from comment to post: Raw Foods Again

(August commented on my blog post about Raw Foods and It was so dang long and insightful that I'm posting it).


I guess I'll hop on and comment... Since Kori asked what I think of it all.

First off, I'm not a huge fan of cooking, and I'm more of a pancakes for dinner and every other meal type guy. Fast, effective-gone it 10 minutes. I do cook on and off and most Sundays, but try to get through it quickly.

Having said this, I think eating raw, etc. is great, though I would not undertake it personally, left to my own devices. At least not with such vehemence as is manifested in Katie's persistent efforts. While I'm not as gung ho as Katie yet, I am trying to be. From the things I've learned, it strikes me as very much the way we should eat, and would help to diminish or eradicate many of our society's health and emotional ailments. I really see it as a part of a truly healthy lifestyle, not a diet.

I always thought that vegans or vegetarians were just animal lovers, etc. so they didn't eat meat to not offend mother earth or some such. In my personal application, I want to just do the best thing. We have incorporated the gospel into our decisions about our food as well. Word of Wisdom states that grains, etc are to be the staple of life, and fruits and veggies should be eaten in their season, and meat should only be eaten in times of 'famine'. I don't know about y'all, but meat used to be in about every meal. Never been in famine mode, though. Not even now. I like to eat meat, and I used to make it because you don't really need a recipe or a lot of time to make it work out... that was good for me. Check out the two movies and the book Katie recommends in the post. They'll make you at least WANT to change.

I think the hardest part is incorporating this different lifestyle. You seem to have to plan ahead more so things can be dehydrating or soaking, and things don't keep as long. I think after we learn what we like and get a rhythm it will be dandy. Think about if you had never seen anyone cook, but you had always been given meals. Then you suddenly got to start making food on your own... How cumbersome would that be?! Anyhow, similar situation, I feel to beginning a completely raw lifestyle. That said we are still eating cheese, though less frequently(Katie's learning recipes for nut cheeses, and much more), eggs, butter(for my popcorn), and many other cooked/processed things. As Katie mentioned in the post, we're just applying it as quickly as we can adapt, and learn. It really is hard, but honestly, getting easier.

Thus far, cost is very comparative, especially since we are doing it the economy way, and will most likely to continue doing so. i.e. making nut milk from scratch vs. $3.50 for a carton of almond milk at the grocery store, cereals from scratch vs. $3 box of cereal, etc. Some 'prepared' ingredients are more expensive than their less healthy counterparts. Like cheap peanut butter as opposed to raw organic almond butter, etc. A definite benefit, though hard to quantify is saving on medical bills now and in the future, and just being happy and healthy.

When we visit or family and friends houses, we eat what they eat. No big deal. I probably enjoyed Caden's birthday cake and ice cream more than Bence did.

I'm lucky that Katie is up to the challenge. Just trying to keep up.

There are my thoughts for what they're worth...
Gus out.