I was speaking with a family member over the holidays and was suprised to learn that she frequented the raw vegan restaurant 105 Degrees in OKC.  She absolutley LOVES the place and has taken her entire fmaily and many friends there for breakfasts, lunches and dinners!  I am planning a trip to visit her soon so we can go out to eat together. 

As we were speaking of the food, the atmosphere, etc. she mentioned that "eating there can get pricey"  and then went on to explain why: "First of all the food tastes so amazing one is inclined to try everything on the menu, but also you don't feel "full" eating raw food so you eat more"

I thought about this and wanted to share my thoughts on the subject in this post because I think many folks new to raw food might have a similar experience with it. 

What does it mean to feel full?  Most people on a Standard American Diet eat until they feel absolutely stuffed.  There is no more room.  Then a few hours later the hunger sets in.  Ok.  Let's stop right there.

When we eat the S.A.D our bodies cry out for nutrients.  We put cooked foods (often overcooked foods), breads and drink into our bellies to the point of being stuffed.  Our bodies cry out "MORE" but what the body is saying is "NUTRIENTS, PLEASE".  Not more of the same.  There may be difficulty in knowing when to stop eating the spaghetti dinner because
a.)  Our body needs more nutrients
b.)  It is a comfort food that many of us grew up eating
c.)  It is full of salt and/or sugar that feeds habitual cravings that we learned early on in life.

Raw foods, on the other hand, are uncooked and so are full of their own enzymes ready to aid the human body in the digestive process.  So, our bodies do not need to use up their own enzyme stores to do the work.  The food practically digests itself.  This is the main reason raw fooders feel very light and energetic.  their energies can go to more work, play, creativity, healing, etc.

Now, here is a question:  What does it feel like to be nourished?
Feeling satisfied with what went in and no longer having the pangs of hunger (if there were any to start with!)
raw fods usually will not give you the feeling of being "stuffed".  Although they can, especially if they are heavy on dehydrated items or heavy on the nuts.  Generally after eating a raw meal one feels light, energized and satisfied. 

it is a new feeling to bring the awareness to, and once understood can be cultivated.  Knowing your body's precious energy can move towards creativity or healing is far more productive than digesting food that is mostly devoid of nutrients.

Try eating a completely raw dinner one early evening and notice how you feel afterwards.  Notice how you feel at night; notice how you sleep and how you awaken the next morning.

Eating 100% raw is not necessary to reap the incredible rewards raw foods can bring.  Experiment with your food and see what makes you hum...what makes you vibrate and what makes you a more loving and kind person.

In peace,
Kirsten