52 Comments so far

1. Judi on May 19, 2008 7:24 pm

   Hi Kevin,
   I would love to see some smoothie recipes. I would also love to learn more about certain nutrition supplements that are used on the raw food diet as well as juice feasting. Some that I am curious about are:
   maca,mesquite,dulse,chlorella, and sprirulina. If you know of others that are beneficial I would also like to learn about those as well.
   I would also love to know what tool in the tool box would work well for ‘cooked food’ cravings.
   Thanks!!!
   Judi

2. Dana on May 19, 2008 7:26 pm

   I am 54, been 100% raw since Dec. 2/2007.
   Looking for a workout that will start slow and gentle but build up
   quickly in a short period of time. Being a menopausal woman, and having not done any exercise for the last 2 years, I guess I think I need to start slowly, just do not know WHERE to start.
   Thanks kindly,

3. Liz on May 19, 2008 7:45 pm

   Hi Kevin!
   I seem to have most of the tools…ie. joined a gym & have been going!, got great recipes, but I need to find 2 more tools! 1 that will allow me not to succumb to “bad” food cravings and 1 more that will make going raw easier in the “cooked” world (especially tough here in suburbia with kids, etc…) I definitely march to the beat of my own drummer, but I don’t want to seem so on the “fringe”.
   On another note…I have gotten my kids (3 of them ages 6, 4 and 2) to drink some “Shrek”/green smoothies!
   Love the show! Glad you didn’t give to much attention to that guy with the insane comment!
   xo
   Liz

4. Jacqueline Michaud on May 19, 2008 8:05 pm

   Hi Kevin!
   Exercise wise I am o.k. I also have a few raw recipes…but living in the north (Northern Ontario, Canada), I find it hard to find raw ingredients…and it’s been so cold…hard to adopt a raw diet. I guess what I need the most is motivation…and also information. I am so worried about my health if I go raw. I am 57 years old and not in the best of health to start with.

5. Arch Richardson on May 19, 2008 8:36 pm

   Confused as to which raw food diet to follow. Doug Grahams book reads well, 80:10;10 diet, seems a little excessive on the fruit, whats your thoughts ?

   Here in NZ find it hard to get some of the highly recommended supplements from the USA. Border security are very inconsistent in what they stop. I have had some priobiotics supplements let through and on other occasions they have destroyed them.

6. ccd on May 19, 2008 8:37 pm

   i need to find like-minded people closer to where i live who are into the raw food lifestyle. not necessarily 100% but working it! 25+ miles away is too far

7. Deanna Dean on May 19, 2008 8:41 pm

   Hi Kevin,
   I think you’re awesome and love, love, love catching you daily. Ignore the jerk who said you were insane –The Raid illustration was brilliant!
   One of the tools that you and Anne Marie give us, which is so helpful and much appreciated, is the kitchen demonstration of the recipes –Great and helpful (laughed and enjoyed the Mexican segment, braids and all) yourhealthcoachdee.com Deanna Dean

8. Margo on May 19, 2008 8:47 pm

   I have friends with great tools! Recipes, motivational tapes and books, exercise routines, and supportive raw friends, like me :)–they seem gung ho and ready to go, but then….sizzle, fizzle, splat! They don’t actually DO anything with all these great tools and desire. They’ll spend $30 on greens and fruit and then drive thru for french fries and a coke on their way home from the store and eventually let the greens rot in the fridge and cry about what they’re doing. What’s that about??
   Thanks Kevin, you’re the best!

9. chris on May 19, 2008 8:52 pm

   Hi Kevin, my house is a virtual library of raw recipes, workout videos, inspirational books, etc etc but I find myself in overwhelm and really need help putting together a solid plan for each day that is balanced and focused. I need to stop accumulating knowledge and start DOING something with it all! I would love your help with this!!

   Huge thanks !! Chris

10. linda on May 19, 2008 8:54 pm

    hi kevin and annmarie ( the food fixer woman:)

    recipes is what i really need……simple and easy and no dehydrator……
    using easy to fix and not time consuming.
    after years of cooking i am sick of it.
    if the recipes are simple and easy to put together when we are hungry it will take away the urge to have a cooked meal that i have made fast and simple as a vegan… raw food really makes me fell great but i just get stuck beyond salads and dehydrating just takes way to much time and first you have to buy one….i have a vita mix for green drink and a juicer for juicing, but it is the food to eat that i am stuck on. by the way some of your easy dips and such are great but then i get stuck with how to eat them without dehydrated raw crackers.
    thank you

11. Dede on May 19, 2008 9:01 pm

    Hi Kevin and Annmarie,

    I guess I choke the most when it comes to motivation….probably not as simple as that - - - but then again - maybe it is :-).

    Having a series of videos - - great idea

    Dede

    PS - recipes and exercises good too - - we need all three

12. Jamie on May 19, 2008 9:01 pm

    Kevin,

    One of the best things about your video episodes is that they take place in your “real” life. In your kitchen. In your garage. In a hotel room. Where ever. It’s happening in your life. Not in a studio, or an office or some “other” place. And that’s critical. Because for me, the biggest challenges come in integrating new changes into my daily routine. I appreciate you emphasizing the practical over the theoretical. You’re living what you are teaching. So, showing us how you’ve made it work for you….be it exercise, recipes or other health/wellness disciplines….rather than talking about them is what works best for me. To use your metaphor. Don’t just tell us what goes in the tool box….or get us all excited about how cool the stuff is inside it. Show us how you use the tools….and how to make them work in our daily lives. Does that make sense? What tools to keep at home, which ones to pack along, and which ones to use in special situations. That sort of thing.

    With awesome appreciation,
    Jamie

13. Tanya on May 19, 2008 9:10 pm

    I need tools for the times when I feel like eating rubbish. Some motivation, ideas for alternative things to eat etc.

    I need tools to help me make a toolbox! I am not an organised person!

    Thanks, Kevin

14. Irma Nance on May 19, 2008 9:17 pm

    Recipes, Motivation, exercise. Hum…I have no idea what motivation I need. I was an extremely active person until about a year ago, all my life. I just lost it. I used to teach Aerobics, 3 classes a night, 15 min. apart, 5 days a week. I belong to a gym and used the pool daily.(swim like a fish by the way) I won a competition for weight lifting. Now, WHAT HAPPENED TO ME? AH!!!!!!!!! Help MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. I went from gym rat to nothing. My poor bike that I used to ride every morning is used for a clothes hanger. I just gave away my treadmill. Why did i do that? Ugh!

15. Nichola on May 19, 2008 9:18 pm

    Tools missing in my box:

    1. Finding a workout that I actually love to do (or perhaps it’s just discipline I need)
    and…
    2. Dealing with cravings when they arise

    Thanks so much Kevin & Annemarie! Your videos are a great motivational ‘tool’

    ~ Nichola

16. Laney on May 19, 2008 9:24 pm

    I’ve got the motivation and do great when I’m at home. On business travel (to places that don’t have great raw vegan dining options) I stay raw and vegan, but I feel like nutrition is lacking … I end up eating lots of dried foods (food bars, nuts, dried fruit, etc.) and not as much fresh organic produce. I’m not quite willing to lug the Vitamix (too heavy) on travel. So, I miss my green smoothies and my chocolate superfood smoothies. If I can find organic kale, I’ll make a salad. That helps. Is there a good high powered blender that is lighter than a Vitamix? How much does the radiation of the X-ray machine at the airport hurt the dried foods that I bring with me?

17. ambrosia on May 19, 2008 9:27 pm

    if you are insane
    well then we need more of it….
    insanely brillant that is
    i loved the raid demo…..need more of those
    it was very to the point
    although maybe to add the point that this spraying goes on for months on end during the growing period…ie its grow reight inside and out….

    anyhow could use more inspiring make it happen do this no matter what videos
    like commmit to doing something for this week
    etc….

    a place to create weekly commitments and stick to them…….

18. Jeanne May on May 19, 2008 9:32 pm

    Hi Kevin

    I love the metaphor you have used today. It is very spot on. It’s true, we all need a tool box full of things to help us achieve our goal, no matter what that goal is. The more variety you can use when setting out to achieve something the more likely you are to stick with it and successfully accomplish it.

    Jeanne
    http://www.goalsnaspirations.com

19. Astarte on May 19, 2008 9:33 pm

    Hi Kevin,
    I need tools. I also need skills! I went raw for 3 months and loved it. then I went off, and I am having the hardest time getting the passion I once had for the raw diet back in my daily life. how do you stay passionate about health? how do you continue to care and make choices that are for your highest health potential everyday? As far as dieting goes, this seems to be one of the hardest things for anyone who has tried to lose weight. Staying motivated, and making long-term changes seems to be a struggle for me and many others on a weight-loss journey.

    thank you!!

20. A.J. on May 19, 2008 9:34 pm

    Fitting show. I have seen several of your shows and have found myself looking past you at your bookshelf. I had always wanted to ask you and now the time is right…what is on your bookshelf..your ‘tools.’ And remember I have seen how big it is

    Some things I would like to see to add to my tool shed:
    I always love the recipes so more would never hurt, especially breakfast ones.

    Anything with dates/figs/raisins.

    Wild food, finding safe edible local food. Dandelions, lambsquarters, ext..

    A.J.

21. Debra on May 19, 2008 9:48 pm

    Hey Kevin, good video, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it is that’s missing for me. I’ve been trying to stay raw and not succeeding very well, more of an on/off, on/off. I’ve collected most of the tools over the past couple of years (vitamix, excalibur, etc), I’ve collected several raw books with lots of recipes and info, and I watch your show. I have a hubby that’s on board and really getting into uncooking which helps a lot. I think mainly I’m missing motivation, but can’t figure out why. I have this fear of success I think, and I can’t figure out how to get past it.

    Debra
    @rawfoodiegirl on Twitter

22. Diana Walker on May 19, 2008 10:26 pm

    I love your videos, Kevin and like someone else said - if you are insane — then we need more insane people!!

    Your enthusiasm is wonderful and very motivating.

    I eat about 50% to 70% raw, and I’m not trying to go 100% raw - I feel incredible exactly how I am.

    I would love more smoothie recipes - and I think having the short videos like you do, in real life, is extremely powerful.

    Thanks so much for all you do!

    Diana Walker, Cravings Coach

23. Rika on May 19, 2008 10:40 pm

    Kevin,

    I really liked your video today! It got me all excited to start putting a toolbox together. Can’t wait for the next mondays.

    For me, the hardest thing is to stay committed when I get very busy/ stressed out. I’m a college student at a university on the quarter system, so my life is a vast amalgam of long homework assignments, midterms, quizzes, and finals. Tips to stay motivated, calm, and raw in these sorts of situations would really help me out.

    Also, another big concern is money- some tips on eating raw on a budgest would be much appreciated.

    Thanks!

24. Ivan on May 20, 2008 12:07 am

    What tools do you need? Health(exercise) food,I’m a raw vegan.and spirituality.
    Do not have a dehydrator.Have been a raw vegan 18months the cost of shipping to Thailand and then import duty is more than the cost of the appliance.By the way I’m 71

25. Irina on May 20, 2008 12:08 am

    Hi Kevin,
    Another great show! I want to know more about superfoods like maca, spirulina, etc. I am always looking for more raw recipes and green smoothie recipes to expand my raw repertoire beyond salads, but something simple that can be prepared without dehydrator, as I am just venturing into the raw field. I also want to know more about safe edible wild plants, like nettles, dandelion, and about nuts and seeds- how to incorporate them into a raw diet in a balanced way. Also, what to do if I am allergic to 85% of nuts and some seeds? Is it still possible to prepare nutritionally balanced raw foods? All I have to work with is almonds, cashews, and peanuts. I have books in abundance, but seeing you and Annmarie prepare foods, traveling, and exercising makes it real for me, and inspires me do do more . Some ideas on gentle movement exercise routine would help, as it’s been many years since I’ve exercised, and I am not in the physical shape where I can just jump in; and of course, motivation-which I believe you do provide every day!
    Your raid demonstration was awesome-if that is insane, then we need more of it!
    Thank you for doing this show, you are the best!

26. Laurel on May 20, 2008 12:52 am

    Hey Kevin!

    I think one of the main tools I need is health-conscious friends. That raw potluck sounds like an awesome idea. I just need to find some raw foodies! I’m 20 and I have a tough time finding any raw food friends. I felt like my friends and family was labeling me with the insane card when I just didnt eat meat. Now that I’ve started my raw food diet they’re thinking I’ve gotten even crazier! I feel pretty awesome though. . . maybe I’m the sane one . . .

    This show helps me feel like I fit in though, and I’m not doing it all alone! You and Anmarie are INSANELY Awesome!!

    Laurel

27. Paula on May 20, 2008 2:03 am

    I would like to see sprirulina recipes.

28. Carolyn on May 20, 2008 4:45 am

    Hi Kevin, another New Zealander for you.
    I’d really like some recipes for winter. It’s challenging to stay raw when the weather is getting colder and colder.
    Anything to sabotage an impending junk food binge would be really useful.
    I really enjoy what you and Annemarie are doing. Thanks

29. Colleen on May 20, 2008 5:26 am

    Hi Kevin,
    Insane!? You?! of course you are insane! You need to be just a little bit insane to have all that energy and drive and commitment that positively exudes from you on a daily basis. I like to watch you every day and hope some of it rubs off on me but sadly not. I love the idea of eating more raw food and buy plenty of fresh organic vegetables but I have a tendency to just look at them in the fridge because they don’t seem very appealing and I generally end up cooking them. When I do manage to create something raw I totally enjoy the experience. I’d like to know what’s stopping me but no doubt only I can answer that one. From here your motivation and commitment seem to be contributory factors in the secret of your success. How can we find that little bit of insanity to help trigger these essential driving forces. By the way, I absolutely love the spontaneity of your daily message from the comfort and normality of your own home or wherever you happen to be and I love the way you share your life with your gorgeous wife AnneMarie. Thank you both.

30. Denise on May 20, 2008 7:42 am

    What would help me the most is weekly menu plans, complete with shopping list. The shopping list doesn’t need to include basic
    salad ingredients, of course, which is a no-brainer. But I’m meaning those “special” dishes, added to a meal in addition to the salad that helps one to stay on track. When in a pinch time-wise, to me it would be so handy to pull out that menu plan with shopping list…I’ve always meant to do it!
    —I’m amazed at the energy you exude on every video, and enjoy your shows!

    Thanks,
    Denise

31. Joyce on May 20, 2008 7:55 am

    I love your show. I lost 50 lbs one time on raw. Now I am eating sad and can’t seem to quit. I am maintaing but would like to losse the other 50. I need motivation and help dealing with cravings. I felt so much better but I can’t seem to get started again. Your shows are great! Thanks!

32. Laura on May 20, 2008 7:57 am

    Hi Kevin,
    The videos inspire. I need recipes and tips to help overcome the cravings that come from addiction to cooked foods.

    Thank you,
    Laura

33. Linda Hanson on May 20, 2008 10:57 am

    As both a health counselor and partner, I need more ideas on how to motivate others. I have difficulty getting others to follow any program. I could use motivational ideas and simple things people can do that are not as far along as the raw food group…Linda

34. kanti on May 20, 2008 11:48 am

    I think a spiritual factor like meditation might help…there is definetly a sense of loss in the beginning. Victoria Boetenko talks about that…first sadness, then depression (like losing your best friend, ie, “cooked food”). But it also opens you up to greater blessings if you stick with it! I’m in the depression right now but I want to have a spring in my step and it is coming back! Thanks you guys!

35. Shobha on May 20, 2008 12:16 pm

    Hi Kevin,

    I liked the parallel. Great!. I would like help on exercises and motivation.

    Thanks
    Shobha

36. neca on May 20, 2008 12:42 pm

    Dealing with stress is tough for me. Stress + tired = disaster.

37. Bernadette on May 20, 2008 1:18 pm

    Hi Kevin,

    The major tool I’m missing at the moment is a water purification system for my kitchen. I’m still dragging home bottled water in plastic containers and not liking it very much… am looking forward to your video on water filtration systems.

    I’m also with AJ and would love to know what books are on your recommended list.
    BTW.. You sounded great on the radio yesterday.

38. Joyce on May 20, 2008 4:12 pm

    The show is on the right path, offering us the tools we actually need to succeed—”one show at a time”. Love the precept to cover different subjects on the same day each week.

    Like everyone else, I want more ideas for foods to chew(non-smoothie) that don’t require exotic ingredients and dehydrating (seems a condensed food once it’s in that form). I’m at 75-80% raw daily.

    a gentle, daily workout routine is a must for me. But I put it off and just keep walking daily, ignoring those flabby arms and other areas that need toning. An old ladies routine would be very popular, I’m sure!
    Thanks to you both for asking for input and for delivering such honest, well thought out episodes.

39. Lisa on May 20, 2008 4:27 pm

    Motivation, motivation, motivation. I have a plan I have recipe’s but I have been at this so long that my original motivation is dwindling and I need all the tips and tricks on how to re-kindle motivation during a long weight loss process!

40. Cynthia on May 20, 2008 4:42 pm

    Hi Kevin

    You are NOT insane — you are a sane voice in an insane world! Keep up the great work.

    I love all of the ideas above, so I won’t reiterate any of them. In the recipes category, however, I would really like to see some recipes using chia — I really love the stuff and it’s a great way to get your omega 3’s.

    Thanks Kevin and Annmarie!

41. Alissa Benjamin on May 20, 2008 6:09 pm

    The only problem I have is about once per week I go and binge on french fries with loads of organic ketch-up. The rest of the time very healthful raw vegan. After the binge I get mad at myself and disppointed for acting like a kid. Why the heck would I be thoughtful and plan and spend my money on organic healthy food and then just go an do a very stupid thing and injest that crap. Do you have anything in your tool box for this?

    Sincerely,
    Alissa from Cape Cod

42. Linda Long on May 20, 2008 6:52 pm

    Hi Kevin,
    I, too, have never found name calling a defense in a debate. Keep your light shining, as it is, on the positive.

    I am 10 pounds overweight and can’t seem to motivate myself to stay consistenly on a healthy life style with exercise. I’m a raw fooder and do well with 3 l0min. intervals/day going from intensity of 5, then 10 every other minute. The problem is after a week, I become a slacker. At age 63 to be my correct weight 110, I have to exercise PLUS eat in a healthy manner. Any motivation in this area would be appreciated.
    Thanx,
    Linda

43. Sonia on May 20, 2008 7:33 pm

    I think most people would agree that a sample menu plan would be very helpful. Maybe if you recorded what you eat for a week to give everyone an idea of daily living on raw food.

44. Elaine on May 20, 2008 8:55 pm

    Kevin,I am like Chris …My home is full of tools,overflowing and I just can’t stay away from food,I love it all,Raw,cooked.I have been 20 to 30 pounds overweight for 20 years. I have disc problems and can not get my metabolism moving enough to lose weight. I walk for 40 minute to an hour several days a week.I know that it is the mind/body connection and I have to stop sabotaging myself.I buy so many wondeful whole foods. I think that maybe you just gave me a tool for this,the PsychoCybernetics one by Matthew Maltz.Thanks,Hopefully I will soon be writing to you telling you how I have finally made the connection.

45. Kevin Gianni on May 20, 2008 9:29 pm

    Arch, I think fruit/veggie/grains/nuts balance is relative to what works for you. 80-10-10 is a great system if it works for you. If it doesn’t you have to revise. I don’t do well on high fruit or high fat, so I stick with mostly veggies and grains. Just the way it works for me. I’d suggest experimentation. Doing things for 2 weeks and seeing how you feel, then switching it up. Take notes and then you’ll be given answers! I promise

    AJ, we’re going to a wild foraging class on Sat. I’ll film some parts of it!

    These were the glaring questions here… any others that I missed?

    I will be working on providing this info to you in the next few months on the show, everyone! Thanks for your comments and commitment to us! We appreciate you for all of it!

    Kev

46. Stacy on May 21, 2008 8:39 am

    Thank you Kevin for your daily motivation. YOU are my favorite tool. I have other great tools. I live in Chicago and have Karyn’s Raw, a place for a raw meal and books to read and like minded people to meet. I just talk about the diet and look for people who might want to try my food. I love to share. And I am not afraid of being different. The internet is the best tool. I love to learn about others and thier experiences and there is an endless supply of recipes. But you and AnnMarie are why I check my mail every day!!!! Stacy Stowers

47. garry on May 21, 2008 1:20 pm

    I am 47 I have had 4 hips replaced in 2 years on one side I am 16 stone 6.1 tall need to lose 2 stone mainly around the mid area i wood love to no some resipes & some exersizes,my other hip is atheritic i do not want to speed up my other hip repacment some guidance wood be aprishated.thanks garry

48. Pat Fox on May 22, 2008 9:07 pm

    I find I need a lot of support. I am dealing with the emotional effects of detoxing from years of alcohol and cigarette consumption and between that and menopausal symptoms, I feel like a crazy woman. It keeps me on an emotional roller coaster and food (good and bad) is the next best thing to booze and butts. They were my stress relievers and now that I don’t have them… aaaaaauuuggghhhhh!!

    I will be the one to start people in my area on eating raw. There are very few around here. I want to open a juice bar and raw foods cafe (anyone have a LOT of money to share?) It will be fabulous to start a raw community here in New Hampshire. I just need to be more stable in this healthy way to live in order to achieve my goals. I have lots of recipes, a ton of books, some good knowledge, and lots of creativity. Now for an ‘even keel’.

    To Jacqueline, warm raw soups are helpful in winter as is tea. You can also add ginger, garlic, and/or cayenne to your food for additional ‘heat’. It helps.

49. Sheryl on May 22, 2008 9:55 pm

    I’m 53 and I am trying to live a Vegetarian life, but I would like some tools that would help me to get off of the breads, the starches and the sweets.

    By the way, your presentations are absolutely the best. I love everything you and your wife do. Keep it all coming. It’s all absolutely wonderful. :o)

50. LJ on May 23, 2008 5:54 am

    Toolbox I need
    motivational
    love your exercise segments
    different foods for losing weight

51. Ellen on May 24, 2008 2:33 pm

    Well now I need wheatgrass info. Ever since I did a one day juice fast my stomach has been all out of wack. At the end of the day I look 6 months pregant and I’m extrememly uncomfortable. So I went from 80% to 100% raw to try to fix this. I’m trying not to over eat and not to food combine but … So I see wheatgrass is great for some much including this problem. I really want to grown my own but not sure what is the best way. Also definately could use work out and recipe info galore. Hopefully this note is not to many days late.

    thanks!

52. Christine on May 27, 2008 4:55 am

    My husband and I have been about 80% raw for over a year and I feel more confused than ever. I have many recipe books, but I’d like suggestions on WHAT to eat for lunches and dinner. I don’t know anymore and need to create a new mindset to support a healthy raw food diet.

    Keep up the great work. We all need you.