Becoming a Raw Vegan and I Need Advice
Fridays will be the day that I answer any questions you have, when I’m not doing the Control the Fork Health Show. Today I have a question, submitted by Dedee.
Hi, I have been a vegan for about 10 years now, I would like to try to go towards being a raw vegan slowly…can anyone give me any advice. Thanks! -Dedee
Hi Dedee, I appreciate you leaving a comment and submitting your quest for advice. I am not an expert by any means, but I can offer you advice based on what I have learned and from my experience. Here is my advice for you and anyone else who is considering a raw vegan diet. -Evelyn
- Transition gradually. Don’t try to become a raw vegan overnight. Try eating one raw meal and gradually add more raw meals to your diet. Breakfast is usually the easiest, because you can have a fruit smoothie, fruit salad, or whatever you like.
- Do not strive to eat a 100% raw vegan diet. Always remember that you do not need to eat a 100% raw vegan diet in order to reap the benefits. Any consumption of raw foods is better than none at all.
- Never stop learning. Purchase helpful books like The Live Food Factor, Becoming Raw and Eating for Beauty. Use the Internet too. There is so much information on the web (recipes, videos, raw food journeys, social groups, etc).
- Follow your body’s lead. You will find that everybody and their grandmother has the perfect raw vegan diet recommendations, but don’t buy into the hype. Always listen to what your body and let it be your guide.
- Keep your diet to yourself. When you first start out, don’t tell all of your friends and family. Why? Most people will say something discouraging. They won’t mean any harm, but it can actually hinder you from sticking with your plan.
- Decline all lunch/dinner invitations. You’re a new raw food vegan; don’t go to the big family/church BBQ and expect to leave without eating something. It just won’t happen. You’ll get a whiff of that BBQ, grab a plate and get your eat on. So be careful!
- Stay stocked with your favorite foods. Always keep your favorite fruits, veggies, seeds and nuts on hand. Have your favorite salads, pates, nut/seed butters and other dressings/dips prepared. This way you can stay on point.
- Taking supplements. If you need to take supplements, then do so. Research has shown that raw food vegans are usually low in vitamin B-12, vitamin D, essential fatty acids and protein. Just because someone says they don’t take supplements, doesn’t mean that you follow their lead.
- Purchase a few raw food recipe books. One of the easiest recipe books for beginners is Raw Food Made Easy and it is good. There are some other good books and some that are not so good. Be sure you read the reviews before you make any purchase.
- Stick with being a raw food vegan. Sometimes you will find it hard to continue eating a raw food vegan diet and that’s okay. You may even fall a few times, but whatever you do keep moving and never give up.
What other advice would you give Dedee? Chime in, if you please!
Your health is your wealth!
Image credit: Well On Top
Category: Vegan
Enjoy the weekend!
Twitter: evelyn_parham
says:
@Dedee I see you!
Have a good one too!
I’ve shared your link on Facebook page as well!! Thanks!
Twitter: evelyn_parham
says:
Hey Dedee!
Thanks a bunch!
Hi Evelyn,
Thank you so much for the advice. I’m really going to give this a shot…It’s so healthy for you. Taking it day by day is going to be the best way to go. Being Vegan was the best thing I’ve ever done…and at this point trying to slowly transition to being a raw vegan is going to be interesting for me. I may make certain days of the week a “raw vegan” day..and work my way up from there.. Thanks again! And i will be bookmarking this site!! <3
Twitter: evelyn_parham
says:
Hi Dedee,
You’re welcome.
I find that it taking it slowly is the best approach for most people. Sounds like you have a plan, by making certain days a raw day. Before you know it you’ll be right where you want to be.
Thank you and keep me posted on your progress!
Take care!
-Evelyn
Hey I just wanted to leave you a comment to say that your website is great. I found you through your dry brushing you tube video and you seem to down to earth. I’m currently vegan but leaning towards high-raw. Will bookmark you site.
Mel
Twitter: evelyn_parham
says:
Hi Melanie,
Thank you very much!
I am so trilled that you found me through my dry skin brushing video. So cool! Hang in there and you should be fine!
Take care!
-Evelyn
Great advice, Evelyn.
I would like to emphasize “mindset”. You have to know that this is the right choice or lifestyle for you. Even if it is only 80% or so. It’s something about KNOWING that can change your ways. I know when I mentally committed to stop consuming animals, it was easier for my body to accept the change.
This is a great thing you’re doing here. Keep up the great work!
Twitter: evelyn_parham
says:
Thanks Ali!
I don’t know how I didn’t think of mindset. Mind over matter really maters!
Thanks a lot!
I’m so glad you included keeping your eating goals to yourself. It’s astounding to me how people pile on a person who is simply minding their own business, choosing to eat what they wish. I never make a big deal out of my eating preferences, yet others are always trying to force meat on me telling me my diet’s unhealthy, etc. What’s funny is that most of these folks are overweight and on a boatload of prescription meds, and I’m not on any. I just keep eating and don’t say anything
Jean Sarauer recently posted..How CommentLuv Stole My Heart From Disqus
Twitter: evelyn_parham
says:
Hi Jean!
I have found that when I tell people only after they have asked, they give me the third degree. Leaving me feeling like I must be totally out of my mind.
I agree, that the main people giving you the grief are the ones who are overweight with a host of other things going on.
Jean, I do the same thing as you..keep eating!
They finally get the picture and leave me alone.
Take care!
-Evelyn