~The Rawking October Challenge~

[lavendarJ]

Hello Everyone!

While I haven't been able to post, I have been going strong. I ate some pears yesterday. It was like, I couldn't get enough of pears. That was it. I didn't eat much on Saturday either. Today, I just didn't feel like bringing anything. If you remember, I was supposed to be doing my juicing. But now I am thinking maybe on Wednesday. I still have a lot of food that I've got to eat. So, I will most likely be whipping up some lasagna or maybe some noodles or something. I am going to have to eat a LARGE salad tonight and tomorrow cause I don't want to juice it.

This life is really great. We are having the experience of a lifetime!

[Morn]

Good Job Bingka- YOU DID IT!!!!!!!

Misslinda - THANK YOUR FOR THE ENCOURAGING WORDS! I DID LOSE 2 POUNDS LAST WEEK BUT I HAD WISHED FOR ANOTHER. OH WELL I AM A SLOW LOSER.

Corriander 74 - WE WILL MISS YOU, BUT HAVE A GREAT TIME WITH YOUR DAD, THAT IS SO COOL YOU STILL HAVE BOTH YOUR PARENTS. WHAT WILL WE DO WITHOUT YOU! IF YOU GET NEAR A COMPUTER YOU'LL HAVE TO SNEAK ONLINE FOR A FEW MINUTES TO SAY HI.

jiujitsugirl - Welcome back!!!! I too have eating issues. Lets get there together. Congrats on your new job at trader joes. How nice you can bring home fresh produce everyday.


Being - I forgot to mention that we share the same birthday!!!! How cool!

[Morn]

LAVENDER YOU ARE DOING GREAT!!! I wish I could only eat pears and be satisfied for the whole day!!! I was just thinking about you and glad to see that you just posted!

[Morn]

Today I did my weekly weigh in and I was down another 2 pounds. I wish it were more but I am ok with that. Everyone says its better to lose slowly. I have to work tonight and was up early so I have to go take a nap but so far today I ate a very tiny piece of sprouted rye bread with honey and almond butter and then some of the carrot/fruit juice we made yesterday and some taboleh with fresh parsley and tomatoes. For dinner I am taking my marinara I made yesterday with the zuccini spagetti noodles. Your right Lavendar this is definately an experience of a lifetime!

[Coriander74]

Hello Rawkies :D

I'm running around doing stuff today getting ready to leave tomorrow... I felt heavy this morning so I got on the scale, and sure enough, I've gained a pound from the fat-fest I've been on recently. No worries, I'm doing a Juice Day, and this next week I'm going to really concentrate on my food choices.
It's going to be quite a bit warmer in Arizona, so hopefully my fat cravings will lessen.

You're all doing so great :D It's heartwarming and inspiring to see.

ETA:
*very last small avocado
*juice of apples/celery/cucumber/LOTS of parsley

[being]

#1 - Magnificent Monday to you All :D

#2 - So far today - an apple and cacao bean
- motor walked for an hour
- blended 2 oranges, handful chopped froz. pineapple
& most of a tub of clover sprouts
- small handful of goji berries (or something very similar)

#3 - THANK YOU ALL FOR THE SUPPORT AND KIND WORDS

Coriander74 : I do wear makeup, with coconut oil as a base, and I try to only put makeup on if I'm going out (which isn't often lately)... I have lavendar oil which I read somewhere can be used on blemishes, but it ain't no magic potion :rolleyes:

Green juices... I love 'em, and have to get back making them. Such a chore to clean the juicer out but certainly well worth it.. for my mood too actually.
I really appreciate your empathy, geez, it is truly wonderawful...

And as for the whole non-local vs. local produce thing, well, I've been stewing over it, and one thing is for sure, I am truly blessed to have been born in North America and have all the opportunities I do, which includes the availability of the healthiest foods. It is certainly not ideal to keep eating food shipped from the far reaches of the globe, but I might as well use every advantage available to me to transform myself into a more radiant being.

MissLinda : Much appreciation for the encouragment. I CAN do it! 3 cheers for me! :p I am still amazed at how one day can be so dreadful and the next day, I do seem to bounce back and be full of optimism once again.

Transitions. That is the exact word. It sums it ALL up. With being between jobs, and all sorts of emotional/mental stuff gurgling up to the surface, I feel slightly volcano-ish right now. :eek:

When you are having emotional type detoxes, how do you deal? Do you slog through it alone, or have a confidant to talk it out with?

I feel like I am back on track today - and this I attribute to reading a sizable chunk of David Wolfe's Sunfood D.S.S last night. VERY inspiring and motivating. (I got it from the library, and began copying out passages that got me excited to take action, and soon realized I would be copying out nearly the entire book, cover - to - cover)

Morn : When will I ever feel like eating this way isn't a sacrifice but a priveledge I hear ya here... I don't know when it happened for me, but I'm there, and you will get there too.

It's so gratifying to realize how thrilled I am when I get to drink a delicious fresh juice, or devour a basket of fresh blueberries. I no longer harbour envious (or homicidal ;) ) feelings when I eat with someone and they have pizza or something I used to love. Raw is the greatest gift to give my body.

You are 100% right about the exercise too! I went for a motor walk this morning, with a favourite mix CD and worked up a bit of a sweat. It does feel SO GOOD. I know I am far from ready for fasting. I freak out just thinking about not being able to eat for even one day. I've always been an eater, a foodie.. not one to willingly give up my meals! (Which probably means I'm a prime candidate for a fast ;) )


Path : Thanks for the 2 cents :D

Lavendar : I am so thrilled to read your posts and follow your progress. You are doing so Amazingly!!! (Is that a word?) It is very inspirational, highly motivational... :p

[being]

:(

You guys, I don't feel like I really belong in this 30 Day Challenge anymore.
It's become more like a 30 Minute Challenge.

One thing I have accomplished though?

I no longer berate myself and feel guilt and disgust and anger at myself for eating cooked. (I just ate cooked food for lunch, and other than the heavy feeling in my stomach, I am not beating myself up over it like I used to)

That's something, right?

One step at a time, although my steps are more baby steps than anything...

Maybe I'm just not 'ready' for raw. I hate to think that is the case, because I want to be ready... and if I'm not, what does that say about me?

Does it mean I don't value myself or my health? That I don't have the desire? If I don't have a strong enough desire, how can I make it stronger???

I try to not compare my progress to that of anyone else, yet I can't even get a day 100% raw - NO, that's not true... I did 8 days in a row last month, and 4 months straight in 2003.

What's different? What's holding me back? :confused:

I am starting to think I ought to slink away from the board unnoticed and not come back until I'm raw. :(

I have the utmost admiration for all of you, with big struggles of you own, huge struggles, and here I am, whining that I can't just 'eat raw'. How people are raw when still cooking for their families is beyond me!!! I haven't got there yet.

Man, I'm just having a rough and tumble October. Where's my hole?

[Coriander74]

My dear friend Being...

This journey is meant to be a path of learning, of self-study, of finding what can work and what are our weaknesses.

Please don't be hard on yourself for having cooked food today! This is called a Challenge for that exact reason, this is rough!!! We've eaten cooked all of our lives, why should it be simple just to transition immediately? It's not!!

Perhaps you would like to try to transition to 100% Raw instead of going in head first. Try having Raw throughout the day, and a small bit of cooked. This way you don't feel deprived, and you satisfy your hunger and cravings for cooked foods.

Please stay with us here, we'll support you no matter what you decide!!

Remember, ANY raw is better than none at all, and you're doing so great on your journey of self-discovery!!!

Lots of raw love and hugs to you.

[lavendarJ]

Thank you for the wonderful words Being and Morn. I've been so busy lately and my best friend is going through a very serious personal struggle right now and I just look at myself now and smile because it's like I was sitting there thinking ' I should have been through a bag of Lays and a large box of mike-n-ikes by now'..... that was my past, when stress became intense emotional eating was my best defense. Now with this bomb that my best friend has dropped on me, I don't know what to do. I do know I didn't want to eat;

But enough of that, again I really want to say thank you for the kind words I just read. You just never really know when a person is in dire need of a word, just a simple word... something to help them connect, feel at peace, have a reason to smile or to bring some joy. Your words - simple as they may seem - have lightened my day. Thanks!

In the meantime, we move onward and upward in our lifetime journey toward peace, health, and a blessed life.

[Pixie]

Pixie!!! Isn't it amazing how much food plays a role in identifying our relationships??? When I first went raw, it was very very emotional for my sister. We would get in disagreements etc, at that time, I didn't understand why she felt less "festive" if I didn't eat cooked foods.

Is your sister pretty much SAD? How has she been responding to your new eating endeavors?

:)
Hi Miss LInda! Let me start first here by saying that I think you're so awesome! I enjoy reading your posts and I printed out that info on fasting that you put on this site. I strive to get to the point someday when I can go on a long fast like you're doing, and heal myself completely. Is your fast turning out to be more or less difficult than you expected?

Now about my sister, I haven't even told her that I'm eating raw now. She tries to eat what she thinks is fairly healthy, tries to be vegan, and I've mentioned eating raw to her before, but she seemed to think it was kind of wierd. I've been putting off telling my family (except husband and kids) about my eating raw, because I just don't have the energy to deal with any negativity from them right now. I'm learning now to enjoy experiences without food or alcohol being involved, but still haven't tested the waters too much outside my home. I'm going to her birthday party this Saturday, though, so we'll see how that goes. She wants me to help her plan the menu and make some of the food, so I'm just going to do some raw dishes and see what she says about it.

How long have you been raw? How did your family react to it? Did your sister have a hard time with it because you would no longer do some of the things together that involved food? It's too bad social events center so much around food.

I've been vegan for about 15 years, and have been dealing with all the usual comments/questions from people regarding my eating habits. I wonder how much different or worse it will be with eating raw.

[Pixie]

:(

You guys, I don't feel like I really belong in this 30 Day Challenge anymore.
It's become more like a 30 Minute Challenge.

Being - I've been having the same feelings as you. I started this 30 day challenge feeling so ready, like I was finally going to go 30 days. I made it 11, then ate cooked food three days in a row, and it's been so hard getting started back to raw again. I'm finally back to it, though, and plan to finish the 30 days, and hopefully keep going from there.

I've also had thoughts of just removing myself entirely from this website until I'm finally ready for 100%. But getting the support and kind words from people here is what keeps me going right now. I've realized we don't all have to be 100% right now. We're all on a journey here, and we're all at different parts of the journey. What's important, I think, is that we just continue moving forward, even when there are setbacks and we mess up now and then.

I was hard on myself, too, but then realized also, like you did, that it's OK to make mistakes. We just have to keep going and try to stay positive. Best of luck to you on your journey!

[Coriander74]

See you all in a week!!!

Bright blessings to each and every one of you, my Raw friends... my fellow Challengers. Be the best that you can be, stay strong, and stay positive :) Raw love to all of you!

ETA:
*one small avocado
*juice of apple/celery/parsley/cucumber all day.

[lavendarJ]

Yesterday

I ended up with some grapefruit (in the late evening) About 4 hours later I was still hungry and had a honey crisp apple. They have such a uniqe flavor, almost like some sort of apple liquor or cider or something. I need to get back on track with eating something every 3 hours to help my metabolism as it is changing.


I'm glad I purchased that Spirooli. I was running late for work and I didn't think I would have time to do any food preparation and I remembered the Spirooli. I grabbed a squash and made noodles. I added green onions, thinly sliced green peppers, some cucumber slices and cayenne pepper, olive oil, some other spices and a shake of that celtic himalayan salt, I put it in a container, shake it up and took it along. By lunch time they will look and taste very similar to a chinese stir fry I used to do. Since I'm eating them today, I'm not refrigerating them and they will be room temperature. Other than that I have some grapes that I am going to eat at about 8:30. This is my deal for today

5:30 honey crisp apple
8:30 grapes
12:00 asian noodles

I'm really tired and I can't wait into my energy kicks into overdrive. I am going to have to juice a super duper energy drink tonight if I get a chance, I will juice a veggie drink for dinner.

checking in later.........

[being]

Pixie, Thank you for the kind words :o

Once again, I am completely taken aback by how rapidly my moods have been shape shifting. Seriously, I am ALL OVER THE PLACE.

Looking back over the past 2 months, I have been pretty consistent at an overall averaging out of at least 75% raw. Often more. Stretches of a few days here and there at 100%. Which means I'm transitioning, and I do not intend to give up. I will not quit.

(There! A public declaration! ;) )

I woke up late this morning, 745, so I drank water, and then for about 40 minutes I got in workout gear on the living room floor and did some pilates/ballet inspired exercise and stretching. My heart rate went up and my muscles feel a little shaky. In a good way.

I am drinking a juice I just made - 3 ribs of celery, a chunk of ginger, a gala apple and a big handful of fresh cranberries (all organic too!) Very tasty. :D

I plan to clean up the juicer mess and walk to a nearby mall in search of new shoes -- it's easy to ix nay the walking with old, un-cushy smelly shoes. Ewwwww.

I made myself a list of things to cross off today -- I've already got 3 done!

I am going to have to be extremely disciplined with myself for awhile here, to get past whatever is going on. If that means scheduling down to the half hour increment, so be it.


I can't express my gratitude to you all enough, for continuing to be so supportive and encouraging. My courage ebbs and flows with the tide I guess, since even within one 24 hour period I seem to be up and down. Crazy times these are. (Mmmm that juice was good!)

Today, I will eat raw. My cells are already rejoicing :p


Have a fabulous, terrawific Tuesday everyone.

The non-doing of any evil,
the performance of what's skillful,
the cleansing of one's own mind:
this is the teaching
of the Awakened.

-Dhammapada, 13

[Bingka]

Good Morning All

It is hard to read some of these posts and not feel for those that are struggling. We are all here together, mistakes and all. We share all of our accomplishments and we must share our defeats. It helps to hear it's okay to slip.

Yesterday:

Orange Juice ( hand squeezed by me)
Salad
SAlsa
Guacomole
Watermelon

Today so far:

Big glass of lemon water

Thanks for reading

Ken

[Morn]

Day 30- Well I never thought that this day would come. This has been the longest 30 days in my life! I woke up and weighed myself and lost another pound. My workout last night must of helped. I still need to measure myself but I will wait till tomorrow when I officially complete my 30 days. I have to work later and want to get some laundry done before I leave. I also want to stop at the pool store and get what we need to winterize the pool. Tomorrow is my day off so I will measure myself then. The extra pound today was a bonus though Yeah 16 pounds total! Also within the next few days I want to post a new picture of myself so I can compare the 2 photos of me. I also received the coolest card from my husband last night that he made. I couldn't believe it. It had a sliced orange on the front and said your the best. On the inside it said:


I am really proud of your commitment, dedication, and the clear sense of discipline you have put forth on this quest.


I am also blown away with your determinations to succeed at what must be extremely difficult.

Thanks for listening to God and being obedient to his direction.

With His help you can do anything.

Then on the back it said:

I created this card for you in Draw to celebrate your 30 days on Raw.


No animals were killed, maimed, or fried to bring this card to you my bride.


You've done great so continue the fight - Desserts on me, grab an orange, take a bite.


A Peel cards, inc.
I was so blown away with this and happy. Suddenly all that I have went through for the last 30 days seemed worth it.

I haven't eaten yet but I will bring some honeydew melon to work and some trail mix.

[Morn]

Being Don't You Dare Disappear! Keep Fighting The Fight! We Are Here For You And We All Need Each Other For Support And Accountability! I understand the emotional roller coaster. One day I feel strong and happy and the next day I feel angry and resentful.

Lavander: Congrats on not binging out on the wrong stuff to get you through. In the past I was a huge emotional eater especially in stressful situations. I am proud of you!

Thank You All For Your Help. I Couldn't Do This With Out All Of You Supporting Me. I Know This Site And You All Have Been A Gift From God to me.

[being]

Morn - first of all, how sweet the card your husbad made you! how wonderful that he is so supportive. you are blessed!

second of all, thank you.

I'm sticking around, and I'll be transitioning, and if one day I am 100% raw,
and the next not 100% I will TRY TRY TRY to be cool with that :p

----------------

Major news: I decided to post a photo of myself, feeling cooked and funky, and wearing the typical baggy clothes because none of my other clothes fit anymore and I hate clothes shopping. And I am to re-try the journalling thing. This way, I can track my progress, read back and remind myself what was working or not etcetera...

This foto post is huge.. I didn't think I'd EVER do it. I like the anonymity of the internet minus photos, but I like seeing what other people on here look like too.. so I'm letting the secret out :rolleyes:

[lavendarJ]

Being

I think your picture is great. I can't wait until my twin brother emails me the pictures he took of me so that I can look at them. I am just like you; I hate taking pictures. I really disklike it with a passion and every chance I get I opt to be the person being the camera yelling "say cheese".

This process is really been something and I am having my brother take a few pictures just so I can remember the process because I don't have any other recent pictures and if it wasn't for my brother I wouldn't have any before pictures to post whenever he emails them. I just don't do the camera thing. Yet, more and more, I embrace and appreciate me - flaws and all. That's what we've got to do.

Talk to everyone soon.

[Morn]

Being you look great! I know we are always tougher on ourselves than anyone else. I have hated my picture being taken for a very long time. My oldest daughter is 11 and I haven't taken any family pictures since she was 3. I know that it is sad but I can't stand the way I look and when I see my picture it just depresses me. So I understand. But I will be taking my pictures occassionally to compare the results of this way of eating. I am doing this because after seeing everyone else's pictures along their journey I would be bummed if after I get where I want to be I didn't have them.

I wish I was as thin as you!!!

[Morn]

Well I am at work right now and the first scene I walked into was 2 people eating pizza, My favorite, right next to me. They both know I am on a raw foods diet and kept taunting me with just eat one piece it won't hurt you. I remained strong but man did I want that pizza. I grabbed my grapes and munched on them even though I wan't hungry just to get over the temptation. I ate honey dew before I left and wow was it the sweetest most wonderful fruit I have had in a long time. For some reason I seem to be getting batches of fruit that just aren't that great. Anyway had to share my struggle. I am so glad this site is here 24 hours a day. That way anyone can come and get encouragement when ever it is needed at anytime of day.

Thanks Being I am blessed to have a wonderful husband. We have been married 14 years. He would like to do this but knows he could never do it since he likes meat too much.

[PATH301]

hey everybody :D ,
I've been busy last 2 days and by the time I returned home I just fell alseep and didn't post ....so my intake for today was:
B- 1 mango - 1 cup of black grapes - 3 bananas - raw honey - grape seed oil - maca powder - all mixed togather.
12 oz of s.w.
L - sicy liqiud salad.
8 oz of s.w.
D - liquid salad
2 bananas 10 oz of s.w.
and hour later did a trunk and lower back and shoulders workout
Had 2 bananas for after workout meal
20 oz of s.w.
1 cup of red grapes

[lavendarJ]

Good Morning!


I am thinking that I may eat something this evening since I am going to be at the gym late this evening. I have decided to fast today, seeking some clarity on some issues with my best friend and all that he is going through at this time.

I didn't get a chance to make that veggie energy drink because by the time I got home from ripping and running after work it was about 10 p.m. Oh well; I am going to consult my juicing books that I've had for years now and whip up something energizing. I am really really tired for some reason.

Happy and Healthy Eating and Living!

[being]

Hi All You Raw Fabulous Folk

Yesterday I was so close to 100% raw. I ate great raw food all day long, and then had some cooked soup after my raw dinner ... I felt good all day yesterday too. Had some exercise in there, and yeah, was great.

Today... well it started out good. Green juice, fruit, walking, raw hemp bar... I made a raw lunch but then felt hungry and caved to the cooked cravings. It was all relatively healthy and vegan, but cooked... It is SO cold today, and damp and I am procrastinating going to the gym, which means I won't end up going.. since it's nearly 3 pm now. :(

I wish I lived near the equator. At least I'd never have to deal with winter weather. :rolleyes:

Thanks again to everyone who has been so supportive! I mean it. It has really helped me realize that the only way I'll succeed is to just keep on trying. So I stumble, fall, get back up. Like learning to walk (not that I actually remember that time of my life ;) ...)

** yeah so this evening turned into a cooked binge fest in the world of being not being able to deal with her emotional eruptions. I'll try again tomorrow **

[Morn]

Well I finally took my measurements today and after the 30 day challenge I not only finished with the 16 pounds I mentioned earlier but I am also 9 1/2" smaller. Not huge but hopefully with me trying to get to the gym that will help. So far this week I worked out twice and I plan on working out tomorrow.

So far today I ate:

very small piece of living rye bread with honey and almond butter
couple spoonfuls of hummus
banana
small amount of trail mix of nuts, seeds, and raisens
dinner salad with homemade honey mustard salad dressing.

[PositiveEnergy4U]

Well I gained weight last week instead of losing but I am not too upset about it. I am tired and run down beyond belief. I have lost a ridiculous amount of sleep lately. Despite that, I am going to get out of my hotel tonight to ensure I get in a raw dinner. I ate a nice raw lunch today including coconut water and raw chocolate. The tiredness is pretty unmanagable right now. Sleep has become my top priority now!

[misslinda]

I need to do some catching up on reading!

So EXCITIED to read and see everyone ((((( hanging on ))))) to the road of eternal health--- a "multi sensory" enterprise that we will face each day to bring ourselves to greatness ;)

Been thinking about you Being..........!!!!!

[Morn]

Well this isn't the best picture but I figured what the heck I like to see what everyone else looks like so I figured I would post a picture of myself with hopes that this will motivate me to change. I can't stand the way I look in pictures but I was inspired by Being. I am tired of hiding and want to change so here I am.

[Bingka]

Good Morning All....

Yesterday was a very odd day for me since going raw. I was extremely hungry all day. No matter what I ate I was immediately hungry again. I drank over a gallon of water and felt hungry all day. I hope today is different

Yesterday:

Big glass OJ (24 oz)
Large salad
Banana/strawberry ice cream
1/2 watermelon (about 2 lbs worth)
tomatoe/avocado/arugula stacks
1/2 watermelon
about 3 cups nuts (cashew/almond/sunflower)
2 peaches
fruit smoothie

And I was still Hungry....... I never ate that much raw food in 1 day.

Today:

Water so far.

I have been reading everyones posts and feel for all of you. I am currently not struggling w/ cravings, etc. But I know they can creep up at anytime. Stay strong and get healthy.

Ken

[being]

Bingka : You are such an inspiration! Seriously. It's great following your progress and very helpful to see what you eat each day (this goes for everyone actually!)

Morn and MissLinda : Thanks to both of you for the continuing support and compassion. I don't know that I would still be around raw-ing if it weren't for ALL of the wonderful people on RFT.

Today. I. Weighed. Myself.
*gulp*

Last time I stepped on a scale was in August of 2005 and I was at my
highest weight ever of 185lbs and at the bottom of my barrel. Today I weigh 169 lbs. That amount has been lost through increasing my raw food % to at least 70% most of the time, sometimes higher, never much lower. And through walking, usually I average 1 hour per day at good pace.

My goal is back to 135lbs, what I remember weighing 3 years ago when I felt awesome, had started eating 100% raw and was just all around happier.

By Christmas would be fantastic, which means I need to get serious!
I went to the gym today, managed 30 minutes before the smell got to me (and just general discomfort of exercising in front of people)

I had some vega before and an orange after... Just about to make a smoothie or green juice or something...

I felt really good this morning when I woke up, and took it as a sign I'm ready to step up my game here.. so get ready Raw World! Being has entered the building.. or the foyer or something :p

Has anyone any experience with E3Live? I'm considering buying a bottle to see how it goes, for mood/brain support mostly, since I often struggle with seasonal depression and the sun is definitely GONE.

.....

[Morn]

A very busy day. I worked today, then went to the gym to squeeze in my 3rd workout this week (yeah a 2nd week that I met my goal), and went home to winterize the pool. Luckily instead of spending $350.00 it usually costs to winterize my neighbor who does pools helped us for free - yeah! So we got 75% done. Tomorrow or Saturday I just need to fill up the water bags and miscellaneous stuff. Winterizing the beast is a big relief off my mind. After working for several hours, I was famished. My husband wanted to know what was for dinner and of course I didn't have a clue so he ordered a pizza for him and the girls and I made almond milk for the first time and some corn chowder out of Alyssa book. It was awesome and very filling (what I needed, cause today as busy and stressful as it was I could easily have caved in and eaten the wrong food). So I am glad I had corn on the cob on hand to give me a meal idea. I had a salad with grapes for lunch and some honeydew for breakfast.

I feel good and tired. Thank God I don't have to work tomorrow. I really need to get some things done around the house.

Bingka - did you workout yesterday? Maybe that made you more hungry?

Being - congrats for getting to the gym today.

Misslinda - Where are you? We are missing your smiley face?

[lavendarJ]

Happy Friday


Wanted to say a quick hello. I'm sort of in a deep fasting/meditating/spiritual cleansing phase at this time. I will try to post some things later on.

[misslinda]

So sorry peoples.......I've got a couple or work projects that are keeping me tied up, now that I have dedicated more time towards it.

WOWSERS, totally inspiring to see everyone moving forward and onward. There's ALWAYS some kind of change no matter what, with raw. :)

Being!!!! I was so finally HAPPY to see your beautiful face and know the real "Being" Hee hee, BEING HAS ENTERED THE FOYER? :D I LIKE YOUR STYLE !!!

MORN,sweet Morn, thanks for the 'head count" :p and I'm glad you decided to post an avatar so we can too see your beautiful face and smile. It really is enriching to see people face to face. :)

LavendarJ, wish you all the best on your fasting time. :)

Bingka, 1000 PTS FOR YOU FOR HANDLING THAT PATY ~:~:~::~~:~


LET'S THINK ABOUT THIS, ONLY TEN MORE DAYS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[misslinda]

How long have you been raw? How did your family react to it? Did your sister have a hard time with it because you would no longer do some of the things together that involved food?



My apologies Pixie for the delay.

Before I even knew what RAW was, I was already 80-90% high raw vegetarian with some tofu and soy products (which I contribute to health issues).

I began RAW in October 2004 following a neck and back injury. It was during this time that I started to have emotional angst about food b/c I lost the cabability of using most of my body. I couldn't run,walking was limited,the left side was stiff.......and over time developed chronic infections etc.

I stuggles with Raw from 2004 and on........all the while not being able to eat much at all b/c of my infection so I had lost lots of weight but still not healthy. Then I would go thru ups and downs with health and weight.....

I did one long fast some time around Feb or March 2006 that set me into a steady pattern with RAW following with 6 months of 100% RAW.

The one think lead me to a slip in August, was the lack of preparation of support if I was confronted with emotional/mental detox.

I'm hoping to really tackle this infection once and for all and rid the waste and toxins that feed it. So I've been back in fasting mode and pulling thru!

I hope you are finding RAW to be adventurous and never ending...... :)

[Morn]

I felt pretty tired today so after taking my oldest daughter to school I slept in late. Now I only have a little time before I need to go and pick her up again. I did the fatal error of stepping on the scale. I am up a pound. This is why I tell myself to only weigh weekly because I become so discouraged. It seems my body is a constant yo yo. I am up a pound and down a pound etc. When will I learn? I am so stubborn and stupid sometimes.

Anyway tonight is family dinner night out with my hubbys mom. With eating this way it is always a challenge to go out to eat. I still haven't shared with my mother-in-law about what I am doing because I am afraid of her negativity. I ordered salads a lot in the past at dinner so maybe so doesn't notice. I did tell her I was on a diet and watching what I was eating cause I need to lose weight. But now that it is past my 30 days and I have decided to stay on eating raw, it will only be a matter of time when people start noticing. I have shared with a few people who I have felt safe to do so but I think most will think I am crazy. (I say this because when I first heard of people eating raw I thought it was impossible and crazy). Now I am one of them. Anyway I am also anticipating Thanksgiving dinner because annually I always cook and it will be awfully noticeable to my mother in law when I don't eat any of it. Also this will be a challenge for me to cook all of it without slipping somehow. I am also anticipating going on vacation next month and staying raw. I am a little worried how this will work.

Enough of my rambeling. Haven't eaten yet today but plan on eating the corn chowder I made yesterday and a dinner salad later at the restaurant.

Misslinda - Hey thanks for sharing a little of your story. Are you still in fasting mode and how long are you planning on fasting? You are often in my thoughts these days. I just read in another post about your beta fish. Sorry about your loss. My daughters first pet was a beta and she called it fighter fish. It died when we were on vacation so she didn't see it actually die. But it was a cool fish. I pray that God will give you what you are seeking on this fast.

[being]

Yesterday I ate raw ALL DAY! :D Thrilled I am!

So today I was getting some produce and saw some raw bars I hadn't tried... I ended up buying about 7 different ones, some not entirely raw.

I ate one after a smoothie. Then I ate another. And another.

I ate them all :( :eek: Eek indeed.

Last time I had a couple Lara bars around the same thing happened. I ate them all. That's intense. That's like 3000 calories I bet. Och.

So I feel way too full, and heavy and tired now. UGH>

I will not be purchasing anymore raw bars or such for a loooong time. I just can't control my intake of them!

[Morn]

I just got back from Sams Club and got the nicest looking fruit. I got pears, pineapple, bananas, tangerines, and stawberries, YUMMY. Can't wait to make a big batch of fresh juice tomorrow with the hubby. I was getting so low on everything so now I am stocked up again.

Being: Now that you have that out of your system, tomorrow you can move forward because it will be a new day. I think if I had pizza or something I really like I would have done the same thing. The good news is our bodies like variety so now maybe you won't crave them again for a long time. Hey thanks for being so real. Everyday for me is a struggle. But we can't stop trying!

Path301 - Where are you!!!!!! I hope all is well with you!

[Bingka]

Good evening All...

MissLinda - It was very hard, but everyone here helped.

Being - thank you for the kind words.

Morn - No, I didn't work out. I was a lazy butt all day. Worked on my boat a little bit. Did a little diving, but nothing hard.

I went and did my underwater weighting today. I am not totally happy with the results. But after some thought they are exactly in proportion to the work I have put in. You can see them in my signature. My goal is 20 lbs by November 21st. I am very happy with my overall progress though. My health and life are getting better by the minute. The reason I want to lose the weight is to be a great example for my brother. I plan on spending December in Pennsylvania with him. Then January in the Phillipines. So I have to be heathly when I meet my Fiance's family in the Phillipines.

Today:

Good Mood Food's Nutburger on Cornbread (dehydrated & raw)
1 Banana
1/2 watermelon
2 Peaches
Handful Almonds

Thinking of having gaucamole and tomatoes for dinner.

I am currently reading "Superior Nutrition" by Herbert Shelton. Very good read. amazing a book written so long ago can have such important information.

Thanks

Ken

[PATH301]

Good morning all :D
yesterday saturady was a awesome day,
No rain for a change.
B- 3 bananas - 1 apple - fuji - organic cinnamon - o. maca - raw honey - grape seed oli - red grapes.
8 oz of s.w.
lunch - pine apple - peacons and unsweeten vegan carob chips.
S 4 oz of s.w.
dinner more nuts and chips
s- organic food bar
12 oz of s.w.
:D

[Morn]

Today was another work day. We winterized the boat which was a big job out of the way. Yeah that it is done! Then we watched the tigers lose their first game in the world series. :mad: O well hopefully we can win the one tomorrow! Go Detroit Tigers!!!!!


Foods eaten:


a pear
1/2 a banana
corn chowder
salad
blueberry pie (out of Alyssas book) Yummy!

[being]

First of all, I feel so WONDERawFUL today! Yesterday I ate all raw, today I've eaten all raw.... amazing what just one day can do to change your outlook on life, boost your mood and make everything groovy once again :p

Bingka : Man, you are rawkin! That body fat % keeps dropping - wow. Congrats. You are already a shining example of health, to me at least! Wherever did you find a copy of a Shelton book? I've wanted to read his books, and have never seen any anywhere (except online I guess).

Morn : "The good news is our bodies like variety so now maybe you won't crave them again for a long time. Hey thanks for being so real."

I hope so!!! Darn Lara bars anyway. I could make them at home, and they would taste better, fresher etcetera... Heavy, concentrated dehydrated foods seem to stimulate my appetite (or more accurately, suppress my "stop eating, I'm full" function) just as much as cooked foods. I'm going to eat WAY more fresh stuff for the next while.

Actually, I am going to go nearly all liquid/blended for a week. I love smoothies and blended salads anyway, and I feel so GOOD when I eat that way, so I am going to give it a whirl. Heehee, a whirl... :rolleyes: I think the 'pre-digested' form of blended stuff makes my digestion much more effective and efficient, and helps with absorption of minerals and nutrients that I might otherwise miss out on because I am not one to chew every mouthful 50 times...

Yesterday and today have been:
green juices, fruit smoothies, green smoothies, blended salads with a few nuts crunched upon as munchies.

Hope everyone else is feeling as good as I am ;)
Path, MissLinda, Coriander, Lavendar.. I know I'm missing a ton of other peeps, sorry :o I'm sending you all some of the amazing blue skies and sunshine we have today :D

[Morn]

Finally finished winterizing the pool, filled all the water bags, etc. Tried to make corn chips yesterday out of Alyssas book and they were nothing like a corn chip (actually kinda gross so I threw them away. However, the blueberry pie I made yesterday was the bomb and loved it! I only had a cup of blueberries so I made it in a small loaf pan instead of a pie plate. Can't wait to buy more blueberries to make more. Foods eaten:


blueberry pie out of Alyssas book
salad
couple small chunks of honey dew melon and watermelon
vegetables (a couple of each baby carrots, peppers, cucumber, celery)
a couple bites of hummus

[PATH301]

Hey Morn,

Tried to make corn chips yesterday out of Alyssas book and they were nothing like a corn chip (actually kinda gross so I threw them away.
...........................LOL, The first time I made salty flax seed crackers they tasted awful. Then I tried again but I made them with organic cane sugar verses sea salt and they tasted pretty good :)

hey being,
sounds like you had an awesome day :D

Hope everbody had a great weekend :D

today's input:
B- same stuff
L- same stuff
snack almonds and carob chips
30 oz s.w.

[misslinda]

H-E - L - L O



......been a weird week for me. More tired than usual and going thru some up and down life changes.........nothing bad just different.


WATER all day

and one serving of alfalfa juice dilluted

[Morn]

Today I have to work later so I am a little bit in a hurry to get stuff done, but wanted to check in. I did my Monday morning weighin and I lost another 2 pounds yeah! I definately am losing it slow. Gosh it seems it goes on sOO fast but leaves so slow. I think this is God's way of making me realize how hard it is to lose weight so I won't take it for granted and go back to my old ways. Anyway - my total so far for 5 weeks raw is 18 pounds. I would sure like to see 20 pounds next week, so I will keep plugging along. I am proud of myself for meeting my 3 days of exercise goal last week and for getting back some self control. However, I can't take the credit cause I know its God's strength getting me through. So far today I ate a very small piece of living rye bread with raw honey and almond butter and fresh pineapple and strawberries. Later for dinner I will bring the marina sauce I made last week and zuccini spagetti noodles to work.

Together we can Do this! I am so glad I am not alone!

[being]

I am proud of myself for meeting my 3 days of exercise goal last week and for getting back some self control. However, I can't take the credit cause I know its God's strength getting me through. ...... Together we can Do this! I am so glad I am not alone!

Morn - You are such an inspiration!!! I'm so glad to see you are doing so awesome :D


I tried a persimmon today for the first time, as well as having my 2nd dragonfruit/pitaya experience. Mmmmmm :D Both delicious fruits. Gosh I LOVE fruit. I love RAW too! How else could I enjoy so many incredible sweet treats? :D

I had 2 pitaya after getting home from the gym (yes, that's right, the gym!) and now am enjoying a refreshing smoothie with kiwi, persimmon, orange, pineapple and goji berries. It's like a blast of sunshine, and a vibrant orange colour with black and red speckles. YUM :cool:

[PositiveEnergy4U]

While my energy is not at its highest, I want to get focused. I have a run ahead of me and then I have to make my salad for dinner.

My business trip last week really wore me down. I am having trouble recovering from lost sleep and time zone changes.

My goal for my next weigh-in (again) is to lose 1/2 pound. By the way, I made it for my weigh-in this morning. I am glad to see we have new people and are staying strong. I assure you I will be in next month as well.

While on my trip to San Francisco last week, I was able to eat 4 of my meals at a raw restaurant. Awesome! My favorite thing is coconut water and it was delicious.

For desert tonight I have a small piece of raw sweet potato pie from Glaser Organic Farms waiting for me. Delicious. But...before that, I have some running to do!

I may be tired but I can do it, I can do it!

[Coriander74]

Hello my dearest Rawbies :D

I just got home from my week-long excursion with Dad (he's still there, I came home after a week because I have things to do and 2 cats to take care of)

It WAS GREAT!!!

I will spill it right here, right now, I was not 100% raw during my trip. There were a couple of dinners with Dad's friends and I had a smidge of this and that as to not be rude (this was the first I'd met them)... and then last night we had a vegan pizza. (Dad wanted to try a (cooked) vegan dish so I suggested an Amy's pizza). But I'm home again and am starting a lemon-water/juice fast as of this second.

However, during the trip I was successful at keeping mostly raw with bananas and lots of salads and fruits.

I hope all of you are well, I'm going to have the world's longest shower and then unpack and clean up some around here. I'll be back on later to read posts!!

Lots of raw love and hugs!

[lavendarJ]

Happy Monday!


I ate 3 veggie fajitas (which just means 3 bell peppers, onion, 3 roma tomatoes all slices super thin and allowed to sit and marinate together in spices, olive oil and a pinch a celtic sea salt) those were good inside my wrap thing. I ate one at 8 this morning (smell was too over powering) and then had another one at 12 noon and then had another one at 4. So now it is about 7 and I just had a handful of pecans. I am really pretty darn full and I don't really think I'll be doing fruit. Wow, I haven't had any fruit today....Wow. Well, before the night ends, I might just have one or two oranges... have had citrus on my brain the past few days. I can't believe that the end of October is almost here and I am still raw and loving it. I couldn't have expected this...I was going to be amazed if I'd made it past through August at 100% and now it is approaching the end of a quarter/season. That's something!

I lost another two pounds (well, almost two, I think 1.7 or something) I fell so totally different in different kind of way and when I get a chance I am going share some words with you. Please enjoy this life journey and keep on posting when you can... I enjoy reading your posts and my thoughts are with you in the joys and struggles always.

[Morn]

Welcome back Corriander 74! You were so missed! Also glad to see you back Positive Energy4U! I felt bad like I was dominating too much space in this challenge thread!

I made some of the cashews with nutritional yeast, olive oil, and sea salt. They are a great snack. I brought them to work. Very different! They were posted on this website in another section so I can't take the credit.

[Bingka]

Hi all,

Being - I am glad my journey is helping you. Your is helping mine also. I found the Shelton book at a used book store here in Huntington Beach

I had a great week, but a bad Monday. Nothing food wise, but has to take my boat to the mechanic for service. Fuel issues??????

Yesterday :

lots of fruit
Guacomole
Watermelon

Today:

2 Apples
2 Bananas
Nori Wraps w/ Nama Shoyu and Wasabi
LArge Salad w/ fixins'
Watermelon later for desert

Talk to ya soon

Ken

[Morn]

Today was experimental day. I made Alyssa's Mock Salmon and some ginger vinegarette salad dressing. Both were pretty good. I am going to make a small dinner salad for dinner and put some of the mock salmon on it with the dressing I just made. I also decided to tell another person at work that I am on this raw foods diet, and I expected to get a negative reaction and now she wants to try it. She thought the website was cool and thinks it is a good support mechanism (which I wholeheartdly agree). Anyway I also made icecream today and it was the bomb! I didn't know how much the texture would be like real icecream. I froze a banana and put organic cocoa and a little agave nectar and had chocolate banana icecream. Next I want to try squeezing a lime and making lime sherbert (someone else's suggestion). Anyway have to work later and I will be bringing my book in to show my coworker. She is excited and quite frankly it would be good to have a friend that I know doing this as well; then we can experiment with recipes together. She said she would like to try it for a week, but she already eats a lot of raw so it wouldn't be hard for her to do this. Much easier than it was for me the real SAD eater that I was.


Foods eaten:

Taboleh
mock salmon with ginger vinegarette
banana/cocoa icecream yummy!
dinner salad

[Coriander74]

Hellooooooooo everyone :D

Morn, thank you so much for your welcome backs, and to the rest of you too :)
I LOVE the pic Morn, you are a beautiful lady!

All right. Last night I started a Lemon water fast with melon if my stomach starts acting up.

Lady at the checkstand commented on my 25 lemons/ 4 cantaloupe/ 4 honeydew pile... "boy you eat a lot of fruit" LOL

I didn't bother getting on the scale this morning. I already know I've gained a few pounds from eating some cooked stuff last week on vacation. I'll weigh myself at the end of the month as usual.

Love and hugs to all!!
I hope you all are having a great week.

[PATH301]

hello everybody,
Today I had a craving for a candy bar :eek:
So I took 2 banana's and 1/2 a cup of almonds and carob powder put it into the FP until smooth, was very good :D

I also made the great tasting chip dip stuff.
Take your sweet potato's chips and put them into a bowl. In a separqate bowl add olive oil and grape vinegar and sea salt and basil and thyme and pepper. mix it all togather, then pou it over the chips and mix it all togather and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Man, does it taste good. :D

[Morn]

Have been a little tired the last few days because in the beginning of the week I work 6:00 p.m - 3:00 in the morning shift and then I have to get up at 7:00 to drive my daugters to school so I have a lot of broken up sleep and on Thursday I work the 8:00 a.m. day shift so my body gets all freaked out. If I was on a normal schedule, I know I would have so much energy from this diet. I have found that I don't have to sleep as much. Anyway went to work today and then went to the Good Food Store which is about an hour from my home. It is the closest store to me that sells a lot of the food I need to stay on this diet. Anyway bought a few bottles of Kombucha tea (which is an organic raw tea) and tried one (must say I thought it tasted like fermented vinegar and now I think my stomach feels sour). Yuck! They are extremely expensive at $3.50 a bottle but I figured I would treat myself since all I have had in the last 6 weeks is water. So glad I didn't buy any more, but disappointed that I didn't like it. But probably for the best because at $3.50 a bottle it would have been an expensive habbit. I also bought a variety of the Lara Bars that Being talks about. They are also expensive eek (at $1.69 a bar) but I wanted to see if I liked them so I could bring them on vacation with me in a few weeks as I am concerned about what I will be eating while away from home. Anyway Had some trail mix today of nuts, seeds, and raisens, and a pear and a garden salad. I bought some mushrooms to try to make some veggie burgers so we will see how that goes.

[lavendarJ]

Happy Thursday All!

I'm sorry I haven't had a chance to post more. I've been really busy with the everyday living type of stuff and then on top of that I fasted a few days this week... really in deep thoughts about my purpose among other things. Glad to be 100% raw though. Today I had my "Asian" noodles. I am telling you this things taste just like noodles. I just use the spirooli on the squash, chop up peppers, onion and bell peppers and spices, olive oil and and let it sit overnight and then......... yummy yummy in my tummy... I had about a pound of grapes today. I'm sure I over did it on the grapes but oh well.

Please take care of yourselves............

[Coriander74]

hello rawkers!!!

ok... three words... Salt. Water. Flush.

I've been on a lemon juice/water thingie since yesterday and this morning decided to try the SWF.

I love the warning ... "stay close to a bathroom for 1 1/2 hours."

I was in and out of the bathroom all day LOL!!!!!!!!!! Be CAREFUL if you do this. :P

MissLinda, I know your "love" of the flush, but I do feel a lot better since doing it. I guess it differs for everyone?

[Morn]

Happy Friday everyone! Glad to be at the weekend. The pecan/carrot burgers I made out of Alyssas book were decent tasting and the curry sauce for the top of them was wonderful. Definately a great compliment to one another. The only thing was the carrot burgers didn't seem to stick together well and crumbled really easy. Does anyone know why?

It was a trip yesterday watching my family eat rotissie chicken and stuffing and me eating stawberries/pineapple that I didn't eat earlier from my breakfast that I brought to work. I didn't know what to eat since my carrot pecan burgers needed to dehydrate for 8 hours and I already ate salad for lunch. Sometimes it seems so hard to be eating this way when so many of the recipes take so long to make. You have to plan so far in advance and I am still not used to that.

Anyway tonight is the imfamous family dinner night out which seems like always a battle for me (more mental than anything). I guess I still havenot forgotten what most cooked food tastes like. But really the worst part is the darn smells that smell so good.

I also dehydrated some potatoes to make vinegar chips that were in Alyssa's book. Don't know if I like them or not. They do sort of resemble potato chips but definately more chewy. It seems I find 1 in every 10 recipes that I like. However, I am picky and it could be due to my cooking. O well enough rambling

[PATH301]

Morn,
Try to eat prior to these family night out's where there's a lot of sad eating going on. This works well for me :D
Just recently I was with a buddy of mine and he was eating 2 huge bean and meat and sour cream and cheese and salad dressing burrito thing from some resturant. Now at first the smell , started to make me interested, but after about 2 minutes it began to smell like dog food from a can. And I believe this is because I had just eaten and I was full.
I've noticed that if I eat prior to going out with friends or family or bussiness assoicates I don't get tempted and some of the old S.A.D. foods actually smell bad to me. :D

[Morn]

Well yesterday I made grawnola and boy was it wonderful. Had it freshly warmed this morning after it dehydrated all night. My husband even liked it. It was a little like heaven to me. Anyway trying to plan our vacation so don't have a lot of time but wanted to say Hi. Also had some broccoli soup out of Alyssas book and a dinner salad with some fruit.

Path: thanks for the note. My husband and his mother had my favorite meal last night at Max and Ermas and I didn't even look their way. They made a vegetarian salad for me and it worked out. I think as time goes on it will get easier! Hopeful thinking! But I do like your idea very much! :)

[being]

Hi October'er's

I've been off for a few days - emotionality outta control I suppose.

Haven't updated my food journal either, because I stopped exercising for 4 days in a row, feel really puffy and heavy, and ate a lot of cooked foods. Kept it vegan of course, but yeah. :(

I was on such a roll too! Oh well.

Today I have eaten a pomelo so far. Back to raw.

I'm struggling with a MASSIVE fruit fly infestation! :eek: Driving me crazy. Trying apple cider vinegar in little dishes with a drop of dish soap (I feel guilty killing them though). They must be breeding when I'm not looking or something because I swear there are 50 more every time I go in the kitchen.

- Gonna make a juice, I've been hitting up green juices a lot the past 2 weeks now. Makes me feel so good. I think I need to drink them more, especially when I'm stressed. And my juicer is leaking which is a real pain too.

- Apple and fennel juice -

ciao, being

[PositiveEnergy4U]

I hope everyone is hanging in our last few days. I ran my personal best 60-minute run yesterday for 2006...my longest distance in 60-minutes.

I did my shopping at Whole Foods today and I am ready to keep going!

Tonight is a mixed veggie salad and I bought one raw chocolate and coconut pudding for dessert.

Tomorrow is weigh-in and again, I just want that 1/2 pound loss. I will let you know how it goes. Hopefully, if I hit it, I will be an inspiration for someone else on this board.

I signed-up for a raw food cuisine prep class in November. I am looking forward to i!

Peace and Love to all of you working to achieve your highest potential.

[lavendarJ]

Happy Monday

It's hard to believe we are approaching November. I know that November holds some real challenges for me as it will be hard -no doubt about it- to resist my mom's dressing. I don't really celebrate the holidays but in the past, I never turned down a plate of dressing..... I am glad that I am conscious of the fact that it will be a struggle. This will help me to make the right choices. I've thought long and hard about what I am going to do. I thought well maybe I'll have some steamed veggies and I can live with eating 95% raw for that day or something. On the other hand, I might be able to just fast if need be through the day. I guess we'll see. I am going to California in December to visit my best friend again. That won't be so bad because I can find some places to go there (cause he is going to want to go out and he is going to want me to cook since he doesn't). I'm also going to Cleveland the day after I get back from California to spend the rest of 2006 and into the new year with my grand parents. I might take my niece. That will be a challenge because my grandma will be putting on the heat to eat - especially when she sees how much weight I lost. I haven't told them anything.

(ooops time to phone in and work, to be continued.........)

[Morn]

Today has been a horrandous day trying to plan our vacation. We decided we are going to Arizona and wanted to use up our our free hotel days and air miles we accumlated. Thumbs up to HYATT. NO problem booking our nights through their program. Thumbs down to Northwest (I mean Northworst airlines). After spending thousands of dollars with them they want to put us on a connecting flight home with a layover which is going to make us spend another 3 1/2 hours in travel time. Boy their customer service sucks!!!!!!!!!!! I spent all day yesterday and today on the phone with them getting no where and their website is terrible as well. Well enough of my stress. I am moving on.

I have been wanting a vitamix (been saving my money up) and well I stopped at Costco on the Way to work and they were their (the vitamix people) doing demonstrations and the price was $40.00 less. They were only there this week and so I bought it even though I was $150.00 short, but thought I am going to get it and explain to the hubby later (plus I knew I could return it). Well after a short verbal beating from him he said he was proud of me and how committed I have been and will donate the $150.00 to my cause and I don't have to repay it! Yeah! So I am so happy! My blender and food processor just aren't powerful enough for a lot of these recipes. I know you guys know what I mean but other people don't understand. He said he would have a hard time spending $150.00 dollars for any blender.

So I as of today I lost 20 pounds (another 2 pounds)!Yeah! So far all I have had today is my grawnola and a pear. Will eat a salad later.

[lavendarJ]

Happy and Blessed Tuesday Everyone!


Well, it's here - the 31st. This month seemed to really really fly by. I made some refried beans from a recipe Rawinlocs posted earlier in the year (I printed it out and saved). They (the beans) taste okay but I wouldn't be able to eat them by themselves I don't think. and next time around I wouldn't use the tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. I am going to use the beans in my raw tortilla wrap that I ordered from www.sacredsymbiosis.com (http://www.sacredsymbiosis.com/). The site is under construction but you can still order the tortillas. I emailed and talked to the owner/manager (John) at least three times. He assures me that the wraps are dehydrated at 105 and after asking him some other questions I suppose I'll have to take his word for it. I tasted the spicy Life Tortillas and they are SUPER DELICIOUS. They are outstanding and greater than I expected. I kinda expected something a little bland but WOW those wraps are great. He uses:
organic raw flax seed
irish moss
celtic sea salt
garlic
soy lecithin (questionable ingredient, might not be necessary)
vanilla
unfiltered raw wildflower honey
coconut butter
brazil nuts
cayenne pepper
lemon
nutritional yeast (another questionable ingredient)

If anyone out there can tweak this or has a recipe similiar to this (or even better) and can share the measurements with me, I'd be a happy happy girl. All I can say is that these wraps are good and they hold up, they don't tear or crumble when I put stuff in them. I am having two with some of those refried beans, guacamole, and some peppers, onion and tomatoes that I have sliced and let marinate overnight in a large bag with olive oil and spices.

I just want you guys to know that it has been a real blessing and honor to be able to read your progress and experience this journey with you. I am looking forward to continuing this life journey in November. This site has been a real place of support and it is sometimes hard to believe that when I first comitted to this way of living I was at 213 pounds and I have made it to 168 thus far. Thank you God! Talk to you soon!

Janell

[NFrawRUNNER]

just want to encourage our fellow "rawkers" to join the November Exercise challenge (not just exercise, ANY GOALS encouraged!!!)

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21511

[Morn]

Yeah we made it through October!!!! It has been great watching everyone and getting to know you guys. Hopefully I will see you all in November's challange. I will be going on vacation in November and then there's Thanksgiving so I am a little concerned.

Tonight is Halloween and I am taking my kids to a havest party. I will have a princess and a cat in the hat. Before I even looked forward to this event. I am glad I am on this diet now because I will not have the temptation of eating their candy. Before I probably ate half of it (mostly the chocolate). But I feel pretty confident now it will be ok. The cool thing is if I am craving chocolate, I can make a dessert from raw cacoa.

All I have had so far today has been a handful of grawnola.

Thank you everyone you have been so great and supportive.

[lavendarJ]

I just had to say that I just ate 3 of those tortilla fajita things that I mentioned earlier and MANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN ! If I could do a cartwheel. They were so good. I just had to share it......they were delicious.

I am stuffed and will probably not eat until tonight and it will be a very light salad.

[NFrawRUNNER]

I just had to say that I just ate 3 of those tortilla fajita things that I mentioned earlier and MANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN ! If I could do a cartwheel. They were so good. I just had to share it......they were delicious.

I am stuffed and will probably not eat until tonight and it will be a very light salad.
Sounds great! Recipe please? And, BTW I miss seeing you post your workouts. Is your job keeping you busy busy busy??? Mine is crazy! I took today off to feel better from this ear/sinus infection....and here I sit posting away! I should go take a nap! Thanks for sharing! :D