I totally agree with Greenie.

Alive, you rock, I am going to take your grandmother's advice to heart. Crones are so wise.

Peisi, peaceful, loving and honest communication and actions (such as it sounds like you are practicing)while maintaining your principles and self respect is a lot of hard work- and so worth it in the end. You go girl!

Beware; the following is a bit of a rant...

I don't understand why it's not ok for vegans to be offended by people who eat animals raised and killed for their habits. Being a vegan and proud of it doesn't mean being holier than thou -it's just a bold expression of love and respect for oneself and other beings. If we have to hide our choices to make someone else feel better than maybe we need to re-evaluate the relationship... For instance, in what other ways are we being less of who we are so they can be more of who they are?

The reason carcass eaters feel on the defensive and think vegans think their diet is more ethical is because IT IS MORE ETHICAL. It doesn't mean vegans are better people or perfect vegans (we are all on a path) but there is no doubt that eating vegan is a vote against cruelty and greed. Dead animal eaters have to reconcile their choices for themselves. Why should one person compromise their values to make a guilty person feel better??? There are other ways to be compassionate and empathetic.

Also, why do vegans have to justify their diet and supply data/research papers to support that they are getting their nutritional needs met? That they can be healthy and (raw)vegan? Excuse me but who is taxing the medical system with obesity and related diseases, heart malfunctions and diabetes? I think dead animal eaters ought to be the ones who can prove that their diet and the crazy toll it takes on the environment isn't contributing to the destruction of the planet for the rest of us.

Pakd4fun, you are so right on - again!!

for the last couple of months ive been printing interesting articles on vegan and raw food etc.

ive been leaving in the bathroom , where my sweetie , umm spends a bit of time reading lol, a couple of times a day as this is where he likes to read.

the other day he came out holding one of my MAN-usripts and hes telling me , reading to me something that was interesting to him

if i left it up to him to look things up it wouldnt happen he only uses the computer to play poker lol

...Jodi, the banana eating buddhist

Great rant anna_elle!

anna_elle-

I think it is important for vegans to not get offended when others decide to eat meat because as soon as one beings acting defensive, it is usually a sign of insecurity. At least, it is often interpreted this way.

Also, I think it is important to treat others the way you want to be treated. I don't advertise that I am a vegan IRL, and I talk about it very rarely with my husband. I'm simply not interested in his meat-eating and I don't think that many people are interested in hearing about how I am a vegan, or how ethical it is. Most people need to come to this decision on their own. And if they don't... Well, I guess humanity will "cure" itself with the results of obesity, diabetes and cancer... All that fun stuff that is a consequence of poor diet. The information to a healthy life is out there, it is up to people to stop being lazy and taking everything for granted and researching it for themselves. However, if I was to TELL people this, I doubt they would respect me or feel the need to listen to/research what I am saying. I prefer to be living proof and people are seeing my health. When people ask how I do it, and I tell them, THEN they are open to listen to my opinions on veganism. However, if I talk to them about it while they are chowin down on lunch and I say things like "so... how does it feel to know that something had to die for you to have lunch", it often doesn't sit well with anyone...

I agree about your part on "why should we have to supply data about our diet". I think I have an answer to this question- and that is anorexia. Many people use veganism as an excuse for their anorexia. I have seen this so many times, and I think it is an embarrassment for the vegan community. Also, many vegans do not make intelligent food choices and are almost unconscious anorexics. Sadly, all vegans have taken the bad rep for these people... And at the same time, NOT all meat eaters have taken the bad rep for the obese, cancer-ridden diabetic SAD eaters.

Like I said before, my kidney specialist told me that in all his years of practice, he has never encountered a nutrient-deficient vegan. I find that to be a very positive sign!! He is a great doctor, and it is refreshing to hear these sorts of things from non-naturopaths.

Anyway, in defense of the meat eaters, I think they are still at the beginning of their path. I'm sure we have all been there too! Just give them time, sensitivity and understanding. Nothing brings evolution quicker than these things!!

much love,
xxpeisi

I shouldn't have to defend my diet because some anorexics are vegan. All meat eaters will eventually have related health problems. Even the lucky ones with the good genes eventually get clogged arteries if not something else first. I don't feel like they should have to defend their diet either but vegans should have those same liberties. I don't bring up my diet but other people do a lot. I don't defend it but remain lighthearted and strong in my convictions. Some of this came with age. I have been feeding myself for years. I don't need any one telling me what to put in my mouth. I educate myself and have good reasons for my decisions. People since when you are sure of yourself and they are more respectful when you require them to be. That does not mean pushing your views on others. Giving them the respect you expect is the first step to getting it from them.

I never said you should have to defend your diet.
I was explaining why many people suspect that vegans have health problems.
I am also not saying it is a vegans responsibility to make everyone feel secure with what they are eating. I am just explaining the consequence of history.

I also do not believe that anyone, be it vegans, raw vegans or meat eaters, are free from all health problems just because of their diet. Also, not ALL meat eaters get health problems from this... There is simply no science to back that kind of statement up and I think you must know this.

xxpeisi

Pesiinoe,

You are correct about my statement that all meat eaters will get health problems from eating meat. I say it simply from my own experience and watching people grow old and the causes of the issues that eventually plague them. It is like saying fifty years ago all people will become ill from smoking. If there was science to back it up then it was repressed but now we, of course, know better. Science is already catching up with the dangers of cooked. See the post titled "It's only a matter of time now." I knew right away that I wouldn't detox from cooked if it wasn't toxic.
I do think raw is a healing diet so if you do have an illness, your diet can heal you. I do believe no one is free from all health problems. There are so many factors other than food in our environment.

I really was writing about my views on defending any of my personal choices. I didn't intend to imply you said we should defend our selves. I'm sorry if I came off that way. If people think vegans have health problems and if this concerns them they can and should research it themselves. I am always happy to share what I have learned. Like you said the information is out there.

Glad things are turning positive in your marriage. Sometimes after things come to a head that become better than they were before.

khale

i betcha u now have pineapple greenya papaya strawberry parsley colada parties instead

yep
they ruined u all right

and yer much better off for it

good for you

Hey Peisione,

I totally understand you. everytime i go and see my family in europe, well some of them remind me how stupid i am for not eating cooked food, especially meat. they say what has america done to you??? And everytime i am about to attend a family function, i have to explain myself.

So my question is to you. Did you meet your husband before or after you lost weight.

And please remind your husband that if you never turned to raw foods, hell be visiting you at the hospital, and your lovely dinners would have been at the hospital and not at some fancy shmancy restaurants!!!

and do u have aby before pictures???? I would love to see them!!!!

They would def motivate me... I can't believe you lost so much weight. I want to loose weight as well as improve my whole physical condition, such as skin, clean my body out and etc....

Pakd4fun- I'm sorry about how I came across before. You should know that I agree with you- raw foods is extremely healthy and I am a vegan for both health and animal purposes. I just know how it feels to have people react strongly around me to my diet, and so I try to be mild, and assertive when I have to. There is no reason to get upset about being a vegan! We are doing a wonderful thing for ourselves and the world, and if others don't want to be a part of it, they don't have to. Right? I know that raw foods saved my life, literally, and it feels very good doing something this wonderful for the environment and my little (or huge) animal friends

Benetgirl, brace yourself for the photos, hehe:

BEFORE


AFTER


I was heavy when I met my husband and I lost the weight while we were engaged, nearly 4 years ago. I lost it quite quickly as well, most of it in 8 months. I also exercised hard and ate basically 80-10-10- very little nuts, mostly fruit and veg. I also live in Europe, and the europeans I meet in Sweden like their meat. The meat processing has a different and much higher standard here than in USA. The animals are treated better and hormones are illegal. I still don't agree with eating meat, but at least it is SOME improvement.

But my hubby and I worked things out. He even wants to eat the foods I am eating! (He just doesn't want to prepare them). When he is worried, he has this little asshole splurt. He just freaks out in order to try and understand things. Not so mature, but... He is trying, and I love him for it. Having him talk to my doctor and get everything explained to him was a big help as well.

xxpeisi

Peisi, have you got a blog? You have a wonderful story to share. Fantastic transformation. Power girl!

Gosia


RawGosia channel
RawGosia streams

Peisinoe,

It sounds like your partner feels that you may start to judge him and his meat eating with your new vegan ways. It is very important for you to let him know that you don't need him to change his diet, and that you accept and love him just as he is, even if you are eating different diets.

For most people, when someone they love and respects starts doing a different diet, they think that either the other person is doing something wrong, or if not, then they are doing something wrong. In either case, someone is right and someone is wrong.

This is totally untrue however. Both people could be doing the exact diet that is needed by each person (for whatever reasons), yet the diets are totally different.

Again, its very important to let your partner know that you support his diet and you don't want him to change anything that he doesn't want to change.

You never really truly know anyone and true colors come out and surprise us when certain situations come up.

He sounds like he is very concerned about what people think. Not just about you, but about everything. This is hard to deal with, when you know most people really could care less & you could care less too, what people think.

Look at your before & after pics! You went from cute to hotness! Your are radiant & men of course are going to be drawn to you. This may not be working for your husband. The other trivial stuff like eating veggies at a restaurant, might not really be the problem for him.

It's a fact. Non meat eaters smell & taste better. I've heard it and every man will admit vegan & vegetarian women are in a caliber of their own. You being more desirable to men, might not be working for him.

You said you don't want to leave him & you love him, so tell him you want to be with him forever, and you need him to believe in you & be protective by standing up for you. Sometimes, men need us women to tell them exactly what we want, and then it dawns on them, and they say, "oh, ok!"

rawrr

<<Sometimes, men need us women to tell them exactly what we want, and then it dawns on them, and they say, "oh, ok!">>

pfffFFTTTT!!

so funny rawrrrr

i thought men were mind readers too
then i got a clue

now i'm like " oh, ok"

ha ha

peisinoe

cool that he's interested in your food now
just watch

in a few
he'll start getting into the "cool" groove and start making smoothies, juices, cool salads and whatnot and trying to come up with gnarly wild new recipes

and you'll have to keep up with HIM and his wacky combo abombos ( heee hawwww!)

another postergirl for RAW way to go peisi

...Jodi, the banana eating buddhist

Rawgosia- I sort of have a blog here at the forum but I very rarely update it with anything important :p

xxpeisi

Wow,

What a transformation!!!! Its like a butterfly transformation...

If u can do it so can i... Just have to be very determined. And only in 8 months. Unbelievable. You are one hot Swedish babe, if i may say so. hehehe

Question. did you have any skin problems like acne or acne scars when at 200 lbs? and if so, did the scars go away? I just cant believe that you lost so much weight!!!!!!!!! How does it feel to loose so much weight.

Also about your husband. Is he heavier??? and I think, i could be wrong, that its not the problem for paying for veggies at restaurant for him. it might be that

1. he might loose you, cause now you are very hot skinny to other men, even if its just attraction and you will never leave him.

2. I have to admit this, but its like christmas.. its the festivities of goinmg out to dinner, the pigging out, and enjoyment of cooked food and sharing that same feeling with others. and now you switched your food. its not the same. like on christmas i dont eat what my family eats, and they want me to enjoy all the meals as they are enjoying them, so we can all have fun. so that might be another one.

3. i dont know your husband, but if he is overweight, he might feel left out like you are moving ahead and hes not.

I remember one time my ex didnt want me to improve much in my life due to the fact he wasnt going ahead... very sad, because i praise those that do better than me. and if you are a copuple you ARE SUPPOSED TO COMPLEMENT ONE ANOTHER!!! Im sure he loves you and just needs more proof and convincing of this lifestyle. And once he starts experimenting w it, hell be more understanding.

Being offended by anything is not ideal
By that I mean "anytime you suffer because of the way you think, then your thinking on the subject is not correct, because you should never suffer"

I do, however, agree that you definitely don't have to justify your diet/lifestyle choices to others who seem more unhealthy!

This is me doing something strange with my mouth.


Being goofy!!


Faerytale kisses


As you can see, my husband is definately not overweight!! He actually tried being raw with me for a week about 2 years ago. But he started to lose weight and it freaked him out, so he decided that the lifestyle wasn't right for him.

I didn't have a lot of skin problems when i was bigger, but I did have much oilier skin and more break outs. I don't have any acne scarring though.

And it feels great to have lost the weight! I have my flexibility back and I feel comfortable in my skin.

xxpeisi

aaahh, what a cute couple! :-) ok, like i said, i didnt know the situation w your husband. dont worry, i think it will work out. you look so cute together.

I hope i get to your level soon. ALtough, my i really need to improve skin, i have many scars... which i hope this raw lifestyle will improve. Thank you for sharing your life.

You two are a match made in heaven. Hubby is hot!

What a transformation! You and your husband are adorable!

Thanks for opening yourself up like this peisinoe. Your story and pics are so inspiring. You guys look perfectly matched.

Thanks guys!!
Yeah, my husband has always been a fox. It never made sense to me that he loved me so much when i was obese, but we have been best friends for 10 years now. I love him more and more every day!

xxpeisi

I don't know if anyone has already suggested this (I didn't read all the responses), but simply and casually ask your husband to present to you, all the nutrients that a person can ONLY get from meat. See what he says.

There is only one nutrient you can get only from meat in decent amounts: vitamin B-12.

But everything else the body needs (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, potassium, antioxidants) can be suppled by a vegan diet.

Secondly, tell your husband that it's a myth that man evolved as a meat-feaster. Ancient man was mostly a vegan. All he had was spears to slay game. It wasn't easy catching a bison or buffalo or even a rabbit without a rifle. So he had no choice but to forage for vegetatation.

But ultimately, your issues go deeper than dietary conflict. There are true marital problems here, and switching back to your previous diet won't fix anything; your husband will just attack you about something else -- your hair? Your clothes? Who knows?

I love my husband more and more everyday too. It's nice hearing about other "best friend" couples.

My husband went mostly raw too and I know this is off topic and I hope I don't offend anyone but the sex is way better . We feel young again. That alone would be reason enough to stay raw!!

hey peisinoe

u 2 were best friends for 10 years?

how beautiful

wishing you 100 more years of spectacular friendship ! and a colorful marriage

dump him and get a RAW vegan ( not just a vegan silly)

j/k

peisinoe,

You are both adorable and look great together. Thanks for posting the before and after pictures. Wow what a difference.

wow totally cool wiccan looking fantasy, fairy dragin slaying team