Sunday, June 7, 2009

Bio

I use some version of this brief bio for professional purposes:

Julie Suiter is originally from Charleston, WV, and was a champion gymnast and circus performer before graduating from Duke University with a degree in psychology. She spent 21 years in the corporate world, holding positions in teaching, counseling, and human resources, including serving as the Director of the Wellness Program for a Fortune 500 company. Julie has been teaching yoga for healing and rejuvenation for 14 years, and is a fruitarian who loves acrobatics, dance, and Nature. She appreciates every opportunity to speak up for the animals, and lives with her husband, Tom, and cat, Chloe, in the southeastern US.

And now, here is the behind-the-scenes story:

I was brought up in the 50's and 60's by intelligent, well-educated, loving parents. I am grateful to my parents for my life and to my brother for many years of love and friendship. I was breast-fed only briefly, and then put on "formula" and Gerber baby foods, sanctioned, I am sure, by Dr. Spock.

By the time I was in school I was drinking Tang (the breakfast of astronauts) and eating Velveeta cheese sandwiches, Campbell's tomato soup, Fritos, and Jello. I was also expected to drink milk at every meal. I was actually quite lean and light and didn't care about food or need much of it to thrive. Dinnertime became a torture for me as I was thoroughly disgusted by all meat (liver?!!!) and refused to eat it. I was made to sit at the table for hours while a battle of wills went on between my mother and me. She took me to the doctor to see what was wrong with me because I wouldn't eat the so-called nutritious food which included canned asparagus, spaghetti sauce, and meat loaf (the gristle! and what is this - a bronchial tube?!!)

To be fair, there were also oranges (my favorites), apples, and bananas, usually sliced into a monkey salad with peanut butter and mayonnaise. There were also occasionally cantaloupes, watermelons, and grapefruit halves with brown sugar. My favorite meal was when I was allowed to make a "plate" of things I liked, such as orange wedges, tomato slices, pickles, and celery sticks. I would only eat one thing at a time. My mother thought it odd that I liked everything so plain.

In 4th grade, I discovered Sweet Tarts and other candies like Pixie Stix and Nikl Nips (all sugary and fruit-flavored. I knew.) I started secretly stashing candy in my room which helped me get by since I could hardly tolerate the standard cooked fare. It gave me a feeling of freedom and power and also unfortunately started a lifelong habit of secretive eating.

I had the usual childhood illnesses including chicken pox and bouts of tonsillitis which led to a tonsillectomy when I was too young to know I had a choice in the matter. (I am hoping to grow some new tonsils soon!)

In high school I started getting really hooked on junk food like crackers and cheese, chips and dip, red licorice, bubble gum, and cake frosting. I remember one particular day feasting at a friend's house when I realized it was all getting out of control and that I was spending way too much time thinking about food and overeating. Around this time I came down with mono and was out of school for a few weeks, sick and tired at home. During all this time I was an athlete, competing in swimming, diving, and gymnastics and performing in an amateur circus. (Yes, I flew on the trapeze!)

In college I was able to more freely indulge in unhealthy eating and became a rather chubby varsity gymnast. There were plenty of late-night study breaks with friends spent snacking on pizza and candy. I still didn't care anything about meat and after seeing a disturbing film about slaughterhouses, I officially became a vegetarian. I also began drinking alcohol regularly, especially wine. I remember starting to feel weird, often tired and reclusive, and even had a few episodes of what I now know were panic attacks which terrified me.

In my 20's I continued my pattern of appearing to be fit and healthy while secretly eating junk and feeling sick. My mother died of colon cancer and I developed real problems with anxiety and depression. I became more interested in pursuing natural health and wellness and discovered macrobiotics, reading lots of books on the subject and becoming part of the local macrobiotic scene. When I was able to stay away from the junk I definitely felt better, but not great. I knew that food was causing me problems, but I wasn't clear on what I should be eating.

In my 30's the mental/emotional issues improved somewhat but I began having lots of bladder infections and also colds and viruses. There were plenty of visits to doctors, even naturopathic ones, where I received prescriptions for antibiotics and other medications. But I was happily in love and got married and my new husband and I nursed each other through lots of these little illnesses. It seemed normal since everyone at work was sick, too, but I was growing weary of trying to maintain my "healthy" persona while feeling so run down and tired. Still, I kept a crazy, busy schedule and worked out at the gym every night. I even became the Director of the Wellness Program for a large company which I knew was a sham since I was still secretly eating junk like an addict and feeling anything but well.

In my early 40's I became suddenly very ill with something that a whole slew of doctors could not diagnose. I called it the Brain Virus and it took me down for the count. I felt a curtain of darkness move diagonally across my brain and I collapsed, literally. I was in bed for weeks, so weak I was crawling to the bathroom. Not only was I sick but I felt very embarrassed and didn't want anyone to know what was going on with me. I now believe it was a Really Bad Sinus Infection with plenty of full-system toxicity from years of mistreatment. There were a few days that I felt very close to death and it was a frightening feeling. During this time I gave up faith, hope, and reliance on the medical system and accepted full responsibility for causing my own circumstance. And I was knowing, as I had always known, that food was the key. I knew I had poisoned myself, almost to death.

One night after a deeply-felt plea to the Universe for help, I was awakened at 3:00 am and clearly guided to the internet which was new. There I read about "raw food" and people who called themselves fruitarians and ate only fruit that had fallen from the tree. I remember saying out loud, "Now THAT'S NUTTY!"

But I was also immediately fascinated and intrigued by it all.

I wish I had fully seen the light at that point and gone for all fruit, but I went the usual path of trying to become "all raw." I read about Brother George (Hallelujah Acres) and my husband and I tried drinking lots of carrot juice. I remember a phase where we got very attached to peanut butter smoothies. (Peanut butter, maple syrup, and bananas.) I read quite a few books that were helpful and inspiring. My favorite was Raw Family. I still love that book.

Then I discovered Arnold Ehret (The Mucusless Diet Healing System and Rational Fasting) and Morris Krok (Fruit the Food and Medicine for Man.) And soon after, I read Essie Honnibal's I Live On Fruit and even corresponded with her. Her letters to me were loving and generous. These authors spoke to me so beautifully and I knew they wrote the truth. Their books became my friends. I read and reread these books until I began to unlearn all I had been taught by The System of parents, government, school, and business. I came to KNOW that fruit really is the correct food for humans.

In particular, I was deeply inspired by Theresa Mitchell's story, My Road to Health, found in Ehret's Rational Fasting book, where she details her process to become fruitarian. I have read her moving account many times and feel such a kindship with her.

I continued to search the internet for current-day fruitarians and I found Anne Osborne, Kveta Martinec, and Mango Wodzak. They are all intelligent, kind, aware people and they gave me the faith and confidence that it was not only possible to live on fruit, but it was really the paradisical life that all people are searching for, consciously or unconsciously.

I am forever grateful to all these wonderful pioneers who have shown me, and many others, the way. Kveta was especially helpful and loving with me as I began on the path. I was also fortunate to take a trip to Costa Rica with Doug Graham where I lived with other fruit lovers and ate tropical fruits right off the trees. I really wanted to see how it would be to live in agreement with Nature in the tropics and I loved it!

During this time frame of several years, I fell out of the fruit tree more times than I can count. I didn't know how much I was using food for comfort, reward, and entertainment until I tried to stop doing it. In particular, my habit of secret eating at night was so powerful and deeply rooted that I wondered if I would ever be free of it. I would say that my journey was 2 steps forward and 1 step back, then 3 steps forward and 1 step back, then 10 steps, then 100 steps, then 1000 steps. With each step forward came a corresponding improvement in health/energy/mental clarity/peaceful happiness.

Some harmful habits fell away quickly and easily, like chewing gum, drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages, and taking medications. I haven't done any of those things in over 11 years and I don't miss them or even think about them, ever. However, the food thing was more complicated and has required constant vigilance on my part to remain steady on the path, even now. It gets easier every day.

About 3.5 years ago, I decided that I wanted to fully commit to the fruitarian lifestyle and I began an online blog which I kept for the first 1.5 years. It helped me stay focused and motivated and I received a lot of invaluable support, especially from my friend, Kveta. During this time I experimented on myself and took all the time I needed to become absolutely certain in my confidence of the fruit diet and lifestyle. The changes in my health, well-being and appearance have been profound and continue still.

I feel it is time for me now to share my fruitarian life and provide support and encouragement for those who, like me, are seriously seeking the truth and ultimate self-improvement. I look forward to writing LOTS more detail here about my experiences and thoughts.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope it is helpful to you on your own unique journey.

17 comments:

  1. Dear Julie,

    I'm very interested in going 100% Fruitarian.
    In the past the detox was very hard
    on my, already, disabled body.

    Could you please offer me some very specific guidance?

    Thank you.

    May you and youra be very happy!

    Om Mani Padme Hum,
    Lama Jigme

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  2. Hello, Lama Jigme. . .

    Thank you for visiting and for your kind words. I'm sorry to hear you are not feeling well.

    I am not a doctor and I don't know you or your circumstances, so I don't feel qualified to guide you, exactly.

    But I do think that often what we term "detox" is really just the lingering consequences of our previous diet and lifestyle. It is certainly always the correct thing to eat and live as healthfully as possible.

    I hope this helps some. . .

    : )

    Love,
    Julie

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  3. Wow...this is strangely familiar to me. Tonight I spent the evening on a binge, not knowing what has overpowerd me...the Universe led me to this blog post. I've been sitting on the edge of fruitarianism for quite some time now. I know its right but something continues to hold me in fear.

    I want to thank you for sharing your story. I now believe I can take that final step. That plunge in to the unknown...the waters will not be frozen, but warm and soothing...

    Regards,
    Shannon

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  4. thank you for sharing your story and your blog. it is sooo good to know that there are other fruitarian out there... thriving! i am on my path to fruitarianism. i am 811rv right now. i have a blog too. i love the style of your blog!!! it is so inspiring and beautiful. i bet you are a vibrant being.
    i send love & peace,
    jasmin aka violet (from austria)

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  5. What an amazing story - thanks for sharing it! Your blog, and your spirit, are beautiful.

    Laurie (the new one) from 30BaD

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  6. great post...this whole blog is very interesting and definately pulling me in to fruitarianism :) Thank you.

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  7. Dear Julies, I definetly feel a kinship with you, my story is extremely similar I am goint oto be 56 in october, I grew up with the same issues as you the fights about dinner me NOT want to eat my meat dinners as my poor pet bunny was sold to the butcher and served for dinner. my serching for the right way my whole life, as I new intuitvly something was not right about our lifestyle. I too became a vegatarian then vegan then macrobiotic then high fat raw then lfrv and now fruitarian . its been a long road but sooooooooo thankful to be hear now and trying to spread the word to everyone I know and dont know, your doing a fantastic job and am honored to have met you even if it only via the internet much love and happiness xoxoxoxoxDiane

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  8. Thank you so much, Diane! ♥ Wow . . . we are the same age! I am so sorry to hear about your dear bunny. That is heartbreaking! And yes, we have had similar journeys, for sure. We can all be thankful for the internet. We can have virtual communities and friendship and support and still remain autonomous and independent and free. I know it has all been a tremendous help to me. Thank you so much for writing! I really appreciate your kind words. ♥

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  9. Thank you so much for sharing such an inspirational story. I am attempting to transition into an all fruit diet, but am having a few complications; primarily not being able to stomach all of the calories. If you have any suggestions, i'd much appreciate it!

    Thank you again, Maisie.

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  10. Hi, Maisie! Thanks for your sweet note. ♥ I think it all evens out eventually if you are eating fruit that you LOVE. For more specific help, you might enjoy the community at www.30bananasaday.com. Take all the time you need to "get there." I don't know anyone who has been able to do this overnight. Love, Julie

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  11. Thanks for sharing this. I'm fascinated by all the different lifestyles and nutrition theories I've found out here in blogland and this is truly a first for me. I'm your newest follower!

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  12. Hi, Lanie . . . Yeah, you're right that there is a lot of confusion in the world of "nutrition." The truth is so simple that it's almost hard to believe after all the complicated stuff we've been taught. Thank you for visiting! ♥

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  13. Hi Jules. I am from India. I am a fruitarian for the past one year. I am a male, aged 55. Being a fruitarian transformed my life a lot. I am very happy to visit your blogs. All these articles are great and are going to be my guiding factors for my future frutarian life. Thanks a lot. You are doing a great job. Thanks again.

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  14. I feel blessed to have find your blog today Julie. Your story is inspiring and interesting, and it reminds me that we are all on a very similar journey foodwise. It is shocking to discover that quitting alcohol, recreational drugs, prescription drugs, meat and other animal products was difficult, but still much easier compared to quitting cooked/processed foods. Thank God, yes "it gets easier every day."

    "Choose always the way that seems the best, however rough it may be; custom will soon render it easy and agreeable."
    ~Pythagoras

    I just stepped in my new 100% fruitarian lifestyle last week and I am deeply excited! I am 27 years old, and have just been vegetarian since June 2009, vegan since August 2009, raw vegan since March 2010 and low-fat raw vegan since August 2010. I'm presently on a orange juice "fast", and I cycle between detox and blissful times.

    Peace, fruits and love,
    Jerome

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  15. Thank you, Jerome, for writing! I am thrilled for you and your journey. And I appreciate the quote! Best wishes to you and please do stay in touch. ♥

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  16. HI Jules, I read in some forums that one must consume large quantities of greens with fruit - not doing so and just being a fruitarian corrupts the body causing loose teeth, loss of energy and etc. Considering you have been fruitarian for 4 years, in that time have you encountered any health issues? Or do you incorporate leafy greens into your style.

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  17. Hi, Speedy . . . Sorry for my tardy response. Yes, I know a lot of peeps feel greens are a necessity. But think of all the people living on all manner of junk with no greens at all for decades! I don't eat lettuce or celery (greens) but I do eat cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, and the occasional red pepper or okra. I do not believe that lack of greens is causing me any health problems. I have never felt better!!! I remember clearly the last time I ate some celery . . . it gave me an good old-fashioned tummy ache. : ) However, as I always say, this is an experiment. Your life is an experiment, and we all have to figure these things out for ourselves. Experience is a great teacher.

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