Testimony of a raw-food vegetarian: eleven years of living food
It has now been 11 years since I chose to become a vegetarian. I first eliminated meat and fish from my diet overnight, and a month later, I took a more radical path by becoming 100% raw vegan. My choice is ethical, ecological, and also motivated by the desire to adopt a diet that is more respectful of my body. I want to stay attuned to the signals it gives me to navigate. Today, at 48 years old, as an active woman, mother of three children, and co-manager of a company with numerous projects, this diet is part of my very intense daily life.
However, I often hear that this type of diet can lead to deficiencies, particularly in proteins, iron, or vitamins, with a specific focus on B12. This targeted and repeated communication can sometimes deter those who wish to start or raise doubts about the sustainability of a vegetarian diet in the long term.
I share here my recent blood tests, carried out as part of regular medical follow-up. This testimony is personal and does not apply to everyone. For me, good meal planning and regular follow-up have been essential.
A Well-Thought-Out Diet
The secret to a balanced diet lies in the diversity and quality of the foods consumed. So yes, there are food groups that I have completely eliminated, such as meat, fish, and dairy, and I make sure to vary my meals.
I obviously incorporate a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and nuts on a daily basis to vary my meals.
I consume grains while being careful to soak and sprout them before consuming, raw or "al dente".
I do not take dietary supplements in the long term, preferring well-targeted courses at opportune times of the year. These would include evening primrose oil, magnesium, or vitamin C.
I am 100% vegetarian by choice and I apply the Pareto principle to my living diet. 80% daily and 20% exception. First of all, because thinking in terms of numbers and proportions is a mental and mechanical way of seeing things, and I am a human being living with emotions, an openly affectionate dependent who prefers to enjoy pancakes made with love by my daughters (even with basic flour) rather than being stuck alone in my ideals of purity that we never achieve anyway!
You can also imagine me eating well-aged cheeses at friends' houses; it's rare, but I fiercely hold onto those moments.
An active and balanced lifestyle
However, my well-being does not solely depend on what I eat. Beyond diet, I pay particular attention to the quality of my sleep, which I prioritize. A very simple golden rule I apply: I rest when I'm tired. Far from me are the movements of forcing my body to resilience and pushing beyond limits. Being gentle with oneself is a good source of nutrients!
I even have a time slot in my schedule reserved for a short nap every day, and I use it very often.
I am also very vigilant about sedentary lifestyle, as it is essential for me to stay active. As part of my daily routine, I limit screen time to three hours a day, and with good organization, I manage to handle my business, projects, and family life without exceeding this limit. This allows me to stay in motion, avoid getting stuck in a static position, and better manage my energy throughout the day.
Free dance, a little barefoot jogging, regular stretching during long trips, outdoor swimming regardless of the season, cycling, rollerblading, everything is an excuse to move.
For me, it is important to be able to regularly release stress, anger, frustrations, worries, and external demands.
Short fasts and mono-diets: my experience
Another aspect of my routine, beyond what I eat. I also practice, from time to time, short fasts or mono-diets, a personal habit that does not suit everyone (ask a healthcare professional for advice before fasting).
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I do short fasts periodically. For me, these are moments of digestive pause and inner calm where it is easier to hear myself think and hope. Similarly, the mono-diet, which involves consuming only one type of food for a determined period (such as apples, vegetable juices, or grapes), gives me very simple meals for a short period.
These are practices that I enjoy and that I adapt to how I feel.
My daily life today
Far from the clichés about vegetarianism and living foods, my diet and lifestyle accompany me in my activities and in my quest for a harmonious way of life. I feel in tune with my dietary and lifestyle choices. This shows that with organization and awareness, it is possible to lead an active, balanced, and project-filled life while being vegetarian for more than a decade.
FAQ: your most frequently asked questions about daily raw and vegetarian eating
Can you be vegetarian long-term?
In this testimonial, the author shares her experience of 11 years of vegetarianism followed by raw veganism, with good meal planning and regular follow-up. It is a personal testimony that does not apply to everyone.
What does she eat daily?
She incorporates daily a wide variety of vegetables, fruits and nuts, soaked or sprouted grains, as well as fresh algae, microalgae, pollen, sprouted seeds and sea water, rather than long-term dietary supplements.
What is the 80/20 rule she applies to her diet?
She applies a flexible approach: 80% of her daily diet follows her living-food principles, and 20% leaves room for exceptions and shared pleasures, like a convivial meal or a ripened cheese with friends, without guilt.
What role do sleep and physical activity play in her balance?
She prioritizes the quality of her sleep, allows herself a daily nap, and stays mindful of limiting sedentary behavior by incorporating varied movement into her routine (dancing, jogging, stretching, swimming). She also practices short fasts and occasional mono-diets.
