Raw Food Support Group Fairbanks
How we came about!
By Trifany Gibson
I had studied alternative health and nutrition for many years, but did not apply it to any great extent in my life. Then in my 40’s I had some health challenges, and I chose to eat 100% raw vegan foods. In the book 12 Steps to Raw Foods by Victoria Boutenko, support groups were emphasized to encourage each other to stick to their goals J
So I put up a poster at Sunshine Health Foods, and one person contacted me. We met at the Library, and she really wanted us to meet again and prepare some of the wonderful recipes that we each had in our raw recipe books! Excited, we prepared a raw feast at my house about every four weeks for a few months. Another person contacted me regarding increasing raw foods in her diet, and joined us for our raw food day. She had other friends who wanted to do the same thing, so we met at their house once a month for a few months. Then we moved over to Hamilton Acres Baptist Church (HABC) for the convenience and space. Graciously HABC has allowed our support group to meet in their church for over a year.
Naturally, the name of our support group may give some the impression that each and all of us eat only 100% raw vegan food, but that is not the case… An overwhelming majority of attendees are probably closer to 70 % or more cooked food. But we all have a desire for greater health! Encouraging each other to take just one step closer to better health through diet and lifestyle is our support group purpose. Even if one step is all you want to take – great! We desire to encourage you to where YOU want to be, not where any of the rest of us want to be. I like to compare our “health journey” to a “continuum line.” Where you are now is one point on that line. What YOU consider to be “ultimate health” is another point on that line. Any step that you take toward your goal is a great step!! We are not your judge - it is your life, body and health. And we want to cheer you on your way to your goal.
Our support group goal is to share raw vegan recipes at the potlucks so that new people can see raw food is not limited to just fruit and salads. And those of us who have attended more than once, find that we have our minds and creativity “stretched,” and are more motivated to try new recipes. Moreover, we can collect recipes that others bring, ask others about their favorite recipe resources, and get to fellowship with other “health-minded” people!
Now I always emphasize (beg, really) that the first time someone attends our potlucks that they do NOT bring anything!!! That way they can just come, look around, enjoy the food, and see what wonders can be made with 100% raw vegan food. It is also for my benefit: I do not want to be put in the uncomfortable position of having to say “Who brought this cooked food? We will put it over here, so no one will confuse it for raw. And please do not bring cooked food again. Is there any other food that is not 100% raw?” So Please Please Please – do not bring ANY THING that is not 100% raw, vegan food to the potluck. I would rather by far that you just come and enjoy the food, than to bring any cooked food. For my sake, please?! Thank you very much!!! J If you have any questions as to what is or is not raw, I would be thrilled to answer them – just call or email me. Canned goods, most bottled goods, all store-bought salad dressings that I know of, and even olives and croutons are all cooked. J Generally, only fruit and vegetables from the produce section are 100% raw and vegan. (Naturally the bottles, jars and packages in the produce section are not raw…) The health food section of Fred Meyer does have some raw nuts and seeds, and sometimes a few other raw items, but very, very few!!! Sunshine Health Foods is very accommodating to our “raw consciousness” – they have many items that are raw. (But you MUST read the label, and sometimes even ask the clerk. Some items say they are “raw,” but have cooked items in them too…)
[In addition, the very few of us that have been 100% raw vegan for any length of time can potentially become very sick if we eat cooked food. This is because our intestinal bacteria have changed to handle what we currently eat.]
For any dish that you bring, please have a copy of the recipe next to that dish. Some people do have food allergies, and one quick look at the recipe can prevent misery from occurring. I tend to make several copies of the recipes that I bring so others can just grab them – but not everyone has access to a copier. If that is the case for you, just bring the recipe written out on a piece of paper, etc. Then others can copy it down. And those with food sensitivities can breathe easier J
In the first year or so, our support group completely consisted of Christians. Therefore we have always asked God’s blessing on the food. Over time people of other faiths or no faith have attended and/or joined our group. We welcome all! We do not desire to force our faith upon others, for we dislike the same being done to us. However we do not “gag” our faith at our support group meetings like we might in the “work-a-day world” where Christianity is being increasingly suppressed. So our intent is not to offend any; we are just being ourselves. We trust that any who are uncomfortable with our “saying Grace” before meals or mentioning God, will honor our differences. J
In summary:
à We are not all 100% raw vegan (not even close!)
à We desire to encourage YOU on YOUR road to health
à Please supply the recipe for any dish you bring
à The first time you come, do not bring any food (please?!)
à Only 100% raw, vegan foods at the potluck (do not bring ANY THING that is not 100% raw, vegan – empty-handed is far better, ok???
We look forward to seeing you!!!
Trifany @ 488-1020 or 347-0225
You may also contact for questions, help, etc:
Lisa Dornstadter @ 452-4333
