Cathy: >Did you just >start eating raw foods one day? Should you fast before you start? >Should you go slowly and eat raw foods maybe 50% of the time, then >gradually go to 100%? I started with a 10-day fast, which helped me in giving up cooked food very quickly. During the first two weeks, I still ate bread and cheese, but when I discovered sprouted grains and raw fish, it became no longer necessary. >Do you find the meals that you consume boring? >Do you crave cooked meals? The average amount of pleasure I get with raw food is higher than with cooked food; I do not enjoy eating in restaurants anymore, and I avoid that whenever possible. Still, I had some frustrations during the first few months that led to overeating fruits and nuts, but now, even some veggies taste great. Lettuce, endives, spinach and carrots are OK. Cauliflower: sometimes OK, sometimes not. Artichoke: great! >I'm sure it's not over weight, but are you looking "skinny"? >One thing that confuses me is if you are very athletic, it is said >that you should get a certain amount of calories. Are you able to >stay athletic and consume the right amount of calories when eating raw >foods? Actually, I was _more_ skinny when on a cooked diet (but I am still thin). Instead, I worry more about excess of calories... My athletic performances have improved, thanks to a better relaxation of the body. Best, Jean-Louis