Building a Movement by Alex Ortner
February 26, 2009 by admin
Filed under Updates on the Movement
Alex Ortner
The other day I was driving through the center of my home town of Bethel, CT, with a population of less than 19,000 and in a strip of less than a mile I passed 6 pizza places. When I got home I went on google and looked up “pizza – Bethel, CT” and found that there were in fact 10 pizza places in the town. I couldn’t help but think to myself, what if those were all raw food restaurants?
How much easier would eating raw foods be for you if you replaced every pizza place in your local area with a raw food restaurant? Personally, I’d be ecstatic if it was even 50%-50% in my town. With the lack of resources available it’s no wonder that many people say that going raw is hard. It’s not easy driving past 6 pizza places after a long day of work to come home and prepare food raw food.
Now for you the pizza place might not be the challenge. Maybe it’s the fast food place, or the Chinese restaurant, or the Italian restaurant. Whatever it is you get the point. Lots of options for eating junk food…few options if any for eating healthy food. In my town of Bethel, CT we had one natural food store for a couple of years but then it went out of business. Now I have to drive about 20 minutes to go to a small store that has a very limited selection.
And it’s not just about restaurants either. In my grocery store 90% of the store is processed junk and the other 10% has living foods but most of it is not organic. There’s just a little 10 feet long area for organics. It’s no wonder that people buy junk food in grocery stores. There’s just more to choose from!
It’s easy to understand why many people have a hard time going raw. But here’s the thing…it’s not about the food. If you think that you can’t go raw because you just like cooked foods too much it’s not about that. That’s just what you’re used to. It’s what you’ve seen your whole life, it’s what’s advertised on TV, it’s what your friends are likely eating, it’s just what you think is “normal.”
Imagine what it would be like if when you drove home you saw 6 raw food restaurants and 2 large organic food grocery stores? Would you be as worried about eating raw foods or would you be thinking “Should I go to the raw pizza place, the raw burger place, the juice place or should I just pick up some healthy food at the organic grocery store?” If you’re like me it’s probably the later one.
I know what you’re thinking…”come off of cloud 9 and come back to the real world because it’s not happening.” Well I say…”Why not?” Ok, so maybe it won’t be all raw food but what if it was half and half. I wouldn’t mind having 5 pizza places in my town and 5 raw food restaurants. I’d at least have some choice.
So how do we get there? How do we get from being a fast food nation to a health food nation? I’ve asked myself this question numerous times over the last few months and I always come to the say conclusion. We have to grow a movement for change.
A movement for change…I know what you’re thinking…”Who are you…Barrack Obama?” I don’t mean to jump on the bandwagon but building a movement is what we need right now. It’s exactly because of this political environment that we have to act now. People want change and healthcare reform is one of the areas that needs it the most. The real healthcare reform that this country needs is to get off all of the unneeded drugs and unhealthy food and go back to eating real food.
This requires all of us coming together for a cohesive movement. We have to stop the bickering between “fruit is better” and “veggies are better” and “superfoods are the way” and remember that any of these options are better than what most people are eating. We have to unite to bring new people into the movement and open up people’s consciousness to the fact that what they’re eating on a daily basis is making them sick and unhappy.
That’s why in January of this year I started the Movement to Reverse Diabetes Naturally (RDNmovement.com). I figured that to have a successful movement you also need a cause. People have a tough time joining something unless there’s some emotion behind. I didn’t want to just make it about raw food, we need something more tangible that people can grab on to (especially the media) to make them realize that we are what we eat. Trying to eliminate diabetes when there are 246 million diabetics is a strong cause. And out of all of the major health issues to deal with I think it’s the one that is easiest to prove medically.
So why should you get involved if you’re not diabetic? First off, because it just feels good to be able to help another person. It’s an amazingly fulfilling feeling when you hear about somebody who came off of their drugs, has lost weight and feels hopeful about their future again because you helped them. Try it, it’s a powerful feeling.
Secondly, because the more demand you can create for raw foods the more resources will become available for YOU in your area. And diabetics clearly aren’t going to be the only ones that hear about the movement. It’s much easier to approach your local community, or your town representatives or your local businesses if you say that it’s about a cause then just about raw food. It’s much harder for them to say no when it’s about healing sick people. When you can show them that raw food can reverse one health issue then they’ll be open to learning about how it can help others.
So how do you get involved? How can you help grow the movement?
Step 1 – Step up as a Leader in Your Community
Being a leader doesn’t mean you have to become a raw food speaker or chef and put all your efforts into it. It just means taking some simple steps and becoming active in your community.
Participate in a local raw meetup group, invite others to participate and share in your knowledge to help build more demand in your area. Share what you know (but don’t push it on others). Online communities such as the RDN Movement community are great places to connect with others as well.
Step 2 – Share Real Life Educational Resources You Have With Others
I believe that we can’t just tell people how to eat differently, we need to show them through real life examples. That’s why we made the film “Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days.” We realized that just having resources that told people why raw food was important wasn’t enough. People can ignore that. But it’s hard to argue that raw food doesn’t make a difference after you watch 6 diabetics make huge changes because of it, losing weight, coming off of insulin and other drugs and just generally feeling better.
What we wanted to create was that “aha” moment where people would say “maybe I should learn more about raw foods.” We knew that that was the biggest hurdle to overcome. Once they open up to the possibility then they can go to the abundance of information on raw food.
Economics – The Bottom Line
The bottom line when it comes to creating more raw resources like raw restaurants is that it’s all about economics. We need to create more demand. And the way to create more demand is to open up others to raw foods.
So here’s my question to you: Will you step up and become a leader? I need your help, the world needs your help and most importantly you need your help.
A raw food restaurant on every corner. Yum. I can’t wait…
Great DVD. I wish more people would understand that doctors aren’t taught about nutrition in medical school and almost all diseases are nutritionally-based and can be prevented or reversed with nutrition. People also need to realize that health and nutrition are things that you need to work at. Taking something out of a box and nuking it is not healthful eating and really is the best way to put the knife in your coffin.
We do need a raw food restaurant on every corner like Arnold’s Way in Lansdale, PA. He is an educator whereas some raw food restaurants don’t care to be.
A++. There were so many excellent points to this blog that I couldn’t pick out just one. It’s probably an indication of where I’m at (newbie raw foodist), but I especially liked your point about what’s “normal.” Really well put.
Have the DVD and totally believe in the message. Fortunately my wife and I do not have diabetes or other health issues yet we are committed to continuing our journey into the future of wellness as well as helping others. Just gave the link for the new trailer to a co-worker who does have diabetes and other health concerns not to mention a very poor diet.
I’m on it. *_*
I agree. Change is needed and soon lest our economy goes in the tank due to the drug industry’s sneaky habits and the FDA’s parroting the drug industry biases, mistakes and lies.
As a long time presenter at many Raw Food Expos in Oregon and New York I quickly learned that raw foodism is both faster working and more effective when combined with optimal breathing.
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Hi Alex,
Your thoughts are mine as well. And I am usually thinking from the angle of the food itself and how much healthier anyone can be eating raw. But, being more realistic we should recognize that money is often at the root of people’s decisions. Unless we can find a way of providing a healthy alternative for less, all our arguments will fall by the way. The human body is quite amazing in that even years of poor eating are not readily apparent; as a result it is not compelling to people to change. People are also so habitual that changing something as basic as diet has all the blocks you mention in Raw for 30. Prohibition did not succeed in getting rid of alcohol and neither will all the press, CD’s and lectures make much of a dent in changing people’s attitudes. Personally, I like fresh food that has not been changed in any way just because it tastes so much better and I am healthier as well but I don’t ever seem to make much of a dent in serving it to others who would rather eat otherwise. And the complaint I hear most is that, well, fruits and vegetables are more expensive. I don’t think so but the monetary issue is still out there. If you really want to change people’s behaviors there has to be a positive reward for them. The first obvious one is to make it financially worth their while. At this time I don’t have a solution for out bidding the food industry. Every gas station has a little store filled with horrible stuff that people think is delicious. How much better to have a fresh fruits and vegetables. But, the problem of non-preserved foods creates a huge problem in terms of distribution. Much easier to have these little sealed packages that never, ever change.
Well, enough for now but hope you see where my thoughts are going. I wish I had a solution. If I come up with something I’ll be the first to share with you.
I went to the Tree of Life and the Food network followed me through the whole process. My show aired on the Food Network on January 31, however the T V Guide had my show listed to show on 1/24, so alot of people who wanted to watch the show missed it. I was hoping to hear from the Food Network about how the show did and find out any feedback, but I have hear nothing. I went through quite a depression after the show aired and I got no feedback or “help”. I have not been sticking to the raw diet and my blood sugar is back up, it is really hard to do this by yourself! I am still trying…WE NEED MORE RAW FOOD OPTIONS…Stores, resturants, … Still hanging on…barely.
When I went to the Tree I was hoping for a break through with my emotional baggage, but I really didn’t get anything out of the Zero Point work, so I am still having a hard time emotionally. I still have green juice for breakfast and a salad at lunch, but late afternoon and evening are REALLY hard.
Anyway… Raw works if you can stick with it.
You are doing a good job. I bought the video and watched, I am not amazed … having read “The China Study” and everything by and about Dr Max Gerson, I knew this was possible. My son wrote a college masters program paper about the natural health movement, my entire family is enthusiastic about the possibilities. I would LOVE to drive a few miles to the center of town and have a meal at a raw food restaurant. Please continue your work, and your leadership. Maybe someday in some way I can be of assistance.
Ron Williams, Hendersonville/Nashville, TN
Hi Alex
I think the trailer for the DVD is great. I find it is not easy to get raw organic fruit and vegetables from the local area. It does seem there is much more available today then there was a short while ago. I was in the state of Washington last month and found a resturant that probably had about 80-90% of their menu was raw. Needless to say I ate there often. I am planing to enlarge my garden this year and prepare the ground for future enlargements. I hope to get my children and grandchildren eating fresh vegetables. I have about a 1/2 acre of cultivated blue berries which I hope to make a change toward organic with them. We do eat a lot of berries. Dave
I am on a 90 day detox with the Raw Divas… I am eating all raw foods now.(with the exception of salad dressing which I am working on giving up) and have been for the last 11 days… before this detox I have been on and off raw food and trying to become 100% raw and lose weight. I am telling everyone I know about this and how much better they will feel.. but I do have to show them. I agree with what you said… it is easy to tell someone or even to show them the material to read for themselves but showing them by doing it is the best way and that is exactly what I am trying to do with my family, friends and co-workers. When they see me lose weight… gain energy and feel 100% better then they too will believe.
We do need raw and healthy food places here in South Jersey… there are NO raw food resturants (none that I know of anyway) and very few organic food shops. I am telling everyone I know and anyone that asks why I am eating what I eat. I am trying to spread the word…. as best as I can.
Thank you for all your information and help for me to help myself become a better and healthier person.
I’m with you on building a movement. At this time I am having problems moving myself into eating totally raw. The more I try the more carbs I seem to eat. I went at it with all intents of sticking with it and hoping to reverse 35 yrs. of insulin dependent diabetes. I own a small health food store and can not get organic fruits & vegs. at a price people are willing to pay. I also have to travel 1-1/2 - 2 hrs. to get to a Whole Food. I can’t afford to go weekly thus leaving me 4 - 5 days with no fresh fruits & veg. I’ve bought a vita mix, a juicer and now looking to get a dehydrater. Doing raw has totally over whelmed me so I can imagine what goes on in others minds when you are unable to get what you need or if traveling can’t find places to eat. Also everything I’ve made doesn’t seem to taste good or I can’t find ingredience to make it enjoyable to eat. How do we do it! I’m with you.
I’m totally with you. Raw foods is the way to go and showing other people what can be done is essential to the health and healing of ourselves and the planet.
In the first 10 months of going ‘Raw’ I lost 100lbs (Thats 7 stone for us British folks!) An emotional period followed, this led to the eating (or rather bingeing on cooked junk food) The lbs flew back on at an incredible weight. Even knowing how Raw Foods fuel your body allowing it to heal, and reverse chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancers, obesity etc it still didnt make it easy to ‘get back Raw’. Just like a smoker who wants to stop smoking and knows of the life threatening risks that he takes, it is usually NOT enough to make him stop!
S-L-O-W M-O-T-I-O-N S-U-I-C-I-D-E
IT’S TIME FOR CHANGE.
I cant make people change their minds, nobody can. But we can show them the benefits and allow them to make up their own minds…
As a Hypnotherapist of 12+ Years, I decided to write a script to help people who like myself struggled to stay raw.. or ‘get back to Raw’.
If anybody is interested please let me know and I will be more than willing to help.
Blessings
Shona Shimmers
Stafford UK
Hi Alex you know that I am behind you 100%-
I want to make a few comments on the comments made today
1. if Sharon Conrady would contact me personally I would like to give her
my 21 Days to Better Health Program. This is a downloadable program that provides 16 hours of tele-seminars that you can download to an MP3/IPOD or your computer, plus 3 eBooks with recipes, hints, tips, motivation, grocery lists to take you through 3 weeks of raw food. You can do this program over and over, each time customizing, tweaking and personalizing (there is info how to do this) so that you are happy with how everything tastes. I literally walk you through step by step assuming you probably get up in the morning and go to work. After the time you spent at the Tree- Sharon, and the benefits, I would just hate for you to lose momentum when all you need is some support. I am not sure if it’s ok to put my email in here so just go to my website and it will be there or contact Alex for it.
2. About not being able to find organic produce in your area. Listen up folks, if you can’t find organic produce-this is directed to Lana and any one else..you really just need to do your best in each moment. Rather than going 4-5 days with no fresh fruits and veggies, buy locally. One of my guests in my 21 Days to Better Health Seminars was David Rainoshek, the Juice Feasting guy-I think that he is a brilliant young man -I was surprised to learn from David that folks who where not able to get any organic produce to juice still benefitted from juice feasting greatly!! I had always “preached” that you can get by with eating non organic produce but not juicing it-well David’s research has proved otherwise. It is far far better to eat the fresh produce (organic if you can but non organic if that’s what you can get) than to eat the SAD diet. There are lists on line that indicate the 10 most important foods to buy organic, items like strawberries that are heavily sprayed. Items like bananas that have thick skins and avocados, less important to buy organic. But here is the message: Better to eat fresh raw produce, nuts and seeds, etc even if not organic than the SAD diet! So relax into it and enjoy it and do the best you can…try not to buy into all the rule and regs!!!
Alex you are doing a great job..I have seen so many (hundreds) people reverse Type II diabetes. When I worked at Hippocrates Health Institute in the 90’s you would see even Type I diabetics go from 40-60 units a day down to 10 within ten days!!! Bless you for the work you are doing…hugs nomi
Well I am still doing the yo yo raw thingy. Everyday is another day to allow oneself to get on it affirm we are worth the investment and pray that it we will succed!
Have a wonderful day! Sucess on !
Hi there,
I’m not even 50% raw or vegan (but would like to be), haven’t seen the DVD or watched the trailer yet, but have heard of both, and don’t have diabetes (not that that’s the point, I know).
What drew me to this article was the (synchronous for me) tagline in Alex’s email, “the importance of coming together to create a powerful movement”.
This is a great article! I came away from it with a sense of a rallying cry to the raw food community - a greater call to purpose.
I’m off on a related tangent here, as this resonates with several things that have been coming up lately. I’ll save the other details, but ….
I’ve been thinking lately that to make the concept, and points, of eating raw food more attractive and accessible to draw people’s attention in the first place, do we almost need to sometimes in part use the words “whole foods” (to start with), rather than raw / vegan - for example, in some promotions, titles, blurbs, articles, discussions, etc. - in order to, as Alex recommended, not “push it on others”, and also to achieve the greater purpose which is “opening up people’s consciousness”, and the framework in which they consider their food / what they consume - their fuel, their life force.
I was recently impressed to find raw vegan bars available at a “big box” drugstore near me (for those in Canada, I’m talking Shoppers Drug Mart) - until I got home and realized the bars tasted as if they had turned vile-y bad, and had either a ‘best buy’ date that was eight months old - or they were packaged 8 months ago, and had spoiled regardless.
I noticed today the same store (when I went back to pick up a $10 store coupon & $50 in movie gift certificates, which they offered to me as a part of their solution) also carries “100% sprouted Ezekiel bread” - much to my amazement - but I wonder about its freshness and handling at this store/location (I do have other options available, living in Toronto, Ontario).
The point is there is a whole multifaceted education / awareness process that needs to happen in society - coming together, speaking up - so that even / also those who handle (transport, store, etc., and sell) our food are aware of the concepts of how to treat it properly.
Even for myself, I purchased raw organic nuts & seeds from our local raw food coop, and realized when I hadn’t eaten some of it 3 months later, and without much regard for storage, that I really need to think of my food differently, not just what I eat, and what I do with it, but in how I regard & relate to it - this is *live* food!
What a concept …
Wow, just reading more of the others’ comments. For anyone not in a big city with more raw resources, or who feels like they’re struggling alone with it, as Alex mentioned, definitely go to Meetup.com and find your local or nearest raw food or living food meetup group - even just for the mailing list & discussions, if you can’t it out to the events.
And definitely visit, browse, and participate in raw online communities (they’re free), such as the RDN community:
http://rdnmovement.ning.com/
and other online raw social networks such as a few more examples:
o http://www.GiveItToMeRaw.com
o http://www.rawfreedomcommunity.info/forum/
o http://www.RawInToronto.com
o http://www.simplyraw.ca/phpBB/index.php
Hi Nomi,
Thanks so much for the kind words. You have been such a fantastic supporter of what we’re doing and we are extremely appreciative. Thanks so much for helping others on this blog as well.
I will email you directly with the email for Sharon so that we can get her your program. Thanks so much for offering that.
And I’ll email you to set up to do an interview so that you can share more of your information with the readers of the blog.
Thanks so much! For those of you reading this…Nomi rocks! I believe she was voted #1 Raw Food Educator of the year for 2008 so make sure to check her out.
I agree now is the time. That trailer is great! I want to be involved and take action but I need help myself. I have diabetes (for about 10 years now) and control it through diet (no insulin or meds). I am determined to not be on meds. I started eating raw after watching the movie last year but I’m having trouble sticking with it. Raw foods has definitely made a difference for me but I need more more resources, and to learn how to prepare easy meals and avert cravings. Help! I’m with you!
Alex,
Love the film and the concept of eating enzyme rich food to help many ailments. The film sparked my curiosity and in turn inspired both my parents to try the diet to address completely different problems. It was effective, however most people only think diabetes when they see 30 days raw.
Wish there was a way to get it promoted in the American Medical Journal or screened at a doctors convention. Most people view traditional doctors as miracle workers. They are afraid to challenge conventional thinking. I truley believe that there will be more raw/live alternatives once the medical field is lured in.
Raw/live restaraunts need to get local papers to do stories promoting medicinal value of the menus vs stories applauding the alternative cuisine. The average person views raw/live food as sustenance for the liberal hippie. Its food profiling!
Excellent article Alex. I had already thought of doing something in my area, now I am further encouraged. If each one of us would do a little bit like inviting neighbours to a raw dinner we would be getting the news out a bit more. By the way, are you aware that there is
Excellent article Alex. I have no serious disease but am already seeing positive signs of eating raw for one month. I had already thought of doing something in my area, now I am further encouraged. If each one of us would do a little bit like inviting neighbours to a raw dinner we would be getting the news out a bit more. By the way, are you aware that there is a petition asking President Obamma for health reform? (www.HealthRevolutionPetition.org) Signatures have now exceeded 8,000. Please spread the word, as 100,000 signatures are needeed to take this to Washington D.C. and make an impact regarding the health care reform debate.
Hi I am a Natural Way Nutritionist in South Africa with Mary_Ann Shearer. I have been on a raw food course weekend, it was amazing, totally hooked, have been semi raw for past 4 years, but now totally raw and NO Pain,(have A.S. and Fibromyalgia) loads more energy and the food is amazing and soo tasty. You guys are just what the world needs,well done for what you are doing.We have Mary-Ann Shearer here in S.A. which is fantastic,but she is far from me. People need to know that the cure for disease is in the raw foods.
Now My problem is (South Africa)here they eat tons of meat/animal products and they are sick and obese BIG time. Now my 2 friends and I are going to start a 1 day course in educating those that want the information, it is exciting the movement is growing. I WISH you guys were here in S.A.it is hard to stay motivated sometimes when so many are blind to it and would rather die than eat raw.LOVE YOU GUYS, carry on doing the good work.
Thanks to you all! We KNOW that the enzymes, macronutrients and minerals, and balanced alkalinity are the foundations of health. I have totally believed [and seen transformations in myself and others] that supporting the body nutritionally [and with right movement and thinking and feelings,] allows the body and mind to heal itself to it’s optimal. It TAKES TIME AND YET YOU FEEL IT STARING WITHIN DAYS! HOURS EVEN! For many years, [on & off] I keep coming back to a predominantly raw, wilted/ warmed, diet with juicing and organic foods, as much as possible. but I’ve had trouble sticking to it too at times and always have had lipid problems and immune problems with asthma, allergies++, liver disease, etc. Subsequently my health has gone for a real dive in recent years [cancer, hypertension, early type 2 diabetes-it's a mess but that's another story]. I’m here. I meditate and I work toward right health and don’t berate myself when I fall off. I get back on it. And I value every thought, and every life moment. I throw out poor carbs whenever I can [ it's better out than in and it gives me more confidence and power over it. When I'm feeding myself well and joyfully, I KNOW it's why I'm still alive. I notice within a day or two that I feel better. But the energy is very low at times.
It is very difficult in this culture and with our speed in life [ trying to make our way and be heard and 'recognized' in this world, instead of standing strong in our own life strength; having faith that joyful and right life WILL come to us, instead of yanking ourselves around by the ear to please the worldly expectations. We can live and be a beautiful part of the world without all the stress. It's moment by moment, breath and peace]. But it starts inside and at home and within. Making it a sanctuary. Not fancy. Simple things. Shakes in the morning; a berry fruit, a sweet fruit, a carrot, a leaf of chard, hemp hearts, a little water cut with OJ, and blend it [ just my good oster], drink it right away. Make a 3 veg light steamed soup to eat through the day with raw salads. When I can be at home more, I am much stronger about my food choices and eat simply and start with 50/50 raw to steamed when regrouping. TAke Cerato and Walnut [Bach Flower Remedies] to support and strengthen what I know to be
JUST ALLOW FOR, PRAY FOR WITH CONFIDENCE INSIDE YOURSELVES AND JUST KEEP COMING BACK TO IT IN SIMPLE TERMS.
We all tend to make things hard on ourselves and EXPECT SO MUCH of what we eat. I found it easier when I only pulled out 3 vegs/fruit foods at a time. 1 -2 onions, 2 apples, fresh coriander, 2 celery. Keep some raw and the rest I steam saute and add some spices, & organic broth from carton and have a light soup. Eat some hemp hearts [you can't get this wonderful complete protein food in the U.S. even though it has nothing to do with THC]
my own truths.
KEEP COMING BACK TO IT GUYS! DON’T GET OVERWHELMED BY THE SEEMINGLY OVERWHELMING ASPECTS.
It starts with us as individuals. I bought the RF30 DVD and WAS TOTALLY HAPPY TO SEE SOMETHING LIKE THIS FINALLY PRESENTING ITSELF!! WELL DONE, WITH MEDICAL SUPERVISION AND FOLLOW UP!! I TELL OTHERS ABOUT IT AND REFER THEM TO THE TRAILER…PLANT THE SEED OF POSSIBILITY……..
So it inspired me to just keep it simple and keep doing what I can, when I can, with what I’ve got, when I’ve got it!
or seeds or nuts, a few raisins or date for sweetness. And that’s it. Takes about 15 minutes.
Add salad greens and set for the day. Or just garlic and steam saute/wilted kale. Easy peasey. I try to do at least 2 days/week just 80% raw with fruit/veg/greens and/or juicing. Traditional Chinese Medicine purports not eating completely raw but I taking that as not eating COLD and raw as that may be more the problem. Plus I think that nutrients and some enzymes are preserved with light wilting/steaming. Often i just boil a kettle and throw a bit of warm water on anything from the fridge.
If we can stick to the principles of eating simply and as close to the ground as we can, and just see it as eating from the gift it it, then the perspective is whole, and it isn’t as big as it seems. Go to the fridge-see it as the garden- pull up
a carrot and celery, wash and cut them up [and I throw a bit of hot water on them
just to warm them] [takes about 3 minutes or less], maybe a bit of tofu, or seeds, drizzle a little oil, apple cider vinegar, and oregano or basil over it. [Time yourself, then it allows us
to see the relatively little time it takes. WAy less time than cooking!] I sometimes add a few drops of maple syrup or warm honey over it. yum. ground kelp as salt. I’m in Canada and we have to rely on shipped food from Calif, and southern countries. We need solar greenhouses to avoid the loss of nutrients/enzymes in shipping [and the shipping itself with all its implications, environmentally, and costs].
We have a fairly large raw food group, monthly potluck, an hour+ away which I hope to get to sometime, but I follow it online. Check out the beautiful food at: http://rawfood.meetup.com/232/photos/?photoId=6433553&photoAlbumId=489082ht
TRY NOT TO COMPLICATE A GIFT OF SIMPLICITY… BE GRATEFUL AND JOYFUL FOR ALL WE HAVE AND ALL WE CAN GIVE TO OTHERS. THE MOVEMENT STARTS WITH US. DO THE BEST WE CAN AND KEEP GETTING BACK TO IT UNTIL THE GOOD HABIT ENERGY BUILDS AND REPLACES THE PREVIOUS.
JUST 2 CARROTS, CELERY, ONION- CHOP IT - WARM IT [OR NOT] - KEEP SMILIN’ AND FEEL
IT BLESSING YOU INSIDE AND OUT……… so glad we’re not alone in this! you’re all an inspiration to me too! BE WELL & KEEP YOUR HEARTS LIGHT! CW
Hey Alex: I applaud you and your efforts, I am with you. I have been in the Natural health Industry for many years and in the past 12 months have switched my counselling practice to teaching people to eat RAW as I just could dot deny it any longer. The tools, dvd’s etc. you provide are great as is your message.
I am in your backyard, the town of Redding, Ct. so watch for my raw classes, they are coming soon. I recently completed my Raw Food Chef Certification so we are going to create some kind of wonderful in this neighborhood.
It is needed for this planet and the people to heal.
Thank you for all you do!!
Hi Alex,
Your words echo my thoughts…a raw food restaurant on every corner is my idea of heaven! I live in London and pass by numerous Subways, KFCs, McDonalds, and pizza joints each day and can’t help but cringe. I started my raw food journey about 12 months ago and my life has changed drastically as a result. I have shared the Simply Raw and Raw for 30 Days DVDs with friends and family, as well as my coaching clients and in June will be training as a Raw Food Chef at Living Light. I am determined to put raw restaurants on at least a few corners in the US and the UK. With all the passionate people I have met thus far, including yourself, I have every confidence we can make this change.
Thanks so much for your article!
Jan,
Look forward to meeting you.
Make sure to post the events on our community site so that I know about them!
Hi Alex,
I feel you are 100% right in saying we need to start a movement. As a Doctor I see probably io new Diabetics or pre diabetics weekly. Since becoming aware of Raw for 30 Days in December of O8 I have been refering all of my diabetic clients to the web site and encouraging them to go on the raw food diet. Even when they don’t do it one hundred percent it still helps. I also try to get my high blood pressure and Heart patients on and have seen dramatic results.
Just thought you would like to know.
Dr Jack Wise
Board Certified Endocrinologist
Tulsa, Ok
If only there were more MD’s like you!
Thanks for helping to spread the message of the film by telling your clients about it. It is very appreciated. You are doing them a great service. 
Hi,
If you think you are having a hard time in the US, try GB! I do not know of any raw food places over here, although people have told me there are a few. We do have a good health food shop locally, though. They even sell 4 different boxes of sprouted seeds and beans!
I have two family members with diabetes. It would be great to get them off of insulin.
When are you going to open a clinic in this country? I know planning is a bugbear and insurance, but hey, it would be worth the effort.
I have 2 patients for you!
Great article.
Joan
Alex,
This movie has been a wonderful way to add confirmation to my teaching. It seems to be easier to get people interested in exploring more Raw foods after watching the movie. I have been teaching Raw foods education in Charleston, WV for 5 years and am thankful for the continued research being done to lend credibility to our wise choices. This seems to be one of the most important road blocks that I face in the community. I applaud your efforts to create a movement for this cause. Sign me up! I am already promoting your DVD!
Alex, I have often thought these same thoughts…. So much food all around us is processed. It seems hopeless for healthy lifestyles to flourish when unhealthy foods are the majority!
I’ve been fascinated with raw foods for quite some time now and have experimented with periods of time where I’ve eaten 100% raw and continue to eat mostly raw, even now (I do steam brussel sprouts, etc., sometimes). I’ve also juice fasted extensively and find great peace and calm when I’m on longer juice fasts–I’m craving one now!
*smiles*
Michele
Leading by example is key - when you get excited about raw food and get committed it’s pretty contagious. Many of us just need encouragement to be counter-cultural as there are many hurdles along the way. Having watched the deterioration of my mother’s health through diabetes this movement is very close to my heart. My dream is to overhaul my kitchen lifestyle so that I can better support and encourage her to do the same thing. It’s one thing to tell someone what they should be doing - it’s another to hold their hand and walk by their side through the changes. I have big hopes for this movement and look forward to spreading the word through my own circles of influence ;o)
Thank you Alex for taking action!
Hi, Alex! We’ve shared emails back and forth the past few months, so you know I have a similar passion for extending the raw food movement.
Just wanted everyone else to know that I agree with you, that we each have to go out and share info about the benefits of a raw, live foods lifestyle. But, I think that 100% raw is unlikely for most people - ever. One does not have to be 100% raw to maintain great health anyway - just vegan. In the smaller cities and towns, I would be thrilled to see more and more vegan cafe’s that serve raw offerings opening up.
The best advertisement to promote this is our own bodies and attitudes. Just live the lifestyle and be healthy - then, be ready to answer the question as to where do you get all your energy? I am about 60-70% raw and healthy vegan the rest of the time. I have LOTS of energy and am always receiving compliments on this. I like being prepared on what to say to others because I know whatever I say will likely have a big influence on whether they want to try it for themselves or not. To present 100% raw or 100% vegan or vegetarian as the only way only turns people off. It’s too much to even think about doing! The more vegan, the better, and the more raw, the better (usually). No pressure, no guilt, just love and peace to be shared with all to the extent possible.
As one who lives on a raw diet, consider blogging weekly about the health benefits, environmental benefits, AND the spiritual benefits of going raw/vegan. I’d love to check in weekly to see what’s up with your new family, That’s interesting, right there! Raising a little one in this lifestyle…
Blessings!
JoyceBJ
Does anyone have a complete list of protein foods ?:.: