New on raw

[rawmama&baby2]

Ive been raw food for about two weeks. I have days where I feel exceptionally great and others like today where I feel unballanced and tired. Is this all part of the beginning or am I lacking certain nutrients/minerals???? I am also breastfeeding. Thanks

[lissomllama]

You're most likely detoxing, it is a process that nearly every former cooked eater must go through. I don't know much about pregnancy or breast feeding but I imagine that some toxins are emerging from your breastmilk as well as all your other bodily fluids. Maybe do a search for raw and breastfeeding or raw pregnancy on here to get more information. Detox can last quite a while and the best thing you can do for yourself is to go 100% raw and organic if possible. As long as you are eating a variety and balance of fruits, dark leafy greens and veggies, nuts and seeds, you will get more than enough nutrition for you and your baby. Also, learn to listen to what raw foods your body craves and eat these things because that means that you need the nutrients in that food. If something tastes bad to you, put it aside for a few months and then try it again later and if you keep disliking it, your body may not need this food. You will have cravings for cooked because the toxins from these things become released into your bloodstream and it makes you desire them. Learn what helps you stay raw and do that. If you do slip up, don't stress or take that as an excuse to keep eating cooked, just jump right back in on raw. Some people advocate taking suppliments but many do not and believe that they can actually cause more harm than good. Do a search for the recent thread on a guy named Storm and his wife Jinjee, she has had 4 children and 2 of them while raw and he has an E-book on all the info. This might help a bit. Storm also talks about his views on supplimenting in his blog. You'll find what works for you. Keep reading and, welcome!

[spicyfull]

You are surely detoxing and we all have simular and different symptoms. On days when you are not feeling so well, rest if possible. You will experience new symptoms. Sometimes when you are weak you might be hungry. I hope you get through these periods although they can come and go at any given time. Stay Raw.............

[rawmama&baby2]

Ow it feels good to get some feed back on this. Thanks for being so positive and sharing. It means alot. Not all of my family agrees with my decision but mabye theyll understand someday.

[Cantaloupe]

I had those ups and downs days when I was breastfeeding as well, so please make sure you drink plenty of water and get sufficient calories. When tired or weak, a banana-, or a banana-berry-spinach/parsley smoothie is a real pick me up. Take care!

[Graciebeliever]

Hi Rawmama&B2 :)

Welcome!

Today is my first 30 days raw (beams with pride)

My advice to you?

Stay, read, learn, adjust, undertand, discover, ask, laugh, and enjoy EVERYTHING that comes with your choices!!

Lots of info here and some really great helpful people!!

[NuttyRawMom]

Hi!

I am on day 26 for my first time at 100% raw, also breastfeeding a 15 mo old. I have experienced several ups and downs between tired and weak or super-energetic. Depending on opportunity (do you have other children, work, etc..) rest! Pretend you have a newborn again and get daily rest when you feel the need. You know the saying who cares how the house looks when you have a new baby! If you can't rest during the day, make sure you get to bed that evening asap after baby/kids are down. I have made that mistake not to go to bed early too many times!

I find the most important thing is to just grab a piece of fruit if you have a weak moment. Something! Just give yourself a boost. I tend to let myself forget to eat while organizing raw food for a husband at work and 3 children. Yes, I am lucky to have them on this with me, but I still don't have it down on thinking in advance! :)

Well, I guess equally important would be lots and lots of water. After 3 years of yo-yoing between all diet forms and experience in breastfeeding 3 children, I believe that any issues I have had with milk supply have been due to insufficient water. Even on SAD or cooked vegan, I would have times when I felt like there wasn't enough milk, but I always tried to find a link in the food I was eating. Now that I have been journaling about food on raw, I have been able to trace any decrease in milk supply to lack of water.

Like lissomllama said, eat a variety and I say treasure your green smoothies like liquid gold! You need the calcium those greens supply. I have a large smoothie and a large salad every day. Tahini is another great choice.

How old is your baby? One last thought, even if your other family members think your crazy, your baby has no clue! Start him/her on raw from the beginning. It is so much easier to start them that way than to transition! No matter how full my baby's tummy is, she will beg for more smoothie!

Hope this helps