Back in August, my friend, Rosemary, came to visit for a few days. We both enjoy preparing food which we did a lot of while she was here, but more than just food, we like healthy, flavorful, quality food. I introduced her to several of my raw food creations and she was hooked! Right then and there, we decided we should do an experimental 30 days of all raw starting January 1, 2011.
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| Chocolate Orange Mousse |
December 30, I drove to Kitchener, Ontario and brought her back to my home in Bloomfield Hills, MI. I won't lie, we both ate too many "good" things New Year's Eve. As we nibbled on marvelous Parisian chocolate-covered almonds and macaroons, German anise cookies, biscotti, brie and crackers, etc, etc....we both discussed our self-defeating love affair with really good food. It is rather like a truly bad love affair, feeling sooooo good for a few sweet moments, but in the long run, so very unhealthy in every way.
Our task and challenge this month is to re-define "really good food". "Really good food" throughout most of our lives involved a toxic mix of sugar, salt and starches with a smattering of fresh fruits and vegetables. I was so elated in my early 20's when someone commented that I made the best-ever, "killer" mac and cheese....doubtless, he was entirely correct!
Thankfully, much has changed in the past 30 years in healthcare. At long last, there are docs like Joel Fuhrman, Andrew Weil, Dean Ornish, Mehmet Oz and Neal Barnard, along with many others, who are publicly proclaiming the benefits of a plant-based diet. Not only do they discuss diet, but they are also actively encouraging the American public to participate in self-care. The "really good food" we put into our bodies does not get any more basic. It is the basis for good self-care.
Rosie and I have discussed at length the misconceptions we have grown up with which for both of us has resulted in many additional pounds - not at all a really good thing. It is so necessary for us to disconnect from the idea that that gorgeous piece of cheesecake flown in from Carnegie Deli in NYC is "really good"....really wrong!!
Change is never easy nor does it happen overnight, but it does and will happen. My suggestion always is to begin by adding some fruits or veggies to your diet every day. Don't make yourself crazy by talking about all that you will take away, all that you will miss, just concentrate on what truly good food you will add. "Truly good food" is pretty easy to find - it occurs freely in Nature. It is not something manufactured by man, but by a Higher Power, nor does fruit occur as a "loop" and tomatoes cannot be squeezed from a bottle. This is basic - no rocket science whatsoever! Stick to the produce department and for the most part, skip the rest of the store.
So, although Rosemary and I would love to lose some outrageous amount of weight during our 30-day raw experience this January, the most important goal is to establish better eating habits and especially to revamp our idea of "really good food".
Sue
www.laughteryoga-michigan.com
Bonjour les amies.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on getting this project off the ground. I look forward to reading about not only the joys of raw food and the trials and tribulations but also about yummy raw vegan recipes.
Thank you for following.
ReplyDeleteAh, yes, the trials and tribulations....how about no weight loss for 3 days when we are being are being so darned good! We each have a mental goal for weight loss at the end of this 30 days and for sure, this will not do! Today I have had 2 bananas, 4 cups of herbal tea and watered-down Master Cleanse...Rosie has even skipped the bananas. Exercise definitely MUST be increased!
We have decided to alternate this every other day, in order to achieve our goals; however, not what I would normally advocate if it were not for the time factor. I intend to continue with the plan, even after 30 days, until weightwise, I am where I feel I should be.
Lots to catch upon. Photos, recipes and old FB posts, as well as recipes will follow!
Sue