Superstars of November - Raw Challenge! [Archive]

being

10-31-2006, 04:05 PM

1. I, too, would like to join the November Challenge. I've been transitioning to 100% raw, after learning the hard way that I was yo-yo-ing too much and needed to adjust myself accordingly. I was in with the October'ers, Morn and Lavendar are here I see, which is wonderful. Both have been so inspirational in their dedication and purpose. :D

2. persephonea, I love your reason for editing your post. Surprise, & enjoyment ;) Thanks!
adrienne Stuffed mushrooms are incredible! One of my favourite things to make for non-raw-minded people. Always a hit.

3. A more accurate description of the November Challenge for me would be the challenge of resolving my food issues. I eat because I'm bored, and being bored is just the worst flaw I've had to admit. I need to find things to keep myself busy, because I am not currently working a traditional job. (Essentially, what I'm getting at is that I need a hobby!)

onelife2live

10-31-2006, 06:32 PM

I'm joining the challenge. Made my raw chili lastnight and I'm all set even without a dehydrator!!

:)

Jan W

11-01-2006, 01:49 AM

I am ready to start in the morning!

Feeling pretty down tonight. Doctor said I will need a knee replacement in 2 years. One side is worn down to just bone rubbing on bone.
He was surprised because I am only 48. I was shocked!

I need a hug, you all.

I know eating raw always helps the pain, at least for me it has.

Oh, I also gave in to having a cortisone shot. Said I wouldn't let him give me one. I just couldn't stand the pain anymore. Wondering how soon it will start helping.

Ok! Moving forward. Positive attitude.

See you tomorrow.
Thanks,
Jan

Conscious Midwife

11-01-2006, 05:59 AM

Ohhh JAN

((((JAN))))

Healing thoughts coming your way :)

Will probably see how long I can go today on just water and a herbal cleansing tea.
This will give me time to reaffirm and grocery shop too.

Mentally I'm so ready!!!

lavendarJ

11-01-2006, 09:02 AM

November is here and I am ready. I am starting out Wednesday with a fast. Wednesday are special days to me because they represent the day of the week that I came into the earth world. I am going to fast today through Saturday. That means I will be just drinking probably a master cleanse type of drink and also a green drink (juice some green veggies so they don't go bad before Sunday. That's it, I'll just do a green juice fast (shoud have thought about that before I went to work. I just brought lemons - oh well for today). Still raw though cause everything I drink will be raw. I am really hoping that I can post some pictures soon.

Jan W

11-01-2006, 09:21 AM

November Horoscope
Jupiter comes home, setting the stage for change
http://cdn.digitalcity.com/horoscopes/general-horoscopeBy Jeff Jawer (http://horoscopes.aol.tarot.com/about-us/bios/jawer)
Provided by Tarot.com (http://horoscopes.aol.tarot.com//tarot/index.php?)

Your Personal Forecast

http://cdn.channel.aol.com/channels/0b/06/44c7d683-0026d-01b6e-400cb8e1 (http://horoscopes.aol.tarot.com/go/aol/octforecast-all-rickjeff/?handshakeurl?_oU=http://horoscopes.aol.com&_hS=http://horoscopes.aol.com/handshake)

Want a horoscope that's all about you? Try Rick & Jeff's 30-day Forecast to find out what's around the corner. All you need to get started is your birth date and city!

Start My Forecast (http://horoscopes.aol.tarot.com/go/aol/octforecast-all-rickjeff/?handshakeurl?_oU=http://horoscopes.aol.com&_hS=http://horoscopes.aol.com/handshake)

November begins with five planets in emotionally intense Scorpio, which is sure to reveal deep secrets and stir up powerful feelings in you. This relationship-sensitive sign brings attention to partnerships by highlighting your hunger and unfulfilled desires. Re-negotiations at home, on the job and in the headlines are to be expected. Resentments may surface, but focus on improvements you can make today instead of disappointments from yesterday.

The Full Moon in Taurus on Nov. 5 is hot and sexy with passionate Mars, loving Venus and the soulful Sun opposing it. Be willing to move out of your comfort zone and give up old habits in exchange for more rewarding experiences in personal and professional matters. Standing still may feel safe, but it's a sign of stagnation that will increase dissatisfaction over time. Give up the tried-and-true and chase an old dream -- it might just happen.

Normally communicative Mercury revisits old territory by backpedaling in Scorpio until it turns forward on Nov. 17. Information will start to flow more freely then, and you are likely to reconnect with friends or family who have been out of touch. Electric, eccentric and original Uranus comes out of its retrograde shell two days later to throw more excitement into the upcoming holiday season.

Pessimism can turn to hope and loss is transformed into gain with the New Moon in Scorpio on Nov. 20 conjunct visionary Jupiter. You can see your most painful situations in a more philosophical light, giving you enough distance to reveal meaning in the midst of your suffering.

The New Moon, along with Mercury and Uranus changing direction, are part of an even more significant shift that's capped by Jupiter's entry into Sagittarius on Nov. 23, the day after the Sun enters the same sign. Jupiter, the largest true planet and astrological symbol for expansion, takes 12 years to orbit the Sun and pass through all the signs of the zodiac. It returns to its fiery and optimistic home sign of Sagittarius for the first time since 1995, and is a signal to broaden your horizons with travel and education. A more generous spirit of giving should prevail, with greater hope for overcoming political and religious differences in the pursuit of a better world for everyone. You can experience a sense of adventure in which pleasure and purpose tend to work hand-in-hand.

About the Author
Jeff Jawer (http://horoscopes.aol.tarot.com/about-us/bios/jawer) is the co-author of Barnes & Nobles' 'Your Astrology Guide 2006.' A professional astrologer since 1973, his articles have appeared in astrology journals, magazines and Web sites around the world. He holds a B.A. in The History and Science of Astrology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and teaches and lectures both in the United States and abroad.

Get Your Personal November Horoscope

http://cdn.digitalcity.com/horoscopes/capricorn75Capricorn (http://horoscopes.aol.com/astrology/astro-forecast/november/capricorn) http://cdn.digitalcity.com/horoscopes/aquarius75Aquarius (http://horoscopes.aol.com/astrology/astro-forecast/november/aquarius) http://cdn.digitalcity.com/horoscopes/pisces75Pisces (http://horoscopes.aol.com/astrology/astro-forecast/november/pisces)

tvillemom

11-01-2006, 10:46 AM

I'm in!!!!! I started today. I'm going to try to post everyday, and journal. Hoping to make it through the holidays raw. It always seems easier for me somehow, with so much of my family around.....they are always watching me to see what I will be eating. Looking forward to a RAW Thanksgiving.....I'm actually off to make my first raw pumpkin pie to give it a try before Thanksgiving! Best to everyone.
Wendi

Conscious Midwife

11-01-2006, 11:09 AM

.....I'm actually off to make my first raw pumpkin pie to give it a try before Thanksgiving! Best to everyone.
Wendi

I'll be making one today too :D

nataliemimi

11-01-2006, 12:38 PM

I'm in!! Let's make it a great month!

Morn

11-01-2006, 01:33 PM

So glad to be a part of November. I was reading some of my prayer journals from a few years back and realized how before eating raw just how much I struggled with food addiction. I sware, it must of been my prayer everyday about losing weight, eating right, not overeating, etc. I have struggled for years with my weight going up and down and not being in control.

Eating Raw is an answer to prayer. I believe this was God's original intention of how we eat (as it is mentioned right in Genesis). So for me I have had more control these last 6 1/2 weeks eating raw than I have ever had in my life. I Praise God and Give him the credit cause I know it is by His grace that I found this way of eating and you all on this website. Cause I know that the accountability on this site and support from you all has helped!

So far today I have had grawnola that I dehydrated, and some hummus. Had to pay the bills today (darn the 1st of the month comes fast :( ) and still haven't had a chance to open up the box to my new Vitamix. Hopefully tomorrow I will have some time. I have to work tonight but plan on eating a salad.

WE CAN DO THIS TOGETHER!!!

Jan: Sending HUGS TO YOU!!!!

Coriander74

11-01-2006, 01:48 PM

Thank you Adrienne for starting this and getting things on track for us :)

I'm in! October, once again, wasn't perfect. How I lost weight is anyone's guess! lol... I've been crazy busy, out of town, seeing and caring for family, trying to get some work done on my dreamcatchers but this finger is still bothering me, so I'm calling around to see who can help with low-income x-rays.

I'm starting off November with an apple fast today, perhaps with melon later on, I'm keeping things light and fresh and stress-free. It's going to be a very busy month for me, so I have no idea what the gym schedule will be, but I'm going to do my best.

I turn 32 this month. My goal was to be at my goal-weight by then, but I think that is a lot of pressure. I just want to feel great, feel healthy, and know that I"m doing what I can to improve my life! :D

Raw Kudos to you all. I look forward to meeting a lot of you, and to continuing relationships with everyone :D

nonniecita

11-01-2006, 02:11 PM

Hey guys!
I think I'm gonna take the challange this month! I'm still doing some research but think this is the best for my body:) I don't need to lose any weight though, dd sucked it all off...I weigh 106 (actually, I do have a lil belly fat left).
It's just been kinda hard for me cause
1) I love cheese (haven't had any in a week or so and don't really miss it)
2) Being new to this, making the meals are kinda time consuming, esp. with a 1 1/2 year old, I'm not sure I'm getting all the nutrition I need (dd is still nursing) but am working on figuring it all out:)
3) I really need to get Alissa's book/dvd's but am on a tight budget this month

I'm so excited!

Looking forward to getting to know you guys!

Michelle

persephonea

11-01-2006, 02:34 PM

I just wrote a big, (and rambly) message, and then my computer went funny and I lost it! My highlights of day one are as follows:

1. Here in Greenwich Mean Time, day one is nearly finished - hurray!
2. I ate a big block of cheese yesterday, and I think my body is so distracted by it, it hasn't noticed I have gone RAW. I am resigned to having a very big spot on a prominent part of my face by the end of the week.
3. I like the idea of Coriander's apple/melon/fruit fast, and hope it went well!
4. It is really nice to read this thread, and feel like I am part of something bigger - all for one and one for all!

I hope you are all doing okay, and hope to see you in day two. :D

nonniecita

11-01-2006, 02:43 PM

Not too sure if I'm officially starting out that great but here's what I've eaten so far today:)

Breakfast:
some grapes
1/2 cup cashews
1 orange

2 apples

Lunch:
busy w/dd so made RP's brownies
ate big square of them

1 apple

think I'm gonna make the chili recipe tonight but heat it a bit on the stove as I don't have a dehydrator yet

I'm also gonna make a green smoothie when dd wakes up since I haven't had any greens today :o

I'm kinda worried about how this will affect my making dh's lunches, he always takes lunch to work and I used to make lots of leftovers :(

being

11-01-2006, 03:29 PM

So far today:

Smoothie of 2 oranges, 2 kiwis, handful of cranberries (frozen)

Pilates Sculpt workout with weights, ~40 minutes

Choco-Banana IceCream with probably 4 bananas

Green Tea with Lemon

Walk 1 Hour at a moderate pace... my sinuses were killing me, something in the air???

Doing some Job Hunting and Research this afternoon.. now that I have done a bunch of aptitude and personality and other such psycho-vocational assessments and testing, I am supposed to choose something to pursue that fits with what all these reports told me... This is a big challenge. I hate making decisions, I would much rather stay in "Information Gathering" mode forever :rolleyes:

It's great to see some of the October-er's here.. and all the new people too.

Later I ate:
Sunflower sprouts & Avocado, Nori & Arugula with lime juice

'Refried Beans' on nori - so much for dehydrating, I ate them barely warm!

It seems as though I ate so much today, and could still eat more! :(

Coriander74

11-01-2006, 06:10 PM

Today ...

Juice of 4 apples.

Juice of 4 apples.

Apple.

lol

I can tell you this much, it's CLEANSING!!! :eek:

adrienne

11-01-2006, 06:26 PM

day one!
feel suprisingly good this evening.
made alissa's sweet potato pie, so yummy, hubby (not raw) and 2 yr old had it with me for dinner along with a big salad.
it was so great to check in here and see all of us who have joined

always great to see coriander74 - LOVE your new photo

welcome jan w and thank you SO much for the horoscope, it was awesome to read it. sorry to hear about your knees - how do you feel about their future? it seems strange to hear 'your knee has 2 years and then you'll need another one.' stay positive, be easy on yourself mentally and physically and eat yummy raw food :D

have a great night everyone and wonderful day tomorrow!
love,
adrienne

girlsmiley

11-01-2006, 07:27 PM

Not sure what's going on in my body ... my sinuses are draining down the back of my throat and it is sore. "This too shall pass ..." :o

Today I've had:

lemon water
green smoothie
guac & flax seed crackers
2 pears
2 handfulls pecans
1 apple
Apple, Kale, Lemon juice
lemon water

PositiveEnergy4U

11-01-2006, 07:34 PM

I'm back too. You know it!

I just had a killer raw salad with mixed greens, pea sprouts, sunflower sprouts, raisins, cucumber, cashew, and avocado. I had some awesome pumpkin pie from Glaser Organic Farms - who make some of the best raw treats on the planet.

I had some Reiki tonight and I feeling wonderfully grounded as well.

My overall loss last month was 2 pounds. I will be happy if I can do it again and get down to 151.

I love you guys for doing this again!

raw-siobhan

11-01-2006, 07:46 PM

I am in for the duration of November and hopefully beyond. I have to admit that making the decision to do so is terrifying, though. I have committed before to a 30-challenge and failed miserably. I dont want to fail again. Deep breath, I am very capable of this. I can and I WILL do this FOR MYSELF and FOR MY CHILDREN. (How did that sound???)

Jan W

11-01-2006, 09:16 PM

Thanks for the hugs and encouragement. I have decided that I want a second opinion on having a knee replacement. Seems to me they are awfully quick to suggest surgery. I refuse to accept this diagnosis until I see the ex-rays and do some research.

Last year I had a ovarian cyst that they couldn't wait to cut out. I stalled for time, ate healthy, wheat grass juice every day, supplements and the cyst was gone when I returned. Ha!

Glad you enjoyed the horoscope. I was just wondering if I should have posted it here. I just really liked the idea that it was a great month for change-changing my eating and it is my birthday month, November 21. I will be 49, too young for knee replacement don't you think?

Jan

Morn

11-01-2006, 10:55 PM

Coriander74 - Your new picture looks just beautiful! Congrats on your weight loss last month.

lavendarJ

11-02-2006, 08:19 AM

Good morning

It's the same for me today. I didn't have time to juice any veggies (got in too late from ripping and running this month. So I guess I'll do the veggie juice thing tomorrow. This is probably good for me to eat light anyway because the "time of month" is fast approaching and I feel somewhat bloated already.

Check in later... happy living!

Conscious Midwife

11-02-2006, 08:43 AM

Yesterday
Herbal Tea with Senna

Salad w/ Goji Berries, Cranberries, Mushrooms and Grape tomatoes seasoned with garlic and nutritional yeast topped with Olive Oil

Few unmentionables :eek: :mad:

TodayPecan, strawberry and banana salad :)

being

11-02-2006, 10:49 AM

Last night had some cooked *unmentionables* :p as lifeAgift said... (cute!) Since I didn't set my goal as 100% right off the bat, it's suddenly so easy to say, oh well, next thing I eat will be raw! My tendency in the past has been all or nothing, and oh, how I've grown ;)

Today
Green Smoothie - 1 mango, 2 mini oranges, 1/2 bunch kale
....
royal gala apple
a lot of acai puree/sorbet stuff
2 spartan apples
....

Coriander74

11-02-2006, 06:13 PM

Coriander74 - Your new picture looks just beautiful! Congrats on your weight loss last month.

Thank you so much Morn, I can't wait to see all the success we have this month as a group!!!!

Today...

Juice of 3 apples

Juice of 4 apples

It's now 2 days even of apple fasting, I feel wonderful. I get hunger pangs but I drink a bottle of water, and they go away.

girlsmiley

11-02-2006, 06:42 PM

Coriander74: How long are you doing apple juice? Did you do an apple fast before?

When my alarm went off this morning my throat was so sore and swollen I could hardly swallow so I called in sick and went back to sleep.

Today I've had:

lots of lemon/lime water

I figured I needed to get plenty of liquids so I put the juice of 1/2 lemon and 1/2 lime in a 16 oz. bottle, added a little agave nectar to take the "edge" off, and then filled the bottle with filtered water.

I am on my 6th bottle of "juice" and I am feeling much better. My throat is not sore or swollen. I still have some sinus pressue though, and cough up phlegm (and the cough doesn't irrate my throat!). I believe that in the morning I will be going to work :D

adrienne

11-02-2006, 07:03 PM

was raw!
Until dinner :D
when I had some roasted brussel sprouts and a cup of miso soup.
BUT
let's just say this was WAY raw-er than what I was eating last week for dinner so I consider it a victory.
Hope everyone had a great day and knowing I was logging on tonight really helped me stay the course (dinner could have gone much worse!!). So thanks!
Love,
Adrienne

PositiveEnergy4U

11-02-2006, 08:00 PM

Joined September challenge which did much good for me.

October has been ok - though not raw, I've enjoyed absence of coffee, sugar, refined wheat, dairy....but I do miss that raw vibe.

November, here we come!

:)

Way to go Iris. That is really hard to do an wonderful progress in anyone's life who had any addictions to that stuff. I gave up "the white death" - refined sugar over a year ago. What a difference.

The raw vibe comes back fast. Just get some wonderful fruit enzymes in your body.

PositiveEnergy4U

11-02-2006, 08:20 PM

Feeling good today! I think it is the Goji Berry Smoothies.

For dinner I just had a killer chopped raw plate - chopped pea greens, sunflower sprouts, cucumber, avocado, olives, raisins, cashews and ginger.

I did a killer spin class tonight too.

Results are coming for me in November I can feel it.

I am also setting my most positive intentions right now. I have found a business I desperately want to buy but from what I've read I need to be able to fund 25% of the business plan to get a loan. Right now I couldn't come anywhere close. I am using the law of attraction to manifest the path. I see it, I see it. I am going to love running that business! :D :p :) ;)

Coriander74

11-02-2006, 08:37 PM

Coriander74: How long are you doing apple juice? Did you do an apple fast before?

I've never tried an apple fast before, but I read about it on this site and also through a link... I don't eat the core though, I personally don't think the seeds could be good for you.

http://www.lesliekenton.com/circle/detox/apple_magic.htm

I bought TONS of organic apples, all kinds, and am going through them faster than I could imagine LOL. I prefer fresh juice from them, but I do eat 2 or 3 apples a day to ward off the cravings for something to chew.

I am going to jump on the scale tomorrow and see if this has made a difference in weight or not, but I feel great so far :D

Added to today... 2 apples

nonniecita

11-03-2006, 06:06 AM

I've never tried an apple fast before, but I read about it on this site and also through a link... I don't eat the core though, I personally don't think the seeds could be good for you.

http://www.lesliekenton.com/circle/detox/apple_magic.htm

I bought TONS of organic apples, all kinds, and am going through them faster than I could imagine LOL. I prefer fresh juice from them, but I do eat 2 or 3 apples a day to ward off the cravings for something to chew.

I am going to jump on the scale tomorrow and see if this has made a difference in weight or not, but I feel great so far :D

Added to today... 2 apples

I think apple seeds have the same form of cyanide as apricot seeds (just not as much) and kill cancer cells...may have read that here. I eat as many as possible, they don't taste great but could be blended in smoothies:)

Michelle

nonniecita

11-03-2006, 06:10 AM

I did great yesterday, all fruits and veggies, rp's brownies, dinner--marinated, dehydrated port. mushrooms w/avacado, romaine, red onion and tomato.

I don't really feel a difference though, does anyone else feel the same as before. I had a pretty excellent diet b4, though.

Michelle

Morn

11-03-2006, 03:15 PM

Just got done working out. I did 25 minutes of taebo and 10 minutes of abs. I am tired.

Todays' food:

handful of grawnola (homemade of course)
juice from apples, oranges, carrots, pears, stawberries, lemon, and banana before workout.

Yesterday:

taboleh
large dinner salad with raspberry vinegarette
very small slice of sprouted bread with honey and almond butter

PositiveEnergy4U

11-03-2006, 06:55 PM

Hi All. I had a long week at work so I am taking a quiet night at home and alone. I need a pajama night. My boyfriend is out for a couple of hours.

I might have gone a bit overboard with the Goji today but I get such great results from it, sometimes I want more, more, more!

TGIF. See you tomorrow. Peace out!!!

adrienne

11-03-2006, 07:20 PM

hello November friends...
today was raw minus some creamy dressing and cooked corn & peas on my salad from the salad bar. i always crave the creamy dressing!!! i have to get in the habit of having some raw type creamy dressing around. and again, better to have some creamy dressing than a bowl of pasta and some chardonnay :D
had a lot of raw cacao today and it makes me a bit manic like when i have coffee! love the initial boost but then i'm a bit out of my mind (and i am already out of my mind enough :p ) i have been loving the maraw chocolate pudding recipe at www.therawtable.com, it is AMAZING!!! i feel i have perfected it for my taste and i have been just gobbling it up every day and adding FAR too much cacao. i think my cacao addiction will subside in time.
already sleeping better and having more energy :) (despite the cacao)
hope everyone is doing well and feeling great.

positiveEnergy4U- great going with your intentions! talk to as many people as you can about your loan b/c sometimes you can get 100% financing. try searching small business loans for women - i know my mom got one for a lot of $ many years ago (100%) to start up her business. let me know if you need more specific info - i can ask her. i am working on the same type of intention regarding a business i hope to begin. this really IS the month for change and greatness! i'll be thinking of you - where are you located by the way?

girlsmiley

11-03-2006, 07:25 PM

Feeling better :)

Today I've eaten:

Green Smoothie
Almonds
2 apples
2 pears
Pure Bar - Chocolate Brownie
12 oz. Orange, Carrot, Ginger juice
Huge Salad

Feels great to be 100% raw for 3 days now!

Coriander74

11-03-2006, 08:29 PM

Hello Rawkers :D

BUSYYYYYYYYY couple of days for me.

Today, I've had 2 apples, a glass of fresh apple juice, and water. This is the 3rd day of my apple fast. I think tomorrow I'm going to start bringing in greens and perhaps some avocado, my body is telling me that it is needing these things. I've only lost 1/2 pound, but I'm not complaining. My skin feels softer and I have energy :D

This morning I applied to a community college here, with plans to articulate to SDSU in the future. My major is technically "Kinesiology - Emphasis in Fitness, Nutrition and Health". It should be interesting taking the nutrition courses as a rawbie LOL. I register for classes Dec. 4th and class starts January 22nd. I'm SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I haven't been in school since 1993, and now my head is in the right space and I'm ready to do this.

I love being buried in class schedules and notes, as I am now.
So much to learn!

Be well everyone, and have a RAWKING weekend :)

elian

11-04-2006, 07:32 AM

Ok folks,
Sorry I haven't been checking in daily. I have sucessfully been 100% raw (recommitment from being 50-90% raw since spring) for about 14 days now.

What I've fixed since Nov 1st:
- usually some sort of latte first thing in the morning (my reward from 100% raw the previous day) - a typical combination is almond milk, cacao, salt, maca, agave
- then I'll fix me a large smoothie with fruit on hand - sometime with some greens thrown in
- snacks include carrot sticks and lots of apples
- a few of the main dishes have been teriyaki veggies, spagetti, creamy tomatoe soup, and jalapeno poppers (made with regular small peppers)

Today I plan on making tacos from Raw Food Real World, but making "refried beans" in lew of the "taco meat filling."

I'm glad to have the accountability of this challenge. I'll do better at posting daily.

Jan W - yes, get a second opinion. You are too young! Lots of water, fruits and veggies should help.

Coriander74 - your plans sound exciting. Congratulations!

iris

11-04-2006, 09:44 AM

Away from computers for some days - now after reading this thread I'm craving applejuice... :)

Some staples past days:

* Alfalfa together with a veggie salsa (w.avo or oil)
* Nori rolls filled with spiced-up juice pulp (nutrients mostly gone, but it's very filling & tasty)
* Fruit

I'm grateful things are so smooth - have had a retrospect to realize how much my eating habits have changed over time & how things like sprouting & smoothiemaking have become natural habits.

My next challenge-within-this-challenge: Reducing nuts & seeds.

It's great to see everyone's intention & effort! The raw field of creative intelligence is supporting us inside/outside/everywhere! :)

lavendarJ

11-04-2006, 11:02 AM

Hey Hey Hey

This is soooooo weird. Yesterday at work, I walk in the building to find out it is "POPCORN" Day! Now, if you don't know, popcorn is a all-time love of mine and has been for years. So I decided that I was going to be 95% percent raw yesterday and have a bag of popcorn. So I can't say that I fell off the wagon, nope... willingly stepped down - I figured I had a pretty good grip on my rawism and that the popcorn wouldn't hurt; I'd be visiting a old friend. It was soooooooo good but it was super duper salty and I'm just not used to all the salt anymore. I stopped using salt long before I comitted to the raw challenge in August. So anyway, this morning when I woke up I noticed I have a dull throbby kind of headache and also my feet are swollen like twice their size. They look big and puffy. Now don't think I am crazy or anything but I was actually kind of tickled to see this reaction. It let's me know that my body will react to the SAD foods. I was wondering because I have not had any detox symptoms or problems since I did 100% in August and then to wake up and find myself with chubby feet and a dull headache is kind of funny to me. It make me happy in a strange way because it's like my body is holding me accountable by reacting to the salty cooked popcorn. I think this is amazing because I honestly don't have any of the detox symptoms that I read so much about. Don't worry though, I'm still loving life raw and this shows me now -more than anything else- that there is going to be a HUGE difference (at least for me) between 100% raw and 95% raw because I was thinking about perhaps transitioning to 95/98% raw sometime in 2007. I'm glad I had this experience because it really gives me insight on how my body is likely to respond and for me atleast, there will be a significan difference in 100% and let's say 90% if this (meaning headache and chubby feet:D ) is what can happen from just popcorn.

I sent my sister a picture of my feet on her phone and she was totally outdone. She has been observing me since August and all the weight loss and I think that this experience was good for her also. She was like "wow, just from popcorn, I guess you do have to come to a decision to leave some things alone". I am happy she is thinking that way. She is currently (as of this week) transitioning to raw. She has been eating raw at about 95% level. I'm happy for her. Initially, we were supposed to start this journey together in August but I left it alone as we all know, sometimes we have to come into our own understanding about things. So I was pleasantly surprised when she told me of her decision this week.

Okay, okay, okay, sorry about being so long-winded; I just find this experience really fascinating since I have never had real detox symptom or reaction to going raw 100% in August... but don't worry, I'm not about to test out a pizza or anything... enough experimenting. Before, I just didn't really see the big deal in being 95% raw versus 100% raw, but my body says otherwise. No need to look back, my body and mind have confirmed for me that the journey continues forward. OOOOOOOH Yeahhhh.... I forgot to mention one other thing. I also have a scratchy feeling in my throught - you know, I keep clearing my throat because of mucous. I starting laughing when I put two and two together and discovered it was from the popcorn munching yesterday. This is just too funny to me; I'm like "go body go!" to see it responding to the unhealthy eating like it did. I hope it stays this way - responsive and reactive!

I am going to go back to my light and easy lemon and citrus drinks with some water (lots of water, at least a gallon which is what I try to shoot for anyway). Tomorrow, I am going to make that hummus that I put on hold earlier this week. I'll probably be having a great big salad tomorrow (if I don't juice it)...........

Go Team Go

persephonea

11-04-2006, 01:44 PM

well, it's going quickly so far!
So far, I have mostly been eating:
Lots of nuts and dried fruits to help w. transitioning
some apples/apple juice, grapefruit
Cacao! Mainly in 'chocolate brownie' form.
I'm going to have some Nori wraps in a minute, if I can summon the energy to make them. That'll be the first 'prepared' raw thing I've made that isn't brownies - I had such a bingey week at the end of October, it's been quite a relief to just chuck some nuts and apples in a bag and not have to plan, prepare or generally think about food.

I have mostly been feeling:
- tired and shaky
- dehydrated - have really chapped lips now, with the sudden onset of winter in the UK isn't helping.
- blocked nose, and BOGEYS! which I have never suffered from in my life until I started experimenting with raw. It is utterly disgusting, and totally unglamourous. Also I have just felt a burgeoning spot on my chin.

Why do I get so dehydrated (initially?) on raw? I understand it must be part of a detox process, but why would detoxing make me dehydrated?

I am off now to check on Coriander's Leslie Kenton link - I love Leslie Kenton!

berrymarymac

11-04-2006, 01:54 PM

I want to do the November challenge because well...October didn't work out! I don't know if I can stay 100% because the produce in this town is awful and I am in college where little is offered. I will try and start today, but cannot promise 100%.

I will go to the gym 2-3 times a week: treadmill and cycling.

I already walk to all of my classes, even though the weather is almost freezing.

I found out my blender combo thing has a juicer with it, so I will juice more! Make a load of smoothies, starting right now!

I have rp's brownies in the fridge, but don't know if they are still good, anyone know the limit for them? Been in there a week or so?

So yeah, I will do the best I can!

Coriander74

11-04-2006, 02:09 PM

Good morning/afternoon/evening to everyone!

Lavendar, isn't it FASCINATING to see what effects SAD has on us? Bloating, immediate weight gain, puffiness, zits, greasy feeling, amazing. I think it's good that you were able to experience that for yourself, to have that feeling of "ok now I know why raw is SO good for me!"

Persephonea, the dehydration factor might be because the fiber in your body is sucking up so much of the water. Try drinking more herbal teas or water or whatever suits your raw fancy. I noticed that after the initial run-to-the-toilet phase, my body started really needing more liquids because the addition of so much fiber blocked me up. Also, the extra liquids will help you flush out the toxins that you're bringing up ... isn't it fun :D

mrandal, good to see you!!! I've kept Rp's brownies for up to two weeks. They pick up the flavors of other things in the fridge so that might be the only downfall.

I stepped on the scale this morning, I'm at 142 :D I can't wait to break the 140 barrier!!!!

Have a wonderful raw weekend everyone, I'm off now for a cup of warm lemon water.

Morn

11-04-2006, 05:48 PM

Had to work today but after work I went to the gym and did a 1/2 hour on the eliptical machine then a couple other machines to work my inner/outer thighs, chest, and then did some floor work on my abdominals. It is a little discouraging when working out because I realize just how out of shape I am and how long this road will be.

Foods eaten:

a small amount of grawnola
fresh pineapple
broccoli soup
huge dinner salad with all the fixings

Lavender - thanks for the warning about popcorn. I too thought maybe popcorn wouldn't be so bad. Luckily I haven't tried it yet, but it smells so darn good!

adrienne

11-04-2006, 07:03 PM

Today was a completely raw day. I did have a Lara bar which is probably not the rawest item but close enough for me!!!!!!!!!
I get SO tired and then will have TONS of energy, just going with it, napping when need to, making good use of the energy when I can.

Way to go Morn - keep up the good work, the excersise will pay off HUGE!

Have a great night everyone!

Rawk on!
Love,
Adrienne

girlsmiley

11-04-2006, 08:30 PM

So anyway, this morning when I woke up I noticed I have a dull throbby kind of headache and also my feet are swollen like twice their size. They look big and puffy. Now don't think I am crazy or anything but I was actually kind of tickled to see this reaction. It let's me know that my body will react to the SAD foods.
I definitely know what you mean! It was exciting for me to see how my body reacted when I choose to eat something cooked (and popcorn is a strong weakness for me too!). It helps reaffirm to me that RAW is the only way to go :p

Yesterday I pleasantly realized that my ankles haven't been swollen and my fingers haven't been puffy ... that was a "fact of life" for me on SAD due to the water retention I had because of eating so many processed foods.

Today I've had:

Green Smoothie
Handful of raw pecans
1/2 recipe of Almond Hummus
1 whole celery heart (to eat the hummus with)
some black olives
1/2 recipe of RPs brownies :eek:

Mary

11-04-2006, 10:19 PM

Hello guys...

I'm back... tail between my legs a little... because it's been quite a month! I fell off the program at the end of September due to stress around my youngest son, who has severe autism. I've spent the last month or so fighting with my school district for a new therapy program for him. Unfortunately, I've eaten horribly this last month, and I can totally feel the difference!

I've missed the positive input of this group and the way I felt when I was eating raw. I wish I could have stayed 100% raw during this recent stressful period, but I didn't. I think it had a lot to do with not having another outlet to handle the stress, so I reverted back to foods that were "comforting" to me. Ironically though, I feel awful! Comfort food might taste good, but I feel like pooh! :( I haven't gotten on the scale, because I'm afraid of what it will say. I think I've gained a few pounds, but luckily not all the weight I took off from doing the raw challenge from July through September.

Anyway, I remembered the friends I have here, and the kind words of my friend Corinne who wondered where I've been... :)

I'm going to start tomorrow morning by doing the Master Cleanse. Lavendar, I might ask for your tips on this, since I know you've done this cleanse... I just feel like with all the junk I've put into my system, I really want to "jump start" things by doing the Master Cleanse first. Any other ideas you guys might have would be appreciated too.

It feels good to make the choice to be back. I can kick myself for losing a month and having to go through detox all over again, but I just feel sluggish and yucky. I know this is the right thing to do!

Congratulations to all of you who have stayed the course! I'm proud of you!

Take care,

Mary

lavendarJ

11-05-2006, 08:30 AM

Happy Sunday All!

I am glad to be here. My chubby feet look much better now; I think they are almost back to their old selves. Hey Mary, I am doing a cleanse today just to assist my body with processing out the yuckies. I am also going to do an enema if at the end of the day I haven't had the bowel movements I expect.

One thing about the master cleanse is that (in my opinion) it is a harsher cleanse compared to just eating fruits and veggies which I think just gradually helps rid me of the yuckies. Again, with the mc, I didn't have any headaches, rashes, stomach problems or anything....nothing at all. The only thing with me was that I was extremely low on energy. There were times, when I had to use my common sense and skip the gym. Now, with my lifestyle being kind of hectic I would only do it for two weeks straight. The first two times I did it longer (almost a month the first time, then just past a month the second time). It was a real drainer as far as energy and my productivity but I think that what I might do is just combine it with green veggie drinks. I mean, I might have it for the first few hours of the day and then around lunch time have a green veggie drink (like maybe carrot-parsley or some other cleansing combo of greens). I figure at least this way, I am getting energy.

Let me know how it works for you. I'll keep you posted. No more popcorn for me:D .

swingbolder

11-05-2006, 01:39 PM

Hi everybody. I'm in for the November challenge, just not posting much these days (superbusy). Yesterday I hit my 30 day mark at 100% and am feeling so much better than I did a month ago! Today is an orange juice day, just feel like giving everything a rest. :)

girlsmiley

11-05-2006, 05:51 PM

When I've signed up for the 30 Day Challenge in the past I did not know that I should try my best to post daily. It is really helping me to do this. I am glad this forum is here ;)

Today I've eaten:

Green Smoothie
Ruby Tuesday's salad bar, 2 trips

Cherrypit

11-05-2006, 06:41 PM

Hi everyone,

I haven't been around in some time, I joined a month or so back.....but here I am again. :) I've been bouncing back and forth from a lacto-veg to a vegan diet, but now I want to go raw vegan for good.

I went vegan about 1.5 yrs ago, lost 20 pounds within 4 months, went back to lacto-veg (and off and on vegan) and since last fall gained all 20 pounds back :mad: drinking too much, eating too much (especially junk food/processed food)

I am going grocery shopping tonight and getting ALL raw (except for my bf's stuff) no more JUNK food!! No more SAD food!

I'm also very addicted to coffee....so I'm switching to green tea for the next couple weeks to help with my detox (the caffiene withdrawal part anyways)

I love browsing through all these posts, what a helpful, caring bunch you all are. I can't wait to meet you all.

Starting weight: 150
Goal weight: around 125

I think I will weigh myself 2 times a week, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Tomorrows food plan:

green tea
apple, pear, banana, kiwis
mixed baby greens w/ tomato & 1/2 avo.
water w/lemon

As for exercise, I'm in desperate need of doing that too. I'll start out with 1/2 hour walk a day.

I'm so excited!

Coriander74

11-05-2006, 07:19 PM

Cherrypit, welcome aboard :) You and I are very close in current and goal weights... if we stick together we can accomplish them! :D Glad to meet you.

Mary!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek: MISSED YOU GIRL!!! Welcome back. HUGS HUGS. You can do it! You know you can, you've done it before. You're Rawesome.

girlsmiley, I don't post as often as I should either, but I'm happy to hear that you're doing so well.

swingbolder, congratulations on your 30 day success :D I hope this leads into many more days for you!!!

I halted my apple fast today by eating raw chili and some other veg, and I think I"m going to go back on apples tomorrow. The food just didn't agree with me like I thought it would. My body knows best!!!

I'm SO EXCITED about going back to school, I love scheduling classes for the next couple of years LOL and seeing what will be best for me in order to earn my AS and then my BS. (BS... ha ha ha)

Lots of raw love to all, I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!!!!!!

adrienne

11-05-2006, 07:28 PM

Hi everyone and welcome to those just joining in. Support is so necessary! It has really helped me stay much more on track this time! Thanks all!
Today was good - raw raw raw except for some non-raw salad dressing and some slightly cooked vegs on the salad bar, i think those help me through the carb craving, although i knew it was emotional carb craving, whatever! :D
tomorrow is my birthday and i am very excited about my 37th year. 37 has always been a number i gravitated toward since i was a teenager, i used to just write it over and over again in my boring high school/college/grad school classes! ( i had good classes too!!) anyway i'm thinking this will be a great year, one of a lot of growth and discovery!
have a great evening and i look forward to checking in tomorrow night!
keep up the amazing work everyone!
love,
adrienne

Mary

11-05-2006, 09:14 PM

Corinne! Thanks so much for the welcome back - I've missed you too! Your encouragement means so much! :)

Lavendar - Thanks for the info on the Master Cleanse. I think I'm going to pass on it afterall. It's not been a fun day...

I was hoping that doing the Master Cleanse would help me clean my sytem out to make a fresh start with returning to 100% raw, but after having burning diarrhea all day long from the cayenne pepper, I think I'd be better off just going back to eating raw and skipping this.

I now have 20-something lemons in my fridge as well as two jugs of grade B maple syrup, but it's not like I won't use those anyway. This just doesn't feel right for me, though I know it's worked really well a lot of other people.

So, I'm back to eating 100% raw tomorrow after a pretty miserable day communing with my toilet today! :p

Hope you guys are all well... and again, thanks for the extremely warm welcome back! :)

Blessings,

Mary

Morn

11-05-2006, 10:45 PM

Adrienne - Thanks for the encouragement. I hope tomorrow I see at least another 2 pounds gone (I weigh myself on Mondays). Also Happy birthday to you! We are the same age! So far it has been a very good year, but I think I will remain 37 for the next few years (not so excited about the idea of 40).

Cherry Pit - Welcome Back - We are so glad you are here! Maybe you will even rub off on the BF after he sees your success!

Today marks the completion of 7 weeks raw. Yeah! I can't hardly believe it. I just made some blueberry pie out of Alissa's book and can't wait to eat it.

All I have had today was the Salad Bar at Big Boys. Ate mostly raw except I did eat the honey mustard dressing off the salad bar (it was so yummy but probably not very good for me).

I am proud of myself for not eating the mashed potatoes I made with my family's meal tonight, or the baked chicken, or cooked green beans. But the biggest challenge were those whipped potatoes with butter. Boy did those look so good. I tend to be a carb addict and I really miss those starchy things like potatoes. I made some dehydrated potato chips last week but they were not good at all and alot of time and effort to make (so I guess I will have to live without potatoes altogether). Owell at least there is chocolate (cacoa beans yeah)!

lavendarJ

11-06-2006, 08:35 AM

Hey Hey Hey and Happy Monday!

I understand Mary... hey who wants to deal with burning. My feet are still a little chubby. I am going to drink extra extra water today. I have some garlic onion flaxseed chips that I ordered from www.eatraw.com (http://www.eatraw.com). I am going to have those later in the day with some hummus (from Alissa's book). Right now, I am drinking some water and going to eat some citrus fruit this morning for breakfast to help assist the after effects of popcorn. I'm going to do a large salad with romaine, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and bell peppers. I will use a simple apple cider vinegar, herb and olive oil dressing and call it a day. The salad is big and so it will probably be at least 2 of the day's meals.

Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhh Morn! You did it... I know how powerful those aromas can be. Hooray!

Coriander74

11-06-2006, 04:04 PM

Welcome to another week!!!!!

Morn, CONGRATS on staying away from the taters. Those are my weakness too, and I'm SO proud of you for winning!!! YAY!!! I CAN'T WAIT to see your progress this week too :D

Lavendar, which hummus do you use... doesn't Alissa have two recipes? I'm considering that for the winter, when I'm craving heavier things.

As for now, it's 92 degrees here today, and I'm happily back on the apple fast. Nothing like fresh cold apples on a hot day!!!

*sings Happy birthday to Adrienne*

girlsmiley

11-06-2006, 04:09 PM

I will agree with you that your 37th year will a great one ... actually, I am going to believe that it will exceed your expectations! :)

I do feel so blessed to have stumbled upon Alissa's web site, and this forum, in my search for health and healing. It was not coincidence.

I did not go to work again today ... still have a hacking cough. Today it is more dry and once it gets going I end up coughing so hard I gag ... I did not want to expose my coworkers to all those gross sounds!

As with the day I stayed home from work last week, I am drinking lemon/honey water. I did some searching on cough remedies and honey and lemon was a popular theme. I even took some honey on a teaspoon.

Hopefully this detox(?) is coming to an end.

being

11-06-2006, 06:10 PM

:o

So I've had a rough few days. I am still reaching for food to comfort me, despite being aware of it.. I want to learn some new strategies for nurturing myself, that do not involve food! How do I do this? I'm so ignorant when it comes to taking care of myself, because I spend my time taking care of my mother.

On a more positive note, I have kept up with my exercise, of at least 30 minutes a day, and every day has been at least an hour. Yay for me. :rolleyes: I wish I could find some enthusiasm.

Yesterday I was slammed with some sort of sinus/head cold thing, and a headache, and feeling weak. I'd love to call it detox, but how could it be, I haven't been eating 90% raw, let alone 100% for the past week.

I'm armed with this:

When I get to Friday Nov 10th, that's 4 days, of eating 100% raw, I will treat myself to this new Acai frozen puree I found at the healthy store. I had some the other day and I LOVE it.. and was going to get some today, but uh, well I got chips instead. *shaking my head*

Here's my question for people who have been 100% for awhile, a few months, one month, a week even! Do you have support? Do you have people in your life, day-to-day real life people, not just online? Because I wonder if this isn't part of my battle.

It is easy to give in to and eat something cooked when I am hearing, day in and day out, little remarks and comments and sarcasm about my food choices. (I don't know why my eating habits deserve so much attention!)

I don't know anyone in 'real life' who eats raw, or is transitioning, or anything. I am quite socially isolated right now as it is, and honestly, pretty darn shy and insecure as a fallout of some my midlife-crisis-in-my-20s :rolleyes:

Today I had orange-mango juice
smoothie with pomegranate, banana, blackberries, mango
salad with dandelion, cilantro, avocado, tomato
(the rest was cooked stuff)

I'll be back. :cool:
Tomorrow.

Morn

11-06-2006, 08:42 PM

girlsmiley - I hope you feel better soon! I am so happy you are here!

Being- Congrats on you exercising everyday. That is so great! I am in the exercise challenge too but I didn't commit to everyday cause of time restraints, so I am doing at least 3 days a week (but I wish I could do everyday like you). With all that exercise, it should really help you to drop the weight.

As for me, My whole family are SAD eaters and I don't know any real live people either who are eating raw (except a guy I met at the good food store). My husband is supportive though and I have been careful who I let know what I am doing because I don't want their negativity to affect my decision to change my life. It isn't easy at all but I try to just keep focused and come to this site for support and accountability. Now I haven't been perfect. On Halloween night we stopped at dennys and all I could eat was a dinner salad with tomato and cucumber and I was really hungry. My 4 year old daugter didn't eat all her french fries and I ate 3 of them but stopped. I miss potatoes but I guess my desire for wanting to change right now is a little stronger than my desire for cooked food. I didn't beat myself up over it and even considered this small slip up a victory because in comparison to how I used to eat, I am eating 1/4 of what I used to and I am eating healthier. So I guess what I am saying to you is even when you slip up compare it to how you used to be and give yourself a break. I think it is an individual journey for all of us and everyone is different. If you really desire to eat this way keep perservering and you will get there. And don't forget to celebrate the small victories!

Best Wishes

Morn

11-06-2006, 08:53 PM

Today I did my weekly Monday weighin and lost another 2 pounds yeah! This week is a busy week cause I have a million things to do before I go on vacation. Foods eaten today:

Alyssa's blueberry pie
hummus
large garden salad with honey mustard dressing
handful of trail mix of nuts and raisens.

lavendarJ

11-07-2006, 08:30 AM

Happy Tuesday

Coriander... I ended up kind of editing the hummus recipe because I realized I ddin't have the tahini. I also just made a smaller batch because it is an edited version and also because if I don't like it, I won't have so much to choke down. I used 1 zucchini, about 7/8 garlic cloves, a pinch (or less) of sea salt, about half a handful of sesame seeds and a dash or two of olive oil and blended it in the processor. I tasted it, it could stand a little more flavor but it's not bad. I think that this would be could with those raw sun dried tomato wraps with some lettuce and tomato slices. I think that for today, I am going to have it as a dip with the garlic-onion flax seed crackers. I will definitely need to get some parsley today:D . My chubby feet are slimming down. I am amazed at how long it has taken them to go back to their normal size. That salt is soooooo powerful. Right now, I'm drinking a lemon drink. Since my chubby feet experience, I've been drinking this is the morning or either eating a lot of citrus fruits which will help with processing out the yuckies.

Another two pounds is good good good Morn!

elian

11-07-2006, 09:42 AM

being - Yeah for keeping up with your excerise. That is a great accomplishment! Regarding your need for support... post a flier about starting a potluck in your area. I did that over the summer. I've only got two inquiries, but the word will get out. I made the flier with little strips they could tear off with my contact info. A lot of the strips are gone. Another thing you might try that has REALLY helped me these last few weeks is to get you an email buddy. I posted a request about 3 weeks ago and found a great one. We email daily and provide each other with support and encouragement. And with regards to being sick, anytime we are sick it is detox. Just think of allgeries... it's the body's way of getting rid of that.

Morn - congratulations on passing up the potatoes. That and bread are hard for me. My father made homemade French bread Sunday for our family dinner, so I just made them keep it at the other end of the table.

I've been busy the last few days, so I haven't been able to post here. I've been 100% raw now for 16 days. (I was 100% last spring off and on and then 50-75% over the summer.) I did weigh in yesterday and didn't loose any weight, but things are moving. I'm not eating as much food and most days I feel great. I think I'm detoxing today.

Have a FANTASTICLY raw day everyone!

persephonea

11-07-2006, 12:05 PM

oooooh, I'm so frustrated! I keep trying to post and my computer keeps crashing!
I am so pleased to have been raw for 7 days now. I don't know if I've lost any weight, but I'll try my tight trousers on on the weekend.
As I am 31 (and nearly a half) , I am curious to know if raw might help firm my skin up/reduce wrinkles. I've read about this possibly happening, but wondered whether any of you real-life people have experienced looking younger after raw (not just as a result of weight loss)?

Being - I think for me the absence of non-raw people is just as important as the presence of raw people for keeping me on the wagon in the short term. I live alone, and am fairly private at work, and only really socialise with very old friends or family, who live out of town, so it's always planned if I share a meal, rather than being spontaneous. I made a decision that November would be the first month i made a serious effort to be raw because I knew I would probably not have to be in any challenging social food situations, where I would be tempted by cooked food, and have to answer questions from people who would not be hostile, but who would have there own ideas, neurotic or not, about food and weight. There are so many emotional and control issues around food for everybody aren't there, and I didn't want to deal with other people's early in my raw career. I guess if I did have to expose my eating behaviour to others, I would rehearse A LOT in my head first - what they may say, and how I could respond firmly and positively, in a way that didn't freak them out - maybe saying I was 'avoiding processed foods' or something like that, that was true, but didn't sound so rad as 'raw'?

Cherrypit - could I ask why becoming Vegan was helpful to you in losing weight? Was it a trigger food avoiding issue, or just that you naturally ate less calories?

Well done on 7 days done everybody - it is really nice to read all your posts! Em XXXXXX

being

11-07-2006, 12:42 PM

I really appreciate the kind words from everyone. (And I am pleased with my dedication to keeping tha bod movin' ;) )

There ARE so many issues for people around food. Emotional, control, social, traditions, weight, health, ethical values... the list goes on! I am continually amazed at how my PERSONAL choices around food trigger such intense feedback from people. Or something. Living with my mother (essentially as her maid or perhaps it's just role-reversal, cook, clean, shop etc.) I try to keep myself raw, and sometimes will try to offer her something raw but she is never interested. I've left raw books around in hopes she might peruse, but all I get are comments and remarks "Oh you're still reading RAW stuff are you?" with disdain dripping from each word (or so I hear).

I'm still learning to be strong and stand up for myself around her, as opposed to falling into old patterns of submission. She'll love me if...... Argh. Mother - Daughter issues. I feel lost trying to navigate it all. :rolleyes:

All that said, I'm still stuffed up and congested, so I've so far had:

green juice of kale, lemon, ginger, fennel and apple
smoothie of oranges, cranberries and pineapple with a little coconut oil
smoothie of orange, cranberry, persimmon and banana
pudding of mango, persimmon, pineapple and cranberries

I'll probably be having smoothies all day. I am eating some fruit blend every hour --- today is back on all raw, so I'm indulging my appetite just to keep cooked food at bay.

An afternoon consisting of a walk, about 45 minutes in the fresh air and sunshine (!) to pick up a package full of raw goodies - crackers and cookies from HighVibe. Today has been 100% raw.

Albeit I did over-indulge in an entire package of Blessings Carob Mint Kisses and 1/2 a package of Raweos, 2 packages of Glaser Farms Nori Crackers, AND a Rawker Garden cracker. :o

All this after I made dinner of dandelion, cilantro, tomato and avocado rolled up in nori (2). I am now so OVER full that I couldn't imagine eating anthing cooked. I feel so dry from all the dehydrated food.

Where's the water? Ech. Anyhow, still congested, feeling a bit tender in the glands-area, but all raw! Yes.

Day 1-CHECK!

adrienne

11-07-2006, 12:50 PM

hi kids
haven't been in the mood to write
tired, cranky
very stuffed up
still primarily raw - did have miso soup last night, salad wrap today
thanks to everyone for my b'day wishes
thinking of you all, keep up the great work and will write more later/tomorrow
off to a nap
:D
love,
adrienne

Coriander74

11-07-2006, 02:11 PM

Congrats, Morn!!! 2 pounds is GREAT!!!

Lavendar, the hummus sounds wonderful. I'll try it soon after I stop this apple fast.

being, huge hugs. You're going through so much and you're standing so strong. Keep it up, you're doing RAWESOME!!!

Feel better Adrienne!!!!!!!!!!! Raw hugs!!!!

Persephonea, what I do is highlight and "copy" my posts, that way if the board freezes up all I have to do is paste it again instead of retyping everything. :D Give it a shot, I understand your frustration!

I'm including the face photos that I put in the main thread for you. Yes, I've lost weight, however Raw is the reason behind my need for less makeup, if any at all, and my skin has smoothed out. I've been told several times this week that I don't look my age. (I turn 32 this month) I use tea tree oil soap on my face in the shower, and at night I smooth a tiny bit of coconut oil over my skin before I go to bed. It has helped to smooth out little wrinkles, but I'm proud of my crow's feet, they just mean I've laughed a lot :D

girlsmiley

11-07-2006, 02:19 PM

This is what I love about this site ... I know that I am not the only one who has been struggling with the sinus/congestion detox issues.

And, I can tell you that it will pass! I am feeling much better today and am back at work, again.

Last week there was a Health Fair here at work and I met with a representative of a place called "The Wellness Forum" (http://www.wellnessforum.com/). Today I had a consulation with them and purchased an annual membership. I had been reading through a Natural Awakenings magazine and saw an advertisement for an "Uncooking Class" that was held last Thursday (the day I stayed home from work sick) at this place. That prompted me to contact them and that's why I made the point to attend the Health Fair to meet the representative.

ANYWAY ... I know I need all the support I can get and The Wellness Forum fits in extremely well with my choice to eat raw/vegan along with helping me reduce stress and get more exercise through monthly classes and seminars. I am very excited :D

Today I've eaten:

Green Smoothie
Handful of raw pecans
1/2 recipe Almond Hummus
whole celery heart (to eat the hummus with)
1/2 recipe RPs brownies

Morn

11-07-2006, 09:02 PM

Had to work today. I feel like a have a million things to do before we go on vacation so I am limiting my time here. I got done early from work so I am going to go and work out at the gym. Foods eaten:

Alyssa's blueberry pie
a few bites of hummus
small piece of sprouted bread with raw honey and almond butter
broccoli soup
small apple

Everyone you are doing so great! Keep it up!

PositiveEnergy4U

11-08-2006, 06:50 AM

Hi All. I wanted to check-in to confirm I plan to be successful in my eating today!! I have a meeting at work from 9 AM - 4 PM. It will be a day of others around me consuming lots of white flour, white sugar, meat, and dairy.

I am bringing my own raw fruit bar, some nuts, some goji berries and my own water. I ate a good breakfast this morning and I have a nice raw dinner planned for tonight.

This is the kind of situation that can throw me way off...but it won't today. I have my mind set on success and I am taking action around it.

I plan to run tonight also and plan to have lots of energy from having a good day today. :p

Cherrypit

11-08-2006, 10:54 AM

Hi Everyone!!

Coriander, you look so vibrant in the after pic!

I've been doing ok, not as good as I would have liked. Last night I had chickpea curry with basmati rice (my favorite) but I have been trying to consume raw as much as I can these past couple days.

This morning I had a coffee w/silk creamer :(

The plan for the rest of today:

pear
celery w/guacomole
strawberries, blueberries and rasberries
baby greens salad
apple

I still need to go and get more fruit and veggies!! I'm already running out again. BF has embraced the diet, he still will have his SAD foods outside of the house, but is willing to stick to RAW while at home (except beer and the occasional snack/meal he brings home himself)

I need a new blade for my blender, I REALLY want to start making smoothies in the morning, I think that will help. Do any of you use flax oil or hemp seed/oil?

I need to get Alissa's book, TODAY, surfing through the local book stores they don't seem to carry it. I'm going to order it though the site.

Hope everyone has a great day!

Coriander74

11-08-2006, 03:39 PM

girlsmiley, the group you've joined sounds very interesting, please let us know how it goes for you :)

Morn, where are you going on vacation? Do you have room for me in a suitcase? :D Have a GREAT time when you go!!!!!

PositiveEnergy, YOU CAN DO IT!!!!! You have made such amazing strides in Raw, with your exercise and food intake :D You're doing great!

CherryPit, try not to beat yourself up about the soup and coffee, you rawk for owning up to it, and now you can move forward and make the rest of the day raw! If you're craving soups, try doing a banana search on soups, and then warm them up a very little bit. I know it's hard during the winter not to cave into warm food cravings!!! You could always come out here and visit lol it was 92 yesterday. All the best in getting Alissa's book, it's the most informative text I've ever read. Very inspirational.

When I make smoothies, I often put a tablespoon or two of flaxseed oil (the stuff in the bottles) into them, that way I get my omega-3's which I think are so important! I also have a bottle of hemp protein powder which I began using after my workouts...

My workouts which have stopped abruptly because my past month has been crazy. :o I have motivation for beginning again, so I'm planning on going back tonight.

I'm still doing apples, but today I'm going to incorporate greens into the juice and have a banana or two. I'm still stuck at 142! Have yall ever had this happen where you step on the scale and it shows a dramatic weight loss then you step on it again and it's right back where you were originally??? What's UP with that? LOL and it's a brand new battery in it too. Oh well.

See you all tonight!!!!!

girlsmiley

11-08-2006, 05:07 PM

Well, really one week and one day, although the day isn't totally over, my eating is :p After one week of 99.99% raw (I know the sunflower seeds and black olives on the salad bar at Ruby Tuesday weren't raw) I have lost 5 lbs. This feels great, especially after I didn't do too well during October.

Coriander74 - thank you for your words of encouragement to all of us. You are very beautiful ... inside and out :D Of course we'd all like to go to San Diego ... OK, maybe just those of us who live in the northern states :)

Today I've eaten:

Green Smoothie
handfull of raw pecans
Nice salad
4 apples

being

11-08-2006, 05:12 PM

Day 2 (Which means yesterday I made it 100% Raw!)

Juice of 2 apples and 1/2 lemon blended with pkg of sunflower sprouts *yum!

2 apples

Walking about 1.5 hours (sloooooooowly)

Smoothie of mango, persimmon, pineapple and cranberries with coconut oil

OK harsh emotional snack attack - HOWEVER it was all raw. (Yesterday afternoon the same thing happened)

I ate way too many dehydrated crackers and nori crackers and cookies. Ooof. :( At least I haven't eaten any cooked stuff though. For the first little while I would much rather allow myself to overeat on raw stuff, than overeat on cooked junk. Do you think this is okay? (Not the overeating of course, I know that is a coping strategy that has to go)

My sinuses seem to be clearing a little bit too.. and the headache is gone. Phew. If I eat anything more today, it will be raw, like a green juice maybe.

(Thanks for putting up with my pessimistic posts ;) )

lavendarJ

11-08-2006, 09:17 PM

Checking in kind of late tonight.... I had tons of water and a combo of parsley and carrot juice dilluted with equal parts of water. That was it for the day. I am trying to flush out all the yuckies from the popcorn on Friday since my feet are still puffy. I have never ever had my feet swell up like this.

I went to the store and bought some dandelion and parsley leaf tea since I won't have time to juice any fresh tonight. I am going to steep the bags all night long and then drink them dilluted with my veggie salads on tomorrow. Glad to see we are all living and loving this raw experience.

Coriander74

11-08-2006, 10:00 PM

Hello November Rawkers :D

Today I have had...

water! Lots of it. with lemon
Juice of apples, cucumber and spinach
warm herbal tea
pineapple

Not particularly hungry today for some reason.

I hope you're all well and having a great week!

Morn

11-09-2006, 12:47 AM

Coriander 74 - I am going to Arizona with Husband early Saturday Morning and will be gone for a week. Wish me luck in staying raw on vacation. I am a little concerned.

Today I did a little exercise (floor work) at home and got the floor washed and car rented for vacation and lots of laundry done. I am almost caught up. Still have to pack.

Food eaten:

Alyssa's blueberry pie
large garden salad with almonds and apple vinegarette dressing
hummus
banana icecream with organic cocoa and agave sweetener

lavendarJ

11-09-2006, 09:05 AM

I am soooooooooooo happy my feet are almost back to their old selves. That salt is a killer boy I tell you. At least my feet no longer look monsterous thank God.

Today, I am keeping it light and just doing the teas I mentioned last night, the veggie salad and also (maybe a sundried tomato wrap with some cucumbers or something in it).

Enjoy your vacation Morn. Arizonza is still one of the places on my list that I really want to visit. Okay, time to start working....

Take care everyone!

Coriander74

11-09-2006, 01:13 PM

Morn, I hope you have a fantastic time in Arizona... It's beautiful throughout that state. Try to stay as raw as possible, and remember to drink a ton of water while you're there, it's extremely dry out here this week and even more so in the deserts.

Lavendar, I'm happy to hear your toes are getting back to normal. Salt makes me puff up too, and I bet the processed salt really did a number on you. Congratulations for the determination to clear it out!

I'm STILL stuck at 142 ... I know I shouldn't be getting on the scale every morning, but I'm wondering what is going on with my body. I've been juicing and blending the past few days. Maybe I'll try adding in a tablespoon of coconut oil and see if that helps. Today I had apple/spinach juice and it was really really good.

I'm off for another busy day, take care everyone!

being

11-09-2006, 03:57 PM

Day 3!

Yesterday was again 100% raw :D

Today:

mandarin orange
banana icecream with carob & superfoods, coconut oil

Walk about 1 hour 20 minutes

smoothie of 2 mangos, pineapple chunks, cranberries and agave
remaining piece of glaser farms raw brownie

so far so good

an apple

avocado-tomato-greenery sprout soup
raw crackers and some 'nacho' cheese spread
pumpkin seeds

hot carob drink

girlsmiley

11-09-2006, 07:05 PM

girlsmiley, the group you've joined sounds very interesting, please let us know how it goes for you :)
My first Wellness 101 class was last night. When I got there the instructor had orange and yellow bell pepper strips and sliced red radishes with a balsamic vinegarette dressing (Seeds of Change) to use as a dip. She had made some "oven roasted" almonds and pumpkin seeds, and had some dried mango cut up. After the class I talked to her about the nuts and soaking/dehydrating etc. Since I'm new at the raw thing I didn't want to be telling her about how to not "cook" her food. She did ask me to bring some stuff in to share with the group if I wanted :)

The Wellness Forum promotes eating 70-15-15, with only 10% of the protein from animal sources, choose lots of fresh and raw carbs, and go for organic as much as is possible. Their mission statement is, "Our mission is to empower individuals to take control of their health by providing up-to-date information about how nutrition, exercise and lifestyle choices impact health, longevity and quality of life." So that can apply to vegetarian, vegan and raw vegan too :D In fact, the founder is a vegan. I know it will help keep me on track.

Today I've eaten:

Green Smoothie (2 bananas, 1 mango, spring greens, ground flax seed)
Banana and Grawnola from OneLuckyDuck (delish!)
Rawesome salad
Apple

adrienne

11-09-2006, 07:08 PM

just checking in
feeling REALLY dookie
it is a combo i believe of detox/new "flu" on top of old "flu"/stress/exhaustion
i am very envious of your energy Coriander74! you are doing awesome!
i want to write comments to everyone but I now must go lie on the couch!
did a modified fast today b/c i really want my body to push this thing out!
have a massage scheduled for tomorrow nite to assist in this process :)
keep up the good work everyone and thanks for being here! it is great to not feel alone
love,
adrienne

Morn

11-09-2006, 08:35 PM

Corriandar 74 - thanks for your good wishes for my trip. I am looking forward to some nice warm weather!

Being - Congrats on day 3 that is great! You have been often in my thoughts lately. It is better to keep on trying than to have never tried at all!

Girlsmiley - that is so awesome that you have another support mechanism. Maybe you will be such a positive influence on the group when they see your success!

Adrienne - Hope you feel better soon!

Lavander - thanks for your note! This will be a nice trip as it will be almost like a second honeymoon (without the kids, as my mother in law will be watching them at home). It has been about 6 years since we have been anywhere away alone! I had hoped to be down further in my weight by now but I'll take the 22 pounds as a positive.

Morn

11-09-2006, 08:41 PM

Today I worked a short day (again), good for me being able to workout, bad moneywise. So I went to the gym and did a yoga/pilates class for an hour. Now I need to go so I can start packing. We leave very early Saturday a.m. I will miss you all so much. Please pray for me that I will have the strength to stay raw all week. I know it will be a challenge with eating out everyday. In 3 more days I will have been raw now for 2 months and don't want to throw all my efforts away in a week.

Food eaten today:

trail mix of nuts, seeds, and raisens
a small banana
an orange
dinner salad with my homemade honey mustard dressing
hummus with celery

It seems I eat way more than all you guys! But I do try to eat only when I am truely hungry.

Imani

11-10-2006, 05:39 AM

Yesterday ws great.
I also see more comittment coming.
yesterday
I had two green smoothies in the morning. I made one and then my mother in law made some and I drank it too.
I had some walnuts and dried cranberries mid day
luch a salad
and for dinner I made raw chili no beans.
I did have some more suate tomatoes not as tasty as the day before, love those capers though. But I at less than the day before. That is why I create chili for myself if was buch tastier.
I have not gained any weight. 180lbs and dropping will see how much I drop tomorrow.

swingbolder

11-10-2006, 08:27 AM

I've read about this possibly happening, but wondered whether any of you real-life people have experienced looking younger after raw (not just as a result of weight loss)?

Yep, absolutely. People are constantly mistaking me for late 20s/early 30s and I'm 41. My skin is just a lot glow-ier these days. It's not due to weight loss because I was slender to begin with when I went raw (almost 2 years ago).

In fact, last summer I ran into an old friend I hadn't seen in about three years, she was looking at me and she said "wow, you look younger." And I hadn't even mentioned the fact that I was eating raw food or anything. :p

Anyhow, I have a church outing to go to on Sunday, my choir is singing at this church a few towns away and they will be feeding us this big dinner beforehand. Your typical greasy, fatty (and delicious) soul food: fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens in pork fat, cornbread, etc. Not sure how I'm going to handle this one. The church is in the middle of the boondocks and there will really be no place for me to escape to while everyone else is eating. And I am so NOT into drawing attention to the fact that I eat differently than everybody else, fielding comments and answering a whole bunch of skeptical questions, y'know what I mean? And not eating their food will be taken as a sign of rejecting their hospitality. It is a special dinner they are throwing in honor our pastor.

Sure I could eat before I go, but the ride to the church will be long, the service even longer, then there's the long ride back home, so anyway I play it I will be famished by the time I finally get home.

Morn

11-10-2006, 11:37 AM

Well this will probably be the last day that I post before vacation and 2 days from now marks the end of two months so I thought I would take my measurements early. I am down another 6 inches and a total of 15 1/2 inches since the beginning. I also weighed in another pound less for a total of 23 pounds down. Hopefully by Monday I will have another pound gone. Maybe when I return I will post another picture.

Had to volunteer today at my daughter's preschool so haven't eaten yet but plan on eating broccoli soup for lunch and probably a dinner salad later for supper.

Everybody keep up the good work and I will post when I return!

Swingbolder - You do look great not like your age at all. I would have guessed much younger. Maybe you could bring some fresh fruit salad or garden salad for everyone to enjoy. That way you would be contributing to the feast and eating something healthy you made and you wouldn't stick out (or starve yourself till you can get back). I am in a similar dilemma as I will be eating at someone's house tomorrow that I have no idea what they are serving and it is a business associate of my husbands so it would be very ackward if I don't eat anything. Sometimes we just have to do our best in these situations. Best Wishes to You!

Coriander74

11-10-2006, 01:42 PM

swing :eek: you are NOT 41!!!!!!! You look amazing. Congratulations!!! WOW !!! I agree with Morn's idea to maybe bring something to share. I could only imagine how pork fat would feel in your tummy after being raw. Yikes. All the best for Sunday!

MORNNNNNNNN have a brilliant time, enjoy yourself, congratulations on your success, and I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back :cool:

I slept in today and am sitting here at the machine checking emails enjoying a HUGE glass of apple/celery juice.

Last night I strayed off the raw path however I did stay vegan, so I'm not hugely disappointed in myself. It was a crazy day and I was a little more stressed than normal. And I'm still 142 so my body didn't take the cooked food and pack it on lol.

Have a great weekend everyone!!!!!!

being

11-10-2006, 05:44 PM

Day 4

1/2 an apple

smoothie of orange, persimmon, pineapple, mango and cranberries with coconut oil and agave

raspberry rapture juice

dehydrated pineapple rings
apple

HempCocoa bar

banana icecream with carob, poppyseeds, coconut oil and agave

so far, so raw :D

The sinus/cold/congestion has passed. I'm feeling weak and tired and waking up at night covered in sweat :( Ewww. Otherwise, it has not been too bad. I am surprised at the lack of cravings for cooked things, the lack of desire for cooked things. Plesantly surprised of course :)

Hope you all have a marawvelous weekend.

girlsmiley

11-10-2006, 06:15 PM

It seems I eat way more than all you guys! But I do try to eat only when I am truely hungry.
Well, I used to not list what I put in my green smoothies so yesterday I listed the ingredients. However, I haven't listed what I put in my salad! Yesterday my salad consisted of 2 romain hearts, 1/8 c pine nuts, 3 c marinated mushrooms (marinated in dressing I made from equal parts of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Bragg's Liquid Amino's) and black olives (I didn't count them). Now that was one huge salad! :D

I will be praying for you to stay raw and I will also pray that if you *choose* to try something that is not 100% raw that you will not feel like you "blew" it. Really - I pray that for all of us on our RAW journey! :p

Today I've eaten:

Green Soothie (2 bananas, 1/2 c blueberries, 2 c spring greens, 1T ground flax/sesame seeds)
2 apples
Pure Bar - Chocolate Brownie
Salad (1 romaine heart, 2 c marinated mushrooms, too many black olives!)

Coriander74

11-10-2006, 06:23 PM

Being, I hope you feel better soon!!!

girlsmiley, your salad sounds SO good... I brought home salad fixin's last night, I think I"ll do that :D

Today I've had:

apple/celery juice. Yuck. Just yuck. lol 3 apples and one bunch of celery
apple juice after my gym visit - 4 apples, all varieties
HUGE salad with romaine, spinach, diced apple, avocado
whole pineapple
2 mugs herbal tea

elian

11-11-2006, 09:33 AM

I've been 100% raw all week (a total of 20 days now... my longest ever). I feel good. Some days I have AMAZING amounts of energy. I'm not loosing weight however, so that fustrates me. (I've released 28 pounds since March.) Th night I had a raw potluck that I'm forming and it was FANTASTIC! However, I came home bloated. I ate too much and had too many things that shouldn't be combined. Yesterday was basically an all liquid day: cocao latte, green smoothie, salsa as a soup, pina colada ice cream, chard/apple soup. Today I feel much lighter. However I do have a challenge of going to a college football game today. Hopefully they won't mind me bringing in an apple or two and granola. Tomorrow I'm hosting a luncheon for non-raw folks. I'll probably serve a hearty salad. Not sure what for dessert yet.

Have a great day!

being

11-11-2006, 03:05 PM

Day 5

apple

juice:
2 apples
kale
dandelion
lemon

Walked about 35 minutes

smoothie:
2 persimmons
1 banana
1 cactus fruit
spoon of coconut oil
pomegranate 'sorbet'

so far, so raw!

I'm feeling quite a bit better, cold-wise. Still kinda weak though.. I'll just call it detox and call it a day ;) Hehe.

This time around with raw I haven't said anything to my family, I'm just doing my thang and it keepin' it under wraps. It has been much easier so far, not dealing with the looks and comments etc. Why didn't I think of zippin' my lips earlier?!! :p

Everyone is doing so awesome. Such great inspiration here. :D Rawk On.

Afternoon & Dinner:

1 pint cherry tomatoes and tamari-garlic pumpkin seeds

nori rolls with avo and sprouts

almond butter-carob-agave confection

lavendarJ

11-12-2006, 08:28 AM

Hello Everyone!

Been really busy but I am happy to say that my feet are no longer chubby and puffy. I was so busy yesterday ripping and running that I didn't have time to eat and just had parsley juice for the day. Today, I am going to have some parsley juice and I might juice some other veggies in the fridge that I know I won't have time to prepare. I'm going to do a salad also. This evening I have been invited to a fall harvest and I know they will have fresh fruits and veggies there and so I'm eating light and will eat at the church tonight. Take care everyone.

Give me a "R"
R
Give me a "A"
A
Give me a "W"
W

What does that spell

RAW RAW RAW!!!!

Coriander74

11-12-2006, 01:29 PM

lol Lavendar thank you for cheering :D

this morning I'm starting off with the juice of 4 apples. My body is saying "pleeeeeeease feed me juice!" I don't know if I'll continue it on into tonight, but that's what I'm doing for now. Isn't it wonderful to be able to feed your body what it wants???

I have a busy couple of days before I leave to visit my biological relatives up north. This should be an interesting trip, seeing what is available raw. I will probably stop at a grocery when I arrive and buy some produce. My lovely family is meat-and-potatoes style and I don't want to interfere on their normal lives by needing other things. Plus we're all going to Reno for a few days. Do they have salad bars in Reno??? lol

The love in my life is speaking to me about wanting to try to go raw, or vegetarian at least. I'm so excited at the prospect of my future life partner being a partner in every sense of the word, and I'm SO excited because I know that he'll be healthy and rawesome right along with me. He's been a huge support system for me, and has cheered me on every step of the way (even though he's been concerned about past extended apple fasting, which I think is sweet of him).

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend!!!

being

11-12-2006, 02:08 PM

Day 6 ( :D )

Juice of 2 apples, lemon, kale and parsley

1 pear

GingerPear pudding/green smoothie thing with parsley, 3 pears, agave and gingerroot and coconut butter

Smoothie with bananas, water, carob, coconut oil, agave, hemp, maca, chlorella and ground flax..

spoonful of almond butter (makes the medicine go down :p )..
.

So far, so Raw!

Coriander.. that's so exciting about your partner's interest in raw and/or vegetarian! You set a glowing example here, so just imagine in 'real' life!!!
LOL Lavendar.. got a chuckle outta that one :p

PositiveEnergy4U

11-12-2006, 04:51 PM

Hello All. I was away for the weekend and didn't get on the computer. I ate a nice restaurant in Miami - Afterglo that offers a few raw organic items on the menu. It is not vegetarian or raw...it is an all organic restaurant.

I also had some raw tiramasu from Glaser Organic Farms

I am coming to yet again another food realization for me. I feel really crappy and sick when I eat too much sweet food - even raw, even agave. I want to feel good and not sick so I am going to reduce the amount of sweets.

I just do best and feel best with lots of veggies, nuts, and sprouts and I don't feel as good with the sugars.

I feel ready to receive change right now so I am grateful my body is giving me the information.

girlsmiley

11-12-2006, 05:10 PM

lavendarJ - were you a cheerleader in High School ... way to keep the team motivated!

Coriander74 - what a wonderful gift to have the love of your life want to share in another important part of your life. True Partnership!

being - keep on RAWkin!

elian - I think it's great that you started a raw potluck. And hosting a meal for non-raw food people. You could sneak some raw food dishes in on them and they'd be surprised. I think that is the great part of rawfooders - we enjoy sharing our food :-)

I didn't post yesterday ... I had a quart of green smoothie in the a.m. and went to a BBQ in the evening. Food and Beverage was provided yet I made a salad to share. I did tell myself that I was just going to enjoy myself and if I saw something tempting I would try it and not feel guilty. So, I did not stay 100% raw yesterday yet I did not over eat.

It was quite "cute" at the BBQ last night. It was hosted by a guy from work so there were several people from work, along with a lot of his neighbors. One woman from work asked me, "Lorie, is there anything here that you can eat on your special diet?" I chuckled and told her, "I can eat whatever I choose and tonight I told myself that I would eat whatever seemed tempting." She asked, "So, how long are you going to stay on your diet?" I told her that my goal was to make it a total lifestyle change, so it's not a "diet" per se, yet I wasn't going to be real legalistic about it right now and I was going to enjoy my journey. She smiled.

Today I've had:

Butternut Squash soup
Pesto Pasta

Tomorrow I start a 7 Day Green Cleanse with Frederick Patenaude et al.

adrienne

11-12-2006, 06:59 PM

...very very far from raw...
As my Italian grandmother used to say, while sighing heavily and shrugging her shoulders - "Whaddaya gonna do"
but again I am learning so much about myself, I just wish these lessons would stick a bit more!
What I have learned is that I MUST do something to help the toxins get out of my body that get released by going raw. This toxin release makes me a raving b*tch. So I need to sweat them out,excersise and get body work done therefore assisting my body in this process. I begin to feel crazy and all I want to do is suppress these feelings of anger and craziness with food and drink (that is, alcohol) just like I have done for my entire life! Old habits die hard... :(
The other interesting thing that happened during my November challenge is that I bought these "miracle" beads and I wore them to bed one night and focused my intention on miracles (any). The answer that came was this - the miracle is in YOU, Adrienne, the miracle is in you.
Well, how about that.
That felt awesome but at the same time very overwhelming.
So, I am still committed to the November challenge and to let everyone know
we all have a miracle inside us we just have to find it or just let it out :)
One more thing - I am speaking at a raw food pot luck on Tuesday and feel kind of like a fraud b/c I am not the rawest of folks. But still need to stay the course and be true to my cause!! Helping others get healthy through better eating. :D
Great going to all of you here going for it! My thoughts are with you!
Love,
Adrienne

PositiveEnergy4U

11-13-2006, 06:45 AM

Good morning everyone. I am in good spirits today and I have an excellent attitude.

I am going on a Thanksgiving trip next week - the first half in NYC and the second half in CT. While in NYC, I will be with friends who are vegan, into raw, and into positive spiritual energy.

The second half will be with my family - mostly good people, not vegan, not raw, and "old school" with the pesticides and processed foods.

I am on my own journey so I am not really worried about any of it.

I worked out hard last week and managed to get down a pound. In the process, I really hurt my sciatic nerve and have barely been able to walk - opening up old fears of weight gain. I am not letting it get to me. I am working on my healing and I won't exercise until I am better. I don't want to ruin my trip to NYC. There will be lots of walking.

I did a chakra meditation last night that helped me land in my body to help healing. I am thinking positive and will go to the chiro after work tonight...then to Whole Foods for my salad stuff for the week.

I wish everyone a good day with an abundance and wonderful organic high-enzyme food that nourishes the body and soul!!

elian

11-13-2006, 08:36 AM

adrienne - Regarding your talk at the potluck... say what you just did here. That you're not the rawest of the bunch. Tell them about your miracle bead revelation and tie it into raw... The ones struggling will relate and need the pep talk.

Yesterday's luncheon went well. I served them a big salad and some of my other cracker creations, dips and spiced pumpkin seeds along with their SAD food (baked chick and rice). It was nice.

I'm still a little agrivated I haven't even dropped a pound. But I'm willing to let it go to know that my body is doing the healing it needs and in it's own time will release unneeded weight. I'm on day 22 of 100% Raw!

lavendarJ

11-13-2006, 12:50 PM

Happy Monday!

Thanks for the positive words guys....I am happy to be back on track. It seems... that since I ate that popcorn that day I have been off balance. But yesterday, I "felt" balanced. I've been going back and forth between fasting or just wanting to juice. I am working on eating on a consistent schedule this week. Because it seems like whenever I get really busy my eating patterns go crazy. I can go for 8 or 9 hours and not eat and then want something at 10 at night. Even though its healthy, live food we're talking about, for me, it's not good to fall into a trap of eating late at night or every 8 hours one day and then every 3 hours the next to not eating at all and so on and so on. That could be dangerous for me, cause when I was into my SAD eating I used to always binge on junk at night while I watched tv ... so I got to keep myself in check. This is the deal for today so far.........
4:30 raisins
7:30 more raisins (disappointed about these organic raisins because they were dry and crumbly - yuck)
10:30 (almond crunch bar from www.eatraw.com (http://www.eatraw.com) --forgot I ordered those weeks ago, tasted like it was still good)
12:30 gigantic salad with romaine, spinach, parsley, cucumber and green pepper and olive oil/apple cider vinegar/pepper dressing
3:30 just some cucumbers/tomatoes/parsley chopped up with the left over dressing from above
tiny handful of pumkin seeds

I need to work on my veggie protein intake - increasing it... I noticed my nails always break now. I know it is because my body is adjusting to not having that other protein it had become used to. You know what else, I noticed something... I've seen a lot of people talk about hair loss on the sights as a form of detox. I haven't had that but I have noticed within the last month or so that my hair doesn't hold curls anymore the way it used to. I mean I used to be able to do a roller set under the dryer and would be guaranted to have bouncy curls for a week (without the humidity, two weeks)...I couldn't figure it out, no matter how I style my hair, that style is only lasting a day if I'm lucky....I kept pondering it and I finally had one of those light bulb moments and realized hair is made up of protein, my hair was used to the SAD protein and now it is adjusting because of not having it or really much protein at all based on what I'm eating....

Okay, okay, getting long-winded again. Lunch break is over and I have to go.

In Peace....

being

11-13-2006, 03:26 PM

Arggggh.
I had written a long post and then I timed out or something, lost it all. Last night I capitulated to my irrational thoughts and had some non-raw chips n' salsa. But, no guilt afterwards.. big step! Today feeling much refreshed with all the fruit. So I'll just quickly add my today-so-far:

a pear
smoothie with grapefruits pith and all (bitter!) agave and matcha powder
smoothie with dragonfruit, pineapple and half of it with pomegranate sorbet
a dragonfruit
spoonfuls of raw almond butter

So far, so raw... :D

Best wishes to all of you in the November Challenge .. and I wish you all "wonderful organic high-enzyme food" in the words of PositiveEnergy ;)

swingbolder

11-13-2006, 03:48 PM

Thank you all for your compliments and suggestions on how to make it through that church outing I was worried about.

It turned out to be no trouble at all. I ate a big lunch before I left, and timed it so that I arrived at the church just as everyone else was finishing up eating. I also brought some nuts and fruits with me just in case but it turned out I wasn't even hungry. :)

When I got home though I did treat myself to some Japanese food, just bc seeing everybody else eat all that soul food did give me a hankering for something special myself. I went to the local Japanese place and got a green salad and a seaweed salad. Also, I had them make me up some handrolls with vegetables (avo, spinach, carrots, cucumbers) in them. Man I just love dipping that stuff into a nice cup of tamari-soaked wasabe! It felt and tasted great and I was so glad I stayed raw.

adrienne

11-13-2006, 05:20 PM

i thought about this as i was falling asleep last night and it is sort of a continuation of my last post
as someone who has shoved their emotions down with food their whole life, going raw brings up a lot of issues and emotions! so when you don't shove them down with heavy carbs you are left to deal with them and that is why i get so angry and p'od so often with raw.
SO.........
what to do...
need an outlet and can't do raw without an outlet for my emotions and for me it needs to be a physical outlet to really get it out. so i am picking boxing!
going to find somewhere i can hit a bag real hard and get some good exersise too!
hope everyone is doing awesome and i'm still with ya! :D
xo
a.

girlsmiley

11-13-2006, 06:22 PM

Today I started the 7-Day Green Cleanse ...

Green Smoothie (2 mangos, 1 banana, fancy field greens)
3 apples
3 oranges
Green Smoothie (1 banana, 4 kiwi, ginger, boston bibb lettuce)

PositiveEnergy4U

11-13-2006, 07:05 PM

Hi All. My weight will be breaking through this week instead of bouncing around as I am ready to break through. I have asked the universe to show up and support me in my mission.

It is going to have to happen without much exercise. I went to the chiro today to have him work on the sciatica. Another night on the couch where even walking is very painful.

Tomorrow will be my day to get past this nasty sciatica thing...never to return!!

being

11-14-2006, 10:53 AM

Yesterday was Day 7 (!)

I wish I could remember what I ate .. man, short-term memory problem! :o
There was some pears in there, and 3 dragonfruit and an avocado for sure...
Oh some raw almond butter with agave eaten by the spoon... I also went for a walk about 80 minutes last night.

PositiveEnergy - I wish you all the white light and raw power to get through your very painful sounding injury...

girlsmiley - I'm curious about that Green Cleanse.. I get emailings from FP and considered it.. What exactly are you doing.. just green smoothies for a week?

I sure am sleeping a LOT this past week while all-raw. The sinus congestion / runny nose things has passed. Now I'm just really slow. :rolleyes:

Today so far:

fennel, parsley, apple, ginger juice blended with pineapple and mung sprouts

girlsmiley

11-14-2006, 12:06 PM

girlsmiley - I'm curious about that Green Cleanse.. I get emailings from FP and considered it.. What exactly are you doing.. just green smoothies for a week?
Basically, FP gives you 2 plans.

Plan A: Eat only green smoothies with as much fruit and veggies/greens in them as you want for 7 days. If you feel you need to "eat" something then much on fresh fruit. No salt, no fat.

Plan B: Replace one or two meals a day with a quart of green smoothie for 5 days.

He has a Motivational Phone Call that you can call in on if you want and he sends daily motiviation e-mails. He sent Green Cleanse instructions that you print and fill in some blanks (he suggests you get a buddy to do this with you or at least encourage you, make a list of fruits/veggies/greens that you need to purchase) and a Green Cleanse journal where you track what you're eating and a "notes" page to journal your feelings etc.

I am doing Plan A to the best of my ability. Today a guy brought in fresh homemade salsa and I had some with some chips ( :o ). Last week when he made salsa I had some celery so that's what I used to eat it with.

Today I've eaten:

3 quarts of Green smoothie (1/2 pineapple, 4 oranges, 4 bananas, 2 hearts of romaine)
a few chips and fresh homemade salsa

Coriander74

11-14-2006, 05:06 PM

Hello dearies, I hope you're all doing RAWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm feeling "off"... I'm developing another UTI, and so I'm pounding down the least processed cranberry juice I can find, taking cranberry supplements, and also uva ursi in water. yuck! LOL I'm also drinking about a gallon of water.

Tomorrow morning I'm leaving for a week to visit my relatives up north... It's going to be tough to be without my juicer or blender... I am concerned about making too much noise as my uncle is being treated for cancer, I don't want to disturb him. However my grandmother is very supportive, and asking me what I would like her to buy. I told her not to worry that I would stop at a grocery.

I hope you all stay well this next week, and be safe, happy and rawkin' :D

Love, Corinne

being

11-15-2006, 10:45 AM

I've had a pear today thus far...

Yesterday was not all raw, sad but true. :rolleyes:

Last week my food processor broke and I haven't been able to replace him yet. Many times I would think oh I'll just blend up _____ and then, oh, no wait. Darn it. I didn't realize how dependent on that appliance I had become! My blender isn't able to handle a lot of jobs so I use the fp.

I'm gonna have a pineapple-microgreens smoothie and then see if I can find a new food processor! Today I also plan on making an heirloom tomato and zucchini lasagna or some such similar thing.. Gotta get back on raw and if that means making elaborate meals, then so be it!

Have a wonderawful Wednesday :D

girlsmiley

11-15-2006, 02:54 PM

Coriander74 - I pray you have a wonderful time visiting your biological family next week.

I pray everyone is doing well and not beating themselves up too much if they're not 100% raw ... yet :) We will get there if that is our hearts desire! I just know it! I am already looking forward to doing this challenge again in December ... and I'll keep doing it until I make it through 30 days without cooked food :p

Today I've had:

3 quarts of Green Smoothie (16 dates (soaked, including soak water), 4 bananas, 10 spears of asparagus, 1 whole celery heart, about 4 cups of organic fancy field greens)
A wonderfully delicious pear!

I went to a local product market that I'd never been to and I was RAWsomely surprised at the variety of produce they had. They didn't necessarily have a lot of organic produce (I'm not 100% organic ... yet) yet they did have a great assortment or organic herbs!!! I got some mint because I want to make a banana/mint smoothie recipe that I saw. And, I got a chayote (I hope I can put that in a smoothie) and some cactus pears! I was so excited! And there is an Asian Market right next door that carries durians ... some day I will get brave and buy one! LOL :D

adrienne

11-16-2006, 07:46 PM

Hi November friends!
I have been as SAD as SAD can be...and I feel oh-so-sad :(
Last night I ordered a 28 day intestinal cleansing kit and it is on it's way!
I am very excited and really need a good cleanse.
I'll let you know when I start and how it is going - I'll leave out the TMI details unless someone asks!
Coriander74 - my thoughts are with you and your uncle, hope your trip went okay.
Keep up the great work everyone!
Love,
Adrienne

swingbolder

11-16-2006, 08:28 PM

Good luck Coriander74. The holidays season was my big downfall last year, from Thanksgiving straight on through Christmas and New Years. It wasn't until February that I was able to get back on track.

Eating some cooked for Thanksgiving opens the door to all kinds of rationalizations. . .so here's sending you good vibes that you will be able to stay raw!

girlsmiley

11-17-2006, 09:07 AM

Maybe it is just this time of the year ... cold (in my area anyway) ... I don't know. I ate some non-raw stuff the past 2 days. The first night it was because I got home late and I was hungry and my son had made fresh salsa ... which I ate with non-raw chips. Last night I had a craving for potato chips and didn't want to "wait" to make some in the dehydrator (I don't even have potatoes on hand right now) ... so I went to the store. At least I got the "natural/organic" ones.

Yesterday I ate:
Green Smoothie (1 banana, 2 oranges, 1/2 c frozen blueberries, spring greens)
12 oz. apple/beet/lemon juice
Green Smoothie (2 frozen bananas, some mint, 1 romaine heart)
Chips :(

being

11-17-2006, 12:10 PM

Ahhh green juice :D

Went for a 45 minute brisk walk, then juiced 2 organic apples with organic dino kale, organic parsley, lemon and ginger. Very spicy, very yummy.

I read this little 'anecdote which has led to me choosing to spend more of the little money I have on organic produce wherever possible.. I'll paraphrase it below because it's so cute and true :eek:

" My kitchen is full of fruit and vegetables. One friend was over and looked around commenting I'll bet everything here is organic hey? To which I replied yes, of course. He asked for an apple, so I happily grabbed one to give him. I said, wait one sec.. went to the shed outside where my gardener has (unfortunately) a can of Raid. I sprayed the apple with Raid and handed it to my friend. He refused to eat it. I said, well, I'm confused. You eat conventional apples which are sprayed with tons of chemicals and bugkillers which are probably much worse than a little Raid. He said, yeah well they are washed. So I washed the apple in my sink and handed it back. He still refused to eat it. "

Perhaps a little over the top, but it sure got me thinking...

I'm allowing myself to eat whatever I want, be it nuts or heavy recipes ... and not thinking oh this is bad for me. Come ON! It's raw, it's better than what I could be eating... KD from a box or something ;) I haven't been 100% raw but I feel 100% better. I'm sticking close to 90% I guess, but that isn't even really an issue anymore. I know eventually I will end up eating 100% raw, but it will come in time. I am not going to force it.

It feels good to let go of those thought habits - labelling a food or an emotion or an experience as "good" or "bad".

Hope you all have a rawsome weekend...

swingbolder

11-17-2006, 02:54 PM

Ha! That is too funny!

girlsmiley

11-17-2006, 09:25 PM

Today I had a "foot bath" ... very interesting indeed! The water turned greenish-brown and had "sludge" floating on top. Glad it's not inside me anymore!

Today I've eaten:

Green Smoothie (2 bananas, 2 apples, 1 romaine heart)
lightly steamed asparagus with sea salt and olive oil

PositiveEnergy4U

11-18-2006, 08:56 AM

Hi All. I had a pretty rough week. I had a leg injury and I could barely walk. I thought it was sciatica since it was in my back but it turns out to be some pulled muscles and tendons that were referring. I couldn't even walk across the parking lot of a grocery store. Also, I got some very scary news about my sister's cancer. We are waiting til Wednesday for some more results.

Given all this, I just fell back on more of a vegan diet and didn't try to do the raw thing since I couldn't get to the store and was in bad mental shape.

My parents are very old and the whole cancer thing is breaking my mom down.

I made plans to eat at a raw restaurant with friends tonight and now that my leg is healing I will be back to my raw lifestyle. I am planning to bring some raw foods to my brother's for Thanksgiving as well.

I kept focused this week on not-overeating and not turning to any addictive foods like wheat and sugar and I got through just fine without feeling like I was harming myself.

All the support on this board is really helpful.

Peace and health to all. :)

lavendarJ

11-18-2006, 03:18 PM

happy saturday

I've been so busy this week, it was crazy. Thankfully, I survived the week. I find that I've been "drinking" everything.... I haven't had a lot of time to do real prep or anything so it has been easier to juice what would usually be a veggie salad. I've been eating the fruit because it's easy to throw in the bag, but my salads and other veggies .. I've been juicing them and drinking a lot of parsley tea. I had a lot of unexpected things happen at work this week... the teacher that I work with suddenly took ill when going to the hospital for some routine tests and the worst of it is that she is in the hospital on life support machines and it was discovered that she has a viral heart infection. She was going in for a colonoscopy and her heart stopped twice. Then, my sister called and told me my niece broke her foot; we have to take her to a specialist at the children's hospital because the break might require surgery. I could go on and on, you know how it is, life just happens and this week, I had a lot of surprises but I'm feeling happy and blessed to be here and to be able to experience raw living ..... been thinking everyone. I just had to get on here (been working on the computer since early this morning and needed a quick break). Well, back to my planning for work and the volunteer job. Happy eating... someone eat something mexican for me:D , I am craving some veggie tacos, salsa,fajitas or guacamole and just don't have the time to chop or mix anything at the moment. I'm going to go look at the food pictures posted and visually enjoy what everyone's been eating while I drink my carrots.....

In peace amigos...

Morn

11-19-2006, 05:00 PM

Hi all- Back from my vacation in Arizona! Had a wonderful week of beautiful sunny weather and siteseeing that was incredible! I also saw real live cactus' for the first time and palm trees. Soo cool! It was like a second honeymoon (after 14 years) with my husband. I was proud of myself for staying mostly raw while on vacation. I did have some sushi that wasn't totally raw, some orange juice, some warmed up coconut/curry sauce that went over my vegtables at P.F Changs and tea, and a few bites of vegetarian chili. However the rest was all raw. And for eating out all the time and being on the go I felt like this was an accomplishment! I even ate at my first vegan restaurant (which was a HUGE stretch for the Hubby) and had a beautiful raw plate that was awesome with raw beets, sprouts, veggies, almond pate and some awesome curry flaxseed crackers. You guys would have loved it! It was like a work of art in front of me to eat! I was in raw heaven! We also ate at a restaurant called sweet tomato which had an incredibly large salad bar with everything you could imagine. I even had raw jicama (for the first time) on my mexian salad one day.

Exercise was a little scarce, however, we did walk some trails and up some mountains and did a 1/2 hour at the gym on the eliptical machine and some ab work. Then I got my first professional massage. It was awesome! But mostly it was a time to relax and have some fun and downtime. Vacations really give you a chance to get some perspective on your life cause you have time to think and reflect about your life. So for me it was awesome! Well have to unpack and do laundry and get ready mentally for the next upcoming week. I am a little afraid of weighing myself cause of eating all the good food while I was away. It seemed I did eat more than I would have than usual. But I will weigh tomorrow to find out. Missed all of you and will spend some time catching up later and reading all of your posts.

iris

11-20-2006, 01:10 AM

Time for a little check-in.

Have done so-so. Some days, I've had the greenest days of my life - loads of sprouts & salads & green smoothies. But I've also eaten non-raw items such as oat/rice milk, rye bread, peanuts, vegan mayo, steamed veggies. I've done some overeating, especially struggling with the intended no-food-after-7pm. I've had coffee, daily, the last four days. I've been to two dinnerparties - one started out with salad but ended with peanuts, the other one was yesterday and I only had fruit & felt great.

Lots of reflection going on around food & eating habits. Realizing the need to separate eating and relaxation (tendency to come home, grab a book and eat in sofa - rather choose to eat with focus & gratitude and a clear demarcation line between eating and other activities). Realizing the past four months are the healthiest, dietwise, in my life so far! Good to remind myself of when I feel I've failed to reach goals. I've noticed that even when I fall off the raw food wagon, eating sugar/processed wheat/dairy is not an option. (since late July). This means I've got a new dietary baseline, from which it is easier to get back on track.

Planning a green smoothie week to end this month in clarity & revival! (Starting Thursday.) And I'm going to join the December challenge with a journal & more frequent log-ins.

Wishing everyone all the best in the process & that knots & tensions dissolve into flow! :)

elian

11-20-2006, 10:27 AM

Hi everyone,
Just a quick check in here too. I've been 100% raw for 29 days. :-) I'm so happy for myself. I'm a little disappointed that I haven't lost much weight. But my focus has been on staying raw, not on the weight. It will release itself eventually.

My biggest challenge is going out to eat. The only option is a salad. I've just got to remember to take some addtions with me.

Thank you to all on this challenge. Keep up the great work and always take something raw with you when you leave the house!

Happy Thanksgiving.

Morn

11-20-2006, 01:47 PM

Hi everyone. Well the moment of truth after the vacation was a loss of 2 pounds (total 25 pounds) - Yeah! I was so afraid. However it just goes to show me that you can eat out on this diet and lose weight. It was frustrating at times though to find (restaurants) things to eat. It seems like I looked at a lot of menus and walked right back out when the restaurants didn't meet my needs. Luckily my husband was supportive and patient. So I will say that it is easier eating at home. Well today I ate some raw grawnola that I made last night. It is yummy. It is so good freshly warmed from being dehydrated. Later I will probably do a salad for dinner and an orange for a snack. Have to work tonight!

Elian - I know it can be discouraging when we want the scale to move and it doesn't, But hang in there!

Wishing you all the Best in your raw Journey!

being

11-20-2006, 02:07 PM

It must be at least 2 weeks 98-100% raw!

I've been rawing it up like mad :D
More and more it's becoming second nature, I've noticed I rarely even consider cooked things the past 4 or 5 days.

I am making lots of new recipes, and I finally got a new food processor so I'm in good form again, kitchen wise. I am going to make Alissa's Chicken Finger things today -

I'm making a good effort to have either a green juice or green smoothie each day, and fruit only until the afternoon. This has been working really well for me. I'm not eating as much lately, my appetite seems to be fading (slightly) and I think it's mainly stress related.

I am not exercising much, energy wise I have to push myself to get though my usual 1 hour walking route, but I am still getting out 5 or 6 days a week.

(Good to see you back Morn! I'm glad your vacation was so wonderawful. And 2 lbs while on holiday? Rawsome, seriously. :D )

girlsmiley

11-20-2006, 05:49 PM

Welcome back Morn! It is so exciting to hear about your vacation and how you were able to even loose weight and have a lot of fun on your 2nd honeymoon! I think that is just RAWsome!

Sounds like everyone is doing well.

I made some pesto dressing from "Eating without Heating" and it is garlicky! Good thing I love garlic! :) My salad consisted of a head of Boston bibb lettuce, 1/2 chayote squash, 3 brussle sprouts, celery, artichoke hearts, and olives ... yummmy!

elian

11-21-2006, 10:05 AM

Good morning everyone,

Hi Morn, thank you for the encouragement. I can definitely relate to your eating out delimas. I always have the same problem. Not to mention I'm not much of a salad person. Maybe I should just start asking for a whole pepper, carrot, etc. I don't mind munching on it like that.

Well, today marks day 30 of my 100% raw for 30 days challenge. I'm shocked on how easy it was. Yes there were temptations and times that I could have chosen SAD food. But I said to myself "I'm so close, I'm not going to mess it up." Plus I always have some food with me.

Hang in there everyone, you can do it. This week can be a challenge for all of us. Take food with you... fix whatEVER you love that's raw. You can beat this addiction.

Blessings,

Morn

11-21-2006, 01:55 PM

Thank you Being and Girlsmiley. I am glad to be back!

Being YOU are doing so Rawsome - I knew you could do it! By the way, I brought Lara bars on vacation with me and tried them for the first time, they were so yummy! I will definately be buying some more. They come in handy when your on the go and you need something but can't get to raw food.

Elian - 30 days Yeah! A huge congratulations to you! I find with eating out sometimes you have to get creative. Its tough when you don't like salads cause that is the main thing I eat out. But when I went to P.F. Changs I had them make me a veggie plate of peapods, carrots, waterchestnuts, celery, redpepper and carrots so yes don't be afraid to order off the menu to get what you want. I find a lot of chefs are more than willing to work with you and the restaurants that wont, well I Just don't go back to (which hurts them because I have a seriously SAD family that spends a lot of money on eating out and drinks).

Morn

11-22-2006, 10:23 PM

Is anybody there? Wow I had a hard time finding this thread. We got pushed way down to the bottom. The last 2 days I worked 12 hour days but stayed raw. Today was trying to get ready for Thanksgiving. I am cooking the SAD feast tomorrow plus my own creations for me. I will be making Alyssa's blueberry pie, cranberry relish, and a big garden salad for me. I am also going to make some raspberry vinegarette salad dressing for me. Well have to go and start getting some of my good for together for tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

being

11-23-2006, 04:00 PM

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the US of A!

Hi Morn,
I had a difficult time locating our thread too :( It gets lost in all the main discussion... Ahh well. Change is inevitable isn't it? ;)
It sounds as though you are well prepared for your Thanksgiving. I hope you have a delightful time and enjoy your raw delights.

I was just making some onion bread, and then a pizza crust, and with the leftover mixtures, I combined them both with some kale leaves, sesame seeds and some herbs and the result warm outta the dehydrator is some weird biscuity thing which tastes super yummy - a garden vegetable patty reminiscent of my HFS deli's veggie patties or somthing :p

My appetite is drasitcally reducing. I think due to a medication I am begrudgingly taking. But for example this morning I didn't even think or want food until nearly noon. Then I had a green juice with lots of kale and lemon.. and only 2 hours later did I want something else. I had a fresh OJ smoothie with froz pineapple and a fresh mango. IT WAS INCREDIBLE... I don't recall something so simple tasting so delicious before. A whole new set of taste buds grew or something (hehe)

NFrawRUNNER

11-23-2006, 06:08 PM

Morn

11-24-2006, 12:10 AM

Today was Thanksgiving. A lot of work so I am glad I am done. Was up late making Alyssa's blueberry pie and up early to get the turkey in the oven for my SAD family's meal and then was in the kitchen cooking all day and it seemed like cleaning up all night). Boy I am glad I don't do this very often. I had to load my dishwasher 3 times for just one meal and dessert for everyone. I was happy though to sit down to a meal all together as a family. It seems with our schedules being so busy it is getting tougher and tougher to eat together. Did pretty good staying raw and I am proud of myself (so is the hubby). My newest additiction is green tea (which I just pour hot tap water over tea bags and cool in fridge with a very small amount of pomagrante juice). Not sweet at all but more flavor than just water. Foods eaten:

garden salad with mock salmon on top with raspberry vinegarette
cranberry orange relish
hummus
blueberry pie
green tea with pomagrante juice

Being - Thank you for replying. I was starting to think I was all alone in this challenge and that just wouldn't be any fun now would it!!!! I am so glad you are doing so well and with not much of an appetite I am sure you will see results. Oh and the fresh orange juice with pineapple sounds so yummy!

lavendarJ

11-24-2006, 04:53 AM

Hello guys! I am glad that Thanksgiving is over. You know, the dressing, the turkey all of the food - the whole nine yards...it did make me think back for just a moment. But you know what, I didn't have an urge to just thow caution to the wind and pig out. I was watching my family and friends and everyone else that was at the house. I was just thinking to myself "wow", because you know when you are caught up in the sad lifestyle you really can't see...but now looking through new lenses, new raw lenses I can't believe how much food people can put away in one sitting and then - only an hour later - they will take out not one, not two, not three, but maybe four or five samples of deserts... wow...

I'm glad to be in the "know" about what is best for my body now

adrienne

11-24-2006, 07:29 AM

Morn and LavendarJ - Way to go on your raw Thanksgiving! What an accomplishment and you should be VERY proud of yourselves! An inspiration to all of us.
Keep up the rawesome work!
Love,
Adrienne

DharmaGirl

11-24-2006, 07:53 AM

Hi Everyone!
Wow; it's been awhile since I've posted, but I just wanted to let you all know how much you're inspiring me! I, too, fall off the rawagon all too much and am trying once again to get back on track. The support that you're offering eachother without judgement is admirable..... Often times, my problem is not knowing what to make and "poor planning".... It's time for me to eat my first meal of the day, and that's usually pretty easy; a green smoothie....right now, as i said, i'm trying to get back on track eating MORE raw, but often times, cooked stuff finds it's way in :( Today I have the day off, so will try to get creative and motivated to eat 100% raw.... gotta start somewhere!!

peace and good health to all,

being

11-24-2006, 11:33 AM

I add to the applause for Morn, Lavendar and anyone else raw over their Thanksgiving yesterday!!! :D

Lavendar, you made such an astute observation about how much food people tend to pack in there.. as though we're preparing for a long hard winter and won't be eating for weeks :eek: And I love the "raw lenses" that is a great way of putting it.

Yesterday I made some sprouted buckwheat onion bread, and then I made a veggie-base pizza crust/cracker thing, and to half I added a bunch of slightly older kale leaves. This piece is so GREEN oh, I added my green juice pulp and some ground seeds too. All are very tasty, but you know, I'm sprouting more lentils to make Alissa's BBQ Chicken Fingers again because THOSE were sooooo good! I spent a good portion of yesterday in the kitchen :rolleyes: I'm disappointed with my new food processor too. I used to have a Black and Decker, which was great at mixing.. this new one also B&D doesnt' suck stuff down from above.. the bottom gets absolutely CREAMED and the top portion I had to keep stopping it, and stirring it around. Kinda a pain - Oh well.

I stop and think, hey, I've been 100% raw without even really thinking about it at all! I love it. I feel pretty good.. my skin seems to be glowing more and that's about the only positive... I'm sleeping SO much more, I have a bunch of unpleasant effects going on which I won't disgust you all with :p Just hope it passes soon.

Ok. Looooong post. Rawk on everyone. Have a great weekend too!

swingbolder

11-24-2006, 12:04 PM

To my great surprise, my husband prepared a raw Thanksgiving meal for us yesterday. I was not expecting this, since he had bought a Tofurkey for himself as he does every Christmas and Thanksgiving (he is vegan). However, he said that he wanted to support me wholeheartedly in my staying raw this holiday season, and said that my staying raw without being around temptations was more important than him eating that old tofurkey. I was like, wow, he really loves me!!!!

He made a Caesar's salad, gazpacho soup and some pizza. That's the good news. The bad news is that this raw meal gave him indigestion and he ended up with a stomache ache and then fell asleep around 8pm!!! Hmm, maybe it was just too much raw goodness and fiber for his junk food vegan insides to handle! (He lives on veggie burgers and baked potatoes). I ended up watching "Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector" all by my lonesome. And we didn't even get to the dessert, which was banana ice cream with chocolate sauce and pecan bits (guess I'll be having that tonight!).

He was a good sport about it though. I said "Aw, this is probably going to be your first and last raw Thanksgiving." He said, "Nope, I'm already planning a menu for Christmas.

Then he said something that really floored me. He said, "I think I'm headed towards being raw anyway, it seems kind of inevitable."

I've been raw for two years and have NEVER tried to get him to eat the way I do. Maybe it's bc he sees how healthy I am when I eat this way, I dunno. But for him to even consider it is awesome. He loves his tofu hot dogs. And the one time he tried to go raw, he lasted three days, was grouchy the whole time and afterwards he said those were "the worst three days of my life, even worse than when I got run over by that truck in '89."

So, go figure. :p

girlsmiley

11-24-2006, 01:25 PM

Do I even WANT to know what the foot bath entails :confused: I'm curious... ;) Please do tell!
http://www.amajordifference.com/ion.php

Apparently you can purchase these for home use ... I got my done at a place that does massage therapy and colon hydrotherapy. I paid $45 for my session and, apparently, a complete treatment is 12 sessions.

It is some kind of ionic device that, when put in the water with your feet, pulls the toxins (including heavy metals and parasites) from your body via the soles of your feet.

It was pretty cool ... the water turned yellow first (pulling toxins from the bladder and urinary tract) then orange (pulling toxins from the blood stream) then greenish bown (pulling toxins from the liver and kidneys) with "sludge" floating on top and there was some black "sludge" which is supposed to be heavy metals, not sure how I would know if parasites had come out.

I will be going again next Friday and will complete my 12 sessions by doing one every two weeks (on payday) :D

girlsmiley

11-24-2006, 02:09 PM

Well, I haven't been 100% raw (or vegan) for the past 2 days. I did real good yesterday as far as avoiding the turkey/stuffing etc. It was pretty funny watching my family fall asleep in their chairs and I didn't need a nap :D

I made RPs Waldof Salad, a "regular" salad with greens, raw corn, zucchini, black olives, grape tomatoes, pine nuts, green onion, and pomegranates, and the Live Garden Burger recipe from the Boutenko's which I stuffed in pepper halves and quarters ... I added some edible flowers too.

Here is a picture of the leftovers ... I wish I would have taken a picture of the full platter ... it was beautiful!

elian

11-24-2006, 05:49 PM

girlsmiley... love the PC platter. The flowers went so very well too!

Everyone, congratulations for wherever you are on your raw journey. Thanksgiving is one of the two most challenging holidays for most of us. There are emotional ties as well as general temptations.

I did stay raw. Today is day 33. I fixed and apple cake and salad. I took some salad dressing for myself and some onion bread and all went well. Everyone who tasted the cake said it was good.

swingbolder... YEAH!!!! I'm so excited to read that. Your hubby is a lot closer to raw than mine. I know you are happy. Congrats.

Have a happy, not too stressful weekend everyone. I'm off to make some guac.

girlsmiley

11-24-2006, 06:45 PM

girlsmiley... love the PC platter. The flowers went so very well too!
Thanks Elian ... my sister sells it and I wanted a beautiful platter to display my new raw creations ...

I put together the dish at my mom's and everyone was watching to see what I was doing ... they tasted the Live Garden Burger before I put it in the peppers and then after ... they enjoyed the process and were amazed that I was doing that because I usually just bring a large green salad and green bean casserole ... and here I was making something visually appealing and healthy! LOL :D

My nephew even took one with the flower in it ... he ate the flower and a few bites and then really didn't like it ... he's not into vegetables. I am trying to get information to my sister, his mom, so she can get her family eating healthy. When I house sat for her all my nephew and neice would eat was microwaved chicken nuggest and frozen pizza ... it was so SAD!!

iris

11-25-2006, 08:03 AM

Day three of green-smoothie-week. I'm a salt-oil-garlic-fan & thought it would be too ascetic, but the sweetness of fruit makes for enough taste (& I notice gradually becoming more receptive to subtler flavours.) I feel energized, have been effective & relaxed & generally riding the wave. Midmonth was a bit tedious, so I'm enjoying this fully. (Makes me slightly cautious though...like, when will next detox hit? :D)

girlsmiley, that picture made me decide to grow lots & lots of edible flowers next year!

Coriander74

11-25-2006, 03:20 PM

Hello sweet friends, I hope you've all been staying well.

Without going into detail, I'm back on the wagon. I allowed myself this "one little thing" and then "that little thing" and then "I don't want to be a bother to my family"... and then it spiraled. I wasn't AWFUL, but I wasn't raw either.

So after spending an entire day sicker than anything yesterday, I have started another apple cleanse today. I'm determined to make 32 a bigger and brighter year for myself and for my loved ones, for if I'm not well, then I can't treat them the way they deserve to be treated.

Be well, and congratulations to those who have remained strong!!!! I look up to and admire you, and you are my inspiration. :)

Raw love and hugs,
Corinne

Morn

11-25-2006, 10:57 PM

The whole cooking thanksgiving thing and early shopping thing on Friday wore me out. Had to work a long day today. I am tired. I am glad to see all of you back. Even for those who ate some cooked food, it doesn't compare at all to the way we used to eat. So personally I consider it all a victory. I sure have eaten a lot lately and have been so busy catching up from being on vacation that I haven't had a chance to exercise all week. :( This is sad because I am in the exercise challenge and I blew it big time. (I am a little afraid to weigh myself next Monday.) But I must say I have had to put in some 12 hour days and being on my feet the whole time, I feel like I am going to die at the end of the day. Funny thing is I didn't think losing 25 pounds was that big of a deal until I lifted a box at work around that weight and realized "wow I was carrying this around on my body all the time." Now I can see why people who are overweight have problems with there joints, knees, etc. Now I only have another 60 pounds to lose. :( O well glad to be here with you all. Thank you everyone for the support you have given me. We can do this together!

Foods eaten today:

Alyssa's blueberry pie
salad with raspberry vinegarette
tabouleh
hummus
raw grawnola

NFrawRUNNER

11-26-2006, 02:55 AM

Even for those who ate some cooked food, it doesn't compare at all to the way we used to eat. So personally I consider it all a victory. I sure have eaten a lot lately and have been so busy catching up from being on vacation that I haven't had a chance to exercise all week. :( This is sad because I am in the exercise challenge and I blew it big time. (I am a little afraid to weigh myself next Monday.)

You are right on the money with the food philosophy! :p so true.....and I can say the same for you in regards to exercise.....once we start "working out" we feel the same guilt when we don't get a chance to as we do not sticking to 100% raw....(we need to coin a phrase in regards to standard American Exercise as we do to SAD!!!!)......but again, if you apply the same philosophy.....not working out for a few days is still a step ahead of not working out at all....ever! Before you lost weight would you have given it a second thought? maybe not. I am (we are) proud of you for being concientious of your achievements and aspirations! I am not sure of your job but being on your feet all day burns a lot of calories too! p.s. there will be many of us tip toeing it up to the scales next week! I weigh-in (officially) on Wednesdays as it seems to be a better on track day by then :D Stay RAW my friend

lavendarJ

11-26-2006, 07:39 AM

Just checking in to say hello everyone. Man! My internet connection has been whacky this past almost two weeks. I've been on the phone with tech support people trying to figure out why I have been having so much trouble getting a connection lately. Finally, I'm logged on.... we'll see. I hope we all have a great Sunday and just think.... I'm enjoying this journey of raw. You know what I was thinking about raw.... I was just thinking that around this time of year all the old favorite foods which have been embedded in our memories from past feasts... they will cause us to "look back" if you will, but you know what, I do believe that my heart has embraced raw. I think that even if I decide to go on a sad eating binge that my heart will lead me back to raw. I've seen so many wonderful gains in this short amount of time (August):

1. weight loss
2. greater clarity
3. "feeling" really good from the inside out
4. the disappearance of bloating
5. boost in self-confidence and self-awareness
6. recognition of my power to be who I need to be
etc. etc.

I have so many people waiting for me to "fall" but I do know that if I make a choice to eat something tomorrow, then it is simply a choice. I have embraced raw and it will always be a part of me. Some of my friends are like "yeah but that's not a diet that you can follow the rest of your life". I have to correct them by telling them it is not a diet, and it is the most basic and simple way to eat when you think about it. I have to really make people see this because its like you can spend $60 per month on a diet pill which you are not going to use the rest of your life but does come with risks or you can rethink the way you grocery shop and invest that $60 into your shopping bill. I am not yet blessed to just throw caution to the wind when I grocery shop and I try not to go over $20 a week ($30 if I add in nuts) on items. It can really be done.

I am not doing a lot of dehydrating yet but eventually I might want to try to get more involved. I simply buy fruits and veggies and create something that way and call it a day. So people (some of my friends) just don't get it. Everyone says it's too expensive to eat healthy. Well it is no more expensive than it is to eat out 4 or 5 times a week at fast food restaurants and then sometimes twice a day. I was telling my friend that the same $20 she spend this past week eating out a few times a week, I could take that and buy 3 or 4 varieties of fruits and a combo of veggies (for salads) and maybe even a small portions of nuts and then have food 3 or 4 days. I guess the bottom line is that we all come into knowledge about things in our own way. At least for me, I know that this is very doable. Okay, okay, I'll stop rambling on and on about it.

Have a Great Sunday!

NFrawRUNNER

11-26-2006, 03:08 PM

Everyone says it's too expensive to eat healthy. Well it is no more expensive than it is to eat out 4 or 5 times a week at fast food restaurants and then sometimes twice a day. I was telling my friend that the same $20 she spend this past week eating out a few times a week, I could take that and buy 3 or 4 varieties of fruits and a combo of veggies (for salads) and maybe even a small portions of nuts and then have food 3 or 4 days. I guess the bottom line is that we all come into knowledge about things in our own way. At least for me, I know that this is very doable. Okay, okay, I'll stop rambling on and on about it.

Have a Great Sunday!

Let's not forget the added expense of medical bills caused by the SAD in the long run! Need more info? Send your "friends" to Jack LaLane!!!! I just watched him on a TV segment....He's 92 and so vibrant! I realize he's not 100% raw but he advocates that type of lifestyle!!!! We're right! We are just ahead of our times! That's what I always tell people now! I say, just wait and see, some day you will realize I am right....usually shuts them up!
Di

misslinda

11-27-2006, 01:00 AM

Happy Happy Birthday To You Coriander74 !!!!!!!!!!! :)

Morn

11-27-2006, 01:30 PM

NFrawRUNNER - Thanks for the encouragement. I am already frustrated with how I feel my life is so busy and with the holidays, even more will be added on to my existing schedule (like everyone else, so I know you know what I mean). Theres the extra shopping, cleaning decorating, gift wrapping, etc. The thought of it all just wares me out. The good news however is when we eat right and exercise we do have more energy to get the things done that we need to do. So I will continue on and try to get some time in at the gym. Once I catch up at work, I will stop after work at the gym like I normally do. Hopefully I will get caught up by tommorrow. I like the money that I earn but I like being more able to function the next day and the feeling of having balance in my life.

Coriander 74 - Happy Birthday to You! I am raising my cup of apple juice to you!!! This year will be great for you. I just know it!!! What can be better than fulfulling your dreams!

Lavender J - I know what you mean - People can spend money eating/drinking out but won't buy fresh produce at home. Stange. My mother in law doesn't blink twice at dining out and having alcoholic beverages to go with dinner but was shocked at me when I bought a red pepper for $2.00 at the grocery store for Thanksgiving. She says she would never buy them because she feels like she is being ripped off when green ones are 1/2 the cost. I do understand her feelings as I think they are exspensive as well but we all spend money on what we value (and think is a priority) and that is the bottom line. For your friends eating out at the fast food restaurant is more important than eating healthy. For my mother in law it brings her a great pleasure in eating/having drinks out so thats how she spends her money. For us we are trying to get healthier and giving our bodies the best and that is our priority. We just value different things. I think if people were being real with themselves that would accept this as truth. Instead its easier to make excuses instead of changing priorities.

Morn

11-27-2006, 01:45 PM

Yesterday was another busy day. Went to church and then my husband says while it is warm outside, why don't we decorate the outside of the yard with Christmas lights. Since we have never done this before, we were a little niave at just how long this takes. I think he thought we could do this in an hour and then four hours later we still weren't done (and realized we needed to buy extension cords which costed me $100 more dollars and took another 3 hours to find everything). Now I know why we never did this in the past. Way too time consuming and for what a month? O well this may be the last time we do this. My neighbor was out there for 3 days doing his. Now we are less than 50% done and my husband has meetings everynight afterwork so we wont get this done till next weekend. Tis the season to be jolly! HA

Well I do have something to be jolly about cause I lost another 2 pounds. Yeah

Food eaten yesterday:

Salads and fruit
Hummous

Foods planned for today:

Raw Grawnola
Big dinner salad with veggies and stawberries
grapes

have to work later so will probably bring some trail mix and see if I am still hungry.

elian

11-28-2006, 10:22 AM

Ok guys. I just got around to posting updated photos of me. My 6 year old took them this morning. I weighed in yesterday and I'm down another 2 pounds (only 18 to go... I started at 172 in Feb).

Morn, you're right about not realizing how "heavy" our extra weight really is.

Yesterday I had my morning mocha latte, smoothie, salsa/blended salad, some rawnola, surely there was something else???? I can't think of it. Probably some never ending apple cake (I brought a piece to work with me today and froze the rest).

I don't beat myself up about excerise. My focus is on being active. If I'm active and doing things, that's most important.

Morn

11-28-2006, 01:52 PM

Elian - Wow You look great! I can't believe the difference! You look younger, more vibrant and alive. Congratulations!

PositiveEnergy4U

11-28-2006, 09:38 PM

Morn

11-28-2006, 11:00 PM

Hi All, Things aren't going great on this front, but I am hanging in. I have been through lots of personal stress with family illness and a hip and leg injury that has stopped me from being able to run for weeks. I am a big runner.

Tonight I did the stepmill and had chest pains during and after. This hasn't happenned before. I feel like a wreck and I'm back up to 154.

I did make a nice raw salad for dinner. I have not given up.

Stress will sometimes cause chest pains and many other things. I am sorry to hear you are going through a difficult time. It sounds like your body may be telling you to take it easy right now until you can recover. Take care of yourself and keep us updated. All the Best to you!

Morn

11-28-2006, 11:02 PM

Had to work today. Plugged in the first set of lights for the Christmas display on our front lawn. Now we just have to finish the bushes. I never realized how much work it is to do a light display.

Foods eaten:

red pepper hummous with carrots and celery
Alyssa's blueberry pie
grean tea with pomogranate juice

Yeah - WE all got through another month! Good job everyone!

rawyogi80

11-28-2006, 11:24 PM

I hope everyone had a great day!

I find that starting the day with some meditation and intentions, really helps me stay centered throughout the day. I had a raw day today!

am-Juvo + raw almond milk
noon- large garden salad with avocado, bell pepper, onion, olive oil and lemon and carrot sticks
pm- 2 persimmons, half apple, all sliced thinly (my favorite fruits right now)

I've found that mono fruit meals work very well with me..I sleep better at night and wake up with so much energy.

"Seek balance through gentle mindful movement.."

iris

11-29-2006, 05:15 AM

Green fire here - kale & sprouts & celery...and lots of water. This green smoothie-week that turned out to be something of a raw food honeymoon, beyond my expectations of energy & ease.

Now going away for a couple of days. There will be salads, so I'll bring some nori sheets to fill - for the first time of my life I'm craving algae! :) I'll also bring some veggiejuice & green smoothies. Plan to stay away from added salt a little longer.

PositiveEnergy4U - shows your strenght that you're making rawsalad in spite of all your present challenges.

*Lots* of wellwishes for us all!

girlsmiley

11-29-2006, 11:46 AM

Alyssa's blueberry pie
You must make this with frozen blueberries ... correct?

I haven't made this yet and it sounds so good and easy, I just wasn't sure I could use frozen blueberries. I will definitely have to look at the recipe again.

Things are just really busy ... I have not been 100% raw for this month, and that's OK ... it's a lot better than November 2005 :D

I will just keep on working toward the 100% raw goal and I know that eventually I will make it.

You all are such wonderful motivators and encouragers!

Today I've eaten:

Cut up fresh fruit (strawberries, pineapple, grapes, banana) with pecans
Large salad

shanshan

11-29-2006, 12:49 PM

obviously I've missed the november challenge, but my 34th birthday is at the end of january and I promised myself I would be happy and healthy by then.
I would like to start a challenge for Dec. 1st. is there any?
I have no dehydrator but everything else.
I have to dig up a photo of me for a before shot.
thanks!

girlsmiley

11-29-2006, 02:03 PM

I would like to start a challenge for Dec. 1st. is there any?

Yes, someone has already started a December Challenge thread :)

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22947

Morn

11-29-2006, 07:38 PM

Hi all - I am so tired today. I am going to try to do a Yoga Booty Ballet DVD that I got from Sams club yesterday. Hopefully I will like it. Food eaten:

Foods eaten:

Raw grawnola
red pepper hummous with carrots
blueberry pie

Girlsmiley - I think fresh blueberries are better for the recipe, however I have used both. The ones that are frozen made the pie a little more runny in texture. I bought frozen when I couldn't get fresh ones. The pie I just made last week for thankgiving was made with the fresh one's (however at this time of year they can be very pricey). Luckily meijer had them on sale last week (and for the holiday I wanted to treat myself to something special so I bought them). When you use the fresh one the pie solidifies better and quicker. It is an awesome recipe though and so yummy! Next I think I am going to make a lime pie with coconut and avacodo from one of my other books. Sounds kinda interesting but who knows. I just got a huge bag of limes at Sams for $2.00 yesterday so I am looking for a recipe to use them in.

being

11-29-2006, 07:55 PM

Hi all -

I was out of town for a few days.. managed to stay almost all raw because I found a Food Court place in a nearby mall to my hotel that was a salad and fruit bar - they had young coconut, mango, oranges, grapes, all melons, pineapple, kiwifruit, jackfruit, lychees, uh, grapefruit... more than I can remember.. it was awesome I went there 3 times in as many days :D
(Of course it was $ by weight, I learned my lesson after the 1st time :eek: )

Keepin' it raw, nearly 100%, today I've had a carob shake, apple, carrocado mash, some unchicken nuggets, sprout-broccocado in nori, goji berries, oh, fresh grapefruit juice...mmm

I don't know if I've lost any weight number wise, but I'm pretty sure my stomach is getting flatter, and definitely my arms are slimming a bit. Why is it that the top half reduces first??? I'm one of those lose-the-lower-last peeps. Ah welll. This is BY FAR the healthiest way I've ever lost weight, with no restricting the amount of food I eat or avoiding certain foods (except cooked ones ;) )

Hope you're all rawkin'...

MORN!!! I just saw your signature-- you've reached your Nov. goal weight :D That's (r)awesome! :p

PositiveEnergy4U

11-29-2006, 08:26 PM

Hi all. I am on a business trip and not having a raw day. I did seek out a restaurant that had vegan food. I walked to the restaurant.

I think I am in a bit of a depression with some post-traumatic stress. My sister had two cancer surgeries recently and we still don't know if it has spread. I usually use exercise in times of stress but with my injury from spinning that has not been an option.

On Saturday, I am going to go to the farmer's market and stock up on my raw organic favorites and continue along my path.

My weight is back up to 154.

Here's to moving forward!

Morn

11-30-2006, 09:58 AM

Being - Thanks for your kind note, Yes I am happy meeting my goal for a change. Also Welcome back! Glad to see you found good food to eat while away! Well I have to go cause I just took a break at work to check to see how everyone was doing.

DharmaGirl

11-30-2006, 12:07 PM

Hello Everyone ;)

First, I, too, want to congratulate you, Morn, on reaching your November goal. I also wanted you to know that you've been inspiring me alot with your kind words of encouragement to everyone and for sharing so much of yourself! You also inspired me to get out Alissa's book and make that RAWkin Blueberry pie. It's in the fridge now setting and I just can't wait to sink my teeth into it!! Thanks so much for your enthusiasm and your beautiful spirit. Keep up the great work!!

girlsmiley

11-30-2006, 05:35 PM

Morn - thanks so much for the Blueberry Pie advice. Before Thanksgiving I went to Costco and saw the blueberries yet didn't purchase them. Darn! I will keep my eye out for them when I go shopping there tomorrow. AND, yes, CONGRATULATIONS on making your November weight-loss goal! What an awesome example you are to all of us (especially that great loss on vacation!) :)

Today I've had a huge salad ... yummmmm ...

Morn

11-30-2006, 06:47 PM

Ok I must confess that I slipped up today. The day started so good with my regular good intentions of staying raw and then because I wanted to get out of work earlier I pushed myself and had a late lunch. The problem was that I was overhungry and when I got to the restaurant I ordered salad bar and then decided to eat a plate of salad with a few spoonfulls of macaroni salad (mayonaisse based). It just looked so good and I had to have it, I was so hungry and wasn't thinking rationally. What a bummer. I did however go to the gym after that and try to burn it off. Just disappointed that I gave into the temptation. I am trying to be so careful to not fall like this since I have an addictive personality and others have warned about it. I just knew I should have packed my lunch. O well I just had dinner and it was raw. But I can totally see how it is just best to fight the temptation and try to stay raw.

Foods eaten:

a banana
grapes
salad with veggies
a few spoonfuls of sad macaroni :(
grape tomatoes with tomato, pesto seasonings and olive oil

Thank you Dharmagirl for such a kind note - you too have encouraged me with your words. I hope you enjoy the blueberry pie as much as I did!

Thank you Girlsmiley for your note

Hope to see everyone in December's challenge started by Miss Linda!

NFrawRUNNER

11-30-2006, 07:03 PM

A slip is ok, you can get back up! We've all been there...Tomorrow is a new day, new month new thread!!!! See you on the holiday hooplah challenge!!!! ;)
Di

auroral

11-30-2006, 07:15 PM

^^ They're right - tomorrow is a new day! Pick yourself up and keep on goin'! :)

PositiveEnergy4U

11-30-2006, 08:53 PM

Hello All. I'm glad to be back home. In the past 3 weeks I've been 1 night in Houston, 3 nights in San Francisco, 2 nights in Miami, 3 nights in New York, and 6 nights in CT. That leaves only 6 nights in between at home in Florida.

Today's breakfast and lunch were pretty much a bust - hotel oatmeal and lunch served by some customers from my job. Today I wasn't even Vegan - only vegetarian. I never go back to meat, fish, etc. but in a rough situation, I have some dairy very occasionally.

I was soooo happy to make my own dinner at home tonight in Florida - an avocado, some grape tomotoes, aduki bean sprouts, and pumpkin seeds - all raw organic.

I also got up and went to a great peaceful gym in Philadelphia this morning. I try to find gyms other than depressing hotel gyms teaming with TV sets. I don't like TV while I exercise!! I went to a nice yoga style gym and did the elliptical for 45 mins and then had a nice walk to my hotel.

It wasn't the greatest eating day and I still haven't done my shopping but I will be on Saturday.