I've been 100% raw for almost 2 years. To me, being raw is about living life to the fullest and getting the most out of your experiences. Living foods just happen to be the best way to get the nutrients and energy you need. I've used in the past "raw foodist," "raw fooder," and "raw vegan." Or of course there's the good old adjective: "I'm RAW."

Did/Do you have concerns about your nutrition on a raw foods diet? Do you use supplements?

Absolutely not, and no. Eating so much healthier scares so many people. It is ingrained into our minds that we must eat three times per day, with meat and dairy and all sorts of grains, etc. Candy, soda, burgers, chicken, fish, french fries, poptarts, microwavable dinners, and milk are the things we should be worried about, not raw fruits and vegetables. By eating cooked foods, humans do not receive the best nourishment.

I do not enjoy eating anything made by man. That said, if someone was coming from an extremely undernourished lifestyle, supplements could be used for the better. It's never good to use supplements to treat a problem. Look for the cause.

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

The changes have been amazing. On of the most noticeable to me is the change in my allergies. I got rid of seasonal allergies going vegan, but I was still extremely allergic to cats. Now cats don't bother me at all, and it was a definite effect of going raw.

My senses are much stronger. I can hear the high-pitched buzzing of TVs rooms away, and no one in my family can hear them at all. I can smell or feel when something is toxic (like perfume). My body tells me when I eat something bad as it should. When I eat too many seeds, it lets me know. When you eat raw and you start to eat too much, the flavor of the food starts to change.

I'm not depressed anymore. Alkaline foods mean and alkaline body, which is a happy body! I do still have lots of family stress, yet raw foods have allowed me to conquer these peacefully, unlike before. Live foods give me energy to exercise and to think and follow my passions.

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

www.living-foods.com is a great site. I have plans to create a raw site for youth, and as soon I am ready to do that, I'll let the site know, though I'd love to have help if anyone can. I could definitely use raw teens to interview!

I never used UN-cook books, but there are quite a few out there. Many are great for transition, but in the long run, there's just too much salt and oil and spices. They're a giant leap from cooked foods, though, and anyone who tries it out will see the difference in themselves!

How do you recommend transitioning to a raw foods diet, especially for kids used to eating cooked foods? Please share your experience?

I've written many articles, some which are on the site about my own story. I'm writing a book loaded with personal info and fact. Transitioning is important. I believe it will give your parents time to adjust as well as yourself. You have to come to the realization that cooked foods ARE addictive. Perseverance and support are vital! I know support is hard to find so I'd be glad to help anyone out who needs support or just a friend. Find a raw food support group online (there are plenty on yahoo) and you may even be able to find some people in your area!

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

No, though I found it on a Christian site. My decision was mostly for logic and natural reasons, but when I started out, I decided to do it for fun. Raw foods have actually changed me from an atheist to a Christian. I know religion can lead some to raw foods for health, but raw foods and health can lead some to religion!

What do you eat on an average day?

Fruit! In the summer: melons, bananas, grapes, lettuces, avocados, some seeds, peaches, coconuts... In the fall, I eat lots of apples and pears and bananas and throughout the witner I chow down on citrus, apples, pears, and whatever else I can find. There are so many different things to choose from. I try to eat greens everyday. I eat salads and green foods with avocado and/or seeds. Sunflower seeds are my favorite seed. You don't need to eat much variety for each day. Just add in what you can and eat what good fruits you enjoy. How many animals make their meals of more than one food at a time?

How old are you? At what age did you start eating a raw foods diet?

16 (okay 17 if you round up). I first read about it at 14, and that's when I started trying to go raw. I was 15 before I made it 100%.

Is your health care provider or doctor supportive?

I don't take health advice from people who know nothing of nutrition, history advice from someone who doesn't know history. Most doctors do not know anything about nutrition, only drugs. Go into a pharmacy and then come and tell me we are a "drug-free America."

What role does juicing play in your diet? What about dehydrated foods (not only fruits and veggies but "breads")?

I don't do juices because I don't have a juicer. I prefer the whole foods, though juices can be a nice treat. Dehydrated foods are delicious, but food with water in it is best. But the raw food diet is not about idealism. It's about doing the best you can! The longer you eat raw, the more you crave fresh fruits. Dehydrated crackers and chips can be great for cravings and to share with friends!

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

Get a dehydrator and a blender if you can. I don't have a dehydrator, but I plan on getting one for my sister. They are very helpful bit not necessary. Blenders and food processors can be found for a few bucks at thrift stores, along with juicers. A blender is awesome for soups, smoothies, dressing, etc. You can get them very cheap. Food processors and blenders both pretty mcuh perform the same function, but blenders are more for drinks and processors more for chopping.

Can you share your favorite recipe (or two)?

Yep! Most of my favorite recipes have only one ingredient: young coconuts, durian, or watermelon in a blender, but I have a few others, too. Try experimenting with these to add flavor to different things: lemon, celtic sea salt, garlic, differnt types of onion, and organic seasonings. Some people also like cold pressed olive oil and vinegar, but the less you use of these the better your food will be for you (except for lemons).

• Soaked sunflower seeds, blended with water and poured on salad.
• Avocado spread on romaine leaves.
• Bananas with water in a blender (make sure they're ripe!)
• Soup of celery, tomato, and avocado.
• Many people use Celtic sea salt or raw olive oil to enhance dishes. Don't be turned off by my simplicity. I've had raw foods that taste exactly like refried beans, nachos, pizza, sour cream, cheese, etc.