DISQUS

juusan · 1 year ago

So, question - how does one deal with the potential hazards of eating raw greens in foreign countries? For example, I know several friends who got deathly ill from eating greens in Thailand, because they were washed in water that wasn't very clean. They picked up some sort of bacteria that REALLY didn't agree with them. And these folks were raw, so there was no potential bad meat consumption.

What do you do in these situations?

Dhrumil · 1 year ago

3% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide. Just a few drops in a big bowl of water and greens. Wash your greens in there and it does wonders.

I did this throughout my journey in India.

I'll be writing a full post on this shortly.

nirav · 1 year ago

Excellent tips my brotha! This really opened my eyes to planning before hand and setting the intention to lookout for wild/tropical fruits.

Jessie · 1 year ago

So when i move to Korea I was thinking maybe i should be vegan in social events and be raw during my own meals? I'm afraid of offending.... any suggestions?

Philip McCluskey · 1 year ago

Great post, its all about setting your intention and having FUN!

ginalaverde · 1 year ago

Great advice. I will be traveling soon. Not abroad like u -- you lucky kid, but I've been a bit worried about traveling with food. That coconut looks delish -- We eat /drink at least 1 daily. I kefir the coconut water. It's bubbly and delish and really kicks up the nutrition. a little bit like kombucha. Question about nuts/seeds... I always wind up eating mine wet because I cannot wait for them to dry :) how do u dry yours quickly?
Gina

shannonmarie · 1 year ago

Great first post. I had a feeling it would involve travel. I'm so jealous :-)

Ingrid · 1 year ago

Fabulous write up and excellent points. I have much experience traveling abroad, even living abroad; planning is key in every aspect of it. You've hit so many points I could go on and on and on in response, instead I'll simply say "Thank you Anthony for expressing useful points and sharing tips from your experience for us raw travelers".

jenny · 1 year ago

great post anthony. . . (as always!!)
I travel quite a bit, both before going raw + after. . . but just recently returned from the Caribbean (where I'd been before and loved) but this time the lack of fresh food (nothing is grown on St. John) and superhigh prices drove me to despair and to live on package dates and nonorganic apples, pears and baby carrots. Also for some reason I was incredibly seasick on the sailboat we were living on (due to a huge storm's aftermath). . . so had to take dramamine causing my poor body- extremely sensitive to anything foreign like that - to freak out.

Rather than stay and be miserable, I listened to my instincts, I changed my ticket and flew home. . . back to superfoods (that i should've brought more of with me in hindsight), green shakes, and of course the positive vives of the we like it raw and give it to me raw communities. . .
But no sooner than I arrived home to the cold winter landscape, much to the confusion of others, (you left the Caribbean for Maine???) I felt the pull of travel again. . . this time to India, and am now in the process of planning and researching and making sure I'm not caught off guard again so that my travels in the raw are more like my trip to England last year, raw-friendly and juicy. . . both in the food and spiritual experiences.

Thanks Anthony for sharing your raw travel experiences abroad and for always touching on the experience-side of things and not just the food.
So looking forward to more. . . and any recommendations on your absolute favourite green powder or easiest to travel with (if you had to pick one)???
Oh yea and I promise to be ridiculously nice to you. . . in hopes of the green fudge recipe. . .
xx Jenny

JulieK · 1 year ago

Fantastic post & advice! Also being a frequent traveler, I cannot concur with many of these points enough, especially when it comes to what you said about "culinary exploration", and how crucial it is to be prepared.

On a recent trip to Europe, I was initially so proud of myself for bringing along my survival kit and referring to it regularly. However, eventually, depending on the nature of your trip, those you are traveling with, and those you visit, play quite a large influence which you as an individual may find yourself in limited control. Additionally, it's indeed ideal to have like-minded travel partners, but your spouse and/or family, or business colleagues, can be heavy factors in the whole balancing act that may be unavoidable.

Toward the end of my two week excursion, mealtimes had been much more challenging than in the beginning. The more I made exceptions, the easier it became to just let myself lapse by rationalizing that I'd make it all up once I got home. But this is a vulnerable state of mind, because it is the point where it's important to not mistake the choices we did or didn't make as failures. These circumstances must just be observed and seen "as is", and we have to appreciate ourselves by knowing we made the best choices possible. There is no success in punishing ourselves, but rather by acknowledging that this is a learning process, moment by moment, so that we are better equipped through our own personal growth.

<3 JMK

juliek · 1 year ago

BTW, I love the dude wearing the Playboy shirt behind you...sweet!

Dhrumil · 1 year ago

Haha, that's my fav too Julie!

Fatma · 1 year ago

I am going to Africa next month and my list looks almost identical to yours. I will also be making some superfood fudge for the flight that is going to be 2 days long. I will be blogging about my tips especially on food as well as how to take care naturally of issues like travel sickness, mosquito bites, upset stomach etc.

I have helped many clients travel the world with natural remedies. Like you say, with a bit of planning we can have the best trip ever.


Dhrumil, lemon essential oil is also excellent for washing fruits and veggies, adding to drinking water and for viral infections.

Anthony, next month I will be eating the same fruits you have been raving about. They grow locally in abundance where I am going. Mmmmmhhhh......

Thank you fellow spiritual warrior.

Fatma

andie · 1 year ago

haha so true, ppl think about food too much all the time!!! it should be like a little side thing, necessary nutrients and such, not an obsession...

Jessie · 1 year ago

Great advice! I'm moving to Korea in 2 weeks and needed to read this!

Rawfoodie · 1 year ago

I agree with much of what you say- I am an equally passionate raw food/vegan and have been for many years- but to say that food is not a part of exploring a culture is just wrong. I understand that there is much more...ie dance, music, art, etc. but food is also a huge part of other cultures...and more so in other countries than here in America. As Americans we eat isolated meals all the time- its "normal" to have the whole family eat something completely different and to proudly proclaim that you don't eat that your a "raw foodist"- The American meal does not have the history and tradition that runs very strong in other cultures- so the focus shouldn't be on the food? Well food is the primary method of survival so- national dishes have culinary history that was part of these countries evolution and peoples survival- are we really going to be so ignorant as to disregard the importance of that in favor of eating a super food brownie alone out of a pack- what are you missing? A lot. Curries? Basically all the same? No they are not- and I am a seasoned traveler myself. What you impose on yourself in your four walls around like minded friends and family is one thing, but to go to another culture and isolate yourself and expect them to understand is actually very selfish.
I am NOT saying that you shouldn't opt for the exotic fruit in favor of a cooked dish- I do understand that people also equally isolate themselves by not wanting to try new fruits and veggies. When I travel (and I do a lot as well) I will always bring my green foods, gojis, enzymes and raw food stacks etc. just like I will my toothbrush, but I would never make my eating preferences cause myself grief or anyone else that I am traveling with (and I hope thats not what you are saying) Health is about BALANCE- agonizing over what you are going to eat at each meal is actually very stressful and unhealthy- and believe it or not that coooked crap actually does have nutrients- maybe not as many, but its not going to kill you. Why don't the French get fat- bc they enjoy there food and eat it together- why are they getting fatter- they are following in the habits of Americans and not just what we eat but how we eat it.
The other thing about travel is that other countries tend to eat more locally- a local cooked veggie dish- gasp! IS not a sin. I'm not saying go overseas and fill your body with poor quality cooked meat, cheese etc. and make yourself miserable...but find BALANCE.
Anthony, I don't want you to think that I am attacking your post. I think I understand that what you are saying is that you were experimenting and it just brought clarity to the fact that raw food does work- Yeah! bc I love it! I am mainly writing this for people who are new to the raw food seen and are worried and overwhelmed about achieving perfection in there diets-RELAX- explore your diet- food is for health and pleasure. When you take the pleasure out of food- you take the health with it.
Bon Appetit!

Anthony · 1 year ago

I totally understand what you mean. After going raw, I still did cooked while traveling. It was fine, but I wasnt as energized at all. If you are still attached the cooked food while traveling, then go for it. I did, and Im still alive. Ive had a shift in consciousness now, and i can go without feeling like I have to sit down and try this or that every 3 hours. People love to say BALANCE...but that means good AND bad. Id rather just have good. Balance means "still give into your food addictions a little bit". Im done with that path...for someone who is new, by all means, dont agonize over it. Go with what you feel. If you are totally detached from doing the cooked dishes, thats great, but if you still want to explore the food, then by all means go for it. No worries.

Rawfoodie · 1 year ago

Thanks for your response Anthony- I got a little carried away because I talk to so many people that get so overwhelmed with going raw they will just throw in the towel completely (I'm sure that we all know plenty of pple like this) I just hate to see people that think that if they can't do it perfectly than they shouldn't do it at all. I agree with you that the word balance can be used as a cop out, but I do think intelligent people can come to a healthy understanding of what that means for thier body. For me, I am much better off doing some lightly steamed veggies here and there than loading up on nuts etc. Its hard to explain to pple that going raw does help you actually find balance in your body because you become so much more in tune- its a wierd feeling for someone like myself to realize that I'm not interested in trying this or that- which has totally happened to me over the years- when I travel, most of the food I enjoy visually and conceptually because I know if I eat it I will feel like crap. Oh I could go on and on:-) just wanted to say thanks- and this is what is so amazing abt this sight and giveittomeraw- people who are into raw food/health and getting out there living life not sitting home alone being dogmatic about what not to eat. Cheers to health and happiness!

Anthony · 1 year ago

I think you missed many main points of this post now that I re-read it. BALANCE?
Balance is an excuse to indulge in addictions still...Total crap. And all in all...the curries are pretty similar. Eating is such a big deal in these countries because what else do they do at night? Think about it...

Im saying...explore and eat what you want, BUT BUT BUT IF you want to stay raw...HERE...take these tips. I went with your philosophy for a long time.

Now..Im over it. Dont focus on food so much. Right? You missed my point of this whole post. Maybe Im projecting something...I appreciate your time and effort...just a small misunderstanding. Its all good though...

Rawfoodie · 1 year ago

P.S. The coconut looks amazing and you look like your having a wonderful time!

LindaSalas · 1 year ago

All good advice! Thank you so much, I really like that you bring awareness to traveling etiquete too... living in a country with lots of tourism I know how much this is appreciated by us locals... Just as much as we (speaking for my hubs and me) try to be very respectful of the other countries we visit, we are very respectful for the great USA.
Lots of light!

Anisha · 1 year ago

Excellent Advice!! I totally agree with discussing what is to come with your traveling partner. Before I went to India, I made it clear to my mom, what I was and was not going to eat. Not that she is the one to make a fuss, but so she could back me up when family members made a fuss about what and how much I was eating. I knew that to some extent I would have to eat cooked food, but I also limited it. If anything my mom was so understanding and such a great support system for me. She kept it real!

Kale · 1 year ago

Thoughts on vaccines? This seems like a big issue, especially if you're going for awhile--recommended or no?

Anthony · 1 year ago

Ive had no vaccines...none were needed where I went...(Cambodia, Malaysia, Nepal, Thailand) but I never went super deep into the jungles either.

David Wolfe is completely against them, and I would have to take his stance on that. I think if our immune systems are built up enough, we should be ok. However...when dealing with Malaria? Damn...I dont know. Read more about it. You can go to most places in the world...really exotic places, and not have to worry about vaccinations though. Most are scary precautions just like every other vaccine.

Joel · 1 year ago

That is the feeling! So great to have the excitement for green coconuts, and the respect of our wild foods and fruits. Look at the love Anthony has. Questions and bargaining, and remembering the quest, great tips.

Jennifer J. Grammer · 1 year ago

Thanks for the raw travel tips, Anthony! It will be helpful when I end up traveling out of the country in the future. Also, for the impact you are having on spreading the word through your example.

Frances · 1 year ago

I found it really hard to travel in winter. Basically because the choice of fresh fruits and greens are so limited in some countries. It is a great advice not to think of eating all the time while travelling. Make it a life adventure instead!

Kati · 1 year ago

Great post! I think this statement is particularly true: "it's not the food you want, it's the emotion that comes along with trying new things and turning your travels into an adventure."

Looking forward to the future tips on washing fruit & veggies overseas...

stacey · 1 year ago

Good advice. It's not always easy to stick with a raw diet while travelling. Here's an article in Frederic Patenaude's website that tells a similar tale: "Asian Travel in the Raw"

RawBin · 1 year ago

Love your post. I love to travel and we do it often. I truly appreciate your advise on traveling raw, as that aspect is new to me. How about that super fudge recipe? Please???

Anthony · 1 year ago

Try this...1/2 part nuts and seeds (I use hemp and brazil nuts)
1/2 part dates or coconut-date rolls from the bulk aisle,
Some oil, either hemp, coco, or flax...

then add in the superfoods of your choice...always adding enough sticky dates to keep things in tact. Its all up to you my friend!!!

Laura · 1 year ago

Wow great blog..thanks for all the tips
These tips will work even if i'm just travel around the states..
Thank You.
Laura

Trai · 1 year ago

Not trying to be superficial in any way but....

Anthony is breathtakingly beautiful!

RawVeganSteven · 1 year ago

Me want coco nut!

Chip · 1 year ago

You have no idea just how helpful this brief article is to me right now. I'm looking to do some travelling, raw in style, and have to figure out all my food prep etc TODAY. I needed some quick tips and just ran across this...
precisely what I needed.
Much appreciation.

Debbie · 1 year ago

Is there any problems with the airlines carrying all this stuff? I am traveling to New York state for the first time in many years and would love to continue being raw on the trip. What about carry ons? Do they question the ingredients if you have bottles made up to take onboard with you? Suggestions? With all these security problems lately I would hate to ruin my trip because I did something wrong.

Dhrumil · 1 year ago

Anything dry you can take on the carry on. Anything wet or liquid should be placed in your check-in. Tight containers that won't leak.

Right now the rules are, I think, nothing more than 4 ounces of liquid on your carry on.

Kel · 1 year ago

Hey Anthony! I enjoy your blog! I manage a band and travel 8 months out of the year. I've just started on the raw vegan lifestyle, and am a little worried about how I'll keep on it on our 4 month Spring tour. If you could email me your fudge recipe and any other ideas of things that store really well, I would appreciate it so much! kelly@fivetimesaugust.com
Thanks in advance!!!

alewar · 1 year ago

Not trying to drop anything on you but there are many aspect of travel preparedness that could be mentioned. Most of all if anyone here is really into raw foods you know that proper food combining is more important than how much you get of something, and sugar especially the 90%fructose poison known as raw agave will make your terrain a breeding ground for bacteria to germinate. A lot of people become raw or vegan but deeper down the responsiveness, the programming and urges are never altered. We can change our food, our hair, our image and what we call ourselves but not many change what truly matters.