Why does it matter?

[dreamrawalwz]

Why do some keep track of their protien, b-12, calories, ect. and are so concerned about it on raw? Did you worry about the fat you had in the cake, pizza, big macs, ect? Did you make sure you got the propper amount of b-12 daily or protein? Did you count calories while eating those sugar/fat filled meals? (i'm not saying everyone here previously ate that way, but this would be about SAD). Why would it all matter and be such a concern on RAW...does it bring it more to your attention since it's something new or different? I'm just curious!

[mel123]

I have often wondered this myself. I think it may be interesting to keep track of those things. I know when I was eating SAD i didn't care so why become obssesed now? One thing is for sure, eating a raw diet it emmensely more healthy then what I was doin b4.....

[rome]

I'm completely new here and at the moment I've been using the nutridairy to track my food , because i wanted to see if I was eating enough of the vitamins and minerals I need each day. So far all my vitamins levels are low , so I have to work on that. I don't think I can eat enough fruit and salad during the day to make up those levels yet. I don't have a juicer yet or a dehydrator , I have mainly been eating banana's, apples , manderins, oranges , dates . I have had raw nuts and dried apricotts. I think once I know from practise what i'm eating I won't worry so much.

[spicyfull]

You are so right. Everyone says always consult your Dr. before you began a diet. But do you consult him before you eat that piece of cake.
My body will let me know if it need something. But we are all in different stages and different understandings of life itself...................

[rawpriestess]

I totally agree,

I just eat raw, if I need something, then my body and it's infinite intelligence will certainly let me know.

It sure let me know I wasn't supposed to be eating all that crap before. YIKES!!!
LOL

[Denise Nicole]

Why do some keep track of their protien, b-12, calories, ect. and are so concerned about it on raw? Did you worry about the fat you had in the cake, pizza, big macs, ect? Did you make sure you got the propper amount of b-12 daily or protein? Did you count calories while eating those sugar/fat filled meals? (i'm not saying everyone here previously ate that way, but this would be about SAD). Why would it all matter and be such a concern on RAW...does it bring it more to your attention since it's something new or different? I'm just curious!

Yes, I did. I started body for life after my youngest and have been looking for what makes me feel best. And yes, I have always counted and made adjustments. And I have found what I am comfortable and thriving on, now. The future may bring more things later. Not counting (estimating most days) meant weight gain for me. This may not apply to everyone. Unfortunately, it isn't a "one size fits all" world. But it works for me.

[Larue]

I think, too, it might be that when you start on raw, it's after realizing you want to be healthy. Your body may talk to you, but you may not hear it after so long on SAD! So much about your body could be screwed up that you want to know more about how to feel better. It's such a new way of eating for most of us and we're only trying get more information. I've noticed that most people on this site haven't been raw long enough to really know what the long term effects of being raw are, and they give advice freely. That is fine, but what works for you may not work for someone else. Asking questions, reading, researching are what may help you learn to read your body's signals, so that you can come to a place where you're eating right for your own body.

[berrymarymac]

Before going raw...well, a few months ago. My roommate took a HPE course called survey of fitness...well, they made her keep a journal of everything she ate, then you had to exercise x amount of time, etc. It was very stressful for her, she is perfect and looks beautiful, yet weighs herself all the time! Yeah, during that class she'd talk about all of this stuff, about how she needed to watch what she ate. We would get into fights since I would be so upset thinking, "how could a person with such a perfect body think that?! When I'm here and very obese..." I got very depressed last semester. Well, she had to count calories...omg, we spent hours on the comp looking up stuff!!! Well, I started counting calories with her, we continued even after the journal. I went to a nutritioinist (big mistake) who my endocrinologist recommended (someone in his office). Well, they said my cholesterol was high because of...my animal intake. o_O Yeah, vegetarian. So they said I should be consuming 2200 calories a day! They just confused me sooo much!! I messed up their game plan on my meals with being a vegetarian. I have an appointment soon...I wonder what they're going to say now?! I don't want to gain any more weight...that is why I count calories sometimes. I don't want to be a statistic in the charts of "omg...Americans are FAT!!"

[juliebove]

Why do some keep track of their protien, b-12, calories, ect. and are so concerned about it on raw? Did you worry about the fat you had in the cake, pizza, big macs, ect? Did you make sure you got the propper amount of b-12 daily or protein? Did you count calories while eating those sugar/fat filled meals? (i'm not saying everyone here previously ate that way, but this would be about SAD). Why would it all matter and be such a concern on RAW...does it bring it more to your attention since it's something new or different? I'm just curious!

You presume that we all ate SAD before. I did not. I also have assorted medical conditions that require me to pay close attention to what I am eating.

[dreamrawalwz]

You presume that we all ate SAD before. I did not. I also have assorted medical conditions that require me to pay close attention to what I am eating.

I hope I didn't offend you. I wasn't assuming, this was intended for those that DID eat SAD and never cared or counted these thing previously and are doing so now.

[sport]

Speaking for myself I am only concious of my B12 and my calcium and neither is because of being raw.
I consider my B12 because I am a long term vegan and I consider the calcium because I am at the age where I should be worrying about Ostioporosis

[Smiley24_7]

Perhaps were so fileld with anxiety by all the horror-tales (Aka Fish tales) we hear about deficencies, disorders, and health problems the medical assosiciations plague us with.

[spicyfull]

Nothing keeps the bones strong like good ol' exercise. You can get all of the Calcium you need from DARK, GREEN, AND LEAFY....................

[rachelmh]

I think there is a lot of information out there, and that can be confusing to those of us who haven't been doing this for very long. I counted all that stuff even when SAD -- a lifelong dieter. So I did think about it when I ate a piece of cake, but I thought about it in terms of how it fit into the particular diet I was on at that time. (Sounds like hypocrisy, eating a piece of cake on a diet, but Weight Watchers allowed it.)

I guess it doesn't necessarily make sense to count when we eat a variety of colors of raw foods. But it is scary -- I am 30, getting married, want to have a family -- and worry about what, if any, deficiencies I might end up with when it comes time to get pregnant -- for example. And being a woman, I wonder about my calcium intake and folic acid.

Perhaps my reply doesn't make any sense. It does to me. Please don't hesitate to ask me for clarifications.

[sport]

Nothing keeps the bones strong like good ol' exercise. You can get all of the Calcium you need from DARK, GREEN, AND LEAFY....................
I so wished that I loved dark green leafy but I have to force them on myself. My almost SAD hubby eats 3 times as much green as I do.
I have finally started to follow an esercise program so that is a great step
And you forgot the Vit D.

[sport]

[QUOTE=rachelmh]But it is scary -- I am 30, getting married, want to have a family -- and worry about what, if any, deficiencies I might end up with when it comes time to get pregnant -- for example. And being a woman, I wonder about my calcium intake and folic acid.
QUOTE]
If you are thinking of pregnancy then you have to be more than carefull about your Folic Acid
I would get it checked and supplement if necessary

[konmai]

great question. It made me look deep w/in myself. I am usually concerned about calories, b/c all I really eat is my greens in nori. Don't think that can be enough calories for the things I do on a daily basis. Also, I'm concerned about my b12 intake. In a way, I guess I'm so used to thinking SAD was the right way to eat & never questioned those things on SAD. Now that I'm eatting differently, it's a sort of reflex action for me to be worried.

Maybe I shouldn't worry so much! Go w/ the flow & listen to my body. Though I'm still worried about b12. :o

[Tombi]

Great thread dreamrawalwz,

I have to agree with you. Aside from those with major heath problems, there is really no need for those of us who never gave a good cahoot about calories, carbs, protein and etc. befpre raw to worrying about it all when we start eating Raw.

Sport brings up a good point in reference to b12 and calcuim. But check it that is her concern that she figured out for her after being raw for more than 2 months. I am with Alissa on this...when you first start Raw...eat Raw. Don't worry about that stuff. When you start you are re-conditioning your mind about the way you used to eat...SAD. Eating SAD and RAW are two different schools of thought. And yes that makes eating RAW a mind thing. If the mind does not adapt to the change the body sure won't because it has to adhere to a confused mind. :o

If you feel after being completely Raw for a couple of months or so that you need a supplement...take one. IIf you feel you have to count calories, carbs or whatever...go for it. If you feel you can balance your vitamin intake just based on what you eat...just do it. But when you first start the Raw Lifestyle just eat raw and leave yourself alone.

When we all figure out how simple this really is I hope we all can sit back and laugh at how neurotic we were about going raw. Meanwhile, I am going get a head start on the pack and start now. LOL :D Come and join me!! :cool:

[learningrawways]

Actually I used to watch that I ate enough protein during the day too. Not everyday and I wasn't a fanatic about it, but I'd watch. And if for some reason, my eating was not that ''wise'' I'd end up with a headache (nothing like the sinus ones I get--those are serious headaches) and I could tell the difference--if I shook my head it would hurt and then I figured I needed more protein. I'd eat some and it would go away. And that's the extent of me counting protein lol.

Now I don't even bother. Being on a raw diet is freeing in so many ways. I figure if I drink my green smoothie--I'm getting greens which have protein in them. Everything I eat has protein if it's raw. The fruit and vegetables I buy (mostly) are organic and they tend to have much more nutrients than regular fruits & veggies. So why worry? lol, yup, I like this diet!!!

[mindelicious]

I totally agree with Larue. I ate SAD before raw and this is the time in my life I was not aware/cared about my health for lack of knowledge. With my wanting to become healthier watching my vitamin/mineral kinda of came with that. Everybody has their thing that keeps them sane--I just let them do what they feel better doing as long as they are happy and healthy--what is the big deal about that??

[Conscious Midwife]

I'm a mother of 5 children ages 2.5 - 18. I never ever had anyone attemot to caution me regarding folic acid unitl my last pregnancy. By that point I was like :confused: :eek: :p . Not that I didn't won't to be conscientious but I was wondering where was this issue 18 years ago, and what are the real effects of the deficiency.

My guess is that folks always have what they need and that pharmacetical companies like any other capatalizing group often have to market by creating a need. So they fund research that links a partiular deficiency to a particular syndrome or disease. Then package a new product to MD's saying "maybe" this will work MD's repackage it to their patients saying "try this and we'll see" . Patients say "ohhh I'll just pay $200 for a visit to a stranger who didn't even read the history it just took me 30min to fill out, but he/she has all the answers between his/her ears and that little book in their pocket." " oh and plus give me a script I don't need so I can pay$30 for a med that might work."

PREVENTION IS EVERYTHING

:( Do I sound a bit sour when it comes to conventional medicine?

I am!

My last physical included a rushed 8 min commentary from a MD younger than me who could only answer one of 4 questions, told me to come back for a follow up in 3 months, yet took NO notes. She listened to my lungs but didn't check my pupils she did a pelvic but NO breast exam. Didn't ask about my last period yet was ready to RX a pill for a few lbs. I was desiring to loose.
DUh what about diet, exercise, a vacation etc....

I'm sure she's glad I won't be coming back.

By the way the bill was over $200. I protested even though exams are covered 100% by my insurance. IT'S ABOUT THE PRINCIPLE, and since I seldom if ever use conventional care my premiums more than cover the cost of the "free" exam.

OK
got that rant of my chest

Everyone proceeed to having a most fabulous and fruitful day :D

[dreamrawalwz]

lifeAgift- i'm sour about conventional meds/doctors too!

[paleogirl]

I'm the same as Julie. I had to watch this stuff previously because of illness-related food restrictions, and haven't been on 'SAD' (or SUKD -suckered, lol!- for the British!) for over a year, just a whole foods diet, mainly organic. I was already supplementing B vitamins etc. so I could recover faster if I accidentally consumed gluten (ie: licked a stamp or something).

Since I switched to high raw I have actually cut out my daily multivitamin. They feel unnecessary when I'm starting the day with a 40oz of green juice! :) Will be sticking with the B-12 though.

[jjaj2022]

Why do some keep track of their protien, b-12, calories, ect. and are so concerned about it on raw? Did you worry about the fat you had in the cake, pizza, big macs, ect? Did you make sure you got the propper amount of b-12 daily or protein? Did you count calories while eating those sugar/fat filled meals? (i'm not saying everyone here previously ate that way, but this would be about SAD). Why would it all matter and be such a concern on RAW...does it bring it more to your attention since it's something new or different? I'm just curious!

What gets me is when family/friends question me about whether I am getting enough of this or that but then don't question others about their unhealthy ways, like eating animal fat. I'm being questioned even though I am the healthiest eater they know. I try not to let it bother me though and just take the questions as their curiosity about raw foods.

[rawpriestess]

I just had a huge (yearly) party, and some people we only see this time every year, so there was a lot of people who have seen me for the first time in that year, and were very curious about my weight loss 50+ pounds so far.


anyway, my friends care about me, so had a bunch of questions, and they also are curious for themselves.

I don't count calories, or fats or any thing, I just eat raw food, whatever and when ever I want, and the weight is melting off.

Now, I have noticed when I don't eat so much nuts, the weight comes off a littel faster, when I eat nuts or drink almond milk, it takes longer to come off.

either way, I'm happy, as I feel great, so I don't care how fast or slow it comes off, as long as I know I'm eating healthily, then I am happy.

[RawNut]

Why do some keep track of their protien, b-12, calories, ect. and are so concerned about it on raw? Did you worry about the fat you had in the cake, pizza, big macs, ect? Did you make sure you got the propper amount of b-12 daily or protein? Did you count calories while eating those sugar/fat filled meals? (i'm not saying everyone here previously ate that way, but this would be about SAD). Why would it all matter and be such a concern on RAW...does it bring it more to your attention since it's something new or different? I'm just curious!

I haven't been doing it lately but I have in the past. I did it to prove to myself and others that I was getting enough of whatever. I used to use Fitday just to show my brother how much I was getting in the way of vitamins, mineral, protein, etc. I've since learned that the longer you are raw, the less you need altogether. Those sites such as Fitday only really work for cooked foodists or those who are just now transitioning and need to know how many calories and whatnot they should consume.

I had a really bad detox the first time I went raw. The second time, I used Fitday to make sure I was getting about 3000 calories a day. My detox was much slower though probably much longer than it would have been the first time around. I really couldn't function though, the first time.

Craig

[lissomllama]

Why do some keep track of their protien, b-12, calories, ect. and are so concerned about it on raw? Did you worry about the fat you had in the cake, pizza, big macs, ect? Did you make sure you got the propper amount of b-12 daily or protein? Did you count calories while eating those sugar/fat filled meals? (i'm not saying everyone here previously ate that way, but this would be about SAD). Why would it all matter and be such a concern on RAW...does it bring it more to your attention since it's something new or different? I'm just curious!


I agree completely. For me, there is no need to count calories or fat etc. As long as I am eating what I crave and it is raw vegan and I get a balance of all the raw vegan foods I like, I get enough of what I need. As long as there is balance, I will be fine. I'm not yet sure about where I stand on B12, but that is beside the point. Counting calories is pointless on a 100% raw vegan diet, I let it go, it doesn't matter at all to me because I know I'm getting what I need. I also don't trust that the conventional idea of how mjuch of what nutrients I need is correct because it is based off of mainly those who eat a cooked, non-vegan diet so that doesn't apply to me. I wouldn't try to calculate my raw, vegan body's needs based on an opposite det of ideals.