Bye-bye Raw?

People have been asking me what's on the menu for my breakfast tomorrow, the first official meal outside the confines of this raw experiment.

Answer: Probably a greens-and-fruit smoothie.

You can read more in tomorrow's paper about what exactly the three of us plan to do, post-raw. But I'll just say this much. I wasn't looking at this challenge as, well a challenge. It wasn't an experiment of deprivation with the reward dangling at the end of 30 days to pig out. In fact, it didn't feel very depriving at all. I came to this month of raw out of curiosity, and to see if I could dust off some good health habits that had fallen to the wayside. I had a slow, frustrating start. But standing on this side of 30 days, I'd say mission accomplished.

One of the coolest things about this process, though, has been the response. I've heard from a good number of people who've said reading along has made them reflect on their own dietary choices, and think a little harder about what they're putting into their mouths and onto the table for their families. It doesn't have to be a question of 100 percent raw or nothing. Cutting back on sugar and packaged foods, putting out more fresh fruits and vegetables, scaling back on caffeine. Even my mother, come to find out, has been inspired to make green smoothies her breakfast and lunch staple. (We'll set aside the fact she has some strange combinations. Romaine lettuce, fruit and...red bell peppers?)

All these little steps that people have told me they're making can add up to big changes. I fully believe that.

Last weekend, I finally had a chance to watch an advance review copy of "Raw for 30 Days", the documentary film that, in part, inspired our experiment.  (None of us, however, came into this trying to treat a major health issue). The movie's new title is "Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days" and it's set to premiere at the Newport International Film Festival in Rhode Island in June. It's a provocative film and worthwhile viewing for anyone exploring the connection between food and illness. Hopefully it'll spark an important conversation about the way we look at health and medicine in this country.

So am I going 100 percent raw? I won't answer that right now. But the question is, if I do, do you think my editors will let me change my byline to Courant Raw Staff Writer?

Comments

[Penni]

I have really enjoyed following your journey into the world of raw foods. I applaud you and have a feeling you'll always remember the things you've learned during this 30 days Raw.

All the Best!
Penni

[Frank Giglio jr.]

It was great meeting all of you Sunday! You are brave for stepping out of your comfort zone, for 30 days! In the long run, whatever you choose to eat, just listen to your body, cause it knows best!
Blessings

[Glen Colello]

Like all of life the journey is were the fun is! Enjoy a good night sleep & let Wednesday be a new day that a different type of choice is available. What choice you make nobody can take the last 30 days away!
See you and Cindy soon at a Pot Luck Sunday night! It is okay to bring a COOKED veggie dish!