Raw 101 - Living Food and Solitude

Like a lot of people wishing to eat a healthier diet, it can happen that someone who decides to start eat raw and living foods will feel alone. One of those uncomfortable solitudes around food choices. More than one raw foodist lives with other family members that do not share their dietary choices. Some even face serious opposition. How does one stay happy in such cases?

If your friends, family or colleagues disapprove of your eating style et they let you know with force (and repetitiously!), you will have to explain to them, with the all the respect you can muster, that their comments are hurtful. Try something along these lines: "I know what I eat might upset you and that you don't agree. But I would really appreciate it if you would stop talking about it and keep your opinions to yourself in my presence because I feel [insert the feeling you are experiencing]." If they respect you in the least and if they love you at all, they will comply. If they refuse, then the question becomes: why put up with such people? One exception to point out: the case in which you are actually showing signs of illness. Some people starting out on the living food path do not feed themselves properly and therefore start showing signs of being malnourished or other negative effect on their health. So you must pay attention to this type of remark, especially if it comes from different sources and is repeated to you over a certain period of time. If people you know love you and have your best interests at heart, tell you that you look sick, unwell, you must think carefully at the truth of what they are saying. Fix any nutritional imbalance you might be experiencing before your health really start to suffer from it. After all, you are seeking health, right?

Now, look around you. Very closely. You are looking for ANYBODY that is susceptible to be interested, in the slightest, in living foods. Even in my family of "carnivores", I have found such interest, an interest in more healthy eating (but not to the extent of going raw). At home, a fruit basket on the counter can easily replace the cookie jar, a plate of veggies with dip can be added to the lunchtime table, and a nice side salad can accompany almost any evening meal. So you can partake with the others in some of the same food and feel that sense of connection. At work and in social occasions, there is always someone in the vicinity, that wishes to eat healthier food. You just have to find these people and get to know them. Probably they too have a rough time trying to eat that way. You can support each other. You don't necessarily have to find a raw foodist here, but just someone that respects your way of eating but is still, hopefully, a bit curious.

You can also research raw and living foods events that might occur in your region (you might have to stretch that "region" definition just a tad!). It is, without a doubt, a very nice place to meet like-minded people, interested in raw and living foods just like you. It could be retreats, public conferences ou exhibitions. Make the effort to be there: you won't regret it! You will find friends, support, and a positive environment for a change! What joy! And take notes on how to get a hold of all those wonderful people you meet there, so you can continue on supporting each other. These people will become your oasis of freshness on your living foods and health journey.

Think about checking out some of the living food forums out there. There is a virtual community of people passionate about living food in cyberspace. Make friends where you feel comfortable (it could be in more than one place!). You will find support, advise, practical tips and, who knows, maybe even find out about a raw foodist that lives nearby!

Are there any raw food restaurant or cafés where you live? You will likely meet raw foodists there, that's for sure. And don't let your own shyness keep you from reaching out: walk, or drive, straight to that restaurant, or café, and go meet interesting people! A little initiative will yield positive results, without a doubt. If no raw food establishment exist in your region, try vegetarian or vegan restaurants. It's worth a try! Who knows if a raw foodist is not hiding somewhere in there?

Have you heard of a raw or living food mentor (or coach)? I sure hope so! Even if one-on-one mentoring is not in your budget, there are always means to benefit from the knowledge and experience of a mentor. Look around on this site: there is a lot of info!!! You can also take some raw food classes. Some excellent teachers are out there. See what is available in your region. And if you find something worth mentioning, please let me know. I'll gladly share the info with everyone, so all can benefit from it!

So, with these few tricks up your raw sleeves, you will construct in no time, a vast circle of raw and living food friends. You were lacking support, encouragement and friendship? No more!!!