Notice to all readers of Carol’s Blog About Raw Food
Posted on January 14, 2009 | by Carol Alt
Hi, there!
I’m sending a big “Thank you!” to so many of my fans who have written to me. I want to take a moment to tell you that I do read a great deal of my mail…not all of it, of course, as that would be a practical impossibility, since I am still shooting movies, and modeling, and promoting my skin care line, and oh, dear…my next book is due! But I read enough of it to know that I have some detractors and naysayers out there! So, I’m going to take a pause, albeit a boring pause for some of you, to address a couple of blogs that caught my attention.
Who knew that raw food would arouse so much controversy? The emotions run the gamut from anger, curiosity and judgment to absolute joy and grateful disbelief from the people who actually did try eating RAW before they wrote to me! Those “pioneers” who stuck with it did experience some of the same kind of amazing results that I did! And when I write “grateful disbelief”, I mean it! Many people could not believe that the simple act of changing the preparation of their food could alleviate so many health problems. Certainly I didn’t believe it when I started! But boy, what great results I got from taking that first leap of faith! The changes in my health were so numerous and incredible to me that I have documented some of them in my book, “Eating in the Raw”! Not only did I get relief from certain health problems, but in the 12 years I have been eating RAW, they have not come back! And some of these were chronic problems that had persisted for years before I went RAW!
Now, let me state the obvious: I am neither a doctor nor a scientist and I do not speak (or write) in specific doctor or scientific language. To put it more clearly, I cannot and don’t really want to speak in language that normal, everyday people find difficult to understand! To speak of primary, secondary, or tertiary protein links when speaking of enzymes – well that is boring even to me, an old hat at this who loves to learn new stuff about foods and the human body! Imagine how boring that is to people who are just starting out learning about raw food?
So for those of you who have written in and asked – and not for those of you who could care less “how” it works, but rather “that” it works – I respond in the following way:
Enzymes are of course protein links!
The body uses proteins (amino acids) and fats (essential fatty acids) to rebuild and regenerate the tissues, muscles, tendons, bones, and other systems of the body, skin, hair and nails. It uses only trace amounts of carbohydrates (glucose) for cell metabolism. And those carbohydrates are best coming from long chain carbohydrates such as veggies – not short chain carbs such as breads and pasta, etc.
Enzymes are what make fruit appear to go bad. When air hits the meat of the fruit, the enzymes start to “digest” the fruit. This is when I want to eat it!! When the nutrients are released. The easier it is to get at the nutrients, the better for me – as I need to be ‘nutritioned’. Same idea for nuts: A raw nut (say an almond) can germinate when put in water – meaning it can start to grow, releasing the nutrients. That is when I want to eat it; when the nutrients are easier to get at! A cooked almond will not germinate – go figure! Heat causes that much of a chemical change that a cooked nut will never grow again!! Man, you killed it!!! I am a ‘living’ being; why do I want to eat dead food?
Whatever heating does on a molecular level, I don’t need to have explained to me nor do I need to explain it to anyone else in detail.
All I NEED to know and all I ABSOLUTELY DO know is this: I digest raw food better and it makes me feel better. Period!
(By the way, if you do want more info on enzymes, I found the following website to be very informative and easy to follow: www.healingdaily.com/detoxification-diet/enzymes.htm — It covers much of the information that I really don’t have the time to write about….I mean, come on guys, I can’t do it all!!)
As for heat changing minerals, I am sorry I did not get specific enough!! Of course heat does not change minerals! In any case, I said it “denatures vitamins and minerals”, not wanting to go into specifics there again. I did not realize that the “scientists” in the group would want to take me to task for not being clear.
What I understand is that the “bonds” between the vitamins and minerals and proteins are very sensitive to heat. When heated, these bonds can be altered or broken. As any woman who takes Calcium knows, Calcium can be absorbed more readily in the presence of Vitamin D and Magnesium. That is supposedly the way they are found in nature – with bonds linking them together, helping to make them easier to absorb. (Also fat plays a role here, but I digress.) So, by heating them and breaking the “bonds” between the vitamins and minerals, we have essentially “denatured’ them from the way they are found bonded together in nature. (Again, I have found other websites that explain this better and in more detail. But for a general explanation of how this RAW food stuff works, take a look at www.rawguru.com/reshape.html – it may help you understand it better and me explain it better, too!
To any of you raw-food naysayers I say this: If eating processed, preserved, non-organic, chemically induced, altered, cooked or GMO’d food makes you happy and feeling healthy, go for it!!
However, please do remember: When (and notice I did not say “if”, but “when”) you are not feeling so well, and when you start to take that first over-the-counter med (assuming you are not taking any already i.e. stomach remedies, aspirin, allergy/sinus meds, sleeping aids etc. etc!!), please, please, please, let go of your ego and your anger towards the idea of RAW food, and just try it! It is an inexpensive way to help your self!
You see, even if I don’t know the scientific terms for every chemical process that happens with food in the body and even if I am not a doctor, I do not need to be one to know that I have reversed my own problems and taken myself off of all the over-the-counter meds I was taking – and I have never looked back! Nor do I miss those meds or their side effects! (or the expense!)
Bottom line: Whatever the scientific explanation – and yes, some, if not all of you can explain it better than I can! In the end, when you don’t feel well… remember RAW FOOD. Regardless of HOW it works, just remember THAT it works!! And it may just save your life!!
- Carol
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hyesun park says:
hi carol,
just want to THANK YOU for being such a healthy raw food advocate!! (and i don’t mean vegan – i don’t think raw veganism is healthy for most people). i’m a raw foodist wanna be – i probably do 70-80% raw now and i’m trying to give up my cooked foods, even though i make them all from scratch and they are healthier than most. i just discovered your website through the raw paleo diet website, and you are such an inspiration! just a question – are you absolutely 100% raw or do you eat cooked foods every once in a while? like some ezekiel sprouted bread? btw, i’m sprouting some organic spelt berries for the first time as we speak, and i will make some dehydrated essene bread – can’t wait!! anyway, thanks for being such an inspiration!
sincerely,
hyesun park
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Cathy Scarborough says:
In Carols book she says she has iinformation on where to get products on her website. I do not see any. except for the skin care. Does she not carry these anymore
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Golie Nabavian says:
Hi Carol, I want to thank you for writing such and informative books on eating raw. I had already started incorporating raw foods in to my diet. Your books taught me a lot. I now feel great, all my allergies and headached are gone, and as an added bonus I have lost a lot of weight too. thanks for sharing!!! You are incredible soul.
Love and Light
Golie
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hyesun park says:
hi carol, it’s hyesun again. i just answered my own question from reading your book. i just read that sometimes you have popcorn at hockey games!
also, you said that the oxalic acid in spinach is more absorbed when it’s cooked, but i’ve always read the opposite – that you should cook spinach or swiss chard to deactivate the oxalic acid, so that’s why i never juice spinach/chard. hm……i wonder which one is really true. and one more thing – i’ve been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, so i can’t eat/juice raw cruciferous veggies, which have goitrogens in them – they cause underactive thyroid. but they are deactivated by cooking. which is a huge bummer, because i used to eat/juice massive amounts of cruciferous veggies – cabbage, turnips, kale, collard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. they are so good in other ways, like anti cancer and anti oxidants! i still eat them occasionally because they are so yummy but i’ve cut way down.
anyway, thanks again for all you do!!!
hyesun
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carol alt says:
Hi hynesun,
thank you for your email. I am not 100% raw. in fact, i write in my book that 75%-100% and you can help the body to cure what ails you…in any case, i am about 90-95% raw. as i travel quite a lot, i leave the option open in case i find myself somewhere where the food looks “iffy.” I just pop a bunch of digestive enzymes when i find myself in that type of situation.
also, i like to more or less “shock” my body(for lack of a better word) by cycling off my supplements and eating some cooked now and again to make sure my body is capable of handling anything i throw at it. this protocol has been quite successful for me.
all the best, and good luck with your RAW!
ca
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carol alt says:
Hi Cathy,
I am sorry to say it has been so difficult to continue putting resources on my site. as i have not been able to find a company to fulfill for me in this way. Or at least i have not been able to find a company that i feel comfortable with.
however, if you put “raw food” into google or yahoo on your computer, you should be able to find a lot of other people who do this. Please accept my apology for this disappointment. as it has been a disappointment to me, also
sincerely,
carol alt
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carol alt says:
Hi Golle,
thank you for your email. it is incredibly hard to “pioneer” a new way of life and even if i am not alone in talking about raw, i find myself sometimes very alone in trying to teach this incredibly healing way of life. emails like yours remind me why i do this!
thank you,
carol alt
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Melinda Reply:
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:25 pm
HI, Carol,
Just came across “The Raw 50″ at the library and am enjoying it. I have been on a long journey to this point starting with a kidney infection 5 years ago, candida overgrowth, the discovery of Polycystic Liver Disease and so many other symptoms. Over the last 5 years I have changed my eating habits and finally, last summer, found that eating raw helped with a critical bowel problem I was experiencing. It is almost as if my body cannot NOT eat RAW. Thank you for you insight and help using plain language. Also, thanks for pointing out that it does not have to be 100% and only vegan. Just the thought of having to be so strict makes me want foods that are not good for me. But when I know I CAN have them, it is easier to stay away – go figure!
Keep up the good work! God bless you in all you do,
Melinda
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carol alt says:
Hi Hyesun,
So here is what my doctor told me about spinach: “When cooked, foods are changed from alkaline to acid.”
Therefore, I have to deduce that spinach is more acid when cooked.
So, I do not know why you say that juicing spinach(or other cruciferous veggies) is bad for a hypothyroid-i am not a doctor myself, but when i return to the states(i am in italy)- i will further research this with my doctors-
But, one more thing I just remembered- when I eat cooked spinach get canker sores, but when I eat raw spinach I have no problems–go figure. (I have the same problem with tomatoes)
So I listen to my body and I listen to my doctor- as should everyone…
Anyway, give me sometime with this and in April drop me anther line if you did not ask your doctor and he does not have an answer for you and I will find the answer!
CA
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Jeanne Westphal says:
Hi, I have been a vegetarian for 20 years. At one time I did try RAW for awhile. It was great but somehow I slipped off of the wagon. I didn’t eat any meat but I did eat dairy. I also ate lots of sweet things. Two months ago I did a detox cleanse called The Master Cleanse. After that I have gone completely RAW and dairy free. I have never felt or looked better. I had been diagnosed with sleep Apnea and put on a breathing machine. Since going RAW I am proud and very happy to say that I am off of the machine!! I also use Carols RAW face system and combined with eating RAW my skin looks fabulous. I can’t imagine eating cooked food again as a way of life. Maybe once in a while. I don’t know yet. I have been doing this for 2 months with out deviating and right now I have no desire to eat anything cooked. Everything tastes so wonderful and fresh. My husband is doing it also. We have both lost weight and feel great. We have stocked our kitchen with all of the equipment we need. We shop raw and organic. When I was just a vegetarian we still shopped organic but being raw has taken everything to a whole new level. I recommend it for anyone who wants to look and feel there best. Thank you Carol for your RAW face products and your wonderful book.
Eat Colorfully!,
Jeanne Westphal
California
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hyesun park says:
thanks for your replies carol! if you google “goitrogenic foods”, you will get a list of all the cruciferous veggies, which have an anti-nutrient called goitrogens in them, which are deactivated by cooking. Goitrogens are substances that suppress the function of the thyroid gland by interfering with iodine uptake which can, as a result, cause an enlargement of the thyroid, i.e. a goitre. (that was from wikipedia). iodine deficiency is a major cause of hypothyroidism.
the oxalic acid in spinach and swiss chard is a different story – oxalic acid binds calcium and other minerals. from my research i found that cooking deactivates it…….but who knows?? as long as i don’t overdo the raw spinach i’m sure it’s fine.
by the way, i loved your dance video!!!
take care!
hyesun
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Angela says:
Hello Carol,
I stumbled upon your very interesting raw food book a while back and am always trying to eat healthier since a skin cancer scare which I had many years back and continue to have.
I do have one problem that my eye doctor cant “cure” I have “dry eyes” I am not sure if you know anything about it but it is a nusance a worry and embarrassing at times. The only one who was able to help me was an acupuncturist, who I am going to go back and see again but I was wondering if you had heard of anything in the raw food world that might help.
About a year ago I was also diagnosed with dairy allergies which were causing me stomach pain along with other issues. I have since given up dairy and 99% of my problem have dissapeared except my dry eyes much to my dissapointment.
Hoping you may have some advise. Keep up the good work you a huge inspiration. The little I have changed my diet to raw I feel better it is truely amazing.
Thank you cant wait to hear from you
Angela
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Dr. Michael Guenzler says:
First of all, thank you for making my job easier by being an inspiration to patients.
Like my patients, I am also struggling to change my “American Diet” but I have to practice what I preach, so I am slowing changing things for the better.
I was interested to read that you get cankers from cooked spinach and tomatoes. I used to get cankers a lot but mostly from candy and other junk sweets. Certainly anything acidic is an irritant and can increase the cankers, but since cankers are thought to be immune system related and some of the suspected allergens are tomatoes, it stands to reason that it could be some kind of food allergy. I could also be just plain acidity, as many of the suspects on the list are acidic, such as tomatoes, lemons, and pineapples.
In my case any damage to the cheek or lips from occasionally biting was accelerated by an common toxin found in most toothpaste! A diet full of sweets(a nice immune system depressor) made it much easier for the canker. I also found that one of the biggest helps is lysine, which ties back into the immune system theory. I guess this warrants some research.
Keep up the great work trying to change the biggest problem we face in the country today………our diets.
Dr. G
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Mary D says:
your book says to go to your website to order raw oats but I cant find where it is
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Angel says:
Carol,
I heard you say something about baking soda baths that help with your ph. I didn’t hear the complete interview could you tell me more. How do you use it and how often?
Angel
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Angel says:
Carol,
I heard you say something about baking soda baths that help with your ph. I didn’t hear the complete interview could you tell me more. How do you use it and how often?
Angel
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terry says:
hi,
i have been eating 85% raw for about 2 years. no one believes i’m pushing 50.i’m in great health. i take no pills or meds. so thanking you carol. if it wasn’t for your books i would still be fat and unheathly. so a big thank you.
terry
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Angela says:
Hi Carol,
Just wanted to let you know you were part of the inspiration for my husband and I to go raw. I saw a magazine article that I have since kept as part of my ever growing raw library. I was 53 I believe (now 56) when I saw the magazine and your beauty was very motivational to me as I saw ever increasing age signs in a face that had always looked younger than my years. Discouraging to say the least! My husband was previously a severe diabetic as well as (like me) suffering from depression and mood swings, debilitating arthritis, acid reflux, memory problems, hormone imbalances and I could go on for a while. We were also both overweight. He has since been able to go off all diabetes meds with the approval of his doctor and frequent blood sugar monitoring. All of our other above listed conditions (and more) have resolved or greatly improved along with him having lost over 50 pounds and I have lost 26 which gets me to my ideal weight. He has more to lose but is mainly focused on improving his health overall. I have become a certified raw chef, teacher and instructor along with my Daughter-in-law. I hope you continue to be determined to share this diet with everyone who will listen and be able to withstand the naysayers since you are in a wonderful position to make so much difference just as you helped to do for my Dear husband, myself and our family.
another Angela
P.S. To the other Angela – I too have dry eyes and I do see some partial relief from it when I use cold processed virgin oils in my diet like borage, hemp seed, coconut and olive oils as well as eating plenty of avocadoes, and raw soaked and sprouted nuts and seeds. I don’t have the complete answer to the condition and I believe mine was caused by Lasix surgery so it may be that I can’t ever fix that but I hope you are able to do so.
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Kristy says:
What is the name again of the juicer that you recommended in your book? I’ve taken it back to the library and can’t find my notes on it!!!! I want to add it to our wedding gift registry!!! Thanks!
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AnnMarie Caruso says:
Hi, I’m an Italian teacher on Long Island, NY…I saw a film of yours call Donna D’onore – tales of a mafia bride….I want to show it to my AP Italian class but its impossible to find. I talk about it all the time…I loved the movie…it would be great for my class…since it is in Italian…How can I go about getting a copy of it..I will pay whatever I have to…I have been searching for this movie for years.
Thanks.
AnnMarie
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Helen says:
Where does one go to become a certified raw chef? I live in the Boulder, CO area and I’ve having a very difficult time finding anything raw…even at whole foods. Besides the produce section there’s a tiny tiny section that barely has anything. I’ve also tried the Vitamin Cottage and there’s not a lot there either. I even called up the store inquiring about a product and the girl said what is that? And went so far as laughed at me. I just started eating raw food a couple of days ago and I’m having a very difficult time staying on without many resources. Where are the raw resources and products one can order? I read in one of Carol’s book that they are on her website but I cannot find them. Hope someone can help. Thanks!
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Ingrid Reply:
October 15th, 2009 at 10:58 am
Hi there,
There’s a new raw culinary school open in Oklahoma City, OK – 105 Degrees (http://105degrees.com/). I used to live in Denver and there’s a small raw food community there – Mila is a raw chef; her blog is here (http://raw-radiance.blogspot.com/).
To Carol – thank you so much for all that you do to promote raw food and health. Your book (The Raw 50) was the first book on raw food that I read, and continues to be the one I turn to for answers and use daily. My husband and I are recovering from adrenal fatigue and allergies, and have just embarked on raw food for our family. Our two and a half year old eats a largely raw food diet (she likes seared steak and raw kefir smoothies). Thank you, thank you, thank you!
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Alexandra says:
Hi there –
I just wanted to stop in to say that I have been raw for months at a time and have noticed a very large difference in my outlook on life and food from eating what our bodies were designed to eat. One thing I did notice, was when I eat too much fruit or sweet things, even if they are raw, I will gain weight because even though they are high in enzymes and vitamins and minerals, our blood sugar will still get high causing an insulin release. When I cut out most fruits and eat more vegetables, good fats, raw cheeses and dairy I feel a lot better…
Thank you Carol for your great book – it was inspiring and great fun to read =)
~Alexandra~
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Viviana says:
Thank you Carol !
I recently was invited to a RAW food dinner party…wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Our 3 – course meal was delectable, unbelievable to me that breads and pies could be raw and tasty too ! I’ve ordered your book and although my diet has been 50% raw for a long time…you’ve inspired me to go all the way.
Thanks again for this sharing.
Viviana
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Pat says:
Dear Carol,
Your two books on raw food have been so helpful in helping me regain my health and so far I have had the bonus of losing almost 40 pounds!
You commented that there was a source of where to purchase raw foods on line on your website. I have not seen where that is located?
Also I found your list of Raw Restaurants very helpful when visiting other cities. I wish you had put an expanded/updated list in your 2nd book. Do you have a new restaurant list that you can share?
Thanks so much.
Pat
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carol alt says:
angela,
i am not a doctor and cannot diagnose you over the internet! i am sorry not to be of any help in this. does anyone out there have an answer for this? i will also ask the next writer as he is a doctor…we will post any responses…
all the best,
ca
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carol alt says:
dear dr. Guenzler
thank you for your information! any true and real info is much appreciated.
as for the tomatoes- i do not get any cankers when i eat raw spinach or tomatoes….
so it stands to reason, or a least i see the reasoning, that cooking changes the tomatoes and spinach and it bothers me.
i have been told by my doctors that it is an acid alkaline problem. and that too much of each can cause cankers-
as for the lysine-i do use that! and it does “help” but only if i catch the cankers right away.
thanks for your mail.
PS do you know of any help-homeopathic help- for DRY EYES?
thanks
carol
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carol alt says:
angel,
i use baking soda and sea salt in my bath–it is part of Dr. Gonzales’ cancer protocol and the purpose is to balance the PH of the skin and relax the body– thereby alkalizing the body, too!
hope this helps?
carol
ps. i sell this combo in my RAW ESSENTIALS skin care line with an added dehydrated aloe with a lovely citrus scent
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carol alt says:
ANGELA!!!!
thank you for your mail! how great is it to control your own health? i am so glad you made the choice to change some things in your diet and to be able to help yourself to a better life.
thank you for YOUR inspirational story!!
and thank you, too for your info to the other angela! i hope she read it….
keep the thoughts coming everybody!!
love,
carol
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carol alt says:
my books are tied to the Jack Lalanne Juicer- i use it at home and i love it!
and Jack is such an inspiration! 93 and going strong…..
and he gives lots of recipes, too!
congrats on your wedding!
carol
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carol alt says:
Helen!
since you are versed on the computer–go online! i love “good stuff from mom and me” and “one lucky duck” (they even ship raw ice cream!!)
sunfood.com
oneluckyduck.com
goodstuff.com
i go to vitaminshoppe.com and have them send me boxes of raw organic bars…..
and my books have recipes where all you need is veggies.(amazon.com or barnes and noble and they will order the book for you it they are out of them! or go to the library)
STOP MAKING THIS SO HARD–please! it is really, really easy. and really best to make your stuff yourself! mostly because it is cheaper and you don’t have to ship.
my second book(the raw 50) has 129 great simple recipes from fruits and veggies and easy to find stuff…..
don’t depend on others–make stuff yourself.
by the way, don’t want to buy a book most people find my book in the library. and you can go online to find recipes, too!
have fun! relax!
cold pressed oils are all available online, too, if the supermarket does not or will not carry it(wholefoods does carry udo’s choice oil in the refrigerator section and other cold pressed oils–not going to whole foods? other stores, if you ask them, will get it for you. (Esp. if you buy more than one and store it)
EVEN COSTCO has cold pressed stuff….fried fruits and raw nuts….
i hope you find what you need.
carol
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carol alt says:
alexandra-
you are absolutely right. eating too much of one thing is not ever good. that is why i say to eat a WIDE VARIETY of things because you cannot get what you need to fully nutrition the body by eating too much of one thing…..
thank you for re-enforcing this thought with a real life experience!
carol
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carol alt says:
Hi Viviana!
thank you for your note. Yes, people are totally confused when it comes to raw– what is raw and where do i find it?
most people ask me if i eat carrots–like that is the extent of raw foods.
but i eat raw milk cheeses and unbelievable cakes and cookies and raw ice cream.
if this interests you, then i suggest getting a recipe book ( i have one called ‘the raw 50′ but there are several) and try all kinds of soups, nuts, ceviches etc……
have fun.
carol
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carol alt says:
Hi Pat,
i have written this several times to toher people, too! i had a deal with a company to do a raw website when i wrote the book. so i wrote about it IN the book! of course!
but then i found that company to be less then honest–and well, my name is on it!
so i did not continue with the deal. and i have not found anyone who can do what needs to be done and to be honest, i don’t make foods–I make raw chemical free skin care!
so i leave it to the pros-
david wolfe at sunfood.com
sarma at oneluckyduck.com
and
lisa at goodstuff.com
and raw revolution bars are killer too!
i get no kickbacks from anyone on this info. i just like these people the best!
to your health,
carol
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carol alt says:
Angela.
ok i am not a doctor….but i asked a doctor about MY eyes and what to do to keep them young….
he told me about eye bright–pills and liquid (with the liquid, you do an eye wash each morn) apparently a dr. richard schultz sells it out of california-i have never used it myself so please talk to a doctor–
he also mentioned evening primrose for dry eyes–Please research and ask your doctor if it is right for you!!
hope this sends you looking in the right direction!!
ca
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P King Duk says:
Thank you, Carol for the inspiration you are. At age 57 and having both lost and continuing to lose precious friends to Cancer and other disease, I’m (slowly) changing my entire diet over to raw. I’ve been doing this for a little over a year now (and would like to put in a good word for the folks at Hallelujah Acres for jump-starting me with the knowledge I needed to take this hugemongous step).
Here are my questions to you: I make a vegetable broth with organic vegetables and distilled water. This is added to many of the raw food soups and stews I prepare from the Hallelujah Acres recipe book. Would this broth be considered a cooked item? Is it detrimental or counter-productive to my attempt to eat raw? Is this broth any different than adding just distilled water?
Thank you again. You are about 7 or 8 years younger than I and when ever I feel like I’m starting to get off the raw track I just look at the cover of your book! Viola! Instant inspriation!!
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carol alt says:
Hi P King Duk
cute name by the way and a cooked food all the way! LOL
thank you for your inspiration, too! telling me that you look at my cover to keep you going is a HUGE compliment, thank you!
anyway, yes, the veggie broth is considered cooked because you have boiled your veggies in it for a while. and while i say eating 75-95% raw is a good start, i can see that you are wanting to be 100% and i commend you for that! so i don’t want to mislead you. it is cooked.
what cooking does is it supposedly changes the PH- making your veggie broth more acidic. and since i am not a doctor, and i do not know your physical condition, i do not know if acids are ok for you or not so i cannot make the call for you about whether or not this makes a difference to you.
to me, since i had cancer, i try the best i can not to do anything on a consistent basis that is acid. even if i have my “cheats” i KNOW THEM AS CHEATS. and i do things to counter them.
if you want to do your soups with cooked veggie broth, you must know that it is considered cooked and decide how often you want to add it. then the other times, use distilled water.
hope this helps you! keep up the good work and my best to your friends at Hallelujah Acres!
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Lolita Hanks, FNP says:
Carol.
I enjoy many of your recipes and they are friendly for those with food allergies. I have a gluten and casein free menu planner as well as an upcoming cookbook. I would love to have permission to use your Cashew Banana Shake recipe for my menu planner.
Please let me know.
Thanks
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carol alt Reply:
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Hi lolita,
sorry i took so long to answer you, i did not see these new emails at the end of this long line of emails.
please forgive me.
anyway, in case you are still wanting to:
the recipes in my books are not mine. i credit everyone who gave me a recipe.
please ask the owner of the recipe if they would like to be in your planner.
if i were up to me (and i don’t feel it is my right to give away someone else’s recipe)
i would let you do it. i always think cross marketing is good.
but it is not mine…..
thank you for asking and all the best with your planner.
all the best,
ca
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Tracey McClure says:
Hi Carol! I just wanted to say THANK YOU! Eating in the Raw was the first Raw book I picked up. Since then I am about 95% Raw and couldn’t be happier. I have so much JOY and energy! I feel better than I did when I was 20! I was even carded the other day buying wine! I am in my mid thirties and wasn’t wearing a stitch of makeup, not even mascara. I can’t thank you enough for helping to change my life in a way I didn’t even know I needed. It’s amazing how simply changing your diet can change you as a person for the better! I can’t wait to try your skin care!
Thank you again for the practical advise and inspiration!!!!
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Carol Alt Reply:
July 27th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
hi tracey
thank you for your email!! i am so happy that you found RAW and that it works for you!
it is amazing, isn’t it? don’t you wonder why everyone is not doing it? i wonder how people stay cooked and suffer thru all those ailments when RAW is sooooooo easy!
but, hey God gave us freedom of choice! i am just glad I chose RAW and i am glad you did, too!
keep up the good work!
ca
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Paul says:
Hi Carol,
I have a relatively good understanding of what you’re going through-although you are going through it on a much greater scale than I. I’m so glad you are promoting raw and are not letting the naysayers keep you from your mission. Raw changed my life, much like yours, and sometimes I just want to scream it from the rooftops, but people don’t really respond to that anyway. Are you eating any raw meats or just fruits and vegetables and cheeses? Hope you’re well, Paul.
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Carol Alt Reply:
July 27th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
hi Paul!
thank you for your email! it is when i hear other people tell me that they got great results too, that i feel like i am not crazy!
RAW is so easy, it is so easy to feel good, that i feel like i am crazy for choosing raw and feeling good when everyone else eats cooked and feels terrible. i feel like perhaps i am the only crazy person who got great results from RAW?!
and yes, shouting from the rooftops does help people to change! explaining to people by telling them what they are suffering from, and startling them, sometimes works for me. for example, i tell them that they probably have sinus infections or stomach acid or colds and flu and most of the time they have one or the other. and as raw foodists we know that comes from processed foods and wheat. so that sometimes gets their attention.
but in reality, when they get sick is the time that most people turn to raw food. because they absolutely will get some kind of amazing result–unless they are doing it wrong or cheating!
so i remain hopeful that more and more people will find RAW BEFORE they get sick with something…..
by the way, i am not vegan…..
God Bless,
ca
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Katherine says:
Hi Carol,
You mentioned in your book that you cured yourself of hypoglycemia. How did you do this? I have been eating raw foods for several months now but still get shaky and dizzy on occasion. Did you completely avoid fruit and processed foods as well? Did you do colonics and juice fasts? If so, how long and how frequently?
I very, very much appreciate the advice that you have given in your book. You are one of the few people out there who is caring enough to teach us how to cure ourselves. Without you, we would all have to rely on the medical community which seems to have no idea how to cure many of the diseases they come across.
Thanks again,
Katherine
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Katherine says:
Woops!
I meant to ask if you avoided Ezekial and other sprouted breads (rather than processed foods – which I also have been avoiding like the plague!)
Thanks,
Katherine
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carol alt Reply:
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:49 pm
Hi katherine,
you ask a bunch of questions and the problem is that you are asking what i did. and what i did was designed for me and for me problems.
so i will try to answer what questions i can in the order i can:
hypoglycemia:
I went to a doctor who knew raw foods (dr brantley of The Brantley Cure) and what he did with me was explained in the book (eating in the raw)
how he weaned me off sugars.
this took at least 2 months.
after he weaned me off sugars and my body was strong enough
then he did the bigger work with me and that work did include avoiding anything with sugar in it.
i did several things at a time after he did the weaning-including cleanses.
so i cannot really explain in detail what he did with me because what he did with me he did for my particular health problems.
as for breads, i look for sprouted ones……
in a pinch sometimes i do eat Ezekiel….but again, in the beginning i was as raw as possible-100%- and still, even today, try to eat as much raw as i can.
ALWAYS…
by the way, i mentioned in the book that you should always see a doctor when doing any kind of diet and this is why.: a dr can do a program specifically for you and your specific problems.
hope this helps?
all the best,
ca
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Ulee says:
Hi carol:
In addition to your raw essentials skin care line, could you recommend a good make up line that you use daily. I use your skin care line and love it…but would like some make up advice on what is good for your skin to purchase.
Thanks
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carol alt Reply:
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Hi ulse,
i use a line that no longer exists as i was lucky enough to hear they were selling their stock pile, i bought it and refrigerated it.
but if i had to choose–and i mean HAD to choose?
bare essentials and i hear TART is ok, too.
if all goes well with my skin care line, i would like to do some makeup–
because, yes, there is a need for it.
hope this helps?
ca
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Barbara Fletcher says:
Hi Carol! I just read your book, Eating in the Raw. It was very helpful.
Two questions: do you drink Wheat Grass on a regular basis and, will toasting sprouted bread destroy the enzymes?
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carol alt Reply:
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:54 pm
Hi barbara,
no and yes.
thanks for making it easy to answer you!
LOL
ca
by the way, wheatgrass is ok, i just find i need a wider variety of nutrients so i do a powdered green drink that has wheat grass in it among other grasses.
and enzymes die in heat above 115 degrees F
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Sal Posimato says:
Hi Carol, my name is Sal Posimato. I wanted to write you a message to say that I have been a fan of yours for many years. You just keep getting better as the years go by. You are truly the most beautiful woman in the world. You are the real meaning of what a supermodel is. I have never seen a woman more beauiful than you. Please keep your career going because I enjoy everything you do. You are the best. Please write back to me. I look forward to hearing from you.
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carol alt Reply:
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Hi sal,
thank you so much for your heartfelt comments.
i truly do appreciate them.
I wish you all the best in this life.
kisses,
ca
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aida says:
Hi Carol great pictures of yourself in MORE… October 2009 edition! Better yet is the story told about being raw fooder. Is it not great?
I turned 76 this month and finnaly dicided that this is way to go! I feel great now! But for insurance I also suplements my daily nutritional regiment. The best ones come from USANA labs!
The best deal about being raw and healthy is doing easy bowl movements, breathing without problems and not carrying a lot of toximia in your body that leads to sicknesses. What else can we ask for? Being ill all the time is hell.
Thank you for your web site and books so packed with good info. You’re a real inspiration! God bless your heart! I don’t wish the best because you already have it! Enjoy the journey of life! Aida
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carol alt Reply:
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Hi Aida,
you give me hope and inspiration!
God Bless you for writing to me.
your letter and letters like it-keep me going. Raw is such a difficult idea to teach. either you want the miracle or you don’t.
but some people don’t want it and they don’t want you to have it either.
it can be tough out there.
so i go on. trying to enlighten one spirit at a time.
and knowing there are others out there like me–wow, what a relief to know and to hear from them.
thank you,
ca
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Tina says:
Hello Carol,
I just read the book “Knockout” by Susanne Sommers and it was amazing. I somehow was directed to your books by one of the doctors mentioned in there. I just read both of your raw food books and they are wonderful!! I’ve had several friends and family members diagnosed with cancer and just lost my 38 year old aunt to stomach cancer. I can’t believe how this is spreading. Being a healthy 31 year old with a 4 year old child I have decided to immediately learn about raw food and change our so called “American Diet.” I live down the street from a Whole Foods and I’m wondering if I should even be selective there? It seems like many of the foods they sell are full of sugar and processed to a point. My son’s diet has always consisted of wheat, flour products such as pasta, cereal & breads. Every meal has something with flour in it. I read in your book that wheat/flour products have been linked to asthma and my son has asthmatic reactions when he is running or has a cold. His doctor has prescribed Arbuterol on occasion when he is sick to open his lungs but I hate giving him anything. I am going to try a raw diet to see if I can incorporate healthy alternatives to his meals. Is there anything wrong with this diet for children?? Also, can children have the enzyme powders.
It’s been 2 weeks and I have already lost 5lbs. I’m not a larger person but my pants were starting to be a bit tight. I can’t believe how much better I feel….just hoping I can keep this up!
Thanks Carol,
Tina
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Carol Alt Reply:
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Hi Tina,
i do not have children, but i believe that many women give their children raw goat’s milk–i know this cause they get it first from my supplier and if he has any left, then i get it!!
so i think that RAW fruits and veggies blended should be good to eat for anyone!
I think this is probably how Gerber’s started out, then they had to cook it to preserve it.
as for whole foods store, you can find some good stuff there. raw milk cheeses for example and raw nuts-
but going online is the easiest. i have listed some sites on my homepage…
hope this helps.
ca
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leigh says:
dear carol,
thank you.
I am enjoying reading all of the posts and replies as it shows a real community growing and people are feeling healthy. I am looking forward to trying this way of nutrition.
I have seen you in person, shopping in the healthy food store
and you do have a glow about you!
it is easier to emulate someone that you see walking the walk.
thank you for leading the way.I really need to start and look forward to looking at your book. here is hope for the future.
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Carol Alt Reply:
March 5th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
Hi Leigh,
There is more than just “hope” for the future. This lifestyle
really, really, really makes a difference. Not just for me or
for my boyfriend or my family, but for everyone who does
it!
So what are you waiting for!! (LOL) get going! a better feeling more healthy you is just a meal away……
ca
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sissy walsh says:
hi. i read your book and loved it. can you tell me who is your acupuncturist in NY. Also, i was following your book and lost too much weight, do you have a solution? i was doing it for about a year and i started to lose energy although my skin looked great!
thank you..
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Carol Alt Reply:
March 22nd, 2010 at 3:05 pm
my acupuncturist is Elizabeth Schoultz. i wrote about her and my sister in my second book-The Raw 50
as for the weight, you have not given me enough info.
are you working with a doctor?
what is your diet? (vegan, carnivore etc?)
how much do you eat? what are you eating?
have you been tested for parasites?
there are so many factors!
this is why i tell people to work with a doctor–he follows just you and he can get to the intimate details of your life and make the little adjustments you need to gain the goals you want.
let me know how you are doing.
ca
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