Over the past few months there has been a bit of an underground rumbling shaking up some raw foodies beliefs. I for one began eating raw close to 4 years ago, because I was seeking to be more healthy and balanced physically. Only 6 months before my journey began, my friend was on the ’30-day detox’ and I believed that it was impossible to live on uncooked fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds alone. Always seeking and trying new adventures in my own life, I jumped on when raw crossed my path the following Spring. Was I looking for an ultimate answer, but it is not always that easy.
Along my path the way I eat continues to evolve, as I listen to the way both my mind and body digest. Yes, I did have blood taken and the doctor used the term superhuman. At the time I was thrilled, but from my current perspective I wonder… is blood the ultimate test, thoughts are things and there was obviously a reason for the test to begin with. So often we know something is not right, but we may alway some outside factor (a doctor, friend or family member) believe that it is all just fine.
So back in 2006 I picked up the only 2 available at Barnes and Noble, Carol Alt’s Eating In the Raw & Sarma’s Raw Food Real World. The latter of which did not correlate with my version of the real world at the time, and almost every recipe called for some ingredient that I would needed to mail away to get.
Recently I have been researching deeper into the Ayurvedic doshas and balancing diets. In the past I have ignored most of this, mostly because I am a Vata and the one main guideline in vata diet is to stay away from raw foods. So when I first read this I thought immediately that this way of though must be completely ridiculous, how could what I know as optimum nutrient dense food be the wrong way for my body? Then I started reading more into it. Not surprising the foods that it suggests for me were the ones I was drawn to and used to eat automatically before I began focusing on raw foods. What I have come to know as my own truth is that the information in each book is helpful in teaching me a new way to listen to my own body. And what worked for me 2 years ago may work for someone else right now but no longer serves me. During your own health journey, you will continue to grow, experiment and accept new ideas as well. Although a year ago I wanted to throw out all my pots and pans, never to eat cooked food again, this year I added some healthy cooked foods in during the winter months. And I loved it, I can remember the first bite and the energy in my body screaming ‘yes!’. It wasn’t a huge heavy dinner and every bite was taken with love, intent and without guilt.
Listen. Experiment. & Keep it fresh.