This past year I've been eating a lot of cooked food. I haven't been happy with that, but also decided that I don't need to be 100% raw to feel good about what I'm eating. In fact, back when I did 6 months of nearly all raw, my body began to miss something after awhile. What that something was, I still don't know. I do know that green smoothies for breakfast, and big salads for lunch, then various raw dinner recipes at night was great... in the beginning. When I started to become hungry after going to bed at night, I knew something wasn't right.
I've been spending a lot of time avoiding going raw again, because I wanted to be sure and get it right the next time around. Meaning that if I get to the point of wanting to eat cooked food again, I won't let the first bite of rice send me into a downward spiral of (organic) SAD living. All those enticing foods at the "health food store" are really no better than junk food. I would like to try a period of all raw food again, and then transition to mostly raw, but allowing some cooked food when the time is right (no dairy, wheat, or sugar).
Eating so much cooked food has brought my energy level down again, and I've gained back some of the weight I lost when eating raw. In short, I want back the amazing feeling, and always vibrant looking self I had back then.
Though I love the idea of raw foods, I would like to avoid treating food intake as one would a religion. I realize that I have unhealthy food addictions, and I think that raw food is a good way to fix that problem. Scratch that, I don't believe in addictions. It's a matter of changing bad habits, and I know I'm capable of doing that. But I do not think a strict raw diet is the solution to my intake of sugar, dairy, and other things my body doesn't like. If I'm going to be a purist and limit myself to raw food only, eventually I'm going to get stressed out and go back to the "bad" foods.
The best approach for me right now is simple unadulterated foods. I'm living in a house that has a (very) makeshift kitchen. We're still in the process of building the house and simultaneously living in it means some inconveniences. Preparing food is a challenge, so I'm keeping it simple. Breakfasts have been consisting of blueberries (my favorite) and other fruit. Today it was cucumber and tomato.
Being that it's finally hot summer here in Northern Vermont it's easy to eat this way. Winter may be a different story.
Thanks Cristina and James, for your comments. I agree. I'm allowing some cooked food now. Sadly my treats are very limited at the moment due to mold illness, but I am working my way back to being able to have sweeter fruits and more fat.
Posted by: Cecilia Leibovitz | April 19, 2021 at 09:31 AM
Hi,
I just landed on your blog and would like to sugggest you something that could make your raw food diet work in the long run, I actually think is already working but it takes time to let old habits go. I would eat more treats, small raw treats that you truly emotionally enjoy, some more fats and never underestimate the power of superfoods. They nurture you and satisfy you untill you do not crave, desire, or dream about cooked food again. I am on the path as well, not there, just navigating my way.
Cristina
Posted by: cristina | November 26, 2010 at 12:02 PM
Yes, I agree. I eat as much raw and vegan as I can, but never get stressed out about being 100%. It is about balance, and eating healthy for the long haul and not going boom and bust!
To Your Health!
James Reno (editor)
Raw-Food-Repair.com
Posted by: James Reno | February 10, 2010 at 01:22 AM