Book Review by Freelee of “The Raw Food Lifestyle” by Andrew Perlot.


From pathetic to athletic Andrew gives you the low down on the important topic of depression and how he overcame it by applying principles laid out in this tell all personal account that can’t be missed!

In a world filled with conflicting messages about what constitutes “healthy living”, Andrew Perlot has managed to remove the fog and effectively identify many of the key factors in becoming the “healthiest person you know”. As Andrew says “Health is a package deal and has many facets”.  Andrew makes it clear that the low fat raw vegan lifestyle is not only about getting the “food bit” right but also about addressing extremely important lifestyle factors - some of which include emotional intimacy, sunlight exposure, exercise, relaxation, happiness and finding your life's purpose.

“We really only spend a small part of each day eating, and all those intervening hours can be filled with positives or negatives. This book will help you fill the empty spaces with things that make your life better.”

I enjoyed Andrew’s honest writing style and appreciated his willingness to poke fun at himself. What I particularly liked about this book is how it’s written from the heart.  Andrew generously and courageously shares intimate details about his private struggles with depression - for me feelings which hit close to home..

“My mind was a cesspool of malaise and negative ideas I could not escape, and it would stay that way, to varying degrees, for six years.”

The beauty of Andrew’s story is that he not only pulls himself out of his depression but overcomes colitis, obesity and self-pity at the same time. He recreates himself as a healthy, thriving athlete and successful raw food coach.  Not only is it brilliant to be in the front row to witness this transformation but now you too will have the recipe!

On a critical note: I would've enjoyed more focus on how eating sufficient amounts of fruit calories plays a major role in relieving the symptoms of depression however this sort of fantastic personal account has been long missing in the plethora of “how to do raw“ books.
The following statement I tend to disagree with...  

“If you're the type of person who doesn't have this problem (of not eating enough calories), and tends to overeat from boredom, for the sake of numbing yourself, or any number of other reasons, then you should watch that you stay close to your needs.”

Personally I am of the belief that if we are drawn to food for any reason, it’s because our cells require nutrients.  
If I am attracted to food then I will consciously make a discerning choice (i.e fruits and greens) and eat it with abandonment.  This has helped my own struggle with depression immensely!

However I agree wholeheartedly when Andrew makes the connection between not eating enough calories and sleep difficulties.

“Most people who move to a healthy diet are not used to eating nearly enough calories, and many quickly find their sleep degenerating.”

Andrew incorporated a value tool for the proper application of the principles he outlined in his book called a “human needs audit”.  I was not at all familiar with this process but after completing it I realised there are areas in my life that needed my attention. I was very impressed and the process is now something I may implement permanently into my life as an effective self-development tool.

Overall, I enjoyed “The Raw Food Lifestyle” immensely. I recommend you print off this book and pass it around to all your friends and family - interested in raw food or not.  Once the word is out this book will NOT gather dust on the shelf! It is a must-have self-development guide that will assist anyone wanting to stop being a victim and start implementing positive change in their life.  


About the Author:
Andrew Perlot is a newspaper reporter currently living in Connecticut. He created raw-foodhealth.
net in 2008 to help people discover that they need not rely on doctors and pills to
achieve vibrant health.

When not writing, Andrew reads far too many books, runs, hikes, and generally spends more
time in front of a computer than someone trying to lead a healthy life should.

Andrew has been a valuable contributor to the 30BaD community since its conception.

Check out Andrew's Brilliant Ebook by following this link or by going to the Ebooks TABS Section



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Replies

  • "the connection between not eating enough calories and sleep difficulties."

    elaborate?
    • It's obvious... you don't have the energy to get to sleep when you don't have your gycogen reserves pumped.
  • wow! GREAT JOB, roomie!
  • Thanks Freelee!

    I just read Andrew's wonderful article on running on his website and discovered the Vibrams, which I called up to order immediately! Sigh, I have to wait till Monday morning.

    When I first started running in the early seventies, I ran barefoot a lot, especially up at our farm and on the rural roads and loved it. Here on Long Island (pesticide land), I haven't done it much. Interestingly I'd written about Raramuri Indians on my blog, and am so psyched to get the Vibrams, having just started running again, loving it this time!

    Thank You Freelee for the review and Andrew for the terrific and inspiring article.

    Love,
    Sun~Rose

    p.s. I was thinking I needed to lengthen my stride, and now I find I can love my short stride. :*)
    • hurray for Vibrams! I've been wearing mine exclusively for 11 months now. Today I climbed a rocky hill overlooking town in mine.

      Wear them around your house a bit before you take them outside. If you've got the wrong size you can usually exchange them if you haven't worn them outside yet. I measured my feet precisely like the Vibram site says and bought 39s. Too small. Exchanged to 40s. Too small. Turns out I'm a 41! And I was so careful when measuring!

      So make sure your Vibrams really fit right before you go out running in them, just in case.
    • Hey that's great to hear Sun-rose :-) Andrew writes some great articles and especially ones on running! Harley recently got some vibrams and loves to wear them around instead of flip flops but prefers to run with more support.

      You will enjoy the book for sure!
  • Thanks for the great review, Freelee. I hope everyone gets a lot out of my book. These are ideas that have really improved my life, and I think they can do the same for yours.
  • This looks extremely impressive Andrew, will grab it for sure.
  • haha cool that's a great deal!
  • Lfrv and personal development. Is a better combination even possible? :)
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