My personal health philosophy has evolved and expanded since I started blogging as Raw Girl in 2009. Now, “going raw” for me, means being committed to living a toxin-free lifestyle including mind, body, spirit, environment (as much as possible) and eating a diet comprised of whole unprocessed foods. As a student of Ayurveda and as someone who believes in bio-individuality, I do not believe that a 100% raw diet or even a vegan diet is great for everyone. But regardless of your dietary preferences, incorporating more raw and whole foods can absolutely change your life. There are countless examples of how plant based diets have helped people to reverse diseases, lose weight, and transform mind, body, and spirit. So…why go raw?
In this world full of toxins, chemicals, STDs, and countless other terrors that can shorten our life spans, the question I asked myself was, why not? After holding my ground amidst naysayers who foamed at the mouth as they tried to convince me I NEEDED MEAT & processed foods, or that just a little bit of chicken or fish every now and again wouldn’t hurt…I managed to kick the crack habit of processed foods and begin the liberating and joyfully sober journey of eating a diet that integrated a large portion of raw fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds in 2003. In 2007, after running into too many completely raw foodies who were twice as old as me, looked my age, and could drop it like its hot better than I could, I was ready to make the full fledged leap.
What started out as a one night stand, turned into a very hot, thriving, passionate relationship with consuming foods full of life force. I woke up one morning after and realized I got my groove back like Stella. My acne cleared up, I stopped feeling tired all the time, stopped getting sick, and all of a sudden began to expand my creative and spiritual horizons and cross bridges I would have run scared and sobbing from previously. As I continue along the path, I remain committed to remaining AGE-LESS, in-tune with my body, mind, spirit and sharing that inspiration.
I know you may love the way that processed food smells and tastes, and that you may not care about the industrial materials and chemicals you’re eating as long as it comes with ketchup and a Coke. But if you wake up one morning and look in the mirror and decide the gut has to go, the acne has to go, general dis-ease has to go; if your creativity is blocked, or maybe you can’t even get out of the bed because your just too tired, again. Eat an apple. Grab some greens. Or my favorite: get hooked on the natural high from fresh juice. Your one night stand may turn into a long term love affair.
To read more about my personal journey to raw foods, Download the free first chapter of my e-book The Acne-Free Diet.
I have just come across your site whilst searching for alternatives to toxins pestersides and all the rubbish there forcing upon us. Your write ups are very interesting and just wondered what your thoughts on fluoride in water are? Thank you for your inspiration!
Hey Miss S May:) Are you okay with me using your question and answering in a formal post? – XoXo Raw Girl
Thanks so much for your site. I have shared it with the diet club @ the office! Everybody is really looking forward to your wonderfull articles.City of Cape Town South Africa-Nicola’s mom.
Dear Nicola’s Mommy, Thank you so much for your note and for passing along the website. Your daughter is an excellent writer, glad to have her on the team. Be well 🙂 -XoXo
When you say fresh juice, does that mean I have to buy a juicer? Also, is there any way you can map out a 7 day menu for beginners? This is the one thing that has kept me away, not knowing where to begin and how to keep it going.
Yemi
Yemi! 🙂 Yes when I say fresh juice, I do mean using a juicer with fresh fruits and vegetables. If you don’t have one dont worry, you can blend things, and of course when vegan you can pretty much eat most of the things you love SANS meat and dairy. Just get creative. Raw vegan is a little farther out, as I do not eat any processed foods and very little to no cooked foods. Unfortunately I can’t create menus for people (no time). But I highly recommend you look up vegan recipes, the internet has TONS, and just start incorporating large amounts of fruits and veg into your diet. There’s a great book called Main Street Vegan by Victoria Moran I recommend to give you some bearing on how to start. I also have some articles on the blog about transitioning to VEG so read those. -XoXo Raw Girl
I just read your exert on, Why go raw? I feel like you are talking directly to me through your words. This is the very morning I woke up and took a long heard look at myself and said, ” I have to do something now!” Thank you for the motivation My kitchen is set, refrigerator empty and I am going to prepare to juice. Also going cold turkey on meat, milk, cheese…..I am IN! Want serious help with raw food preparation! Thank you Sister!
Your so welcome Dania. Congratulations on the beginning of a wonderful journey. Be easy on yourself, and seek motivation when you need it. You will be so surprised at how amazing you are going to look and feel if you stay committed. -XoXo Raw Girl
Hello,
I initially came across you via 1 of your youtube clips, ended up subscribing to your channel after watching approx 8-9 more clips, then thought I’d give your website a peek. I’ve now subscribed (eagerly) to your blog posts, and wanted to leave you this message of thanks and love.
Thank you and your team so much for your assistance, insight and passion for natural goodness and well being.
I’m a 28year old female and have just started my journey of natural holistic healing after serious consideration and reflection due to a close family member recently dying of pancreatic cancer.
Not only making permanent changes for me, but more for my future seeds and generations.
Keep up the fabulous work 🙂
Many thanks,
Bee
Hi Bee: It means so much to me to get messages like these. Thank you for reading. So sorry for your loss and wishing you the best on your new journey to optimal health. -XoXo Raw Girl
Thanks for your reply (I know you’re a busy woman with your multi talented self)…two weeks in & feeling like a new woman! Juice detox is on the cards – very very soon, thanks for your yummy recipes!! Bless you sistah…
B
Your welcome 🙂 I’m working on designing a 7 Day juice fast now that anyone will be able to purchase that includes grocery list and all. Look out for it soon. -XoXo
I just came across your blog today after looking up recipes for raw okra. I’m in love. (Both the blog and recipe.) I just liked your page, as well.
You provide amazing information and insights. I’ll be coming back for sure. Thank you!
Thanks so much Vivian!!! I’ve been MIA lately but yes, more is to come. -XoXo Raw Girl
It’s very hard to ween myself off of these things. Trust me I have fruit and veggies in my fridge, when people open it they’re like… whattt? I have decided to see if I can walk away from chicken and exchange it for fish. I have to change my thinking. I wonder if I could really walk away from chicken though. What steps should I take to ween myself off? I know it doesn’t happen over night and this damn weight didn’t happen over night either.
Hi LaVon: Some people go cold turkey and that works for them. I tend to err on the side of making gradual changes because it is usually more sustainable long term. Check out the recipes on the blog and elsewhere and just start eating a lot more fruit & veg. Try to find substitutions and test them out for awhile because your palate may get used to them. There’s more on the blog about transitioning and we’ll be sure to address this in a post again soon. XoXo