Hi! Happy to have found this community.

[raw4me]

I've been almost 100% raw for about a year, living with and among processed-food addicts, so it's sometimes a challenge to not fall off the wagon or to convince them I'm not "missing out." I'm glad I found this group for support. Anyone else in my shoes?

[00rawr00]

heey! i can definately relate! but i havn't been raw that long. why, a year ago i was among the processed-food addicts (a sad, sad thought). what made you decide to become raw?

[The Vej]

I'm glad you found this site! Don't try to convince them that raw is better just convince them to shut up because they know even less about nutrition. lol Diet variances should be accepted like money!!!! That made no sense but welcome!!!

[raw4evr15]

im also doing the 100% raw diet and everyone that i hang around havent even heard of only eating raw ,sometimes it makes me feel like i need more support if im going to kee this up .i want to meet people in my area that also eat raw so i could be inspired more and not fall of the wagon

[raw4evr15]

i looking to meet people that have been in the raw diet for a while i feel like they know more from experince

[The Vej]

Don't count on other people for support. Use us for encouragement. What that means is finding your own motive but seek knowledge to understand your motives. I like the motive of feeling awesome every time I wake up instead of crappy and not wanting to get out of bed. I don't know anyone in Michigan that eats raw besides me but I feel good and that's what matters. Don ??t ??fall off the wagon ?? because feeling good will make your life more enjoyable.

[raw4evr15]

well thats something to think about is still gets kind of hard ,well right now is a little easier i dont crave as much

[The Vej]

That's good. Make sure you remind yourself how good you feel everyday.

[raw4me]

Wow, I was offline for a few days and I can't believe how many people read my post and had encouraging words!

00rawr00 asked why I became raw. It sort of happened in phases. About five years ago I read a book that changed my life, Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy. While it's not a raw book, it opened my eyes to the dangers of processed foods. Then I just became a junkie for more books like it, to learn about our food and my body. It was over several years that I transitioned to this lifestyle, and lost about 20 pounds along the way. I wasn't overweight, but at the top of my range for my height. I'm now at the bottom of my range, and I feel fantastic.

Most of the time I tell people I'm vegetarian or vegan, because those are the labels people are familiar with. I do limit my cooked food to maybe a few meals per month, but my biggest vice is sweets. I have a major sweettooth, and sometimes 70% chocolate doesn't cut it. I've been working on curbing the sweets cravings, but it's hard. I never keep sweets in the house, but when I'm out at a restaurant, I find it hard to resist.

[00rawr00]

those health books just suck you in don't they!!! (not being sarcastic.. they really do!), i have also found that saying im vegetarian works best. its frustrating because people tolerate so much from people who are on weight loss diets, but as soon as you bring up ethical concerns or just general health people get really uptight and judgmental. you should try eating lots of sweet fruit for your sweet tooth! i find that if i dont eat enough fruit i get cravings, but when i get a craving i just think about a delicious juicy melon/mango/papaya etc.. and it goes away! anyhow, glad to meet you and good luck!