What am I doing wrong???

[pattico]

Okay, I have been raw for about 5 weeks and am wondering... when I will feel great?? I have had a "cold" for about 2 weeks now. It was nasty for about 4 days and now it has turned into drainage (clear), sneezing, and feeling a little tired. I can't wait to jump out of bed in the morning and have amazingly energetic days. I want people to ask me what I am doing because of how I look and act!!!!! I have been a vegan since Feb. 2006 (not a healthy one!) but no animal products, so I figured the transition wouild not be so rough (detoxing).
I have been reading about so many people that feel amazing after only a very short time. Since going raw I have lost about 10 pounds :) but don't feel that incredible energy everyone talks about. I have a new pain in my knee which radiates up my leg. It is very painful and has halted my walking for 2 weeks now.
With the exception of two meals weeks ago I have been TOTALLY raw. I also started B-12 this week.
I do not crave cooked food, but would love to see the benefits of eating raw. Can anyone tell me what I should expect and when????

[Ariannah]

It sounds like your body is detoxing from its previous life of less-than-optimal eating habits. The first time I went raw, I was lethargic for weeks, and all I wanted to do was sleep.

I almost went off raw at that point, thinking the claims about energy were all nonsense, but I kept reading this board, and just kept eating raw when I was hungry, and eventually it went away, and I felt amazing afterwards.

Please don't be too discouraged. Let your body do the work it needs to do.

[DavidZaneMason]

Hmmm...my thoughts:

-You might think now (after 5 weeks) that you have a 'lock' on this raw food thing! Ha! ha! You might even think that you have a good idea / conception of what eating healthy is (based on your previous system as compared to the new one). But even folks who have been diligently researching and living raw for 20 years still have goals and objectives. What does this tell you?

-Research what YOU have determined to be the highest foods (or any of the other best things in life) but don't second guess your dreams without giving all you've got....for at least a generous period of time (6-12 months is a good healthy measure).

-What does it matter what other people are doing? YOU have YOUR path. You have the same challenge we all do: put one foot in front of where you are NOW. Be honest about THAT. All you can do is...all you can do!

-Realistically: If you are unhealthy...it might take months...or even years to reach the goals of health, fitness and well-being that YOU have in mind.

-Don't stop doing what YOU have determined to be a healthy path because you do not get re-numerated right away! LOL.

-Just my opinions.

-David Z. Mason

[Gwena]

Hi Pattico,

I had the same experience. Tired all the time and not feeling so great. It did eventually pass. Old problems flared up and still do. I think with any big change to our system, it needs to adjust and heal.

Many call what you are going through detox. I'm not one to diagnose anything as I'm a clincal massage therapist and it's been drilled into our heads to never diagnose another person's physical dis-ease. There are some things that I did while feeling yucky during my first few months that may or may not give you some relief. As with any advice, make sure you continue to listen to your body and figure this thing out. If you need to see a professional for help, please do.

I did a steam about three times a week. I still steam about three times a week at the gym. This helps to remove toxins from the body. Exercise along with steam is even better. When you exercise you get the lyphatic system moving. The lymph system is our body's garbage depository. It only moves in one of two ways. . . manually with massage or with body movement such as exercise. I would exercise and then steam. A wonderful combo for an instant feeling of well-being. My boyfriend is also a massage therapist, so I lucked out with this one.

I drink LOTS and LOTS of water with special things in it to help me get rid of the stuff that ails me. I put lemon, green grasses, sea salts, and various other things in my water, in various variations! Hahaha. These are my own designer health drinks and they assist with my detoxification. I mix up whatever my body is calling for. Usually, it's green grasses with lemon.

Fasting and cleansing. I did the Master Cleanse, Ejuva and a Gallbladder cleanse in the beginning of my little journey. I've been doing Master Cleanses for years, and they always seem to help me get though the yuckies.

I also supplement. I'm so not one to leave it up to chance when it comes to my health. I've heard way too many horror stories about folks who have suffered from this or that because they weren't getting proper mineralization. I take MSM, B-12, DHA, and try to get the rest of what I need through what I eat. I try to make good food choices and stay clear of the raw "junk foods" when possible. I try to get lots of greens in me as I find a raw diet rich in greens is far better for me than one filled with nuts and sweets. Getting into greens did take some time though, and if eating the sweets and nuts keeps a person moving on raw, I say more power to them.

Hope some of this helps. As I shared before, just keep listening to your body and definately get professional help if need be. There are tons o wonderful alternative health care providers out there if you are open to it. ;)

-Wendy