Are you a “Raw Foodist”
I have been thoroughly enjoying the responses to the salt post. I knew when I wrote it, there would be varying opinions. To use salt or not is objective…as your responses to the salt post have indicated! It also brings up an important point. Are we labeling? I have wanted to address this for a while because we like to use labels and unfortunately division occurs because of those labels.
People like to separate into camps. There even is a new school-old school raw food dichotomy present these days. Unfortunately it is full of judgment. Which is why I don’t like labels and why I deviate away from calling myself a “raw-foodist”. Really what I am is a person who is interested in eating the food I like in the healthiest, most nutritious form possible. In my opinion, that is raw.
Yes, there are certain foods, like Kale that develop more of some nutrients when cooked. So does being a raw foodist mean I can’t cook my kale? Not in my book. Am I 100% raw? Sometimes. Am I high raw? Most of the time. But there you go again…another label, “High Raw”. Do we need that label just to make ourselves feel good? To stroke our own ego? To put ourselves ‘one up’ over someone who isn’t?
Google “raw-foodist” and you will come up with all kinds of silly descriptions of what eating a raw food diet means-mostly written by people who have no experience with a raw food diet. We are freaks, fadists – and, oh my – you better talk to your doctor before eating natural raw foods because, who knows what might happen when you introduce more healthy food and nutrients.* I think that people should be advised to consult their physician before they eat a fast food, super-sized meal at McDonald’s!
The problem with labels, whether it be raw, vegan, vegetarian…is that they are divisive. Society, our broken food system, corporate farms and advertising make it hard enough to eat healthy in our society. Do we really need to put a label on someone and separate and judge them by how good at being raw we think they are? It doesn’t bring us together, it drives us apart.
I have friends that are complete meat and potato eaters. A green vegetable? Never. Now, because of what they are learning, they are starting to make different choices. Small ones but changes nonetheless. In my book, that is fabulous. Because all it takes is that one small step and before you know it, you are on the road to better health.
What it all comes down to is you. Your body and what you feel is best for it. See if something resonates in you and figure out if it works for you. Determine what your goals are. Eating mostly raw does amazing things for me and many people I know. It is why I am here, why I dedicate so much time to getting the message out.
Instead of labeling, let’s supporting anyone who is making choices to be healthier with their diet, no matter where they are along their path. Ditch the labels and share the recipes. Set an example instead of judging. Be a community.
Peace and Blessings!
*If you have health issues you should always consult your doctor before making any changes.
Joanna Rawvelous wrote on July 25, 2010
Woohoo! I love this post. Spot on 😀
Jean Sarauer wrote on July 25, 2010
Here’s to ditching labels and the expectations that go with them! I’m all for just making healthy steps each day and supporting others where ever they may be. Currently, I eat a vegetarian diet and am transitioning to a mainly vegan/raw diet. I’m leaning into the process and plan to be kind and flexible with myself even when I’ve ‘arrived’ at my intended destination. That seems healthy to me.
Emilie Unkrich wrote on July 25, 2010
I am so grateful to have found your web site.
It is so gracefully put together.
I simply love coming here.
Thank you for all the information that you share.
This was a very good article and I also enjoyed the comments.
regina wrote on July 25, 2010
I eat alot of things raw. but their are times when i cook my food, or add something cooked. for me, its more about knowing every ingredient comes from a natural un -processed source. no chemicals . So i do not call my self a raw foodist or a vegetarian or vegan. There are times when i have eating traits as one of those, but I am just someone who likes to eat healthy, but since eating is a social behavior, and not eating is a bit anti-social I will go out to eat and pick a steak,slice of pizza or something decadent . Once in awhile wont kill me. But in general i like to consider my self a natural foodist.
Frank wrote on July 25, 2010
I love this article. I have been thinking along these lines for awhile. I think the labels are peoples ways of saying I am more into it then you. I am raw plain an simple the majority of my meals are raw. I lost weight but gained it back over the past holidays. I have lost about 40 lbs since I went raw and a total of 67lbs. the key is with raw I am keeping it off and loosing at a healthy pace. I have come off of my blood pressure and cholesterol medicine. I am almost to the weight I was 30 years ago and I feel fantastic. It has made more conscience to the food I eat and how it is prepared. Your site has become my main focus in my lifestyle.
Sandi wrote on July 25, 2010
I am becoming raw. After devouring alll the raw info and blogs I could find this past month, I am so convinced it is for me. I admire your blog, the pictures and receipies are just amazing. I’ve made many of them for 2 weeks now. What’s even better, yours are free for the viewing. After this past month, feeling so much better and full of energy, I’ve convinced husband to join me in changing our eating habits. I explained to him that many of you experts give the great advice to start slow and not expect to be 100% raw from day 1. I am looking to invest in a dehydrator, considering TSM 5.
Thanks so much for all your inspiration and help.
Kathleen wrote on July 25, 2010
I really like what you have expressed. I’ve been 80% raw since February and I can really relate to many things you said regarding friends and family. Judging in general is just not right and a quick way to lose friends. We are all given the gift of common sense and some of us have to get sick before we realize we have choices about our food consumption. Labelling is boring. I had to laugh yesterday when I was telling a 20 yr. old that I am a raw foodist, meanwhile amongst the bag of farmers market produce and health food store items…were my 2 bags of Little Bear Lite Cheddar Puffs. I don’t think those qualify for the raw food list : ) I also shared with her that 20% of my diet is eating other things…like my favorite chicken shawarma. For me, as long as I maintain the 80% raw…then I live life enjoying foods with my friends occasionally and also eating other things that are not always raw traditionals. I am honest with myself and with others and that example has intrigued friends/family to try eating more fruits and vegetables in general -vs- packaged. Biggest blessing is that my 80 yr. old father just made his first green smoothie…and he’s asking advice. I encouraged him because his blood sugars are so high. I also told him that I have dedicated my change in health to my family whom I love more then anything. Love speaks volumes.
Razia wrote on July 25, 2010
I am quite happy to go half and half on the raw / cooked foods. Yep I agree with you why label.
Thanks for all the information you provide re salt, raw foods, whatever