When you tell people that you are eating an all raw food diet, one of the most common questions you will face is “how can you survive on that?” Of course, questions like this usually come from people who spend very little time considering what they are eating – people for whom a healthy choice for dinner is a whole wheat crust on their fully loaded pizza.

These sorts of people would consider a raw food diet to be the equivalent of food torture. They would think raw, and only be able to think of salads and “rabbit food”. And surely, no sane person would try to live on rabbit food, would they? Vegetables, these folks will scoff? Vegetables aren’t food – they are what food eats!

If you’re here trying to find a way to convince people like that about the benefits of a healthy, raw food existence, I have three words for you:

Save your breath.

Certainly, it is possible to not only survive, but thrive on a raw food diet; but winning over everyone you know with facts and real-world examples is impossible. Instead, concentrate on winning the important battles – like living the best life possible – part of which can be your pursuit of the best raw foods available.

Rather than focus on ingredients, however, let’s talk more in general about living on live foods. Because recipes and shopping lists are not something that can be printed out once and followed by everyone. Foods are available only in some places at some times; tastes are subjective and open to interpretation; and budget constraints can limit some people to different types of raw foods.

So, here are some tips for living well on a live food diet.

Shop often. Raw, living foods are at their best when they are as fresh as possible. Many families with busy lives will limit themselves to one massive shopping expedition per week, which can work when all you are buying is frozen lasagnas and breakfast cereal. The best produce is the stuff that doesn’t get sprayed to make it last longer, and it means in order to truly appreciate the best flavors, you will need to be in the market at least three times a week. But don’t despair - you won’t be there nearly as long as before.

Shop locally. You may love a certain fruit, but when it is trucked in from across the world, it is not nearly as fresh, and costs a lot more. Find some local favorites in your produce section, and you will be eating much fresher foods.

Keep your eyes (and mind) open. Inspiration for a new raw food dish can strike at any time. When you see something that looks good on television, ask yourself, how could I do that with raw foods? You’ll be surprised at what you can come up with, after a little bit of practice.

Find your favorite. While it is always good to try new things, there will be days when you crave the familiar. Don’t let that comfort food be something from a previous eating style. Find something raw that you absolutely love, and make sure you always have it on hand.