Jim here... Here's a short video from last Saturday when we were out distributing literature about reversing diabetes naturally and the raw foods lifestyle. In it, we interview a local man, R.T., who had stopped to talk with us, went on his way, and then returned again to where we were standing a few moments later rather astounded.
You see, he'd seen a "before / after" flyer showing Wendi's "pre-raw" pic next to her "raw" pic and couldn't believe the two pics were of the same woman!? Many people who have significant weight to lose (or, like R.T., know someone who does) wonder whether losing so much weight will result in saggy skin. He was so amazed at the transformation, he decided to come back and ask. So, here's the raw answer to that question...
[For those looking a bit of a longer answer to this common question from Wendi, she discussed it rather recently on the blog, here.]
As an interesting aside to that story, I just wanted to say that, just after initially speaking with R.T. inside the food co-op, Wendi and I were having an interesting conversation. We'd been introducing ourselves to people all day by simply asking, "Do you know anyone who has diabetes or a weight problem "? Quite often, the answer was "yes," and that would usually start a productive conversation.
A number of people simply stated "no" and kept on walking. Of those (and, I'm honestly not being judgmental here), quite a few had weight problems themselves. The experience of doing this in grocery stores gave us the opportunity to glance into one shopping cart after another. It's no surprise that, even at the "health food" stores at which we were based all day, a majority of people were walking out with plenty of unhealthy items. (Let's face it: An organic pop tart is still a pop tart.)
But, when R.T. initially talked with us, I sensed something different about him. The man had that undeniable vibrant glow I've come to recognize in certain people. And then I saw it... In his hand, he was holding a large cup of fresh squeezed juice -- some deep purple beet-based concoction from the juice bar there. I'd said to Wendi, "Wow, he's the most healthy individual I've seen all day long, and look what he's drinking... juice!" I think there's a powerful message there!
Original Comments
Below, we have included the original comments from this blog post. Additional comments may be made via Facebook, below.
On April 30, 2009, wrote:
I wonder if I should add one other observation here... This vibrancy I'm speaking of is something separate from one's physical appearance. I think it's more of an energy thing, really -- but it does seem to have a rejuvenating effect on the body. Tough to capture in words... It's like a beacon of celebration, beaming joyous life-force outward all around a person within a large radius. And, if you're tuned in and close enough, you just pick up the signal and you're like "Whoa, *that* person's doing something right!" I'm certain people can attain that quality in many ways, but raw is definitely a fast-track to it. R.T. told us his age that day, and I can almost guarantee that whatever estimate you might have after watching that video, you're likely wrong by 10-20 years (meaning, you're guessing way younger than he actually is) -- which is a great way of pointing out that physical age is meaningless. What's vital is holding onto that youthful vibrancy -- that quality we're all born with but which drains away (from some more quickly than others) as time passes, seemingly beyond our control. But, it doesn't have to be this way. And that's one huge reason why Wendi and I are devoting our lives to this.
On May 1, 2009, wrote:
Hi Wendi & Jim! I was wondering how the juice-a-day thing is going for you - long time no post! I finally picked out a juicer and ordered one the other day, and I am so antsy for it to arrive I wish I'd paid the extra for expedited shipping! I have been trying to do daily green smoothies for a while and I noticed I feel much better if I have them in the morning as opposed to the evening. So I am really looking forward to juicing in the morning too! :)
On May 1, 2009, wrote:
Hi there, Kasi!
Well, we started off great. Then we didn't follow through with it consistently. Our juicer was put
away to make the counter look bigger for those viewing our home and we never pulled it back out.
We're going to be doing some lighter eating/light cleansing soon, so we'll be pulling it back out
I'm sure!
Congrats on ordering your juicer! I hope you'll come back to update from time-to-time and let us
know how your juicing is going! It's such a lovely way to start the day!
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On May 2, 2009, wrote:
Hi Wendi I have started a raw food I lost 40 lbs I am worried about my saggy skin. Can you tell me what I am doing wrong ?
On May 2, 2009, wrote:
I am with you Jim! Lets see what will happen fr the month of may. June 1st here we come!
On May 4, 2009, wrote:
I feel that loving, juicy energy coming from RT too! I can probably feel it through the video when he manifests it in his easy smile and open mind and heart. Thanks for sharing this lovely man with us. ;)
On May 11, 2009, wrote:
Pat,
In my experience I lost the weight slowly and gradually. I believe that eating 100% raw is what allowed my body to heal and the skin to not sag. I'm guessing if a person loses the weight too fast the skin may sag for a while until the body can deal with it (again, this can only be true on 100% raw food diet, I'm assuming). Also, if someone loses more than 100 pounds it may take the body some time to eliminate that extra skin, but I don't know since I don't have experiences with that much weight loss.
Don't worry about what's happening. Just keep feeding your body the best raw foods possible and you'll be amazed at how healthy it becomes--it just might take some time.
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO
On May 11, 2009, wrote:
I love that you picked up on such a wonderful person RT was, too! It was really nice meeting him!
XOXOXO
On May 13, 2009, wrote:
love seeing you on video, Wendi. it's often hard for people to have other people in their life who want them to change. do you they have to want it themselves? i have an aunt who is obese. she is an amazing person, always doing for others but doesn't take care of herself. i want her to try raw foods but i also feel like i can't force it on someone who isn't ready for the journey.
On May 18, 2009, wrote:
Thanks for your comment, Bitt! Yes, it's not easy to see others we love struggle with weight and health when we know a raw diet could help them become healthier. They definitely have to want it enough themselves--to love themselves enough to make the changes necessary for healing.
The most we can do is serve lots of delicious raw foods to them and continue being shining examples of health. When they are ready to love themselves and reclaim their health, they'll begin asking questions.
You are so sweet and I hope your aunt will begin to love herself as much as she loves others (I was similar to your aunt--always doing for others, never for myself).
Lots of love to you,
Wendi
XOXOXO