Dealing with Standing Out from the Crowd - Raw Food Chat

greenbunny · 01-28-2007

How do you guys deal with being different than others? Not only eating differently, but the way that live foods affects you?

Greenbunny

taylor · 03-14-2007

well i have lost 70 plus pounds and people notice it .i have gone from a size 24 to a sz.18 and they are falling off.i also feel better. i feel it is the answer to avoiding alot of illness.to cut out fat and sugars and salts and grains and dairy if vegan.it cuts out alot of calories.i have told others.before i had arthritis so bad i could barely walk.i had high blood pressure and high chorleterol...and the dr. threatened me with diabetis medication. i have something to tell people if they want to hear it.since then-my son is working out and taking vitamins and my borther in law is on a diet of healthy foods not huge candy bars and loads of food.he is 5 ft. 9 and weighs 280 pounds. he has lost 7 pounds eating vegan.beans and more healthy.i have made chili(raw)for my in-laws and they were amazed at how good it was. i made an apple pie(raw) and everyone was bowled over.so i don't pressure but just stand strong and it is interesting and that is what i find...people think it is interesting.i walk 5 miles now and feel good and am way thinner.i can play ball with my grandkids and run with them and they love this.so i just take whatever people may say.thanks-taylor

mershwista · 03-22-2007

Would be interested in the replies to this one...my friends always have seen me as a bit odd, though.

papaya · 09-28-2007

I don't know...I guess I wear my different-ness proudly. My main circle of friends are at my church, and we regularly get together for meals that the church provides. So everyone in the entire room is eating the pizza or whatever, and I've got a whole half of a watermelon in front of me with a spoon.

People watch me really closely and I think are curious to see how this strange diet is going to affect me - I'm pregnant with #6 and have 5 children ages 8 & under. I get lots of comments like I look like I have alot of energy...that my skin glows...that I look really good. So that helps boost my confidence as far as being publicly so different. I think it makes me proud that I have found the keys to health and that I'm living the "real" american dream, really.

I do get questions but I gage whether they are really interested or not - sometimes I'll just say that I have been eating really healthy - and I'll laugh it off like saying, "Compared to Taco Bell & Blizzards all the time!" Kind of thing. I've only been raw-vegan for 14 months so I'm still learning alot.

SnowBunny · 09-28-2007

I'm with mershwista. My family and friends that truly known me have always thought of me being odd. Even when I was in elementary school, I remember my friends saying I was 'weird' in a friendly way of course. Now that I'm older my close friends see me as the 'black sheep' but people that don't know me think i'm just against the grain. And in a way I am, but not purposefully. OK... maybe in some ways!!

It's also a great conversation starter at parties as somehow I always end up talking about it because someone finds out and announces it. I went to a BBQ the other day at the neighbors and on her message I told her not to worry about making us chicken as we're vegetarians. I figured it's a lot easier to understand than I eat only raw foods. Later that day she left a message that said "Ok, well I'll make sure to do some deviled eggs to make sure that you get your protein". I just knew it was going to one of 'those' parties that my husband and I end up being asked to pretty much give a class on raw veggies and protein and blah blah blah

It's hard to be different in so many areas but I try to connect with people on different levels, so that they know I'm still human, even though I eat vegetables ooooo~.

I suppose I just embrace it and eventually I got used to it and now when I don't feel like explaining myself I stay home!!

About how raw foods effect me... I suppose I haven't really been my true full self in public just yet! It comes out a little bit and I see people's faces, even friends, and I pull back a little. It doesn't bother me because I understand that my change has been dramatic and they need the certainty from me. I try to do things with them that don't make me stand out so much, unless I know they can handle it. Like, with one friend I don't go out to eat with her because everytime I do she asks "so what don't you eat now?". So we go to parks or bowling, places where people often have energy and my energy is up there but it doesn't stand out so much. Oh and my friends with kids love me!! Because I just have so much energy to play with them and can match their intensity. Which is pretty cool, hey, maybe I'll start hanging out with a local kids group or something. Cool... hey thanks Greenbunny!!

anisha · 09-29-2007

I agree. My friends in school and even now call me weird. Nice or insult whatever, I could careless. I am weird and proud of it! I am not "normal" and I bring spice, light and laughter to those very close to me. They have told me and I have noticed it myself.

Anyways, when I return to Cali, I have a feeling it is going to be a Big Surprise to everyone. When I went vegertarian in the past, they treated it like the sky was falling. hahaha. at least I know what to expect!

I don't expect anyone to understand or accept my decision, but to be in my life they have to respect it and respect me.

I'll let you know how things cange when I move back home.

Anyways, what was the question?

I am so much more alive. I have so much energy and strength. Also, I feel like I am finally able to divulge feelings that I have had bottled up for years. I am writing letters to people and although I am a little nervious about their reaction, this is something I need to do for myself.