who has gone raw gradually???

[kellibelli]

I have hit detox symptoms in the past going raw all at once and then had a "melt down" and gave up for a period of time. The more I read and research the more sense going raw makes to me. My only concern is knowing what lies in store for me with regards to the detox symptoms and trying to plan my life around them. I am wondering what it is like to gradually go raw and if anyone has done this and ever actually made it to 100% raw. I dont necessarily want to keep any SAD foods in my diet because I know that they can be very counterproductive and I really just want to go full force again with 100% raw, but the headaches and achiness and all of the yuck that comes along with that initial period of transition is what I dread. Help.

[DavidZaneMason]

Sure. My habits were quite bad - so I found a quick transition uncomfortable. So I allotted a nice 1 year time frame to transition to 100%. It worked out well for me. Been raw for perhaps more than 5 years since. I'm the healthiest and happiest guy I know! :)

-David Mason

[kellibelli]

It is good to hear that you did it so slowly and that you have stayed raw permanently. What were your detox symptoms like in the begining and, if I may ask, how to you go about your transition???

[DavidZaneMason]

My experience:

-Initially: You name it. Aches, pains, dry mouth, odor, etc. All symptoms were mild...since I went slow...ate better...and did not supress them.

-While transitioning and mixing in cooked foods.....I went through energy up's and downs....and stomach / digestive upset. Diarhea....you get the picture.

-I went through stages: Meat-eater....to vegetarian...to vegan...to mostly raw...to all-raw. I experienced great benefits at each level...but nothing compared to going all-raw. My weight and energy stabilized at a high level quickly after that.

-Even at all raw...if one has been eating healthy for a while....there are still refinements to be made (if one wishes). Fasting, mono-eating, sungazing / sunbaths, yoga......and other practices can also improve health and well-being.

-Just my experiences / opinions - which I hope are helpful.

-David Mason

[rawfigure]

I started my raw journey with a transitional raw diet. At that time I was eating raw goat cheese and eggs (cooked) a few times a week. I then went to about 90% raw over the next few months. At 1 year I am 100% raw.

I did some detox but not too bad. I think that was because I never did eat the SAD diet, no burgers, fries, fried foods, wheat, pizza and all that stuff. My worst detox was 8 weeks ago when I gave up coffee 100% cold turkey.

[kellibelli]

Thank you all so much for the information. :)

[musicalfruit]

I am currently undergoing a transition into raw. A year ago I went vegetarian, did a three month long fiber cleanse and started taking a probiotic and digestive enzyme. I was having the worst stomach problems, and that seemed to help.
I gave up wheat, soy and corn, I gave up dairy 8 years ago. I went vegan 6 months ago and high raw in August.
I am still having detox symptoms, my eczema flairs up and my bowels are still adjusting to all the fiber. I still havn't given up coffee, I tried that and had the worst headaches ever! so.. that is going to have to be a slow transition. I have lost 10lbs since going high raw and giving up sugar. Bonus!!
I personally think that you have to go at your own pace,... and don't stress about it,that just makes it all the harder. :o)

[Sharon in Colorado]

From what I've seen, it is easier to go from vegetarian to raw than from omni to raw because the change isn't as drastic. Then again everyone's different but what I've noticed with the long term raw fooders is that most all of them were already vegetarian or vegan before going raw.

This is my personal experience: it is much easier to just go all raw cold turnip, because staying "high raw" for a period of time tends to get me craving cooked foods.

So the transition is more like going from omni to vegetarian...then from vegetarian to vegan and getting used to eating that way for a little while...than going all raw cold-turnip or all at once.

[Revvell]

A lot would depend on what you mean by going raw ~ you mean 100%? That can take years. We're all in such a rush. Take your time. I personally "met" two authors of raw books ~ one was 100% for 5-6 years (or so) and is now approx. 80 - 100 depending on any given day, time, etc. I know another who took about 8-10 years to go 100% and stay there.

How is it you're assuming you'll be having more detox symptoms? You may never have another one; you may not have another for two or more years ~ and you certainly can't plan your life around them.

Thing is, don't worry about it. You body will tell you what to do. If you feel raw is right for you, sing a happy song, eat raw and remember, always, play with your food.

Revvell

[pinkglttr]

I am undergoing a slow transition. I have been feeling weak and I'm in graduate school, so I think it's best to take it slow as I don't have down time to rest through a detox. I don't know if I will ever be 100% raw, but probably close to it. Tonight I ate some rice noodles, and man am I bloated and regretting it. I tried those Larabars today... omg! I wanna make em now! Haha