Watch this video for the reactions people have after being offered fresh meat.
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One of the ways I've found to save on your grocery bill (next to shopping at your local farmers market) is to grow your own garden. As I show in this video, you don't need a lot of space to grow just about anything you enjoy. You can dig up a small garden, or use the square foot garden method to grow just about anywhere around your house. You can also use containers as I do if you're short on gardening space. All it takes is getting some compost locally (I found some at my local Whole Foods) and seeds. Here's an update on our home garden:

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One of the questions I often hear is whether or not exercising is necessary since we're already eating a healthy raw food diet.

There is a common misconception that just eating a better diet is enough to gain better health or lose weight. Yes, eating is one main part of the equation, but it's only one part of the big picture.

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Vegans have a higher rate of bone formation than meat eaters reports the Agriculture Research Service, a branch of the USDA.

In this study, although the calcium intake was higher for meat eaters, vegans still showed higher rates of bone formation. The reason behind the difference is that meat protein turns into sulfur when consumed and is acidic. This causes a temporary state of acidosis, a high state of acid. Our bodies compensate to reach a balance by pulling calcium phosphate, an alkaline buffer, from our bones. As you can imagine, the more meat you eat, the more calcium is pulled from your bones.

Vegetable protein, on the other hand, is not acidic and doesn't require the "borrowing" of calcium from the bones where this natural mineral is most abundant in the body.

Bone formation is critical and lack of bone density can lead to osteoporosis and being more vulnerable to bone fractures.

Read more at the USDA web site.

To your best health,

Mark
http://vegandiet.blogspot.com

There are numerous benefits to a vegan/raw diet, most being health related.

But here's a benefit I hadn't considered or noticed until I had been eating raw for 3 months.

Garbage!

Or lack of garbage, that is. I've noticed that my household generates less than 1/3 of the normal amount we used to before eating raw. Since very few whole, raw foods are packaged, you're saving a great deal of packaging waste.

There's even less to recycle since I choose to use my own canvas bags for grocery shopping. If you're a Whole Foods shopper, you may have noticed their new "green bags". They're a steal at under $2 and now will save at least 175 paper bags a year.

Yes, eating raw is eco-friendly too. Just another benefit!

Keep it raw...some,

Mark
The Vegan Raw Diet

OK, you've decided to "go raw". Congratulations!

But now you have temptations and cravings for cooked and processed foods. Is it ok? Is it acceptable to eat mostly raw?

Sure, eating some cooked/steamed foods is ok, it just depends on your goals and how you feel. Of course, you'll get the most benefits by sticking to as close to a 100% raw diet as possible. Again, it depends on your goals.

Here's the rub. I've been researching the reasons for the cravings and observing my experiences. What I've found is that by eating cooked foods occassionally, you're actually building a desire for more cooked foods. This also applies to spices, salt, garlic, chocolate, sugar and other foods.

If you crave a pizza and eat it, you'll have a desire for more. If you have salt, you'll build a desire for it again. It's a vicious circle that won't end unless you give it up. There are other reasons you crave certain foods. Sometimes your body may be low on a particular mineral that could trigger a craving.

In my experience, just a few weeks after going 100% I lost all desire and taste for cooked foods. It was a natural result of eating raw. I also found that when I tasted something cooked, I then had a desire for it again. After a short time, that desire went away. I also quickly gained a strong and healthy desire for fresh greens, fruits and other vegetables... a desire that's lasted and only grows with time.

My personal goal has never been to label myself 100% raw vegan ... I've chosen to be 100% raw for the way I feel as well and the health benefits. For me, they've been dramatic and I feel grateful for the many benefits I've experienced.

Here's an interesting quote from the great German thinker Goethe:

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy,
the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness.
....
That the moment one definitely commits oneself,
then providence moves, too.All sorts of things occur to help one
that would never otherwise have occurred.
A whole stream of events issues from the decision,
raising one's favor all manner of
unforseen incidents and meetings and
material assistance which no man
could have dreamed would come his way.

Whatever you can do or
dream you can, begin it!
Boldness has genius, power
and magic in it."

In essence, until you commit yourself 100% to whatever you desire (in this case, better health through eating a vegan, raw diet) there will always be hesitancy, and you'll never reach your goals, whatever they may be.

Something to think about.

All the best for your health!

Mark
"The Raw Guy"

Here are some pictures of delicious raw food dishes I've prepared during the last month. The Blackberry Tahini Salad is especially rawsome! Enjoy!

Create your mini album at ShowMyPics.com

To your best health!

Mark
Vegan Raw Diet
How To Make It On The Raw Food Diet