Beyond Vegan...

[peacebuzzard]

Just wanted to know if anyone here does this or knows anyone who does.

I recently met up with a friend whom I knew was on a superfood restricted diet. And he is so into this and only this: He grows his own wheatgrass, and eats only raw foods such as salads and fruits. He presses his own wheatgrass into a juice. (I also believe he may still consume some nuts, or at least used to) I did not have time to question him thoroughly, but know enough that he has not eaten cooked food in years.

He looks great, slim, but very strong and athletic. Into heavy sports like tennis (an instructor) and surfing.

Needless to say it was certainly an inspiration.

[Critters2]

1. I know some raw foodists

and one fruitarian. Me, I'm not that disciplined. And my work brings me into situations where I can't really be that particular about food. Veganism is hard enough. But, if others can do this, I see no reason not to.

[flvegan]

2. I know a couple rawfoodists

I also know a couple vegans that have done the whole "master cleanse" thing and raved about the aftermath.

Much applause to those folks, as I couldn't do it. Well, I COULD, but that's not the path I'm on. I have another goal, and promoting veganism is more important to me (call me selfish).

[peacebuzzard]

3. Soooo....is that what it is called-raw foodists?

I have heard about the raw food diet, don't know that much, but I couldn't do it either.

All I know is, and this is a recent thing--a month or so that I have totally given up the dairy and eggs. As a consequence I lost a few pounds, but what is amazing is finally my blood pressure is coming down to near normal levels....and the only thing different I have done lately is that.

Someone gave me a pack of Goji berries....ever heard of that? I heard it was a miracle superfood....but I have not consumed it daily, just at times, when I remember.

[LeftyMom]

4. I'm not so convinced that exclusively raw diets are a good idea

There are some nutrients, like the lycopene in tomatoes, that require cooked food to be absorbed properly. Of course others are better absorbed in uncooked food as well. I think a widely varied plant based diet is a lot more healthful than a restricted one.

[Rob H.]

5. I was stunned to see a cooking show dedicated to raw foodists today

I was channel-surfing when I came across a show on PBS called "Cooking with Christina" (maybe it was "Christina Cooks," I'm not sure) and the entire show was about recipes raw foodists might eat. She made zucchini fettucine with shredded zucchini and yellow squash substituting for cooked noodles, and strawberry pie complete with whipped topping made from silken tofu, brown rice syrup, and soymilk. I've never seen anything quite like it and they looked surprisingly easy to make, provided one has the ingredients on hand. The downside is she didn't give precise measurements for anything she made. Grr!

[peacebuzzard]

6. That whipped topping sounds intriguing

I would like to know more about that...brown rice syrup? I will have to look for that one. My craving for sweets has been a lifetime venture.