Being Raw is MUCH harder while pregnant?

[sherahtaylor]

Wow, I had no idea it would be this different! I was 100% raw for a good 40 days before I found out I was pregnant, and felt so good! Like when you inhale, exhale, and "Aaaah I feel GOOD!" like clean inside. There were many fabulous recipes to drool over, to look forward to making and then eating the whole thing over a period of days. Every fresh fruit I had, I ate with enjoyment, experimenting with different dressings on my salads and different ingredients in my smoothies.

All that has come to a screeching halt! It's like all of a sudden I have an alien in my body. I ate guacamole every single day for an entire month with carrot sticks, that was my staple food - along with RP's brownies. Now the thought of guacamole makes me ill, as well as the brownies...too sweet and coconut-ish.

I look at the cookbook for things to make, and nothing sounds good - things I do make like the carrot cake which fills out an entire 9x13 pan tastes "okay" and after the third bite I'm going to upchuck. No-one else in my family eats raw, so out the window it goes!

This is hard! I can barely choke down fruit, it tastes bland, and most of all, my body feels awful. I feel nauseous and am all of a sudden tempted very sorely to have things that are warm, cooked, and yummy sounding (when nothing raw sounds yummy).

So anyway, there's really no point to this post, LOL, just that I have never been raw while pregnant before, and am bound & determined to STAY 100% raw, but feeling this crappy it almost feels like there's no point, you know? I miss the ahhhhh feeling that I had before. Nine months of this? AAAaaack!

I don't want to go to a 95% raw diet or anything like that, because my willpower isn't strong enough to dabble. It has to be all or nothing - and it'd be all too easy to go back to crappy SAD "just until I feel better".

Am I alone in this, or has anyone else experienced this while raw & pregnant? I'm fortunate in that I did have a good month, a very good month on raw, before I started to feel nauseous. I have a feeling that smoothies are going to be my saving grace during this part of my early pregnancy!

[Spectatrix]

Is there anything specific you're craving? This adversion to the raw foods you usually eat may be your body's way of telling you it needs something specific.

[sherahtaylor]

I'm not really craving anything right now, except maybe smoothies. That's the only thing I really like to have (today anyway!). Which is fine - as long as I make it sweet enough with more fruit-taste than leafy greens taste. I think part of my problem, looking back at yesterday, is that I met my husband for lunch at Del Taco (which I just sat there and sipped a lemon water while he ate) and then did a ton of grocery shopping for my SAD family. While I was hungry. Not a good combo!

I'm transitioning them slowly to raw, they're maybe 20% raw right now, but I had to plan all these cooked meals for them that sounded delicious to me. So what am I craving? SAD. :eek:

[Pierre]

Not that I've been pregnant of course, but how about some whole salt or seaweed? Your "alien" apparently hasn't gotten around to big brain growth (which takes lots of fat) yet, but maybe he needs lots of minerals for building the intricate design of his body.

As to recipes, don't try to find a recipe that appeals to you. Find some single foods, then if you like, make a recipe from them.

[rawbeliever]

Sherah,

I think that Jinjee Talifero has a book about raw pregnancy on their website: www.gardendiet.com. She's done, like, four or five pregnancies while raw. I haven't read it but I've heard their stuff is very good.

[Angelic Light]

Congratulations on your pregnancy! How many weeks are you?

I know how you feel. I am 11 weeks pregnant and still nauseous. It is horrible. I have found the more cooked I eat the worse it gets (even if the cooked seems great at the time), and the more raw I eat, the better it gets, although it is still there. I would say, stick to raw if you can, and you will get through it quicker. If you can't though, don't beat yourself up about it. Just go with what your body wants and what feels right to you.

I agree that avocado and other fats make the nausea worse. Although I have been able to eat them again the past few weeks, so it does get better.

A few people here have told me that pregnancy nausea is the body's way of detoxing faster to create a cleaner environment for the baby.

Never let yourself get hungry, as that is the worst. When I get too hungry, I end up all weak and dizzy, but when I eat I feel better. Small meals continuously are best, if you feel up to it. Even just a few bites here and there....

Good luck, and I hope you feel better soon. Make sure you get plenty of rest and take it easy... ideally have a nap every day if possible... drink lots of water too, you need more when pregnant for the extra blood and the amniotic fluid etc.....

I have found that when feeling really sick and not able to face food, I could still drink juices and smoothies, so you maybe be ok with that - you can add hemp and superfoods to your smoothies, so you will still get your nutrients that way.

Ginger root in juices or smoothies may help you. Also peppermint tea, or just chew on some mint leaves. Lemons and limes can help also. Oh and accupressure/seasickness bands are said to help too.

Keep us updated to how you are getting on....

Love Catherine
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Angelic Light]

Here is a raw pregnancy support group you might be interested in:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/RawPregnancy/

[Spectatrix]

Sherah,

I think that Jinjee Talifero has a book about raw pregnancy on their website: www.gardendiet.com. She's done, like, four or five pregnancies while raw. I haven't read it but I've heard their stuff is very good.
FYI, she's had four pregnancies total, two of which were while raw.

[sherahtaylor]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm maybe 7 weeks, I haven't gone to the doctor yet. Angelic Light, it helped me tremendously for you to say that eating cooked makes it worse! That gives me the extra "mph" I need when i'm tempted again.

I have not eaten one bit of cooked yet, so far my willpower has been as strong as steel and I don't know why...even when I'm practically drooling over the thought of something SAD. I've been living off of smoothies the past few days since whole food gets caught in my throat and I want to upchuck it.

I'm going to order some green superfood as soon as we have the money, but for now I'm just taking some Folic Acid suppliments. As long as I'm well stocked with leafy greens, cucumbers, frozen raspberries/blueberries/bananas, apples, mangos, peaches, and UDO's oil, I'll keep drinking my smoothies. :D

[sherahtaylor]

I also wanted to add that I have purchased and read Jinjee's ebook because I was fascinated to find out what might happen if I were to get pregnant and stay raw. Now that I am actually pregnant, I need to go back and re-read everything. I'm also considering a home waterbirth so it'll be interesting to hear what she has to say about her home birth.

[rawpriestess]

I agree with Pierre, I think you may be needing some specific nutrients, when I was pregnant on SAD, I ONLY ate, ice, and lots of it, fresh lemons, and lots of them, and one of two things, either pizza OR, vegetable soup, but it had to be the boxed kind, nothing else could I keep down or want.

NOW, I look back and I wanted acid and salt, that was it. the ice was because I was anemic, I didn't want any meat or dairy at all, only the lemons, ice and veggie soup, I could maybe eat pizza, which I used to love more than anything, but that was for 6 months, the first 3 months I just threw up non stop and lost 30+pounds, I was so very sick, and there was nothing that I coudl do to stop it.

so if you arent' hungry, then don't eat, but I'd make anything that you do like, if you like smoothies, eat those, three times a day, I'd also try some raw veggie soups, with lots of sea salt and celery, which may be good, I'd make sure to get in some greens in those smoothies too.


and CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR PREGNANCY!!!!!



How cool is that?

[Angelic Light]

I am glad that it helped you when I said eating cooked makes the nausea worse. Even today I have been eating a lot of cooked, and have felt quite sick. Yet, when I eat more raw, I am still nauseous but it is not as bad. I really need to get back to high raw again in the next few days... you are inspiring me because you are staying so raw even while feeling so bad!

It is fab that you are taking the healthy smoothies with your udo's oil and folic acid. I found a good pregnancy supplement (multivitamin and herbal) on Shazzie's website called Sage Pregnancy that is vegan and organic. It isn't raw though, but I thought it was good. I got a row from the doctor for using a normal vegan multivitamin that contained vitamin A. This new one is great because as well as lots of vitamins and the herbs, it contains the B12, Vitamin D and amount of folic acid that is "required" during vegan pregnancy. The website is www.detoxyourworld.com if you are interested....

[Angelic Light]

This is the actual url

http://www.detoxyourworld.com/acatalog/sage_pregnancy.html

[cenaw/10]

I'm 6 days new to raw, but have been successfully pregnant 10 times. I can say with assurance that I've felt the same way until the 11th or 12th week no matter what "comfort" food I tried, cooked or raw. I'm proud of you for staying raw, your baby will be so sweet and worth it. Just think, you get to fall head over heels in love all over again...
My midwife always said that it was body cleansing time, too. I've had 9 homebirths. I would highly, highly, highly recommend looking in to this. Try to find a CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife.) Blessings to you, Cena

[light food]

I noticed that a lot of the foods you listed had carrots in them or eaten with them. Maybe it's the carrots? I have a refrigerator drawer half-full of carrots and I haven't touched them in weeks because I think I overate them by having a carrot everyday. The very thought of carrots makes me sick.


Congrats on the new baby!!!!!

[Angelic Light]

Hi Sherah

How is your nausea now?

I am pleased to report that mine is very mild now and I even have lots more energy. I am 12 wks. So hang on in there, there is light at the end of the tunnel!!! It does get better, I promise!! I know how hard it is, and I really feel for you. When you have the nausea and tiredness it feels like it will never end. But it will! Sending you lots of hugs xxxxx

[sherahtaylor]

Wow. I am HAPPY, no ECSTATIC to report that my feeling of "yuck" lasted only ONE WEEK! I still don't feel quite up to my normal self, but for the most part, I have no nausea and have lots of energy. I feel strong, like when I lift up my toddlers I feel like my body is in sync, and as long as I eat ever so often I have no trace of nausea. The worst is at night and in the morning, but even then, it's more like a 2 or 3 with 10 being the worst.

I am SO THANKFUL, I can't even tell you what this means to me. I'm 9 weeks now, and usually by now (in EVERY SINGLE ONE of my last five pregnancies) I am throwing up at least once a day, and fighting it back the other 23 hours of the day. I am not able to take care of my kids, and I had to have help with my last pregnancy, someone coming from 8-5 Mon-Fri when my husband was working. The nausea lasts at least through week 12 usually.

I have done nothing different, other than being raw! I just can't believe it - and this is such an inspiration for me to stay 100% raw. And I've been getting super tempted lately, especially since I'm feeling better - I am starting to think I'll always feel like this. But no, it's because of being raw so I can't jeopardize that.

So here's to being raw - the key to having a WONDERFUL pregnancy - so far, anyway! :D

[faith4u]

Sherah,

I am so happy to hear your report today. I know only too well what it feels like. It seems to go on forever. With my last two pregnancies I was no good for anyone that whole time. I just wanted to lie down on the couch all day. The only thing that ever helped even a bit was going out in the sunshine.

I wish I had gone raw then but I went raw at the beginning of my last trimester of my last pregnancy. Oh well. It sure helped me with the migraines that I usually suffer through during the last three months.

Anyways, I am so happy for you that you are better. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

[Que]

Hi Sherah

Congratulations on your new baby. I am 30 weeks pregnant and am 2 days raw. I'm SAD to say that I was 4 months raw when I found out I was pregnant and tried very very very hard to stay raw but unfortunately my inexperience got the best of me during the nausea and I ended up on a SAD diet up until a few days ago. I wish I could be a shining example of a raw pregnancy but it was a great learning experience for me and I'm ready to be raw again. I have Jinjee's ebook and even sat in on a teleconference lecture, Shazzie also journaled her raw pregnancy and I still get the rawpregnancy emails and postings to keep myself in the loop. They are all great resources and I know for my future pregnancies I will be 100% raw, with you! Stick to it, it is so worth it. I'm proud that I found my way back. I believe someone else mentionned it and I agree but avocados and nuts were tough to take. I definitely think that cutting back on the fats will help and green smoothies or juice in the morning are a great way to start the day and to fill you up. I wish you had been messaging 5 months ago about a pregnancy but I'm thrilled to see others on the same journey. I would love to hear how yours continues and maybe it will help me to stick to mine. Good luck.

[Angelic Light]

That is so wonderful that you are feeling better Sherah!!!

[Kassandra]

Hi Sherah

Congratulations on your new baby. I am 30 weeks pregnant and am 2 days raw. I'm SAD to say that I was 4 months raw when I found out I was pregnant and tried very very very hard to stay raw but unfortunately my inexperience got the best of me during the nausea and I ended up on a SAD diet up until a few days ago. I wish I could be a shining example of a raw pregnancy but it was a great learning experience for me and I'm ready to be raw again. I have Jinjee's ebook and even sat in on a teleconference lecture, Shazzie also journaled her raw pregnancy and I still get the rawpregnancy emails and postings to keep myself in the loop. They are all great resources and I know for my future pregnancies I will be 100% raw, with you! Stick to it, it is so worth it. I'm proud that I found my way back. I believe someone else mentionned it and I agree but avocados and nuts were tough to take. I definitely think that cutting back on the fats will help and green smoothies or juice in the morning are a great way to start the day and to fill you up. I wish you had been messaging 5 months ago about a pregnancy but I'm thrilled to see others on the same journey. I would love to hear how yours continues and maybe it will help me to stick to mine. Good luck.

But those journals are a lie - she stopped being raw when she was pregnant and hasn't yet gone back to it :eek:

Kass.

[Que]

But those journals are a lie - she stopped being raw when she was pregnant and hasn't yet gone back to it :eek:

Kass.


I'm sorry, are you referring to me or to Sherah?

[eatyourbroccoli]

que:

i think she meant shazzie

...and if so, is this really true? shazzie isnt raw anymore? :eek:

:)

[Que]

que:

i think she meant shazzie

...and if so, is this really true? shazzie isnt raw anymore? :eek:

:)


I think you are right that she meant Shazzie. My impression of Shazzie's journals is that she did eat cooked vegan during her pregnancy but she returned to raw vegan again after (not sure how long after but she did return) and is also raising her daughter raw vegan. Regardless, she's human and I think that her journals are delightful as well as her books. I'm on my 3 day raw and am proud of any little accomplishment that I can make. I've done the best that I could do during my pregnancy, I was still about 50 to 60 percent raw most of it and am back to where I belong on my own time. Anyway, I'm not here to defend me or anyone else's journey. Mostly I wanted to rejoin this website and find support while I finish my last 10 weeks of pregnancy, start a new life with my baby whom I'd like to raise raw and do what I can to support others.

Wishing everyone a happy, fearless day.
Que

[Kassandra]

I think you are right that she meant Shazzie. My impression of Shazzie's journals is that she did eat cooked vegan during her pregnancy but she returned to raw vegan again after (not sure how long after but she did return) and is also raising her daughter raw vegan.

Yes, that's who I meant, and no she most definately hasn't returned to being raw, and her non-raw friends don't actually believe her daughter is really raw either, that she's being displayed as such simply as a marketing tool :mad:

Obviously this is her choice, but not being honest about it in her journals can only taint her light. I have a feeling that if you were to ask her, she'll only lie :(

Kass.

[Que]

Yes, that's who I meant, and no she most definately hasn't returned to being raw, and her non-raw friends don't actually believe her daughter is really raw either, that she's being displayed as such simply as a marketing tool :mad:

Obviously this is her choice, but not being honest about it in her journals can only taint her light. I have a feeling that if you were to ask her, she'll only lie :(

Kass.


Well, if that is the case, it's unfortunate for her sake. She'll just end up being the one who is hurt. I really have no way to distinguish the difference between the fiction and non-fiction as far as her journals go. It's not going to stop me from finishing my pregnancy and continuing after with raw foods. I also will still use her books for recipes and other references because I have found them useful. Thanks for your input Kass.

Have a happy, fearless day.
Que

[greeninloanageles1]

How do you know that Shazzie did not return back to raw? She did loose the weight again!

[lily]

The thing about diets is our bodies change and our needs change over the months and years. I have learnt over the years never to say 'never' (except I really would never eat meat or fish).

As has been stated many times on these boards, it's important to stay tuned in to your body and what it needs.

It must be very difficult if you've built a business and a reputation advocating a certain way of life and then your inner life doesn't match up...

But that in no way invalidates that former way of life; though I can understand how someone might be dismissive of it and the people who follow it in order to help justify to themselves their current life style.

Just a few thoughts --

lily

[girlnamedjane]

Sherah,

Unfortunately I don't have any advice for you, I'm still new to the raw diet :/ But my purpose for starting the new lifestyle is because my husband and I want to try for our second baby soon. I decided that I want to go raw before getting pregnant, and not try to do it while being emotionally/physically weaker during a pregnancy. But it's good to know that other soon-to-be moms struggle with the weaknesses, too.. at least I know to be realistic about it and not imagine myself being perfect through it. Thanks for your post, it has helped me put things into perspective :)

[dogmd]

hey Im not a healthcare professional by any means. I would consult a LICENSED healthcare physican about raw food during your pregnancy. While raw may be great for us the baby may not be getting all it needs.

No one on this forum would be able to answer the question completely. Go see a physician. Its not only your health that could be impacted.



Most Physicians ARE NOT trained in Nutriton (raw or otherwise). During my pregnancy, I asked about a proper eating guidelines. I wanted a recommended diet for pregnant women and was told there was none, but to eat for two in moderation. My doctors told me not to "diet" because it could endanger my baby. Well... 8 months of listening to them, I gained 60 pounds, developed gestational diabetes and high blood pressure and then they decided to put me on a DIET. I was then told to eat only complex carbs and other junk. By that time, It was too late and I just tried to follow the recommendations by the American Diabetic Association. I am back to normal now ( just gotta get rid of 40 pounds).

Needless to say.. I am trying to get pregnant again and will try to stay a raw as I can. Thanks to you all for this information. I am looking forward to a healthy pregnancy (healthy for me and the baby) this time.

[Pailani]

I can't imagine trying to stick to any diet during pregnancy, at least the first three months. Just the thought of some foods would make me queasy - foods that I had always loved and I knew were healthy - and the cravings were like nothing I'd ever experienced before. With my last pregnancy, the only things I ever wanted to eat were Ruffles, graham crackers and chocolate soy milk - things I never ate when I wasnt pregnant! That was before I was raw. I'm in awe of anyone who can stick to eating raw while they're pregnant.

[greeninloanageles1]

When I was pregnant with my son, I could eat just sweet things like fruit and sweets. Everything else was stinking so bad to me(even my favorite cucumbers). Meat and garlic smell was the worst of all. Even driving by the restaurant was a torture. My poor husband cooked himself TV dinners and then he was asked to tell me in advance so I could go for a walk or at least close up myself in a far away room with my nose closed.
Now we started trying for the second and I am so afraid to go through that again, but I hope that me being almost a year raw will make it better or at least shorter(it was all the time for 7 months straight first time.) I definetely will try to be raw for the baby, but my main goal will be just to survive. Sorry, vent...
Did anyone had less morning sickness on raw versus cooked?

[Raw Magwene]

I've never been pregnant, raw or otherwise, but I have some questions, 'cause someday I might be, seeing as how I've got all the proper parts and all. When and if I do decide to have a child, I'd really like to do it raw.

When I was 100% raw earlier this year (before my 3 month lapse and subsequent recovery--yay!), I noticed that I was getting less cramps with my period, and much less intense. My last month of all raw, I had no cramps at all, which has never happened to me before.

So I talked to my nutritionist/kinesiologist about it, what causes cramps? He told me it was hormones out of balance. I also recently found a tea made by traditional medicinals that purports to balance your hormones, and my co-worker says she no longer has cramps if she drinks a cup of it each day.

Is hormone imbalance also what causes the morning sickness, nausea, food aversions and cravings,etc. that you ladies are experiencing? If so, maybe there are supplements, vitamins, herbs, or something else natural that it would be safe to take while pregnant that would restore some balance and lessen the symptoms?

MAybe the longer you are raw and the more you are able to eat in harmony with your body's subtle cues, the more your body is able to restore a good balance, pregnant or not?

Just some ideas and questions. It's really inspiring to find women who are courageous and strong enough to be raw and pregnant.

Congratulations to all the expectant mothers!