I was introduced to this by an older gentleman I met at the eye doctor. He was making small talk with the receptionist, and I thought it sounded interesting. So... here I am.

I have a small list of reasons why I'm willing to forsake the way I've been brought up to eat.

1. There are numerous "hereditary" illnesses in my family-- such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, various cancers and others. I don't have any of these, but I want to prevent them before I have to treat them.

2. I am a single mother of a six-month-old baby. His father's side of the family is just as unhealthy as mine. My goals of prevention for me are also for him.

3. I'm usually a tired, stressed-out person. I have a lot of outside problems I'm dealing with, and with my poor diet, the stress is literally killing me. I need to eat healthier to gain more energy and more stamina.

So, there's that, then. I find it a little difficult right now to eat the way I'd like,because I live with people who eat what is cheap and convenient, not what is healthiest. I have been semi-vegetarian for about 9 years, so the transition to raw isn't as difficut as it would be if I hadn't been. But it is difficult to find room in the cabinets and refrigerator among the fruit snacks and hot dogs.

Any advice is greatly appreciated I also have a number of recipes handed down to me from my grandmother and I'd love to find a way to convert them to raw, if at all possible.

Thanks much

-Congratualtions on your decision!

-Remember that you don't have to forsake anything....simply move forward positively toward what YOU have researched/determined to be a better diet. Set very small, long-term goals and keep them.

-If finding room in the fridge is difficult....buy a separate cooler and keep elsewhere......or buy a cheap used refrigerator ($50 - 100 in the classifieds).

-Sure. Many recipes can be converted. Of course....it's never the SAME thing. Just different.

-Power to you!

-David Mason