One of the hurdles when changing to a raw food diet is the entire social aspect of food. From eating out with friends to sharing lunch with coworkers, food and rituals surrounding food are interwoven into every aspect of our lives. It's no wonder that people changing to a raw food diet find it difficult to stick with their raw food resolutions. Family urges them to eat a bit of pumpkin pie, and friends escape the office for a lunch hour at Olive Garden. Raw food diet followers may feel left out or lonely, and break their diet vows just to fit in.
Meeting Others Enjoying a Raw Food Diet
Because eating a raw food diet and embracing a raw food lifestyle requires a great commitment, many raw food diet followers like to spend time with others embracing a similar lifestyle. Enjoying social time and making new friends are added bonuses.
Some ways people following a raw food diet can enjoy social interactions, dining out, and fellowship include:
- Raw food restaurants: In large cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C., raw food restaurants offer gourmet meals that even the most die-hard anti-vegan will enjoy. Dishes ranging from exquisite raw salads to raw food ravioli make a meal out a pleasure. Raw Food Life offers links to many related sites.
- Raw food potlucks: Many raw food chefs, raw food coaches, and small local groups sponsor raw food potluck dinners. You can find such dinners or groups using online tools like Meetup, or use a search engine to find a group near where you live. The rules are simple. Members volunteer their homes to host the event and everyone coming brings a raw food dish and raw food recipes to share. You'll meet new people, sample delicious new meals, and enjoy social time sharing food.
- Conferences and events: There are many conferences, events, and seminars for raw food lovers. You can find them through lifestyle magazines, such as yoga and personal growth magazines, through raw food groups, raw food coaches, and raw food talks given nationwide. Raw Spirit is one example of a raw food conference. Enjoy talks, lectures, and vendor displays while meeting people who share your passion for raw and living foods.
- Retreats: Many raw food authors and coaches host workshops and retreats. Often held in beautiful outdoor areas, these retreats offer a chance for personal growth and development. Victoria Boutenko , a raw food author and teacher, offers "Joy for Life" retreats. Others offer similar concepts.
Ideas for Combining Fun and Raw Foods
If these ideas appeal to you but you live far away from the nearest raw food activity, here are some ideas for starting your own local groups.
- Host a local raw food potluck. To advertise, hang a sign in the local health food store. You can also alert a local community newspaper. Be sure though to carefully screen respondents - check out those who will be coming to your home so you remain safe.
- See if local colleges have any vegan or raw food groups. Ask if you can visit, join or work with them.
- Take a raw food class online. Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo offers raw food group green cleanses online. Karen Knowler sponsors Rawkathon, an online event. The list goes on. You can find many online events.
- Watch videos on You Tube. Many raw food adherent post videos on You Tube to share raw food recipes and cooking techniques.
- Participate in online chats and bulletin boards. Virtual friends can't take the place of actual interactions, but if you're really stuck for contact with other raw food followers, try chats, message boards, and online presentations.
Choices When Eating Out
Whether you're traveling or simply choose to eat at a conventional restaurant, choose wisely from the menu. Salads without animal products or croutons are usually safe. Order two dinner-sized salads and do not be ashamed of the amount of food you're eating; you are consuming far fewer calories, and far better nutrition, than the fellow at the next table chowing down on the burger and fries! Ask for fruit plates for dessert - many restaurants can make one up, even if they do not have it on the menu. Above all, do not feel pressured to sample your friends' dinners.Eating a raw food diet will aid natural weight loss and promote good health. Enjoy your journey into raw foods - and make new friends along the way by trying some of these ideas.
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