Overcomplicated regime

[Crystl-jade]

Has anyone else here thought that everything seems to be so complicated when it comes to raw food? And yet, strangley,at other times it can be so simple it's unbelievable?? I'm feeling mighty frustrated tonite. A little vent should help. Thanks for reading this.
Examples:

Will this bean sprout?
Will these grains sprout?
Are they even raw before I bought them?
Do I really have to buy organic?
How long to leave sprouts in the fridge?
To soak or not to soak?
If soaking, is the recipie measuring before of after soaking?
Are ALL frozen fruits raw?
If not, which ones are raw? How do you really know for sure?
Are the cashews really raw or are they heated to get out of the shell?
Are nuts/seeds measured before they are ground or after?
How long do nuts/seeds stay fresh with out refridgeration?
Are the Maranatha nut butters really truly raw?
How do you measure one dried tomato? Does that mean one SLICE or to count out slices to add up to about the size of a fresh tomato?
Is this salt raw or refiined? It says un heated.
At what temperature does the food actually quit living?
Do I need a juicer or blender first? If so, which kind?
Do I need a dehydrator at all or even a Vitammix?
If so, where to purchase?
Why can't I use a regular slicer instead of a mandeline?


AAHHHHHH! Grumble Brumble Grmble..... Does anyone else feel this way at some point in their journey, or am i just in need of a good reprimand? BTW, I will have been one hundred percent raw one year next Month, whooo hooo!

This list just can go on and on...... my gosh. This is getting overwhelming. :confused:


Signed,
A burnt out
Crystl-jade

[RawTruth]

Hi Crystl-Jade,

Yes, I remember having many of these same questions (though not all at once!! LOL Whew, that would have been disheartening!). Especially when I was just starting out, it seemed almost insurmountable. That's why Alissa's book saved me. And this forum.

It's funny how everything is so second-nature now.

I think it helps sometimes to compare this learning curve to other things in life that we weren't always expert at.

Um... let's see. Okay, remember learning to drive how, at first, we had to almost go through a checklist in our minds: adjust the seat, adjust the mirror, look over my shoulder before I pull out, keep hands in the correct position on the steering wheel, accelerate slowly, oh no did I stop over the line ... etc. But now, it's all automatic.

I'm thinking maybe you just had one of those days .... and you just needed to vent. Regardless, maybe looking at all the things that are positive and not overwhelming will help balance this out. Hmmm .... that could be fun.

For me,

I don't have to worry about doctors' visits
I don't have to avoid eating sweets
I don't have to concerned about heart disease or arthritis
I don't have to fear being old and sick
I can find something to eat almost anywhere (in the produce section of a supermarket, even, or off a tree)
My food is very easy to take with me
I don't have to use deoderant anymore
I don't have to clean grease off the stove
I am so much storage now that I'm free of cookware and microwave
I don't have to cook meat well to get rid of the bacteria it all has
I don't have to worry about salmonella in eggs
I don't really need any appliances to eat well

I hope your tomorrow is better and only one (if any!) frustrating thought occurs to you a day!

p.s. What a great gift to be almost a year raw!! Congratulations!

[tvillemom]

Chrystl-Jade, I've gone through the same feelings, and questions. It CAN be frustrating! I think I decided this go around with being 100%, that I was going to not worry over every single issue that's brought up about certain foods. I know that's probably not a great answer for you. There is alot to think about...but only if you choose to (and your "brain" sounds alot like mine-so I KNOW what your going through! ;) ) I've just decided to keep it as simple as possible, and make the best decisions everyday that I can....and that's it! Hey, at least if you buy a RAW nut butter....(and you question if it's truly raw or not), at least your not buying SAD peanut butter, so give yourself credit for that!
Wendi

[Revvell]

I CAN eat cheesecake, pizza and fudge for breakfast
I'm taking responsibility for my own health and well-being
I have more energy
I'm easier to live with
My memory is better
I'm learning to trust that what's been provided as food is really good for me
My tastebuds are more sensitive and can tell what's good for me ~ or not
I'm finding more joy in life
I can create wonder-filled dishes for guests who don't even know it's raw
I'm aging more gracefully
I smell better
I look better
People comliment me on my skin
My microwave (if I had one) and dishwasher are great storage places


etc., etc., etc. :)

Revvell

[jaurequi]

Crystl-Jade,

If you think about it, everything, when it's brand new to you, seems overwhelming, complicated, like there's just too much to learn.
But really, think about all you've learned in just a short amount of time. No doctor knows or will know how your body feels better than you do.
That's why it's good that you are going through these highs and lows now -- consider it school :). You are paying your dues...learning...and you shall not repeat the mistakes you make now, if you take note of them.

It really does become very simple. Just like everything else that becomes second nature. Think about a new job -- how you felt at first and how after a few months you knew so much and all those "difficult" things just became automatic.
I remember when I first had to use a computer as a teen. I was so scared. It seemed everyone else was picking it up with ease. Couple months later, I was sailing through it too.

Don't let it get to you like that. You should be concentrating on and taking care of yourself right now :) Don't be distracted.

Best,

[Crystl-jade]

What positive feedback.

Yes, we must think positive, this is what I tell myself.

Now, I must think of all the good things raw has/will done/do.

ya'll have good suggestions, thank you each and every one :)


Crystl-jade

[cdepalmer]

Raw Truth,
My problem is I am in the only person in my town that is raw. No I am joking but probably. It is very difficult when friends want to go out and my husband has business clients that come to town. I guess does it get easier over time to just resist. I am a newbie and am going to attend a the first class from Schall so I hope to meet some people to communicate with.
Cindy