Hi, my name is Jessica. I'm 22 and currently studying in Quebec, Canada. I've been raw for 5 months now, but I have been studying it for about 3 years. I have sympathy for what you're experiencing with your family. Most of my family is very much against the raw diet, and I have spent much of my time defending myself. Frankly, I'm tired of feeling guilty for choosing this lifestyle simply because it's so different what everyone else is doing. I love how I feel and I'm not trying to push my beliefs on anyone else so whats the problem
It was only a few years ago that vegetarians were as "absurd" as raw foodists are in mainstream society. I do understand that, in comparison to Standard American Diet (SAD), eating only raw foods is considered extreme. But, of course, that doesn't necessarily mean that it's wrong. If you do decide to go raw, my only suggestion is to do as much research as possible so you get all the proper nutrients. When I asked my doctor about the raw food lifestyle she gave me a look of doubt and said, "It's great...if you can do it right." The last thing you need is to unknowingly miss an essential nutrient and end up in the hospital...wouldn't THAT give your family plenty of ammunition against it
If you ever have any questions, I'd be happy to help if I can.
Take Care, and Good Luck!
Jessica