Happy New Year!

I don't typically make resolutions, as it seems like failure waiting to happen, lol, but I will say I have *intentions* for the coming year. I would like to transition my family over to a more raw vegan diet. I know they will not be 100% raw OR vegan as they are big fans of dairy products and we have chickens for eggs but I feel like there are certianly changes I can make that will be better for them health-wise...

-Switch to raw goat milk products. There are a variety of sources 'round here that I can get raw goat milk from. With my son being on the spectrum AND testing as sensitive to dairy, this is one of the first things I will be doing. My kids like cheese, and I do limit it but....I have not eliminated it. They also like yogurt, which, no matter how raw they ever were, I did not eliminate as they all have digestive *issues*. I would love to make my own goat products, and possibly get a couple goats in the future.

-Incorporate a higher percentage of raw in family's diet. This will be easier as we approach Spring, but I plan on incorporating more sooner. We are leaving for FL for 10 days and using up what we have here, so my secret plan is to not replace alot of things when we come back :) The kids may resisit a little, particularly my oldest who eats a typical 'autism diet' (starch and cheese) WHile we are away, in a southern location, I plan to provide as much raw as I can to them :) It will be easier to get fruit there so we certianly will!

-Incorporate more fruit into MY diet. I have been eating fruit in my smoothies, but I don't often eat fruit just as-is. I have been having some issues with my diet, not feeling the best I feel I can and I feel like something is missing. My recent addition of superfoods has helped, but I also feel like I need more. Fruit is calling my name. Not only is it cleansing, but I am thinking I need the sugars for running/training. Seeds and nuts are not something I can consume often, and I also can't eat a ton of fats. I do like an avocado a day, and I might slip some coconut oil into my smoothie but beoynd that, fats are not something I indulge in. I am thinking I will feel an increase in my health upon adding more fruits.

I have noticed that many raw foodies have to switch up thier diets in order to continue to experience that fantastic health and energy they are used to. I believe you really need to tune into your body and recognize that, or you may interpret it for somethng else. There have also been many a raw foodie who has gone back to cooked, and even animal products because they felt raw was not working for them. That's fine, I am not here to judge and really, you need to do what you feel is best for you but....I can't help but wonder if they had just switched up their raw diet- added fats if they were low-fat, eliminated fats if eating them, added more fruit, superfoods, green smoothies...but it is such an individual thing. Even in my own family, I know there are different tastes and needs. My oldest needs fats and 'starchy' foods, while my younger 2 LOVE fruits. I can do that :) I will have them 'help' me, which encourages them to want to eat more raw. My oldest likes to 'cook' so I think he will help 'lead the way' for the other kiddos.

That's it for now...may be more to come!