Lost and Confused

[Shana]

Hi,

I have been attempting 100% raw since March 1, 2006. I do well the first few days; but then my mood swings to a very low depression and my energy is non-existent. I end up eating cooked foods again; because the depression makes me think the whole thing is not worth the pain and aggravation.

After I eat the cooked foods my mood swings back to normal, I have energy, and I feel better. Of course I'm feeling bloated; but my mood is much better. I end up talking myself into starting raw again. Unfortunately, the mood drops again and I have no energy. The cycle starts again. I've tried this several times and it's always the same.

It's obvious that something is wrong here. I know eating this way is very healthy; but I'm wondering if living a short time happy or a long time depressed are my options.

Any ideas?

[dreamrawalwz]

I think you just need to ride with the detox so it'll be done and over with. Just fueling it with cooked food will make it return each time you try raw again, but if you just continue it'll pass.

[Shana]

Well, the depression is quite bad. I'm scared to think of how long it will last. My family can only take so much of my "attitude" before they get mad at me and then that starts all sorts of problems. They are completely on SAD and don't understand why I'm "doing this" to myself.

I've explained it; but it doesn't matter. It's too different.

[Rawkinlocs]

Shana,

When you eat raw, what do you eat? I mean, are you eating heavier, satiating meals at all?

How does transitioning a little more slowly work for you?

It seems there are some deeper underlying issues that must be present in your life or stuff from your past you haven't dealt with or something...it's not the raw food, but it's the fact that eating raw is bringing emotions and things to surface. That's what you are going to have to deal with (when you're ready of course) rather than continuing to stuff it all down and suppress it with cooked food. Or, you may choose to do the opposite...it's all up to you.

[Rawkinlocs]

Also, are you exercising, practicing something or doing something you love? Do you have a spiritual path that you follow that might help you?

[gatorgrrl]

yes, are you trying to just eat carrots and celery and apples or are you getting a variety of beans nuts, seeds, avocados, fruits, and veggie? Have you set rules too high? As Rawkin asked have you transitioned slowly into this? Some people can do it overnight but other may take days, weeks, months, or years. Don't give up. The first few days can at times be rough, but eventually you will get that raw high with just an occasional rough day or too. Got to work through the detox. Can't say how long everybody is different, but its worth it.

[NFrawRUNNER]

Shana,
The first book I read about raw food was by Natalia Rose and is entitled The Raw Food Detox Diet". I picked it up out of curiousity and was HOOKED... She recommends transitioning slowly and promotes "raw till dinner" as a great concept that really made me transition rather easily. She even has a little "test" in there to see what level you should start at + it has great tips and recipes. I would rec. you getting that book and if you want some more private encouragement send me an e-mail....I've been there....we all have....Don't be discouraged...Every day is a new beginning...and tomorrow is June 1st!!! What a great time to begin FRESH! I personally have a hard time with "fasting" or cleansing...I realize the importance of it but am surrounded by the way the other 6 people in my house eat so I ultimately end up EATING on a "juice day"...funny thing is it'll be like a mono fruit meal and then I'd get that guilty feeling!!!! Sounds silly if you ask me to feel bad so I don't make juicing an issue for an entire day and "allow" a fruit meal for dinner......Gotta tell you our emotions and inner thoughts will sabotage us EVERY TIME!!! Take baby steps and don't beat yourself up for slip-ups!!! ;)

[rawpriestess]

detox can be easy or difficult, the faster you go raw, the harder the detox, I think 100% is the only way for me, but many others, transition, by quitting red meat, then quitting meat, then quitting sea food, then quitting dairy, then quitting canned and packaged foods, then quiting bread pasta and rice, then quitting broiled and baked, then quitting steamed, then finally just eating raw


I know people who do this over a period of 2 years, and it works for them, I just couldn't do this, I had to go over night.

[Finding Me]

I agree with what everyone has posted. I can add something... add maca root to a smoothie. I personally had to add some today because of depression and energy. It really helped me. Everyone is different, but I thought I'd share my own personal experience. I use Maca root on these types of days.

[Lay-Lay]

the detox you are experiencing is exactly why you need to push on. The more detox often means a higher toxicity (not always the case, people detox in different ways physical, mentally, emotionally, spiritually). I order to release these toxins you have to break through them. Detoxing is wonderful, although it can be difficult. Try to embrace the challenge. Release what is bad and take in what is good and allow yourself to heal yourself.

[Shana]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions and support.

I will start again. I will try it gradually this time and see how it goes. Maybe I can alternate 100% raw days with limited cooked food the other days. Maybe handling a small amount of depression will be much easier than be slammed by it. It I only knew how long it would take to work through it, I'd be more willing to take the tough route; but no one knows.

Reading all the different threads here is very helpful.

Thank you again,

[barbluv]

My I offer a suggestion? Try E3Live!!!!

[Lay-Lay]

E3live is wonderful!

[Shana]

What is E3Live and what does it do?