The Power of Choice, and a Raw Challenge
Happy (Rainy) Sunday, everyone.
I was supposed to meet the lovely April of Raw Food Passion for lunch today, but her flight was (sadly) delayed. So instead, I’m taking a moment to make an announcement, and to share an article that’s near and dear to my heart.
First things first: Miss Jenna (of Eat Live Run) and I are inviting our mutual readers to join us for a Raw Foods Wednesday Challenge! Now, you all know that every day is a raw day for me; I want this blog to encourage each and every one of you to eat raw as often as your lifestyle will healthily and happily make room for. But there’s nothing wrong with a little motivation, now is there? So here’s the deal: each Wednesday, Jenna and I challenge you to eat one raw meal and one raw snack. We’ll be doing two fabulous giveaways for our participants, one midway through the month and another at the end. And we’re sure to be collecting lots of great feedback from readers all over the blogosphere. If you’re just starting with raw foods, this is a fun way to get involved. Please leave a comment on this post if you want to join us!
In other news, I want to share an article that I recently wrote for my dear friend Mary’s Beam Green newsletter (which you can all subscribe to for free on her website!). The article is about being proud of one’s dietary perspective in the face of social pressure. It’s somewhat reminiscent of this guest post I wrote for the wonderful Melissa on restaurant dining not so long ago, but with a slightly broader emphasis: my intention was to encourage women of all ages, but especially young women, to feel proud of their healthy habits.
It’s a sad truth that sometimes the very habits that women should feel proudest of—eating well, being mindful of alcohol consumption, getting adequate rest—are the things they’re forced to apologize for. One of the major challenges in adopting a raw or vegan diet is finding comfort with the declaration, “I’m vegan,” “I’m raw,” or even “I don’t feel like eating meat tonight.” Young women in particular fear being perceived as weird, as “crunchy,” or as holier-than-thou. When it comes to moderation with alcohol, the fear is being perceived as a stick in the mud.
Ladies, let’s get real here. If you feel ambivalent about being raw or vegan because you’re not certain that it’s healthy or feasible for your lifestyle, then hey, don’t sweat it. You’ll find a great way to take steps towards raw that don’t necessarily entail the whole commitment. But if your big fear is social perception, I urge you to rise above pettiness, and take a proud stand! Without further ado, “The Power of Choice.”
The Power of Choice
Raw foodists know plenty about social pressure. The choice to eat raw is not only a matter of what one does or doesn’t put on the plate. It’s a decision to disregard the entire paradigm of health under which society operates. With this decision comes many other smaller decisions: from ordering differently at restaurants and eschewing the drugs and medicines we’ve become accustomed to, to letting go of the stimulants (read: skinny lattes and cigarettes) that we all depend on for our daily boost. At first, these decisions can be difficult, especially since so few of our friends or acquaintances are making them with us. It’s a little lonely to be a pioneer.
For no matter how much you maintain that eating for health need not mean sacrificing a vibrant social life (and I do!), there’s no denying that your social life after detox will look different than your social life before. You may be ordering differently when you dine out. You may start bringing your own dishes to dinner parties. You may be defending your lifestyle to family members or friends, whose judgments will be stunningly sharp. You may find yourself explaining what raw foods are to the CEO of your company at a business lunch. You may have to tell your boyfriend that no, you don’t want to split that pizza with him at 2 AM. Whatever the case, it’s safe to say that you will, at some point, be called upon to weigh your devotion to a healthy lifestyle against social convenience.
Of course, in the grand scheme of things, the health benefits and spiritual openings that result from eating raw foods and cleansing the body make all of these scenarios well worth it. So the challenge is to move through the initial adjustments with commitment. This can be particularly hard for women, not because we lack the forbearance to make changes, but because we’re disadvantaged when it comes to resisting social pressure. We ladies are socialized—by our families, our culture, and the media—to be accommodating. This gives us many strengths: we’re peacekeepers in times of crisis. We’re empathetic. We’re good caretakers and active, engaged friends. We’re good listeners. But these strengths come at a price.
“Men look at women,” the art critic John Berger writes. “Women watch themselves being looked at.” It’s an overstatement, perhaps, but there’s truth to it: women worry about how they are perceived far more than their male counterparts seem to. And when it comes to dietary and lifestyle choices, this anxiety can be a bit of a handicap. Female friends will often confess to me that they want to make healthier choices in their lives, but they fear how their friends, families, or boyfriends will react. This may mean hesitation about ordering a salad in a restaurant for fear of being teased about eating “bird food” or interrogated by friends: “A salad? That’s all you’re getting? You’re not on a diet, are you?”. It may be fear of looking like a stick-in-the-mud: hey, no one likes to be the only virtuous person drinking club soda at a bar. Or it may be fear of coming off as “odd” to others: I admit that the catalog of raised eyebrows and bewildered responses I’ve gotten when I say the words “raw foodist” is downright impressive.
But let’s think about the big picture, shall we? What could possibly matter more than our health? And no matter how you look at it, health depends on what we put in our bodies. Do not let social insecurities interfere with the way you approach your diet and lifestyle.
Here’s a fun experiment. The next time you feel criticized by friends or family for eating healthy, take a moment to examine where those sentiments come from. Does this friend or relative live the lifestyle you want? Does she have the body you want? Does she have the energy and aura you want? If the answer is no—as it probably is—remember that, in nine cases out of ten, a friend who makes this kind of criticism is feeling envious and threatened by your choice to be healthier than she. So let’s state the obvious: that heavy entrée you feel pressured to eat is going in your stomach. That dessert you don’t really want to split with her is pouring sugar into your bloodstream. The choices you make about food may be affected by the people around you, but their consequences will only affect you.
Here’s another good example: I choose not to drink. It’s not always easy, especially at parties or work events, but it’s a choice that I’m proud of, and I stick to it. Countless female friends, especially in their mid-twenties, have told me that they’re tired of drinking and want to stop, but fear how they’ll be perceived if they do. I’ve even heard stories of women ordering “faux” cocktails (soda water dressed up as a vodka tonic). Guess what? I remember that urge well. No one likes looking prudish. But once again, it all boils down to personal choice: you should never feel compelled to make choices that go against your own impulses. And if your impulse is to have some soda water and call it a night, you should listen. You’ll feel better without the headache tomorrow morning, anyway.
And take pride in your choices! With each of those healthy entrees you order at a restaurant and each of those surplus cocktails you turn down, you’re making decisions that will protect and nourish your body and fertility. It’s easy to forget that so many social habits—pigging out at restaurants, drinking like a fish at happy hour, partying on Saturdays and sleeping off hangovers on Sundays, painful cycles of restrictive diets followed by careless binges, social smoking—are ingrained only by force of habit. These are not the rhythms that nature intended our bodies to live by. They’re social practices that have become idiomatic over time, and have been encouraged and reinforced by the media. As a society, we like to joke about our vices—drinking, smoking, dieting, overeating, whatever—but they’re not all that funny. Especially as we get older and they become more ingrained.
Take pride, too, in the fact that you are, little by little, learning to shake off your social insecurities. Confidence and bullheadedness are not the same things. Embrace your confidence. Be open and enthusiastic about your lifestyle. I assure you that taking a warm, self-assured approach (bringing a delicious, healthy dish to a dinner party and offering it to other guests, for instance) is the best way to protect yourself against naysayers and to feel the rewards of a raw lifestyle. There’s a time and a place for compromise, but the dinner table isn’t one of them. So order that giant salad (with some avocado or nuts and a side of steamed veggies—delicious!), and relish every bite. Your body is yours to nourish as you see fit.
Gena is a book editor and raw foods counselor in Manhattan. She has a blog, www.choosingraw.com, where she encourages readers of all ages and food philosophies to feel proud of their healthy choices.
PS — Keep the entries into the spiralizer contest coming, everyone! I’m loving each and every one of your great emails and comments.
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–Lyn D., MarylandBefore I started working with Gena, I wasn’t sure whether it would be worth it, since I knew what I “should” be doing. Her counseling, however, turned out to be a key factor in my success.
Not only does she have great advice when I am struggling, but her realistic approach helped me make major changes despite having no time and limited funds. Her recipes and ideas are for real people with lives beyond their diets, and they are great. Gena is down to earth and non-judgmental. She strikes a great balance between encouraging me to go a little father but to keep things in perspective and have fun with the process.
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So where do you get your protein?Ah, the million dollar question. I know that my fellow raw foodists are uttering a collective sigh of frustration with me. But it’s inevitable, so here goes:
I get my protein from a wide array of vegetables, sea vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, and legumes. The notion that we need to supplement our diet with large amounts of protein, especially in the form of animal products, is mistaken: our bodies are capable of assembling amino acids from all of the foods we eat and building the “complete proteins” that we’ve all been told we need to get in a single sitting.
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Juicer (average $50.00 - $500.00)If you’re like me, and juicing is a crucial part of your lifestyle, then the cost of a juicer will absolutely be worth it! It will buy itself back again and again and again. The juicer I recommend is the Breville Two-Speed Juice Fountain Plus. It’s the only juicer I’ve ever owned, and it has never let me down. I recommend you invest in a juicer that has at least this level of performance in order to juice leafy greens.
Some of you have asked me whether it’s wiser to buy a juicer or a Vitamix.
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Perfection!!!!!!!! So many wonderful points that will really resonate with so many.
Thanks, dear Marlena!
Great article. I will defiantly be part taking in the challenge. Right now the thing I am having the most trouble with food combining but I think with practice I will get better at it.
That is great, Amber! Keep going with Natalia’s program, and let me know if you have questions.
I will definitely try the Raw Food challenge on Wednesdays – I’ll check back here for some menu ideas and maybe our raw meal will be dinner and I’ll include the boyfriend!
That’s awesome, Chloe! Please do include him! Can’t wait to hear about your creations.
Wonderful article! You so articulate, and such an amazing writer.
I already commented on Jenna’s blog that I think the Raw Wednesday challenge is a great idea. I’ll be participating!
Thanks so much for those words about my writing, Laura — that meas a lot to me.
The Raw Food Challenge sounds great to me. I’m up for joining in. It will help keep me moving in the direction that I want to go. Once my Excalibur arrives (NOT fast enough for me!), it will help me experiment with using it. – Nancy
What a wonderful article. Thank you for sharing.
I was one of those people criticizing others (in my mind) just recently. My husband and I took a trip to Ireland with friends (both of whom are in awesome shape) and I couldn’t get over the fact that the wife ate grilled chicken every time we went out – on vacation! It made me feel like a HUGE pig when I’m ordering an appetizer, entree, AND dessert. I was disgusted by how much I was eating, but didn’t feel like I could stop.
Thankfully I’ve since become more aware of what I”m eating and where it’s coming from and what it does for me. Although I”m no where near being raw, I’m much more comfortable with what, and how much, I’m eating. I think family is the hardest to convince that you’re doing what’s best for yourself.
Thank you again! I can’t wait for the raw challenge to begin!
Jess,
Wow. Thank you for such a tremendously honest response to this. I’m really glad it struck a chord.
My perspective here was definitely from the side of the table that’s getting flack for eating healthy. But guess what? The same applies to the other side: no one should feel ashamed of a healthy indulgence every now and then–for social reasons or otherwise. I’m glad you’ve found balance in your own life.
Can’t wait to have you in the challenge!
Gena
This post is wonderful. Thank you for writing it.
When I started doing Weight Watchers and changing the way I eat I got a ton of flack from people who didn’t want to see me change (and some who didn’t want to see me succeed) I knew I *needed* to change the way I ate to achieve a healthier lifestyle and achieve the body I knew was hidden somewhere underneath the excess & processed food.
Later I quit drinking and then went gluten/dairy/sugar free for health reasons once again. Last week I was told by one of my coworkers that I need to “live my life” – well you know what, I am living my life in a way that I feel good about and that makes me feel good. While it may not be what society deems “conventional”, but I’m really happy and feeling great and that is what is important. “Your body [really] is yours to nourish as you see fit” is such an incredibly true statement. Thanks again for your honest and insightful post.
Ashley,
There’s nothing worse than the suggestion that life isn’t being “lived” to its fullest without overindulgence in food or drink. I believe that it’s absolutely healthy to splurge when one wants to splurge, but just as important to maintain a sense of one’s healthy boundaries, regardless of what other people think. I’m really grateful for your feedback!
Gena
Great article (I already read it in the newsletter!). I would love to join in. Count me in! Thanks Gena, you are so inspiring!
thanks for another amazing post. I am in for the challenge.
Gena, what a great post! The John Berger quote really resonated with me.
I’m in for the Raw Wednesday challenge… I’m going to start surfing throw recipes!
Katie,
Isn’t it a great quote? He’s a hero of mine.
Gena
I tried making my own spirals today..it went ok with a knife, but just ok.
I am totally in for the wednesday challenge…if I can do 1 meal a day then I may try for two as the month progresses. so I’ll be looking for recipe ideas!!
Cool! I’m counting you in!!
I would LOVE to join you! I have a couple of RAW cookbooks and I’ve experimented a bit. This challenge will offer me added incentive!
Awesome! Thanks for joining us!
I am up for it! I just “ordered” Natalia Rose’s books via interlibrary loan; I can’t wait to read more about living raw.
I tried green smoothies (with raw kale– I have made them with steamed kale before) for the first time yesterday and today, and they were delicious. This morning’s was particularly good:
1 c. goat’s milk kefir
1/4 avocado
6 leaves dino kale
1 apple
1 T. ground flax
enough water to mix
Yum!
Hey Girl!
This sounds like a totally terrific smoothie!! And congrats on ordering Natalia’s book. You’re going to love it. Let me know your thoughts.
Gena
Wow, amazing. That is all that I can say about this post! Oh andd that I will join the challenge
I am definitely down for Raw Wednesday! I’m really excited for that.
Thank you so much for writing about the power of choice. I relate to this on so many levels. I’m still struggling with the guilt of eating healthy – which is why Hangry Pants Heather’s post hit close to home, as well. Sometimes I let the social pressure get to me and I give in to certain things, but I find that being vegan helps since I *can’t* eat most things. (Well, really, it isn’t a matter of *can’t* eating them versus I will not, but whatever.)
I also identify with the choosing not to drink. I actually quit drinking when I was 19 (I started early, I guess? Yay high school!) and didn’t start again until about a year or so again. My reasons for not doing it were obviously different, but I still know the feelings of pressure and inadequacy that came along with it. People were really disappointed that I wouldn’t do shots with them or drink the wine they brought or try a new beer on draft. Now I know how to do it in moderation and I also know that one drink won’t turn me into an alcoholic (which was my original reason for not drinking, since someone I love dearly struggles with alcoholism) and I know that I maybe have a glass of wine once a week, if not every two weeks.
Regardless, good for you for fighting the pressure and also for writing a fantastic article about it. It’s good to know you’re not alone! It’s really wonderful to have someone else’s words to help put things into perspective for you. You’re kind of awesome, you know?
Thanks again, Heather, for this really wonderful comment. Appreciate it.
The drinking issue isn’t always easy, and I look forward to devoting a longer post to it. But yes, there are and always will be many who are simply dissapointed that you’re no longer the girl who’s up for shots or partying into the wee hours. But it’s important to question what those friends’ values are, and what they valued about you, if they’re truly alienated by your choice not to drink.
Glad you’re joining the challenge!
Well, you know I love this topic and you’re an awesome writer. You convey my thoughts so eloquently. When I lived and work in NY I always felts pressure to have a fake drink, to take a cookie at the office lunch, to not order a salad because other people pretty much harassed me. If only I knew then what I feel and know now! Thanks for the excellent post.
Thanks Heather!
Gena,
I’m definitely up for the Raw Foods Wednesday Challenge. This is great – now I’ll get to try one of your recipes at least once a week!
I loved this: These are not the rhythms that nature intended our bodies to live by.. So true! I often feel guilty when I don’t want to go out to eat at a restaurant (read Cheesecake Factory) where I know I’ll be served way too much food, and then come home feeling sick. Basically, anytime I go out to eat, my stomach rebels as I just can’t handle heavy food anymore. I’d much rather prepare my own healthy eats. Thank you for reminding me that I’m not crazy, but I simply want what is best for my body. We were not made to scarf down burritos the size of our head followed by a 800 calorie dessert….yeah, I’ve done that before. Not pretty.
Have a good week Gena. Looking forward to Wednesday already!
Hey girl!
Thanks for that lovely remark. It’s really true that we weren’t supposed to tax our bodies with too much junk. I like that society embraces the concept of a “splurge” or of having healthy indulgences, but at the same time, we all need to remember that our bodies are sacred, and not meant to be weighed down with unhealthy substances. That’s not natural.
SO happy you’re on board for the challenge!
this was such a beautiful post! thank you! I’m on board for the wed. raw challenge!
I’m super excited about it and I have some recipes I’m already planning!
Awesome! Welcome!
Gena- this is a great post! i cant wait to start!
i feel a lot of this kind of pressure myself- i get really really bad stomach aches when i eat foods with dairy and gluten in them.. so i try and choose foods that i can eat.. and almost always end up eating something i shouldnt.. definitely because of the social pressure. i need to practice my willpower and say to myself- the trauma after is NOT worth it!
but this was a well-written post- i loved it!!
Stick to your guns, my dear! The negative effects of those foods are NOT worth it!
And I’m so happy you’re in for the challenge
gena – what a great post, as usual. initially it was hard for me when i began my new job to be vegan because being different (sadly) tends to be looked down upon. plus, i got SO sick of answering the 1000 follow up questions, like the inevitable “what do you eat?” but i couldnt let ridiculous notions that vegans only eat “shrubs” perpetuate, so it ended up turning into a full on description of my diet, etc. ugh. even this weekend at my friends wedding (where most of my friends there know im vegan) the husband of a reader was shocked to meet me and said “oh, your not all hippie like! i was expecting dreads and unshaved armpits!” now i realize he was most likely exaggerating, but the point is still applicable. why do healthy choices (food, alcohol, sleep, or whatever) have to be seen as such extreme measures?
anyways, sorry to have rambled on and on, your posts just have such good conversation topics!
i love the idea of raw wednesday, cant wait to begin
Thanks so much for this response! I too think it’s awfully sad that eating a plant based diet (which is of course the diet I think nature intended us to eat) is an invitation for people to be cruel, close-minded, and flippant. I could ramble on and on about the social reception I’d receive if I were as honest with some people about what I think of their food as they see fit to be with me, but I’ll save that for another time
Glad you liked the post.
I loved this post
I’m totally in on your challenge! Can’t wait!!!
Gena, this post really hit home for me. Ever since I went vegan, I immediately felt the pressures, judgments, and criticisms of our society and culture. In fear of judgment, I didn’t tell my own mother I was vegan until 2 months after. Thankfully, she supports me and asks questions graciously. I do have a great group of individuals that support me, and there are the individuals who are so quick to judge. Some of the comments I have received have been ridiculous. I have been accused of being unhealthy and that I have an eating disorder. I have been judged and looked down upon; I have been made felt like I constantly have to eat more around certain individuals to prove that I am a “good eater” and healthy. I have been picked and pried at. Last night when I read your post I made a decision that I am done trying to prove something to individuals who refuse to be respectful of my lifestyle decisions. I am refusing to make food decisions based off of what others are going to think or perceive me as. I am going to stand confidently and nurture my body as I want to. Thank you so much for posting this.
I am also going to join the raw food challenge! I usually eat raw up until dinner everyday, but I think it will still be fun to join.
Steph,
I’ve grappled with the same accusations and attitudes. At the end of the day, making choices about your lifestyle–dietary or otherwise–often shows you who is a real friend and who is not. Hang in there. Be tough. Have the courage of your convictions. And lean on other people in the community when you need to. The important thing is to exude pride!
Welcome to the challenge
Gena
Hi Gena, I have to admit I am quite inspired by this challenge but nervous as well! I have been a lurker on your blog for a while now and I have been reading up on the raw lifestyle for at least a month or so now. I never just want to jump into things but I think this challenge could be something that I am looking for!!
Love the article by the way.
Don’t be nervous, Leah! this will be simple and fun.
Dear Gena,
I just want to say that you are a fantastic writer. These days, anyone can “publish” their writing via blogs, etc, but it is obvious that you have a true talent.
Also, I am getting many great ideas from your blog. I strive to eat mostly raw during the week (raw all day and cooked food at night is where I’m at currently, with some extra “indulgences” on the weekends).
Keep up the great work!
Oops, I typed your name instead of mine
Amy, thank you so much for the kind words about my writing! I truly cannot tell you how much that means to me. Thanks for joining in the conversation.
gena, i’d love to participate in the raw food challenge. i’ve been thinking about trying this for a little while, and think this would be a great introduction to it
Gena!
I have been raw for over 1 1/2 years and there are times when it is hard.. my husband is Chinese. Have you ever had ”raw” anything Chinese? Well no. So I either don’t go, eat before and always have an apple, a Larabar, some dates and nuts etc in my backpack. There are ways to do it and I am very proud to say “no thanks” to meat and other stuff I don’t eat.
Love your blog, love Raw Wednesdays!
If someone is already raw, they can juice fast or smoothie fast on Weds, just a thought!
love deb
Deb!
It is AWESOME to see you here.
I believe firmly that “100%” raw is a silly goal: I eat very high raw, and that works for me. But regardless, the important thing is to be proud of one’s beliefs.
Thanks so much for the comment, and of course I’ll suggest smoothies! Keep reading!
Gena
Gena, when I read your blog, I oscillate back and forth between being an outsider looking in and an insider who feels a kinship with you. I’m definitely an outsider when it comes to the raw foods discussions, but I have been eating more salads lately!
I’m an insider when it comes to discussions about making the choices that are healthiest for YOU, and my current belief is that there is no one right answer for everyone when it comes to healthy choices. So I’m trying to focus on making choices that make me feel healthiest and most energetic. The most indulgent healthy choice I make? Slipping into bed at 10 PM on Saturday night–oh, bliss!
Have a wonderful week, my dear!
Ah, so you’re an early bedtime gal, too? I love 10 PM Saturdays
Sign me up for the challenge!
i adore your blog so much!
i’ve been raw vegan for whole year of 2008 but stopped this yr. I still follow high-raw diet though! it’s really great!
I would love to be added to your blogroll. is that possible? i’ll feel very honored ;]
You just made my day! Thanks so much. I’m proud to have you on there
OOPS!
I see that I”m ALREADY on your blogroll. sorry ><
and thank you
Hi Gena, I’m definitely doing the raw Wednesday challenge!
Thanks so much for what you wrote about social pressure. It really rings true with me. I lean heavily vegan and so often I get comments from people about what they think I’m lacking in nutrition, especially protein. It gets so old!
Oy. Don’t worry, Sharon, I’m always forced to roll my eyes with the protein thing, too. Thanks for commiserating!
Gena,
This is a very well written piece. You’re such a great communicator of ideas, seeding thoughts as you go…
As discussed above, I also get frustrated with people saying I’m not living because I don’t eat the way they do and I do still find myself compromising and giving into other’s eating habits thinking well, it’s only one meal, I guess I can do it… After reading this post last night & discussing it with Andy, I am inclined to be more persistent with regard to going to a place where we can all be satisfied the next time we eat out!
Also, given I eat raw until dinner, I think I might take on Debbie’s suggestion of a juice/smoothie Wednesday and see how I go with that!
Thanks again for this wonderful post Gena,
Emily.
Hey Emily!
Smoothie fasts are great: a super EASY and sweet way to eat raw for a day. But I’m giving everyone the option of doing exactly what they want, whether that’s smoothies or three course dinners!
I’m really glad you’ve been inspired to stick with healthy/raw impulses. That is awesome. Keep it up, and never forget that YOU are the customer! Why should you pay good money for a meal you’re not 100% happy with? Be tough.
Gena
Hi Gena! I really really love this post, and your blog in general! I’m gonna add you to my reader and blogroll
I’ve had restrictive eating habits so I’m not yet at the point to adopt a specific eating “lifestyle”, but my momma is a vegetarian so I can relate! I am always surprised and usually disappointed by the comments and judgements people feel the need to pass, even though she tries to downplay her food choices, or not make a big deal if the food served does not meet her needs. I think most of us would never say, Ew i can’t believe you’re ordering that huge cheeseburger and fries!?, yet the same courtesy is not extended when someone opts for the “healthier” option! Very interesting, thanks again 
Hey there! Welcome! Glad you love the blog!
I suffered from restrictive patterns in my early teens (it’s in the about me tab) and it took me a long time to embrace a way of eating that worked for me, but at the start, I think it’s VERY healthy to remain open minded to all food groups. Take your time and do what’s best for you, OK? But I definitely hope I inspire you to try some raw recipes!!
I am looking forward to the challenge. I think it is exactly what I am looking for. I will need all the help and support I can get. thanks for doing this.
Thats a great article…I love your perspective and you help to show those of us like myself who are newer to this that it is doable and it IS about choices.
I’m up for the challenge! It’s already Wednesday here, and I’m starting off with chia pudding. My goal is to go 100% raw for the whole day!
I would love to join! Thanks so much!
I posted on Jenna’s blog that I was going to take part in the challenge, but I didn’t realize I should post here too, so I am doing it now!
I make every effort to eat raw consistently, and occasionally allow myself to enjoy a cooked meal at a fancy restaurant, or if someone goes through the effort of cooking a meal for me. And in those cases, I make wise choices based on raw food wisdom. I never beat myself up because I know that I am really going to enjoy my next raw food meals. At a social event with the wine flowing, I buy the kombucha mixed with fruit–grape, strawberry, cranberry–that matches the color of red wine. It is one of my greatest (secret) pleasures.
Gena, thanks for such a thoughtful post and an intelligent, inspirational blog!
Fantastic post, Gena–very inspirational and I definitely will take that challenge to heart! Honestly, I think I’ve garnered some strength just from knowing that other people have experienced similar social pressures and learned to deal with it in a way that works for them. I’m definitely working to find my own peace with this–it may not always be easy but I think my health and happiness are worth some occasional socially uncomfortable moments… Thanks for such a great post and such an amazing blog!
I’m just coming across this post now, but I had to comment because I absolutely loved it. Everything that you say is so true–the price of sacrificing healthy choices for social acceptance just isn’t worth it. I’m going to take that into account for now on the next time that I attend a social gathering that’s loaded with fried food and booze. Just because everyone else is eating it doesn’t mean I need to, especially if it’s going to make me feel like crap later.
Thanks for this inspiring post, Gena!
I completely agree with the comments above. This article is outstanding in so many ways: it’s informative, heartfelt, and written in such a clear style. I like the way you write, girl;)
What particularly resonated with me in this article is your discussion of alcohol. I have never been a drinker, and, as a 21-year-old, I have experienced years of social discomfort as a result of this personal choice. I feel like I’ve had the same conversation thousands of times: “Where’s your drink?” “I don’t want one right now, thanks.” “Why the hell not?!” Anyway, your words provided great perspective on the issue, and I think I will be able to handle these situations with grace in the future!
I would love to join! So far so good today for me!!
Hi Gena,
I just started a raw food diet yesterday. I already eat a lot of fruits and veggies but I wanted to keep a “high raw” diet for this week to detox the holiday damages I may have done. I’m not feeling any different yet (it has only been 2 days though) but I’m slowly anticipating the “detox” stage where I might get hit with detox symptoms. When should I expect that to happen and exactly how bad is it? Any insight would be very helpful. Thanks!
BTW, I love your blog. It’s aesthetically clean, gives great advice and a lot of general nutritional information. Thanks for all the great stuff!
-Jessica
Jessica,
There’s no predictable answer to this! First of all, you should definitely eat a fair bit of cooked — switching to all or very high raw overnight can be very problematic!
Second, there’s no hard and fast law. You may find that you feel some discomfort within a few week or a month; it takes others several months to feel anything. How bad it is will vary depending on how carefully you’ve transitioned, and also, what you were doing before.
If detox begins, I recommend gravity-administered colon hydrotherapy right away to help ease it.
Gena
Thank you for this post. Reading it a year later and being new on the raw/vegan bandwagon myself (not doing it fully because I’m trying to overcome my own love for what I call “quality” pizza & frozen yogurt and succumbing to social pressures), this is a nice piece to read. I’m thin and don’t ever want to look like I’m dieting and thus have to defend myself with why I am eating a spinach salad…and then add extra nuts to show people I’m not afraid of fat. It’s tough when society around you wants you to eat white pasta and sauce and call it a substantial meal while my zucchini pasta and pesto is bound to leave me hungry (or so they think). Coupled with my own fight of sugar cravings and non-vegan treats, the defense can be difficult. But you’re right. Why let them get to you? It’s my healthy choice and it matters for my body. Thank you for what can be my mantra.