hard time

[mschele]

I cannot seem to get to 100% raw. I consider myself high raw, but at the end of the day, when I allow myself some cooked food I then binge afterwards. So not only am I eating cooked food, but unhealthy cooked food. How can I be perfect all day and break down in the evening. Each day I keep starting over, but can't seem to do it.

Any advice would be helpful. I really want to experience the benefits of raw. Is my problem an actual physical blood surgar issue or do you think this is emontional.

Thanks.

[VeryBerry]

My advice is a make a more gradual transition. You may not be ready to be 100% raw just yet. The best thing to do is to pick a few healthy cooked foods that you like and continue to eat them in small amounts. I would also eat them for lunch, so that you are not terribly hungry at dinnertime. Then slowly replace, reduce and eliminate them.

I was high raw for 2 years before going 100%. I was eating raw food and some bread daily, also I had backed potatoes or rice once in a while. It takes time for your body to adjust, if you try to eliminate all cooked foods before your are ready you will end up overeating junk food, which is worse then eatinga little healthy cooked food.

Best of luck,
Nicole

[mschele]

Very Berry, I did try to eat some eizekel bread in the evening and that helped a little with the bingeing. What kind of bread did you eat and how did you incorporate it? Sometimes, I feel it has to be all or nothing. How did you feel high raw as compared to 100%. Also, does incorporating some bread help to keep you lean? I know many, many questions.

Thanks for your help.

[VeryBerry]

At first I ate pita bread, then I switched to mexican style tortillas, which are yeast free. Then I switches to wheat free, yeast free I made myself, it is not raw, but better then the store bought staff. Here is a link with some recipes http://www.scdrecipe.com/recipes.html. I made this type of bread for about 2 weeks, then I did not feel the need for it anymore.

You can also try some of the raw bread recipes you can find them using a banana search. I have to admit I never tried making raw bread, but there are many people on these board who did, and they can help you if this is what you want to do. They way I see it making dehydrated foods is an option, not a must.

Don't be too hard on yourself, just try eat as much raw food as you can.
I find beeing to rigid really does not work in the long run.

[VeryBerry]

Sorry, I missed some of your questions.

At first I ate some bread at lunchtime & at dinner time. Then I tried to have it for lunch only. I like having a big lunch and a light dinner.

I am not on the raw food diet to lose weigh, but for health reasons.
I have only been 100% raw for one month. So far I noticed increased energy, less food cravings, postive stable moods, fresher breath. I am still fairly new to this, so I am still learning. My main health issue is not completely resolved yet, but I am hoping it will be someday.

If you have any more questions feel free to e-mail me.
nicole.ackerman@gmail.com

[Ginger]

Are you eating enough fruit? I have that same pattern when I don't eat enough fruit.

[mschele]

Raw Veganmom, I have tried incorporating more fruit and did notice a bit of a difference. Sometimes when I am hungry, it is not for fruit, but I eat it anyway and then feel satisfied. Maybe I should continue in that direction.

Thanks.

[VeryBerry]

Mschele,

I also find that eating greens and high fibre veggies like carrots or green peas keep me more satisfied then just fruits.

[Rawkinlocs]

I think that if you find that eating even a little bit of cooked food leads you into a binge-mode of eating more (unhealthy) cooked food - the answer lies in finding a way to keep yourself raw.

Thing is, don't beat yourself up if you slip in the evenings because even with that, you are still eating probably better than did in the past. But really and truly get in touch with why you are eating the cooked food in the evening. Is it because you have family that are eating it? Is it because you feel stressed? Is it out of habit?

I had to identify these things for myself and I realized that I am an emotional eater - I never realized this before but after just examining myself and really monitoring the times I ate cooked food I discovered it was usually out of habit or boredom and then as soon as I eat it and feel that stomach discomfort shortly afterwards, I feel like such an idiot because I'm like, "Cherie, you KNEW that would make you feel that way, why'd you eat it dummy?!"

So, try to identify what is triggering you in the evenings (something about those evenings I tell ya!) and let's try and work through ways to help you get through those times.

Make sure you have plenty of your FAVORITES on hand be they raw snacks or fresh fruit or your favorite raw dressing for your salad.

This is why I love Alissa's approach so much because while I may eat fruit all day long, the evenings are sometimes killer for me and sometimes having that brownie or those seasoned/dehydrated nuts helps get me through the rough times!

Hang in there hon, you're doing wonderful and you WILL be 100% raw if that is what is in your heart to do - just keep right on going and don't fret the slip-ups!

[chilove]

Hello there,

A lot of the clients that I work with have had the same issue. I think that emotional eating in the evening is a common problem for many people because of a few issues. Dinner has traditionally been the meal that our society places the most emphasis on and makes the most fuss over. Because of this, when we go raw there might be a tendency to feel more deprived about the evening meal. The solution is to stay more full and satisfied during the day (eating more fruit is a great idea, especially if you are craving cooked starches) and to make you raw dinner a nice ritual for you. Prepare a meal that you really, really like with lots of loving intention and care. Make you surroundings where you will eat it pleasant and attractive to you. Even if it's just for you, set a nice setting at the table, light a candle, make it pretty. I've seen this work for several people. Replace the action of nurturing yourself with cooked food to nurturing yourself with other, non food related actions.

Also, the evening time is when we have time to ourself. Frequently it is the only "downtime" we have during our busy days. During this time many people feel uncomfortable with feelings that might come up that they have been too distracted to deal with all day. Rather than feel these feelings and let them go, it seems easier (it's actually not) to use food (or some other issue or substance) to avoid them. Try to be really conscious of your feelings at this time, especially if you are feeling a strong pull to eat something you'd rather not. You might want to try journaling. Experiment with inviting the feelings in, feeling them for a little while and then letting them go. Remember, feelings are not US, we just feel them. It is amazing how quickly a negative feeling can pass, making way for a much better feeling, if we simply allow ourselves the opportunity to feel it.

Blessings,

Audrey
www.rawhealing.com

[DavidZaneMason]

My experience was that I ate 2 all-raw meals a day....and a healthier cooked dinner...for about 8 months. I experimented with several all-raw dinners until I found one that satisfied me (chopped spinach salad with walnuts, mushrooms, & sprouts). I also used some lo-cal non-raw condiments to ease my transition (like Balsalmic Vinegar on my salads). I was able to 'advance' when I felt I was ready....but since it was a conscious progression all the way.....I never WANTED to go back to the old way of eating.

-Don't COMPARE yourself to some one else or some guru. Set YOUR small goals and keep them. If you can't keep them....go back to a way of eating that you are VERY comfortable with all the time......set smaller goals...and keep them.

-Just my experiences / opinions.

-David Z. Mason