In response to the original post by Cathy, the following comments are provided.

1. Fasting before beginning a raw diet is usually not necessary, though it
may be helpful in some cases. It is probably better to be on raw foods for
a while, before doing any long fasts. (Due to the cleansing nature of raw
diets, fasting is generally not necessary.)

2. Most people gradually transition to raw, rather than an abrupt change. If
you are coming to raw for healing assistance with a major health problem,
then an abrupt change might be appropriate. Otherwise, a slow transition is
easier and more gentle. Abrupt changes lead to severe cravings, binge eating
and backsliding.

3. Raw foods can be boring to some people. However, this is not a problem
for me personally. There are many nice raw food recipe books, and you can
use them to make a large variety of interesting raw dishes. A list of raw
recipe books was posted here recently (not 100% sure)? I have some notes on
raw food recipe books and will be posting that in a few weeks (must get that
info off backup diskette files).

4. Raw diets are socially difficult and can be socially isolating. Try to
get a salad if you must eat out (the salad will likely be low quality, but
is better than eating cooked food). Maybe you can take along an avocado, to
supplement the salad?

5. Most raw fooders are quite thin. I do know a few who are heavy, but there
are rumors that the heavy folks cheat a lot (I don't know if the rumors are
true or not).

6. In the past, I have suggested that athletes might want to consume some
cooked food, in order to get enough calories. In some cases this might not
be necessary - try and see. If your weight drops too low, then you should
do something about it. Here too low = anorexic levels. I just reposted an
article here that mentions weight loss. My own weight is low (but not
anorexic); I don't go to any efforts to "bulk up" as I am satisfied with
my present weight.

Good luck in your raw dietary efforts!

Regards,
Tom Billings
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