2. Is a raw and living food lifestyle right for me?

Everyone can benefit from the impressive nutritional value of eating fresh, ripe, preferably organic, raw fruit, vegetables, nuts and sprouted grains. This way of life is for people who have a strong desire to better themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. Give it a try for a month or so, and keep an open mind. If you stick with it, I promise you won't be disappointed.

3. Does "raw" mean I am suppose to eat raw meat too?

This web site and many others advocate a vegan (no animal-based foods) way of eating. However, there are raw foodists that do choose to eat "less-cooked" red meats, raw dairy products, and fish. It is our opinion that a diet consisting of only plant-based foods is the better choice for life-long health.

4. What about protein, calcium, iron, etc?

Rest assured that a regular intake of nuts and seeds, kamut, spelt (protein-rich grains), legumes, and green leafy vegetables well makes up for the protein, calcium and iron lost by eliminating meat from your diet.

5. Can I lose weight eating raw foods?

Yes, certainly. A Raw and Living Food diet is a great and healthy way to achieve your desired weight. You can eat just about all you want and still lose weight and feel great in the process. It is a wonderful way to start living a healthier, more sound lifestyle. Often times, cravings for less desirable foods, like caffeinated drinks, breads and sweets will dissipate as well. Raw Food is all about natural balance.

Eating organic raw and living food is also great for detoxification. If you've been in the habit of eating fried foods, fast foods, lots of saturated fats, and caffeine, then a switch to raw food is right up your alley. One of the major benefits of eating raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and sprouted grains is their cleansing properties. It only takes a couple of days to experience the healing properties available from this way of eating.

6. Do I need any special cookbooks or equipment to get started?

All you need is a knife, a little imagination and an empty stomach. Simply visit the produce section of your local market and pick the fruits and veggies that look good to you. If finances allow it, try to add a variety of nuts - maybe there are ones you've never tried before. Now's a great time to experiment and see what you like! Of course, there are some very helpful recipe books and kitchen appliances that make the journey a little easier, but they are not essential.

You might also be interested in subscribing to our raw food lifestyle magazine, Purely Delicious (www.PurelyDelicious.net). It's filled with recipes, information and book reviews to help you on you way. It is also a wonderful resource to have on hand when you need it most.

7. "I've been eating 100% raw foods for the past week or so now, and I feel like I am getting sick. Is this normal?"

Depending on how poor your previous S.A.D. (Standard American Diet) eating habits were, you may be experiencing a type of withdrawal and/or detoxification. This can include withdrawal from refined sugar, caffeine, dairy products and processed foods, as well as the release of stored toxins. Your body has literally been addicted to these foods/additives and you are in the process of releasing yourself from that addiction. Some of the more common symptoms are headache, stomach problems, nausea, mild acne, and nasal congestion. The good news is it won't last forever. The best thing you can do for yourself is continue on the path you are on. These symptoms will subside soon.

A complete detoxification can last up to several months or longer. You may have some persistent symptoms off and on during this time. Please remember that this is not permanent. You are attempting to change a lifetime worth of less-than-ideal eating habits. Hang in there!

8. What if I don't like the taste or texture of raw food?

My husband once told me that changing the way you eat is a great deal like moving to a foreign country – many new tastes and textures to explore and enjoy. In the raw food lifestyle, there is a wide range of foods to please even the pickiest of palettes. You may try something that isn't to your liking, but don't be discouraged. Preparing meals with raw food is one of the most creative and satisfying ways to eat. You are bound to find several favorites before too long. One of mine is guacamole with lots of cilantro and lime juice, served with carrot sticks and home-made raw corn chips- I could eat it every day!

9. Is a raw food diet healthy for my child?

There are many families that see great benefits for their children on a raw and living food diet. Digestive problems, allergies, ADD/ADHD and autism symptoms, and receptiveness to common illnesses seem to disappear. And the earlier you start your children on raw foods, the more likely they are to being open to it and will develop better eating habits. Having said that, infants should be receiving a steady supply of breast milk (preferable) or the like, until they reach two years-old. Please discuss any dietary changes/concerns you may have regarding your child's diet with your pediatrician. They may have some wonderful suggestions for you.

10. Is eating out socially with friends and family difficult/awkward?

It doesn't have to be. One of the first times I went out with my family after changing to a raw food diet, I was concerned that there would be nothing for me to eat (we went to a local gourmet pizza place), or that I would be teased by those that didn't understand my convictions. I simply asked the waitress for a green salad with lots of raw fruits and veggies. Not only was the restaurant very accommodating, but everyone at the table was impressed at how beautiful and delicious my meal was!

If you are visiting a friend's home for dinner you might want to offer to bring along a nice raw dish - something different and creative that you would enjoy sharing. This way, you are allowing your friends to experience this wonderful new healthy lifestyle you've adapted and in the process you are making certain there is something delicious for you to eat!

11. I'd like to learn more. How/where do I start?

You've come to the right place for direction. There are many books and web sites available to help you on your "road to raw." Take a moment to visit our Kitchen Supplies and Books, and Links pages. There you will find several wonderful books and web sites to get you started. If you need more personal direction, please feel free to contact me anytime.