- Frederic's Update

-  Questions from the Readers!

- "The Fruitarian": Most Amazing Raw Restaurant in the World!

Greetings from Costa Rica!

Today, I want to tell you about “The Fruitarian”, the most amazing restaurant in the world. But first:
Last week, I released a package called “The Raw Vegan Lifestyle Program”.
http://www.fredericpatenaude.com/enchilada.html

I also call it the “Whole Enchilada Deal” because it includes literally every paid program I have ever published on the subject of raw and living foods, spanning my 12+ years of experience in the field.

Normally enchiladas are eaten cooked, but this one is definitely raw!
If you’re tired of incomplete and conflicting information, check it out because there’s never been anything as complete ever released on the subject. Over 25 different CDs, DVDs and CD-ROMS.

But it’s not “too much information” because it all fits together in a complete system that takes you from A-to-Z in your raw food lifestyle.
http://www.fredericpatenaude.com/enchilada.html

At the moment, I’m in Costa Rica. Check out these videos I just recorded:

The Manuel Antonio Beach:

Xandari by the Pacific: Living in Costa Rica:

Esterillos Este Beach

 “Who Else Wants to Watch Professional DVDs and Become Confident in the Kitchen With the Most Amazing, Simple and Delicious Low Fat Raw Recipes Ever?”

Raw Grains, Bad Digestion

I am getting your emails that I must have subscribed to and forgot, and I am enjoying them. I just wanted to ask about sprouted grains and where you think that fits into a raw vegan diet. My husband and I have been trying to go raw. We tried to go from a pretty healthy vegan diet to raw cold turkey. We lasted two weeks and gave up. Now we are doing well with 75% raw. However, i'm concerned about gas. I started to have gas that felt like it was stuck in my esophagus while we were 100% raw. I couldn't breathe well at times and felt like I had a pile of apples stuck in my throat, and I was cold. after going back to some cooked food it moved to my intestines. Sometimes it's so painful I can't move. I don't feel very good after eating cooked food and I find myself actually craving fruit almost all the time and salad has been a turn off. I know I am eating too much fat, but it feels weird to eat just fruit or to shop that way for my family (husband and two small children). If I give into my cravings for just fruit all the time, do you think i'll have less gas problems?

ANSWER: In my opinion, raw sprouted grains don’t have much of a place in a raw vegan diet. The large quantities of raw starch they contain are pretty much indigestible. This is one type of food that would be better to cook rather than eat raw, if it is consumed at all. But you should know that most people are gluten sensitive or even allergic to gluen. (The protein found in almost all grains except rice) Gluten is even a major trigger for asthma and other allergies. As for your fruit cravings, you would be better off following them! It’s okay not to eat much salad in the first few months. After, you’ll find yourself craving greens naturally, but try forgoing the fatty oil or avocado dressings and whip up some zesty no fat dressings with fruits, veggies and herbs. Eating mostly fruit leads to the best digestion. Whenever people have problem with fruit, it’s usually something else they are eating that miscombines, not the fruit itself. You only get gas when you have new food fermenting on top of old partially digested food in your intestines.  Chances are it's something heavy like the cooked foods and fats that are giving you problems.  Try eating only fruit for a day or two and I'm sure you'll feel much better.

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Eating Raw in Japan

hi i am organic rawfood Japanese girl…. i am 23 years old..i want to rawfood diet more and more.. so i ate only fruits for a month.. next now i eat only greens. no fruits. so, i eat 2 or 3 avocados and many cucumber and tomato, greens and alfalfa spurouts a day.. but i feel my stomach heavy….and yesterday i watched your site…. you say dont tooo fat… my rawfood mane is not so good? and you dont think food combine… For example banana and acid fruits….. what rawfood menu do you eat eveyday??please answer!!!

ANSWER: It seems that you’re doing a program without any direction or guiding principles. One month fruit, one month vegetables. That is not sustainable at all. 2-3 avocados a day (for a girl), will definitely put you in the very high fat category. I suggest that you first read my book “The Raw Secrets” (http://www.fredericpatenaude.com/rawsecrets.html).
My typical menu is:
Breakfast: fruit meal or smothie
Lunch: Another large fruit meal
Snack: Fruit
Dinner: Raw vegetable soup (such as Veggie Stew) + salad meal + any other extras.

Don't try to live on only vegetables and avocados.  It's not sustainable and your body is needs carbohydrates to function not excessive fats.

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Eating Local or Imported?

hi, i come from an 'in season & local' background. I live in Boston where there are not a lot of fresh fruit choices in the winter…unless they are trucked up from Florida. no pineapple trees grow in Boston, nor oranges, mangos, papaya, grapefruit,bananas etc. I have my doubts that eating these items in winter is a good idea. Can't help but notice that Fred has relocated to Costa Rica. Hippocrates Health Institute used to located in Boston. Where did they move with their raw sprout diet? Florida. I would like to hear Fred's explanation for my concerns. Maybe i am missing something but this diet sounds dangerous. I do eat a lot of raw foods but scale back the % in winter to 50-60%, thanks, Tom

ANSWER: The concept of eating “in season and local” is flawed to begin with. First of all, if you do it for an environmental reason, you should know that transportation costs amount to less than 10% of the energy used in the production of food. From that point of view, it’s much better to eat imported New Zealand apples in the middle of the summer, rather than consuming “local” apples from last crop that have been kept refrigerated for months at a time that they sell year round at the store.

I believe we should eat foods we’re biologically designed to eat. If those foods are not available in your area, then you will have to eat imported foods such as tropical fruits. Just because you live in Boston does not mean you are biologically designed to eat differently than if you live somewhere tropical. All herbivores eat the biologically similar foods, so do frugivores like bonobos.

I do live in Costa Rica at the moment, but I grew up in Canada, and ate a raw-food diet for many years in the North. The only way I could do it was to eat imported foods and buy in bulk when i can to save money.

There is no reason whatsoever to think that these foods would be bad for your health, just because they are imported. Transportation nowadays is so efficient, that often the foods we get up north are just as fresh as the ones sold in the tropics. Even here in Costa Rica, bananas are not left to ripen on the plant. Otherwise they’d be taken over by bugs, birds and monkeys. They are shipped unripe after they've been picked and then ripen at home on your countertop.

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Translating Raw Secrets in Portuguese

Hi Frederic! I don´t know if you remember me, but I have sent you an email a few months, and I told you about my blog : www.alimentacaointeligente.blogspot.com , where I post a lots of information about health, positive thoughts, exercises etc … and all this before I met your work. Ah, I´m a brazilian girl too and I wrote my email in portuguese… So, what I want to teel you is that I wonder if there is a possibility that your books be translated into Portuguese, and if I can be helping in this process. I´m writing to you, because I receive a lot of questions of people who are searching and want to became healthier. I help them with what I have of knowledge and my onw experience on this way of life - frutarianism (80/10/10). But I still think we could have more knowledge about this "way of life" here in Brazil - translated!, in this land so rich in ideal foods! I would love to know if there is possibility of these translations happen, and I really want to be helping and sharing with other persons this knowledge and your work! Just for you to know, I´m on the 811 for about 1 year now, and I study a lot about nutrition and all the things that can bring us health… and you help me a lot with your emails !!! Thank you! I´ll wait your answer with lots of hope. Beijos! Malu Paes Leme

ANSWER: Many people have approached me to translate some of my books in their  native language. I’m open to that, but I am too busy at the moment to participate in the project. This is something you will have to do on your own. If you’re up for that, I can give you my blessing. Just contact me when the translation is done and I can approve the distribution. I don’t require royalty fees if it is for a non-profit purpose.
 

Raw Health Starter Kit The Best Value Bundle! Over $500 worth of products bundled into one, low-priced starter kit. You can get started on the raw-food diet and learn how to use it for boundless energy, detox, rejuvenation, or achieving your ideal weight. Instant Raw Sensations — sprial bound recipe book by Frederic   The Raw Secrets — fresh perspective on raw food diet by Frederic Health & Energy With Raw & Living Foods CD   How to Create Passive Income in Health CD   Starter Kit CD   Digital bonuses - and more! For More Information, Click Here!

"The Fruitarian" Restaurant: Most Amazing Raw Restaurant in the World, on the Island of Rarotonga, Cook Islands

A friend of mine just came back from a trip to an exotic island in the Pacific called Rarotonga in the Cook Islands and was raving about this “amazing” restaurant he had discovered there. 

It’s called “The Frutarian”, and truly, it’s the most amazing place I have ever heard of. Apparently the owners have been raw for over 20 years, and have decided to open this place in this remote island, and in spite of all expectations, it’s doing great!

I was a little curious because I have yet to find a restaurant that truly blew me away with the type of cuisine I eat on a regular basis: low fat raw vegan. Every vegetarian restaurant, let alone raw food restaurant I’ve been to featured the same staples fatty salads and tofu or nuts as the base of every dish. 

So my friend went on describing this place as the new “it” restaurant in the Pacific, it was drawing in lots of tourists among vegetarians, raw foodists and other various health seekers. 

It had a breathtaking view of the ocean and an open air sitting room for about 25 people, they were open from 8-5pm and always had a steady flow of satiated patrons. “What did you order there that was so amazing?” I asked my friend.  “Fruit and salad!” He exclaimed.  I raised my eyebrow in curiosity and he went to elaborate.

Apparently this place had combined all the great things about a juice bar, a smoothie bar, a salad bar and a sit down restaurant and rolled it all into one. He pulled out a To Go menu from his pocket to satisfy my skepticism. I transcribed it for you below:

Breakfast:
All-You-Can-Eat Mono Fruit Plate (banana, mango, papaya, pineapple or watermelon) $10.99
Sunrise Pudding (blend of sweet papaya and bananas garnished with chopped fruit) $7.99
Green Goddess Smoothie (bananas, fresh lettuce) Regular $5.99 Large $7.99
Wake Me Up Mango Smoothie (fresh orange juice, mangos) $5.99 Large $7.99
Going Bananas Smoothie (3 kinds of bananas) $5.99 Large $7.99
Vitality Vegetable Juice (tomato, cucumber, celery, lettuce, carrot, beet) $6.99 Large $8.99

Lunch/Dinner:
All-You-Can-Eat Mono Fruit Plate (banana, mango, papaya, pineapple or watermelon) $10.99
Banana Sandwiches (bunch of bananas served with fresh lettuce) $6.99
Guacamole Wrap (avocado, cherry tomatoes, and lime served with fresh lettuce) $8.99
Veggie Wraps (shredded carrot, cucumber, beet, zuchinni served with avocado and lettuce) $7.99
Island Tacos (guacamole and salsa served with lettuce and cabbage leaves) $9.99
Going Greek Salad (cucumber, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and Greek dressing) $7.99
Mango Love Salad (mangos and sweet oranges on spinach leaves) 8.99
Super Size Me Salad Style (build your own: lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, carrot, green onions, red onions, sprouts, snap peas, celery, heart of palm, fresh herbs, apple, raisins, mango) Reg. $10.99 Sumo Size $15.99
Fresh dressings: light guac, sundried tomato, Greek, summer dill, mangolicious, Reg. $1.99 Large $2.99

Appetizers:
Gigantic Fruit Plate *serves 3-4 (banana, mango, papaya, pineapple, apple, kiwi) $15.99
Skewer Me Fruity (pineapple, mango, papaya fruit skewers) $9.99
Mini Pizzas (zuchinini rounds topped with sundried tomato sauce and cherry tomatoes) $8.99
Little Dippers (celery, cucumber and zucchini dippers served with guacamole and salsa) $9.99

Juices:
Fresh Green Coconut $3.99
Pressed Cane Juice $4.99
Orange Juice $4.99 Lg. $6.99
Apple Juice $4.99 Lg. $6.99
Watermelon Juice $3.99 Lg. $5.99
Vitality Vegetable Juice $6.99 Lg. $8.99
Build Your Own Juice $6.99 Lg. $8.99

Smoothies:
$5.99 Lg. $7.99

Going Bananas Smoothie (3 kinds of bananas)
Wake Me Up Mango Smoothie (mango, orange juice)
Green Goddess Smoothie (banana, lettuce)
Banana Loves Papaya (banana, papaya)
Island Love (coconut water, pineapple, passionfruit)
Workout Buster (coconut water, banana, celery, lettuce)
Green and Lovin’ It (Coconut water, kiwi, dates)
Build Your Own Smoothie

Desserts:
Coconut Cream (Coconut water, jelly and dates) $5.99
Banana Icecream (frozen bananas and vanilla made into softserve) $4.99
Glazed Fruit (fruit plate glazed with date sauce) $6.99
Fresh Dates (seasonal) $6.99

This menu looks amazing, I thought. It has everything that a raw food restaurant is missing, fruit and healthy low fat recipes. I couldn’t wait to check out this place and try it for myself.  I asked my friend, do you know who owns this place?  He flipped over the back of the menu and showed it to me.  It read, “Owned and Operated by Frederic and Veronica Patenaude”.

Sadly, I woke up at just that moment and realized that this amazing place was purely a figment of my imagination.  Yet it had seemed so real.  I could actually picture this place existing from the description I was given and this menu flowed out of me with some items I’ve never even made before!  It got me thinking though, wouldn’t it be nice if someone somewhere had the same dream as me and was looking for a fresh new edge on the raw restaurant scene?

Maybe one day… but hey until then feel free to reference this imaginary menu to get creative in your kitchen and try some amazingly tasty low fat raw vegan cuisine! You’d be surprised how great your food can taste with only a few ingredients and some simple tools like a mandolin and blender.

Wishing you all the best in health and success,

Frederic

“Who Else Wants to Watch Professional DVDs and Become Confident in the Kitchen With the Most Amazing, Simple and Delicious Low Fat Raw Recipes Ever?”

Watch the preview YouTube Video to get a peak at what's inside this DVD series. For more information on the Low Fat Raw Vegan DVD Series, click here. On the video, click "HQ" after it has started for better quality.

To order the Low Fat Raw Vegan DVDs, click here.

 

  

- Frederic's Update

-  Questions from the Readers!

- Can the iPhone Help You Succeed With Your Health Program?

Right now I’m here in Costa Rica, where I am relocating for the next 6 months with my fiancée, enjoying the tropical air.

After many years of spending most of my time in cold climates, with a few months a year, I found that I enjoy the “tropical lifestyle” so much that I could not enjoy living in Canada for most of the year.

For me, the tropical lifestyle means being able to walk around in comfortable clothes and short-sleeved shirts, leave the windows wide open day and night, enjoy warm tropical air, enjoy the sunshine and bright days (even when it’s gray, it’s still brighter than up north), and being able to go to the beach and travel around the country as a tourist, while living there as well.

It used to be that I could see myself living in Canada 6-8 months a year and in the tropics the rest of the time. But now, I don’t even enjoy the month of May in Canada. Too cold and rainy. Same for October!

If your dream is to live the tropical lifestyle, I really encourage you to make it happen, but one step at a time, like I did. That avoids a lot of disappointments. If you’re interested in this topic, I highly recommend my course “How to Move to a Tropical Paradise” available at: 

www.fredericpatenaude.com/tropicalparadise.html

In December of this year, I’ll be welcoming participants of this course to a special “Day in Costa Rica with Frederic”. Wanna come? Check out:

www.fredericpatenaude.com/tropicalparadise.html

What if you’re left in the cold? Here are some tips and ideas from my Raw Vegan Mentor Club newsletter. There is WAY more in the actual newsletter, including what to do about low-body temperature. If you’re not a member, check it out here:

http://www.fredericpatenaude.com/mentorclub.html

Here are a few more tips to make the most of the winter and avoid some of the problems related to this season.

Tips for the Cold Season and the Raw Diet

•    If you can, get some sunshine, first thing in the morning, even if it’s just stepping outside and getting a bit of sunshine on your hands and eyelids. This will help tremendously to keep your mood up during the cold season.

•    Get some full-spectrum light bulbs. They make a big difference, especially when you’re working on the computer or reading. These types of light bulbs can be ordered online.

•    If possible, take a vacation south so you can get necessary sun and vitamin D!

•    Grow your own sprouts and indoor greens, to get some super-fresh vegetables to add to salads.

•    Make raw warm soups in the vita-mix. Warm them up in the dehydrator, if necessary. As a compromise, you can steam some vegetables and blend them in the vita-mix with some of the cooking water for a delicious, salt-free soup.

•    Exercise! Remember exercise is the best thing to keep your mood up and your health during the winter.

•    Help your body increase it’s resistance to cold by letting it regulate it’s temperature more naturally.  Don’t immerse yourself 24/7 in the same hot environment at work and at home while wearing multiple sweaters.  Your body will not learn to adapt and raise and lower your body temperature when necessary in the different seasons. Wear lighter clothing if in extremely warm buildings, but bundle up when going outside. Your body can adapt just like outdoor animals can in the different seasons if you help it.

“Who Else Wants to Watch Professional DVDs and Become Confident in the Kitchen With the Most Amazing, Simple and Delicious Low Fat Raw Recipes Ever?”

Four Pounds of Fruit a Day

You suggest to eat 4 pounds of fruits a day. How do I weigh the oranges and grapefruits ? with the skin or without a skin? Some big oranges and grapefruits are heavy course of very thick skin. How would I do it?

ANSWER: The suggestion of 4 pounds a day is a STRICT minimum to get started on the raw-food diet, but nowhere near the amounts necessary for optimal health for most people. The amount is with peels. It’s far better to measure food consumption by calories, because some fruits have much more calories per serving than others. The idea is to get most of your calories from fruit.

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Traveling in the Raw! Family-Friendly Raw Destinations

Hello! You have clearly had a lot of experience travelling and raw-food-ing, could you possibly tell me where the best holiday destinations with the most fruit are that are also family friendly? (I am from New Zealand - so even seemingly 'obvious' destinations (ie California??) would be very helpful!). Thank you so much! P.S. Thank you for all your info/books etc! Without them I would still be eating a not-quite-so-SAD diet, but not 100% raw!

ANSWER:  Here are some of my favorite holiday destinations where you can find the most fruit and that are family-friendly, with average cost of living.

California: Great for the health food and raw scene. Car rental is usually a must to get around because of the large distances. Lots of raw restaurants and the best well-stocked health food stores. Hotel room prices start at $100-130 for a decent room. Food costs are average for first word countries. Must visit if you’re into raw-foods!

Hawaii: Great place to visit and easy to get around. Some raw restaurants and good fruits at the farmer’s markets and some good health food stores! Hotel room prices for a decent room are above $150. Food costs are higher than mainland USA.

Thailand: The ultimate place for fruit. Very safe and children-friendly. Cheap accommodations and good rooms for families can be found at around $50, with other more comfortable, higher-end options at prices far below North American (ultra-cheap but clean rooms are also available in the $10-20 range). Food costs are ultra cheap too.

Bali: My favorite island and still magical in spite of the tourism. Super children-friendly. Prices only slightly above Thailand, but very affordable.

Costa Rica: Where I choose to live most of the year. Great for families and nature lovers. Lots of Bed and Breakfast types of room (where a fruit breakfast can usually be served — just ask). Lots of fruit if you can drive to the farmer’s market. A good idea to rent a car or at least a driver to see more of the country and be able to get fruit. I love the Southern Area (San Isidro + Dominical, Uvita). Families can rent a room for around $75-100 or less in most areas, but less expensive options are also available.

If other readers have some more ideas, please feel free to comment!

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Raw Food Videos

I was able to access the videos on the Raw Food Mentor Club website this morning. Thank you so much for including videos on this website. The information you are providing is helping me to deepen my commitment to the Low Fat Raw Food Program. I really appreicate all of your sincere efforts on behalf of all of us. Caron

NOTE: The raw food videos are a new feature of the Raw Vegan Mentor Club. Not a member? Find out more at www.fredericpatenaude.com/mentorclub.html

–
 

Sun Tea

Hello Frederic, I was wondering if Sun Tea (which is made by putting a tea bag in a jug of water, then letting it set in the sun for a few hours) would be an acceptable beverage for somebody who wants to adapt a raw food diet. At least in my part of the world, the temperature of the water would never exceed 115 degrees Fahrenheit, and the tea leaves are dried, so I don't see any cooked element in it. Of course, there is some caffeine in some teas — but you could also make it from a herbal "tea" with no caffeine. I'd be extremely interested in hearing your opinion on this in an upcoming blog post. Best regards, Tom

ANSWER: I don’t see anything majorly wrong with that. I personally avoid all forms of caffeine and would recommend to do the same for optimal health.Your health is your own, so if you choose to include some sun tea in your diet for your enjoyment, then so be it.

Raw Health Starter Kit The Best Value Bundle! Over $500 worth of products bundled into one, low-priced starter kit. You can get started on the raw-food diet and learn how to use it for boundless energy, detox, rejuvenation, or achieving your ideal weight. Instant Raw Sensations — sprial bound recipe book by Frederic   The Raw Secrets — fresh perspective on raw food diet by Frederic Health & Energy With Raw & Living Foods CD   How to Create Passive Income in Health CD   Starter Kit CD   Digital bonuses - and more! For More Information, Click Here!

It’s Not That Complicated

I’ve noticed lately from reading some comments left on my blog, that a lot of people are trying to make the raw food lifestyle a lot more complicated than it is.

There always has been a lot of confusion in the natural health field, as well as plenty of contradicting opinions. This is literally paralyzing many people from taking any action at all. They feel lost and don’t know what to believe anymore.

Others are turning simple recommendations and observations into dogmas, and the raw food community into a cult. They are unable to think outside of these rules and think for themselves.

Are you making it too complicated?

Are you confused by all of the different diet theories?

Let me offer you a quick guide to eating raw without the confusion and the dogma.

1)    Be Self-Motivated. The only reason why someone would take the time, energy and effort it takes to eat a raw food diet and learn how to do it right is because they should be able to gain something for themselves. If there are no benefits to be gained, then there should be no reason to do it.

That motivation is usually health-related. Either improving your health, overcoming an existing condition or avoiding illness in the future. You should be very clear what your motivations are in the first place, and avoid following someone else’s motivation.

Don’t just go raw because someone is telling you it’s the right or “cool” thing to do. Do it for your own reasons.

2) Eat fruit. Eat Vegetables. Eat little fat — The concept is very simple. The basic idea is to eat fruits and vegetables! Don’t make the raw food diet much more complicated than it is. It’s not about jars and pills and prepared meals, it’s about eating fresh produce!

Also realize that you’ll always be hungry if you try to live on raw vegetables and greens, that you’ll inevitably be drawn to junk foods. It’s just not sustainable.

The only way to make this diet work is if you get enough calories. I believe that fruit is the ideal food for human beings, and I think most of our calories should come from fruit, with minimal quantities of fat.

As far as the percentage goes, I say 10% or less. If another percentage works for you, then more power to you. But make sure you are honestly evaluating your results before coming to any conclusions.

3) Get Some Basic Nutritional Knowledge.

A lot of people are confused because they don’t really understand what fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and other nutrients really are.

They eat a large apple for breakfast and wonder why they’re hungry after 45 minutes.

Spare yourself a lot of trouble and spend a few hours to study the basics of calories and nutrition. Eventually you should be able to look at a piece of fruit or a meal and be able to evaluate on the spot how many calories it contains.

4) Do Your Tests

Every single “guru” or author in the field makes recommendations based on the diet that they’re eating or trying to eat, and what they believe is best (if they’re honest).

Each of these people took the best of the information that was available to them, tried to synthesize it in a way that made sense, and created their own program.

You should do the same. Test the theories out in your life, after you evaluate them with logic and eliminate the non-sense.

Don’t just take what I say word-for-word. Learn to think for yourself.

5) Respect your Body

I might be a big fan of mangoes, but maybe mangoes don’t agree with you. Respect your body and avoid them for the time being if they're not working for you.

It doesn’t mean that sometime in the future you might not give them another try. Maybe at that point they could agree with you.

You’re the only person who really knows your body, so don’t try to force someone else’s preferences as your own.

6) Know a Few Great Recipes

You can’t enjoy this raw food lifestyle if you don’t enjoy the food. That’s why you should know at least 5 to 7 great recipes that you really enjoy and could eat day after day.

If a recipe is NOT appealing to you, then don’t try to convince yourself that you like it. Maybe you don’t, at least for the time being!

If you’re not enjoying the foods, you’ll eventually quit. So discover some recipes that you truly enjoy, and don’t hesitate to modify existing recipes for your own tastes.

7) Don’t live with too many rules.

Eliminate the word “rule” and replace it with the word “suggestion”. For example, you might know some basic food combining “rules”. Instead of calling them rules, think of them as “suggestions for food combining”.

Simpler meals tend to digest better. But they can also be boring for some people. Certain combinations are appealing to the taste, but more difficult to digest. It’s all a compromise.

Choose what makes sense to you depending on the situation. If you find that a particular combination digests perfectly well, then go for it, even if there’s a “rule” against it.

The reverse is also true.

Keep things in perspective. Only 8% of the US population follows the basic health recommendations (No tobacco and alcohol, exercise 3 times a week, keeping a healthy weight and eating at least 5 fruits a day).

There are only actions and consequences. If a particular action always leads to negative consequences and very little to gain in exchange, then it makes sense not to repeat it.

If on the other hand, an occasional indulgence brings you certain benefits (social or personal), with minimal consequences that can be manageable, then it’s certainly something you could consider.

Only live by your own rules, not someone else’s.

7) Eat For Long-Term Pleasure

The average person only lives for short-term gratification.

For example, these Dorritos chips taste great when I put them in my mouth. I get immediate pleasure. If I’m a dumb robot, then that’s all I care about and that’s perfectly fine. Eat the Dorritos and be happy in the moment.

Smart people consider long-term consequences of their choices.

If I eat these Dorritos, they will taste great, but they will also ruin my sleep. I will wake up the next day feeling terrible. And if I keep on eating these Dorritos every night, one day I will wake up and I’ll be 40 pounds heavier, and sick.

Therefore, I’ll pass on the Dorritos, and instead eat something that might not give me that instant jolt of pleasure, but that’ll still taste great and leave me feeling much better after.

Eat foods that make you feel great. In the moment and in the long term. That’s not a rule. That’s a suggestion!

“Who Else Wants to Watch Professional DVDs and Become Confident in the Kitchen With the Most Amazing, Simple and Delicious Low Fat Raw Recipes Ever?”

Watch the preview YouTube Video to get a peak at what's inside this DVD series. For more information on the Low Fat Raw Vegan DVD Series, click here. On the video, click "HQ" after it has started for better quality.

To order the Low Fat Raw Vegan DVDs, click here.

 

  

- Frederic's Update

-  Questions from the Readers!

- Can the iPhone Help You Succeed With Your Health Program?

After a three week stay in Calgary, nicknamed "Cowtown", I'm back in my home province of Quebec. I must say, the produce quality we get in Montreal is a lot better than what I could find in Calgary. Maybe I missed something when I was there… but I think I can find more stuff in Quebec.

Last trip at the farmer's market yielded two different varieties of great-tasting mangoes (which are hard to find now), delicious Greek figs (fresh), Italian pears (tasty!), amazingly crisp grapes, and more (as shown on the picture on the right).

It's funny because sometime I speak to people and I tell them that one of the main reasons I decided to move to Costa Rica most of the year, besides the weather, is because of the fruits and vegetables I can find there. Most people can't imagine that I would want to move somewhere because of the food!

Yet, food is a very important part of life, and even more important for a raw-food and fruit aficionado.

I know many people who relocated to places such as the Bay Area ( San Francisco), Hawaii, Miami, Thailand, Australia and other places because it makes it's easier to enjoy their raw-food lifestyle.

Have you ever considered a move somewhere because of the fruits, vegetables and weather you could get there? Have you ever successfully moved somewhere for those reasons? If so, let me know in the comments!

Another thing:

Next week, I'm organizing a FREE Cleanse next week for the fall. Make sure you join us for this event and get back in shape before the holidays! Go to:

http://tinyurl.com/3ku5cj

Frederic

PS: Next month I'll be in Costa Rica. In December, I'm organizing a "Day Tour of Costa Rica" for people interested in moving to this tropical paradise, part-time or full-time. This is for students of my course "How to Move to a Tropical Paradise." For more information and to sign up, go to: http://www.fredericpatenaude.com/tropicalparadise.html

Dear Mr Patenaude, I just read your book the Raw Secrets, and it makes a lot of sense.. However, the fruit-section is quite hard, because as long as I can remember, I do not like fruit, I get shivers if I even think of them.. (ok, because I got myself in bad health conditions with unfood, diabetes, candida etc) so, is it wise to use only blended salads without the fruits, and maybe start to eat them whenever I feel like I'm ready? Cause I have the feeling if I just start to eat them now, I'll go crazy with itchiness etc.. Anyway, thank you for all the information and I cannot wait to get myself better! Cheers x

ANSWER: A transition is certainly possible, however you should be aware that a blended salad without fruit has almost no calories, so it would be impossible to survive on them and you would lose too much weight too quickly and be very hungry all the time. I wouldn’t recommend living on blended salads with fat in them (avocados, nuts, etc.) because that would bring the total percentage of fat in your diet above 70%, which is very unhealthy. The main way to get well is to remove the cause of your health problems. Living on a high-fat diet will certainly not help you and will only make things worse in the long-term. I would much prefer that people go on a simple low-fat vegan diet that includes cooked items such as potatoes and rice (but avoid gluten-based products) and then progressively include more fruit to phase out the grains, rather than going on a high-fat, all-raw diet and from there try to lower the fat content. For health, it’s much more important to eat low-fat than to eat all-raw.

IS COCONUT OIL FAT?

I have a question in regards to your article on sugar with fat, and I would appreciate it if you could be kind enough and answer it as it regards something I eat on a daily basis and if there is a problem with combining, I would like an alternative option. Here it is: Every morning I grind flax seeds and add all kinds of seeds like hemp and chia, sometimes I even add freshly ground sunflower seeds and pumpkin (sprouted of course). I grind some goji berries which is low glycemic sugar and then I add flax oil and coconut oil. Question is whether the oils are considered fats, whether seeds are fats, and whether goji berry fall into the category of sugar since they are really low glycemic. As a matter of fact, when I eat fruit, I usually add seeds. Thank you Frederic, Shoshannah Sarah

ANSWER: I’m glad that you read the article, but for further information you should also read my fruit report at http://TinyWebLink-001.com/?pid=2961304
Flax seeds, hemp, chia, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds — even when sprouted — are still high in fat. Flax oil and coconut oil are definitely fat. In fact, they are 100% fat by calories, just like any other oil. I recommend avoiding the combination of fruit and fat in general (except for small quantities in salads), and limiting the percentage of fat in the diet to less than 10-15%, which will be something like half an avocado a day for most people, maybe more if you’re very active.

CONSUMING VEGGIE STEWS AND GREENS ON THE GO

PLEASE, can you and Roger get your heads together and come up with a plan on how we can consume all these green smoothies, stews, etc. during the day in which we do NOT have access to a Vita Mix! These are not portable drinks and need to be consumed right after making. Not all of us have or can have the type of job the 2 of you have. Also, Dr. Cousin suggest a diet of mostly fruit and Roger claims (and you endorse) a diet of Savory stews with some fruit. Is one more important than the other? Thanks!

ANSWER: It’s very easy to bring green smoothies around. My friend Diana Stoevelaar from Calgary makes 4 large green smoothies a day and she brings them in large “sports bottle” types of container (32 ounces each). If you add some ice or some frozen fruit in them they will keep for several hours. When I travel, I always make smoothies in advance with some ice or frozen fruit and bring them for the day. I also cut up fruit and bring them in plastic containers (Tupperware and the like). Also, keep in mind that the idea is not to consume mostly green drinks or veggie stews and some fruit. You got it wrong. I recommend mostly fruit with a Veggie Stew for dinner for active people, while everyone else can replace some of the fruit meals during the days with green smoothies. Roger eats a LOT of fruit during the day and at night he has several servings of his world-famous craving-busting veggie stews (which I highly recommend and that are still available at: http://tinyurl.com/mjq7r4)
 

I am wondering if your Raw Health Starter Kit is worth the money because I can't imagine what information there would be which I haven't heard of yet. You're website gives already information about eating less fat and more fruit. But other than that, I can't imagine that there would be new information, which does trigger me to stay 100% raw. I am having problems in staying raw and I am really desperate to find success. But I can't imagine how it would be possible. Can you give me a reason why I should buy the starter kit instead of books like 'conscious eating' and 'raw beauty'?

ANSWER: If you are desperate to finding success, then I assure you that the Raw Health Starter Kit will fill in the blanks. Very few raw books contain any recipes or real life solutions.  Too much of the information is confusing, contraidictory and have opinions that are often unfounded and go against common sense. Why waste any more time sifting through the endless information out there when I can share with you my 12 years of experience in living this diet and show you how you can achieve the same results by avoiding my mistakes? Check it out below: 

Raw Health Starter Kit The Best Value Bundle! Over $500 worth of products bundled into one, low-priced starter kit. You can get started on the raw-food diet and learn how to use it for boundless energy, detox, rejuvenation, or achieving your ideal weight. Instant Raw Sensations — sprial bound recipe book by Frederic   The Raw Secrets — fresh perspective on raw food diet by Frederic Health & Energy With Raw & Living Foods CD   How to Create Passive Income in Health CD   Starter Kit CD   Digital bonuses - and more! For More Information, Click Here!

Can the iPhone Help You Succeed With Your Health Program?

If you use an iPhone or iPod Touch or were thinking about getting one, you will love this article. I’m going to share with you how to use the iPhone to improve your health and fitness on the go, with my favorite “raw” programs.

I admit that I’m a bit of a geek. I love my iPhone. I use it not only to listen to music, make calls, track my expenses, and take pictures, but I also have found a ton of useful programs that help me succeed on the raw food diet.

Since Apple has sold over 50 million iPhones and iPod Touches I think I must not be the only geek out there.

Although the apps I will describe are great, I think there’s room for more innovation for the raw food community on this mobile platform. For example, what about a program that would automatically send you raw food tips every day? Or what about a database of raw food recipes you can easily search and view on the go?

I’ve entertained the idea of developing some programs for the iPhone (and iPod Touch), but only if there’s enough demand to justify it. So be sure to let me know in your comments if you think this is a good idea.

All of the programs below are available in the iTunes App Store.

Absolute Fitness — $14.95 —  This is a great tool to replace “Fitday” and other similar nutritional databases to keep track of your calories, your fat intake, and your fitness activities.

The program includes a searchable database of foods, including most fruits and vegetables. If necessary, you can create custom foods.

You enter your foods eaten and it will automatically create stats for you. You can watch your fat consumption day by day or on average, and set your own limits for each nutrient.

The only missing feature is the ability to view the percentage of calories coming from fat, protein and carbs. But at least you have the amount of fat consumed daily, which can give you a good idea. I hope that the developers will improve this and add the caloronutritient ratio in future versions.

You can also track your fitness activities and see how many calories you’re burning daily. All in all, a great tool.

iHeartRate — $0.99 — Are you curious what your resting heart rate, or how fast you recover from a workout? Although you can take your pulse over 15 and 30 seconds and then multiply it, I’ve always found that method a bit complicated, leading to several trials to get a good number. With the iHeartRate app, you simply take your pulse and tap along with the other hand on the screen. After 10 taps the app automatically calculates your heart rate, and it’s pretty accurate! For 99 cents, it’s also a good deal.

Fitness Builder — $19.95 — This is the ultimate mobile fitness app! It’s more expensive than the more popular iFitness, but light years beyond. Look no further. This program features hundreds of workouts you can use in any circumstances, stat calculators, and the ability to track your workouts overtime.

You can also search workouts by locations and goal. For example, say you’re at a hotel and you want to do some cardio or body-building. Just put those preferences and the program automatically finds the best workouts for you.

When you’re working out, you have nice picture of each exercise, and you can stream videos if necessary. You even have a timer to calculate your rest time between reps. You can also track your results and can easily see how much you lifted last time for the same exercise. Of course, you can listen to your music while you’re working out as well.

 

YogaStretch — $1.99 — This is a nifty little app to have your own yoga instructor on the go. Simply select the duration of your desired workout (up to 60 minutes), and launch the program. An attractive female voice leads you through your yoga session, while on the screen you can see illustrations of each pause and time left.

Bento — $4.99 — Bento is a program made by File Maker to create various kinds of databases. An obvious use for us is the recipe database. I’ve started inventorying all of the new raw recipes that I’m creating. You can even take a picture on the go of your new creation. The best way to use this program is to also own the desktop version ($49.95) and use the iPhone as a synchronized version and an “on-the-go” recipe database.

Finally, why not load on your iPhone or iPod Touch my new Low Fat Raw Vegan DVD Series? It’s simple. Simply use a program like Roxio Crunch to rip my DVDs, so you can take curly-haired Frederic with you and watch your favorite recipe demos on the go!

“Who Else Wants to Watch Professional DVDs and Become Confident in the Kitchen With the Most Amazing, Simple and Delicious Low Fat Raw Recipes Ever?”

Watch the preview YouTube Video to get a peak at what's inside this DVD series. For more information on the Low Fat Raw Vegan DVD Series, click here. On the video, click "HQ" after it has started for better quality.

To order the Low Fat Raw Vegan DVDs, click here.

 

  

I’m here in Calgary, home of the Calgary Stampede and nicknamed “Cow Town”. Funny thing though, no one is eating like a cow here…

I went to a local vegetarian restaurant for their weekly featured “raw dinner” and what I got was a gourmet meal high in fat, loaded with salt and you guessed it… low in fruit. Typical of most raw restaurants, unfortunately…

I went home starving after this meal, even though it had a lot of calories! I was still unsatisfied.

Has the same ever happened to you? Do you  wonder how this supposedly healthy raw diet can be so unsatisfying at times?

Tomorrow is my talk “High Fruit or High Fat?” – If you’re in the Calgary area, don’t miss it! You can RSVP at www.awesomerawsome.com or check out the flyer at http://www.fredericpatenaude.com/blog/?p=260 for more details.

If you can’t wait to get started, check out my Raw Health Starter Kit, the best way to succeed on the raw food diet without making the common mistakes that can potentially hurt your health. Get the details along with a special bonus we will no longer be offering soon:

http://www.fredericpatenaude.com/starterkit.html

Today I’m answering your questions! Please feel free to comment below.

Frederic

PS: The highlight of the weekend was a visit to the wonderful city of Banff. A true postcard from any angle… Check out pictures on my Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/frederic.patenaude, I will accept your friendship

———————————————————-

"How I Beat My Salt and Dinnertime Cravings"

Do you find it easy to eat raw during the daytime, but find that when dinner comes, you're tired of just eating fruit and you're craving something more substantial and savory?  

If you do, you're not alone!

For those of you who still crave savory things and cooked food at dinner time, you'll love Roger Haeske's new program on Veggie Stews.

It worked for me, and it will probably work for you! Check it out here. It might still be available at a discount price:

http://tinyurl.com/mjq7r4

——————————————————-

***************************************************
Questions from the Readers (That’s You!)
***************************************************

What Raw Foods Should We Avoid?

I love your website and your videos. I have not seen any reference to raw eggplant: Some websites say it is edible while others say it is not. What is your opinion? Are there other veggies or fruits that should not be eaten raw? Thank you for your time.

ANSWER:

Rather than making up rules about what can and cannot be eaten raw, I’d rather have you trust your taste buds. I don’t see anything wrong with raw eggplant, except for the fact that it’s not very tasty. In the past I have marinated it for some recipes, but I don’t think I’ve eaten raw eggplant in the past 5 or 6 years!

A few comments about some fruits and vegetables:

Raw legumes (even soaked or sprouted) should be avoided due to the toxic enzyme inhibitors found in them, as well as high quantities of raw starch. Beans should never be eaten raw.

Potatoes and other very starchy vegetables should also never be eaten raw.

Buckwheat greens should be avoided in large quantities due to a substance contained in them called fagopyrin, which can cause hypersensitivity to sunlight.

Rhubarb is a vegetable to avoid because of the high concentration of oxalic acid.

I recommend moderation with any strong or bitter-tasting green such as dandelion, watercress, culinary herbs, etc.

Here are other foods that are not lethal or toxic but can be considered “borderline” but might be used as a seasoning

•    Garlic: due to the Allyl methyl sulfide produced from the digestion of garlic and the way it is exuded from the skin pores, causing bad breath and smell, I personally prefer to avoid it!

•    Onion  family: quite strong and best used in moderation, or oxidized by chopping them in a food processor and leaving at room temperature for a few minutes for the strong oil to partly evaporate. 

•    Hot Peppers: The substance that causes the heat sensation in hot peppers is called “capsaicin.” It binds with pain receptors that are responsible for sensing heat. So it “tricks” the brain into thinking that it’s sensing heat or pain. The physiological response is the same as when an actual burn has occurred, even though the tissues have not been harmed. Heart rate is raised and perspiration is increased, with the release of endorphins. Hot peppers are a stimulant. Knowing that, I still personally enjoy a little “heat” sometimes.

•    Mushrooms: Many types of mushrooms are toxic. The cultivated varieties are relatively safe but I wouldn’t class them in the same category as fruits and vegetables. I rarely enjoy them raw but sometimes I might eat them in a recipe.

There are no reasons to avoid any common fruits sold at the supermarket.

–

Mixing Fruits With Fat

Hi Frederic! In the Raw Secrets book it states that we should not mix fruit with fat foods (nuts, seeds, oils) because the fruits may ferment since they digest quicker. So, how long should we wait after eating fat foods to eat fruits? Is two hours enough time? Thanks.

ANSWER:

For the answer to that question, please refer to my last article on food combining! http://www.fredericpatenaude.com/blog/?p=256

Hot Water

I know you believe in limiting eating/drinking ice; what about drinking boiled, hot water? Also just a question about what 100% means: is eating nori seaweed, carob, agave, dried fruits 100% raw, or just acceptable? Thanks!

ANSWER:

I have nothing against drinking hot water, if it’s to “warm you up” during the winter. You could even add a little lemon juice. Just be careful not to burn yourself! The lining of your esophagus is very delicate.

As for the other foods you mention, most likely they are not truly raw, but can still be consumed on occasion. I’m not really a big fan of seaweed for reasons mentioned elsewhere, but a little on occasion to make sushi rolls for example, is okay for me. Agave nectar is a concentrated processed sweetener that I don’t recommend either. I prefer to use sweet fruits such as mangoes, if a recipe calls for agave nectar. I might use it occasionally in a recipe if mangoes are not available…

Dried fruits should be avoided most of the time, because they are difficult to digest, tend to ferment and also can stick to the teeth and cause dental decay. However, they can be very useful in exceptional circumstances when carrying fresh fruits would be difficult. For example: traveling in the desert, hiking across a national park, visiting remote islands in the South Pacific, etc. Just make sure you increase your water intake to compensate.

Fruit Ripeness

How can you tell when a fruit is at the "ripe" point to be considered the most nutritionally nutritious (i.e., mangoes, melons, bananas, etc.) Why are mangoes so hard to cut and what is the woody part of the fruit? I have yet to buy a mango that doesn’t get wasted because you cannot cut through the woody part. They are pretty expensive for so much waste.

ANSWER:

Every fruit is different, but most fruits are ripe when soft and sweet. That is also their nutritional peak. Bananas are ripe when they start to get some brown spots (although that can be different for some exotic varieties.) Mangoes should be soft and juicy, and certainly not hard like you described. Of course, don’t eat the center seed, cut around it. There are many videos on youtube showing how to cut a mango.  Check it out.

Eating Fruit and Running

I took the giant step towards a raw lifestyle about a month ago and while I'm not 100% yet, I feel great. Leaner, cleaner and just overall better. My big concern is can a raw food diet maintain the fuel/energy requirements of an athlete. I'm a runner. I run about 30 miles a week and compete in races monthly during the race season (mostly 1/2 marathons). Because I haven't been able to figure out the best way to carb load on a raw diet I still have my bowl of pasta the night before. I'm afraid not to. Have you already addressed this in a previous article or series? If not, I think this would be a great topic for a future one! Thank you for making raw foods look so easy and delicious! The switch can be intimidating when you don't know what you are doing and you make it look so simple.

ANSWER:

As an amateur runner myself, let me give you some tips. I don’t run as much as you do but I have done as much as 20 miles a week.

On a low-fat, high fruit diet you’re going to have much better results with your training. First of all, you don’t need to “carb load” because fruits, unlike cooked complex carbohydrates, are easily digested and provide quick energy.

The problem with most runners is they don’t eat enough simple carbohydrates, which is what the body really needs when you’re running.

The most important thing is to get enough calories and carbs overall. As a runner you’ll probably need to eat at least 3000 calories a day. That’s about 30 bananas, or less if you add in some vegetables and other varieties of fruit.

When I run longer than 90 minutes, I take some fruit with me, usually blended, seedless watermelon or a smoothie made with water, bananas and celery, and drink that every 15 minutes.

You don’t need to “carb load” when you’re eating enough carbs (and most runners aren’t, unfortunately).

For the best information, I recommend the book “Nutrition and Athletic Performance,” by Doug Graham, available on Amazon. It will answer all your questions and more.

South America & Candida

I wanted to recommend you go to South America! I am from Uruguay and if you can work your way around all the meat that the people eat there. You can find great organic raw foods. Also I have a question that you don't have to respond to if you don't want. But can you recommend me a diet to kill off my Candida issues..? Thanks and bless!

ANSWER:

There are too many countries to visit and not enough time! I have spent a month in Brazil in 2004 and really enjoyed it there. Maybe one day I’ll visit your country as well.

As for Candida, I hope that this report will help you sort it out:
www.fredericpatenaude.com/fruitreport.pdf
   

"How I Beat My Salt and Dinnertime Cravings" Do you find it easy to eat raw during the daytime, but find that when dinner comes, you're tired of just eating fruit and you're craving something more substantial and savory?   If you do, you're not alone! For those of you who still crave savory things and cooked food at dinner time, you'll love Roger Haeske's new program on Veggie Stews It worked for me, and it will probably work for you! Check it out here. It might still be available at a discount price: http://tinyurl.com/mjq7r4

- Frederic's Update

-  What's Wrong With Eggs, Glycemic Index, and more questions answered

Today I’m answering your questions on the raw food diet, and more!

If you'd like to send me a question, just go to www.replytofred.com

Better yet, come to California this summer and meet myself and my team in person. The only raw event to attend this summer is the Vibrant Living Expo, on August 21-23, in Ft. Bragg, Northern California, organized by Cherie Soria and her team. I’ve attended many raw food events for the past 10 years and this one beats them all, hands down.

I will be there giving two lectures, and with a booth where you can meet me and get to chat a bit in person. Other lecturers include:

•    Dr. Doug Graham
•    Kevin Gianni
•    Howard Lyman (the Mad Cowboy)
•    Victoras Kulvinskas
•    John Robbins (author of “Diet for a New America”)
•    Matt Monarch & Angela Stokes
•    Don Weaver
•    Brian Clement
•    And many others

Get more information and sign up at www.rawfoodchef.com.

Other News and Announcements:

- A quick reminder: my friend Roger Haeske recently released an amazing program called the Savory Veggie Stews. If you think Green Smoothies were great, wait till you try this. This recipe system enabled me to totally eliminate my dinnertime salt and cooked cravings! After the Green Smoothie Revolution, I'm sure we'll have a Veggie Stew revolution, thanks to this great new product by Roger. It's launch week so you're getting a better price if you order now, plus a bunch of freebies. Check it out here:

http://tinyurl.com/mjq7r4

- Probably the best week-long raw food seminar I ever attended to was Health & Fitness Week with Dr. Doug Graham. Imagine a week of exercising several hours a day with your own world-class trainer who takes you from where you are to where you want to be, and eating gourmet, organic low-fat raw food meals, and attending great lectures and entertainment every day for a week, while making new friends.

A lot of people can't go to these events because of the price. At $4000, it is completely worth it, but a little out of budget for most people.

In any case, Doug recently sent me this note and asked me to pass it along, which I'm happy to do. The offer may already be over but there's no harm in asking. Just contact him at www.foodnsport.com

My events usually run full, and they are the most fun when they are full. Often, they fill up WAY in advance. Already the 2010 fasting event is almost completely filled, with interns as well as fasters. But there is one drawback to filling early. The number of people who have to cancel, for one reason or another, invariably rises when people register 6-9 months in advance.
My summer events this year are no exception. We have had cancellations, and they came late. So, I am offering one really special deal to fill those spots.
$1000 rebate, given to you at the event, to the next three people that register for H&F, based on paying full price for this event. This means that no other discounts will apply, even those offered by FoodnSport.
$1500 rebate, given to you at the event, to the next three people that register for H&F plus either of the other two Sedro Woolley seminars, based on paying full price for each of these events. This means that no other discounts will apply, even those offered by FoodnSport.
$2000 rebate, given to you at the event, to the next three people that register for H&F plus both of the other two events, based on paying full price for each of these events. This means that no other discounts will apply, even those offered by FoodnSport.
Please, tell everyone you know. Give them the chance of attending.

Dr. Doug Graham
www.foodnsport.com

“Who Else Wants to Watch Professional DVDs and Become Confident in the Kitchen With the Most Amazing, Simple and Delicious Low Fat Raw Recipes Ever?”

Watch the preview YouTube Video to get a peak at what's inside this DVD series. For more information on the Low Fat Raw Vegan DVD Series, click here. On the video, click "HQ" after it has started for better quality.

To order the Low Fat Raw Vegan DVDs, click here

Papaya Seeds

 Aren't you supposed to do things to get rid of parasites? I thought it was okay to eat things that occur in nature (such as papaya seeds) to cleanse your body of parasites, etc. So much to learn…now I'm REALLY confused….

ANSWER: The main problem and source of confusion that I see are when people are trying to use certain foods as *medicine* instead of what it should be used for: a source of nourishment.

If you make raw fruits and vegetables the main staples of your diet, you do not need to fear parasites under most circumstances. If you do this and find out you have parasites then maybe a natural or even allopathic remedy might be in order. Ask yourself though, why are you trying to medicate with food or drugs before you know there is a problem?

Would you take some aspirin every day, before you had a headache?

Would you take antibiotics every day, before you had an infection?

If not, then why do the same with foods that are clearly NOT foods but “remedies” (and often unproven ones).

Also, papaya seeds taste extremely bitter and spicy. If you enjoy eating them that way and can make an entire meal out of them, then go for it.

I know for sure that I couldn’t do that, and most other people couldn’t either.

If you want nourishment, eat the edible portion of the fruit. The rest is not meant for your consumption.

Eating 3000 Calories from Fruit

Hello. My language is not very good because I am from Poland but yes I’ll read all what did you send to me. I know that you are correct about fruits and vegetables. I was 6 years vegan now I am full raw and I see a lot positive things! I eat 2 meals per day because I know that my stomach need rest like others parts from my body. I found only one difficult thing: how to get 3000 or more calories from fruits only? I eat 7 to 10 bananas on my breakfast plus more fruits and greens then something similar 5h before I am going to sleep. I am very active I am running cycling and climbing and do a lot more exercises that why I want to know in which fruits is a lot calories!

ANSWER: To get 3000 calories a day I would personally recommend to work towards eating a 1500 calorie lunch as your main meal. Then breakfast only needs to be 500 calories and dinner could be around 1000 calories. That may seem like a lot of fruit at first, so you may want to start with 4 meals a day and then later reduce to two. The following are some high calorie fruits you could eat: mangoes, bananas, honeydew melon, figs, persimmons.

Chewing Dulse

I have some colitis and have had some bloody mucus when swallowing the juice from chewing dulse. How do I know I would be able to eat from a raw diet even if it is from juicing? Frank

ANSWER: The obvious solution is to avoid chewing dulse. Dulse contains too much salt to consume to eat as a regular food item.

Consuming Flax Seed Oil & Phyto-oestrogen

Hello I was hoping that you could forward this question to Fred. Well, I have been taking flax seed oil for some time, I am a male, and I was wondering since it is so high in phyto-estrogen, could this mess with a male’s fertility? Thanks again Best, Cedric                                

ANSWER: As you may know, I don’t recommend taking flax seed oil or ANY other type of oil for that matter as a supplement. Oil is a refined food, similar to white sugar or white flour. It’s also a highly concentrated fat. It is better to get your essential fatty acids from fruits and vegetables, and only eat limited quantities of overt fats like avocados. There could be other problems that could develop by consuming this oil regularly, such as the one you allude to. I do not think that it would be the only reason to avoid it, though.

Eating When Hungry?

U say to wait to eat till u feel hungry. It has been almost 24 hours since I last ate. I have not been hungry. Is this normal? Is it ok? Thx

ANSWER: In my book the Raw Secrets I described in detail the difference between true, genuine hunger and false, “appetite” or hunger. This was more to enable the reader to recognize these differences and be able to more accurately judge if the diet they are on is really working.

That being said, I don’t recommend waiting until you are absolutely, genuinely hungry every time before eating.

I recommend that you avoid all the foods and substances that trigger false hunger (such as salt, condiments, spices, sauces, etc.) and exercising daily to create a true demand for food. But once that’s done, eat at regular times, even if you are not ravenously hungry all the time. I find for myself that the most important thing to do to experience true hunger more often is to exercise regularly.

Fruit Addition Problem?

Hi! I have been eating mostly raw for the past several months. I fell off the wagon and started eating cooked foods. I was overeating terribly to the point of extreme discomfort. I am finally back to all raw. However, I feel I have a fruit addiction problem. I get tired if I do not consume some fruit after 3 to 4 hours. I often find myself eating when I am not hungry or after 7 pm (which I never used to do). Can you make any suggestions? I know I am eating far too much fruit and subsequently too much sugar. I am angry with myself and have great trouble controlling my desires to eat more fruit. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

ANSWER: I find it funny that you use the term “fruit addiction”. If your body demands something does that mean you are “addicted”? Are all humans “addicted” to food because they need to eat it?

I seriously doubt that you are eating too much fruit. In fact, all of those symptoms are actually most likely caused by not eating ENOUGH fruit.

Essentially, I recommend eating enough fruit at one meal so you are satisfied for several hours afterwards. Since I do not know the details of your diet it would be hard for me to make any other suggestions.

 

People Advocating No Fruit & The Glycemic Index

I think you need to address the low-glycemic movement in the raw food world. Hippocrates and Tree of Life advocate little to no fruit to improve health. Why go with more fruits when these reputable health centers say no?

ANSWER: I do not find the glycemic index to be a very useful chart overall. Essentially, to create this index they measured the “average” blood sugar response in “average” people, after eating different types of food.

The key word is “average”.

The average person does not exercise, is overweight and eats a high fat diet. So the results of the glycemic index tables will only reflect how the average person reacts to food, not necessarily how a healthy person reacts.

That being said, it’s clear that some foods produce a higher glycemic response than others. This is where the glycemic index can be useful. For example, watermelon raises blood sugar much faster than apples. So it could be your food of choice when you are exercising, or after coming back from the gym, when you need to raise your blood sugar, after depleting it through exercise.

As for the centers you mention, I could go on and on about this and explain to you in detail why. Start by reading my “Shocking Report on the Fruit Controversy” at www.fredericpatenaude.com/fruitreport.pdf

I believe that the concept of eating little to no fruit to improve your health is an aberration. Literally every single truly reputable health professional on the planet recommends fruits and vegetables for health.

The following doctors and researchers also recommend a high-carbohydrate, low fat diet, based upon thousands and thousands of scientific studies:

•    Dr. T. Colin Campbell (China Study)
•    Dr. Douglas Graham (80-10-10 Diet)
•    Dr. Joel Fuhrman (Eat To Live, also a high-fruit diet)
•    Dr. John McDougall (McDougall Program, only 7% fat)
•    Dr. Dean Ornish (Ornish Program for heart disease)
•    Dr. Neal Barnard (From Physician Committee of Responsible Medicine)
•    Dr. Alan Goldhamer (The Pleasure Trap)
•    And many others

I do not doubt that people who visit the “low-fruit” centers you recommend experience health benefits. However, it is not necessarily because they are avoiding fruit. It is because of the other healthy changes they make from their previous lifestyle.

As I have demonstrated elsewhere, a low-fruit, 100% raw diet is a very HIGH fat diet. There is no credible evidence or research that encourages such a high fat diet.

It is also not possible to design a no-fruit, low fat 100% raw food diet.

What’s Wrong With Eggs

Dear Fred. Many times I asked the same question namely about eggs consuming. This is why I still reluctant to order your books. I am looking for natural human diet. Let's ignore the controversial meat issue. But what wrong with eggs? Humans and apes always consume eggs. I am going 100% raw from the mid-August (my birthday). I desperately looking for answer. Yours faithfully. Tauy

ANSWER: It depends if you’re looking at it from an anthropological perspective or a health perspective. Some people try to guess what the ideal diet is simply by looking at what humans have eaten in the past, or what other apes eat. To me, that only tells part of the story.

The real question is:

-    Are eggs truly healthy?
-    Is there something in eggs you cannot get from fruits and vegetables?
-    Are there any concerns with eating eggs?

I can see a few things wrong with eggs. First of all, they are very high in protein, and a high-protein diet wears down the kidneys and contributes to cancer. High protein diets also are a major contributing factor in osteoporosis.

Eggs are also very rich in methionine, a sulphur-containing amino acid. That means they are very acidifying, because methionine is broken down into sulphuric acid by the body. That sulphuric acid delivers a big acid load to the body that must be neutralized by leaching precious calcium from your bones.

According the Relative Acid Load chart (also called Potential Renal Acid Load), eggs are some of the most acidifying food there is. Egg yolk is even more acidifying to the body than beef or salami. That goes for your raw eggs too.

There is also the potential of bacterial contamination with eggs. Many people have been seriously harmed by eating contaminated eggs, especially raw eggs.

Egg eaters live shorter lives. A recent study showed that men who eat more eggs live shorter lives:

Since you can get all the nutrients you need from fruits and vegetables (except for the vitamin B12 that is made in your guts. If you’re concerned, take a supplement), I see absolutely no reason to eat eggs, and many more reasons NOT to eat them.

Raw Health Starter Kit The Best Value Bundle! Over $500 worth of products bundled into one, low-priced starter kit. You can get started on the raw-food diet and learn how to use it for boundless energy, detox, rejuvenation, or achieving your ideal weight. Instant Raw Sensations — sprial bound recipe book by Frederic   The Raw Secrets — fresh perspective on raw food diet by Frederic Health & Energy With Raw & Living Foods CD   How to Create Passive Income in Health CD   Starter Kit CD   Digital bonuses - and more! For More Information, Click Here!

 

 

- In this issue

- What's Wrong With Wheatgrass?

- Questions from the readers (that's you!)

Dear raw-food enthusiast,

I hope that you're enjoying the summer. Here in Eastern Canada we don't have a summer at all. If the planet is truly warming up, somehow this spot must have been left out because it feels more like October than July!

But it's perfect temperature for running and so I'm not complaining.

I also had the chance to visit the beautiful country of Thailand in June and bring back many good memories of the beautiful places I visited and great people I met. I'm still sorting through my pictures and videos and hopefully I'll share some of them with you soon.

Our featured picture on the right is the "durian truck", a common sight in the province of Chanthaburi about three hours south of Bangkok. I discovered this place thanks to my friend Harley "Durian Rider" (check out his wonderful forum at www.30bananasaday.com), where more durian is grown than anywhere in the world. As low as 50 cents a pound, we couldn't complain.

A quick reminder: my friend Roger Haeske recently released an amazing program called the Savory Veggie Stews. If you think Green Smoothies were great, wait till you try this. This recipe system enabled me to totally eliminate my dinnertime salt and cooked cravings! After the Green Smoothie Revolution, I'm sure we'll have a Veggie Stew revolution, thanks to this great new product by Roger. It's launch week so you're getting a better price if you order now, plus a bunch of freebies. Check it out here:

http://tinyurl.com/mjq7r4

Frederic

PS: Remember the price goes up almost every day during launch week, so the sooner you get it, the better.

http://tinyurl.com/mjq7r4

If you're curious about the prices in the picture, $1 = 34 Baht, and prices are for one kilo (2.2 pounds).

“Who Else Wants to Watch Professional DVDs and Become Confident in the Kitchen With the Most Amazing, Simple and Delicious Low Fat Raw Recipes Ever?”

Watch the preview YouTube Video to get a peak at what's inside this DVD series. For more information on the Low Fat Raw Vegan DVD Series, click here. On the video, click "HQ" after it has started for better quality.

To order the Low Fat Raw Vegan DVDs, click here.

Wheatgrass: Nature’s Perfect Food?

Thanks to Dr. Graham for his help in helping me revise the latest version of this article.

Wheatgrass used to be the big "superfood" promoted by popular raw-food authors. Nowadays, you don't hear much about it since they are too busy selling raw chocolate and other more lucrative items, but it's more popular than ever in the mainstream.

Jamba Juice sells it.

You can find frozen wheatgrass juice in most health food stores and most of the popular raw food rejuvenation centers offer wheatgrass juice as part of their therapy.

Why would you want to drink such a nasty beverage?

Let's look at the claims made by wheatgrass proponents one by one.

1-Chlorophyll

One of the big claims made about wheatgrass juice is that because it's rich in chlorophyll, and that chlorophyll is similar to hemoglobin in structure, that somehow it helps "build your blood", because hemoglobin is an important component of blood. Some authors have even claimed that the "only" difference between hemoglobin and chlorophyll is the center element, which is iron for hemoglobin and magnesium for chlorophyll.

What is chlorophyll? It's of course the substance that converts sun energy into chemical energy through the process known as photosynthesis. Without this process, human life would not be possible! Only plants can make carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water.

Hemoglobin is a protein that transports oxygen into the red blood cells. It makes up about 35% of the blood. Without hemoglobin, human life would also not be possible. It transports oxygen from the lungs to every cell of the body that needs it.

So what's the link between the two? They are certainly similar in structure, but with very important difference. The main difference is that hemoglobin is built around iron, while chlorophyll is built around magnesium. But to claim that the two molecules are easily interchangeable is really oversimplying things

We know that if you need iron, you cannot just take magnesium and expect your body to convert it like an alchemist would convert lead into gold.

Certain elements that help build the blood (such as iron, calcium, vitamin C, folic acid, etc.) are found abundantly in chlorophyll-containing foods such as green vegetables, so it's easy to understand that these foods can have some benefits. But the claim that chlorophyll can be converted into hemoglobin is simply not supported by science.

Chrolophyll is not a necessary nutrient in human nutrition. Many populations throughout history have gone for years, or even decades on restricted diets of various foods that do not contain any chlorophyll (such as fruits, root vegetables, grains, etc.), with no apparent difficiency.

But the big misunderstanding about grass as part of the human diet is that we're simply not grass-eating creatures. All of the various vitamins and minerals that are found in wheatgrass can be found in much more succulent and easily digestible fruits and v

2-Enzymes

Perhaps you should drink wheatgrass juice for enzymes?

First of all, the enzymes that are destroyed in the food are NOT the same enzymes that are required by your body to digest the food you’re eating.

For the sake of clarity, let’s define an enzyme. An enzyme is essentially a protein that helps make a specific chemical reaction occur.

Food enzymes are those found in foods, and their purpose is to carry out the chemical reactions necessary for the existence and life of the plant itself.

They are also destroyed by stomach acids upon ingestion by humans. Even if they could somehow survive the acidity in the stomach, these enzymes were designed for the plant. They helped the plant to grow, and would continue to help the plant carry out its life cycle. They play no part in the human digestive process.

The plant enzymes found in wheatgrass are in no way special. Lettuce and other vegetables contain the same enzymes.

3- Most Nutritious Food

The biggest claim about wheatgrass is that an ounce of wheatgrass juice is worth more than 2 pounds of fresh green vegetables. Is this true? Let's see how this claim stands scrutiny.

Below you'll find the nutritional data (taken from USDA databases) for one ounce of wheatgrass juice, compared to 2 pounds of two different vegetables. I threw in the typical carrot in there, just to see, even though it's not a green vegetable.You'll find that your typical ounce of wheatgrass juice is nowhere close to replacing the 2 pounds of vegetables, as wheatgrass promoters have claimed.

Wheatgrass Juice (1 ounce)

Vitamin E, 880 mcg (that's "microgram" not milligram)
Betacarotene,120 IU
Vitamin C, 1 mg.
Vitamin B12, 0.30 mcg (that's "microgram" again)
Magnesium, 8 mg.
Calcium, 7.2 mg.
Iron, 0.66 mg.
Potassium, 42 mg.

Raw Spinach (2 pounds)

Vitamin E, 18400 mcg.  (I converted to micrograms, for easier comparison)
Betacarotene, 85,066. IU
Vitamin C, 254.9 mg.
Vitamin B12, none
Magnesium, 716.7 mg.
Calcium, 898.1 Mg.
Iron, 24.6 mg.
Potassium, 5,062.1 mg.

Raw Carrots (2 pounds)

Vitamin E, 6000 mcg.  (I converted to micrograms, for easier comparison)
Betacarotene, 152,506 IU
Vitamin C, 53.5
Vitamin B12, none
Magnesium, 108.9 mg.
Calcium, 299.4 Mg.
Iron, 2.7 mg.
Potassium, 2,903.0 mg.

This was just an except of my monthly newsletter. The same issue also contained a complete description of detoxification, how it works, what to expect, what to avoid, and more description of other symptoms. If you liked it, learn more about subscribing at www.fredericpatenaude.com/mentorclub.html
 

Eating Olives

Hi Frederic! I really enjoyed reading your "Raw Secrets" book. What do you think of eating olives? Do olives have a high nutritional value? Some of the gourmet olives taste great although they use too much salt so I usually soak the olives in water and rinse them before eating to reduce the salt. I like olives, but I am just concerned about the excess salt. Since olives are also high in fat, how many do you recommend eating for one serving? Thanks.

ANSWER: I don’t recommend olives, except as an occasional exception. Olives are quite inedible when picked right from the tree, and must be cured and preserved in salt. That makes them quite unhealthy in the first place.

I also know that some people sell sun-dried, salt-free olives. I personally find them bitter as hell and am not attracted to eat them at all. But if you like them, you can certainly enjoy a few (maybe 6-12) with a salad meal. But remember, they should be sundried and salt-free. Maybe if you try them in that state you’ll come to the same conclusion I did, which is that they’re nothing special!

How Much Protein is Enough?

Frederic, I have just received your lesson 3 about protein…that surprised me more than anything so far. I am just curious how you came to this conclusion of less than 6% protein is optimal. I tried to remove proteins from my meals and I felt miserable because I fell eating too much starch and weakening my bodies. An ND told me because I am a blood type O+, I had to have my daily proteins!!…suggesting to go back to meat. Because I am vegetarian, I refused to eat meat no matter what….

ANSWER: 6% of protein in total calories consumed is plenty, for the following reasons:

1.    Human milk only contains 6% protein (by calories). We know that babies are growing fast and need more protein than adult. So there is no reason to think we would need more protein than a growing baby.
2.    Vegetarian and fruitarian animals on the planet all eat a low-protein diet and yet build tremendous strength and muscle.
3.    Proteins in fruits and vegetables are of higher quality than proteins in grains or beans. They contain all necessary amino acids and are not processed, cooked or coagulated by heat. Therefore, they are easy to assimilate.

In the 11 years I’ve been on a raw diet, I’ve never known any raw-foodist with a true protein deficiency.

However, I’ve met plenty of people who consumed too little food and wasted away, in addition to suffering from many deficiency-related problems.

It’s essential to consume enough calories to meet your needs. If you do that, you’ll automatically get enough protein, along with most necessary nutrients (one exception is Vitamin B12. I recommend supplementing for that).

As for the blood type diet, I have debunked it many times, in details in my program the Raw Health Starter Kit.
 

Raw Health Starter Kit The Best Value Bundle! Over $500 worth of products bundled into one, low-priced starter kit. You can get started on the raw-food diet and learn how to use it for boundless energy, detox, rejuvenation, or achieving your ideal weight. Instant Raw Sensations — sprial bound recipe book by Frederic   The Raw Secrets — fresh perspective on raw food diet by Frederic Health & Energy With Raw & Living Foods CD   How to Create Passive Income in Health CD   Starter Kit CD   Digital bonuses - and more! For More Information, Click Here!

- Frederic's Update: Raw Events This Summer!

- Feature Article: Fred Challenged on the High-Fruit Diet

I hope that you’re enjoying the spring as much as I am, even though here in Canada it feels like winter rather than summer is coming

I have three updates for you:

1)  Raw Chat Event! On Sunday, June 7th, at 9 p.m. Eastern I’ve been invited to host a 1-hour live audio/video chat for the website Raw Food Friends. Come to ask me any questions about raw foods and meet other raw food friends. All you need is join at: http://www.rawfoodfriends.com/member/join.php

2)  Raw Event This Summer! Are you looking for a great raw event to meet other like-minded people and learn a ton about this lifestyle with live lectures and demos? The event to attend this summer is the Vibrant Living Expo, on August 21-23, in Ft. Bragg, Northern California, organized by Cherie Soria and her team. I’ve attended many raw food events for the past 10 years and this one beats them all, hands down.

I will be there giving two lectures, and with a booth where you can meet me and get to chat a bit in person. Other lecturers include:

•    Dr. Doug Graham
•    Kevin Gianni
•    Howard Lyman (the Mad Cowboy)
•    Victoras Kulvinskas
•    John Robbins (author of “Diet for a New America”)
•    Matt Monarch & Angela Stokes
•    Don Weaver
•    Brian Clement
•    And many others

Get more information and sign up at www.rawfoodchef.com. Make sure you sign up early to get a discount.

3)  Low Fat Raw Vegan DVDs finally in! Last week I launched my first series of professional raw vegan DVDs, where I show you on the screen how to make simple, delicious and nutritionally sound raw recipes. This is the first DVD series that presents low-fat recipes.

The DVDs have already started shipping. Order yours at: www.fredericpatenaude.com/lowfatdvds/

“Who Else Wants to Watch Professional DVDs and Become Confident in the Kitchen With the Most Amazing, Simple and Delicious Low Fat Raw Recipes Ever?”

Watch the preview YouTube Video to get a peak at what's inside this DVD series. For more information on the Low Fat Raw Vegan DVD Series, click here. On the video, click "HQ" after it has started for better quality.

To order the Low Fat Raw Vegan DVDs, click here.

Frederic Challenged on the High-Fruit Diet

I was recently interviewed by the Fresh Network for a special event they are doing for their magazine, where they are interviewing different raw food expert and challenging them with important questions about the raw-food lifestyle that are often left unanswered.

I’m publishing below a part of the interview.  Each expert got a slightly different set of questions. As you’ll see, mine featured a lot of questions on the fruit-based diet and the concerns that many people have about it.

1. Fruit

•    How much fruit do you think we should consume for optimal health, and why?

For optimal health on a raw vegan diet, we should consume enough fruit to provide us with the bulk of our calories. The reason is quite simple: no other food that can be eaten raw can provide us with sufficient calories, vitamins and other nutrients while at the same time be low in fat.
Fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, and contain enough calories to maintain our weight.
One pound of lettuce only yields 63 calories, while one pound of bananas yields 400.
To this fruit-based diet, we add 1 to 4 pounds of vegetables and non-sweet fruits per day, which will provide additional mineral density, such as sodium, which may be lacking in fruit.

•    Please comment on the following: “Although it is clear from our anatomy and physiology that we are frugivores, the fruit that is commercially available today is so different from the fruit our earliest ancestors ate that it is no longer an ideal food for us. Specifically, it is much lower in minerals and much higher in sugar. Therefore, is it not wise to consume sweet fruit in moderation and favour non-sweet fruits, and vegetables, as those foods are likely closer to the fruits on which our ancestors based their diets?”

I don’t believe there’s any evidence for the sugar content of fruits that our “earliest ancestors” ate. If so, I would be interested to see it. We’re talking millions of years, so I don’t think it’s possible to know what the sugar content was back then.

From having travelled the world, I know that the sugar content of wild fruits varies greatly. Some wild fruits are not very sweet and others are extremely sweet. I believe it would have been the same for foods grown millions of years ago.

Let’s compare two raw vegan diets of 2000 calories. Let’s say that someone follows the advice of eating fewer sweet fruits and more non-sweet fruits and vegetables. Because there are not enough calories in the diet, the person will invariably be drawn to eat more fatty foods such as avocados. The result will be an unhealthy diet containing too much fat, even more than what is traditionally recommended as the upper limit.

On the other hand, a person eating mostly fruits grown today can eat the same quantity of vegetables and non-sweet fruits as the person described above, but will avoid the problem of excess fat. So the diet will be more nutritious, contain more minerals from vegetables and less fat.

•    Do you believe it is advisable to eat seasonally and locally? And if so, aren’t those living in cold climates where no fruit grows for 6+ months of the year better off focusing on foods that do grow in their locality, and enjoying local fruits when they are in season, rather than eating imported fruit year round?

Yes, I believe it’s a good thing to eat seasonally and locally as much as possible. However, it’s not advisable to make it a religion and avoid imported fruits when local fruits are scare and not sufficient to provide enough calories in the diet. If not, you will be forced to eat other things such as cooked grains, which are not as healthy.

•    It is very difficult to get ripe fruit these days. Most commercially available fruit is picked 1-2 months before it’s ripe. What are the consequences of consuming unripe fruit?

Yes, fruits are picked unripe but they ripen after they’ve been picked and should be fairly ripe when you eat them.

There would be negative consequences to eating a truly unripe fruit, such as a green banana, which could lead to indigestion. But no one eats them that way.

What I believe people should do is seek the best quality fruit they can. It doesn’t matter that it’s been picked a few weeks earlier, as long as it has had the right conditions to continue ripening properly. Even in the tropics, bananas are picked green, otherwise they would get eaten by monkeys and other animals!

•    Sugar consumption is known to accelerate the aging process as it contributes to cross-linking of collagen in the skin and also the formation of Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs), both externally and internally. Given the link between sugar and aging is it not wise to consume sweet fruit in moderation or not at all and to favour low-sugar plant foods instead?

I did some research and found this (from http://longevity.about.com/od/researchandmedicine/p/crosslinking.htm)

"Researchers believe that if the concentration of sugar in the blood is high, then more cross-linking occurs. Everyone could benefit from keeping their blood sugar from spiking."

If you read the above statement, you will understand that it’s not sugar per se that is the problem (after all, our cells need sugar), but high levels of blood sugar, which is completely different. One of the main factors resulting in high blood sugar is the overconsumption of fat (for proof, see the works of Dr. Fuhrman, Barnard, Mc. Dougall, Klaper, Graham, Ornish).

By trying to avoid sugar in fruit, a person will invariably consume more fat, which will lead to the very problem they were trying to avoid in the first place: high blood sugar. On a low fat diet, consuming large amounts of fruit only results in normal, not high blood sugar.

On a personal note, I have tested on myself and with many people using a blood sugar monitor the sugar response from eating fruit. I have found that even after eating a large quantity of bananas (as many as 15), blood sugar doesn’t spike, is extremely stable and in the healthy range, and that for hours.

The author Steve Pavlina also did similar experiments and came to the same conclusions: http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2008/02/raw-food-diet/

•    Since it is known that sugar feeds cancer cells, and that cancer cells have more insulin receptors than normal cells and therefore will get fed first when sugar is consumed, is it wise for someone with cancer to cut down on all sugars, including those found in fruit?

Again, I believe here the key is to avoid high blood sugar, rather than sugar itself. The only way to keep your blood sugar stable and avoid the spikes and crashes is to eat a low fat diet and keep your body fat at reasonable levels. Other factors such as exercise will improve your insulin sensitivity.

It’s not possible to avoid sugar completely. If no simple sugars are consumed, complex carbs will be broken down into simple sugars. If no carbs are consumed, the body is forced to convert fat into fatty acids and ketone bodies for survival during a state referred to as “ketosis”, which is essentially what happens during fasting. The body needs a source of energy, and simple sugars are its preferred source.

The consumption of fruit in the context of a low fat diet promotes a stable sugar, which could be key in recovering from cancer.

It is good to note that the American Cancer Society recommends plenty of fresh fruits. ((REF: http://tinyurl.com/8a3e3)

Raw Health Starter Kit The Best Value Bundle! Over $500 worth of products bundled into one, low-priced starter kit. You can get started on the raw-food diet and learn how to use it for boundless energy, detox, rejuvenation, or achieving your ideal weight. Instant Raw Sensations — sprial bound recipe book by Frederic   The Raw Secrets — fresh perspective on raw food diet by Frederic Health & Energy With Raw & Living Foods CD   How to Create Passive Income in Health CD   Starter Kit CD   Digital bonuses - and more! For More Information, Click Here!

- Word From The Editor
- The Myth of Overeating!

Welcome to another information-packed issue of Outrageous Health & Success.

Last week I just released a new recipe book called “Exotic Raw Recipes”. This is the definitive answer to eliminating boredom and nutritional gaps on the raw diet.

I’ve created over 75 recipes based on all of these exotic fruits we don’t know what to do with! All of the recipes are low in fat and properly combined.

Get this unique recipe book at

www.fredericpatenaude.com/ExoticRecipes.html

That’s it for my intro, because today I’m destroying one of the top myths and lies spread in the raw food movement: the myth of overeating.

Yours for health and success,

Frederic

In less than 72 hours the introductory offer for this eBook will be over and the price will be raised!

www.fredericpatenaude.com/ExoticRecipes.html
 

The Myth of Overeating

There is a myth currently being spread in the raw food movement , hurting people as it goes.

It is the myth of overeating.

The myth of overeating goes like this:

- The cause of all diseases is overeating

- Try to eat less and less, and you will feel better. Eventually, you might even need to eat only tiny amounts of food, because your body is utilizing the calories better. Who knows, one day you might even become a breatharian, living on nothing but air?

Someone recently forwarded me a link from a popular raw food forum, where a raw-food author criticized my recent article on “Why I’m Mad at a Raw Food Movement.”

The funny thing is that he didn’t want to say my name, but gave away the name of my book. Not so subtle…

In any case, the entire conversation revolved around overeating.

The author in question blamed me for promoting a diet that includes a lot of fruit, and said that under no circumstance should you eat 4 bananas in one meal, because that would be “overeating” and therefore “bad”.

Of course, nowhere in the article was “overeating” defined. So why not start there?

Here are several definitions I have found for overeating:

-    gluttony: eating to excess (personified as one of the deadly sins)

-    Gluttony, the act of eating to excess (either to discomfort or more than required for proper health)

So basically, overeating is simply eating more than what the body needs to maintain proper health, or eating too much at one sitting, and therefore going over the digestive capabilities of the body.

So if everybody agrees that overeating is simply eating “too much”, then maybe we should figure out “how much” we need to eat, in order to know what’s overeating and what’s not.

Why Calories Are Important

The most important element we get from the foods we eat is energy, or calories. That comes in the form of carbohydrates, fats or protein.

Then of course our food provides us with the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that we need.

The calorie concept is still extremely valid even when we analyze raw food nutrition. Why? Because it is a fairly accurate evaluation of the amount of food a person needs to eat every day to meet her needs.

A calorie is simply a unit of energy. Because our cells need simple sugars to live, there is certainly a certain amount of energy that we need to get from our food every day. If we go under this amount, the body will break down its own fat reserves to meet its needs. If we go over this amount, the body will accumulate fat reserves for the future.

It’s best if you think of calories as simply “energy”.

The amount of energy (calories) that a person needs every day will vary greatly according to these basic factors:

-    Height, weight and muscle mass (each pound of muscles requires an additional 25 calories per day to “maintain”)
-    Gender (men will generally need more calories than women)
-    Activity levels (athletes need more calories than sedentary persons)

There are many ways to calculate how many calories you need per day. You can use simple calculators (for example, at www.fitday.com) to figure out your basic metabolic rate (the number of calories you need every day, without any physical activity).

You can even go to a gym and step on a special machine that will measure your body fat, your muscle mass, and your basic metabolic rate.

So you will get a certain number, for example: 1500 calories per day.

That will be your minimum to maintain your weight and muscle mass. Then you will need to add on top of that any physical activity you have for the day, and add in calories for that.

An easy but imprecise way to figure this out is to simply take your ideal weight, and multiply it by 10.

That’s your basic rate.

Then add to that basic activities (walking, working, etc.), and fitness training (running, yoga, etc.)

The online fitness calculators can help you figure out these numbers.

In general, a fit and active woman who doesn’t need to lose any weight will want to eat around 2000 to 2500 calories per day.

A fit man will probably want to eat anywhere from 2500 to 3500 calories per day.

If you have three meals per day, that means each meal could be between 600 and 1500 calories each.

-    One banana is 100 calories.
-    One apple about 60.
-    One large mango: about 150 calories
-    One avocado: about 250 calories (mostly coming from fat)

So if “overeating” is simply eating more than your body needs, why would it be “overeating” to eat 8 bananas at one sitting?

Is there any logical reason to think that this might be “too much”, other than the irrational fear of fruit?

8 bananas gives you about 800 calories. If a person has three 800 calorie-meals per day, they will get 2400, which is about what the average person needs.

But can you digest 8 bananas at one sitting?

Although this may seem like a lot of food for someone new to the raw diet, the body has the ability to digest a fairly large amount of fruit. It’s easy to see from how light you feel, even after a fairly large meal, and how easy it is to digest it.

So if your body needs it… and you can digest it, is it overeating? Absolutely not.

Undereating is the Real Problem

There is certainly a problem with “overeating” in the raw food movement, but it’s not what our raw-food author thinks.

The real “overeating” problem is the excess of fat, in the form of avocados, nuts, seeds, oils — which almost every raw foodist eats in rather large quantities, because they are not used to eating appropriate amounts of fruits and vegetables.

As they are overeating on these foods, which the body only needs in small quantities, they are also “undereating” on the real nutrient-rich foods: water-rich fruits and vegetables.

What tends to happen is a pattern of “undereating” on small, insufficient meals of fruits and vegetables, followed by binges on nuts, seeds and fats to compensate on the lack of calories.

For example, a lot of raw foodists eat ridiculously small quantities of food in one sitting, leaving them malnourished and hungry.

For example: a small salad containing lettuce, dressings, and a few fruits.

A few hours later, they are hungry… but they’re also afraid of overeating, so they try to eat this ridiculous small meals again. Eventually, the caloric deficit becomes so great that they binge on a 3000-calorie meal to compensate.

Stop These Anorexic Behaviors!

With a normal, cooked, Standard American Diet, high in fat and salt, it doesn’t take a lot of food to reach your maximum number of calories per day.

In other words… the food doesn’t weigh a lot, but is rich in calories.

So because of that, we’ve been accustomed to exercise a certain restrain when it comes to eating, because we know from experience that eating a large amount of food leads to digestive problems and weight gain.

That’s because the food is dense in calories. But another problem with it is that it’s also has a low nutrient density. For the same amount of calories, you get fewer vitamin, minerals and anti-oxidant.

With fruits and vegetables, it’s completely different.

The food is low in calories, but nutrient dense.

A pound of food doesn’t contain a lot of calories, but for the same amount of calories, it contains more vitamins, minerals and other nutrients than any other food!

Therefore… you have to eat more! And at the same time, you are better nourished.

For example, let me show you how you could get 2000 calories on a Standard American Diet:

BREAKFAST:

-    3 medium pancakes, whole wheat
-    1 cup of orange juice
-    1 sliced pear
-    3 Tbs. fruit jam

LUNCH:

-    1 mixed salad
-    3 Tbs. salad dressing
-    1 roll
-    4 ounces tuna fish
-    1 apple

DINNER:

-    Plate of spaghetti with sauce
-    No dessert

Now let’s take a look at the “raw” equivalent, while keeping our fat percentage fairly low.

BREAKFAST:

-    Smoothie made with 6 medium bananas, 1 apple, 3 cups of spinach

LUNCH:

-    5  big mangoes eaten with celery and lettuce leaves

DINNER:

-    Large salad with ½ avocado, three large tomatoes, and an entire head of lettuce
-    2 cups of freshly squeezed orange juice

So… what’s your reaction when you compare the amount of food in the first, pretty Spartan menu, and the second raw, low-fat menu.

It’s a lot more food! In fact, most people when they look at the first menu, will think they will starve on that amount of food. There are no desserts and no snacks, and the amounts are pretty normal.

Yet on the second menu, most people will think they cannot possibly eat all of that!

But the amazing thing is that both menus provide the same number of calories… with important differences.

Let’s take a look at the nutritional analysis for the first menu:

Now let’s take a look at the food from the second menu:

Here are some important differences:

-    The raw menu contains 4.5 times the vitamin A, twice the vitamin B, almost twice the vitamin E, 50% more copper,
-    Both contain the same amount of calcium (which is still adequate), almost the same iron
-    The cooked menu contains twice the fat
-    The cooked menu contains an amazing 4172 mg. of sodium, compared to less than 200 on the raw menu (which isn’t completely accurate because I didn’t add in the celery). The official recommendations for health are now less than 1500 Mg. per day!

Overall, it is clear that the raw diet is more nutritious, and also more balanced. Actually, I was a little lazy and didn't put all the greens in. The actual values are even higher than what's being shown.

And an interesting fact: the raw diet contains more than twice the natural water, even without adding any liquids. With a lower sodium content, this makes the raw diet clearly more hydrating.

BOTTOM LINE:

-    Fruits and vegetables contain more nutrition PER CALORIE. However, it is still necessary to consume enough food to meet your needs.

-    A big problem in the raw food movement is NOT overeating, but rather UNDEREATING fruits and vegetables and overeating concentrated fats.

By the way, if that seems like too much food for you, don't worry. You can eat more often at first.

ANSWER TO QUESTIONS:

Doesn’t eating raw foods require fewer calories?

Because fruits and vegetables are easy to digest, they do require less energy (calories) digest. However, This difference is probably less than 5%. Because raw-foodists tend to have more energy, they will easily increase their exercise and activity by at least that much, so in the end they require the same amount of calories or more than the average person.

How many meals should you eat every day? 

Ideally, 2 or 3. But initially, to make it easier to consume a large volume of fruits and vegetables, you can eat 4 to 5 times. Overtime, you’ll be able to make larger meals that will last you several hours, without any digestive issues.

Why did every experiment on life extension found that restricting caloric intake was the only was to lengthen life?

All experiments on caloric restriction were done on animals such as rats, who have a short lifespan. Laboratory rats are not fed their normal foods that they found in the wild, and are not as active as well. So feeding them 30% less of the toxic, artificial food they normally received extended their lives. The same would happen if you would cut by 30% the food intake of the average American.

However, eating a natural diet of fruits and vegetables is completely different. Eating an adequate amount of it will not shorten your lifespan.

The greatest proof that caloric restriction doesn’t work is the fact that almost all life extension specialists end up living an average or below average lifespan.

Is it a sin to eat at night or before going to bed?

Ideally, you want to leave a few hours from your last meal until your bedtime. However, it is not necessary to avoid eating at night completely. To improve your digestion, exercising before meals will do a lot more than avoiding eating at nighttime.

If for whatever reason, your schedule only allows you to have a dinner rather late in the day, you’ll still be fine. Just make sure that last meal is low in fat and easy to digest.

In any case, lunch should be the largest meal of the day.

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A quick reminder first:

http://www.fredericpatenaude.com/birthdaysale2009.html

It’s my birthday! And if you’ve been sitting on the fence about one of our books and programs, now’s the time. Everything’s on sale, and there’s free shipping. Check it out before it’s over in less than 24 hours at:

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I also have received a lot of questions that I’ll be answering below. You can comment on them here.

Candida

I was recently diagnosed with candida albicans and told to eliminate fruit for at least 3 weeks. Then, I can add less sweet fruits back slowly. What is your experience with candida albicans? What would you recommend since I was depending on the fruit for calories? I've already lost 15 pounds and only weigh 100 pounds since starting the raw foods diet. Thanks for answering my questions. I truly appreciate your teaching and cookbook products. 

ANSWER: I get that question a lot, so I’ve decided to answer it in a 20-page report on the Fruit Controversy at: http://www.fredericpatenaude.com/fruitreport.pdf

Are Cooked Minerals Inorganic?

Hi Fred, Thanks for your article that included personal experiences. I found that helpful.

I take that as an extreme position. A philosophy is a good rule of thumb, but it can become a dogma (just like, "If it's raw, it's cool!"). These are some ideas to play with. Thanks, and I really do appreciate your approach to diet. Ed Hirsch 

ANSWERS:

To answer your questions Ed:

-    Cooking does not render minerals useless in the body. If that were the case, then nobody eating cooked food could stay alive. So the answer is: no

-    That’s an interesting question about Spinach and oxalic acid. The problem with oxalic acid is that it can combine with calcium to form calcium oxalates. However, what I’ve found is that the Spinach grown today in North America contains much less oxalic acid than in the past. When I travel to other countries where they grow older varieties, I find the Spinach impossible to eat raw because of the oxalic acid. But if you eat the common “baby Spinach” there’s nothing to worry about.

-    Sprouts contain toxins but like Gabriel Cousens mentioned, the risks are minimal in small quantities. I’m opposed to Buckwheat greens because of a very strong toxin contained in them. Read more about it here:
http://www.gillesarbour.com/buckwheatArticle.php

In general, you cannot avoid toxins completely in natural foods. But like you said the amounts are minimal in vegetables.

How can you tell? If something is palatable to the taste, when eaten raw, without seasonings or combinations, then it’s human food.

If it’s too strong, too bitter or otherwise unpalatable then it contains toxins and should be avoided.

Then from that general principles you can make a few exceptions, for example with mild spices such as dill, cilantro, green onions, etc.

100% Raw, or Steamed Vegetables?

  Hi Fred, I'm a believer in the benefits of raw. However, I came across this information by Dr. Joel Fuhrman, author of "Eat to Live" - a very well respected doctor who wrote this article on "The Cold Truth about Raw Foods". It makes a lot of sense to me: http://www.diseaseproof.com/archives/healthy-food-the-cold-truth-about-raw-food-diets.html What's your opinion on this? I think 100% raw is difficult to do, especially in a cold climate like Toronto. Thanks, Nimisha 
 
ANSWER:

I tend to agree with the general position of Dr. Fuhrman, although I do think eating more raw will give you better health results overall.

The question of “cooking” is actually quite secondary. The first question is: what are our natural foods?

This debate has been answered fully in my book “The Raw Secrets”.

The answer is simple: fruits and vegetables are our natural foods, best adapted to human physiology.

Then we also find that in general eating foods in their raw, natural state yield more benefits. There are some exceptions, as Dr. Fuhrman pointed out.

It then becomes a personal decision: do you eat 100% raw or do you include steamed vegetables and other relatively healthy cooked foods in your diet as well? Personally, I still sometimes eat these items. But the bulk of my diet is raw, and that's what I try to stick to.

What I find in general is that once people open the door to cooked foods, then the rules become quite loose and eventually they’re back eating pretty much anything. It’s often much easier to just stick with raw foods.

Also, a lot of the issues around absorption of the nutrients in vegetables can be solved by including blended salads and green smoothies in your diet. In a future post, I will describe an easy way to add more easily digestible raw vegetables to your diet.

Bottom line is if you eat some steamed vegetables, it's not the end of the world, and could have some nutritional benefits. But in overall raw foods are superior.

Kale

 I'm loving the green smoothies! My question is about using kale - I've read some stuff now that suggests avoiding cruciferous greens because they aren't digestible and can cause an acidic condition - your thoughts? 
 
ANSWER: I never heard about that. Green vegetables, on the contrary, are quite alkaline. The issue with kale is more digesting it, due to the rough fiber. So I find it’s best to use it in small quantities only, blended in green smoothies, after carefully removing the stem, which is too hard to digest.

–

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- Word From The Editor
- Nature's First Law
- How Raw Science Has Evolved
- Questions and Comments from the Readers (That’s You!)

I can’t believe it when I look at what happened in the last 10 years.

I remember when I was younger, my grandmother would tell me: “life just goes by too fast”.

I never thought I would be someone who would eventually think to myself: “Wow, those last 10 years went by so fast!”

And I’m glad I don’t feel that way. Honestly, those last 10 years of my life don’t feel as if they just “went by”. They are so packed with events that it doesn’t quite seem that “yesterday, I was 22.”

When I first started on the raw food diet, it was the summer of 1996, and I was 20 years old.

I had just read a book that had completely changed my outlook on life. That book was “La Nourriture Idéale” by Albert Mosséri. This book has never been translated into English, but it roughly means “The Ideal Food” or the “Ideal Diet”.

This book contained, among other things, a word-for-word translation of the book “Raw Eating” by Hovanessian.

After reading it, I was shocked!

I instantly understood that everything I thought I knew about nutrition was possibly wrong!

The author said that eating raw foods would “cure all diseases” and that every single disease under the earth was caused by cooked food.

Albert Mosséri, however, did not believe that — as no rational person should — but he wanted to include parts of the book “Raw Eating” in his book because he thought that Raw Eating was one of the most enthusiastic, inspirational book ever written on the subject of health.

And he was right!

Mosséri himself recommended a diet composed of mostly fruits, raw vegetables, and some steamed vegetables and very small amounts of nuts and avocados.

So in a sense, it was a low-fat raw food diet, although not completely raw.

After reading that book, I immediately started following this Natural Hygienic diet, and reading everything I could on the subject (including the 20+ books that Mosséri had written).

I corresponded with Mosséri, and have maintained contact over the last 12 years. In 2005, Mosséri gave me permission to translate all of his books and reprint them. I have so far only translated some of his works, which I published in my book - The Raw Secrets.

Eating a mostly raw diet, alone in the heart of the Canadian winter, at 20 years old, living with my parents and going to school… was not an easy thing.

Even though Mosséri had given me great information to follow, I was still confused about a lot of elements of this diet/lifestyle.

Nature’s First Law

Eventually, in the summer of 1997, I discovered a strange website by three naked guys in avocado trees. They had published a book called “Nature’s First Law: the Raw Food Diet”, which I immediately ordered.

I wrote to Nature’s First Law, with a good, old fashioned hand-written letter that I dropped at the post office, and surprisingly got an answer back from David Wolfe himself.

I had offered to translate his book into French, and he invited me to come visit him in San Diego to talk about it. This led me to spend almost three years in Southern California. The year was 1997.

Although the project of translating Nature’s First Law into French never realized, I eventually started working with their company, and then went on to publish my own newsletter “Just Eat An Apple”, which is how I first got involved and known in the raw food movement.

My First Experience Versus My Second Experience

Going back to my story, when I first went raw, I did it the “traditional” way, which is: I ate a lot of fruit and vegetables.

I didn’t know about smoothies (unfortunately), or raw food recipes (fortunately!), so I just bought as many fruits and vegetables I could carry on my bike every day, and ate them simply and in few combinations.

I would ride miles and miles on my bike every day to get from one supermarket to the next, in order to find the best produce.

One store had papayas — a tropical fruit I had never tried before — so I was excited! Another had ripe avocados. And yet another store had dried figs.

It was my final year in music school, and I had decided to move to Southern California as soon as the summer was over and I could save enough money to leave.
When I left in November, 1997, I already had over one year of Natural Hygiene under my belt, and almost 5 months on a 100% raw food diet.

I was feeling pretty good!

At the time, Greyhound had a special on bus fares. You could go anywhere in North America for the same low price of $80.

So I paid $80 for a one-way ticket to San Diego, the farthest place I could go except Alaska!

It was a three-day trip, and the only thing I ate during the trip was apples and dates. I brought with me a giant bag of apples, along with some dates.

When I arrived to California, I felt pretty good, in spite of the long journey.

The first day I arrived, I spent the day at the beach with a few raw-foodists I had met: Don the “Raw Guy”, R.C. Dini (the Raw Courage Vegetable Guy) and Heidi.

When I arrived at Don’s house, RC showed up with a giant bowl of garlic-flavored guacamole, and invited me to dig in.

I was hesitating because my Natural Hygiene background led me to believe that raw garlic was not a good thing (and in fact, I was right…).

But I thought, “What the hell,” and enjoyed the meal, which was followed by more “combo-abombos” or “combinations-abominations” as RC affectionately called his raw-food recipes.

I remember how Don Meritski looked me in the eyes and said: “Dude, you’re going to eat SO much food while you’re in California, you’re not gonna believe it!”

And indeed, he was right…

In 1996, I started out with a pure, natural hygiene perspective.

Then in California, I was confronted with the greatest and coolest raw food movement on the planet, and discovered gourmet raw food recipes I never though I could eat before.

Over the course of the next two years… I lost pretty much all of the health benefits I had gained over my first year on the program.

I was eating several avocados a day, because they were free, often “harvested” from local trees in the neighborhood. I was eating a ton of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and combo-abombos.

The general rule I got from the raw-foodists was: Eat anything you like. If it’s raw, it’s cool!

After a little over a year on that program, I was already sick.

After two years, I had less energy than I ever had in my life, and I was starting to develop more serious problems such as cavities and blood-sugar imbalances.

All of that from the “perfect diet in the world”.

How “Raw Science” Has Evolved

It’s a lot easier for someone today to succeed on the raw food diet than ever before. Although more “bad” information is available, the good advice is also more readily available from different sources.

When I first started, the diet I was following was not bad. I was eating fruits and vegetables, and avoiding excess fat and combinations.

I was on the right track… but I just needed some extra guidance, which I didn’t have at the time.

The second diet I tried is the “high-fat” raw diet that a lot of people still promote today. On it, I reached the lowest level of health I ever reached in my life.

Here are just some of the insights that I didn’t have at the time, which are now clearer to me than ever:

It’s important to eat enough calories from fruit to meet your needs, otherwise you’re going to look everywhere and crave anything to fill the need.

Smoothies can make it a lot easier at first to get those calories in a more concentrated and easily digestible form.

The raw diet should be a diet of raw fruits and vegetables, with very little of anything else concentrated.

Green smoothies are one of the best ways to consume enough greens.

Dried fruits and other dried items such as nuts should be minimized

Special attention must be paid to dental health

There are over 100 insights such as these, that I have described in detail, in the Raw Health Starter Kit.

As usual, this is getting to become a pretty long introduction to my ezine.

The reason I started this rambling is that pretty soon, I’ll celebrate my 33rd birthday.

As I was looking at the last 10 years, I realized it might be time to write another book. Not an eBook, but another real, published book, a sequel to “Raw Secrets”, so to speak.

But to write it, I need your help. What would you like to hear about? What do you think I should write about?

Post your comments at the bottom of this page!

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To leave a comment or question, go to www.replytofred.com

Books Selling Miracle Diets

I just wanted you to know how much your articles/newsletters have meant to me. I've bought every health book out there, my digestive problems are currently so bad that I can only tolerate liquids! I feel helpless/hopeless and all those books that did nothing but make me try to force someone else’s miracle diet on me.

I loved your article on the raw food movement; it's just not that complicated is it?! We are destroying ourselves looking for every and any way around doing what’s right and natural, I hope to have learned my lesson. Thank you for being there for me and for all of us.

Sincerely, Meredith Machin

Not Everybody Can Move to Costa Rica

Dear Fred,

I admire your generosity in the information you give, thanks.

However, everyone cannot move to Costa Rica, if even a million people take your suggestion and move they will destroy the country because not everyone is respectful as you.

I know what it is like to live in the tropics and I wish I could live there again but it is not practical. Enjoy your new lifestyle. Not every one can join you.

As it is Costa Rica is now gaining a lot of attention by those who want to go green and they loooove the planet and want to escape the rat race. They are bringing their selfishness and greed with them in their quest to escape America.
Heather

RESPONSE FROM FREDERIC: Thanks for writing, but you sound a bit negative. Do you seriously think that millions of people would move to Costa Rica after reading my articles? It’s estimated that the North American population in Costa Rica is less than 100,000, even after 20 years of PR and promoting Costa Rica as a retirement destination. In comparison: a popular book on retiring to Costa Rica sold over 250,000 copies over the last 20 years.

No, living here part time or full-time is not for everyone. But honestly, I wish more of my readers would make the move. This country (and other countries) needs more health-conscious, raw food enthusiasts. I recently registered the domain name www.rawcostarica.com, hoping to eventually create a website for raw enthusiasts living and visiting this country.

By the way, I haven’t found that people moving here bring their “selfishness” and “greed” with them. At least, not more than in any other place. Maybe you should reconsider your negative position by actually spending some time here?

Private Consultations With Frederic

Dear FP,

Thanks for explaining that you are a very private person. I am not a very private person. Perhaps because I am still struggling to achieve optimal health. I would very much like to correspond with you about my personal issues. I realize that sharing about health is your business and I am willing to pay for support. Is this an option?

Sincerly, Regina Eldred, San Diego CA

RESPONSE FROM FREDERIC: I don’t offer personal consultations at the moment but I do correspond publicly and privately to my Raw Vegan Mentor Club members on our discussion forum at www.fredericpatenaude.com/mentorclub.html

Come to Canada!

This is my 3rd comment in the last 3 years… same comment! I live in Toronto… just wondering WHY you do not offer workshops/retreats in CANADA! There is a need!!

Tori

RESPONSE FROM FREDERIC: Good question! I haven’t been involved in doing many lectures since 2004. But this year I should participate in many live events. I was scheduled to speak at a raw food festival in Canada this year, but the organizers have canceled it. However a workshop should be organized soon in the Ottawa area. More information will be sent soon…

The Importance of Green Smoothies

Hi Frederic,

Thank you for reiterating the importance of Green Smoothies. I signed up for your "green" information even though I have been drinking green smoothies and have been raw for more than a year. I just keep giving my Green for Life books away. As far as I am concerned, Green Smoothies are the mainstay of the raw diet.

The importance of the greens and this drink cannot be overemphasized. My husband and I have our Green Smoothie after our morning five mile run. It's the best breakfast I have ever had!

I first learned about them when I heard Victoria speak at Arnold's Way, the raw cafe in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Your good friend Roger Haeske has been there a couple of times. Arnold is doing wonderful work promoting raw food and Green Smoothies. He is tireless and generous of heart. There were probably close to 100 people at his potluck last night, a testimony to the good work he has been doing.

If you don't know of Arnold Kauffman, you should check out his website: http://www.ArnoldsWay.com. However, since you have both been active in the raw food world for some time, I imagine you may be familiar with Arnold's Way. By the way, you can catch my husband and I on Arnold's Way YouTube. Again, thank you spreading the message of the Green Smoothie.

Best regards, Leslie Arnold

RESPONSE FROM FREDERIC: I know Arnold’s Way, of course. And thanks for your comments about Green Smoothies. In just over a week we’ll be leading our next Green Cleanse. In just 7 days of eating green smoothies you can see amazing results. More information here.

Eating for an Exam

Hello Frederic,

First off, I have to say that your website and the information contained in it is amazing! I have a question: I intend on taking a graduate school exam (MCAT) soon. I was told to eat protein mixed with carbohydrates for energy (since the test is 5 1/2 hours). I was wondering if fruit would work to eat in the morning of the exam, as it may induce me to running to the bathroom and this could mess up concentration as the test is time sensitive. I was wondering if you had any tips on raw foods I could eat in the morning the day of my exam that would not induce me to running to the bathroom consistently.

Thanks, Maya

RESPONSE FROM FREDERIC: I would be tempted to recommend fasting, although for such a long test it would probably not be a good idea. I imagine that the average person doing this test must at least drink something during the duration of the test?  The best choice if you want to get mental energy during the test is eating fruit. However, you don’t have to eat large quantities which like you said, might necessitate a few trips to the bathroom. Just a few pieces of fruit, consumed at regular intervals during the test will give you the energy you need. Bananas and dried fruit at that time would be a good choice (even though I don’t usually recommend dried fruit).

Food Combining Question

Hi Frederic — Many thanks for all the great health tips! You have been so helpful!! How many hours should I wait after eating fatty foods (like oils, nuts seeds) before eating fruit? Is two hours enough time? Or vice versa, how long should I wait before eating nuts and seeds after eating fruit?

Thanks for your input.

RESPONSE FROM FREDERIC: If you eat fruits FIRST, which is what I recommend, you don’t have to wait very long to eat other types of foods, such as salads containing fat. Just waiting 15 minutes or so is enough in most cases.

Acid fruits combine also fairly well with fatty foods. So after eating something containing fat, you could have an orange or another acid fruit.

Don’t make food combining more complicated than it should be on a raw diet. The only combination to really avoid is concentrated sweets with fats together. For example: nuts and dates.

Acai

Have you ever tried acai berry? What are your thoughts on purchasing it as a juice/concentrate?

Thanks.

RESPONSE FROM FREDERIC: I have eaten Açai when I visited Brazil in 2004. For those who don’t know, Açaí (pronounced AH-SAW-EE), is a slightly fatty, anti-oxidant rich fruit that grows in Brazil.
The Brazilian buy it frozen in big blocks. They make a national dish by blending it with either honey or guarana syrup, and serve it with granola. It’s simply delicious.
However, its recent use as “miracle food” is deplorable.
People buy it at a 10 or 20 times markup.

Even though Açaí is a decent food, it’s not necessary to eat it to stay in great health. There are other great, anti-oxidant rich foods available such as blueberries or pomegranates. You don’t need to pay an outrageous price for this exotic juice.

If Açaí were available frozen at a reasonable price, then I would suggest making some sorbets with it, similar to what the Brazilians make.

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