Going raw

October 14th, 2007

I went vegan in the winter of 1995, almost entirely for ethical reasons, but I was happy about the incidental health benefits that went along with it. Over the years, vegan food has become so popular that vegan junk food companies have popped up left and right, making it easier than ever to be sick on a vegan diet.

In 2003, I suddenly developed allergies to wheat and gluten, and discovered that I was afflicted with candida (yeast in the blood) that drained me of my health and energy. Long story short, I found raw food, and I’m healthier than I’ve ever been.

Here are some resources that have helped me learn about maintaining a healthy raw food diet:

  • Raw Food MeetUp Group – Nothing is better for learning about raw food than meeting people who will support you, educate you, and inspire you. Try to find a Raw Food MeetUp Group in your area. If there isn’t one already, start one. I guarantee you, people will join.
  • Living on Live Food by Alissa Cohen – This book and dvd set inspired me to really give raw food a try. Alissa Cohen demonstrates how simple, quick, and delicious raw food can be. But be warned: the video, while informative, can be long and tedious at times.
  • Green for Life by Victoria Boutenko – I truly believe that eating green smoothies is the best way to improve your health. If you change nothing else about your diet, add green smoothies to your daily routine and you’ll feel better.
  • Raw Guru – I find myself on this site fairly often. It’s full of great information and simple delicious recipes.
  • Raw for 30 Days Movie Trailer – Think diabetes is an unavoidable fact of life? You can cure it.

Been thinking about going raw? Stop thinking and just do it. You don’t have to go 100% raw all at once. Add whatever raw food you can to your diet. Or commit to going raw for just 30 days and see how you feel. Go at your own pace. But keep moving forward. There is no time like now to improve your health and add to your life the joy that comes with a clean, efficient, healthy body. Your excuses aren’t making you any thinner, healthier, younger, or happier.

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2 Responses to “Going raw”

  1. Tami Says:
    November 16th, 2007 at 12:33 pm

    Hi! I have been thinking about going Vegan for some time now and the biggest reason that I haven’t is because I have Candida and the recommended diet is very heavy in meat (although mostly fish and poultry). I haven’t been able to stick to the candida diet and my health has really deteriorated in the past two years. I’ve gained 50 lbs (and was already overweight to begin with) and I’m now having problems with circulation and muscles. I’ve always had issues with food and I’ve been stuck in the sugar/carb craving cycle for most of my life. How in the world are you dealing with your candida issue with the Vegan diet? They urge you to stay away from Soy and any pastas/breads/starches and most grains. My health is so bad lately that I’m definitely ready to make a change and try to get this candida problem under control! Any advice you can offer will be most appreciated!
    Tami

  2. vegangirl Says:
    November 28th, 2007 at 1:14 pm

    Tami, I’m so sorry I didn’t respond sooner.

    When I discovered I had candida, I read a book called The Yeast Connection, by Dr. William Crook. This is an excellent book and he does not recommend meat at all. If I remember correctly, he says that eating certain types of fish is ok if you want meat.

    After I read his book I made just a few significant changes to my diet and I committed to those changes for 1 month, no matter what. I figured I could do anything for just 1 month.

    I gave up all sugar, including maple syrup, brown sugar, “sugar in the raw”, corn syrup, or pretty much any other sweeteners that you can’t find growing in nature.

    I gave up all processed starches like bread, pasta, breakfast cereal, fake meat, and any fried foods. I also chose healthy grains like quinoa, millet, or amaranth rather than rice.

    I took caprylic acid pills to help kill off existing candida. I know it worked because (sorry to be gross) I was farting the most disgusting smelling gas I’ve ever smelled. This is a symptom of “die off”.

    I started eating a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables, and I cooked at home rather than eating out or buying microwaved meals. I started eating cooked amaranth with fruit mixed in for breakfast. Very delicious, and I could let it cook while I got ready for work.

    It’s been a while so I may be forgetting important information. Get a copy of The Yeast Connection. It changed my life. There was absolutely nothing in there that was counter to a vegan diet.

    And it was hard to get over that sugar habit of mine, but committing to it for 30 days made it achievable for me. After those 30 days, I actually wanted to eat better and I had broken my sugar addiction.

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