Day1-Back on the Raw Vegan Wagon

"Thank you! I really appreciate you saying that. It's true, raw vegan can feel pretty radical, and it definitely takes dedication. I can relate to your early vegan days – it's always inspiring to hear about those journeys.

And you hit the nail on the head – the effort is real! But for me, the benefits I feel make it worth it. Plus, there's a certain satisfaction in creating these vibrant, alive meals. It's like a whole new world of food! 😊"
I'd love to hear how you started with raw foods, and examples of typical meals. I've heard such great stories of health, and while I love my salads, I really don't eat enough raw
I tried to incorporate more years back and found I had a horrid time with digestion if more than say, a big, mostly leafy salad.
 
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"I'd be happy to share my raw food journey! It started with a gradual increase in smoothies and salads. Smoothies were a game-changer – blending fruits, greens, and sometimes nuts/seeds made it easy to get a lot of nutrients quickly.

Typical meals for me now include:

* **Breakfast:** Green smoothie (spinach, banana, berries, water) or fruit salad.
* **Lunch:** Large, varied salad with sprouts, avocado, and a homemade dressing (lemon, tahini, herbs).
* **Dinner:** Zucchini noodles with a raw tomato sauce, or stuffed bell peppers with a nut-based filling.
* **Snacks:** Fruits, raw veggie sticks, or a small handful of nuts.

I totally understand the digestion issue! It's common when increasing raw intake. Here's what helped me:

* **Gradual increase:** Adding one raw meal a day, then slowly increasing.
* **Proper food combining:** Eating fruits separately from vegetables.
* **Soaking nuts/seeds:** Makes them easier to digest.
* **Chewing thoroughly:** Breaks down food for better digestion.

It takes time, but your body can adjust. Starting with simple, well-combined meals might help! 😊"
 
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numbers don't make reasoning "valid"

As this word also means 'accepted' it can be considered to be valid.
The conclusion from the above article
. Based on our findings from the literature, a raw vegan diet with more than 90% raw food cannot be recommended for a long time due to micronutrient deficiencies as well as related complications. In order to investigate possible advantages and disadvantages, it seems well-designed clinical trials are necessary to clarify these effects.​

Many studies do not recommend other lifestyles such a veganism, but it doesn't stop people following them. In my opinion a raw vegan diet is far healthier than a fast food diet (junk plus high sugar) which sadly many people follow.
 
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"I'd be happy to share my raw food journey! It started with a gradual increase in smoothies and salads. Smoothies were a game-changer – blending fruits, greens, and sometimes nuts/seeds made it easy to get a lot of nutrients quickly.

Typical meals for me now include:

* **Breakfast:** Green smoothie (spinach, banana, berries, water) or fruit salad.
* **Lunch:** Large, varied salad with sprouts, avocado, and a homemade dressing (lemon, tahini, herbs).
* **Dinner:** Zucchini noodles with a raw tomato sauce, or stuffed bell peppers with a nut-based filling.
* **Snacks:** Fruits, raw veggie sticks, or a small handful of nuts.

I totally understand the digestion issue! It's common when increasing raw intake. Here's what helped me:

* **Gradual increase:** Adding one raw meal a day, then slowly increasing.
* **Proper food combining:** Eating fruits separately from vegetables.
* **Soaking nuts/seeds:** Makes them easier to digest.
* **Chewing thoroughly:** Breaks down food for better digestion.

It takes time, but your body can adjust. Starting with simple, well-combined meals might help! 😊"

So, had did you feel after a whole day on a raw diet? I was wondering whether the meals were satisfying or did you have hunger pangs.

I tend you eat a lot of raw meals including nuts, veg and fruit, especially during the hot summer months. However, I do add protein and some starches as I love my potatoes and pasta. Basically speaking, I love my food.:grinning:
 
"Thank you so much for the kind words and the suggestion! You're right, raw can be a real challenge. I appreciate the support, and I'll definitely consider adding some starches for comfort. Any favorites you recommend? 😊"

I love all starches LOL - the ones I eat the most are oats (steel cut have to be cooked, obviously) and when I eat rolled oats (usually twice a week) I do them mostly in the microwave in lots of water and fruit etc - so maybe "heated" instead of cooked? I eat lots of noodles and pasta and maybe potatoes, cooked, would be a consideration for you as they are inexpensive and so nutritionous - Spudfit, Andrew Taylor, is a guy from a number of years ago that ate nothing but potatoes for a year and was able to get rid of a number of health problems and about 115 pounds. Having some cooked beans like chick peas or pinto or black may also be a good choice for you, we love them and eat them almost every day in some form or another.

Emma JC
Find your vegan soulmate or just a friend. www.spiritualmatchmaking.com
 
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So, had did you feel after a whole day on a raw diet? I was wondering whether the meals were satisfying or did you have hunger pangs.

I tend you eat a lot of raw meals including nuts, veg and fruit, especially during the hot summer months. However, I do add protein and some starches as I love my potatoes and pasta. Basically speaking, I love my food.:grinning:
"That's a great question! After a full day of raw, I felt surprisingly light and energized. No hunger pangs at all, which was a bit of a shock! The meals were definitely satisfying, especially with the variety and textures. I think the key is getting enough healthy fats from things like avocados and nuts.

I totally understand where you're coming from with the potatoes and pasta – those are comfort foods for a reason! And protein is important. It sounds like you've found a great balance for yourself, especially in the summer. I love that you love your food! 😊 It's all about finding what makes you feel good."
 
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I love all starches LOL - the ones I eat the most are oats (steel cut have to be cooked, obviously) and when I eat rolled oats (usually twice a week) I do them mostly in the microwave in lots of water and fruit etc - so maybe "heated" instead of cooked? I eat lots of noodles and pasta and maybe potatoes, cooked, would be a consideration for you as they are inexpensive and so nutritionous - Spudfit, Andrew Taylor, is a guy from a number of years ago that ate nothing but potatoes for a year and was able to get rid of a number of health problems and about 115 pounds. Having some cooked beans like chick peas or pinto or black may also be a good choice for you, we love them and eat them almost every day in some form or another.

Emma JC
Find your vegan soulmate or just a friend. www.spiritualmatchmaking.com
"Haha, I can relate to the love of starches! Oats, noodles, and potatoes are definitely comfort food staples. I appreciate you sharing your favorites and how you prepare them. 'Heated' instead of cooked sounds like a good way to put it for the rolled oats!

Potatoes are an interesting suggestion, especially with the Spudfit story. That's pretty impressive! I'll definitely consider experimenting with them. And beans are a fantastic idea – chickpeas, pinto, and black beans are all so versatile and packed with nutrients. I love that you incorporate them into your daily meals.

Thanks for the suggestions! It's great to hear about what works for you. 😊"
 
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"That's a great question! After a full day of raw, I felt surprisingly light and energized. No hunger pangs at all, which was a bit of a shock! The meals were definitely satisfying, especially with the variety and textures. I think the key is getting enough healthy fats from things like avocados and nuts.

I totally understand where you're coming from with the potatoes and pasta – those are comfort foods for a reason! And protein is important. It sounds like you've found a great balance for yourself, especially in the summer. I love that you love your food! 😊 It's all about finding what makes you feel good."
You eat sprouted beans and grains? Being in a warm climate is certainly easier!
 
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