On this page are testimonials from those who are eating a raw and living foods diet, all of varying levels, who can tell you first hand of what eating raw and living foods has done for them personally. These testimonials were supplied in the hope that something said might grab your attention and inspire you, yourself, to want to learn more about the raw and living foods lifestyle and what it can do for you. In addition, if you have a testimonial of your own that you would like to share, I encourage you to email me so I can post it. You just never know...something you say may be just the catalyst for positive change that someone else is seeking.
Testimonials
After thirty days of being raw my blood pressure was normal for the first time in years, it was so high before that doctors were warning me that I would have a stroke or heart attack very soon and even pills were not bringing it down. Just a simple change in diet and just getting away from the typical American diet made all the difference. Plus losing almost thirty pounds in thirty days was an added benefit from going raw. Now my doctor says "I wish I had more patients like you" and all I did was just change the food I eat. Michael S., Fresno, CA
After discovering the truth about the foods we were eating, my husband and I decided to change our eating habits. We had heard about the benefits of a raw food lifestyle and after doing a 7-day cleanse, started gradually replacing our usual fare with raw foods. It has been two months and I am happy to say that not only have I lost 10 pounds, but I have experienced an increase in energy that is phenominal! What I thought was going to be a difficult lifestyle change has become a highly rewarding and exciting adventure. I would recommend it to anyone who is tired of yo-yo dieting and is sincerely concerned about better health. Nita Paulette G., Gig Harbor, WA
I have been experiencing low energy and sleepiness about mid-afternoon for several years now. Working full-time makes it even more difficult, since I can’t just take a nap. Instead I have been living on coffee all day for continued energy. I am currently eating raw food just 3 days a week and I notice on the days that I eat raw I do not get the afternoon slumps. My energy level is high, I do not feel sleepy, and best of all I have lost 5 lbs in the past month without even trying. I am inspired to continue to eat more and more raw over time. Beverly N., Las Vegas, NV
I currently eat a 50% raw diet and make the best choices possible the other 50% of the time. I have noticed that my brain fog, which I thought was just due to getting older, has started to lift and I am able to focus better. I have been battling brain fog for the past 5 years and thought there was nothing I could do about it. Now I know there is. I am committing to continuing my raw food journey. Raw food rocks! Charla L., Fresno, CA
I am 70 years old and have been eating 2 raw meals a day at least 4 or 5 times a week, 1 meal raw the other days, for about 6 weeks now. My cholesteral has gone from 228 to 198 (bad cholesterol has gone from 140 to 114), I have alot more energy, feel great, and best of all I lost a whole pant size in only 6 weeks, after all the years of trying and not succeeding! If I can do it at 70 anyone can do it!! Joyce K, Fresno, CA Had a friend over last night and she seemed so interested in everything and loved the fact that I made a smoothie for her son and he unwittingly drank it with spinach included in the smoothie, LOL. My boys couldn't believe they drank a smoothie with spinach in it. My boys are actually pretty good overall about eating their veggies, but this was something new. Lauren I., Auberry, CA by Alyson Cantwell, age 9 This was simple and totally yummy! And Alyson is just 9 years old!! Good job Alyson!
Update: Had my blood pressure checked yesterday. I couldn't believe it!!! I have not had a reading like that in about 40 years! It was 116 over 76, with a pulse of 64! At 71!!!!!!
I wanted to thank you for the great time last night ( at the raw food potluck ) that all three of us had. In addition, I found when I got home that I had no night-time munchies (my worst enemy!) and I woke up this morning feeling great. I am definitely hooked! William R. Work, M.D., Ultimate Living Medical Clinic, Fresno, CA ( www.drworkmd.com ).
I have become vegetarian at the age of 13, then I became vegan at 14, and I haven't discovered the true joy of fruits and fresh vegetables until 18, just after finishing high school. It was a book my mom gave me to read, and I got very excited about raw foods, about the energy of mind it can give me, and that all my pimples would go away, and that I will live a super long life and that my energy will be very high compare to before... Indeed, it did become like that! It is all thanks to my dear mother, who tried to make us love our health. It is still a battle with myself sometimes, and I always tell myself things like "Health is a gift of life. It is better not to throw it away, because we live only once, and life is best to the fullest of health. It helps me a lot. Life is a journey. Dina, Fresno, CA
In 2003 I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and Arthritis. I was in such bad shape that I had to have chemo treatments and eventually undergo surgery to remove a "dead" part of my large intestine. Doctors told me that there was a 30% chance I would have to undergo the same treatment and surgery again. I WOULD NOT LET THIS HAPPEN! I started reading some great books on natural healing. I soon became vegan and now eat tons of fruits, grains and veggies. I eat about 20-30% raw (I just realized- after learning about the raw food lifestyle). It has been 2 years since the surgery and nearly that long since my change of diet, other than a sensitive stomach, I have had no major problems to speak of. Since attending the raw foods class and potluck, I have added more raw foods in my diet and feel even better! Thanks Cathie for all the time and effort you have put forth!!! Lindsey C, Fresno, CA
Kids love raw food too!!
A student from a recent class had this comment about sharing raw food with a friend:
Alyson Cantwell, the daughter of a recent student, created her own raw food recipe:
Fruit Salad Recipe
First I cut up bananas and strawberries and put them in a bowl and mashed them.
Then I got very green juice blend from Trader Joe's and poured some in.
Next, I poured in organic blue agave nectar from Trader Joe's. Later I cut up more strawberries and bananas and put them in, and poured more agave in. (I did not mash!)
Then I added grapes and a granola bar.
I am Creative Pumpkin Pie
From "I am Grateful:Recipes and Lifestyle of Cafe Gratitude"
Crust:
2 1/2 C pecans
1/4 C well-packed, finely chopped dates
1/4 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp salt
Filling:
3 C butternut squash (shredded and medium packed)
1 1/2 C coconut milk
1/4 C + 2 tsp agave nectar
1 tsp vanilla
2 pinches of salt
2 tsp ginger
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmet
1/8 tsp cloves
pinch of tumeric
2 Tbsp lecithin
1/2 C + 2 Tbsp raw unscented coconut butter
Garnish:
1/2 C pecans
To make the crust: In food processor fitted with "S" blade, process pecans, vanilla, and salt briefly. Continue processing while adding small amounts of the dates until crust sticks together. Press crust into a greased (with unscented coconut oil) 9-inch pie pan.
To make the filling: Blend all ingredients except the lecithin and coconut butter till smooth. Then add lecithin and coconut butter, blending till well incorporated. Pour into prepared crust and set in fridge/freezer (about 30-45 minutes). Once set, decorate with pecans.
Live Almond Nog
Recipe by Victoria Boutenko
1 C raw almonds, soaked overnight
2 C water
4-5 dates
1 tsp ground nutmet
1/4 tsp sea salt, optional
Thoroughly blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Strain mixture through a nut milk bag. Pour into a jar. Serves 4.
