Raw diets & full time jobs

Lots of folks ask me if it is possible to eat well, and maintain this diet despite long hours at work. This is particularly the case with Raw diets, due to all of the prepwork. I say, yes, it is possible.

Here are some thoughts on this subject. I was a stay at home homemaker (not mommie though) when I first went raw. Then, 6 months into the program I moved back stateside and went to work. Since Fall 2003 I have worked full time and still maintained a healthy wholefood diet without slipping. I currently work long days, but I have tons of energy.

Tips:
-I have a good breakfast.
-Since I often drive home for lunch, I bring morning snacks with me. (fruit, trailmix, carrots, etc.
-Lunch I have at home, but I used to bring it back when I wasn’t so close.
-I bring snacks for afternoon when I come back from lunch break.
-UNCOOK up a storm on the weekend, make all the breads and crackers so I will have them during the week.
-wash and chop veggies on the weekend, for easy salad makings during the week.
-soak & wash all fruit on the weekend, carefully dry and store as with veggies.

All of the above will make it easy to grab and go on the run. Typically, I will also make one or two dishes in the weeknight evenings. I also cook or prepare a healthy high raw lunch for my husband, and he fends for himself for breakfast and supper.

Finding Health Food Stores that have fresh foods locally is also a great idea. Even major grocery chains are offering cut and chopped veggies and fruits so you can pick stuff up in a pinch. My employer offers an organic lunch in our cafe, but it is neither raw nor vegetarian. I will often just buy the salad if I am really pressed for time.

We have a fridge at the office, and some will also bring coolers. I find that I can bring my things and keep them in my cubboard, since I typically eat them before they spoil!

Biggest issue? Dealing with others judgements on the way I eat. I find it is easier these days to not reply in defense, and simply lead by example. Usually they will catch on.

Cassy