Raw Survey- Lets get to know each other!

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Permalink Reply by jinksT on December 17, 2007 at 2:50pm

Occupation: "Web Content Specialist", multimedia developer

Why you went raw: I love eating raw fruits and vegetables and decided to strictly "go raw" to see how it would affect me. In some ways I was looking for a challenge. Brings excitement and interest back into the kitchen and has opened up new fruits and vegetables. Has simplied my eating habits at the same time as allowing me to experience a lot of new things.

Favorite UN cook book: reading and using some recipes in RawVolution by Matt Amstead and Real Food Real World and saving up for a dehydrator so I can try more!

Favorite raw vegan site(s): Give it to me Raw!!!

Biggest obstacle with being raw: Avoiding gatherings with friends when they revolve around food/alcohol. The abundance of food we eat means we have to shop almost everyday and buy close to what we can comfortably carry. Being organized enough to go out on weekend adventures with friends without having to worry about food.

What percentage raw vegan are you?: Hard to say. I strive for 100% but with differing opinions on what is "raw" I am not sure. Some of the "iffy" foods I eat are agave, nama shoyu, tea, some cashews and almonds. I am willing to sacrifice my "100%" to possibly eat something with my family at Christmas if it will make them feel better.

Favorite smoothie: kale, pineapple, freshly squeezed orange juice and frozen bananas OR pear juice, grapefruit juice, frozen strawberries and spirulina.

Biggest benefit of going raw?: I love that the vast majority of my groceries are fruits and veggies that do not require packaging and have only compostable waste. I appreciate and relish the flavour of plain fruits and vegetables with little seasoning - more than I ever did before. Everyday that we get up and make juices and smoothies and fresh raw meals I feel like I am doing something good for my body.

Favorite fruit: pineapple, coconut, avocado

Favorite veggie: kale, romaine lettuce

Is your spouse raw? Common-law is into juicing and smoothies and is open to eating whatever raw meals I prepare although he is not strict when eating apart from me.

Do you think being raw is expensive?: While some of the ingredients are a lot more expensive. I enjoy generally eating less of something that is better quality. I am not strict about organic and often end up "cheaping out" and going to the ugliest grocery story to buy tons of produce (5lbs bags of apples, pears, lemons, grapefruits, 3lbs of carrots, maybe 12 bananas and 1kg of almonds) for a couple days that usually ends up at $20 - $30. Although the cost is killer, I am concerned about pesticides and am starting to think paying the extra for organic might be worth it. Without using organic (or eating out at the tasty raw take-out place nearby), being raw is extremely inexpensive

How much do you spend on groceries a week? Oh oops, I rambled about this above. I would say that kind of shop 3-4 times a week = ~$100/week for two people excluding lunches.

Have you ever had a raw pregnancy? No

Easiest thing to feed a toddler that's raw?: I will do lots of research and talk to a doctor and nutritionalist before I recommend raw food for a toddler.

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Permalink Reply by Kristen's Raw on December 17, 2007 at 3:45pm

THIS IS FUN!!! What a great idea :)

Occupation:
Raw vegan chef and author in Scottsdale, AZ. My website is www.KristensRaw.com and my blog is www.Kristensraw.blogspot.com

Why you went raw:
I was already vegan. I wanted more energy, to eliminate my addiction to caffeine, wanted clear skin

Favorite UN cook book:
Definitely my own ebooks I wrote :)
I'm a huge fan of Sarma's as well.

Favorite raw vegan site(s):
www.KristensRaw.com :)
www.KristensRaw.blogspot.com :)
Give it to me Raw, We Like It Raw, Gone Raw & All the GREAT Raw blogs out there :)

Biggest obstacle with being raw:
I'm kind of pressed to come up with something....so I guess I'll write: Getting a really cool variety of Organic produce (especially in the winter)

What percentage raw vegan are you?:
100% Vegan, 85-100% Raw

Favorite smoothie:
Spinach, banana

Biggest benefit of going raw?:
Clean and fast poop! haha

Favorite fruit:
Watermelon!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Favorite veggie:
Celery

Is your spouse raw?
Boyfriend, yes.

Do you think being raw is expensive?:
Noway....compared to the lifetime savings of medications, poor health, enviornmental cost, energy, etc...

How much do you spend on groceries a week?
Totally varies...I feed two people primarily Raw and we buy Organic. Sometimes we live on smoothies and salads (inexpensive) and sometimes we go gourmet with lasagna, pizza, nuts, desserts, etc.

Have you ever had a raw pregnancy?
No

Easiest thing to feed a toddler that's raw?:
Green Smoothies :)

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Permalink Reply by sarah on December 17, 2007 at 5:14pm

Occupation: Equine Dentist

Why you went raw: It seemed to be a natural progression, I went from being Vegetarian to Vegan to Vegan Macrobiotic to Raw. I wasn't seeking anything, I feel it found me :)

Favorite UN cook book: I have 2-Ani Phyo & Angel foods. I have 3 coming in the post.. Yipeee! 80/10/10 and a couple of others...Cant wait!

Favorite raw vegan site(s): There are so many blogs I have Rss'd, but right now I'm enjoying this site and the recipes from 'Gone Raw'

Biggest obstacle with being raw: Socialising, meeting friends for lunch etc...There just isnt any options (it was tricky enough being Vegan) out there....Hope to open something myself one day!!

What percentage raw vegan are you?: I would say about 80%, My NY goal is to strive for 100% for the entire year and hopefully beyond.

Favorite smoothie: I dont have a favourite as I never remember what gets chucked in each day... As I type I'm drinking a banana, orange, spinach, alfalfa sprout, coriander & flax seed smoothie... Its just OK

Biggest benefit of going raw?: This may take a while....I've lost a few pesky kilos which had refused to budge for years, sorry guys BUT.....I no longer get tender boobs & cramps before each period... AND my husband is stoked that I no longer get cranky ;)... (I dont believe I was ever cranky?!?) It has cured my Insomnia...I'm loving being super regular! AND now have an abundance of energy...My horses thought it strange that I had this urge to do cartwheels & handstands in the field this morning...

Favorite fruit: Avocados, MANGOES!!!!

Favorite veggie: zucchini, broccoli

Is your spouse raw? No, he is in a transitional phase, he changed to a Vegan Macrobiotic diet earlier in the year... I don't think a RAW diet is far off for him.

Do you think being raw is expensive?: I don't think so, especially when there is an opportunity to buy at local farmers markets etc.... However, I think it will be a different story when I return to Japan... Fresh produce is so spency there.

How much do you spend on groceries a week? Not sure, I buy little amounts frequently... Have avoided adding up the costs...I dont think it really matters as you cant put a price on the benefits of eating this way

Have you ever had a raw pregnancy? No, but intend to. Hopefully within the next year... Will need all the advice I can get

Easiest thing to feed a toddler that's raw?: No idea at this stage, but would imagine Smoothies and pureed fruits etc...Ohh fruit leathers would be great but need a dehydrator...How frustrating is it that all dried fruits at the Supermarket & even health stores are riddled with sugar?!? Grrr

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Permalink Reply by SproutingSeed on December 17, 2007 at 5:47pm

Occupation: Chef / Eco-Entreprenuer

Why you went raw: It was a long journey. I was a traditional "SAD" chef and my nutrition instructor in culinary school told us how he was diagnosed with diabetes when he was 20 and how the doctors told him if he didn't take medicine he wouldn't live past 25. He is now in his 60's and attributes it to his raw food diet. I sparked my interest, but not enough yet. Later I came across "RAW" by Charlie Trotter and Roxanne Klein and as a culinary student, we had our heroes, the great chefs, like Charlie Trotter and Thomas Keller. But it still didn't click. After I graduated culinnary school, I went to work for Thomas Keller at the French Laundry near San Francisco. I soon made my way to "Roxannes", and discovered new things like what Alice Waters was doing at Chez Panisse. And still, nothing clicked. To make a really long story a little shorter, at over 400 lbs. I had a dream about eating raw foods and realized how much sense it made. It wasn't till then that I even knew what eating raw meant.

Favorite UN cook book: Raw Food, Real World. If you look at food from a chefs perspective or consider yourself a "foodie" and enjoy easy gourmet style food. This is the book.

Favorite raw vegan site(s): We Like It Raw! And when all the chefs on gLiving.tv were raw.

Biggest obstacle with being raw: Being a professional chef. Raw Chef jobs are hard to come by so at times I still depend on the cooked food alternative.

What percentage raw vegan are you?: When I began less than a year ago, I was about 80% - I lived in Costa Rica for 5 months this summer and it went to about 50% when rice and beans where our staple foods - where I lived the only fruits and vegetables I had access to when what we had on the farm, and onions, carrots, and peppers we got at the local market. Now that I'm back in the States (less than a week ago) I will most likely hit 95%. I eat honey, agave, maple syrup, and nuts, so it won't be 100%.

Favorite smoothie: Orange, Spinach, Banana, mint.

Biggest benefit of going raw?: Less than a year ago I weighed more than 400 lbs. I have lost over 100 lbs so far. I have more energy, and I have met alot of great people in this community!

Favorite fruit: Avocado, Mango and Banana

Favorite veggie: Lacinato Kale

Is your spouse raw? I'm single.

Do you think being raw is expensive?: For me personally? Not really. I get my stuff wholesale from an organic produce company I used to work for! The only time it gets more expensive than conventional is when I load up on superfoods.

How much do you spend on groceries a week? $50-$75 max

Have you ever had a raw pregnancy? No

Easiest thing to feed a toddler that's raw?: Not quite sure,.

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Permalink Reply by Jenny on December 17, 2007 at 7:17pm

Occupation: Metalsmith

Why you went raw: because something felt not quite right even after being vegan, macrobiotic, trying the ph miracle, etc. and then Raw Food Real World fell off the bookshelf (literally) and into my hands- i went raw overnight and never looked back

Favorite UN cook book: right now it's the Cafe Gratitude book but they all come and go at various times, and raw food real world definitely holds a special place in my heart!

Favorite raw vegan site(s): oh that's competely this site, NO competition

Biggest obstacle with being raw: being colder than i ever used to be- even in the summer months!!

What percentage raw vegan are you?: 100

Favorite smoothie: raw cacao powder, maca, peppermint flavored stevia, spirulina and macadamia nut milk with a bit of yerba mate or coffee extract and banana

Biggest benefit of going raw?: um, where to start? increased energy, lightness of body and mind, flexibility in all areas of my life (but physically, in yoga), no more anxiety or mood swings, lean body and overwhelming feelings of gratitude and abundance

Favorite fruit: persimmons and sungold tomatoes

Favorite veggie: red carrots, red peppers and spinach

Is your spouse raw? NA

Do you think being raw is expensive?: not in the long run

How much do you spend on groceries a week? that's really hard to say. . . it depends on the season because of farmer's market availability and simpler eating in the summer, more complex and heavier dishes in the cold months. . . etc.

Have you ever had a raw pregnancy? Nope, but if i ever choose to have children, i will!

Easiest thing to feed a toddler that's raw?: peas from the pod, clementines, and bananas

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Permalink Reply by vegansquared on February 17, 2008 at 12:41am

Raw food real world is definitely special to me as well. My exposure to raw foodists before that had been with some people who were just totally out there (not that that is a bad thing, just not for me). When I found Raw Food Real World I was like, "Ok, you can be raw AND relatively normal. Cool!"

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Permalink Reply by Kristen's Raw on December 17, 2007 at 7:37pm

This is really fun...I've been coming back to read other people's surveys. It's a great way to get to know people!

Cheers :)

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Permalink Reply by Rawmaste on December 17, 2007 at 9:05pm

Occupation: Recently laid off. Seeking new opportunities.

Why you went raw: It seemed like a natural progression. I went from 11 years Vegetarian to Vegan Raw after reading Raw Family by the Butenkos.

Favorite UN cook book: Naked Chocolate, David Wolfe.

Favorite raw vegan site(s): This is my first one, so I am like this one a lot.

Biggest obstacle with being raw: Socializing and family gatherings. Looking to be involved in a franchise opportunity in the future. I know they will start sprouting up as our revolution grows.

What percentage raw vegan are you?: 90-100% I still like the occasional spaghetti plate with marinara sauce or some steamed veggies.

Favorite smoothie: My own homemade almond milk, banana and cacao powder. I occasionally add frozen cherries. Yummy!

Biggest benefit of going raw?: Slimmed down 25 pounds, sleep better, feeling more calm, and much easier to eat not having to plan meals. I can just grab something out of the frig and go at it.

Favorite fruit: Cantaloupe, Avocado, pineapple, apples.

Favorite veggie: Celery, sunflower sprouts, broccoli.

Is your spouse raw? Hopefully the man in my future will be raw, as I feel having this in common would be devine.

Do you think being raw is expensive?: It can be, depending on what I am stocking up on. I need to get a dehydrator so I can make my own crackers and other dehydrated goodies. A friend at the health food store said she's noticed a big savings since she got hers.

How much do you spend on groceries a week? Maybe $60 to $80. Again, unless I am stocking up on superfoods, dehydrated goodies, etc.

Have you ever had a raw pregnancy? No.

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Permalink Reply by Ribbit on April 27, 2008 at 5:07pm

Occupation:
I homeschool my children. (It's a volunteer position.)

Why you went raw:
Hoping to clear up my skin (I'm too old to have zits, aren't I?) and get rid of systemic Candida, which is my own nagging health concern.

Favorite UN cook book:
Don't have one--I'm very new at this and I'm not bored with my own creations yet.

Favorite raw vegan site(s):
this one--it's the only one I know!

Biggest obstacle with being raw:
I'm breastfeeding a 25 pound baby and I feel like I'm not getting enough protein to make enough milk.

What percentage raw vegan are you?:
Hard to put a number on it. I still eat fish like twice a week, and lentil soup once or twice a week, all just for the protein. Everything else is raw.

Favorite smoothie:
I'm not picky.

Biggest benefit of going raw?:
Energy for this tired mama! Plus, my skin is beginning to clear up some.

Favorite fruit:
Peaches.

Favorite veggie:
Okra.

Is your spouse raw?
No, but he's getting interested.

Do you think being raw is expensive?:
Not really.

How much do you spend on groceries a week?
I don't pay attention. My husband said, "Buy food that makes us feel good. Don't worry about the food budget."

Have you ever had a raw pregnancy?
No, and I'm wondering how to do it. My midwife said I had to eat 90 grams of protein a day. Ha. I couldn't even do that eating vegan. She would actually call me and ask me how much protein I'd eaten that day. "Well," I'd say, "I had two big bowls of navy beans for lunch, some almond butter for a snack and a piece of fish for dinner." "That's not enough," she'd say. "You need chicken or something." I don't eat chicken. It didn't make her happy. Next time around (if there is a next time), I don't imagine she'll react well when I tell her I've gone raw.

Easiest thing to feed a toddler that's raw?:
Apple/carrot juice. They love it.

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Permalink Reply by Bryan Au on June 13, 2008 at 11:28am

Occupation: Raw Organic Author/Chef

Why you went raw: I went vegetarian at age 12, then vegan age 27 being RAW was natural next level and progression, I got more energy, better flexibility in my Yoga, felt great with more energy and benefits and it makes perfect sense since our bodies and universe is also RAW there are many "signs" and reasons to go RAW!:) It is mostly the flavor, enjoyment, creativity, joy, love, bliss and more...it will open you up to bigger and better things in life, more love, more fun, more friends but it will also connect your heart chakra with others, the World and Universe big time! Everyday you will get more and more benefits...

Favorite UN cook book: All of Gabriel Cousens MD books because he is the #1 RAW Doctor and Expert all of my recipes in my book RAW IN TEN MINUTES are based on his research, advice and recommendation he is the BEST and changed my life, I found out how to to do RAW Correctly and the most optimal RAW Recipes thanks to Gabriel, most other RAW books or recipes are just RANDOM RAW and not based on any research...which can be VERY BAD...

Favorite raw vegan site(s): Give It To Me RAW of course! Try mine http://www.RawInTen.com

Biggest obstacle with being raw: We live in a cooked, toxic, polluted addicted World, but this is changing and we are part of the transformation into the Age of Enlightment! Keep RAWCKING and you will save/protect your health, community, environment and Planet in the most fun, delicious and fashionable way possible, keep it real, keep it raw keep it REALLY RAW BABY!:)

What percentage raw vegan are you?: 90%-95% it is ok and grounding/balancing to have some cooked foods...but mostly raw organic is best! I have been 100% RAW for 2 years although there are a lot of benefits it takes a lot of time/dedication so being 80% raw is the best for most people.

Favorite smoothie: Anything with lots of Greens in it like Kale, Dandelion, etc. and fruit too of course!

Biggest benefit of going raw?: More energy, happiness, connections, love, light, fun, you are transforming your body/mind/spirit into natural goodness and the loving healing forces of the Universe you are becoming more of your higher Divine Spirit self and connecting with your higher Divine Self the fun is discovering all of your hidden talents, gifts, creativity and abilities! It is meant to help and support others on our eternal spiritual path together in love, light, joy, bliss....

Favorite fruit: All kinds of berries, avocado, olives (anything that has a seed is a fruit!)

Favorite veggie: zucchini, Avocados are definitely #1 in one of these categories Im not sure if it is a fruit or veggie though. I agree with this and avocado is a fruit.

Is your spouse raw? All of my girlfriends were RAW I am single and searching now!:)

Do you think being raw is expensive?: I think illness, bad health, low energy and hospital bills is expensive! I do not have any health problems, no diseases, no conditions, no cancer and I think it is because I am mostly RAW ORGANIC! Health is wealth and we can help those that seek health too, I think those that are strong and healthy should help those that have conditions or health problems we can help with advice, raw, etc...

How much do you spend on groceries a week? $500 or more, but I like to get the best, go gourmet, etc...but I can easily do it simple for $100, if I grew my own it would be FREE!

Have you ever had a raw pregnancy? No, I am a guy and have no kids, that is ECO!

Easiest thing to feed a toddler that's raw?: Smoothies or pureed fruit/veggies.

Bryan Au
http://www.RawInTen.com for photos, discounts, the best products and prices!

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Permalink Reply by Suzi on December 17, 2007 at 8:25pm

Occupation: Child Photographer and starting up a raw food nutrition consulting business.

Why you went raw: Tired of being unhealthy and overweight!

Favorite UN cook book: Rawvolution and Raw Food Real World.

Favorite raw vegan site(s): RawFoodTalk.com and thebestdayever.com

Biggest obstacle with being raw: When I don't have anything raw to eat and my kids are eating something cooked that smells really good!

What percentage raw vegan are you?: Probably about 95%, I always shoot for 100.

Favorite smoothie: Nut milk, frozen Acai, Rasperries, Coconut oil, hempseeds, Pure Synergy, Bee Pollen, Cacao, whatever else is in the cupboard!

Biggest benefit of going raw?: I feel younger and I have lost about 15-20lbs.

Favorite fruit: Raspberries and Blueberries

Favorite veggie: Any greens!

Is your spouse raw? No, he is vegan mostly and probably 75% raw.

Do you think being raw is expensive?: No, not if you eat the basics like smoothies and salads.

How much do you spend on groceries a week? About $200/week for our family of 4

Have you ever had a raw pregnancy? No, probably won't.

Easiest thing to feed a toddler that's raw?: Probably bananas!.

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Permalink Reply by Ian on December 17, 2007 at 9:04pm

Occupation: Academic Dean & Political Science Professor

Why you went raw: To preserve my enzymes and see what the difference in body was from being 75% raw to 100% raw. Not expecting too much to happen, to be honest. Oh my ... what a difference that extra 25% made. I will probably never go back to what I was doing because of this transformation - less sleep needed, amazing energy, and a new will to conquer the world. Viva la raw food!

Favorite UN cook book: Matt Amsden's Rawvolution is great for the beginner, and Rose Lee Calabro's Living in the Raw Cuisine is absolutely divine.

Favorite raw vegan site(s): Give it to me Raw ... it's really the only site I'm on besides my local one, www.jaxraw.com

What percentage raw vegan are you?: 100% raw ... though not vegan. My choices include raw cheese (rarely), raw honey, and raw fish (even more rarely - no pun intended). I am interested to try raw milk, as I am finding out that USDA "mandates" are now attempting to put raw milk farmers out of business in California and this may be spreading elsewhere too. Viva la raw food!

Favorite smoothie: Spinach, almonds, blueberries, mango, banana, blue agave and a touch of vanilla extract. Can't get enough!

Biggest benefit of going raw?: It firms my belief that I will live past 100, and I also will accomplish all of my dreams, above and beyond what I dreamed at age 18. My one day in the health food store, accidentally stumbling upon an article on enzymes, is what led me here. I could have easily have missed that window.

Favorite fruit: mango ... this is all I need to live on, I swear

Favorite veggie: spinach and kale. I am also digging daikon as well

Is your spouse raw? Girlfriend - yes, raw vegan. She's my biggest inspiration! She went raw overnight while I hemmed and hawed with higher percentages for 3+ years.

Do you think being raw is expensive?: I buy all organic, and my weekly bills were cut in half without my cookies, almond milk, chips, and salsa. So I am content with what I spend.

How much do you spend on groceries a week? $60 or so. Upwards of $100 if I need to make fancy meals.

Have you ever had a raw pregnancy? Um, errrr ... no.

Easiest thing to feed a toddler that's raw?: Breastmilk :-) Since breastmilk has all of the enzymes that a human body needs, this would probably be my child's diet for at least a couple of years. After that, mango, avocado, and bananas would be next, and anything else pureed that tastes good :-)

Ian

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