Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Is There Inner Conflict In The Raw Food Movement?

While standard Americans are arguing over what chunk of the cow/pig/chicken is tastiest or healthiest, or if fish is really considered meat, those of us in the raw food movement have conflicting opinions as well and aren't afraid to communicate them. This post is not a direct response to a recent Facebook attack on me (and other living Superfoodists), but one where I would like to openly share my perception about the behind the scenes of this immensely bright movement that is sweeping the world. We ARE growing (thank heavens) and therefore so are the (unnecessary) bashings. While some may not be 'bashings' - some are, against people, against certain foods, and who knows what else.

I am of the belief that to create the paradise on Earth that the raw foodists desire, there needs to be more acceptance of everyone outside of themselves. Placing judgment on others can be easy to do if their choices are different than ours, but does it really get us anywhere? NO. Does it make us feel right? Could be, but that's a lame excuse to judge. Does it make us superior or better than someone else? Of course not. But... although it's presence is relatively small, the conflicting energy is still present.

This list is extensive and I'm sure there's more, but just because... (read below) does not make person A better than person B (or B better than A).

they eat handfuls of bananas a day and someone else feels their hybridized and super high glycemic and won't touch them...

they eat only fruit and someone else thinks that's the most depleted diet of all...

they follow a diet that calculates percentages and someone else thinks that's total insanity to count anything...

they eat only fruits and vegetables and someone else chooses to also eat nuts, seeds, salt, algae, or seaweeds...

they eat only fresh fruit and someone else eats frozen fruit w/ a possibility of less nutrients...

they like to juice their produce and someone else thinks juice is sugar water...

they drink their fresh juice alone and someone else adds a green powder to it...

they drink distilled water and someone else harvests their own spring water...

they take tinctures of ant extract and deer antler and someone else thinks it's gross and toxic...

they eat only food that grows out of their garden and someone else buys from their local co-op or grocery store...

they eat agave nectar and think it's low glycemic and someone else thinks it processes like high fructose corn syrup...

they feel that raw chocolate (cacao) is detrimental or toxic to health and someone else feels it contains therapeutic amounts of minerals & neurotransmitter chemicals, and can be used like a tonic...

they eat all raw fruits and vegetables and someone else eats and thrives on raw Superfoods...

We, as the most progressive people on the planet, must come together and SUPPORT each other no matter where we are on the journey! Who cares if your friend (in-person or online) eats food that you don't? Who cares if they thrive on foods that you are totally against? What does it matter? When we KNOW what is right for our body, it's easy to say it would be the same for someone else. I'm paid to do this in my nutrition strategy sessions with clients, but that is people asking for the vast amount of information that will allow THEM to make the best choice that is right for them.

This is so easy: if you don't believe something you hear, or it doesn't resonate with you, let it go! There's no need to retaliate or criticize, no matter how right you think you are. And if you don't like what I say, then don't read this.

#1 GUIDELINE for lifestyle changes: Listen only to those who are achieving the results that you want for yourself. Our bodies change over time, so find someone who you admire now, mimic their actions, and you'll get what they have - and then adapt as you grow and your choices change (which seems to happen as the years pass). Choose wisely though, because if you diligently follow what a truly successful (raw) foodie does, you'll very likely create that reality for yourself (then celebrate!). When I sold my raw Superfood skincare line, I'd honestly say, If you don't think I have beautiful skin - don't buy my products!

#2 GUIDELINE: Stand up for what you believe and don't let someone make you feel as though you are 'wrong' - you are exactly where you need to be, right now (even if it changes later). I find that when I listen to those who say things with conviction, I get the best results... likely because it is those who are strong in their stance (and full of vitality and invincible health), that have reached the level of health that most people only dream of.

Come together... don't bridge yourself... stop the judgment and name-calling, make friends, not enemies... and love that each of us is individual and that is what makes us all beautiful and perfect - just as we are. Act as though peace and love emanate everywhere and that it was our acceptance of one another that brought us to this beautiful paradise!

6 comments:

  1. Fabulous information and thank you for sharing this with all of us Bethanne...
    Blessings, Marina

    ReplyDelete
  2. Amen! Listen to your own intuition and body and the rest will follow. Thanks for your objectivity.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you for commenting! Intuition is never wrong... !!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nicely said! We all have different guts, and what works for some, may not work for mine, and vice-versa. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Strangely enough, I had just watched Dan's video apologizing for getting a bit dogmatical himself.
    RAW FOOD DIET, SUPERFOODS & my lighthearted apology to David Wolfe, Doug Graham & you! ❤


    I totally agree with you and have been trying to tone down my enthusiasm for what works for me, which may not work for everyone!

    Also, remember some great tools like EFT, Ho'oponopono or Byron Katie's the Work, when dealing with these issues! Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I watched Dan's video as well. The dogma thing needs to go out the window and then the movement will grow even stronger! I know of EFT but not the others.. will have to check those out - thanks!

    ReplyDelete