Scared and anxious about "rules"

[veganman]

Hey everyone -

it is me again. The analytical, overthinker of the group. :rolleyes:

I have some more questions and wanted to see if anyone has any thoughts/suggestions. I am wanting to do raw "right," but there seems to be conflicting viewpoints on what "right" is. Some say eat sprouts, they are good for you and living foods. Others say sprouts were not meant to be eaten by humans. Some says grains are good, others say no. I read that it is important to just listen to your body, but then I read that even if you don't have gas or other signs of eating something you shouldn't have or in the wrong combination, it could still be doing damage to your body. Then, there is the conflicting combining rules. Some classify carob as a carbohydrate, others as a protein. And then I read that it is important to just eat raw. There is no problem about staying raw, for me. It is just making sense of all this information when a lot of it seems conflictual.

If it was just a matter of finding what works for me, that would be one thing. But when I read that you could still be having problems even if you don't know it, it gets crazy for me. What happens if I eat something that I think is raw and it isn't? If it doesn't cause me any obvious problems, is there something else it could be doing?

I like nuts with dried fruit, but some places say that is a big no-no. I liked putting Hemp Protein powder in my smoothies, but if it is a seed, isn't that bad food combining? I think avocado and carob would be good, but that is either a starch and a protein, two starches, a vegetable and a protein, or a fruit and a protein (or starch), depending on who one is talking to. I seem to lose weight and feel a lack of energy if I don't eat enough calories. The only places I can find to get calories are fruit, dried fruit, nuts, grains, and avocadoes. Mixing and matching or eating these when they are "transition" foods and heavy for the body is really hard to figure out. Some nuts should be soaked, others don't....depending on the hardness of the shell, which I can't figure out..... :confused:

I have been doing this for about 2 months now, so am not a total newbie and don't plan to go back to cooked (although this weekend tested me with a severe bout of gastrointestinal issues!). I just wish there was more consistancy on some of the thinking.

Welcome to my world! And thank you for indulging me by reading this. :o

[Raw Jewelrylady]

Veganman, do you have Alissa's book? If not-get it-It answers a lot of questions. I think the best piece of advice is to keep it fun. I would stop worrying & start enjoying Raw. Make Raw food fun-easy & big-time tasty. :D
There are so many gurus who say-this & that. I truly find Alissa's approach to raw the easiest to understand-her recipes are the best & it works.( And I must have at least a dozen Raw books) Did you worry this much about food when you were eating SAD?

As far as sprouts go-I eat them-I also sprout grains-have some going right now for Alissa's incredible meatloaf. (I make into patties & freeze-YUM). I'm not big on the desert thing-as it seems since Raw fruit satisfies my cravings for sweets.

Listening to how your body feels really does work after some time on Raw.

I hope this helps..just relax & have fun with Raw.

Lana

[Rawkinlocs]

Veganman,

It takes some people (and it TOOK some of the very people who preach the "rules") literally YEEEARS to get to the point of eating what they consider THE most optimal diet. It is most times unrealistic (depending on the person) to expect to start out eating such a pure, restrictive raw diet.

Most people that I know personally (and people I don't know but have read about) who currently eat a very simplistic, natural raw diet will tell you in a heartbeat that they did NOT start out that way and that you shouldn't either...that you eat raw, eat to stay satiated, eat what feels right to YOU and then later on down the line (might be weeks, months or again, years before it happens) your body will begin to give you signs and signals that it is time to let go of some things and begin eating others.

So, if you feel good eating sprouted grains, eat them. If you feel good eating sprouts, eat them. If you feel good eating nuts and/or avocados, eat them. If any of those things that you can tolerate NOW are truly not the best for you, after a while your body will let you know it! I don't eat sprouts because they give me a headache when I eat them. I can tolerate them in very small amounts in recipes...but just to eat them or sprinkle on salads...BLECH! But for others, they seem to thrive off of them and eat them almost like "candy". I cannot do that and I will not eat them just because they are said to be nutritious...I can get the same nutrients from other things that I DO like to eat.

Give your body time to adjust to eating raw and living foods and then after a while, you can begin to tweak your diet as you and your body sees fit, by eliminating things or adding things accordingly.

I don't know how easy or difficult it will be for such an analytical mind such as yours to let go and be free, but try it on for size if you can. If you over-analyze this, you more than likely may end up going back to cooked vegan food because you will begin to tell yourself it's easier that way.

There will be times you may eat something that isn't "truly" raw just like there may be times you may eat something that isn't organic (at a restaurant for example) but you can't stress over that small stuff...do the very best that you can because let's face it, we don't live in a perfect world. We can try to live as toxic-free as we can and we should...but this world is full of toxins so there is always a chance we are exposed to them in one way or another. Do the best that you can, but don't let it become a bondage to you or else it's really not worth it because the stress and worry over your diet could end up being more harmful than any cooked food you could ever eat!

Just remember that for every bit of info you find in favor of something, you will find more against it and that goes for EVERYTHING not just raw foods. It's fine to learn all you can and hear both sides, but in the end it is YOUR body that is the final "judge" as to what you should and should not be eating. So, try not to put so much stock into what any one person says and learn to trust your own body and instincts the more they are fine-tuned!

[rawpriestess]

WOW, I agree with what's been posted here.


did you worry this much about the rules when you were eating cooked?

and alot of it ISN"T conflicting, how about just doing that part of raw? LOL

I just eat raw fruits and veggies nuts and seeds and oils, that's pretty much it, I grow my own herbs and such, so I know it is organic and dehydrated at 95 degrees or fresh and so I use them, we also wild forage,

but we don't worry about a bunch of rules, because it just doesn't fit our lifestyle.

we were both children of the 60's and rules and regulations aren't what our life is all about.

If I eat something and I like it, then I keep eating it, if my body doesn't react well, then I don't eat it again.

so go by how you feel after you eat something, that's the true way to find out what to eat.

You can also do muscle testing and you can simply be still with yourself and ask you body what it wants and needs to be at it's optimum best.

I've done this, and it really works.

I've actually been out with friends, and ordered a big huge expensive fancy shmancy salad, and when it comes, my body, says "WHOA, don't eat THAT", I don't try to figure out why, I just don't eat it, It may have sulfates, or bleach, or have something in it that is bad, I just go by what my body tells me.

So, just like anything else in life, you can ask for everyone's opinion, as everyone has one, but make your own decisons, about your health and your body.

[rawpriestess]

Oh YES, and being scared and anxious, ISN"T going to help your health at all.


So, you may choose to release that. NOTHING is as important as your total mind/body/spiritual health.

Live with freedom and joy, and you will live a wonderful life.

[juliebove]

I don't think there are any hard and fast rules that apply to all people all the time. Some people find they simply can't eat certain things for certain reasons. You have to find out what works for you.

[lil fairy z girl]

i was thinking something similar the other day, worrying about whether i am eating the right stuff etc.. however i reasoned similar to rawpriestess, that when i was not on raw i did not worry about what i ate, or if my meals were varied or the content was correct, and so i thought really what i eat now is much healthier and i am getting far more nutrients etc.. then i ever did on cooked. so i have decided to not worry.

sal
~*~*~*

[ShelShel]

I totally agree with listening to your body. You may not even understand why you are craving a certain raw food...but your body does. Learn to trust it. My husband just started raw this week. He is used to an all take-out SAD diet. Well, three days on raw and he stopped eating as many sesame seeds. Then he got this overwhelming urge for peanut butter. I laughed and told him. Eat some seeds, nuts and avacado...you are craving protein and fat! He did and felt so much better. His body is used to a diet of mostly proteins and fats....and heavy sweets. This is a huge change for him. I can only imagine what he's going to be craving...and we will have to be one step ahead of those cravings with the right raw choices.

Don't get so hung up on what others say to eat...don't compare yourself! If you are eating only raw foods...eat whatever your body says...and be happy with your food or you won't have a chance of sticking with it long term. This isn't a "diet"...but a way of life! Live well! ;)

[exurb]

veganman, are you doing all this for your health, because if so, I think you should seriously consider giving up some of that obsessing and relax, because the chemical soup you get from that sort of stress you're adding to stuff is probably not good for your health and maybe counterproductive to any health regime. Find a wealth of foods you're happy with, even if it's borderline or not sure 100% guaranteed raw in some cases, it's more raw and pure than other crap. I think mental state has a lot to do with health, and some lightening up and enjoying the roses of all this good food will do your soul good, rather than all that negative mental energy you've been bringing to the process to little benefit. Delight in the abundance of all this wonderful pure food.

IMO total obsessive perfectionism is not an asset, it is a liability that can seriously limit you, and something to work to overcome to live a full life.

[veganman]

You all are wonderful.

I knew I could count on you to shed some light.

I think part of my problem is that I am still struggling to gain strength and weight, even eating 2300 calories a day. So, I wonder if it is possibly because the figs were dehydrated higher than optimal or maybe I should/shouldn't eat sprouts, etc.

I guess trial and error is the way of the wise....

Thank you so much. I will refer back to these responses frequently and try to calm my perfection-focused mind. :o

[Rawkinlocs]

You all are wonderful.

I knew I could count on you to shed some light.

I think part of my problem is that I am still struggling to gain strength and weight, even eating 2300 calories a day. So, I wonder if it is possibly because the figs were dehydrated higher than optimal or maybe I should/shouldn't eat sprouts, etc.

I guess trial and error is the way of the wise....

Thank you so much. I will refer back to these responses frequently and try to calm my perfection-focused mind. :o

Veganman,

How long have you been at this now? The reason I ask is because I wonder if you've given your body a chance to shed and rebuild? I often hear/read about how when you go raw, your body will go through a period of shedding of old toxin-laden fat, etc. and then will rebuild to it's (which doesn't always translate to our own) ideal weight. I believe this to be true based on my own experiences as well. I lost a LOT more weight than I wanted to when I first went raw and people commented on it, etc. Then after a while, my body began to slowly put weight back on, but it didn't get back to where it was prior, and now it has stabilized at a range that it doesn't seem to ever go too far away from. This isn't the weight "I" ever thought I would be, but it is where I am and it is working for me. I adjusted to it overtime, but I was so used to being bigger than this and I thought my previous weight was "normal" for me, but I realize now that where I am now is what is "normal" for me and I've accepted it despite what others may think regarding me being "too small" or whatever.

Just as some focus on weightloss moreso than the overall picture and whatever healing is needing to take place and takes precidence (as far as the body is concerned) over weightloss, sometimes those of us who feel we are "too small" might focus too heavily on that aspect as opposed to (again) whatever healing needs to take place FIRST before the weight is stabilized and regulated. I know it's hard to let go of the whole calorie-counting thing...but again, we are the ONLY creature of nature who seems to get caught up and consumed with making sure we get enough ________(vitamin "xyz", calories, etc).

[veganman]

Rawkinlocs -

Thanks for responding!

I have been a strict no-fat vegan, no junk food, etc for about 20 years. High amounts of raw food with cooked. I have been completely raw for 2 months. My weight right now is about 105 lbs at 5'4". Very bony and emaciated. Not a good look. :o I get very tired and anxious feeling when I lose weight and am not eating enough. With an anorexic history, I need to keep an eye on this sort of thing because I think my body needs to rebuild. My weight tends to hang out around 115 - 118 with some concerted effort, but that was also with a relatively low body fat percentage.

How long to shed and rebuild?

I hear your message about not focusing on the weight loss, but I also need to keep an eye on it....

[rachelmh]

So interesting because I am at the other end. Been raw for about a month, just starting trying the 80-10-10 method this weekend, and find that I am obsessed about what I am eating and how much. Yesterday, according to nutridiary, I didn't eat enough calories but too much fat as a percentage. I know I need to keep fat down to lose weight (and I have about 12-15 pounds to lose.) So now I am caught up in the "mechanics" of what I am eating. I guess I go back to what everyone says -- Alissa says not to worry so much about calories, just enjoy. I like eating some nuts and avocado everyday. I stopped this weekend because of the ratio. And I don't like that feeling of emptiness that I have.

So, veganman, thanks for posting because I have been dealing with the same, albeit for slightly different reasons, thing.

[Lay-Lay]

Veganman there is only one rule: EAT RAW

Food combination you will progress into that when your body is ready, not when you decide.

Sprouts --if you like them eat them, if not don't.

nuts/seeds --they have a enzyme inhibitor on them so it good to soak them, but if it comes between eating some unsoaked nuts and store bought potato chips for example, eat your nuts.

Grains --Are they raw??? Whats the problem??? If you don't like grain then don't eat it, if you do enjoy!

Calories/Fat -- Free yourself from counting pleaseeeeee! Enjoy your food. If you want 1 avocado a day or 20 enjoy every single last bite. If you want 2 bananas a day or 25 enjoy every single last bite.

Yeah, most of us do this lifestyle to be healthy and lose weight, and or soo on. But one of my major reasons is FREEDOM. I can eat whatever the h*** I please too and can't nobody tell me different!!!

If I want to eat 1 meal a day I can. If I want to eat from the moment I wake up until I hit the pillow I can. Its whatever my body feels like. If you feel good on 3 meals aday good for you and don't let anyone tell you different.

If you like or don't like colonics that is up to you.

Remember there is ONLY one rule. EAT RAW!!!

All the other "so called" rules are ones you allow to be added. So if you are a person who likes alot of rules and that "really" works for you then more power to you. But if you "really" want to keep it simple then elimanate the "so called" rules.

Simply live by "Veganman's" rules and not by any books or forums rules.

I live by Lay-lays food rules and nobody else's

RAW POWER TO YOU, I wish you the best!

[exurb]

veganman, if it takes care of a couple items, figs and dates are generally truly raw, even though they're dried, as to my understanding in the locales in which they are grown, drying them in the sun is the norm.

If you want to gain weight, (THIS HAS TRULY WORKED FOR ME AND WEIGHT GAIN IT IS NOT THE DESIRED OUTCOME IN MY CASE LOL!!! :eek: ), one thing I do is take a date, sandwich it between a few pecan halves or walnut halves, and eat it. Pretty addictive and delicious and nutritious, and will put weight on ya. Costco's pecans and walnuts are truly raw, I checked with the buyer, and though they're not organic, they are always fresh when I've bought them. Also similar little schnack is to do the same with dried apricot halves and pecans - yum! I would also make sure you get enough protein, enough grains, etc. Now I worry about you limiting your diet too much. I would look for or try to create some recipes for something like a bar that has lots of goodies in it, maybe buckwheat, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, fruit and or dried fruit, other nuts, some agave or sweetener if desired, etc. Maybe something similar but savory not sweet too. To have something substantial to eat that's handy. I'd also be eating some avocado daily if I were you. If your weight gets in a dangerously low range, please be careful and seek good quality advice from a practitioner you trust and respect who has good credentials.

Use that analytical side to the good and check that you're not deficient in any nutrients in your diet. The previous fear of fat concerns me, remember we NEED fats, (including for proper brain functioning) zero fat is not healthy and dangerous. 20 years vegan, have you checked your B-12, homocysteine, etc? Please try to eat BALANCED. That is a raw mistake I see lots of people making, their diets get narrowed and they're not eating a balanced diet that covers everything we need.

[rachelmh]

But how do we know if we are truly balanced without spending too much time trying to figure out how much of what mineral, etc is in what?

[wizz4ve]

I totally agree with listening to your body. You may not even understand why you are craving a certain raw food...but your body does. Learn to trust it. My husband just started raw this week. He is used to an all take-out SAD diet. Well, three days on raw and he stopped eating as many sesame seeds. Then he got this overwhelming urge for peanut butter. I laughed and told him. Eat some seeds, nuts and avacado...you are craving protein and fat! He did and felt so much better. His body is used to a diet of mostly proteins and fats....and heavy sweets. This is a huge change for him. I can only imagine what he's going to be craving...and we will have to be one step ahead of those cravings with the right raw choices.

Don't get so hung up on what others say to eat...don't compare yourself! If you are eating only raw foods...eat whatever your body says...and be happy with your food or you won't have a chance of sticking with it long term. This isn't a "diet"...but a way of life! Live well! ;)

I am trying raw but not 100% yet. I have the tendency to crave SAD foods in the evening and also sweets like chocolate and icecream. I can't resist them. Over the past couple of days I have given in to my urges but find that eating SAD is not satisfying to me. I had to force myself to eat a turkey burger and ended up eating mostly salad that night. What should I do when craving because I smell food being cooked?

[Rawkinlocs]

Rawkinlocs -

Thanks for responding!

I have been a strict no-fat vegan, no junk food, etc for about 20 years. High amounts of raw food with cooked. I have been completely raw for 2 months. My weight right now is about 105 lbs at 5'4". Very bony and emaciated. Not a good look. :o I get very tired and anxious feeling when I lose weight and am not eating enough. With an anorexic history, I need to keep an eye on this sort of thing because I think my body needs to rebuild. My weight tends to hang out around 115 - 118 with some concerted effort, but that was also with a relatively low body fat percentage.

How long to shed and rebuild?

I hear your message about not focusing on the weight loss, but I also need to keep an eye on it....


Oh wow! I had no idea you had an anorexic history (if you've ever mentioned here, I must have missed it...sorry). Well, again, it's still about rebuilding. As to how long, it's hard to say because we're all different and we all eat differently. But you mentioned having been a "no-fat" vegan for 20 years? I hope you are getting those (healthy) fats in now! I think you are gonna be fine, but you are going to HAVE to stop stressing over your diet so much as that can't possibly be aiding in your total healing/rebuilding process, but more than likely is hindering things a bit.

Just try to relax and have FUN with this whole raw thing. Make some recipes...EAT! LOL! Don't try to be too strict about things right now and again, later on down the line you can always start to tweak things as you see fit.

Rachelmh: I am going to say that as long as you are eating the best possible way you can for the moment that your body will signal to you when something is not balanced. I mean, we've gotten a far distance from nature and natural eating so these things do and will take time and I don't think it will ever be perfect because again, our world is not. But I'd say eating a wide variety of raw foods will ensure that you are getting what you need because nature's food has everything we need. Our biologically-appropriate foods have everything we need. If we can learn to trust that and not allow the mentality of cooked-food eating society dictate to us things that cause us fear and doubt, we'd all probably be much better off.

[Lay-Lay]

But how do we know if we are truly balanced without spending too much time trying to figure out how much of what mineral, etc is in what?

In my experience with my own body, when I am in need of something I can't get out of the kitchen until I find and fill that needed food. I listen to my body.

I felt much as you when I first went raw so I got on one of those things like fitday and I just entered a typical day for me and it came out that I was meeting most of my nutritional needs and actually exceeding most. I don't recommend those because they lead back to counting and I am all about be free with this lifestyle of eating, but that did prove to me that I was doing fine and I didn't need no guidelines to tell me what to eat and not to eat and I'm getting to little of this or that. Many days I crave seaweed for example and I think those are the days I'm in need of some B-12. So guess what I have??? You got it seaweed. Listen and you will find the answers for yourself.

[wizz4ve]

veganman, if it takes care of a couple items, figs and dates are generally truly raw, even though they're dried, as to my understanding in the locales in which they are grown, drying them in the sun is the norm.

If you want to gain weight, (THIS HAS TRULY WORKED FOR ME AND WEIGHT GAIN IT IS NOT THE DESIRED OUTCOME IN MY CASE LOL!!! :eek: ), one thing I do is take a date, sandwich it between a few pecan halves or walnut halves, and eat it. Pretty addictive and delicious and nutritious, and will put weight on ya. Costco's pecans and walnuts are truly raw, I checked with the buyer, and though they're not organic, they are always fresh when I've bought them. Also similar little schnack is to do the same with dried apricot halves and pecans - yum! I would also make sure you get enough protein, enough grains, etc. Now I worry about you limiting your diet too much. I would look for or try to create some recipes for something like a bar that has lots of goodies in it, maybe buckwheat, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, fruit and or dried fruit, other nuts, some agave or sweetener if desired, etc. Maybe something similar but savory not sweet too. To have something substantial to eat that's handy. I'd also be eating some avocado daily if I were you. If your weight gets in a dangerously low range, please be careful and seek good quality advice from a practitioner you trust and respect who has good credentials.

Use that analytical side to the good and check that you're not deficient in any nutrients in your diet. The previous fear of fat concerns me, remember we NEED fats, (including for proper brain functioning) zero fat is not healthy and dangerous. 20 years vegan, have you checked your B-12, homocysteine, etc? Please try to eat BALANCED. That is a raw mistake I see lots of people making, their diets get narrowed and they're not eating a balanced diet that covers everything we need.

I think the same thing is happening to me. I don't lack weight at all, in fact, that is my biggest hurdle other than healthy eating habits. I think that is why I crave turkey burgers and burittos at night. I only crave at night after having a full day of Raw, here comes the cravings but when I get the SAD food and began to eat it, I am not a bit satisfied but the craving does leave. I really don't know much and need to get some books so I can find that dietary balance as well.

[Rawkinlocs]

I am trying raw but not 100% yet. I have the tendency to crave SAD foods in the evening and also sweets like chocolate and icecream. I can't resist them. Over the past couple of days I have given in to my urges but find that eating SAD is not satisfying to me. I had to force myself to eat a turkey burger and ended up eating mostly salad that night. What should I do when craving because I smell food being cooked?

That's a BIG challenge for many including me! There have been times of giving in to the smell...other times I just go into my room and close the door so I don't smell it or make sure I have something SUPER yummy that is raw to eat that will satiate me and take away that feeling of "deprivation".

I don't have issues with sweets as I have found great satisfaction with raw desserts and treats or just eating fruit...it's the more savory things I have issues with the most but it's getting better and for you, it will get better. You said that you almost have to "force" yourself to eat a turkey burger...why force it? If the desire isn't there to eat something cooked, don't eat it...that's half the battle right there!

Your body is probably getting closer to eating mostly or all raw than you know...don't fight it :)

[exurb]

wizz, my two cents, first stop making statements like "I cant resist them". ;)

Tell yourself more constructive things that get you more in the direction of where you want to go. Like make some ice cream from frozen bananas, strawberries, whatever, and tell yourself how much better that is than SAD ice cream. that SAD ice cream can't hold a candle to good raw ice cream from fruits, that raw fruit ice cream doesn't leave that vile feeling of coagulation in your throat that sad ice cream does, that no cows suffered mastitis and I am not ingesting known carcinogens (google Posilac monsanto breast prostate), that there are no additives, etc. Inform yourself more as to where your food comes from and how it's grown and produced and all the ingredients and inputs, and that might cure you from wanting to eat those things. Get some raw books and make some good complete meals, have you tried a raw taco or enchilada type meal yet? some raw burgers, etc., etc.

[veganman]

Just try to relax and have FUN with this whole raw thing. Make some recipes...EAT! LOL! Don't try to be too strict about things right now and again, later on down the line you can always start to tweak things as you see fit.


Rawkinlocs - any thoughts as to how I will know when it is time to start tweaking things? People say to eat whatever as long as it is raw (don't get me started on the label raw versus really raw)....while you are transitioning in order to stay away from cooked food. I am not at risk of returning to cooked food.....I just want to be getting all of the nutrients I need for physical and mental health and to be digesting them appropriately.

[Rawkinlocs]

Rawkinlocs - any thoughts as to how I will know when it is time to start tweaking things? People say to eat whatever as long as it is raw (don't get me started on the label raw versus really raw)....while you are transitioning in order to stay away from cooked food. I am not at risk of returning to cooked food.....I just want to be getting all of the nutrients I need for physical and mental health and to be digesting them appropriately.

I'd say that once you've been raw for a while...maybe a year or so (some do it sooner...some later) begin to re-evaluate your health, how you feel, etc.

If you find yourself feeling not-as-good or certain foods you eat are affecting you differently, then you can try eliminating or simply just cutting back on some things such as nuts, dehydrated/prepared meals, spices and salt, onions, peppers, sprouts, etc.

Some people do it simply because they are just ready to kick things up a bit but not necessarily due to any way that they are feeling, etc.

But the whole point is to eat what you enjoy and don't worry about if it's optimal or or not...if it doesn't make you feel badly then eat it and once your body doesn't want it anymore, it will let you know.

[Lunar*Fey]

Veganman,
What you said sort of reminds me of me. ok what you said in this post reminds me of me a lot. I too felt and still sometimes feel EXACTLY like that. So completely confused. I have absolutely no problem at all with staying raw (unless its a parent/money issue but that hasn't truly affected it since a long time ago) but its how to be raw in the healtiest possible way that is so hard to figure out. So it seems lately I just took some very very basic rules of food combining and tend to follow them most of the time as I seem to feel better this way, and I never thought it would be possible but I just sort of shut out what each individual is saying. Lately I am just eating fruit and green smoothies and often a small amount of fat. I am not saying this is the healthiest way to eat, I am not saying it is even what is best for me...I am only saying that is what I seem to be wanting lately. I am a complete fruit lover. And I can eat most greens plain and completely enjoy them. I can't tolerate most sprouts or huge amounts of nuts/seeds, I like sprouted buckwheat and some sprouted grains work for me. But then, I could be completely wrong and realize that this is not how I feel my best. I know that I do have a horrible, itchy rash around my mouth right now and I don't know what it is from. My stomach is also rounded and sticky-out (lol) and uncomfortable. So I'm guessing thats either from lack of exercise or something wrong in my diet. wow, getting a bit off topic here. What I meant to say is just that you aren't alone! lol I feel the same exact way. But I think the only way to truly find out what is best for YOU is to just read what everyone else says, sure, but in the end just experiment until you find what you like and don't like and what feels good and doesn't feel good. I know, easier said than done. oh and I also like dried fruit mixed with nuts, I think as long as it doesn't make you sick or feel bad than it is fine. I totally understand not caring if it is "fine" or not but rather if it is perfect nutrition...we need to get over this I think lol. I'm sure our anscestors simply ate mangos if they found a mango tree and didn't think...hmm is this the best for my health to be eating this at this time even though I just ate a nut? or whatever lol. wow sorry this is so long. best of luck :)...and just relax and have fun :) (once again, much more easily said than done...I know from experience)

[veganman]

Hi Lunar*Fey -

thanks for the great thoughts. You are wise beyond your years. I have a feeling we will continue to cross paths on this board.... :)

[wizz4ve]

wizz, my two cents, first stop making statements like "I cant resist them". ;)

Tell yourself more constructive things that get you more in the direction of where you want to go. Like make some ice cream from frozen bananas, strawberries, whatever, and tell yourself how much better that is than SAD ice cream. that SAD ice cream can't hold a candle to good raw ice cream from fruits, that raw fruit ice cream doesn't leave that vile feeling of coagulation in your throat that sad ice cream does, that no cows suffered mastitis and I am not ingesting known carcinogens (google Posilac monsanto breast prostate), that there are no additives, etc. Inform yourself more as to where your food comes from and how it's grown and produced and all the ingredients and inputs, and that might cure you from wanting to eat those things. Get some raw books and make some good complete meals, have you tried a raw taco or enchilada type meal yet? some raw burgers, etc., etc.

Thanks for the positive affirmation alert. I realize I need to positive self-talk myself and stop saying I can't or I don't feel I can.

I haven't tried anything like tacos and enchiladas and don't crave any of those things. I don't have a processor or dehydrator yet but am working towards getting one. I didn't eat beef even before going Raw but that wasn't because of all the reasons you mentioned but because my body could no longer tolerate them. I will do more research on SAD food and its origin.

I am only 5 days on Raw and 2 days 100%, do you think the cravings will return. I have to remind myself to eat after my morning juiced cocktail. I don't crave or even get hungry until hours later. I just don't want to wake up one day and feel the need to eat all the SAD foods I can get my hands on.