I think I first heard of it at Steve’s blog too but for some reason it didn’t catch on then. I’m not sure when and how it caught on but it happened over the summer when I was experimenting with another diet, the so-called “Tim Ferris Diet,” which ended up not working out at all. Then the divine must have led me to raw foods and I’ve never looked back since.

The first thing I did, to make an impression on my consciousness and ego, was to buy a Vita-Mix blender. It would represent the most expensive piece of equipment ever for my kitchen, sending a signal to my brain that I was dead serious about embarking on this lifestyle. It was another way to make a firm, conscious decision.

I’ve found that once I make a firm decision (“to the core of my soul” kind of decision), things fall into place and a magical shift happens.

To answer your questions:

1. If you look at before and after pictures of those who have done it, you might be inspired to give it a try – I would suggest you do a 30 day experiment and blog about it so that you hold yourself accountable. Look at the before/after photos at “We Like it Raw” and see for yourself the transformation taking place for others: http://www.welikeitraw.com/rawfood/before_after/ (You can see my photos at two separate locations:

Before: http://www.adversityuniversityblog.com/2008/10/08/update-on-the-raw-food-30-day-experiment/

Two Weeks Ago: http://www.adversityuniversityblog.com/about/ (notice the eyes and face and compare to the previous photos)

2. Yes, I intend to do this for the rest of my life because this is a lifestyle change, not a diet – big difference. Also, I’m not 100 percent raw and probably never will be. I’d say I’m about 80 to 90 percent raw but that changes, depending on what’s happening (i.e. traveling, etc). The percentages don’t matter much but I will tell you this: I’ve basically eliminated dairy (except for raw cheese products), cooked meat (except for the occasional chicken pieces for my salad or a chicken cutlet), starches, bread (except for whole grain wheat bread), etc.

3. I don’t plan to stop this because I’ve lost 20 lbs, sleep better, feel closer to God and my spirit, feel more content, happier and joyful, etc. I also workout several days a week and feel great during the workout. I have more vivid dreams and feel in the flow with life. If I get a sore throat or a canker sore on my mouth, it goes away faster than before.

4. Restaurants: You didn’t say where you lived but metropolitan cities have more and more of them with each passing day especially NYC and LA. I live in OH so there aren’t many around but I manage by being selective. I’ll have a salad and maybe bring my own dressing. I’ll just select the healthiest item on the menu and be okay with that even if it isn’t 100 percent raw. I don’t beat myself up if I don’t have a raw meal. It’s a lifelong process of change. One day at a time.

Do you intend to do this for the rest of your life, or do you do it and then stop and continue? What about if you went to a restaurant, what would you eat? Am just wandering if there are any restaurants which caters for this.

On to your question about changing your life in dramatic ways and gratitude…I’m on the cusp of something that seems like it could be life-changing for me. It’s in the very early stages, and I haven’t committed yet – but I’m getting close. The thing is, though, that in the whole process, I am feeling an amazing amount of gratitude. And I am daily in awe of how things seem to be lining up and falling into place. Will I do this “thing”? I hope so. I hope I have the guts to commit to it. And it won’t be easy. But it will be such a cool ride to be on! So, while this doesn’t perfectly fit you question – since I haven’t fully done this major thing – I think it does fit – because of how I’m being led in this direction! And that is very cool I think!

Wow, you’re a fast commentator! I just finished writing this post and BOOM, there you are. You are amazing!

The key is to do the best you can under the circumstances. Take your time and simply raise your awareness of what you’re putting in your body. It takes time, focus and energy. Nothing is impossible – you can do it.

You will recall that Natalina Rose in your book said when “reality” intervenes like your 9 to 5 job and time is short in the mornings, all we can do is the best we can and adapt.

For instance, when I travel, I know I can’t bring my juicer or blender with me (Oh how I wish I could!). When I’m at a hotel, I’ll ask for fruits, etc. When I’m on the plane, I’ll have with me a bag of superfood or fruit or something like that.

I can definitely relate to the feeling of being cold on raw foods in the winter. You could always have herbal tea along with whatever you’re eating. That’s what I have in the mornings when my hands and feet are cold.

You could always make your smoothies the night before and simply drink up when after you get out of bed.

Then there’s the fruit smoothie vendors who could eliminate some of the sugary stuff they put in the drinks upon your request. A salad bar is an excellent way to get through it.

It’s all a matter of planning ahead. Once you get it in your system to think this way, it’ll eventually become a way of life for you. At least that’s what’s happening to me.

Keep it up, don’t fret about “falling off the wagon.” You’re doing FINE.

I’m like you, Stephen, in this retrospect:

“Whenever I am passionate about something, I literally go crazy and raid Amazon dot com and the local brick and mortar bookstores…”

I get excited too if I want to delve a bit further on certain topics!

Btw, to be honest with you, I strayed a bit too much lately, but this time I am resolving to get back on track… starting tonight with salad for dinner.

I am thinking of ways how to resolve this problem…
When you work at least one hour away and 9 hours a day, it’s difficult to make time to do all this as I am not a morning person at all! Plus, it’s cold outside that I don’t feel like eating cold stuff, after walking outside to eat unless I’m at home.

There’s a Smoothie King store within walking distance from my work, so I could ask them to make some fruit smoothies without any all the addition stuff that they usually put in it… And also, the mall has a salad vendor that I could eat.

I know it takes $$$ but at least for a short while, hopefully, and by then I’ll be on my way to “needing shorter hours of sleep”… like you!

It’d be appreciative if I can get some moral support from you to keep going!!

Nita