Mother of 3, making the change - Raw Food Chat

Mami · 05-21-2008

Hello mommies,
My younger two (3 and 17mo.) are thriving on this diet but my oldest (9) lives between myself and his fathers home who eats crap all day long

so the change is super slow on his side but I just try to get as much in as possible.

Fortunatly my family loves to hear how I suppliment nutrition and love to learn from me (even though I'm the youngest) but it outrages me that at soon as you tell someone your kids are raw vegan they see them as deprived, WTF??? I'm sure my kids will be fine and healthy without that box of chicken nuggets dont you thing?

How are your children thriving or taking the change?

christabelle · 05-21-2008

Hi, please don't worry or try to do things to fast, most especially do not put any anger out towards your child's father. Remember the main goal is holistic, not only diet but happy healthy children who are thriving and who have the inner strength to make good decisions for themselves and their own families when they have grown up. I have 3 children 7, 9 and 13, I am a least 90 percent raw and my husband is slightly less but we are both vegan and have been for a very long time, our children have always been vegetarian and I have encouraged them to question everything about food and make discoveries for themselves. They will not eat fast food because they don't want to and not because I refuse to let them. I have found that there is a great need to educate and then trust your children and their own desire to be happy and healthy; my three boys are, mentally, as clear about the raw path as we are, they are aiming for the highest and am am sure they will find their optimum diet, the oldest is already Vegan and the youngest 2 will not eat eggs or drink milk. This is their choice and I am proud of them but honestly my input was simply education and example. They almost always choose raw over cooked (this is 5 years from the start of transitioning to raw) . Children of course will also exploit situations and are renowned for battling over food hence the advice to relax about your childs father, if his parents bicker about food it will become an issue for your son will pay attention to that and not the real issue . My advice would be to relax, go for the long haul and educate your child to choose food wisely, it may take a year or two. Please don't rush, please don't hold grudges, you child will grow up beautifully even if it is only you that provides decent choices. On the plus side it also gives you time to learn some fabulously, quick, easy and child friendly recipies.

Mami · 05-21-2008

I havent spoken to my oldest sons father in over 6 months, this has made everyone happier (including my son). Thankfuly my husband is 100% supportive of me changing my diet as well as the kids for the better. He on the other hand has all the knowlage but is afraid of loosing weight (he has been teased for being too thin his entire life) he is now "over weigh" (as am I) and we are only in our mid 20's and dealing with weight issues.

My oldest son is vary vary thin, but he will put away junk food like no ones buisness

. The only raw food I have been able to get him to eat is fruit but I have heard of vary healthy fruitarians

Funny story: my husband took my youngest two to McDonalds and got them chicken nuggets and got me a fruit and walnut salad, my kids didnt touch the nuggets and only left me once slice of apple

, he mumble something like "Why am I not surprised" we got a good laugh out of it.

Double Helix · 05-23-2008

Hi Mami - we have a family of mixed eaters here. My DH knows that there are benefits to a raw diet, and totally supports my journey but doesn't wish to be 100% himself. He and the children will eat plenty of fruits, veggies, fresh juices, salads, etc. but they allow some cooked, and junk when they want it. I'm okay with it as I know there is so much more to a marriage than food, although sometimes I get upset when the junk eating gets out of hand - sometimes I end up partaking in it myself, lol.