Why I Eat Raw Food
“This is why I care so much about raw food. If you keep the temp beneath 116 degrees, the enzymes within the food stay alive, the vitamins don’t get denatured and because it is a more natural way to eat, it helps our digestion. It helps the absorption of the correct nutrients.” -Dr. Mehmet Oz
I listened to Dr. Oz talk about eating a raw food diet to a man who was over weight, and running a very high risk of early death because of his diet. His brother had already passed away from a massive heart attack. As I sat and listened, I thought about what brought me to the raw food diet. How it makes sense to me and how much better I feel when I am eating a raw diet.
My own brother passed away at the age of 45 from a massive heart attack. He was over weight, had developed type two diabetes, and smoked. He was a funny, warm human being with a daughter and a new puppy. He thought he was coming down with the flu and with in less than an hour, he was dead. They found him laying on the ground, next to his truck. He didn’t have a chance. Or did he?
At 47, I found myself over weight, short of breath, having chest pains, and joint pains. I had been put on a prescription for Prilosac because every time I ate, I had terrible acid reflux. I had been athletic all of my life and hardly had ever even taken an aspirin. But something happened to me when I wasn’t paying attention. My diet caught up with me and I was scared.
My brother didn’t realize what was happening. I am sure he had experienced some of the same symptoms I was having. It was too late for him, it wasn’t too late for me. I knew it was time for a change.
Since going raw, I have eliminated all of my symptoms. I still have periods when my diet goes to hell (like this Christmas) and all the symptoms immediately come flooding back. It is pretty profound and an amazing that my body so eagerly lets me know that it doesn’t approve of my choices. I always find my way back to raw food.
My brother no longer has a choice. I do. I choose raw.
Sandra wrote on March 31, 2010
Thank you for sharing your own personal story! It is such an inspiration! I’m very choosy with what I eat – and it’s nice to know that there are others out there with the same determination to stay healthy. I’m about to try the raw food diet and will look to your blog for more inspiration. Keep up the good work!
Heather wrote on March 28, 2010
Powerful story, Susan. Thanks so much for reminding me how important it is to take care of our bodies.
Shannon wrote on March 27, 2010
Thank you so much for sharing this with us. This really hit home for me and is a great reminder of why we choose this lifestyle. It’s also comforting to know that you and others have had slip ups as well, we just have to listen to our bodies and remember why we are doing this in the first place. Thank you again.
Elena wrote on March 26, 2010
That is quite a powerful reason, Susan. I am glad you made changes before it was too late. Sorry to hear about your brother.
Dot D. wrote on March 26, 2010
Amy, I concur with that. Had my own experience after this weekend with some Italian food in the company of others. What a big, big mistake! It’s taken me all week to recover! Cheers to raw foods, energy and life. Onward…..