Sep
27
By Lief Lett Uss
I was walking down Oswego Street near Thrifty's last week when one of my raw food friends, who I had not seen in a while, stopped and asked me if I was still 100% raw. Being the honest fellow that I am I said, "No."
"What percentage raw are you?" she probed.
"It's like this," I replied. "I gradually, and increasingly, allow cooked food back into my diet until the point where I no longer feel healthy - that's when I reverted to as close to 100% raw as I can get. Once I regain energy and clarity, I feel good for a few weeks until I once again partake of another cooked food opportunity, and so the cycle goes."
I chuckled to myself as I offered this exposé of my dietary foibles.
It's not as though I don't know what to eat to maintain optimal health, yet I persist in eating foods that, although pleasing to the taste buds, cause me to feel sluggish and congested. Why would I do this? Why would I not choose to feel energetic and clear all the time? I know my mind and body operate at their best when I consume a diet of raw organic fruits and vegetables. Is it because I have never experienced a debilitating health condition? I certainly want to intervene before such a condition becomes a reality! Social invitations to dine and the lure of sweet treats are definitely my Achilles heel.
My friend's queries, however, strengthened my resolve to become mainly raw yet again. She also provided me with an inspiring website (http:\\www.thefruitarian.com) about an athlete who has made great gains through 3 ½ years of getting most of his calories from fruit. Serendipitously, I also learned of a fruit/raw food company (http:\\www.okanaganfruit.ca) that once a week delivers the freshest Okanagan fruit and various raw food items (such as kale chips, macaroons, flatbreads, NRG balls, and bases for pizza crusts) to be picked up at Tillicum Mall on Sundays. In other words, I am currently back on track to optimum health. I encourage those concerned about their health to check out these two websites as they provide inspiration - even if you're not an athlete - and the means to provide yourself with the ingredients for healthy eating.
Medical disclaimer: The information contained in this column is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. One should consult one's physician prior to changes in one's health regime.