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?

Raw 101 - Finding a Mentor/Coach in Raw & Living Foods

I know of few people that do not benefit from being cheered on, inspired or guided on their journey by a mentor (or a coach). A mentor is an experienced guide, a wise counsellor, any person from which you can learn something, who's experience, knowledge and competence will help you along your journey. That person must absolutely inspire you. That is the whole point. The motivational power of this being is what makes him (or her) a good mentor.  

Having a good mentor is a powerful advantage that you must not neglect. The right mentor for you, will be the one that inspires you, that shows you the road ahead, that is the incarnation of the goal you are striving for. The mentor will motivate you, will show you, being a living example, that you as well are able to succeed.

Many people find it interesting and inspiring to have a mentor that guides them through the development of a practical and feasible plan to make the transition to living foods, or to create an awesome plan to include more raw and living foods into an otherwise not-so-raw lifestyle. I have helped lots of people with such plans, and to face food addictions and to find solutions to emotional eating or cravings. It has always been very important for me to be able to inspire the people I interact with while sharing the very best information there is out there on raw and living foods. 

The numerous articles here on Healthy Crusine can certainly spark the flame in anyone reading them. They can motivate you to change your eating habits to embrace healthier ones. Whether you find inspiration here or elsewhere, in books, other sites, or in workshops, know that perfect models do not exist. And it's good that way, don't you think? A lot less intimidating, I find.

The quantity of emails I get daily asking questions about this and that, some intriguing new information, and what not, tells me that there is a real need for quality mentorship in the living food world. So don't hesitate to inform me of your requests. I am always happy to be able to contribute to your journey in living foods! 

It is often said: you become like those you spend the most time with. We can see the truth of this saying when we observe the influence our children's friends have on them, on their attitude, their talk, their clothing, etc. You don't have to be physically with a person to spend time with him. Books, television programs, forums are just as many ways to "spend time" with someone. So, who are you spending your time with? I truly hope you will come spend some of it with me here, at Healthy Crusine. I love sharing my knowledge, experiences and finds with you. And I especially love hearing from you via comments on the site or by emails!!! (*great big wink*)

Rawffectionately,

Raw 101 - Learn to Surf with Raw & Living Food

Our generation has an unprecedented advantage when it comes to communications and information sharing. Thanks to the Internet, all that you want to know, learn, understand, you can have at your fingertips, in the comfort of your own home. No need to face winter woes, fall rains, spring slush or summer heat: two clicks of a mouse and three or four words entered into a search engine and you are deluged with information! There are more and more resources in raw and living foods. Healthy Crusine shines in its little corner of cyberspace as a place of information sharing, both in English and in French. There are way more English sites out there, now. But more is not necessarily equal to better! So be careful while researching and always ensure that the information you gather on the Internet is applicable to you and appropriate in your particular case. There is nothing like the wisdom of your own body, combined with the experience of others, generously seasoned with good old fashion common sense, to ensure your success on the live food journey, no matter what language.

It's as if we all had, in our own home, a virtual instructor to explain to us what we are seeking. From the most efficient way to make a batch of nut milk, all the way to how to daze the crowds, you will find treasures of instructive and entertaining information on the Internet.

Raw 101 - Finding Support with Raw & Living Foods

So... You've decided to go raw? You're jumping into living foods, head first? Congratulations!!!

Before going further, I'd like to suggest some *raw* food for thought (pardon the pun) that will make the transition that much easier for you. You'll see, you won't regret taking the time to think about these things before finding yourself in the heat of the action!!! 

Whenever we undertake a major shift in our lives, we have this notion that everyone else will follow along. Well, we know deep down, that's just not the way it goes. Each of us follows his (or her) own path. Choice is an integral part of life. And we must assume the consequences of OUR choices, not of that of others. This being said, you will no doubt encounter situations that are far from pleasant, as you transition to raw and living foods. The rolling of the eyes. The question avalanche. The emotional blackmail. And others... Who would torture you in this manner? Your worse enemy? You wish! Your parents, your friends, your co-workers, your kids, your life-partner... The intentions underlying such behaviours are mostly well intentioned, but can prove desastrous in the end. Unless... you are equiped with just the right tools to face such situations!