Can It be? Yes, It Can!

by Jess Leonard

It can be very stressful to transition to Raw. As a mother of three and wife to one. . .  None of whom are as enthusiastic as I am about going Raw, I can tell you that every day at meal time I get a headache. As the mom I want to lead by example, not force, and definitely not have to fight every step of the way.  I want my kids to be healthy, and healthy. For my husband and I, we want to feel young and full of energy, weight loss and clear glowing skin would be the bonuses for us.

We have bounced back and forth for over two years now. If asked we would say that we eat predominately vegetarian, a lot of Raw, and a lot of SAD. Some weeks we are good, the recipes I present at meal times are accepted and devoured. Other times, the craving for sugars and processed foods is too great for my family to fend off.

People in the United States go every day to special places to help them overcome alcohol, drugs, and other addictions. I know there are places out there were people can go to overcome their cooked food/junk food addictions. But in reality, not everyone can afford to go and stay at these places. Though I do wish it were possible!

Wouldn’t that be grand! Being able to go somewhere and have people prepare Raw meals for you and your family, with teachers there to give information and mini classes during the afternoons on the whys and how’s and what for’s of nutrition and Raw. Having that support system in place and at one’s beck and call for long enough time for you to become stronger than that craving for ‘rocky road’ is priceless and something we all would benefit from. Your armor hard as a rock against that sweet potato pie with the marshmallow top that your mom has made for you, because it is your childhood favorite.

Eating with family and friends who do not follow the same diet would be a breeze because you would be solid in your raw foundation. Impenetrable and secure in your choices and knowledge of what you were doing being the best for you and your family. I don’t think I am the only one who gets headaches at meal times. I’m pretty sure, OK I hope, there are others out there who like me, are struggling to do better, want to do better.

I find great comfort and support in visiting the websites of the Raw Divas, and visiting with my raw friends on the forums. It may not be a 30 day rehab, but it does help make one day at a time a little easier. So if you’re in the same spot as I am… take a few breathes. Make a plan, make a menu, and write out the steps to accomplish that plan. Stick to it! I know it’s hard, believe me you, I know.

But it is POSSIBLE! It CAN be done, and if you just hang in there, push forward, it will get done. You will wake up one morning, vibrant and healthy, feeling strong and beautiful. You will have accomplished your goals and you will be happy.

And that’s what it’s about.

** Jess is one of the newer members of our Blogging Team.