New to RAW

[Irish614]

Hey guys, I'm a 20 yr old male who has recently put on alot of weight like 40+ lbs in less than a year due to the loss of my mother last June. I love meat but I am willing to stick with a RAW diet. I just need some more information such as how to prepare the foods, and what exactly is RAW? My weight fluctuates but its usually around 197-200lbs. I'm only 5' 7'' so its definitely not healthy to be this overweight and the weight shows, I didn't know how much it did until I took pictures recently and am ashamed of the way I now look. At my most I weighed like 165 that was around June of '05. I want to get back to that weight, I've tried multiple diet pills, diets and stuff like that and of course they don't work! Thank you for your time and I hope that making this change in my life will help.
If possible list things to avoid, obviously meats and things like that but what can we drink besides water?- Randy

ADDITIONAL COMMENT****- I am wondering where to purchase the book? I've looked everywhere, the only place I can find is online. ****

[Rawkinlocs]

Hi Randy and welcome!

Congrats on making this step towards a healthier you! The first thing I highly recommend is getting Alissa's book, Living on Live Food. Some think I say this out of "loyalty" or what have you...but I'm telling you...it is one of the best if not THE best books out there especially for someone just starting out as it contains menu plan, what and what not to eat, other's inspiring stories, what to expect when you begin eating raw, not to mention all the recipes and a lot more.

But to answer your question...basically eating raw according to Alissa's approach is to eat a diet consisting of fresh and raw fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and sprouted grains. No dairy, meat, eggs, or cooked food.

It's more natural to eat these things fresh and whole...but for variety or to help you transition more smoothly from cooked foods to raw foods, there are many recipes where you take those raw foods and combine them with healthy herbs, spices, and seasonings (or not) and create meals that can either sometimes mimic certain cooked favorites or serve as stand-alone meals so you don't feel deprived. We have a great recipe forum here where many of our members have shared recipes that are tried and true.

As for what to drink besides water...there are smoothies you can make with fruit or a combo of fruit and leafy greens (green smoothies), freshly made juices you can make with a juicer or orange juice made with a citrus juicer, you can make nut milks out of various raw nuts and/or seeds as well.

I know others are going to be chiming in soon, but that's a starting point for you...but if you can and as soon as you can, get a copy of Alissa's book and dvd! I promise you won't be disapppointed!

[MaryWalker]

I whole heartedly agree with the last post! By Alissa's book! I have been raw almost 4 months and I feel great! My husband has been raw right along with me and he has lost just over 50 lbs! It is the simplest and most natural way to go. And it is a way of life that you can incorporate easily.

I also just completed my certification classes with Alissa, so I will be teaching others how to Live on Live Food for a living.

Another book you can buy is the Mad Cowboy if you really want to get off of meat forever! I read this book and within the first 30 pages I vowed to become vegetarian, and in the next 10 pages, I was vegan! It is a very fast reader! Also, Diet For A New America by John Robbins is top notch!

It's not hard to start eating a raw food diet. All you have to do it eat raw! And most importantly, be prepared! When you leave you home, take food with you. An apple, a raw food bar, raw nuts & seeds, etc. Over-prepare for the day, as you never know when you all of a sudden get hungry, or a hankerin' for "fast food" - just start munching on nuts! They are filling keep the pangs gone for a long time.

[Veganforlife]

Welcome to the RAW world baby!
I agree. Alissa's book is THE best to start out with and try a 30-day challenge. I would guarantee that you will feel SO good after 30 days you will not want to go back to SAD.
There's not much you can guarantee in life, but the feel-good 30-day challenge is a sure thing!!!

[tvillemom]

I have a few raw "cook"books...but Alissa's is my favorite. A great place to start is just fresh stuff....fruit for breakfast....salads and nut pates for lunch and dinner. Do you own a dehydrator, or what appliances do you own, that will help people here help you get started.
If you don't have alot of kitchen stuff, a good place to start is a cheap $60 food processor (Hamilton Beach brand is good!) $20 blender (most people already have at least one of those) and a cheap $40 dehydrator (American Harvest) at Walmart...make sure it has a temperature control on it! These couple of items will take you ALL THE WAY with raw! Some dehydrated crackers are a GREAT bread substitute...
Do you have a HFS nearby??
Good luck. Keep us posted. Stay around the boards, they are a great wealth of support!!
Wendi

[trinity082482]

Hi Randy!

I am fairly new to raw too and although I fudge up sometimes its not that bad. It does make it easier if you own a food dehydrator, because I know for me I crave some cooked foods that I could make in a dehydrator and because I dont own one I just eat the cooked foods :rolleyes:
Stalk up on fruits and veggies that you enjoy. Don't buy produce you wont eat. If you like making recipes have things like agave, honey and nuts and cocoa powder, carob and even some coconut milk.. etc.. there are lots of food you can make its unbelievable!!



Hey guys, I'm a 20 yr old male who has recently put on alot of weight like 40+ lbs in less than a year due to the loss of my mother last June. I love meat but I am willing to stick with a RAW diet. I just need some more information such as how to prepare the foods, and what exactly is RAW? My weight fluctuates but its usually around 197-200lbs. I'm only 5' 7'' so its definitely not healthy to be this overweight and the weight shows, I didn't know how much it did until I took pictures recently and am ashamed of the way I now look. At my most I weighed like 165 that was around June of '05. I want to get back to that weight, I've tried multiple diet pills, diets and stuff like that and of course they don't work! Thank you for your time and I hope that making this change in my life will help.
If possible list things to avoid, obviously meats and things like that but what can we drink besides water?- Randy

[RowanC]

And I agree with everyone else.. don't waste money on anything else until you buy Alissa's book. It is awesome! Inspiring stories and the BEST, easiest raw recipes you will find anywhere. I've gotten rid of all the other raw books because Alissa's is the one I use. Nine out of 10 recipes I like.. .those aren't bad odds.

Read read read all these posts... ask questions... do searches... read some more and come here to get all the support you need.

YOU CAN DO IT!

Have you seen The Secret yet?
There's a great thread on it... I'd suggest you do that right away.

Good luck!