I decided today that I was tired of feeling unhealthy after almost every time I eat. I don’t eat bad, today it was only some cooked jasmine rice (with soy sauce) that made me feel sick.
My wife and I are both vegan, and are actually probably pretty healthy compared to most of America. But we don’t eat like we should, or the way we used to. Specifically, we don’t get enough leafy greens, and we would like to eat more raw fruits and vegetables. And fermented foods (cabbage, beets, vegan yogurts, and kombucha, for example).
Also, I’ve put on some weight in the last couple of years that I don’t like, and can definitely afford to get in a little physical activity every day. Plus, now that we live in Washington state (just next to Portland), it’s easier than ever to pick up fresh organic produce from any of several markets in our city. I really have no excuse for ignoring my health and physical activity level like I have for the past year or so.
So I’ve decided to eat (mostly) raw for the next 30 days or so. This is not that hard since my wife and I are vegan and already prepare all of our food at home anyway, and we’ve gone full raw vegan before. I may adjust that time frame later based on how well I feel or don’t feel. It’s completely arbitrary, but at least I have a guideline.
I wrote “mostly” raw because we have a lot of winter squash, and I believe boiled and steamed winter squash to be quite healthy and full of carbohydrates and nutrients. Also, boiled/steamed sweet potatoes are ok. I will probably also consume soy milk and almond milk (with tea) and coffee, none of which are raw. Except the tea, but that’s in parentheses, so it doesn’t count. Actually, I’m not sure where tea falls on the rawness scale.
Tonight my wife and I went to our local supermarket and stocked up on foods that we need, and I started out the raw phase tonight by eating some baby spinach with boiled pumpkin and raw vegan Kimchi.
Since tomorrow is the first day of going mostly raw officially, today is day zero. I intend to document here my progress (what I eat) and how I feel, especially if I notice a big change in energy level.