What is the Optimal Diet for Your Family?
Written by admin on February 28, 2010 – -Judgement is like an eclipse of the sun…It blocks the light. ~ Marianne Williamson
Have you noticed there seems to be a movement sweeping through the raw community..? Many people are discussing it, many are doing it, and some are advocating it. I’m talking about the idea of widening our conception of what in fact is the healthiest diet. Let me ask you something, do YOU know what the optimal diet is? Most of us here would say a raw diet. Buuuuut, what exactly is a raw diet? How raw are you supposed to be to be considered raw? Is it all or nothing, or how important is the percentages of raw to cooked ratio for health? Does being raw mean being vegan? How healthy is the struggle of striving for a particular ideal, only to fail time and time again? How about when you desire certain goals, but the stress of striving for them outweigh the results? What about if there is judgement from other people or YOURSELF? Are there issues that lie underneath that aren’t being addressed through diet alone? Is focusing solely on diet as the means of obtaining health balanced? Or can it become toxic? What about the kids?? What does all the hyper-focus on the food mean to them? Is being raw a rawligion? What does it really mean to YOU?
There are truly amazing people in the raw movement who seem to be quite adept in their ability to trust their instincts and do due diligence with their research- using both hemispheres of the brain to ascertain what is right for them on their health journey- and we have learned much from them and been so inspired. However, it was always what worked for THEM that they did and eventually espoused. Of course, when anyone has the clarity and passionate beliefs and acts upon them with conviction, the innate strength and rightness of being which one is imbued with naturally shines a light outwards- not only guiding them onwards, but also attracting others.
Many people noticed this light in these particular individuals, and started to investigate this idea of becoming Raw for themselves. And for a decade now, many of us have been raw. The effects of changing our diet, our personal standards about not only food and nutrition, but also the ethos and ethics of our choices, and the consequences socially- for many of us have been profound. Some have found their purpose. Some have regained their health. Some have been released of the burden of excess weight or addictions. Some have reversed disease. The list goes on and on of the
I have always wondered…just because it worked for some, does that mean it will work for you and me? These people found what worked for them. THAT sounds like the real message to me. I don’t think anyone can say for sure what the perfect diet is for everyone, at every stage of their life.
For me, life is a process, and so is my awareness of what makes up real health; and it isn’t all about diet, though diet is a cornerstone. Many of you listened to speakers of the Raw Mom Summit and so you know that there ARE many models of the raw food diet. And every one of them attracts people that claim it is working for them even though it contradicts another version of raw foodism.
We have seen Dr. Graham passionately refute anything other than a 100% high-fruit, low fat diet, with lots of facts and stats to back it up. And we have seen David Wolfe suggest that certain people with particular metabolisms do well on a high fat all-raw diet. Dr. Brian Clement eats 70% raw and cooked grains. Many people say all grains, whether gluten-free or not, cooked or raw, are unhealthy. Victoria Boutenko consumes mostly green smoothies and soups but has recently added some steamed veggies occasionally. Shazzie was concerned about her daughter lacking in certain nutrients so added some eggs. Kate Magic raises her kids on a high superfoods diet. Sally Falon a widely respected author/researcher recommends raw dairy. Dr Weston Price who so many of us health-seekers have studied found that primitive people’s who lived the farthest from modern dentistry but ate a non-processed omnivourous diet (both plant and animal) had perfect jaws and teeth- and how many raw foodists can say that? Daniel Vitalis says raw veganism is a great cleanse, but not sustainable or even healthy for most people long-term. Aujanous Vonderplanitz cured himself from cancer by eating raw meat and now consults with thousands who do the same.
(Btw, I wouldn’t have thought this could possibly be good for anyone to do until I met a girl who was so robust looking, with perfect skin and clear eyes and beautiful teeth- an absolute natural beauty- who was the ‘healthiest’ looking person I have ever met. So I asked her about her diet. She said she ate all raw. My heart leapt for joy! Until she added ‘Meat. Raw meat’. I couldn’t even imagine it. But she vibrated such calm and yet powerful energy- kind of like a wild animal that is focused and peaceful yet totally alert and full of energy. I asked her how she came upon this way of eating and she told me about this man and his book called We Want To Live, and so I read it. Not for me, yet I could never discount it if it helps others.)
That was 8 years ago. The strange thing is that although I didn’t believe anyone could heal from this type of diet, I have to admit I have met very few raw vegans, if any, before or since who radiated the strength and beauty and physical health of this girl. My quest has always been for health, and I would love to look like she did, but being a raw vegan seems infinitely ‘superior’ to any other diet, and so it has been the path that I have chosen. Well, I no longer believe diets are superior or inferior…And neither am I 100% raw or vegan. The judgement that comes with those kind of concepts don’t seem ultimately very health giving, so I just hold that some diets are more nutritious.
Susun Weed who isn’t a raw foodist firmly believes that women and children need nourishment that plants alone cannot give. As a woman in my mid-forties, I want to ensure I do whatever my hormones may need for my later years, and so I hear that. Plus, any dogma which leaves no room for the emotional healing and is so confining is lacking in spiritual sustenance. My children are growing up and I constantly keep alert to ensure they are getting everything they need to meet their rapid growth spurts. I go in and out of being all raw, down to being about 90%, my kids a little less than that. And I used to beat myself up over it, now I just accept it and honour myself and my body and my mothering of theirs. Like I said, it’s a process, for all of us.
I most care about creating a safe haven for mothers on their journey. If I can do anything, it would be to support and encourage, offering some inspiration perhaps. But never to tell anyone what to do. I will always share what I do or what I would do in your situation if you ask me. And I would love to see other raw moms here with a variety of approaches so people can gravitate to what they resonate with. This will become a living community with a diverse and vibrant approach reflecting the evolution of sacred parenting at every stage. I’m not an authority. I’m no guru. Gosh, I’m so bored of gurus, aren’t you? I’m just like you- a mom- who loves my children dearly and wants to give them the best foundation I can in life.
Where are YOU in your raw health journey? Are you vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore?
I’d love to know, and I am sure others would too. We are going to set up a forum that is so user friendly and beautiful that we are all going to love going there to check out everybody’s profile and see what is happening with everyone. In the meantime, remember this, no matter what you eat, or what you don’t, it doesn’t define who you ARE, or the gifts that you came here to bring. Our diet is vitally important to our health, and natural raw foods are wonderful to include in a big way- but it isn’t the only aspect of health. My biggest hope is to get and keep our kids and ourselves off of junk food, to have people eating real nourishment, and even more importantly, is to address the underlying causes there, dietary, and emotionally. May we all be nourished. May we eat with mindfulness and gratitude, and be able to enjoy however we choose to nourish ourselves. And may we find love and support here on the journey.
Tags: family on raw food diet, getting off psychiatric drugs and medication, holiday meal planning, Robyn Openshaw, shakaya leone, shannon leone
Posted in Raw Food for Kids, Raw Food Health | 17 Comments »
By GoRawMe (Jensey) on Feb 28, 2010
Shannon! Terrific! Wonderful! Finally … someone who is well known and well respected … and eating primarily raw … speaking up and out! I tossed gurus out 3 months in to finding raw and living foods lifestyle. After all, gurus are simply charismatic people with strong opinions. I don’t need opinions, I need discovery. I keep tossing the judgement – self and other – out every day. It is by meeting beautiful heartfelt people who are different than myself that I am able to find the courage to do this.
Food does not have to be a divider between us. Let’s all sit down at the table together and look into each other’s eyes… and listen. Purely listen to each other and not the reverberation of our own thoughts bouncing off each other. I am finding the gift that my body is. My goal is the discovery of true health. Food is a piece of this for my physical body. I love sharing the joy of preparing incredibly vibrant and delicious raw food offerings. I also love sharing … just sharing. From the heart. My heart doesn’t ask your heart if it is raw … and then what percentage. My heart is interested in much deeper places to explore.
Thank you for a beautiful post. I feel blessed to have found you along my journey. In joy ~)
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By Shazzie on Mar 1, 2010
I am so proud of you. Mother knows best, darling. Keep following your instincts xxxBLISS Uxxx
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By ruth on Mar 1, 2010
i loved this post! i agree completely…
looking forward to the raw mom community!
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By Shakaya Breeze on Mar 1, 2010
Dear Jensey, I loved how you put it- you need discovery! How afraid we often are of finding our own way…I recal a vid with Sergei Boutenko saying how afraid we are to try new things and he encouraged everyone to not cling to recipes but to explore. When I interviewed Susun Weed once and was saying in my intro ‘…and Susun is a Master Herbalist’ she interupted with velocity and vehemence ‘I’m sorry we need to STOP right NOW.’ So I turned off the recording and asked her what the problem was. She said ‘I am NOT a master of anything. I am a Mistress of mystery.’ I just said to her, the next time you feel the need to make a distinction like that, feel free because that is perfect and I wish we had it on tape!’ And OH! YES! Food was never intended to be a divider as you say…I think all of us reading that can recall times when our diet has seperated us from others more because of the judgements we were perhaps carrying than we’d like to admit. This isn’t healthy for any of us! Thank you for sharing from your heart. Your heart looks so beautiful to me xo
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By Shakaya Breeze on Mar 1, 2010
I am SO excited you are looking forward with us Ruth!!! Thank you for being here. xo
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By Shannon Shakaya Breeze on Mar 1, 2010
Shazzie, you were the first raw vegan I heard to speak up and question…And when you did, you received less than love from the raw community. I noticed you always responded with sincere surprise and firm facts, and kindness blessing everyone regardless of how they had spoken to you. I thought to myself, what is going on here? I didn’t know about the Vit D or Vit K or all the issues you were putting on the table, but I clearly understood who held the spiritual cards..it was your kindness in the face of critiscm, and your courage in the heat of not only the backlash but what you were going through with your daughter Evie and the strength and grace you had to remain open to change despite your lengthy raw vegan herstory. This, and so much more, is why I respect you as I do. Thank you for dropping by in a show of support! xoxoxox
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By Shannon Shakaya Breeze on Mar 1, 2010
Some responses to this article posted on my FB:
Frank Giglio Who’s right, who’s wrong? Hmmm, I’m done with that game! Thanks for sharing!
Yesterday at 8:15pm ·
Shakaya Breeze Everybody is right, nobody is wrong, and life just gets better every moment. So damn EXCITING!! High five Franky G.
Yesterday at 8:39pm ·
Raw Radiance nice article will repost
Yesterday at 8:57pm ·
Shakaya Breeze Thank you Radiant One ?
Yesterday at 8:59pm ·
Carrie Ciula sh~sh~shakaya! i dig this blog post deeply ? …i’ve been long tired of the “dogmatic” tone diet has taken on in certain circles….i’ve swirled and twirled in some pretty “weighty” and judgmental conversations in the past when i point out that the people i work with who include even a small amount of raw animal products are (in general) healthier~ …’tis just what i’ve noticed (and felt;)) BUT, the bottom line is that if your goal is to be *healthy* you have to be willing to stay open to change~ nothing about this journey is static~ and consider that thought patterns and spiritual presence may play a larger role in attaining/maintaining that solid stance…..at any rate, thank you for sharing your thoughts, much enjoyed!!!
11 hours ago ·
Debbie McCormick Garner Love it!
11 hours ago ·
Teresa Calouche love it ? , amazing! You bring reality, depth and truth back to the forefront, every time. ?
10 hours ago ·
Alexandra Schueler Mmm, I am with you Shakaya. It is all such a learning process… Learning to listen to the greatest teacher of all… Ourselves! Thank you for sharing thoughts, love!
10 hours ago ·
Marnie Myers Cipriani I read your blog post, and you can tell it came from the heart. I agree, there is no right or wrong way…progress not perfection :0) xx
9 hours ago ·
LeighLon Anderson I really enjoyed this! I am a person that is still trying to figure it all out. Still figuring out what is going to work best for me, how I will get to my ideal weight, how I will feel the best. I eat with love and a knowing that someday I will get there even if I am not the overnight success story. My heart so full of love embraces all people……..now I’m embracing myself
Thank you for your amazing article!
8 hours ago ·
Kristine Larsen Thankyou for sharing that. It couldent be said any better
)) Blessings to you 
))
7 hours ago ·
Shazzie Love I love u. xxx
6 hours ago ·
Alice Mason That was a brilliant blog Shakaya, and describes exactly how I feel. I am still feeling my way with raw food and do what my body and mind tell me. At firs vegan, now not. When the sun shines I want only raw, when it doesn’t, I don’t. It’s all good. XX
6 hours ago ·
Suzanne Grace Tallent Thankyou …. really enjoyed that
5 hours ago ·
Hannah de la Joy amen/awomen the pendulum swings and balance is created…
4 hours ago ·
Paula Miller Wow, beautiful article !!
4 hours ago ·
Angela Anderkin I loved the article. I too believe that every”body” is different. I know what makes me feel the best. I love reading your articles Shakaya. Thank you for your light in this universe:)
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By Kelli on Mar 3, 2010
I have read and re-read and breathed and rejoiced in every line. Thank you, thank you! You have put into words the message of the hour. The wild pendulum swinging has finally found a happy balance and it is harmonious to us all. We are all finding our way, our OWN way, and you are helping soooooo much with your zest and attitude and wisdom and logic. I cannot thank you enough for this post. I’m..like…plastering it everywhere I can think of. Bless you! Kelli
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By Shakaya Breeze on Mar 4, 2010
Thank YOU Kelli! You always make me smile and feel like my love and support is making a difference xo
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By Monique on Mar 5, 2010
Hi Shannon, You said it much better then I did. I think your article was beautifully said. Pressure and stress to conform to something never helps. It has to be something that you want that’s in your heart and feels right. I find people are always hardest on themselves and my hope is like you’ve said they can learn to be gentle with themselves. A journey is just that… a journey. It keeps going we keep learning …..and although every journey has an end there is always another one waiting. While we are on this journey lets have fun! xoxoxox
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By Shannon Shakaya Breeze on Mar 5, 2010
Thank you Monique for always supporting me, and also everyone else on their onw gentle journey…I love that xo
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By Joanna on Mar 5, 2010
I grew up in an area where we’d literally have to stop the car in the middle of the road to let shepherds cross the road with their goats or sheep! Animals can definitely be well treated, and like Shazzie said once, just because we want to eat animal products doesn’t mean our only choice is factory farmed pigs. I don’t want to ever eat meat, because it makes me so sick, and an animal has to die, but I have great respect for the Native American tradition of thanking the animal for allowing us to be fed by it. I would never, ever criticize someone who eats meat with gratefulness, even though I don’t eat any. As for dairy and eggs, I very rarely eat them but that’s only because it’s so hard to find raw, organic goat’s dairy around here (I don’t react well to cow dairy). But if I were to find some, would I drink it? Probably. I also see nothing wrong with taking the eggs of hens who will lay them regardless, and will even give us more if they are very well treated. To me, it’s like an exchange of gifts. We take good care of them, feed them, give them love, and they nourish us with their eggs
I’d like to have hens some day… I really love your post, and I am soooo glad everyone is sending you love. There was a time people who spoke in favor of eating animal products were really criticized, but you’re right, there is a revolution going on! <3 Love, Joanna.
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By Shannon Shakaya Breeze on Mar 6, 2010
Joanna, you experienced a connection in childhood that has enriched you deeply…Your kindness and ability to trust your body as well as be tolerant of others’ choices, really touches me.
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By kate magic on Mar 7, 2010
sweetest shannon….i believe i teach the answers 2 all the questions U pose in my classes. i dont teach a superfoods diet
i teach people how 2 reconnect with their own divine intelligence & empower themselves 2 discover their own unique needs & desires. i think the raw foods diet is very much a spiritual diet & the 2 must go hand in hand – spiritual evolution & sustaining a high raw diet. all the nutrition in the world cannot make up 4 an undeveloped consciousness – if people R not doing the work on themselves they cannot keep the diet up, plain & simple. thats why so many of the so-called *gurus* cannot maintain the diet they preach. bcos it becomes abt ego rather than truth. & that’s why so often mums know best – cos we R living it at a deeper & more heartfelt level. love U & the light U spread xX
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By Tiffany on Mar 10, 2010
Shannon, I really liked what you said in the facebook post that everybody is right, nobody is wrong. I love reading the uplifting words from you and others on this site, and enjoy the real, deep, simple, heartfelt thoughts. I can’t wait to learn more about trusting myself, living up to my divine role as a mother, and especially raw foods. I am a whole foods vegetarian/practically vegan, but am very new to all this. It is right to me no matter what anyone says. I can feel it but am trying to take 100% raw slowly so I don’t get overwhelmed. Isn’t that a silly comment? Raw food, the most simple food on earth, to me needs to be taken slowly. Please keep sending wonderful words of wisdom..
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By Shannon Shakaya Breeze on Mar 11, 2010
You are clearly so wise Kate! I think this is a big topic…I have always felt that this diet reeeeally helps facillitate higher awareness…Which seems to come as a result of the diet’s ability to clear out emotional patterns within us. In that sense I see how it goes hand in hand. I guess the question that comes up for me, is, How is it, do you think, that many of the world’s greatest people, most empowered and authentic teachers or leaders in every field who may be highly evolved on every level, and yet, they eat other than a ‘raw food/spiritual diet’…?
I love your gentle spirit Kate. xo
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By Mark Ament on Apr 5, 2010
Shannon, I love the quote attributed to Confucious. It goes something like: “The Noble minded are all encompassing. They are not stuck in doctrines.” What you’re saying reminds me of that. Labels of any kind tend toward doctrines. For me personally I don’t consider animals to be food, nor do I ever eat them but I don’t identify as being a “vegetarian.” I see the benefits of eating a high percentage of fresh veg and fruit (sometimes 100%), but I don’t call myself “raw.” Life is too vast, complex and mysterious to fit within these categories. Thanks for bringing this up.
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