I am "at least one" who LOVES my raw diet.

I've been 100% for a year now. I've lost 85 lbs and all of my health issues have completely resolved themselves (arthritis, rash that I've had all of my adult life, painfully dry elbows, bad complexion, there's more, but I can't even remember anymore!).

I've gone from zero energy and having to nap every day to running eight times a week, kickboxing three times a week and weightlifting three times a week, all with no injuries and no sickness. (Previous to raw, evertime I started to run, I'd get an upper respritory infection!)

I went from being a lacto-ovo vegetarian (well actually a choco-cheeso vegetarian!) to being raw, but I know several people who've gone raw straight from a standard american diet, and thrived on it. Taking "steps" is not necessary. If she's ready to go raw, she should do it.

The book that made it real easy for me is "Living on Live Food" by Alissa Cohen. www.AlissaCohen.com.[/URL" target="_blank">

A great place to find a ton of raw websites is http://rawwideweb.com/browse//1/5/[/URL" target="_blank">

Once you do the research, and realize how people are finding the health and energy they knew they were being cheated out of on a cooked food diet, you'll wonder why anyone cooks anything!

I like to eat some of my veggies raw, but others I like cooked because the nutritional benefits are greater when they're cooked. In particular...tomatoes. Lycopene is more readily available in cooked tomatoes than raw ones.

I have been vegan for almost 6 months, converting from ovo-lacto vegetarianism, which I practiced for about 10 years. I have never felt better, or had softer, clearer skin. Note that I am only slightly in the animal rights camp, and mostly choose this as a health/lifestyle option rather than a political stance.

Some sites to look at for interesting and informative discussion on veganism:

Why Vegan?
http://www.veganoutreach.org/whyvegan/[/URL" target="_blank">

News, events, etc.
http://www.vegan.com/[/URL" target="_blank">

Vegan friendly site from a Top Chef
http://www.andreabeaman.com/aboutAndrea.html[/URL" target="_blank">

Great recipes
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com/[/URL" target="_blank">

http://vivelevegan.blogspot.com/[/URL" target="_blank">

http://www.bryannaclarkgrogan.com/page/page/579094.htm[/URL" target="_blank">


Enjoy! Let us know if there are additional questions/concerns.

Sorry to hi-jack the thread for a moment- but Jill- weren't you somehow terribly disappointed when the son's school let out and there weren't daily posts?!?! Addicted

I don't have any children but admire her desire to establish healthy eating habits with her son.

Another good book for learning about going vegan (and includes some recipes) is:

The Vegan Sourcebook
by Joanne Stepniak

Kmik,

Do you have Rainbow Green Live-Food Cuisine (Paperback)
by Gabriel Cousens? I just ordered it and wondered if you have an opinion on it.

I've been vegan for about 8 years and have been eating more and more raw. I bought this book to learn more and try some new recipes.

I follow the McDougall Diet and I am loving it. Not only has my face cleared up after years and years of acne problems (I am almost 35), but my menstrual cramps and headaches have vanished. I have been an ovo-lacto vegetarian for many years, but taking out dairy, oils and excess fats has been life-changing. I also easily lost that 10 lbs. I have been carrying around for years.

Check out these sites for more info:

http://www.drmcdougall.com/[/URL" target="_blank">

http://www.drfuhrman.com/[/URL" target="_blank">

http://www.fatfreevegan.com/[/URL" target="_blank"> (Fabulous recipe resource!)