Hi everyone I decided to start a raw diet on 26 October 2008. My BMI index was 35 at the time, and within 3 weeks it was 30. My chronic back pain of 1.5 years suddenly became more manageable and there are days that I have not pain (I remain amazed). I have a very busy life and do find the food preparation daunting. Also, I am not 100% raw. I'd say that I eat raw 90 - 95% of the time, but I still eat popcorn (need the crunch and salt, I guess). I look forward to reading more about others ideas for this healthy life_style_ choice. I am a bit concerned about how to handle eating when I travel outside of my country of origin (I usually practice the rule of if it is not cooked or peeled, don't eat it). So advice in that area would be appreciated.