I Am So Confused ...

[rachelmh]

I am so confused. I started my 30 day challenge on May 15th after a few weeks of transitioning (when I ate some fish and low-fat or fat-free dairy.) I haven't ever felt better (since May 15th), only lost 2.5 pounds as of the beginning of this week, but I feel great. No detox, but waiting for it to happen.

Now I read posts about tooth decay, too much fat, too much fruit, not enough of something else. I know there are going to be 1,000 different schools of thought but I don't want to put my health in jeopardy. I can see why people give up this wonderful way of life! Can someone please review a typical day and let me know if I am OK, or what I need to increase/decrease? I am just now reading on food combining. And I take Alissa's enzymes, when I remember. I exercise 5-6 days a week, and I have 13 pounds to lose from this point. (Getting married early next year, so ...)

Breakfast: typically either whole fruit or a smoothie of berries, banana or mango and some spinach

Mid-morning: usually fruit, veggies or some flax crackers (if I have them made)

Lunch: either a large salad with sprouts and avo or left-overs of a gourmet recipe

Dinner: same concept as lunch (I have cut down on the number of meals with nuts to one per day, as I think I was consuming too much fat with nuts, avo and olive oil.)

Dessert: If I feel the need, and have a gourmet dessert made, I have some of that -- or sometimes I have it in the late afternoon if I need a pick-me-up at work.

Is this OK? I am soooo confused. :confused:

[Lay-Lay]

You sound fine to me for just starting out. The only thing I could recommend are green smoothies and maybe some seaweed.

Your body will tell you what you need. Not being mean to anyone but people talking about fat and calories, too much of this or that and to little of that or this are still holding onto their old way of life. When they/you let go of the need to weigh everyday, measure out your nuts, and limit your avocados and fruits and start to listen to your body not people who living by standard rules your progress will skyrocket and you will achieve your goals at the level your body desires.

I personally don't set weight goals, this is a standard dieters law. My body takes me to the weight that I need to be when it needs too. This would not work on a standard diet of course, but it does on a raw diet.

We don't apply raw rules to a standard diet so why apply standard rules to a raw diet.

Raw Laws: 1.) listen to your body Law 2.) Eat raw 3.) love yourself

[rachelmh]

So what exactly is in a green smoothie? And I think people add fruit, yes?

[lissomllama]

iloverawfoods is absolutely correct. Do not worry about calories or protein or calcium or too much or too little fat. If you eat a little (or a lot) of everything (greens, fruits, nuts, seeds, veggies etc.) in balance you will see yourself blossom and you will lose as much weight as you're supposed to. As you know, thw whole point of being raw is to eat the way nature intended you to and this law should also apply to other areas of your life if you let it. In our natural, raw healthy state we are not meant to weigh ourselves and count calories. We should all eat the natural, raw foods that we are drawn to. Keep in mind also that your tastebuds may change a great deal and you may find yourself liking fruits and veggies you didn't before. Keep trying new things that you know are raw and edible. It sounds like you're doing great! Sorry to answer in iloverawfoods' place but a green smoothie is mainly dark leafy greens mixed with some fruits and liquids (like cocnut milk, water, juice etc.) Alot of people add dried preprepared 'super foods' like algae powder and such but it doesn't have to have that stuff. Some people even add homemade nut milks to them.

[rawfigure]

You are doing fine ! You are eating in the fashion that many of us here do.

[rachelmh]

Thanks everyone. I am trying to increase my greens intake. Is it OK to eat them whole or it is preferable in the smoothie form? For example, I am having dinner at my almost in-laws tonight. They don't mind that I bring my own food. So I made a super-thick guac with avo, spicy argula and baby spinach. I will make a salad of leafy greens. Is that OK?

Sorry to sound so stupid ...

[lissomllama]

You don't sound stupid at all, sometimes the simplest things (like the natural way we were all meant to eat, lol) can be new to us and confusing because of all the different opinions and unhealthy SAD advice out there. Eating whole leafy greens is great for you. Just chew all your food well so the nutrients can be released more fully. Blending them in a smoothie makes them a bit more bioavailable but as long as you chew well it doesn't matter.