going raw in Northern Michigan-Is it possible?

[sugaraddict]

Hello, after many years of being addicted to carbs and sugar I am at my wits end. I am about 30 pounds overweight, tired all the time and just plain sick of living this way. I have recently done research on the master cleanse diet but it sounds so extreme to me. After doing some further research I came across this site. Going raw sounds like a wonderful way to regain my health and energy. Also to lose those extra pounds I have been struggling with for the past 5 years.
The problem that I have is that I live in Northern Michigan where fresh fruits and vegetables are nearly impossible to find this time of year. Even when they are available locally it is short lived. I would like to hear from anyone who has done this and maintained it while living in a colder climate as well as some good recipes and ideas to fend off the boredom.
Thank you all in advance for your input and ideas.

[Raw Jewelrylady]

Hey Sugar Addict-Welcome from Northern Michigan. Yes-It can be done-I'm doing it !!!! :)

First thing-order Alissa's book/dvd combo. Second-keep checking in with the board. You can order from the site here-Upper left hand corner :rolleyes:

Where do you live in Northern MI-I am in Mackinaw.

I don't know anything about the master cleanse-I don't do things like that-I just eat RAW..make tons of great food & have lost 23 pounds since Jan-not to mentioned cured many ailments-etc.

It can be done even here in the *woods*.. :)
Lana

[Finding Me]

Sugar Addict....

Of course you can!! I'm down in Ga.... but I still have eat what's in season. Until going raw... I didn't even realize that there are things you can't get year round. I knew some things such as "special" fruits.. but stupid ol' me.. thought corn was year round as well as some other things. I thought because I was in the south I could get whatever..whenever. Now I shop for things on sale when they are in season. That helps with my food budget!!

There is a site at http://www.diamondorganics.com/ where they deliver organic produce overnight. And I know already.. some of you are thinking... boy that can get expensive. Well, this is the way I look at it. I would buy whatever is in season on sale in the grocers. That saves me money to go towards whatever I might have to order online.

Also... I think of what I used to spend on a gallon of milk, junkfood (which seems cheap individually... but that makes you buy so much of it... it ends up adding up!) , meat... (Man.. can that get expensive) And The "special" SAD foods That I HAD to have. I find some people complaining about what they spend on organic produce, but geez.. my grocery bill sure added up on SAD as well. yeah I might buy some noodles for $1 (an example) , but then that gave me an excuse to buy something else SAD that was expensive. So I really wasn't eating that "cheap".

And as far as being able to spend money on Organic produce or RAW Products in your stores... or online... Think about how much you save by not going to the consession stand at the movies, not ordering your coffee at Starbucks every day, saving money not eating out at resturants all the time, buying junk food here and there... buying GUM every day... and I could go on and on. Let's not forget about what you can save in Doctor bills, by taking care of your health. Or saving money in prescription medicines once your doctor says you don't need them, because your health changed from RAW.

My point is... Of course you can do RAW. With technology and the internet I believe almost anything is possible. Eat what's in Season, Eat what's on Sale.. and if there is something you just have to have all the time, then splurge on that by ordering it online. We deserve to treat ourselves to something good... and you get added benefits of it being good for you!!

There are tons of Winter fruits and veggies that are great as well! You might actually start trying new things that you never would have thought of on SAD.

Best of luck.. and know we are all here to support you in your journey RAW!!! :) :) :) :)

[rawpriestess]

I totally agree that YES, you can go raw even in a super cold climate.

I thought people in Hawaii and in the south had it easy, but they don't they pay an arm and a leg in Hawaii for greens and tomatoes, but nothing for pineapple, papaya, and more exotic fruits.

so, where ever you are, is fine, just eat what is in season, add some nuts and seeds and oil and spices in the mix, get Alissa's book and DVD, and eat raw.mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[light&happy]

Hi where are you in northern Michigan? I am in Cadillac. Yes, you can go raw and I have to admit it is a little more difficult in the winter. I slipped down to 50-75% raw in the winter, but now is a great time to re-commit. We have a health food store in town with an organic produce co-op so we can order organic produce that is not available at the grocery stores. There is always a way! Also, on May 30th in Grand Rapids, one of Alissa's teachers, a Living on Live Food instructor, is having a raw food sampling party from 6:00 to 7:30. I plan on going with a couple of friends.


Melissa :)

[sugaraddict]

Thanks for your support everyone. "Finding Me" you are right in saying that organic foods are cheaper in the long run because most people do not end up binging on these foods not to mention the lack of health problems that will be avoided when we eat healthy. I guess for most people it is hard to see the bigger picture. I will check out that website you suggested.
:)
Melissa, I am in Manton! I have gone to the health food store in Cadillac but was unaware that you could order produce from them.
If you would like to chat email me iwtbaha@yahoo.com

[littleangelbear]

I live in Metro-Detroit so I have it a bit easier. But, my mom is raw and lives in the Thumb. She shops at regular grocery stores and buys from local farmers and does mail order. It's entirely possible to be raw :)