Day1-Back on the Raw Vegan Wagon

[silva]

"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.

 

[orioncho]

"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! "

 

[shyvas]

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.

 

[shyvas]

"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.

 

[Emma JC]

"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

 

[orioncho]

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.

"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."

 

[orioncho]

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. "

 

[silva]

"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!

 

[orioncho]

You eat sprouted beans and grains? Being in a warm climate is certainly easier!

Yeah!

 

[g0rph]

From a user (epic-robot) on reddit /r/vegan


"A raw food diet is complete and utter nonsense. It really has nothing to do with the ethical stance of veganism. Unfortunately, there is an appeal to those with eating disorders and body dysmorphia, who get sucked in by attractive looking influencers peddling this kind of insane ********.

These are the sorts of 'vegans' who end up with health issues, looking sickly, being used as an example by vegan critics as to why veganism fails, and who end up eating animals again because they 'felt so much better'. Many such cases.

ETA: Not to mention those that get indoctrinated by pseudoscience and a cult-like, conspiratorial mindset which perceives science and reason as an attack on their secret truth. Same as carnivores or any extremist deficiency diet, this is not specific to veganism / plant based."

I must admit, I agree 100% with their opinion here. It's dangerous, pointless and nothing to do with veganism.

 

[orioncho]

I think

From a user (epic-robot) on reddit /r/vegan


"A raw food diet is complete and utter nonsense. It really has nothing to do with the ethical stance of veganism. Unfortunately, there is an appeal to those with eating disorders and body dysmorphia, who get sucked in by attractive looking influencers peddling this kind of insane ********.

These are the sorts of 'vegans' who end up with health issues, looking sickly, being used as an example by vegan critics as to why veganism fails, and who end up eating animals again because they 'felt so much better'. Many such cases.

ETA: Not to mention those that get indoctrinated by pseudoscience and a cult-like, conspiratorial mindset which perceives science and reason as an attack on their secret truth. Same as carnivores or any extremist deficiency diet, this is not specific to veganism / plant based."

I must admit, I agree 100% with their opinion here. It's dangerous, pointless and nothing to do with veganism.

That's a bit judgemental. Raw vegan have the same welfare concerns as "regular" vegans. And you honestly haven't met some thriving raw vegans. I have. There's good and bad in everything. Just like there are vegans who eat nothing but vegan junk food for going all health concerns.

 

[silva]

I think

That's a bit judgemental. Raw vegan have the same welfare concerns as "regular" vegans. And you honestly haven't met some thriving raw vegans. I have. There's good and bad in everything. Just like there are vegans who eat nothing but vegan junk food for going all health concerns.

How many people say veganism is an excuse for disordered eating and site those with poor health!
Many people who are wfpb do suffer from orthorexia--where obsession rules their lives
Being full raw is extreme, and does require a lot of knowledge to be healthy, but the same parameters apply to them as any other diet.
There have been fully raw members here and other forums who have solved some delibitating health problems

My experience with giving veganism a bad name falls with those who take it such extremes they alienate anyone who disagrees

 

[shyvas]

I think

That's a bit judgemental. Raw vegan have the same welfare concerns as "regular" vegans. And you honestly haven't met some thriving raw vegans. I have. There's good and bad in everything. Just like there are vegans who eat nothing but vegan junk food for going all health concerns.

This is the reason why you're going to obtain more support on a vegan raw diet group.

 

[orioncho]

How many people say veganism is an excuse for disordered eating and site those with poor health!
Many people who are wfpb do suffer from orthorexia--where obsession rules their lives
Being full raw is extreme, and does require a lot of knowledge to be healthy, but the same parameters apply to them as any other diet.
There have been fully raw members here and other forums who have solved some delibitating health problems

My experience with giving veganism a bad name falls with those who take it such extremes they alienate anyone who disagrees

I have not met a raw vegan who alienates other people. But I can say I've met vegans who alienate people that eat meat. If anything, I've heard more vegans trash talk raw vegans without actually giving them a chance. The general response I've been given is raw vegans are too extreme. I feel like that's not really giving someone a chance. And why does being a raw vegan have to deal with some sort of eating disorder. You don't need to be a raw vegan to have an eating disorder.

 

[silva]

This is the reason why you're going to obtain more support on a vegan raw diet group.

What is the problem here? @orioncho isn't here to push being raw. They've introduced themselves as vegan, and eating raw.
Why should this be any more of an issue than so many that have been members that are WFPB, and often trash talked processed foods?
Seems quite unnecessarily discriminatory to me! What happened to accepting all vegans?

 

[silva]

Honestly, I'd like to hear more ideas to incorporate raw foods, as I don't eat beyond the usual salad stuff

 

[orioncho]

What is the problem here? @orioncho isn't here to push being raw. They've introduced themselves as vegan, and eating raw.
Why should this be any more of an issue than so many that have been members that are WFPB, and often trash talked processed foods?
Seems quite unnecessarily discriminatory to me! What happened to accepting all vegans?

Thank you. I'm certainly not here to push an agenda.

 

[shyvas]

What is the problem here? @orioncho isn't here to push being raw. They've introduced themselves as vegan, and eating raw.
Why should this be any more of an issue than so many that have been members that are WFPB, and often trash talked processed foods?
Seems quite unnecessarily discriminatory to me! What happened to accepting all vegans?

No issue whatsoever. I think that you are getting into an argument all by yourself.

 

[g0rph]

What is the problem here? @orioncho isn't here to push being raw. They've introduced themselves as vegan, and eating raw.
Why should this be any more of an issue than so many that have been members that are WFPB, and often trash talked processed foods?
Seems quite unnecessarily discriminatory to me! What happened to accepting all vegans?

I think the issue is (at least for me), is that these extreme diets are very difficult to stay healthy on.
To be honest, I don't believe for one second that someone practicing a 100% raw vegan diet can be healthy.
They are either cheating or at least supplementing heavily.

Whilst I hope it works out for orioncho, I dislike seeing them suggested. There is no health benefit whatsoever from omitting foods that simply need to be cooked before eating in order to remove toxins or release nutrients.
Mushrooms should always be cooked first as many contain carcinogenic compounds that are destroyed when heated.
Beans should always be cooked to remove lectins. Kidney beans will kill you uncooked.
Cooking corn releases beneficial nutrients and cooking tomatoes increases lycopene levels.
Going vegan can be hard enough as it is, without then placing unnecessary and potentially dangerous rules on top of that.

 

[Tom L.]

So. I did a bit of googling about raw diets, and this is one of the first websites that came up:

What to know before you adopt a raw food diet – Fit Planet

Discover what constitutes raw food, how to get the most nutritional benefit from a raw food diet, and the necessary supplements.

www.lesmills.com

My diet includes different kinds of vegetables and fruits- most* of which can be safely and enjoyably eaten raw- as well as various grains and legumes. I'm not saying I couldn't do it, but it would be much more difficult:

1*: potatoes should not be eaten raw. Of course I've taken one bite of raw (washed) spud every now and then with no ill effects- but as I understand it, potatoes would be off my menu. I don't live on them- far from it- but after kissing meat, fish, dairy, and eggs goodbye, I would miss them a lot.

2: As it stands, grains and legumes are the main categories of things I eat as regards calories and protein. Apparently, grains and legumes are usually sprouted before being eaten raw- and even then, some things (for example, kidney beans) are STILL flat-out toxic if not cooked. I'm picturing a kitchen full of pans or bowls, covered and full of sprouting things. (I suppose dishwashing would be a relatively simple matter: eat the sprouts, rinse, refill with whatever I'm sprouting next, repeat. Hmmmmm.... maybe I could try raw for a week... or two... )

A raw food diet would do me no good if I found it too frustrating or difficult to maintain.