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As you read in my Green Smoothie post, I have recently been discovering the power of veggies. This is a big step for me, as for the most part I hate vegetables. But I'm willing to do some work for the benefit of my health, so I am embarking on a 30 day raw trial. Today is day 3. I'm already seeing weight loss, and I really feel great. I love my green smoothies, I can handle a salad, and I adore fruit so it's not like I don't have anything to eat. I'm also eating nuts and seeds and sprouts. And I'm trying new vegetables. Or at least I'm going to. I mean, come on. It's only day 3. After my 30 day trial, I feel I will probably shift back toward a more Traditional Food approach with a high raw percentage, but for now I'm enjoying this experiment and watching the numbers on the scale fall. This may be a pretty new concept for a few of my readers (I see you, Mom and Dad) so I'll try to answer some of the most common questions about the raw diet.
First and foremost in most peoples minds is where do I get my protein? The answer? From veggies. Most importantly, leafy greens, which I happen to like. (Mom, quit rolling your eyes, I really do like them now.) For more on green leafies and their amazing protein content, see my Green Smoothie post. The other thing about protein is that the average American gets way more protein than is really necessary. And this in itself can be harmful to your health and disease causing. Take a look at the cow. Now that is a huge powerful muscular beast. But he doesn't eat meat and drink protein shakes to put on all that muscle. He eats grass, and that has all the protein needed to support that animal in his growth and muscle development.
B12 is another common concern of the meat eater for their vegetarian/vegan friends. In truth, people really need a very small amount of B12. And it is stored in the body so daily intake isn't required to get appropriate amounts. Since until two days ago I was a die hard carnivore, I am not too worried about my B12 levels during this 30 day trial. If I were to become a raw vegan for life, I would probably add some nutritional yeast to my diet (even though it's controversial in the raw food circles) or take a supplement.
I'm logging my daily food and feelings here so stop on by to see how I'm doing. I'm keeping Homestead In My Heart on it's urban homesteading theme, and I'll try not to drag my raw food journey into it overly much.
