Raw food diets and Eating out

by Cecilia
(Toronto)

An unforeseen problem when changing to a raw food diet is the social aspect of eating. Whether it be supper with friends or lunch with coworkers, social activities and food are interwoven. Often people starting a raw food diet have problems following their raw food plans through.
Family and friends tempt with a big roast, and friends invite you to escape the work routine with a quick sandwich at the local grill. It's easy to feel the peer pressure, and give in.

Enjoying a Raw Food Diet and socializing.

A raw food diet is the start of a new food lifestyle and requires commitment.
Some ways to keep to your raw food diet are:

* Research where all your local raw food restaurants are situated: In many larger cities raw food restaurants will offer gourmet meals that even the most fanatical carnivores will enjoy . Some exquisite salads and raw food raviolis will be a pleasure, and your friends might even thank you for giving their digestive system a well deserved break.
* Host a raw food potluck dinner. It's a great way to meet new friends and introduce people to the lifestyle. Guests can bring a raw food dish and you can share raw food recipes with everyone. This is an excellent way to get inspiration for some new raw food recipes.
* There are many conferences, lectures, workshops, retreats, get-togethers and social events, organized for raw food lovers. Find out about them through local magazines or online raw food sites.



Eating Out & Raw Food Choices

Choose wisely from restaurant menus. Salads without meat are safe. 2 dinner-sized salads should do the trick; don't worry about the size, you're getting far more nutrition and far less calories than the guy with the burger and fries.
For dessert get a bowl of fruit.
Generally speaking, most restaurants will make up some salads or fruit dishes that they don't have on the menu (within reason).

Your raw food diet is going to aid natural weight loss and good health. You'll be the one smiling at the end of the day.