I have been aspiring to be a raw vegan since November 2008. Since then, I have been on again, off again. For some reason, I just could ride the raw vegan wagon. I kept falling off and being hard on myself. I’m tired and sore from falling down and no longer will I put myself through such psychological anguish. After a while that gets old.
Yeah, I know it’s a long time to keep falling off the wagon. But since then, I have come to realize that it is a lot easier for me to be vegan and eat diet of whole foods, than it is to be a raw vegan. Plus, I don’t like labeling myself as anything, but if there is a label, then I guess I fit into the vegan category.
Lessons I’ve learned
- A Raw vegan diet isn’t for everyone. Yes, it is a good and healthy way of eating, but it is not the easiest and healthiest way to eat for a long period of time.
- I look better at 110-115 pounds than 102 pounds. When I looked at my naked self in the mirror, I didn’t like what I saw. I looked like a skeleton. Self said, “Girl, you’d better eat because this isn’t getting it.”
- You don’t have to be a raw vegan to have optimal health. It is always good idea to include some uncooked foods, like fresh fruits and vegetable salads, but it is not necessary to eat a diet that consists of nothing, but that. Over time you may find that your body needs more.
- Raw vegan is not ideal for me. It is a lot easier to prepare delicious vegan foods for my family. The family is more likely to try my cooked vegan meals, than a raw vegan dish, unless it is a dessert. This has allowed me a chance to get my family to eat more vegan whole foods and that is more important.
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Transitioning to a raw vegan diet is ideal. If you want to be a successful raw vegan, then you will have more success when you transition. First, get eating a vegetarian and vegan diet down to an art and then, if you like, you can transition to a raw vegan diet. But if you don’t do this, then I have found, that it is harder for one to stick with being a raw vegan.
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Know why you want to be a raw vegan. I didn’t know why I was striving to be a raw vegan. I knew that I would feel and look healthier and maybe clear up a few health issues, but that was all. The more I learned, the more I came to understand that being a healthier person had nothing to do with eating a raw vegan diet. It is more or less staying away from certain unhealthy foods along with doing other things that will help me continue being a healthy person.
7. Raw vegan diet is too confusing. There are many experts and gurus who can help you become a raw vegan, but almost everyone has a different philosophy and belief. Some say, “don’t take supplements or super foods,” while others say the opposite. It eventually boils down to doing what you know is best for you and your body.
- A whole food vegan diet is healthy too. A raw vegan diet is not the only diet that can ensure me good health. It is the variety of different whole foods, exercise, healthy emotions, and being true to one’s self that will bring along with it a glow of health.
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Always be true to yourself. Listen to the little voice or your intuition. It won’t take you in the wrong direction. Search all things and find what works best for you.
10. Happier and content. It is better to be happy and content within yourself, than to strive for something that is not working for you.
Conclusion
It was good while it was lasted, but in my world, a vegan whole foods diet works best. Plus, I love good food and for my family to experience these wonderful tasty vegan foods.
I never want to look in the mirror again and see a skeleton staring back at me. That was a wake-up call that I’m glad I answered.
Have you learned some lessons, when it comes to your diet and health? Do share!
Always be true to you!
Kim says
Great post. You’re right about knowing why you want to do something and about being true to yourself. You’ve examined it and found a happy place and that’s awesome!
health says
Very interesting post I enjoy your website keep up the amazing posts.
Evelyn Parham says
Hi Health,
Welcome to my blog and thank you for stopping by!
Evelyn
Vibrant says
Hi Evelyn:
great info.
Evelyn Parham says
Hi Vibrant,
Good to see you!
Evelyn
Jennifer C. Valerie says
I remember that moment for me as well. I looked at myself in the mirror after I had my bath, my hubby was in the bathroom at the time as well. I said oh no, this is not going to work. My hubby who normally says nothing negative agreed with me. When I heard him say that and realize that he most likely had been not appreciating me like this I said definitely got to do better.
Since then I’ve gained some weight and look much better. I’m still not at my ideal 120 but I’ve filled up and I am so thankful to God for that. I’m still eating lots of raw food whenever possible but I no longer obsess over the quantities.
Thanks for sharing your testimony Evelyn. It reminded me of my own journey. Blessings.
Jenn
Fruitfulvine2 says
I guess changing my username took my profile pic off.
Evelyn Parham says
Oopps!
Evelyn Parham says
Hi Jennifer,
Wow, I didn’t realize that you had that same experience. My husband was telling that I was getting too small. It didn’t dawn on me until I actually looked in the mirror and weighed myself. It really hit home.
Thanks for sharing and I am glad to know that I am not alone. 😉
Take care,
Evelyn
Shantae Stilwell says
Useful article. Lucky me I discovered your web-site by indicent, I bookmarked it so I can locate it next time.
ChocolateOrchid says
Love your post! And congrats on doing what works for you and your body!
Evelyn Parham says
Hey CO,
Thanks and I’m glad you stopped by! 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Evelyn
Dandy says
Hey Evelyn,
I think it is great you found a balance that works for you. It is difficult to follow a strict straight line path, because that’s not how life works. I do see how being a raw vegan is a healthy way to go, but my goodness it is inconvenient. I’ve been wanting to go vegetarian, but find that inconvienient. I’ve cut out all red meat and feel so much better for it. But you’re right how health is about incorporating the healthy things into your life, such as exercise and fruits & veggies. Thanks for being such an advocate for a healthy lifestyle Evelyn. Your support is wonderful!!
Ricki says
Good for you for going with what works for you! I think you always have to listen to your body. And I just looked at your youtube video of your health journey–you have come such a far way and you are looking fabulous. 🙂
Evelyn Parham says
Hi Ricki,
Welcome to my blog and thank you for comment!
We always need to do what works best for our bodies. Took me a while to grasp that, but I have finally arrived. 😉
Thank you so much! It is a continuous journey.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting. 🙂
Take care and enjoy your weekend!
Evelyn