Here’s a book I just purchased called Raw Food, Real World, by two New York City chefs who converted to being raw vegans and opened a raw vegan restaurant called Pure Food and Wine.

. . . .

I would say I’m about 85 to 90% raw foods vegan.

People always ask me one of two questions:

1. Are you getting enough protein?

2. Isn’t your diet too restrictive?

Well… the two questions may vary from person-to-person but it’s basically the same issue concerning “protein” and “restrictive”.

So, let’s analyze this:

I’m vegan so I’ve basically given up all animal foods.

And I eat primarily raw foods so that eliminates foods that are cooked.

What do I avoid?

Eggs, dairy products, meats, fish and poultry. And anything that’s cooked.

What can I eat?

Apples, oranges, bananas, grapefruit, radishes, papaya, mangos, watermelon, broccoli, spinach, red leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, arugula, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, tangerines, jicama, celery, orange juice, avocados, apple juice, pineapples, honeydew, cantalope, blueberries, blackberries, red cabbage, limes, lemons, grapes, almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, dates, raisins, cilantro, basil, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli sprouts, daikon sprouts, soy milk, almond milk….

Okay, you all get the picture. hehe… there is still a large variety of foods I can eat being a raw foods vegan.

I also use extra-virgin olive oil (which is pressed), and I do eat only one type of bread that is multi-grain sprouted bread (which is baked). I also use veganaise (a vegan version of mayonaise), and I do drink red wine on occasion (which is fermented grapes). And sometimes I will eat tofu (which is initially boiled).

So I haven’t gone 100% raw just yet, but I am a strict vegan. And by strict I really mean that I avoid all animal products, but in the diet sense of the word I am by no means restricted. I can still eat a LOT of foods within the raw vegan kingdom.

As far as protein is concerned. I’ve done enough research to see that the body assembles amino acids into protein. And protein and the 8 essential amino acids can be found in a variety of plant foods. A big concern among vegans is the need for vitamin B12 which is found in meat, but is also available in soybeans, barley, and spinach. Another concern is omega-3 fatty acids typically found in fish, which can be found in flaxseed oil, and dark green leafy vegetables.

The main objective however is how one feels. I’m feeling more energy. And so much more lighter. I feel more… alive… by eating primarily raw, live foods that still have their enzymes intact to aid in digestion.

If I were a meateater I’d still eat primarily raw foods because of their benefits. And I’d probably stick to raw animal foods such as sashimi and some raw sushi.

But, so far I’m happy being a raw foods vegan.

you can not fall off the floor
—badcookie.com

. . . .

If there’s one person I know who always tries to look on the sunny side of life, it’s… me.

But it seems the more I work on my positive, optimistic spirit, the more I am challenged and tested.

Take for instance, the last few weeks…

My family’s been feeling the financial crunch ever since our August vacation in Europe. I guess it’s the American way to enjoy now and pay later. So now, we’re paying for it all right.

On RBJ’s tagboard someone started quoting bad fortunes from bad fortune cookies. Sort of a fun thing to do that can lighten our misfortunes of the day. Matter of fact, I came upon badcookie.com for those who can’t get enough bad fortune in their lives… you can visit the site and have a whole slew of bad fortunes dished out to you!

Anyways, a few real-life bad fortunes dished out to me recently…

1. my laptop still needs to be fixed

2. microwave oven is broken

3. had a library fee of $98.00 for a lost book that was late

4. my car is going to need some major repair soon

Other than that, everything is peachy-keen and hunky-doree!

Ah… veganunlimited.com! Their raw foods section is very interesting.

I’m in the process of coding more improvements to the enhanced version of Rice Bowl Journals. It’s been a while since any improvements have been made to the members’ area, and it’s something that’s been long overdue.

So, expect some changes in the members’ area, as well as overall changes to the RBJ site.

Just an interesting pair of items purchased earlier while shopping at the mall… sunglasses and a book by the Dalai Lama:

Are you tired of all the Dalai Lama quotes yet? Okay, here’s one more:

We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.
—Dalai Lama

[ in the kitchen surfing the web ]

~

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.
—Dalai Lama

. . . .

As you can tell, I’ve been reading much of the Dalai Lama’s writings lately.

Compassion, and Kindness…

If there were two things needed more in this world it is the above two.

. . . .

Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t appreciate kindness and compassion.
—Dalai Lama

I would add Forgiveness, but this can be considered an outcome… a result of Kindness and Compassion.

In my life, I’ve pretty much forgiven everyone who has treated me harshly. I’ve come to realize that we are all a part of the family of humankind. We all have our strengths and weaknesses, and if someone had treated me badly, it’s because that person has had some negativity brought on to him/her at one time or another. If not, then that person wouldn’t have reason to lash out at others.

Anger, Hatred, Indifference…. is basically a sign of weakness. It’s a part of the human condition that we all must transcend. There is a higher level of understanding that we all must strive towards in order to end many things… wars, racism, world hunger, etc.

There are many things we can do in our society that would spread the message of kindness to all. But it can start at its most basic level. That of simply treating others with kindness, with the common sense of dignity and respect that each of us deserves.

. . . .

This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.
—Dalai Lama