Jean-Louis Tu >and this brings the question: I would be very interested to know about >your motivations for becoming a raw vegan (or rather, "eating more raw >vegan", thanks to Tom and Mollie for that nice expression). Is there any >connection between rawism and veganism? Have you made both decisions >independently, or do you feel that vegans should eat raw, or that since >you eat raw you must be vegan, etc. Hi Jean-Louis, For me it was all an intuitive process with some basic information about nutrition and health. First I went vegan as a way to loose weight and achieve better health and wellness, and also avoid oxidants( also a guideline: no fat, no processed sugar, less toxic/oxidants). I used to be a standard dieter and meat (over)eater and became concerned with the hearth and vascular facts of this habits. . Also wholistic concerns,as general awareness grew. So I sticked(?) mostly to fruits and all vegetables salads, soups and cooked food. Just had some bread, too. Stopped eating grains(cereal) either, 'cause I found them not practical , highly caloric . As this became my basic diet, I indirectly went into the raw vegan direction eating less soups and cooked food, and since I read an article in our largest newspaper here about that restaurant in S.F., and the raw food "trend", I got interested and started searching 'till I found this list And found out that I fit in the raw concept, in someway. I now believe that raw is the way to go for earlier vegans, or as said "next step for vegetarianism". (although I think it might be hard for those who eat cooked grains, rice, potatos...) And Raw itself as a healthy diet(dispite meat/no meat). I think there is no "perfect" diet and I try to adapt my way of life, habits and concepts to my diet and vice-versa. Peace, Helio