Raw Raw Raw!!

[rawpriestess]

Well, I've been doing the on 100% raw, off, on off on off, on 50%, justifying this, excusing that, on for 1/2 a day, on for 2 days, and just playing with it, and gaining back all the weight I had lost last year.

Then when Alissa asked me to be a moderator, I thought "Hey, I better get on the (raw) stick here."

Then I read some posts, where people said they didn't think that someone who isnt' 100% raw should really be counceling others, so I REALLY had to look at myself here.

I personally know that although my mom was a terrible artist, she could tell me instantly what was wrong with any of my paintings, so she was great to have around, while I was learning. So, I know this isn't true necessarily, but STILL, I didn't want to let anyone down on this board.

So I hemmed and I hawwed and I thought about it, and I got out my raw books, and I made a bunch of stuff, and I thought "hummmm, WHEN will I recommit?"

Anyway, Last Friday, the day before my birthday, I decided to do it.

I just made the decision to give myself the very best birthday gift in the world, and eat healthily.

So, because I am excited and also choose to be accountable to you all, I weighed myself, (I hardly ever do this) and I should have taken pictures,

but March 17, 2006
weight 288

March 24, 2006
weight 268

I thought that was pretty amazing.

I knew I dropped a lot of inches in my waist, probably mostly bloat and water weight, but HEY, it's weight, and all I can say is WOW.

I felt better within 24 hours of dropping all cooked food, and I feel fantastic now, no cravings, no headaches, I feel great.

Now, I also want to tell you about my son who is 37, he went 100% raw with me, he weighed in at 288 -- coincidence? but he is 6'3" so it's looks a LOT better on him than on my thighs. LOL

And he now weighs 275, he dropped 13 pounds in 7 days, he also dropped 7 inches off his waist.

and he looks thinner in the face, now I don't know how this is working so fast this time, except, I am busy working hard labor for about 16 to 20 hours a day, with our remodling, so that may have something to do with it, also he and I both are eating aobut 10 oranges a day, and then only having a smallish raw entre' for dinner,

but no matter how you look at us, we have lost weight, we feel great, and we have a bunch more energy.

so, to all of you out there, this will by my 10th time going raw? maybe, who knows, but it also may be my LAST time going raw, that is my goal.

thanks for inspiring me, ALL of you.

[shelah]

RP,
you are an inspiration to all, in so many ways, whether 100 percent raw or not.
still, i can understand your desire to set an example and am thrilled that you have already experienced such encouraging results!
happy birthday and many blessings always!
shelah

[lily]

Wow, Raw Priestess, that certainly is pretty amazing! Were you just eating 'normal raw' (but 100%), with nuts and things, or were you consciously going light on the oils and dehydrated things?

I'm one of those on this board who finds it very interesting (and inspiring) to hear how others lose weight... I want to lose about 30 lbs and I've decided I've simply got to cut down on the nuts and oils. But we're all different...

Thanks for your openness and honesty in your sharing -- and good luck with the weight loss, though I agree with shelah that you are an inspiration whether 100% raw or not!

lily x

[shakti17]

rp,

when i read that thread about the 100% thing, it totally upset me - i don't know if you read my response, but it was YOU who i was talking about when i said the wisdom of people who are not all raw really helping many people... etc. really, i find all your posts so inspiring.

but also think it is amazing that now as a moderator you have an excuse to go for it! i am on day 3, yay! (i have also been high raw for many years, but for whatever reason i have not been 100% (until now ;) )so i do relate!

have a great day!

[brwnrawgirl]

RP,
I am still new to this site but have read several of your threads/posts and it's clear you are highly respected but today my name will be added to the list of those that appreciate you being a moderator. You're humility to admit your shortcomings but get back in the race for health is very inspiring. I too have been on off, on off and fortunately after joining the Spring Challenge for March successfully got 15 days 100% ...the most ever for me. I fell off on days 16, 17 & 19 but I'm back in the race for health and this time unlike any other time I feel it is right for me to do this 100% .

I no longer get on the scale though, because it triggers to many negative thoughts and behaviors for me but I enjoy seeing my clothes fit looser with every passing day 100% raw.

Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

[RawMagnolia]

RP...

congratulations!!! I am really struggling right now... so reading stories of success like your's are exactly what I need right now. :o

Sandra

[misslinda]

WOW RP, you have always inspired me and WILL continue to inspire in thoughts,words and deeds. You are NOT letting anyone down by all means. I don't know who said that but just b/c somone is not 100% doesn' t mean they have the authority or capability of coveying how to do raw or what is involved. I mean, I use to sell cars but couldn't tell you one spittin thing about torque!!! I think like one member pointed out , sometimes 100% raw people can get caught up in what "they" believe is right and impose that.

I'm just happy that YOU have decided to make changes regardless if it's a perfect 100% 80% or 75%........more GROOVY POWER To YOU!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[EmeraldGlow]

HORAY!!! Go Rp!!!!!!! :D

[rawjojo]

Hi RP-

Wow, a son 37 years old. My jaw dropped to the floor ONLY because I totally thought you were around 35ish yourself. WOW! I have to say, "you have such a young spirit"!

Many blessing and great health to you as you pursue your goals!
Jodi

[Vandy]

rawpriestess I think you are amazing, and you don't let me down what-so-ever. You were one of the first persons to welcome me on this board and provide advice, and you are one of the reasons why I liked this site sooo much. I truly appreciate you, and I also thought you were like 30!!! Will you adopt me!???!

[rawpriestess]

thank you all for your comments,

I truly feel wonderful.

to answer a couple of questions, I didn't intentionally go "light" raw or anything, we have been so busy working with the remodling in our home that what I did was

breakfast
made smoothie for sun
almond milkshake for me
and cut up 2 oranges
banana
2 kiwis
1 mineola
1/2 pineapple
and I arranged that on a big platter, in the middle of the room, and we all just grabbed a bite as we wanted

Lunch was another
almond milkshake for me
and cashew milkshake for my son, and something heavier, like the enchiladas

then for dinner, I made enchiladas a couple of nights,
pesto stuffed mushrooms a couple nights
burgers one night
tacos one night
rawviolies two nights,
and corn chowder a coupld of nights

everything but the marinara sauce for the rawviolies and the corn chowder I had in the freezer, so it was really easy and fast, I don't think we had any salad the whole time, because I ONLY like bottled salad dressing at this moment, and so does my son, AND, it just took up way too much time,

where as all the other food, I took out of the freezer put it on a plate and popped it into the microwave,

oh, yes, I did make cashew sour cream and salsa for the enchiladas
and I made almond milk in a big batch the first or second day.

but we didn't have time to eat too heavy.

although some people would say two almond milkshakes a day is heavy,

I always say "Do what keeps you raw" especially in the beginning

I know my weight loss was really dramatic, but I have a LOT to loose, and I have lost and gained that same 20 pounds at least 3 times in the last year.

so, please don't be upset if YOU don't lose that much in a week.

At least now I'm not so bloated as I was.

My clothes fit SO much better, and I can sleep at night, and get around so much better.

I want to say THANK YOU to all of you for the nice things you said.

Together, we can conquer the world, --- at LEAST the RAW world.
many blessings, )0(

[Tombi]

Yep she's a Raw Shero!! You go Raw Priestess!!!

[misslinda]

Together, we can conquer the world, --- at LEAST the RAW world.
many blessings, )0(


Oooooooh, I love that MACROCOSIM thinking! :) I belive it too !

[RawFoodieMom]

I have been away from the board for a month or two, but it sure feels even longer. Life's been throwing me some amazing curve balls. But I'm glad I popped in today.

RawPriestess, I don't know why certain things may have been said in the other thread, I unfortunately missed it, but I disagree that someone has to be 100% raw to counsel others on being raw. You have helped me tremendously in the past. You are an amazing inspiration on these boards, you are such a kind-hearted soul, and you are a wealth of knowledge about being raw. I don't even know how many posts of yours have helped me, I couldn't begin to count them. From being raw on a budget, finding motivation to stay raw, and coming up with new recipes, you are one of the people here that I think of the most fondly. You have also helped me personally in the past, and your messages to me, and the time you took to help me when I really, really needed a knowledgable raw foodist like you, you were there. So, I think it's totally amazing that you are now a moderator. What an asset to this site, and to these boards! :)

I don't know how anyone could imply that someone needs to be PERFECT, and be 100% raw ALL the time in order to advise others on being raw. That's very unrealistic. No one is perfect. If someone is 100% and has one meal that isn't completely raw all of a sudden they shouldn't be helping others be raw? Does a Math teacher have to know every thing there is to know about Math and if that teacher takes a test have to get every single answer right no matter how advanced it is in order to keep being a Math teacher? I don't think so. No matter where we are in life there is still more to learn, and everything is a process.

Come on, let's get real here. No one is perfect, every one of us will struggle at one time or another, but anyone who has been raw at one time or another and who's goal is to be raw, as long as your heart is in it, that's what counts, and that person is fully capable of helping others through this. We all have the same goal and we all have inspiring words and advice that's helpful. And hey, learning from each other's mistakes and struggles is an important part of that. :)

Debra

[rawfigure]

rawpriestess...I honor you for your post.

[Curleedst]

RawPriestess I think you are a GREAT inspiration for those aspiring to go raw b/c you are REAL! Meaning don't think everyone is going to go 100% and be successful at it out the gate. And if they aren't, they should not be made to feel like a failure. There are opportunities to improve every day and people should know they can get back on the wagon and try again.

You inspire me b/c I battle my cooked food addictions on a daily basis! This week I am putting myself through a personal challenge of being 100% raw for an entire week! We shall see how that works out but reading your story helps me!



Well, I've been doing the on 100% raw, off, on off on off, on 50%, justifying this, excusing that, on for 1/2 a day, on for 2 days, and just playing with it, and gaining back all the weight I had lost last year.

Then when Alissa asked me to be a moderator, I thought "Hey, I better get on the (raw) stick here."

Then I read some posts, where people said they didn't think that someone who isnt' 100% raw should really be counceling others, so I REALLY had to look at myself here.

I personally know that although my mom was a terrible artist, she could tell me instantly what was wrong with any of my paintings, so she was great to have around, while I was learning. So, I know this isn't true necessarily, but STILL, I didn't want to let anyone down on this board.

So I hemmed and I hawwed and I thought about it, and I got out my raw books, and I made a bunch of stuff, and I thought "hummmm, WHEN will I recommit?"

Anyway, Last Friday, the day before my birthday, I decided to do it.

I just made the decision to give myself the very best birthday gift in the world, and eat healthily.

So, because I am excited and also choose to be accountable to you all, I weighed myself, (I hardly ever do this) and I should have taken pictures,

but March 17, 2006
weight 288

March 24, 2006
weight 268

I thought that was pretty amazing.

I knew I dropped a lot of inches in my waist, probably mostly bloat and water weight, but HEY, it's weight, and all I can say is WOW.

I felt better within 24 hours of dropping all cooked food, and I feel fantastic now, no cravings, no headaches, I feel great.

Now, I also want to tell you about my son who is 37, he went 100% raw with me, he weighed in at 288 -- coincidence? but he is 6'3" so it's looks a LOT better on him than on my thighs. LOL

And he now weighs 275, he dropped 13 pounds in 7 days, he also dropped 7 inches off his waist.

and he looks thinner in the face, now I don't know how this is working so fast this time, except, I am busy working hard labor for about 16 to 20 hours a day, with our remodling, so that may have something to do with it, also he and I both are eating aobut 10 oranges a day, and then only having a smallish raw entre' for dinner,

but no matter how you look at us, we have lost weight, we feel great, and we have a bunch more energy.

so, to all of you out there, this will by my 10th time going raw? maybe, who knows, but it also may be my LAST time going raw, that is my goal.

thanks for inspiring me, ALL of you.

[Curleedst]

How do you make an almond shake?


Sounds yummy!



thank you all for your comments,

I truly feel wonderful.

to answer a couple of questions, I didn't intentionally go "light" raw or anything, we have been so busy working with the remodling in our home that what I did was

breakfast
made smoothie for sun
almond milkshake for me
and cut up 2 oranges
banana
2 kiwis
1 mineola
1/2 pineapple
and I arranged that on a big platter, in the middle of the room, and we all just grabbed a bite as we wanted

Lunch was another
almond milkshake for me
and cashew milkshake for my son, and something heavier, like the enchiladas

then for dinner, I made enchiladas a couple of nights,
pesto stuffed mushrooms a couple nights
burgers one night
tacos one night
rawviolies two nights,
and corn chowder a coupld of nights

everything but the marinara sauce for the rawviolies and the corn chowder I had in the freezer, so it was really easy and fast, I don't think we had any salad the whole time, because I ONLY like bottled salad dressing at this moment, and so does my son, AND, it just took up way too much time,

where as all the other food, I took out of the freezer put it on a plate and popped it into the microwave,

oh, yes, I did make cashew sour cream and salsa for the enchiladas
and I made almond milk in a big batch the first or second day.

but we didn't have time to eat too heavy.

although some people would say two almond milkshakes a day is heavy,

I always say "Do what keeps you raw" especially in the beginning

I know my weight loss was really dramatic, but I have a LOT to loose, and I have lost and gained that same 20 pounds at least 3 times in the last year.

so, please don't be upset if YOU don't lose that much in a week.

At least now I'm not so bloated as I was.

My clothes fit SO much better, and I can sleep at night, and get around so much better.

I want to say THANK YOU to all of you for the nice things you said.

Together, we can conquer the world, --- at LEAST the RAW world.
many blessings, )0(

[English Tracy]

In England, we have a saying 'two heads are better than one' and in the case of Raw Food Talk, many heads are even better. I agree that someone doesn't have to be 100% raw to be able to discuss and advise on the lifestyle. You just have to believe in it and know what you are talking about.

I see that there are the long term 100% raw people who contribute as well as new starters and high raw eaters. All have something useful to say or to learn.

What I really like is that most people contribute with humour (Shivananda -you should give up your day job (whatever it is) to focus on this forum as your insights are educational as well as extremely funny in places!!).

I only discovered this forum around Christmas 2005, and input from Raw Priestess, Rawkinlocs, Sweetgoddess, Misslinda and everyone else has been really helpful so please carry on the good work.

Tracy

[theresaann]

Wow, RP~I admire your courage a lot. ANd I would've had NO idea that you weren't 100% because your wisdom and groundedness is so right on. I feel really inspired because with this post you've helped me realize that 100% raw does not define WHO I AM. it is something I choose to do, or not do. It does not define my worth as a human being. I feel really good about that now. I can be all raw, or if I eat something cooked, it doesn't mean anything. It only means I ate something cooked. If I eat raw, I just ate raw-it doesn't mean anything. wow. This is a cosmic moment.

Today I am choosing to eat raw food because I'm choosing to eat raw food. (what's the sound of one hand clapping? you know that "kohn?" in taoist tradition a kohn is something that has a meaning about being in the "now", etc. so the sound of one hand clapping is the sound of one hand clapping-it doesn't MEAN anything inherent to itself).

so today i am choosing to eat raw food. Tomorrow is tomorrow, today is today. Or maybe even this MINUTE I"m choosing eat raw food, or eat nothing. wow-liberation!!!

merci, mon cherie!!!

[misslinda]

"Lead us RP and we wil Follow!!!!" no matter what the pecentage :)

[Crystl-jade]

RP

I just wanted you to know you are a gifted writer. Most people will agree, I am sure.


Crystl-jade

[squidly]

Firstly - YOU inspire me and I will always stop whatever I am doing to read your posts - your words are always insightful, honest, and compassionate. I have been on and off raw and told myself this monday I would go 100% again but kept thinking of excuses not to but YOU have inspired me once again and so raw I am!!!! Please keep the posts coming at any % as I truly value the time you give to us all here.

THANK YOU RAW PRIESTESS - You are loved!

[misslinda]

((((( clapping )))))))

[rawpriestess]

WOW, you guys all are so very wonderful.

thank you so much for your words.

You are all a blessing to me.

********

The almond shake that I make that I love so much is.

1 cup almond milk (I use one cup almonds to 2 or 3 cups water)
2 medjool dates (pitted and not soaked
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cardomon
dash cinnamon

blend in blender, then I add 1 cup of ice cubes and blend again

I love these, and just had one a few minutes ago.

[Crystl-jade]

....and you're a blessing to us! :)

Crystl-jade

[janine]

I got to meet RawPriestess and Dragon at my Expo. The energy they brought me carried me through. Such wonderful people. I was immediately calmed just by their presence...... Like someone said "relax...enjoy the moment".

Thank you RP and thank the beautiful Draggon for me too. Like I told you at the Expo, I look forward to reading your posts. You are an inspiration to a lot of us. I'm not 100% RAW either but I am at peace and am happy with myself. I eat as much RAW as I can, feel great, and have no guilt.

I know it takes a lot of time to write in this forum. I know that you don't have to post and keep us informed as much as you do (i.e. your weight changes, what you eat). You do it because you want to.

Thank you for that. Please keep posting!

[rawpriestess]

Janine,

What a fun time Dragggon and I had talking with you.

You are such a beautiful person, inside and out.

I love your energy, and at the end of the day, when everyone was so tired, and worn out, you still looked fresh.

I overheard someone standing at your booth, she said, "She certainly looks healthy." and I thouhgt "they are so right" then I introduced myself to you.

I had a blissfilled day, and I truly enjoyed meeting you.

many blessings (especially tonight)

Rawpriestess