Hello from Texas

[Punky]

Hello Everyone!
Just thought I'd take a minute to introduce myself.
I'm 33 and live in the Dallas
Metroplex. I'm a stay-at-home mom for two sweet (albeit ACTIVE)
little boys ages 8 and 4. My interests are holistic health, natural childbirth,
nutrition, gourmet cooking and fitness (although I am not very fit right now-
in a rut-not to motivated to excercise for some reason :eek: ).

My raw journey started years ago...2001 I think is when the "seed" was planted while I was attending a "Families for Natural Living" meeting. There
were some raw fooders there and told me about it. I was intrigued! although
my first thoughts were I could NEVER eat like that cause I enjoy cooking and
entertaining so much. I didn't know anything about the raw gourmet food then. Then I joined a food coop led by another raw fooder
who I greatly admire. At this same time my oldest son was being evaluated by a developmental pediatrician. One of the tests, the CARS test if i remember right put him 2 points away from being on the autistic spectrum...
although he wasn't quite considered autistic, he did have many autistic behaviors like stimming, very poor eye contact, some obsessive behaviours,
extremely difficult dispisition, did not transition well, sensory issues etc, etc.
He was a late talker, but finally started talking with the help of a speech theripist. He is also very high energy (hyperactive) and would be considered
ADHD if we were going to put a label on him (which i try to avoid).
Anyways, so my journey began with the planted seed and my search
between the connection of food and behaviour. We did some lab work for
him, which indicated he would benefit from a gluten free/casein free diet,
which he still is on till this day among other dietary restrictions we have done.

For myself I have been off and on raw for a little over 2 years now.
I think the longest I have gone was 30days at 99% raw. Other times
I have gone for a week or two, maybe 3 before falling off the wagon.
My goal this year is to finally conquer some of my triggers and stay at a 90%
high raw lifestyle for good. I find "happy hour" my biggest trigger :p
I am probably a "heavy" social drinker (a.k.a. LUSH).
I am going to start Alissa's 30 day challenge next week or the following--trying to give up coffee before I start I think.
I look forward to getting to know everyone!
Hope my intro wasn't too long! Will start my journel next week.
Smiles,
Punky :)

[KimO]

Welcome. You'll find the site very friendly, helpful and fun.
Glad your part of our group. :)

[askcassyfirst]

Welcome punky. You came to the right place for support. I find this board to be the friendliest of all the raw food forums...

I wish you well on the journey!

Cassy:)

[SamL]

Welcome Punky, glad to read your intro. I think raw will get you out of that rut, I always thought I was in top health, I ate 80% raw, exercised / trained.
I'm now 2 weeks into 100% raw and I know I still had a body full of toxins, I'm starting to feel amazing, raw energy. Good luck with your journey.

[twinyoga]

Welcome. I'm a stay at home Mom with 10 month old twins. Is your family excited about the raw challenge? Are you going to cook for them and "uncook" for you? I'm always curious how other Mom's handle this. It's my biggest struggle.

[sweetgoddess]

Punky~ warmest of welcomes to you. Thank you for introducing yourself, we are glad you could join us! It sounds like your headed in the right direction and are listening to your nudges. We would all love to support you as you make this transition....best wishes to you ~

[misslinda]

Greeting Punky!

Best wishes to you and your family in your raw passage. Never hesitate to ask if you need help.

Luv,
Linda :)

[Punky]

Thanks everyone for the warmest welcomes!
I feel so much positive energy coming from this group.
I know your support will help me get past my hurdles
and stay raw for good this time.
Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!

[Punky]

Hi Debbie!
Wow! Twins! what fun (and work)!
My family is very supportive of my interest in
raw foods; but they still eat a lot of cooked foods.
So yes, I will be cooking seperate meals for us; although
I like to 'interweave' our dinners. For Example:
Make a lovely salad for dinner for myself and share this with my hubby.
My sons don't like salads-lettuce but love chopped up veggies, so I give
them that. Than I cook some chicken breasts for them and maybe
brown rice. That's what I try to do in theory; but it is very challenging and
tempting for me to be making different foods. Plus I catch
myself "tasting" their food here and there. I do share my raw food with them too though.
I made the papaya/banana pudding this morning and my son loves it. Also if I could get more
organized it would be easier for me to succeed at this raw thing.
I am way too disorganized! :eek:

Thanks for the welcome! Look forward to sharing and learning more.

[aromaticwings]

:D Hi Punky....

I too am from Dallas.. Small world! I am new to raw and this board.. Just wanted to say Hi will put official intro in a sec...
Debbie

[PixieGreen]

I'm currently living in Denton [20 miles north of Dallas]. I have been experiencing raw for about a month now, it's fantastic! I love this board, such wonderful people. Perhaps some of us in the Dallas area could get together and meet at Pure when it *finally* opens?!

Christa

[aromaticwings]

I'm currently living in Denton [20 miles north of Dallas]. I have been experiencing raw for about a month now, it's fantastic! I love this board, such wonderful people. Perhaps some of us in the Dallas area could get together and meet at Pure when it *finally* opens?!

Christa

What is Pure? Sounds great to me.. I have a son living in Denton... :)

[PixieGreen]

What is Pure? Sounds great to me.. I have a son living in Denton... :)

www.purerawcafe.com

Pure is going to be the first all Raw Texas restaurant, opening in Dallas. They were supposed to open on Valentine's Day but I guess it was delayed again. The menu [on the site] looks excellent. I can't wait to go!

Does your son attend school here?

Christa

[Punky]

Hi Christa and Debbie!
Thanks for the hello's!
I just got back from Denton...
met my dad for dinner. There is a raw potluck in Denton
one Friday a month run by Asha at The Rudra Center for Spiritual
Enlightenment. I think I got the name correct. She is very nice.

Count me in...I would love a get together at PURE if it ever opens :p
Sorry for my sassy-ness but this place was suppose to open
like a year ago, no joke. But the food is awesome so I'm waiting
patiently....

[aromaticwings]

Hi and thanks for the Welcomes...

No, my son isn't going to school there. He and his girlfriend live there because her Mom lives close to them... I think she is not in good health so she likes to stay close.

thanks for the resturant name. My son that is here in Dallas will love this when it opens.. He tells me there is another place in the same area that his friend took him to. Sorry can not remember the name.. I will need to get back with you on that one.I was just by there today...Gee small world... ;)

[Sweet lips]

I used to live in Austin, and maybe in Tyler someday soon. I welcome you all with waarm wishes and amazing blessings -it such a joy to be here! I printed the menu for Pure - I am going to use that as a framework for my eating this week -- I feel adventurous!

[PixieGreen]

Punky, do you have contact information for the Denton potluck? I was REALLY hoping there was something like that here. I have to rent a car to go to Dallas, so it's an "event" for me. But I think the Rudra center is 10 minutes away by scooter. Yeah!

Debbie, it is indeed a small world! It's sweet that your son and his girlfriend stay here for her mom. Please do share the name of the Dallas restaurant if it comes to mind.

Sweetlips, thank you for the welcome! I read your journal last night. Thank you, thank you for sharing your journey. I am humbled by your grace.

It is such a pleasure to meet other Rawies, I don't know any in my "real" life. :)

Christa

[Punky]

Hi Ladies!
I do have the info to the potlucks in Denton. I have never gone
because I'm too lazy to drive up there currently and get a sitter and all.
Maybe I will go sometime soon. I did go up there for a David Wolfe
lecture Asha hosted a few weeks back.

Sweet Lips--I love Austin! It's my fave city in Texas. Love love love Austin. Wished I could live there but not feasible right now.
If you do end up in Tyler we should have some raw food gathering.
Actually Alissa is suppose to come to Dallas sometime. I think she is waiting
to reschedule with Cynthia (the owner and chef of PURE).

And yes, Cynthia's food is as good as it looks-sounds. I use to order her weekly meal service for awhile. She is still doing it but too expensive for me now. It was a luxury.
I will go look for the info on the potlucks and post it for you.
I also have Cynthia's menu for this weeks food if anyone is interested.
I think it's like $125 for five meals and a dessert if i remember right. You would have to double check on that price.

[Punky]

I couldn't find my email with the raw potluck info but you can contact
Asha for it:

Asha 384-7946 Denton so i think the area code is 940
asha@swift-mail.com
Asha runs an Oxygen Life Spa at the Rudra Meditation Center:
http://www.oxygenlifespa.com/links.htm
she also sells some raw products at her spa from www.rawfood.com
I think I saw coconut butter, goji juice, some books and a couple of other products...olive oil i think.
She has hosted several raw events as well. David Wolfe twice and
Paul Nison once.
I do remember the potlucks are on a Friday at 6:30 once a month.
Hope that helps!
Let me know if you decide to go. I might wander up there if I can. ;)

[PixieGreen]

Hey, thanks!! I'll contact Asha and post when the next pot luck is scheduled. Living in Denton has been disappointing for me in many ways [I moved to Texas from Iowa City, a college town with a dynamic, active "alternative" crowd] so it gives me hope that I may fit in here yet. :) It would be *wonderful* to meet you and others on the forum!

Christa

[Mieke Benton]

Hi Punky, Nice to meet you.
Big news! Today I am 2 months 100% raw. I will have to write in my journal today to share the news and my new insights and lessons.

I also cook for the family cooked and raw for myself. It goes naturaly. They are amazed how I do it they say, because I make them all those delicious foods, even my favorite ones and do not touch it. But I want to be raw, so I am doing it. My husband is also very supportive and buys me nuts and fresh veggies and fruits, almost every day.

Nice to have you in our circle and hope to communicate more!

Mieke

[rawpriestess]

Welcome,

so good to have you with us

blessings
rawpriestess

[PixieGreen]

Punky, alas, the Denton Raw potluck is no more. Asha is over burdened with work right now. That doesn't mean a bunch of us from the Dallas area couldn't meet up, though!

Christa

[Punky]

Hey Christa,
Oh I am sorry to hear the potluck is no more :(
It would of been a great way for you to meet more people
to click with. When did you move down here?
Do you go to UNT or TWU?
I use to go to UNT and live in Denton back in 1991-1996.
Their use to be a lot of bohemian alternative artsy type people
back than. Don't know if it's still like that. The local band thing
was the scene when I went there since University of North Texas
had a top notch music school. A couple of our roomates were
in popular local bands. So I hung out with the alternative crowd.
Easier for me since I grew up in the area and knew people from high school
to introduce me to people. I wasn't into nutrition back than though, LOL.
More art, music and partying. Have you been to the Cupboard?
It's a health food store in Denton.

Yes us Dallasites should hook up in the near future!

[PixieGreen]

Punky: Well, I think the problem is I'm also 33 and most of the people who live here are either 10 years younger and into partying [I don't drink anymore] or ten years older and dealing with their teenage kids. Iowa City had a huge grad student population, a lot of 30-ish professors, etc. It's different. Denton is okay, I'll find my feet. :)

Christa

[Punky]

Hey Christa,
I'm 34! Just had a bday a few weeks back.
I understand where your coming from now.
It's funny how much we (or I) abused my body
by party-ing so much in my 20's and trying to
repair it now in my 30's. LOL :p Don't take it for granted anymore.

I think that your right about the graduate population in
Denton. Most of the people that are working on their
graduate degrees commute from Dallas and surrounding
areas to Denton for school.
Look forward to meeting you sometime!

[PixieGreen]

Well *happy birthday*! You're so right about not taking my health for granted anymore. I got sober when I was 21 but there are plenty of drug and alcohol-free vices to choose from. Soooo many choices... lol.

Christa

[aromaticwings]

It has been along time since some of you have written in this post but I thought I would add this little thing.. You might know about it by now.
There is a pot luck now in denton county area..but it is here..at least it was last month.. Might want to call to make sure... I finally got a car so if I can get some supplies to make something I sure want to go...now that I am not working it will be easier...did you know we have a couple of co-ops here too?? Pure opened finally but is now closed at the moment from what I understand due to the building owner shutting down the whole block of buildings.. alot of businesses had to moved. She states she will be reopening when she finds a new place.. anyone heard where this might be? And David Wolfe is supposed to be at the rudra center in april cost is $40.00 I wanted to see him so bad... darn.. maybe next time.

Here is a organic food co-op in Richardson:
http://www.loving-foods.com

All Dinners are from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. -

Meal begins at 6:00 SHARP!!

WE MOVED to our NEW LOCATION!!!
Denton County - 3rd Sunday
Hosted By: John & Barbara Giberson

1637 Chisolm Trail, Lewisville

RSVP lightenuphealth@verizon.net or 214-914-7733
How to get there: DO NOT USE MAP QUEST OR ANY OTHER STREET FINDER, THERE ARE TWO HOMES WITH THE SAME ADDRESS AND MINE DOES NOT SHOW UP!!! Going North on I-35 into Lewisville

Exit Main Street/Flower Mound FM 1171, go left (WEST) over highway to the light at Garden Ridge

Go Right on Garden Right, past the first stop, then left on Chisolm Trail.

There is also one in Fort Worth area--
Tarrant County - 1st Sunday
hosted by Rob Griffin

2322 Willing Ave

Fort Worth, TX 76110

RSVP rob@griffinloans.com or Home # 817-923-9448

mapquest link:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2322+willing+ave+fort+worth,+tx+76110&spn=0.022363,0.038731&hl=en

Exit I-30 at Summit Ave/ 8th Ave exit and go south - turn left (east) on Elizabeth Blvd. At the first stop sign turn left at Willing Ave and we are the the first house on the left.

[rawlatina]

Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Miranda and my boyfriend Noel and I are new to this Raw Food style and are currently wanting to learn more. He's been mostly a vegetarian for a while, but I haven't been anything remotely close to it. I lost a lot of weight and felt great with a low-carb lifestyle. But looking to see how much better I feel eating raw.

I saw your other posts and I'm going to look into those activities in Dallas! We're both very excited.

[aromaticwings]

Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Miranda and my boyfriend Noel and I are new to this Raw Food style and are currently wanting to learn more. He's been mostly a vegetarian for a while, but I haven't been anything remotely close to it. I lost a lot of weight and felt great with a low-carb lifestyle. But looking to see how much better I feel eating raw.

I saw your other posts and I'm going to look into those activities in Dallas! We're both very excited.
Welcome fellow Dallasite!!!!!

Don't forget too David Wolfe will be in Denton next week.. see post of David wolfe--New Addition for info..

If you have aim or aol please feel free to Im me.. that is my main messenger.. also have yahoo but do not have it up often as it messes with my pc.. If you do not have aol you can still download aim free..

:D

[rawlatina]

Welcome fellow Dallasite!!!!!

Don't forget too David Wolfe will be in Denton next week.. see post of David wolfe--New Addition for info..

If you have aim or aol please feel free to Im me.. that is my main messenger.. also have yahoo but do not have it up often as it messes with my pc.. If you do not have aol you can still download aim free..

:D


I would love to IM you. What's your nickname/handle?

Thanks for offering to help!

[aromaticwings]

I would love to IM you. What's your nickname/handle?

Thanks for offering to help!
there is a little icon in the upper right hand conrer of this post that has the aol and the yahoo for me.. for aol it is gypsi323@aol.com and yahoo is aromatic_wings@yahoo.com (there is an underscore between aromatic and wings... and yours?? :D