Hi John,

I enjoyed reading your post and often ask myself a lot of the same questions.  This is just my point of view - don't know if it's "right" or "wrong" persay.  Personally - I don't think anything we ingest gives us the answers to deep questions.  I don't care if you eat a Big Mac for lunch, or a bunch of fruit - as long as you have peace within.  The answers you're looking for come simply from meditation, seeking and asking the right questions.  I've found that it doesn't really matter what we do (for a living), what we eat, etc.  What matters is how we treat each other everyday.  That's where the peace comes from within. 

I like the effects of the raw food diet for my body - and I have felt more "enlightened" when fasting.  But I feel these things are unsustainable.  I don't believe we should be fanatical about anything.  Plus - I'd like to find these places without having what I eat (or don't eat) be a factor.  Even the Buddha (who was a vegetarian) ate meat if it was offered to him.  It was a gift and he didn't deny himself something if it was a gift from someone else. 

It appears a lot of people on this forum eat raw foods for the amazing health benefits.  I couldn't agree more.  But - would you rather live to be 110 years old, healthy as an ox, but having to be fanatical about everything that goes into your body?  Not being able to enjoy meals with friends b/c you don't know if you can eat anything that will be served?  Or - live a few less years and not have such heavy restrictions?  The fact of the matter is that any of us could walk across the street tomorrow and get hit by a bus.  If that happens, and say you're having your "life review" with God (Buddha, the One, etc.  whatever you wish to call it) - will you be happy with what you've done with your life?  Will saying - well, I ate a lot of raw foods - make you feel fulfilled?  Or saying - I did the best I could, helped as many people as possible (even in the smallest ways).

Sometimes I feel focusing so much on raw foods is selfish.  Instead of spending so much time thinking about what we can and cannot eat - even the time spent on these forums - (please everyone don't take this the wrong way - I enjoy this forum thoroughly and it has given me lot of information) - but I ask myself - couldn't I spend my time doing better things for humanity?  I think helping others is one of the best ways (if not the best) to feed fulfilled inside.   

So - after all that - I guess my answer is that food is external.  It's not going to give you answers.  Not even eating raw.  (Again - this is only my experience.  I whole heartedly believe we are all different and may have different experiences).  My advice is to pray pray and pray some more.  You will get your answers.  Just know you're exactly where you're supposed to be at this moment. 

Oh yeah - and let's not take life, what we eat, or anything so seriously! 

Sorry for the long winded post.  I really didn't mean to offend anyone.  This is just my perspective at this moment. 

-Mallory

Hi Annette,

I have been experiencing some of the same things as you .  Binging on cooked foods, then only have juices or fasting the next day.  It can become a vicious cycle.  I ask myself why I'm doing this at the time - there are definitely some emotional issues there that I'm learning to work through.  And I also live in a home with cooked food eaters - so the temptation is always there.  Some days I'm really good and wouldn't give eating cooked foods a second thought!  But for some reason, when the weekends roll around, I think that because I was good all week, I deserve a "reward" for the weekend by eating cooked foods.  But then I just feel terrible.  Emotionally and physically.

I like the post someone said earlier in that we're exactly where we need to be at this time.  I think that is so true.  We are going through these experiences for a reason.  Instead of letting certain cycles continue, we need to get in touch with our inner emotions and find the root cause of why we're experiencing these things.  We need to get in touch with why we feel the way we do when we're eating certain foods.  I've noticed (through many postings) that a lot of raw food eaters have experienced eating disorders in the past.  So - it's especially important to ask ourselves what the issues really are when we're binging/fasting.  Once some light has been shed on these issues - the healing process can begin.

Does anyone know if freezing fruit changes the nutritional value at all?  I LOVE frozen grapes and bananas in the summertime - but just want to make sure I'm not compromising all the good stuff in them!

Many thanks!
Mallory

Thanks everyone.  I think I'll give it a try.  Unfortunately - it's winter here in the U.S. at the moment.  Fruit makes me cold - but not to worry - I have my trusty heating pad that I keep at my desk to keep me nice and toasty.   

You all are so lucky that it's summertime there!  I cannot wait until the summer when the cantaloupes, watermelons and honeydews are nice and ripe.  Yummy!!!

Well - I'll keep you posted on the 80/10/10 results.  There are always new diets (even in the raw food world) coming out that are fun to try.   Once you get to know your body well enough - you can pick and choose which diet works best for you.

Happy Day!
Mallory

From Doug Grahan's website (http://www.foodnsport.com) he is obviously very much into sports/fitness.  I'm just wondering if the 80/10/10 approach is for VERY active people.  It sounds like alot of people who are on this diet can spend most of their time working out.  But because of work, life, etc. I can only give about 45 minutes/day to working out. 

I'm actually looking to drop about 5 lbs.  Do you think this diet would help?  I know it's low-fat - but it also has ALOT of calories.  Green/veggies have so many fewer - I'm wondering which is better.  The only thing is - I add dressing to my salads (they are homemade - but have either avocado or oil added) so there is added fat/calories.  I know fruit is a great cleanser - but I guess I'm a little confused on which approach would work best for losing some unwanted pounds.

Any advice?

Many thanks!
Mallory

Thanks for your replies.  I'll have to get the book and read it myself.  I'm just wondering - on such a fruit filled diet - where do you get all of your minerals?  I know fruit is nutritious, but I always thought there were more vitamins/minerals in greens - like in leafy greens, broccoli, etc. 

Hello,

I've been reading a lot of postings lately where people are talking about the 80/10/10 diet.  I don't have this book - but from what I have read - it sounds like it involves eating mostly fruit.

My question is this - do you think that this diet is mostly for VERY active people?  It just seems like a lot of carbs and elevated blood sugar levels - something that might work for a really active person - but not so much for others.

I really like fruit and am interested in this diet, but I sit behind a desk most of the day.  However, I do aerobic exercise (running, bike, eliptical trainer, etc.) for 30-40 minutes 5-6 days a week, in addition to power yoga 3 days a week.  Is that enough activity for this diet?

Thanks for your input!
Mallory

Hi guys-

I always wonder if I'm overeating when on a raw food diet.  I know all the experts say even if you're only eating raw foods - you still should NOT overeat.  I completely agree with this.  I just wonder how to tell if I am overeating.

I see a lot of people mention that they make a large salad at some point in the day.  I do as well.  Here's what mine consists of:

3 Cups (approx.) of mixed field greens
1 tomato
1 Cup broccoli
Carrot
1/2 Cup cauliflower
Sprouts
Sometimes cucumber, peppers, whatever's in the fridge.
Homemade spinach/tahini dressing

I fill up a big bowl with all of these things - and when I picture that amount of food going into my stomach, I honestly can't believe I eat it all!  But I do - and usually have room to spare!  Am I stretching my stomach out too much?

Well - just wanted some opinions on this.

Thanks so much!
Mallory

Thanks to all for your input! 

I'd like to get my blood tested - the thing is though - I NEVER go to the doctor.  I don't have very good health insurance and I personally am not a big believer in what doctors prescribe. 

Well - I think I'll take the advice of what you all said and just listen to my body.  I might keep up the vitamins for now - at least the B12.  Then maybe go off of them and see if I notice a difference.

Again - thanks a bunch!
Mallory

I've read so many different opinions on whether we should take a multi-vitamin or not.  Many people feel like we get enough vitamins when eating a raw food diet - but others say we don't.  In particular - there is always the B-12 deficiency we hear so much about.

I currenlty do take a multi-vitamin in addition to a B-12 supplement.  Sometimes after taking the vitamin, though, I don't feel very good. 

Just wondering what others thoughts are on the topic. 

Thanks for sharing!
Mallory

Hi everyone,

I'm going skiing in Colorado this February and am in need of some advice.  In my past experiences with high altitude, I usually end up feeling dizzy and nauseous.  Before eating raw foods, I would usually eat a cracker or two and then feel better.  Bland foods and things that seem to absorb in my stomach made me feel better.  Anyone know of any raw foods that might make me feel better? 

I'd love any suggestions you might have.  Or, I'd love to hear about your experiences if you'd traveled to high altitudes in the past and were able to eat raw foods.

I know to drink lots of water and I heard taking Ginko helps too.

Thanks so much!
Mallory

I've been thinking about you Aussies a lot lately - seeing as how the Austrailian Open is now on!  I am a HUGE tennis fan and have been glued to the TV!  (I'm in Virginia - a bit of a trek for me to see it live).

Anyone over there going to see it in person? 

Give my regards to Federer if you are....
Mallory

Thanks to all for your replies.  Maybe it's just a transition thing.  I haven't been 100% for the past few months - and recently decided to do all raw for the month of January.  Of course - now that I've been doing it and feeling GREAT - I have a feeling my raw food month will last longer. 

I'm in the U.S. and it is freezing here - that could be part of the reason.  It's funny - when I do my yoga practice, it's always the exact same toes that go numb.  And sometimes when I'm eating salads, it's the same fingers that I notice going numb. 

Thanks again for all your help!
Mallory

Yes - I am very active.  I do some kind of cardio at least 30 minutes/day.  I also do yoga 3 days a week. 

You're right - poor circulation is the cause.  I wonder why it's happening though? 

It's not a big deal - I guess if I ever wanted to get my fingers or toes tattooed - now would be the time to do it!   

Hi everyone,

Sorry I've been out of the loop for a while.  I have a question -

I've noticed that some of my fingers and toes start to go numb at certain times of the day.  When I look at the numb areas, sure enough they are white - compared to the others which are pink and normal color.  (It looks as if there's no blood getting to them.)

Has anyone else experienced this?  Do you know the cause?

Many thanks!
Mallory