a raw cupcake by The Raw Goddess.
At the beginning of the year, my husband decided to do a 30 day raw vegan diet trial. A raw diet consists of eating only uncooked, unprocessed foods. It is said that, “heating food above 116 degrees (F) is believed to destroy enzymes in food that can assist in the digestion & absorption of food. Cooking is also thought to diminish the nutritional value & ‘life force’ of food.”
With a raw diet, everything you put into your body must be completely organic, in its natural state.
Basically, this means:
- No dairy; no ice cream, cheese, butter, yogurt, or sour cream.
- No bread; no toast, cookies, cakes or pies, even certain cereals.
- No beer, wine, or soda.
- No pasta, rice, steamed vegetables, or pizza.
(Upon hearing this, I almost cried at the prospect of never eating a cinnamon roll again.)
When Lover told me of this trial, my initial reaction was, “Are you crazy? What will you eat?!” But he assured me that it’s more than possible to survive on a raw diet, though it takes a lot of creativity & patience. Even though I couldn’t understand it, & even though I was terribly skeptical of his new venture,I had nothing left to do but support him.
The trial began on the 1st of January, & it was very hard for me to accept. Reluctantly, I watched him eat raw salads for lunch & dinner, while I made luxurious dinners — spaghetti, baked potatoes & steamed broccoli, pancakes & brownies — all for myself. It was difficult, to say the least. Not so much for him — because he was obviously having a jolly good time — but for my own pride. I felt depressed, realizing that food & its traditions were a huge part of our lives together as a couple. So naturally, I eagerly counted down the days to the ending of his 30 day trial.
A few days before the first of February, I asked Lover if he was excited that his raw diet was ending. I had expected a huge sigh of relief from him, while he exclaimed, “Oh God, yes! The moment it’s over, I’m going to gorge myself on greasy fries & sugary sweets, & not stop!” But instead, he calmly stated that he wasn’t sure he would ever go back to eating cooked food. Ever.
I nearly choked. What?! He couldn’t be serious! What about peanut butter cup Blizzards from Dairy Queen? What about In & Out grilled cheese, & french fries? What about hashbrowns, smothered in ketchup & salt? What about candy bars, & fettuccine alfredo pasta, & Belgian waffles?! But no; unfortunately he was dead serious. He had already made up his mind, & there was nothing I could do to convince him otherwise. Needless to say, I was terribly upset by this decision.
I just couldn’t understand why he would want to make such a drastic decision, a decision that would completely alter our lives together. I felt selfish for only thinking of myself, & how much this would inconvenience us, but I couldn’t help it.
During his 30 day raw diet trial, a lot of things changed. I noticed a major increase in our grocery bill. Unfortunately, organic food is not cheap. Not to mention, when you’re mostly buying produce, you must eat it within days or else it will spoil quickly. There were times when Lover would go to the grocery store 3-4 times a week, restocking on organic bananas, lettuce, & other produce. It was a bit much, to say the least.
I also noticed that I was feeling very separated from him. Breakfast, lunch, & dinner was usually spent with us doing different things, & I wasn’t used to that. Sometimes we didn’t eat together, because he was busy fixing his raw salads. Sometimes I would order a small pizza, & eat it all by myself. I had to retrain myself to not say things like, “Oh, Babe, you’ve GOT to try this pasta! It’s amazing!” It’s as though we were doing separate things from each other, & I didn’t like that.
During our arguments about this, I couldn’t help but ask, “So, what are we going to do at Thanksgiving, when we go over to see our families? It’s bad enough that neither of our families are vegetarian, but for you to be raw vegan, you will not be able to eat anything! & it’ll be such an inconvenience. What are we going to do about that?” Lover could only assure me that everything would be alright in the end.
So now, he is now going on his third month of eating a mostly raw vegan diet. He doesn’t eat dairy, unless it’s just to taste something of mine. He rarely eats cooked things anymore, & if he does it’s in a small portion, only to suffice me. He now considers himself 80% – 90% raw vegan.
I am not going to sit here & say everything is peachy keen now; it’s not. I still struggle with his decision, because it directly effects me. I miss my junk food eating husband; I miss us going out at midnight to get sweets & salties together. Mostly, I miss cooking for him, & I miss sharing meals together. As I said before, I never realized how much food, & its traditions, were apart of our lives.
Now, I could adopt his raw vegan diet — even if it means just partially — to compromise & make things easier. The reason I can’t, & the reason I won’t, is because I enjoy food far too much to substitute absolutely everything…
Imagine making “sour cream” out of pureed macadamia nuts. Imagine substituting “rice” for finely chopped, raw cauliflower. Or, substituting sugar for agave syrup. Imagine eating spaghetti, with the “noodles” being raw zucchini. Simply put: I couldn’t do it, & I wouldn’t want to. I could not sacrifice the amazing tastes of certain foods for the sake of having a raw diet, even if it is “healthier.” I happen to think I eat very healthy-like, & I have no desire to change my lifestyle.
I CAN say, though, that I completely admire my husband’s undying search for a better life. I admire his courage to seek out challenging & controversial ways to make our world a better place. (Because by being a raw vegan, you no longer have to rely on factories to prepare & process your food. You rely solely on the Earth, & that results in less energy & packaging to produce this food.)
When I first asked Lover why he would even consider such a diet, he said, “Why not, if it means that it’s better & healthier than my diet now, & that my life will improve from it?” I should argue with that, but how could I?
Despite the drawbacks, the challenges, the tantrums (on my part), & the sacrifices, I’m learning a lot from his decision to be a raw vegan:
- I’m learning to accept that we now have some very interesting food in our house: flax seed, nutritional yeast (which supposedly tastes a lot like cheese), raw cacao beans, & coconut carcasses.
- I’m learning not to take his decision personally; as if MY world is going to cave in because of his unconventional choice to be a raw vegan. I have to constantly remind myself that even though this change is a huge, it doesn’t change who he is as a person.
- I’m learning to be more lenient to the idea of certain foods. Granted, I have not yet tried any of his raw dishes — they’ve never appealed to me — but the sheer idea of the dishes are growing on me, if that makes sense. I mean, how could your mouth not water looking at raw dishes like these, or these? (& yes, those dishes are 100% raw.)
- I’m also learning to not have silly envy over his VitaMix, a rather large, $400 blending machine that is, as he puts it, “a necessity for a raw food diet.” He had been begging & pleading to have this Monster for God knows how long, & once he finally purchased it, he literally drooled. I was actually quite surprised that he didn’t snuggle up with it on the couch & makeout with it a little bit. Nevertheless, I’m trying to be open-minded to “the other woman appliance” in our relationship.
& while I have no plans on being a raw vegan myself, I [try to] support him with all of my being.
I am still learning how to accept this change; we both are. We do our best to stay “together” in this, rather than living seemingly separate lives regarding food. It is still very difficult, but we’re managing the best way we can. Lover seems completely content & unscathed in his decision. I haven’t once seen him struggle, or regret his choice to be raw vegan. If anything, watching him do something so daring & difficult — because really, how many restaurants DON’T cook their food? — inspires me to take more risks in my own life; with food, with life, with everything.
On a lighter note, when I now make something scrumptious in the kitchen that is cooked, instead of feeling depressed because I have no one to share it with, I immediately think, “More for me!”
____________________
[edit; my husband is a regular contributer at Zen Habits, & there, he did a post regarding the raw diet, & how this experience has affected him. If you'd like to read it, you can find it here.]
hehe, i laughed at this line: “I was actually quite surprised that he didn’t snuggle up with it on the couch & makeout with it a little bit.” LOL!!!
as much as i think it’s AMAZING and completely admirable for Jonathan to take such a step i cannot say I envy him one single bit & imagine i would feel EXACTLY as you do in this situation…form the ups to the downs to feeling a bit separated due to differing diets, etc…
Good for you for giving some of the raw dishes a chance! It’s true that some of them actually sound REALLY good! Especially the desserts LOL!
I think it’s really cool that he’s not bitter towards you for eating what you’re eating, THAT would be hard!! It’s awesome that he’s doing so well!
I really loved reading this post!
I honestly believe that it’s easier to talk to people about their religion than about food – veganism, vegetarianism and raw food diets are so personal and so emotional. It’s really surprising!
I’ve been vegetarian for 17 years and am recently lactose intolerant, where my husband is an omnivore but allergic to soy, corn, nuts, and lots of seeds. Cooking in a split kitchen is hard, but it will work in some time.
I would really recommend meal planning together so that eating times are shared. Set out what you’ll be having through the week and at each meal have a shared raw/vegan component – even if it’s just a really awesome salad he makes for you both. Meal planning has made a huge difference in our house, in that it makes it time we spend together again instead of scrounging for food and feeling grumpy about our restrictions.
@ jimaie: Thanks love! It’s definitely a challenge, & one that I’ve never been faced with before, I know it’ll get easier with time. For now, though, I’m just trying to get used to the changes.
@ Kyla Roma: You are so right! Food really IS such an important, & personal part of everyone’s lives. Your ideas are splendid, Kyla, thank you. I was actually hoping that you would put in your two cents, because I know you have experience with these sort of things. :]
Just passing by…
I’m really interested in all those food issues that certainly tell a lot about ourselves. I just wish to say that your frustration seems actually pretty normal to me, and that special diets can be irritating to those who don’t follow them. I’m personally pro “eat a little bit of everything”, but I’m guessing that’s not the main vibe these days…
I wish you the best of luck ! .. and enjoy your pizza ! (probably one of my favorite food ever)
This post just made me smile and grin. My mom married a “raw fooder”, as they called them back in the 80′s, when I was 4. I was raised on foods like this for about 3-4 years. My mom went from 135 pounds to 100. Would I ever go back to this way of life, NEVER! BUT, you learn a lot about food and how it affects your body. I think I am much more able to consume vegetables and fruits knowing what a HUGE benefit they are to my body. Staying away from HIGHLY processed foods is always a good idea anyway. :) As long as you are supportive (I totally get your frustrations) I am sure you will also up your intake of the healthy stuff :-) A great “pie recipe” that my mom used to make was simply made with ground up almonds and dates for the “crust” and then tons of sliced strawberries for the filling. No baking necessary and it is SOOO yummy. I will spare you the “carrot loaf” recipe though, I still have nightmares about that. lol.
Hi,
I follow Jonathan on twitter, which is how I came to this post. I really enjoyed reading this! I recently tried to do a 30-day raw food trial, but I failed miserably after the third day…for the very reasons that you state here for not joining him. I just love cooked food too much! I also would like to say that it’s really nice (not to mention refreshing) to read about how a young couple such as yourselves can accept each other’s different opinions on this matter, and work together on mutually beneficial solutions! Congratulations to both of you!
I never really had a handle on what the raw diet consisted of, but after reading this, it is even more harsh than I once envisioned.
If anything, I find the complete raw diet to lack balance. I actually believe a combination of both raw and cooked foods is optimal for health.
Interesting article. Enjoyed it.
i think i would TOTALLY feel the same way that you do… if my hubby went raw vegan (which will not happen in a million years, i would like to add ;)), i would feel really separated from him for the same reasons you stated.
food is such an integral part of our lives together, of our culture…
i do try to eat healthy and not buy highly processed food, cook from scratch with fresh produce, but does that mean i have to deny all food pleasures in my life? no! ;)
and i can’t and wouldn’t… but i admire your husband for his dedication to this.
does he actually FEEL different? does his body feel different?
Wow – I empathize with you completely. It is very true that food brings people together and it’s hard to feel that distance when on different eating plans.
I’ve been on the “4-day diet” (which isn’t four days long but a series of 4-day phases) and I’ve been eating a lot of “different” stuff like kale and beans and brown rice for dinner. Luckily my boyfriend has taken well to my new eating and because of it he eats healthier.
He wont always eat exactly what I am eating, but I always offer and he usually eats something (say, rice) while making steak for himself or something.
Funny thing was, when I first started the diet I was scared because i LIKE cooking for him – as you do – and was afraid I was going to lose “that” – so I can understand how you feel.
You’re being very supportive though and that’s what matters. I could never ever be a vegan or even vegetarian (love sushi too much) but perhaps in time you will get used to it and perhaps once a day you can both indulge in a “raw” meal together.
great post AT!
@ P.P: Thank you for stopping in! Yes, special diets are irritating in general. I could never commit to something so limiting. I like to eat a little bit of everything, too; just so long as it’s meatless. ;]
@ Amanda: So you totally know what I’m talking about. I also have more of an appreciation for fruits & veggies, especially since I’ve been vegetarian, but I don’t know if I could do that 24/7. & no… that carrot loaf sounds disturbing. ;] But thanks anyway! (The other recipe doesn’t sound too bad!)
@ Jay Schryer: It’s good to know that I’m not the only one who finds this choice of diet relatively difficult to commit to. I swear my husband is Superman sometimes, because he makes it look so easy! & thank you for the compliments, as well as stopping in. =]
@ Bamboo Forest: It is harsh, but with certain leniencies. I mean, you COULD eat a pie or cookies… but it would be heavily substituted with fruits & nuts. & I absolutely agree with you that raw food & cooked food is & can be healthy for you… Thank you for coming & giving your $0.02. :]
@ san: Actually, he says he feels a world of difference. He says he feels like he has more energy & that his digestion is a lot smoother; that he no longer feels that icky “I’m so full I might burst” feeling. Physically, I cannot see a change in him… he looks the same to me, other than dropping some weight, which is apparently normal for the raw diet. & I’m like you: I don’t eat a lot of processed foods. I try to make things from scratch using organic products. I consider myself pretty healthy. :]
@ Wanderlusting: Thank you so much. It really is hard; even to support him! Because it’s so different &… unnatural for me. But he’s going to do what he wants to, regardless of my & my hissy fits. ;] I have nothing else to do but support him. Although, I still continue to think “Are you crazy?!” because seriously… how could you NOT eat ice cream? Or french fries? I would die of boredom & malnutrition.
Must also note, I am VERY impressed by his ability to take such a drastic change on and not be phased by it.
I would last a day. I’m all for eating healthy and because of my diet, I AM, but there’s a line for me lol
Great post!!!! I’m very fascinated by this, and it was very very very well written and composed. I often see long articles and get bored quickly, but this was so fun to read! You should be proud of Jonathan! :)
I definitely understand this.
With Andrew and I adjusting to MY food restrictions has been hard on both of us. I think what has made it a lot easier is that we’ve gone through it together and he’s adjusted to the changes right along side me. For him I know he finds it hard because with me not eating most meat, and no gluten or dairy, it’s almost impossible to go out to restaurants, or eat classic junk food (like we used to do occasionally before these things developed), so we’ve had to get creative. Thankfully we’ve started cooking together a lot more, and I’ve got him into reading a lot of the food blogs I read, which helps him out because, like you, he loves cooking for me.
And he has said my changes in diet have really helped him start eating much healthier so that’s a bonus.
props to you, i don’t think i’d be able to do it. this is definitely a great post with insight and thought. you are a rock star.
Dude, I swear the vegan stuff tastes SO MUCH BETTER. I’m not really a raw vegan, I’m vegan though. I thought it would be hard at first, but the more I learned and the more I tasted the more I found that all of these foods have MORE flavor than all the other junk I was eating. I love eating the way I do, I have discovered so many new wonderful things. Agave nectar tastes so much better than syrup or sugar and there’s no crashing afterwards.
Ok, sorry, I just love food and have never been so satisfied before so I could go on and on about it…
It’s so great that you are so supportive of your husband, it’s so much harder when those around you are not understanding or open. You’re great. :)
@ Wanderlusting: if it makes you feel any better, I would only last a few hours. ;]
@ fashion fille: Aw, thank you! That’s the best compliment I’ve gotten all day. I’m very glad that you enjoyed it. I often get scared to post such long things, for fear that people who are really used to the fashion stuff — pictures & a few words — will get intimidated & not read. It’s nice to know, though, that you thought otherwise. :]
@ Shannon: You were another one I was hoping would speak up, because I know you have major struggles with food & diet. It’s great to know that there are other couples out there making sacrifices when it comes to such a touchy subject. Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one. =]
@ katelin: I’m so glad you enjoyed it, love. :] & I don’t think I’ve ever been called a rock star before! That’s quite the compliment! Thank you.
@ Alexis: I completely believe you, & you have me seriously considering going vegan. It’s always been something I wanted to do, because I hate that while I can say I don’t eat meat, I still is animal by-products. I’ve considered it, but not so much as I have lately. I don’t think I could ever be raw vegan though; that, to me, is just far too limiting. But to know that there are people out there that are doing it — especially you, being the cool tattooed, pierced chick that you are — makes me consider it more. ;]
I totally admire his resolve in this. I mean, wow. I can barely give up meat (not that I gorge, but I do miss it when it’s not there).
I’m proud that you’ve been supportive as well. =) Maybe you guys should try and tackle that lemon berry cheesecake together. It does look delicious and it would be well time spent concerning the issue at hand.
=)
You aren’t alone, Ev. Dudeguy and I have DRASTICALLY different approaches to a few things. LOL.
I can seriously identify with your situation. Years ago when I got together with my partner, he was a vegan and I was not. He was the first vegan I had ever dated and since food is such a huge part of our culture, it was an adventure cooking for him and with him. I credit him with showing me how wonderful food can be though and have been vegan myself now for over seven years, one of the best decisions I ever made.
One of the hardest things about making such a drastic change in your diet can be other people’s reactions. For me the food part is easy. It’s the occasional snide comments from the waitress at a restaurant, people saying “oh, that’s right, you CAN’T eat such’n'such”, etc. that make me uncomfortable still. I think it’s about other people feeling judged. When someone eats very differently from you, for reasons that are healthier, more ethical, etc it immediately puts you in a position of questioning your own food choices. And food is where comfort is, home is, life is.
I’m considering dedicating a blog to this whole experience, just to share my journey food. I’m glad you are being honest about your feelings with the changes he has decided to make, trying to be supportive while at the same time not following suit simply to not experience that difference between you. As always, an awesome post. =)
it’s so yummiiii lol
The way you reiterate your experience + feelings is so human and real, i applaud you for being so honest and articulate. For starters, it’s only natural for you to be defensive of your relationship, your habits. But i’m so glad you went deeper and realised what else this could bring or already has to your relationship, your lives.
Your husband is definitely very brave to choose this route and be happy about it. Yourself as well too! I’m imagining myself in your shoes and i can imagine how easy it is to tell him to choose me or his stupid diet. And the stupid one would be me.
This is all very new and refreshing to me. Thank you in a way for exposing such a lifestyle or life choice.
@ Alicia: Hey Love, thanks. It’s good to know that I’m not alone. :]
@ Katie: If you were to dedicate a blog to something like that, I would most definitely be a reader!
@ mary: Why, thank you! (I think.)
@ melly: I’m glad to enlighten people about this experience, although Jonathan certainly has more information about it. :] I almost feel it’s a bit unfair for me to talk about something that I know so little about…
What an honest and well written post. It seems that this had really affected you and your husband. I hope things work out and you guys can come to a compromise but thanks for sharing and I hope things continue to go well. May have to start a vegan savings lol.
Thats cray cray! I would never be able to do that haha.
oh wow..that is heavy!!! i understand how you feel..food is a huge part of our lives..i love food a lot and although i was a vegetarian for over 12 years before i met my hubby, i always loved food and could never give it up..i tried being jsut a vegan and that was too hard! i can’t imagine how hard it is to have him be raw vegan and not being able to share things with him..
“I’m learning not to take his decision personally; as if MY world is going to cave in because of his unconventional choice to be a raw vegan. I have to constantly remind myself that even though this change is a huge, it doesn’t change who he is as a person.”
I have to applaud you on being so open-minded & understanding. In fact, I almost wanted to cry reading this post–which must sound ridiculous. Food was such a huge issue with my ex-boyfriend & I know firsthand how difficult a difference in diet can make the relationship.
I don’t care much for dairy & I’m a pescetarian–which doesn’t even limit me THAT much! But my ex- still resented the fact that I wouldn’t/couldn’t eat meat. I struggle very hard to be healthy because my family has a long history of medical problems & frankly, I love the vegetarian lifestyle. He just wasn’t able to support me in this despite my being a vegetarian long before we had even met. He used to say, “If you loved me, you’d take a bite of this cheeseburger.” & it left me distraught, because I /did/ love him & even though it was a non-sequitur, I faltered. Now that our relationship has ended I’m so glad I didn’t abandon my own principals for him, but still increasingly bitter that he asked me to.
I really think you’re amazing person for standing by your husband, Ev’Yan. I’m sure he realizes how hard it must be for you & how hard it is on the relationship, as well. You’re so beautiful to support him & be so open as to learn something from his decisions :)
i agree with zoe, i think that you handle this admirably. this can sound a little “too much “to say this, but we all know how hard it is to make compromises in a couple and how difficult it is sometimes to support our lover’s decisions, when we would never make them.
i really think that the hardest think is to accept his beig a raw vegan, so the hardest part is behind you !
you have all my support anyway :)
ps: you can also see this as a challene to create your own food, based on both of your imaginations, can’t you ?
Whew. This would be SO hard.
I’m basically vegan (save for a little cheese and latte here and there), I use nutritional yeast and agave nectar in my cooking (love!), but being raw is something I couldn’t do for an extended period.
Last summer, I was very interested in it – reading lots of cookbooks and blogs about raw foodism, even trying out green smoothies and a few recipes. But, they were a FAR cry from my usually food. It was insanely expensive, and many of the fruits and veggies were shipped from far away – and I try to eat locally! (When possible. Silly winter. I’m still not one to buy kiwis and bananas, though – those come from soooo far away.)
I do well with veganism/vegetarianism because I LOVE it. I can’t imagine eating meat. Ever. I feel so much happier and healthier with that out of my life.
I just didn’t feel the same with raw food!
So, this is just a long, long comment saying, “OMG. Jonathon is hard core. Poor you!!”
:) (Going out to try new restaurants, enjoying a Saturday morning brunch, and getting coffee together are such loving, wonderful rituals I have with Mike, I simply cannot imagine him suddenly refusing to eat that! My sympathies. You are AWESOME.)
Hi Ev’Yan! I completely know what you’re talking about here! I am a vegan and have been introducing more raw into my diet lately (baby steps), and my husband is a pescetarian. So, while you and I are on opposite sides of the fence, I also feel that disconnect that you’re talking about. We don’t eat together really, we prepare and cook seperately most of the time.
But something that you two could do is maybe visit a Raw food restaurant? There are a few in the LA area: http://gridskipper.com/62971/las-raw-food-restaurants
That way you can sit down to a meal that you will both enjoy (and really- I do think you would enjoy it if it was professionally prepared). If anything, it would be an adventure!
Love the style, by the way! :)
Food is a big part of life. Many of my own shared memories with my husband revolve around food – special dinners out, gourmet meals we cooked together.
It sounds like you’re doing a great job adjusting.
No this and no that would be no fun for me. No socializing? No eating/drinking pleasure? Just lots of thinking about food and special ways to consume it? It sounds a little like anorexia. You’re a good supportive wife though. I wouldn’t be! But then my husband likes food too much for me to ever worry about that.
Though I am not vegan, I cannot eat soy, gluten, legumes, refined sugar and a few other common substances and it can be quite limiting socially sometimes. (If I was veg, I wouldn’t have anything left!)
I also understand being a raw veg. I did that for about nine months two years ago and it really forced me to plan in ways that I wasn’t used to, even with my limited diet. Thankfully, living where we do, we could still eat out, but the obsession was too much even for me. I don’t believe this is the way we should all eat and live 100% of the time. Raw vegan diets are good for people battling certain illnesses or as a temporary detox diet, but it can and does cause serious deficiencies long term – though I have known more men who do better on it then women.
That raw cupcake looks really good!
I agree with Kyla re: it being easier to talk about religion that diets! Since becoming a vegetarian two years ago, one of the things that still surprises me is how my choice offends some people. I’m very much ‘live-and-let-live’ and tend to avoid bringing the subject up, but it’s as though some people anticipate the lecture and dive in for the kill (pun not intended) before I can say ‘tofu’.
And your reaction, “What about peanut butter cup Blizzards from Dairy Queen? What about In & Out grilled cheese, & french fries? etc”, made me laugh – my boyfriend didn’t eat eggs when we were first going out, and I, too, almost choked (on my scrambled eggs, no doubt). I’m happy to avoid some things, like milk and butter (breastfeeding has given me a renewed sympathy for cows)… I wonder if vegan Roquefort would be possible? ;-)
hey, I just wanted to say I really enjoy your blog! you’re beautiful and talented and your posts are interesting and fun :)
hrm, raw diets. I once considered going on one as well, but I also enjoy the whole vast selection of foods I can pick from as an omnivore. I’m a flexitarian.
there actually have been articles about how some raw restaurants can be unhealthy, banking on the “food trend” of raw eating. while I find it an interesting choice, I’m a little skeptical of just how much it can help the planet (I love reading books on food and eating, like those by Michael Pollan). I think the ideal thing would be to be able to grow all your own food, especially if you’re a raw foodist. :D
if you are in london you should get yourself to Saf – a vegan raw food resturant that is incredible. I went with my boyfrined who was at first very unconvinced that we would get a proper meal, we are both veggie but not vegan and not raw. Saf is amazing though – the food is wonderful – not just salads, i don’t know who they do it, it is all beautiful – I reviewed it on my blog – well worth a trip! http://asensesublime.blogspot.com/2009/02/saf-my-new-fave-restaurant-in-london.html
I don’t know if you know Gala Darling but she is all raw too. She has some interesting things to say about it and she seems to be loving it.
http://galadarling.com/
I was actually thinking of trying raw veganism myself. however trying just a little bit my husband was very upset at me, often teasing me that i dont eat anything at all anymore. or trying to make me eat steaks or chicken and acting pissy at me when i didnt want to eat them. the thing is when i eat meat i feel very lethargic and i have IBS problems from it, but wen i eat mainly raw fruits and vegetables and no dairy at all im very energetic and regular (LOL embarrasing thing to talk about b ut i feel like its important towards my decision). also watching some of the awful ways animals are treated in factories and the nasty artificial ingredients in processed foods or antibiotics crammed down the throats of animals and into their foods makes me not want to eat at all.
so i guess im scared to try make the move towards raw veganism because i dont want to hurt or disappoint him =/
i live a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle and have now chosen to only date guys that live the same lifestyle because there is a huge gap between myself and someone that wants to eat junk food/meat.
i know you said you are not open to the idea, but you should do a 30 day raw trial period and see what you think. you would be amazed at how fast you get over the junk food and no longer crave it….
about 90% of the time i eat raw organic food, but EVERY NOW A?ND THEN i want creme brulee or tator tots. and then i allow myself to have it, it makes me sick, and i don’t want it anymore.
good luck sister!
Your husband is AWESOME. I can’t wait to go vegan.