Where did you first learn about fruitarianism and how did you initially react to it?
How was your further acquaintance with fruitarianism?
I went to a meeting in my home town of Leicester, in the UK, where a local fruitarian by the name of David Shelley gave a talk on fruitarianism. David was such a great advert for the diet with an abundance of energy, wonderful fitness, and glowing skin.It was clear that the fruit diet was working very well for him. A whole group of us, all already ethical vegans, wanted some of what he had!So my friends and I started out on the fruit diet. Right from the start I really enjoyed the simplicity of eating mono meals of fruit and had wonderful energy levels and felt better first thing when I woke up in the mornings. Because I was in the early stages of my first pregnancy, I did a gradual transition to the fruit diet, gradually eating more and more fruit and less and less cooked food.After a period of about one year, I was on a 100% Fruitarian diet. I did not experience any major elimination symptoms, I think this was because of the gradual transition period; and also because I had gradually been refining my diet in the years leading up to my discovery of the fruitarian diet.
I have always, throughout the years, eaten predominantly simple mono meals of good quality fruits.This has been consistent over the past 31 years.When I first started out on the fruit diet, my friends and I formed an organic fruit buying group that enabled us to access really Beautiful quality fruits from all around the world.To this day, I most enjoy eating simple mono meals of really good quality fruit.
What motivated you to switch to species specific diet?
After meeting David Shelley, I wanted to try this diet because it seemed to be working really well for him.Then I started reading and researching all I could about the fruit diet, our anatomy and physiology, dietetics, and nutrition; and all I learnt reinforced that humans are frugivorous by design.
How did you start the transition to fruit eating and how did you carry it out further?
I just gradually are more and more fruit and less and less cooked vegan food over a transitional period of about a year.After a couple of years on the fruit diet, I started to do 2-3 extended mono fruit diets per year, which further improved my health and my experiences on this lifestyle.
How long have you been eating fruit?
There is an opinion that eating fruits is expensive. What do you think?
Sometimes it can be expensive, if you eat Musang King Durian, but other times when you are eating local seasonal fruit, or growing your own fruit, it can be an inexpensive way to live. I was a single parent on a very low income when my elder son was young and we always ate very good quality fruits, a high percentage of which were organically grown.Going to local markets, being part of an organic fruit buying group, growing our own fruits, and foraging food, all really helped with making the diet affordable. I also think that the more attracted you are to fruit, the more it is attracted to you and believing you will always have an abundance of great quality fruit in your life, helps it to actually happen.
What is your favorite fruit?
...I think it is a really perfect diet for humans.
It can bring great wellness on all levels, mentally, physically, and spiritually; and ethically it is a peaceful and non harming diet.
I do not really see any cons.
Socially, I have always had my needs met on a fruit diet.
I think mental attitude is important.
If we see problems then problems may occur.
But having said that, I think this diet is only possible to thrive on this diet if you can access really good quality fruits; so you need to be prepared to put in the time and energy to find those Beautiful fruits.
The French Charentais Melon
What pros and cons do you see in fruitarianism?
When I feel a need to do so.
In the cooler months I can go for weeks without drinking any water.
I still urinate frequently and my urine is clear.
I think that it is very important to be adequately hydrated.
Kidney damage due to dehydration is very hard to reverse.
On a diet of juicy fruits, I can get all of my hydration needs met without drinking additional water during cooler days.
However, in the warmer months, or if I am exercising a lot, I can drink up to 2 litres of water daily.
So I have no set rules with water, I drink as much as I need and my needs vary depending on the climate and my level of physical activity.
What kinds of physical activity do you do?
I am continually reading and researching about the fruit diet, human physiology, nutrition, fruit growing, and the history of fruits
What kind of fruits and berries do you usually eat?
Local seasonal fruits. I Love Citrus Fruits, Melons, Mangoes, Papayas, Mulberries, Rollinias, Figs, Sapotes, Raspberries, Blackberries, Pineapples, and Chempadeks; and the denser fruits I like are Avocados and Durians
What kinds of intellectual activity do you do?
I run 10km every other day. I dance a lot and I walk 15km once a week. In addition, I work on the land during the day and this can be quite physical work
In you opinion what are 3 myths about fruitarianism?
Everyone has the same needs.
1) I think it is a very specialised diet and due to our past health histories and genetics we all have differing needs and these needs are not always static but can change over time.
Blanket prescriptions for everyone, can, I feel, be ineffective and cause some people to not thrive on the fruit diet.
2) Organic fruit is no better than regularly grown fruit.
I think it is so important to eat fruit grown without chemicals for many different reasons; including micronutrient content and wellness of the planet.
3) Fruitarianism killed Steve Jobs.
Steve Jobs was on a fruit diet in the 1970’s and not when he became ill.
What health issues were you able to cure or improve on the fruitarian lifestyle?
My family are very susceptible to arthritis and I have found a fruit diet is conducive to remaining free from arthritis.
I used to bruise so easily before I adopted a fruit diet, now I rarely ever bruise.
I feel great and fresh in the morning instead of drowsily and sluggish.
I have no aches and pains and can still be very physically active and not feel that I am limited in physical activities as I get older.
Could you please share your secret for successful transition to fruitarianism?
Have a gradual transition to the diet, suited to our own individual needs.
Gradually cut out processed and cooked foods.
Gradually eat more delicious fruits.
Also, be kind to yourself; if you eat food you would rather not be eating, just be aware of any consequences to your well-being rather than judging yourself harshly for your choices.
What would you advise for people who just start fruitarian lifestyle?
1) Be ready mentally, physically, and emotionally.
A transition diet can really help with this.
2) Eat really good quality properly ripened and naturally grown and non sprayed fruits; including organic, Biodynamic, wild, local, and home grown fruits.
3) Have faith in the diet.
But not blind faith, build your faith on the strong foundations of research, networking, and experience.
How do you define your mission in life?
To plant fruit trees, be kind, and help sentient beings.
What do you want to say to people reading this interview?
If you are interested in trying a fruit diet, please give it a try, but always listen to your own body.
You can read a thousand books, or listen to a thousand people; but if you can hear it, your own body knows best what it needs.
Can people write to you if they have a question or need advice?
Yes, my e-mail address is:
fruitbatanne@yahoo.com
I also send out a free pdf copy of my book, ‘Fruitarianism the Path to Paradise’ to anyone wanting a copy.