New from New York

[Sammie]

Hello all,

I'm new to the site, but have been reading the discussions for about a month now. I'm intrigued by all the benefits people have experienced with this lifestyle, and feel ready to take the plunge. For 3 days, I've been telling myself, "okay, tomorrow will be my first day raw," but I haven't followed through. I think that by posting my intentions here, at least I will have some accountability! Even if nobody else reads this, I know it's out there, lol.

My main reason for wanting to go raw is to get a better handle on my eating "issues." I'm not overweight, but I've struggled with anorexia and bulimia since I was 10 (I'm 37 now). I gave up purging cold turkey one year ago (YAY!), but still retain a lot of the old habits.....eating nothing all day long, drinking diet sodas all day, then coming home and eating completely unbalanced meals loaded with sugar and refined carbs. The only time in my life I've been comfortable with eating more than one meal a day was to eat just fruit and veggies. I had no idea at the time that the raw community existed, so am glad to find this forum!

I haven't had any caffeine for about 2 weeks now, so all that's left is to just do it and go raw. So, my goal is to start tomorrow, 100% (prob the best way it will work with my all or nothing mentality....) for at least a week. There. ;) Thanks for letting me talk! Sammie

[NFrawRUNNER]

Welcome to the raw food family! Take it one meal...day at a time....My mistakes in the beginning were actually not eating enough!!!! After dieting my entire life (and starving!) I was needing to eat MORE.....I love it! Stock up on fresh fruits and veggies and ditch the stuff you can part with unless you have a family eating "non raw" like me...Then, good luck!

[madmel]

Dear Sammie,

all the best to you! I have bulimic and anorexic tendencies too and am working on them. Difficult. But I found out that on "raw" days I don't feel guilty and can eat a lot without feeling like purging.

I have today started a juicefast and will then try to go raw. I purposely say "try" because I am a perfectionist and don't want to put pressure on me with a "diet" again. That might just create the opposite effect.

Best of luck,
Melanie

[dreamrawalwz]

I too have struggled with anorexia and bulimia. I know that raw defintiely helped me, tremendously...maybe even a life saver at the rate I was going. It allows me to eat what I want, when I want and I automatically don't worry about it. I never feel like I have to purge (been almost 3 months!). People around me at first thought it was another way to restrict, but after they've seen the changes in me they believe it's the best way for me to be myself again and gain confidence. Good luck!

[rawpriestess]

Welcome Welcome Welcome

[Shan]

Welcome Sammie! I've only been eating raw for 15 days and totally love it. It feels 'natural', like my body has been wanting it! I'm sure it will help you as you struggle with your anorexia. Good luck! We're all here to support you.

[Sammie]

Wow, thank you to everyone for your warm welcomes. That's one of the things that drew me to this forum, the positive vibes. I successfully went 3 days all raw...I nearly gave in at a restaurant, but followed through and got a salad...which totally hit the spot. Luckily the friend I went with is completely supportive of what I'm doing. :D

[rawbrandie]

Welcome Sammie! Good job on the caffeine...something i struggle with too. I am on day one with my raw diet. Let's stick with it together!! My mom has been raw for a few years and looks and feels amazing! You will love the benefits if you stick with it!