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Mid-Hudson Vegetarian Society, Inc.
38 East Market Street, Rhinebeck, New York 12572 USA -
845-876-2626
Vegetarian - Vegan - Animal Rights - Health - Nutrition - Environment
The mission of the Mid-Hudson Vegetarian Society, Inc. is to promote the vegetarian ethic in the Mid-Hudson (New York) region, educate the community and aid anyone in the pursuit of a totally vegetarian (vegan) cruelty-free and healthful lifestyle.
Newsletters
Articles From the Summer 1997 Newsletter
The Fresh Network
REASONS FOR FOLLOWING A RAW FOOD DIET
There is a wide variance of the type of raw food diet followed by different people, and of course this can alter with time as the individual changes. There are many very important beliefs and facts for increasing the percentage of raw food in the diet, and many of the scientific facts and studies into the benefits of such a diet, (many carried out by universities and conventional doctors), are not well documented in the standard media. There are also many incorrect myths surrounding raw foods, and in the past very little coverage has been given to just how beneficial and nutritionally complete a raw foods diet can be.One of the key reasons some choose such a diet is for vital health issues, in that raw food is seen as the best and most appropriate food for humans and can therefore lead to vital and vibrant health. Others use raw food for cleansing and healing illness and disease. There are also environmental issues, spiritual ideas and ethical reasons behind some raw food philosophies. Personally I believe that it is very important for me to learn to listen to my body's needs and to follow my innermost intuition when it comes to deciding what to eat and this has led to amazing health (no colds, 'flu etc.) and masses of energy.
The FRESH Network aims to encourage all to learn to consume the foods that suit them best as an individual, for whatever reasons. However education is vital, so that we have the widest range of options to make the best informed decisions.
RAW FOOD DEFINITIONS
There are many types of raw food diets, and not many strict definitions. For example a "Fruitarian" might only eat raw fruit and nuts, and no other foods, whereas someone following a "Raw Energy" diet, may consume a high percentage (generally above 70%) raw fruits and vegetables, along with other (usually Vegetarian) foods. Raw fruits and vegetables cover various categories of food, from the obvious juicy fruits such as apples and oranges etc., to vegetable fruits such as tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. Then there are the seeds and nuts, and sun dried fruits such as raisins and dates, and the raw vegetables (carrots, cabbage, etc.), and the sprouted grains,beans and seeds. It is from this whole wealth of raw, unprocessed vital foods, that the term 'Living Foods' originates, and is central to Intuitive Natural Nutrition, food bursting with living enzymes, vital to build a healthy body.
THE FRESH NETWORK
The Network therefore does not endorse or recommend only one rigid way of eating. It exists to bring together those who have an interest in a 100% or high percentage raw food diet. A Network to exchange vital education information, ideas and personal experiences so that individuals can change their diet and lifestyle with help and support from others, to suit their own personal set of ever changing needs and circumstances. The Network is a non-profit making service and publishes a large quarterly magazine (sample available at #163#3.75), as well as separate information articles. These cover topics such as: Nutrition, how cooking alters food, health issues, prevention and cure of disease, the role of religious and spiritual beliefs, environmental implications of food production and a host of other information on different people's reasons and experiences for changing the foods they eat. It also has a local contact list for those looking to correspond and perhaps meet with others with similar interests.The Network also runs a book service recommending appropriate titles, as well as being able to supply many of the hard to find ones. If you are unhappy about what you are currently eating look at all the facts and reasons behind a raw food diet. The FRESH Network is here for help and support.
Return to Summer 1997 Newsletter
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