WE HARDLY NEED FOOD
Howdy. So, since becoming raw about a year and a half ago, I've had this idea in the back of my head that I need my typical 2000 or whatever calories per day to stay energetic and active, or at least 1000 under the undereating/longevity guidelines. But lately I've only been eating when I'm TRULY hungry (usually after exercise), primarily green juices and blended soups, and I honestly don't need much at all - a few sips of juice, a couple of spoonfulls of raw gazpacho, and I'm totally satiated because of the high nutrient content; I'm even more energized in fact, and some days I don't even need food at all. Since I've really tuned into my body and objectively listened to what IT wants (not my emotions), I've found that I can survive, excuse me - thrive BETTER, with extremely little consumption.
It's tough - on one hand raw restaurants are sprouting up everywhere, and mock sausage pizza and chocolate cake indeed sound enticing. On the other, the peace and minimal effort required to be present and mindful with a relatively empty stomach satisfy things deeper than taste and the palate. I know all of this has been said before, but, having experienced what many books have touted, it feels as though I'm learning this for the first time. I don't think "raw" is what one should focus on if aiming for optimal health; I think eating as little food as possible for one's needs is a more powerful practice, even if some is cooked. Clearly, those going through a transition from cooked to raw will eat more food. But in general, we probably don't need to eat as much as we think. Granted, I will stay 100% raw because its' so much easier to undereat when every bite has so much nutrition relative to cooked. But is a temperate cooked vegan healthier than an overeating raw fooder in the long run?
I think being raw is important, don't get me wrong, as the quality of that which one consumes on a raw diet is arguably the best on the planet in terms of food. But so many in our movement, I have observed, neglect the quantity and manner of consumption - which are equally if not MORE important aspects of eating - and I think instead of books sprouting up about macronutrient ratios of sugar/fat/protein, etc., we would be better served with books about how to get in touch with our bodies, find out what they want at any given moment, and how much they need. It will TELL you if it does well eating x, y, and z. The only way to get in touch, I've found, is to s l o w down, breathe in silence, and just engage awareness. Actually, who needs a book to learn how to do that?
I wish everyone temperate eating,
Spencer
It's tough - on one hand raw restaurants are sprouting up everywhere, and mock sausage pizza and chocolate cake indeed sound enticing. On the other, the peace and minimal effort required to be present and mindful with a relatively empty stomach satisfy things deeper than taste and the palate. I know all of this has been said before, but, having experienced what many books have touted, it feels as though I'm learning this for the first time. I don't think "raw" is what one should focus on if aiming for optimal health; I think eating as little food as possible for one's needs is a more powerful practice, even if some is cooked. Clearly, those going through a transition from cooked to raw will eat more food. But in general, we probably don't need to eat as much as we think. Granted, I will stay 100% raw because its' so much easier to undereat when every bite has so much nutrition relative to cooked. But is a temperate cooked vegan healthier than an overeating raw fooder in the long run?
I think being raw is important, don't get me wrong, as the quality of that which one consumes on a raw diet is arguably the best on the planet in terms of food. But so many in our movement, I have observed, neglect the quantity and manner of consumption - which are equally if not MORE important aspects of eating - and I think instead of books sprouting up about macronutrient ratios of sugar/fat/protein, etc., we would be better served with books about how to get in touch with our bodies, find out what they want at any given moment, and how much they need. It will TELL you if it does well eating x, y, and z. The only way to get in touch, I've found, is to s l o w down, breathe in silence, and just engage awareness. Actually, who needs a book to learn how to do that?
I wish everyone temperate eating,
Spencer
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jef on -
You said, "And I'm sure you don't do that on a daily basis but I think others new this lifestyle that read this might get the wrong idea as to what eating raw is all about."
I've heard a lot on this website about how we should be careful what we say because people new to the raw food idea might get the wrong idea. There have been other threads that have brought it up too.
I just think maybe those people are responsible for themselves, and for educating themselves and asking questions before just diving in.
I don't think people on this website should feel obligated not to say something that might mislead or offend, or send the wrong message to someone who has not done their own research. People on here should feel free to share their experiences freely without editing out anything that might give someone the wrong idea.
If someone has a question about something someone said on here, they can ask it and be responsible for their own path. We don't need to protect them by restricting what everyone on here says.
(I'm feeling a little tired and cranky today, so I hope I don't come across harsh--I"m just not able to spend so much energy being careful what I say!! :) )
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Permalink Reply by RawZi on -
"be responsible for their own path. We don't need to protect them by restricting what everyone on here says."
Agreed. I don't listen much to anyone, but myself and people I know, but mostly myself.
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Permalink Reply by Spencer on -
And another thing - does anyone think a specific kind of raw diet: higher glycemic, 80/10/10-type or low-glycemic Rainbow Green Live Food Cuisine Phase 1 diet would make it easier to eat less? Clearly, greens in any form as the staple of a diet would automatically reduce overall consumption, and it must depend on the person, activity level, etc., as Angelina said.
On 80/10/10, the food you're eating is so light and hydrating, you can eat a high volume of food and feel full on few calories because of the water.
On RGLFC Phase 1, the absence of sugar allows the body to hold onto nutrients better, in my experience.
Thoughts?
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Permalink Reply by RawZi on
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Wheatgrass juice certainly makes one have to wait a while before eating, AND has to be taken on an empty stomach
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Permalink Reply by RawZi on
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I never understood that. So many SADders eat holiday meals till they're stuffed. Wait and don't eat for one reason or other so at a restaurant they can stuff themselves more, etc, etc. Is stuffing oneself to capacity a form of celebration? Not the way I prefer to celebrate. I've stuffed myself when I didn't want to feel. Stuffing doesn't feel really good.
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Permalink Reply by RawZi on
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Some of my family eats a lot more than me on a daily basis, then whines that it's not enough. I've seen some reports many years ago on TV of people who are very obese and eat so much I don't understand. Why? Is it because we think more is better? It's baffling.
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Permalink Reply by Jeffrey Agostinelli on -
Thank you for sharing this with all of us. I think its getting more important these days, and especially as times are changing, to really tune into what we consume. To be fully aware of what we are putting into our bodies, and ultimately how much. I find myself often "checking" in with my body to see if it is really hungry for physical food. But I guess the real question here is how do we teach others to "tell the difference" between hunger for actual food, hunger for love, hunger for stimulation, mental clarity...
Our modern cultures centers around food. Around a gathering of the senses if you will. It is really up to us to bring the level of awareness to the next level. To create consciousness by being conscious. To teach you have to truly live and to be an example of what you are teaching. Not that anyone is perfect, there is no such thing, but to truly practice and share and be ok with were you are at all moments.
Bring people together in every way you can. Have potlucks, give lectures, talk to a stranger, spread the love. Every day try to feed yourself in as many ways as you can without food!
Bye for now!
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