I have been a "raw foodist" for over a year. I only eat foods that are not cooked or processed. I ea as naturally as I can. I very rarely even eat nuts that are already out of the shell or frozen foods. I eat fresh fruits, vegetables and some nuts. And of course, young coconuts! I call myself a "raw fooder."

How many members of your family eat predominantly raw foods?

Both my sisters and I eat all raw foods. Each of our boyfriends do the same, too. My mother eats almost all raw. My father and brother have different diets, but I am not really concerned about it. I understand that keeping the physical body in as best condition as one can isnt' on everyone's Most Important Things list.

What changes have you experienced in your health as a result of adopting a raw diet?

There have been some changes with me, and things continue to change a lot. The biggest change for me is that I have a mental clarity I never knew was possible. My sisters and my mother have had their own changes and experiences also. Every one has their own unique experience. I believe we have all leared a lot and found a beautiful way to feel alive through pure foods.

What websites, books, cookbooks, magazines or other resources have been useful to you?

I have read many books on the raw food diet, and they all have something interesting to say. I really like Just Eat an Apple magazine by Frederic Patenaude, and his book The Raw Secrets. I am really not into recipe books. I've made up my own recipes and experiemented with following some, but I just like it better when it's really simple.

How do you recommend transitioning to a raw foods diet?

I did it all of the sudden. I thought it sounded cool, so I did it. I didn't have a clue what I was doing at first, because I didn't want to read anything about it, so I wasn't completely raw. I was eating some things I thought were probably raw, like a kind of bread that says "cooked at low temperatures," and cashew butter which is not raw. But it was a big change from my mostly home cooked omnivorous diet. So I felt a lot better.

I went like that for about two months then started eating all the toher stuff again except meat. Actually, I was eating more junkie stuff like cookies and breads and eating out more. I started feeling bad again, and then worse than I did before it all. I knew I had to change something. It was then that I read Victoriea Boutenlko's book, 12 Steps to Raw Foods, and I never ate cooked food (on purpose) again. I kept finding out something or another wasn't completely raw, although the important part wasn't really "was it raw of not," but to feel if it was healthy for me

The more processed a food is the worse it makes me feel, so I keep it very simple. I also do not eat any animal products whatsoever. I ate honey and bee pollen for awhile, but it just didn't feel right. I am completely vegan in my diet except for the ocassional accidental aphid on my lettuce. I believe everyone should do what feels right to them. There is no wrong way to do anything.

Was your decision to eat a raw foods diet related to religion in any way?

Not really. My spirituality is integrated with all the rest of my life, like my education (I am homeschooled in a non-structured manner). all my decisions are related to my spirituality/religion just because it's part of me and all of my life.

What do the raw fooders in your family eat on an average day?

We just eat what sounds good. My younger sister and I (I am 18, and she is 17) usually eat fruits during the day and greens and sometimes fats later in the day or in the evening. Sometimes we feel like we just watnt greens or sometimes it's fruit. It's never uniform, and we don't do everything perfectly, of course. My father eats salmon, potatoes, bread, eggs, burgers, vegetables. He sometimes eats out, and every now and then will have a microwave dinner. It doesn't bother me at all except sometimes the smell, depending on what it is.

What role does juicing play in your diet?

I don't juice. I don't have a juicer, and I'm not really into drinking juice so much. I will drink juices, especially of celery and/or greens if my [older] sister or her boyfriend offer, but I don't really do it on my own. I eat my food whole, and when I'm thirsty I drink water or young coconut water.

What appliances do you recommend for those on a raw foods diet?

A machete and some good quality knives! Or a cleaver if you don't want a machete (but who wouldn't?). They're both excellent for coconuts. Oh yeah, and straws and a spoon for the young coconuts, too. I know those aren't appliances, really, but they're very useful.

Can you share your family's favorite recipe?

Put your fist through a watermelon and scoop out the fruit with your hands! It's exquisite.