Vegan (Mostly Raw) Anniversary
My wife Marion and I started this whole “raw” thing together a year ago today. I asked her to write a guest post today about her experience leaving the SAD (standard American diet) behind. Here is what she had to say about our year:
To borrow a quote from Tony Robbins, I was “digging my grave with my teeth” just 12 months ago today. I ate nothing of nutritional value and had a diet completely packed full of chemicals, antibiotics and horrible things I don’t even care to know. On the surface, I looked fine and fairly healthy. On the inside, however, I was really sick and didn’t even know I was heading down a very destructive path. I, like many of other Americans, felt that if I looked okay, then I must be healthy. Little did I know that the food the FDA says is not only safe to eat, but nutritious, was actually zapping my energy and potentially poisoning my body with chemicals. I watched Food Inc. – a great documentary designed to get you to ask yourself “Where exactly does my food come from?” It opened my eyes and along with the support of my husband, we decided to go raw.
I thought it would be hard at first, giving up all the things I loved like fried chicken, pot roast, steak, etc. all seemed impossible…but once I realized that all those foods were actually making me sick, I decided that my life was more important. For me, raw was a great way to introduce living food into my body. I had a slight detox at first in that I felt a little sluggish – but whose body wouldn’t if it was suddenly working hard to get rid of years worth of bad stuff! I suddenly enjoyed and even craved things like fresh veggies and fruit. It was crazy and so was the energy and positive mindset that came along with it.
I was raw for 5 months and then winter hit. I needed something warm to eat and fresh veggies and fruit were hard to come by. I stayed mostly vegan and now have a hankering to go back 100% raw. What I noticed through this whole transformation is that I’m much more at peace with my body. I’m much more aware of the things I eat and try really hard to only eat things of nutritional value. I go crazy every once in a while and chow down on one of Amy’s Vegan Chocolate Cakes – but a year ago, I would have thought that was health food! I challenge you to take it one step at a time, to really value your body and the things you decide to put in it. Living whole foods are the best choices you can make, but don’t beat yourself up if you “slip up”. Just enjoy your indulgence and try again!
One of the best parts about eating better is that I lost 20 pounds! Some would say I didn’t have 20 pounds to lose, but I have to tell you, I know I look better in my clothes and despite what I look like, I know I have 20 less pounds of fat surrounding my organs. That right there is reason enough to starting taking better care of yourself. It really is the inside that counts – the outside results are just an added bonus!
Marion
Vegan (Mostly Raw) Anniversary story: http://is.gd/di7tc
Nice work!