments that make your raw food tastier, etc.
  17. What are some ideas for Transitional foods? Check your list of what you think are your worst foods and habits. Try to set time frames to switch those things out for healthier alternatives. They say that you cannot simply abandon a bad habit without having something better and more exciting to replace it. Try soy burgers and chicken instead of meat. Eat brown rice instead of white. Eat whole grain breads instead of white. Try natural spices instead of salt. Try dried fruit, home-made banana chips, chopped raisins, honey, or molasses instead of refined white sugar. Hot-air popped popcorn makes a great snack – as do fresh frozen fruit popsicles.
  18. What are some realistic and specific goals? Examples: Cut down 1 cigarette per day. Walk an extra 5 minutes per day. Eat 1 extra salad per day, Eat 2 extra pieces of fruit per day, Wake up 30 minutes earlier every day, etc.
  19. What is a great initial lifetime goal for a beginner? To eat 1 all-raw meal per day for the rest of your life. That would make you roughly 33% all-raw for the rest of your life!
  20. Is there a Master List of Raw Foods? Yes. You can access the Master List of Raw Foods from www.RawFoodFarm.com
  21. What is allowed on the raw food diet? What is not allowed? There are no raw food police – and no one person laying down the rules. You should probably make a commitment to try to cut down on any processed or pre-made items forever. Anything in a package is usually less fresh and helpful than its unprocessed equivalent. If it is not fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh juice, or nuts, then it’s probably not as healthy – just my opinion (note: this should cut down on your grocery shopping time...with just ONE isle to browse!).
  22. Is it ok to consume Cold-Pressed Olive Oil, Vinegar, Agave Nectar, Braggs Aminos, Nutritional Yeast, Sea Salt, Nori, etc.? I avoid these processed products. If you find them useful transitional foods – then I encourage you to use them in amounts that YOU determine reasonable.
  23. Won’t I just be depriving myself of things I love? Not if YOUR goals are clear...and unhealthy food conflicts with them. All cooked food has to come from raw food originally! Ha! Ha! You are just skipping the ‘middle-man’! You should regard eating healthy in this way as a gift to yourself. If you secretly harbor the idea that you are depriving yourself of the stuff you love – you will eventually return to it or something else equally (or more) destructive. When you truly do not want poor food choices, then you have achieved a real victory. Making that conscious decision before becoming deathly ill and are forced to do it is a healthy challenge indeed! Besides, they say it is what you are NOT eating that makes you truly healthy.
  24. Where can I find great recipes? There are some great ones that I used to love on www.RawFoodFarm.com. Just click on Recipes. Also: check out some of the many great free recipes on the websites listed on the Links section.
  25. Will I get all my necessary vitamins, minerals and nutrients by eating just fresh, raw plant foods? I think you will find the answer is yes. You can make your own calculations about what vitamins, minerals and protein you are getting by consulting the following links:

·         http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/

·         www.fitday.com

-For processed foods, you might have to check the labels or contact the makers of that food. Keep in mind that the actual ability of a healthy body to absorb nutrients improves – and thus your nutrient requirements might be less then when a person is unhealthy. Just my opinion.

  1. Will I get enough calories eating raw food? A mostly vegetable diet is very low in calories, while a mostly fruit and nut diet is much higher. You can calculate your actual caloric needs to maintain body weight here (along Body Mass Index and some other good calculators):

·         http://www.active.com/calculators/index.cfm

·         http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/calneed

Note: If you are generally coming in under this figure for your current weight, you will probably lose weight.

  1. What are the pitfalls to watch out for? In the beginning you will be probably be mixing too many foods, eating too much processed foods and oils, eating too many nuts, avocadoes and dates, salts & spices, spending too much time and money preparing exotic dishes, and transitioning too quickly – so you will be uncomfortable and putting out a lot of effort. You might also be defensive, preachy, or uncomfortable in social situations. You might also be secretly harboring a psychological desire for personal and physical suffering as being necessary to the process. Make sure any eating disorder and emotional issues you have are recognized as a problem by you, and being professionally treated before changing your diet in any significant or life-altering way.
  2. How can I deal with these pitfalls? Just be aware of them and accept them as the price of admission. Commit to supporting others, being an example of good behaviors, accepting others, other folks not understanding you, and being prepared by eating before you leave the house (and bringing a snack bag with you everywhere you go!) . Join a support group, or seek support in the online forums like:

·         www.RawFoodFarm.com

·         www.RawFoodSupport.com

·         www.RawFoodTalk.com

·         www.Eat.RawFood.com

-Each has its own take and you can get the experiences of folks who are actually trying to change their diet and their lives. Remember you can always start your own support group in your community or online.

  1. Do I have to eat Organic foods to be raw? NO. Eating raw is not synonymous with organic food. If you can afford it and choose to do so – please support the organic food industry by purchasing Organic foods. If not, don’t sweat it! You can achieve GREAT results with conventional produce over roughly the same time period. Do the best you can with what you have available.
  2. Should I eat gourmet recipes or eat more simply? Gourmet raw recipes tend to be heavy in nuts, salt, oil, contain non-raw/processed ingredients, or are labor intensive. While transitioning, explore the world of great raw food recipes. As time goes on, you may wish to eat simpler – with less food combining or adulteration.
  3. Are nuts labeled raw actually raw? In my experience – not at all. The only nuts you can be sure about are small seeds like sunflower that you can test by sprouting and seeing a green plant form from the seed. If it doesn’t grow into a green plant (as most large nuts won’t) – you just don’t know. Try buying from home growers on e-bay, or direct from the groves themselves. Purchase the best you can and be content.
  4. Do I need a blender, juicer, food processor, dehydrator, or other equipment to be on the raw food diet? NO. These things can make the experience more fun initially, but since they are processing the food you eat, then the end result is less healthy anyway. If they help you - go for it.
  5. Can you recommend a blender, juicer, etc.? My recommendation is to purchase these items cheaply from your local thrift store before you spring for very expensive equipment that is not an entry requirement for eating healthy. It’s cheap to do and helps the poor.
  6.  Is this way of eating expensive? If you eat very simply and frugally, expect to pay about the same or slightly less than you do now. If you eat more expensive organic foods, lots of nuts and avocadoes, or gourmet prepared raw foods you can expect to pay much more. A reasonable weekly grocery bill for one person is between $75 and $100.
  7. But I’m getting really hungry all the time! You should never be hungry. If you are, you are not staying full on healthy foods that you love! You should always keep yourself full of healthy raw foods – or healthier transitional foods. Eat these foods more often and in greater amounts. If you know you are getting enough calories and nutrients but you are still feeling ‘empty’, then you are dealing with an emotional issue. This is not unusual. Accept this and just be aware of it. Many beginners over-eat on raw sweets (like dates) or raw fats like avocado or nuts – and don’t get enough fiber and bulk. 
  8. How to I overcome my craving for sweets? For Fats? For bread? For meat? Etc.? If you really WANT those things, you’ll find a way to get them. Ask yourself what you really want…and what your goals really are. YOUR goals are what matters. In the mean time: NEVER GO HUNGRY. Staying full on healthy raw foods that you love, and transitional foods that make you feel good, should sensitize you, keep you full, and make you less tolerant of poor food choices. Be PREPARED by always filling up before you leave the house, and bringing ample snacks. Be prepared for social situations by simply ordering a glass of water and saying, “I’m on a special diet” or “I’m not hungry” or “I’m just here to see you”. Otherwise do not talk about your diet, or even mention the word ‘raw’. Eating healthy transitional foods that simulate your old favorites is helpful to some during their transitional phase.
  9. Are there ways to save money and eat raw on a budget? Yes. Buy what is in season. Shop at multiple locations and take advantage of sales. Buy dented or dated produce. Grow your own sprouts or greens. Get a part-time job in a produce market. Eat at your mother’s house. Ask your neighbors if you can pick fruit from their trees. Call your grandparents and beg for fresh produce. Forage for dandelions if you know your weeds!
  10. How do I sprout? Try buying mung beans, raw sunflower kernels or a sprout mix from your local health food store (I recommend: www.sproutpeople.com). Soak small seeds for 4-6 hours (covered) or large beans overnight (covered). Drain and cover. Then rinse, drain and re-cover 3 times per day. Keep in a cool place until sprouted to your satisfaction (about 3 days).
  11. How much raw food should I buy at a time? Try to go shopping every 2-3 days, and buy just what you need for the next 2 or 3 days. Resist the urge to buy more than you need, and store ripe foods and nuts covered in the refrigerator.
  12. What is ‘Detox’? It is not until you are supplying your body with healthy building blocks and care that it feels safe enough to shed excess pounds and accumulated fats and toxic substances. These toxic substances can be released into your bloodstream and/or carried to the surface of your body for elimination. This is called detox.
  13. I did a fast and started at 100% raw three days ago. Today I feel shaky and dizzy and terrible! This is Detox. Remember that true healing involves NOT suppressing symptomology….and accepting these symptoms and being very consciously with them as they occur. NEVER try to stop non-crisis symptomology Instead, try to learn to consciously regulate (slow down or speed up) your level of detox (see below).
  14. Can I slow down my Detox? Yes. Eat nuts, avocadoes, lots of mixed and heavier raw foods and/or transitional foods. This will slow down your detox.
  15. Can I speed up my Detox? Yes. Conduct light fasts of juice or water. Eat just one kind of light fruit when you are eating. Light exercise and sunlight will also speed detox - as will being kind, loving and supporting to yourself. 
  16. Why do I feel immediately better if I eat meat (or some other food) and take an aspirin? Because the body now shifts its attention to the new toxins you have introduced into your body. Your true detox is always there…waiting to begin again. You will just be unaware of it as long as there are toxins in your system to distract your consciousness/digestive energy and eliminative capacities away from that process.
  17. What are some of the symptoms of Detox? Headaches, muscle aches, dry mouth, cracking or blisters on or in the mouth, excess sweating, odor, fatigue, insomnia or sleeping heavily, great hunger or loss of appetite, loss of hair, stress, irritability, sluggishness, rashes, emotional / physical ups and downs, weight loss or gain, change in bowel movements (harder / softer...more or less), constipation, diarrhea, etc. Light-headedness, dizziness, tingling or numbness in the extremities, nausea or spacey-ness are also signs that you may be transitioning and detoxing too quickly. Regulate your detox by eating heavier raw foods or more transitional foods – until you feel comfortable. Stretch but do not tear!
  18. How severe are these Detox symptoms? If they cause you great discomfort, spacey-ness or pain, then you are stretching too far past your comfort zone. Symptoms should be very mild and not debilitating. If they are, set smaller goals and transition more slowly.
  19. How do I eliminate Detox symptoms? You DON'T. NEVER try to eliminate non-crisis symptomology (detox or otherwise). If you are bleeding or have an acute health crisis – take care of it any way you can....professionally if necessary. Otherwise, simply commit to a healthier lifestyle: transition more slowly, get plenty of rest, and eat lightly until you are healed. If you have major pains or concerns, see your health professional immediately. You can regulate your own detox by eating heavier or less raw foods until you feel more comfortable and normal.
  20. What if I experience no detox symptoms? Some folks do not experience many, if any, detox symptoms at first. If you are very comfortable for a period of 30 days, then you can try increasing your pace after that time - if you wish.
  21. How long will I go through Detox? If you are eating well and simply, then major transitional detox might last only 2-4 weeks. If you have a history of eating poorly, detox may last 6-12 months, or even for the full duration of your transition (can be 1-2 years or more). Detox events can occur any time where you are exposed to toxic chemicals in your food, on your skin, or in the air around you – or the body is releasing some deep-seated problem. Sometimes this occurs even years down the line.
  22. Do I have to be 100% all-raw? No. Set your goal and take small steps (that YOU are prepared and willing to do) every day to achieve it. If you cannot achieve your steps – break it up into smaller goals.
  23. Is being 99% raw a good goal? Yes, but understand that eating very well might make you more sensitive to crap! Ha! Ha!
  24. How do I handle social situations (like family gatherings and restaurants)? The watch word is preparedness. Eat well before you leave the house so you are not hungry when you get where you are going. Bring a snack bag in your car or a small snack (like apples or almonds) in your pocket or purse in case you get stuck. Never discuss your diet unless asked politely and one-on-one. In that case, just say you are trying to eat all fresh fruits and vegetables. Never defend your diet. Don’t expect those doing the wrong thing to understand or accommodate you. They probably will not – or will not understand. Just let your family and friends know that you are happy – and are there to support them. Let them know that you are there to spend quality time with them. You can spend quality time with food on your own time! LOL.
  25. What do I order at restaurants? No restaurant can be expected to understand your needs. Don’t expect them to! You best bet is to eat before you leave your home and/or eat food that you bring in your pocket or pocketbook. I have rarely been questioned when I whip out an apple at my table. If questioned, simply inform your server that you are on a ‘special diet’. If they ask what kind, say uncut fresh fruit. If they cannot bring that to you, I would avoid ordering food there. If you ever have a problem at a restaurant, either leave immediately – or ask to speak directly to the manager in private and tell him/her that your server is not allowing you to eat your ‘special diet’. This should clear up any misunderstanding rather quickly. 
  26. Will I lose weight on this diet? If you are eating mostly vegetables (which are lower in calories), few fats, small meals often, and exercising intensely aerobically, then you will probably lose weight.
  27. Can I gain weight on weight on this diet? If you are eating a high fat / high protein diet (avocado, nuts, coconuts, oils, salts, sugars) lifting weights, eating large meals infreqently and eating heavily late at night, not aerobically exercising regularly, and/or still eating processed or cooked foods, then you will probably gain weight.
  28. Is there an emotional, thought, attitude, and lifestyle element to eating well? Definitely all of the above! LOL. Eating healthy will bring up all sorts of repressed emotions (now that you are being healthy and making it safe for those feelings to emerge) and a healthy questioning about the assumptions of what is ‘normal’. This ‘emotional detox’ can give rise to long-buried feelings of all kinds. Anger, guilt, confusion are not uncommon. Try to accept and show love to those feelings – like you would a hurt child. Don’t try to eliminate them or supress them – just make it ok to have them and be with them, then keep on with your goals. Don't lose focus!
  29. How can I deal with and accept the emotions that come up? Bring ‘ok-ness’ and ‘space’ to them. Say to yourself, ‘I may not agree with these feelings – but it’s ok to have them’. Give up the need to NOT have those feelings and the internal talk/habit of condemning them automatically. Then just commit to the way you want to feel or the goals your have already made. DO something toward your goals every day – no matter how small.
  30. Can you give me a basic daily meal plan? Sure:

·         Breakfast: ½ Cantaloupe and/or 16 oz fresh Orange Juice

·         Snacks:  2 Apples, ½ cup Carrot and Celery Sticks, ½ pound of Grapes, 2 Bananas

·         Lunch: Fresh chopped spinach and walnut salad – with assorted veggies

·         Snack: 2 Pears, Assorted cut veggies

·         Dinner: Watermelon, Papaya or Romaine Veggie wraps and fresh-made salsa and guacamole (see recipe section)

  1. What do you feel are the best raw foods? I find light fruits and fruit juices to be the most sustaining and cleansing. Leafy greens and above-ground vegetables tend to be in the middle of the spectrum. Fatty foods like nuts and heavy root vegetables seem to be on the lower end and can ground you or slow detox. This is just my opinion.
  2. How often should I eat? Some prefer to eat one or two large meals a day, while others prefer to eat 4-6 smaller meals per day. My suggestion is to keep your blood sugar up and stay full by eating 4-6 small meals per day – about every 2 hours. This works especially well if you are trying to lose weight. Eat larger and fewer meals if you are trying to retain or gain weight.
  3. Should I stop or start eating at a certain time? I simply recommend to eat the most and heaviest foods when you are the most active (usually during the day). Most folks should reverse the trend of eating lightly in the morning and heavily at night – especially if you are trying to lose weight, and try to eat larger amounts during the day.
  4. What about fasting? Most of your benefit will come from a long-term healthy eating commitment of conventional produce. If you do fast, it should be voluntary and comfortable, and you should truly think that you are giving a gift to yourself – not depriving yourself of something. Fasting is NOT a good way to lose weight - as it permanently slows the metabolism. Some good ways to fast at first are to eat one or more consecutive meals of all fruit, all juice, or all-water. Fasting one whole day is a great way to learn how to fast in a realistic and non-harming fashion.
  5. What about food combining rules? You can improve your transition, detox and digestion by following some simple food combining rules. Try this basic chart for starters: http://www.thewolfeclinic.com/foodcombining.html. If you don’t want to think about it, try mono-eating for a change of pace.
  6. What is mono-eating? This means eating one thing at a sitting, waiting 1-2 hours, then eating again. This is another refinement that can aid your digestion. The rationale is that the stomach puts out specific enzymes to digest specific foods. Combining foods confuses the stomach and causes incomplete and difficult digestion.
  7. What about ‘Cleansing?’ There are many commercial cleansing products and regimes theoretically designed to clean out parasites and/or undigested material from your system. I would avoid their use – and let healthy food, light fasting and light exercise work their magic.
  8. What about Colonic Hydrotherapy? This is another refinement practice, where you go to a professional who inserts a tube into your bum to gently rinse out your upper colon. These sessions run between $75 to $150. My own experience is that they can be a positive addition to the healthy arsenal IF you are continuing to eat better for the rest of your life. No sense getting squeaky clean internally – just to load up on crap afterwards. Are they necessary? By no means. Enemas are like a colonic-light (half the calories of your regular colonic…)
  9. Is Yoga or Exercise a good idea? Yes. These are always good ideas. A good place to start is a short daily walking routine, and/or a 5 minute light yoga routine of your choice. Massaging problem areas with care and attention is also good.
  10. Is lifting weights a good idea? Yes. Keep it intelligent and reasonable. Give your muscles time to recover with break days in between sessions. You might not be able to get as abnormally bulky on an all-raw diet (just my experience) but you can certainly be as strong or stronger.
  11. Will I get too thin on this diet? During transition, you will probably lose a lot of excess body fat and drop to a lower weight initially. Then you will plateau and gain back a small percentage of the weight (perhaps 10 lbs) before arriving at your ideal weight. Note that you will probably never have the same bulk that the average American does. If you are uncomfortable at a lower weight, then take steps to increase your weight through weight training and heavier eating.
  12. Will I need less sleep eating raw? During transition you might actually need or want more sleep. You might experience ups and downs, so you might want additional sleep (or you may feel abnormally active on some days). After eating healthy for a while, you might feel more comfortable with less sleep. My own personal experience is that I sleep better, but not necessarily much less. I sleep about 7.5 hours per night. While fasting, there is often a surplus of energy – and you might find yourself sleeping less during that time.
  13. Should I rinse my produce? Yes. Tap water (in most areas) should be fine. You can shake dry your produce. If you are worried or in a foreign country....you can rinse your produce in bottled water and/or a light bleach solution.
  14. Can I eat grains? If you do, my advice is to sprout them. They are not very appealing otherwise! Many raw food folks avoid grains as their diet progresses.
  15. Are there any raw foods to avoid? There are some rare plant foods that are generally believed to be toxic when eaten raw in quantity. My research indicates some examples (I’ve never eaten these):

·         Raw Kidney beans

·         Rhubarb leaves

·         Green Raw Potato

-Check out the EXTRAS section of the Master List of Raw Foods for the few examples of toxic plants.

  1. Will my energy level increase on raw? When you are done transitioning, my experience is yes. During your transition, your 'pep' may actually decrease.
  2. What are some of the benefits you’ve experienced? Greater and more stable energy levels. Lighter and more restful sleep. Less muscle aches or injury. More infrequent and less severe illness. A greater sense of freedom, independence and appreciation. Better eyesight, hair fullness, skin, etc., are also my experience.
  3. I’m too cold all the time! Should I heat up my foods or beverages? I don’t advise it. Losing a lot of body fat might make you more sensitive to cold – especially in winter months. Detox might pull blood away from the extremities to heal the internal organs. Avoid very cold foods and beverages, bundle up and get plenty of warming exercise, breathing and sunlight on your skin and in your eyes. Keep moving.
  4. I live in an isolated area where Organic and/or Raw Foods are not available. What should I do? There ARE fresh, raw plant foods in every area. Eat what is available, grow your own food, or move to an area where you can supply yourself with the nutrition you have determined you need. It is important! 
  5. I cannot get fresh produce over the winter in my area. Good produce should be available year-round – wherever you live. Please see the previous question.
  6. Can I drink tea or coffee? I would not recommend it.
  7. Can I drink alcohol? Is there such a thing as raw wine / beer? In my opinion: No.
  8. Can I continue to smoke? It is probably a good idea to quit smoking or any tobacco use.
  9. Are dehydrated foods ok? I would limit them to transitional snacks (they can be hard on the teeth and digestion).
  10. What kind of water is the best to drink? Staying hydrated is a good thing. Generally limit your drinking to when you are not eating. Your choice of purified or distilled water should be fine. Water purified by reverse osmosis or distilling tends to be quite pure. Add a splash of fresh lemon or lime juice for flavor if you wish.
  11. Where do you get your protein? This question is so nice I answer it twice! Americans do not suffer from protein deficiencies! Ha! Ha! You probably need far less than you are eating – even if you are an avid body-builder. The WHO (World Health Organization) says humans need about 5% of their daily calories to come from protein to be healthy. The USDA puts this figure at 6.5%. On average, fruits have about 5% of their calories from protein. Vegetables have from 20-50% of their calories from protein. Sprouted seeds, beans, and grains contain from 10-25% of their calories from protein. So if you are eating any variety of living plant foods, you are getting more than adequate protein.
  12. How do you get enough B-12? It is my opinion that poor levels of B-12 indicate an absorption issue, not an intake one. Please see the Articles section for the latest B-12 article.
  13. Should I supplement? If you are truly concerned about vitamins, minerals, protein, calcium, B-12 or some other issue, then you should take a supplement that you have researched and not lose any sleep over this issue.
  14. Can you recommend a supplement? No – as I do not use them.
  15. Are Spirulina or Chlorella good foods to eat? I have no experience with these foods. Besides, I personally don’t find the idea of eating algae very appealing. Just my opinion.
  16. Can I eat raw honey? I personally avoid it – but it is probably a healthier transitional food than white sugar (Note: infants and those with weak immune systems should always avoid raw honey).
  17. Should I soak nuts and seeds? You don’t have to – but doing so doesn’t hurt them…and may actually help. Soak small seeds 4-8 hours, and larger nuts and beans covered overnight. Eat immediately or refrigerate after soaking/rinsing to avoid mold.
  18. Are there any raw food support websites? You bet. Try www.rawfoodfarm.com, www.living-foods.com, www.eat.rawfood.com, http://www.alissacohen.com/, http://www.raw-pleasure.com.au/, or www.rawlovers.com.
  19. Can you give me examples of long-term raw food gurus? I have spoken with a few via e-mail, but you can Google the following authors:

·         David Wolfe

·         Gabriel Cousens

·         Storm Talifero

  1. Are there some good books to read? Sure. Here are some of the most recommended to get you going:

·         12 Steps to Raw Foods, by Victoria Boutenko

·         Conscious Eating, by Gabriel Cousens

·         The Sunfood Diet Success System, by David Wolfe

·         Raw Knowledge, by Paul Nison

·         Survival in the 21st Century, by Viktoras Kulvinskas

·         Detox Your World, by Shazzie

  1. Is there a raw food magazine? You can check out Living Nutrition Magazine at http://www.livingnutrition.com/
  2. Are there some great recipe resources? Sure: www.living-foods.com has a great recipe section.
  3. Are than any raw food retreats? You can research: www.rawfoodfarm.com/thefarm.htm, http://www.treeoflife.nu/ or http://www.hippocratesinst.org/ to start with.
  4. What about raw food schools or courses? Although I have not participated in their programs, you can research: http://www.rawfoodchef.com/ or http://www.alissacohen.com/certifications.html
  5. Are there any raw food festivals? Yes. You can check out http://www.rawworld.org/
  6. How can I find a local raw food support group? Post notices at your local health food stores and supermarkets. Post a query on the raw food bulletin boards. If no one replies, then start one today! Ask your local health food store if you can post notices – and post notices at your local community college.
  7. Can raw foods cure ‘X illness’ or ‘Y Condition’? Can Raw foods improve my condition?  They say it is what you are not eating that promotes health! You can only create a fertile ground for health through firm intention, visualization, goal setting, acceptance, healthy eating, light exercise, fresh air, pure water, and joyful / enthusiastic living and service work. These are what you have control over – and what you should focus on.

100.   Should I continue to take my medications or pain relievers? I would advise cutting down and eliminating medications in close consultation with your doctor or health professional.

101.   What if I ‘fall off the wagon’? There is no wagon – or raw food police force. Do not compare yourself to others, some guru, or even your own inflated idea of how you should be. You are on your path - always. Focus on what you can do today. If you fail at your goal, set a smaller one and re-commit. Brainstorm what you can do to achieve that new goal. Just concentrate on putting one step in front of where you are now.

102.   I don’t get any support from my friends or family! You can’t expect those doing the wrong thing to understand you. They probably won’t. Support and accept them for who they are – and try to model healthy behaviors. They will be most influenced by your success and happiness…not the logic of your health food arguments. Be the change you want to see in the world. Forgive them and help them.

103.      If I just prove scientifically that my diet is the healthiest, won’t people eagerly switch? Probably not…heh..heh…..Eating is often an emotional / social issue. Also: debating something is usually interpreted as defensive behavior and failure behavior. People often interpret that those that are defensive and argumentative as not really happy – and thus seek to avoid whatever lifestyle they are engaged in…no matter how healthy.  If you are doing the right thing, there is no need to debate or defend your behavior – and there is no need to challenge people that are not interested in what you have to say. Stick to those that are politely interested – and avoid those that are hostile, uninterested, critical or challenging, or those that say you must ‘prove’ what you are doing is right. Avoid those that harp on the ‘failures’ that they have seen (they usually have observed no such thing…or a person with other conditions).

104.      What if I am a minor or living with my parents? Use your own money (through allowance or working jobs on the side) to purchase a stash of healthier foods. Try to let your parents know that you will be eating healthier – and do so….and don’t make a big deal or an issue of it. Take personal responsibility for it.

105.      I have a family/children (and they are not raw)! What can I do? Just let them know you intend to eat healthier by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables – then don’t mention it again. Don’t expect them to change. Just continue to interact with your family – and allow them to eat what they have always eaten. Your example should be enough. If you prepare the food, make enough healthy foods so that they can also eat them too if they express an interest…but continue to provide them with the foods and support that they want….if that is your traditional role. If they are curious, you can share your information but set healthy boundaries and don’t entertain any criticism.

106.      I have a loved one who eats very poorly (or is very sick). How can I convince them to eat healthy? You can’t. You can only lead by example: being happy and successful. Offer them books, articles or website information if they express an interest. Write them up a daily meal plan if they wish. Provide them with healthier meals and alternatives if they request them.

107.      I have a very serious disease (or allergy) that limits my intake of raw foods. What can I do? Make a list of the raw foods or juices that you can eat – and focus on increasing your overall percentage of them. Avoid those foods you feel you will react badly to. Your reactions may change as you become more healthy – and allow you to eat more of the foods you might have been ‘sensitive’ or ‘allergic’ to earlier.

108.