What do you do for a living? An introduction

Hi. I've been here for a couple of weeks, and have replied to some posts, but haven't properly introduced myself. I'm a newbie to the raw food world. Currently I'm eating about 70-80% raw and have been really enjoying my transition. So much so that my meat loving former marine husband is now thinking about making the change. He tried some of my zuchini pasta last night and looked back at the couscous on his plate with definite disappointment.

I am lucky enough to be the mother of 2 of the smartest, sweetest most beautiful souls on the planet (one of whom is in my picture), and although I'm haven't begun transitioning them to a raw diet yet, they're intrigued by all the colorful interesting things that I've been enjoying eating.

So, the other reason for starting this discussion is that I'm curious about what folks do for a living. I know that some of you out there are professionals in the raw/health food industry, but I'm curious how many of us aren't and what we do.

I'll go first. I'm a trainer/instructional designer for a very large software company that shall remain nameless.

It's interesting being raw in the corporate world. My company has a tendency to bring in food for us like pizza and buffalo wings and (ech!) fried chicken and ice cream. We do have a cafeteria that has a salad bar, but there is also a lot of bad bad food around. Plus I don't have the luxury of being able to blend or juice or chop anything in our break rooms, so anything I bring in for lunch has to be prepped at home first.

So, let's hear it. What do you do? Do you find it hard to balance the raw food life w/ working life?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Luciananas on August 1, 2008 at 5:07pm: Great thread Meredith, it's so interesting to find out what other people in this lovely raw comunity do. Just as much as it is inspiring.......
I lived in UK for nearly 4years now and before that I worked as an office mouse. Assisstant Key account manager - give it any fancy names you like.... When I moved to England I found new purpose in helping people with disabilities. It was a long and very rewarding (although difficult at times) journey and I'm still working with disabled people. My previous job might sound to have a better prospects, but my current job is something that I enjoy a lot and I know that it is what I've been looking for.
I found it easy to eat raw within my job as I live with the person I'm helping (at the moment) to blend into the society without a too much of a struggle. The great side of it is that I can influence people I work with to live healthier life and to think within their bodies and about their bodies & souls and how to feed them............
All the best to everyone, love
L. :); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Christine on August 2, 2008 at 3:56pm: I usually describe myself with the following: artist, author, teacher, entrepreneur.

I have been teaching Art and Ceramic to high school kids here in Texas for the last 10 years, though I am looking to possibly move to the mountains of Colorado for a change of scenery (and climate).

I am also an artist and self-published author, with 3 comic books to my name so far, and a bunch of self-development articles all over the web and on my main article writing site. I am venturing into photography with my first picture accepted today (woohoo) into a stock photography site!!!

I do wear many hats and they all cater to various aspects of my personality. Needless to say, I am seldom without some sort of project or crazy new idea, and am rarely bored without something to do.

I have found that raw food helps being more focused and sharper. When I stick to what I know to synergize well with my body, I feel the balance and clarity that raw brings.
At school, the first few years of being raw I still ate in the lounge with the other teachers, and was surprised over time of the positive influence that my eating had on the others (without me imposing anything). Teachers would gradually include more fruits and veggies in their lunches.

After a while, it became impossible for me to eat in there. I became more sensitive to the smells and the negative conversation, i.e. complaining of aches and pains, kids, partners, etc. Too much negative energy and would leave me depressed and gloomy. I now eat by myself in my room.

The influence on the kids has and continues to be very positive. They are always very intrigued and full of questions. I never present my views as being "right," only as being my choice and explain why. Sharing with them is always fun.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Wrenn on August 2, 2008 at 4:49pm: I'm a nurse aide and a nursing student. The salad bar at work is underwhelming. I have to cart in anything healthy. Healthcare, especially nursing, is very stressful and I know personally I tend to reach for what's convenient when stressed and want comfort food. I don't eat meat but sometimes I crave the carbs that's for sure. I love my job though and love the patients and little old ladies and gents so that's why I want to get back to going raw.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rebecca on August 3, 2008 at 8:16pm: The great part is that I am an organic famer. We have a small family farm from which we sell our goods at the local farmers markets. I can't grab veggies form the bin while selling so I make up a huge batch of veggie shake in the morning, throw it in the cooler and I'm off. I focus on my 'main' meal later at night after I get home. Fruit is also an easy one. If I am feeling hungrier I opt for some cooked or soake overnight quinoa with walnuts and bananas. The great thing about this is that it keeps me satisfied for hours.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Matt Mueller on August 3, 2008 at 10:20pm: currently unemployed and having the best day ever.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Clement on August 4, 2008 at 3:17am: I am currently a self-employed graphic designer. I used to work for larger firms but my creativity was contained into the industry I was working in and so I felt that I needed to get some freedom. It comes with a price though, and that price for me is finding the fuel to push myself forward and progress. No one is shouting at me anymore.

Apart from that, I am going to college in Edinburgh this October to start a naturopathic nutrition course and from there who knows?! I want to be a practitioner, healthy lifestyle spokesperson and author. I want to help people understand nutrition.

Raw food changed my life and now I'm on a voyage. I'm trying out new foods and really embracing the energies I feel from them. Thanks :); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by JadeTruth on August 6, 2008 at 1:08pm: Very interesting, love learning more about you people : )

Well I wear a lot of hats. I am co-director of a nonprofit focusing on art & culture which involves curating, setting up and managing international exhibitions. Currently Im in Beijing, and busy with 4 museum exhibitions at once.

I also co-manage about 12 commercial real estate properties.

I also manage several million dollars in paper investments (stocks, options, etf's..) for others.

But my real passions (not work-related) are poetry, martial arts, yoga, healthy living, sustainability, spirituality, travel & adventuring, & empowering people..

I travel alot for work & play, and am learning how to manage that with raw food & such. Like today I went to shabu shabu with my family, and just ate the vegetable platters raw, while everyone else was cooking their meat & veggies in their hot pots & such.. It's been interesting. Would love to hear other people's advice too for travelling raw.

Anyway, nice to meet you all! : ); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Little Miss Sunshine on August 6, 2008 at 11:20pm: I agree about the need for more info on traveling raw. I really want to start doing some traveling and hope to get some tips before I head out. If I can't find anything I guess I'll just have to figure things out and maybe come back with some wisdom to share :); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Carolyn on August 7, 2008 at 9:39am: Cool! Curation is my dream. What non-profit do you work for?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Erin Fraser on August 6, 2008 at 6:50pm: I'm currently unemployed/ somewhat self-employed. I recently quit working as a retail buyer (eco fashion and yoga/ books) for Whole Foods Market (I also used to be a supplement buyer).

Now, I'm studying artisanal natural perfumery, which I hope to build into a business. I also produce films and music videos with my husband, who is a film maker.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Clement on August 7, 2008 at 2:32am: That sounds pretty cool :); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Denise Wagner on August 6, 2008 at 9:53pm: I am a massage therapist and I work for a chiropractic office. I enjoy what I do.
It is very interesting seeing what everyone does.; ▶ Reply to This