not sure of my title

[Fireheart]

THis is a story I have wanted to share and now seems the time. I have been sick the past week and it's bummed me out big time. I am new to raw, about ten months, not 100% but can say in the last 3 months have been at least 90% raw. This week has been a real bummer because I am so very uncomfortable with sinus pain, dizziness, body aches, lightheadness and just feeling like all I want to do is sleep sleep sleep.

The raw food that I have comsumed has been a lot of nuts based food and desserts with cocao and dried fruits. I truly think this has hurt me in a way b/c I am full of gas and a tight belly. Now I lost weight, my skin is nice but my intestinges are just so backed up and it feels so awful.

When I cooked food I ate alot of heavy foods so I think eating the raw dessert based foods have kept me raw b/c they seem to be more dense. Thus, I always felt fulfilled. But now I have been going through this week and I feel awful. I have to go lighter with my foods, because my gut and heart tell me so. At this point I think the only fruit I can tolerate will be apples. I am a little nervous b/c the dense raw desserts kept me fulfilled and going lighter will be for my health and not for the fulfillment of my tastebuds.

I have no real point to my story but I have been cooped up all week and this came to me as an important revelation. Thanks for reading and if anyone has anything or not a thing to say that is cool-

I know others out there are suffering with gasey bellies so all I can is I hope we can pass the gas. I want to feel my soft woman belly again, not this hard rock of a tummy :( it hurts.

:) Fireheart

[Rawkinlocs]

Hiya Fireheart!

Sorry to hear of your discomforts...it "could" be the heavy raw food or it could be that 10% of cooked (?) But either way, this is the beauty of the approach to raw foods that Alissa tries to convey...it's about FREEDOM!

You don't have to commit the rest of your life to eating lighter/simpler. If that is what your body wants NOW...then oblige it, NOW. When the time comes and it's a choice between a heavier raw meal/dessert or a cooked meal/dessert...you have the choice and the option and the freedom to indulge in the raw meal/dessert. You don't have to eat raw meals all the time unless YOU feel the "need" or desire to do so for variety's sake or to help keep you raw. But when your body speaks to you to go lighter, then go lighter and do it for the season that your body requests...if that leads to forever, then so be it...if not, then your options are open!

The body aches, dizziness, etc. you described sounds like a cleansing episode and your body is asking for rest...so that is what you do when and as much as you can...our bodies are very wise! During this period of cleansing, it is best to give your digestion a rest by eating less and eating lighter. So, go with the flow and you'll get through this!

Hope you feel better soon!

[simone_24]

when I used to have bad gas I would lay on my back with my knees against my stomach and rock back and forth until the gas would subside. As for going lighter with foods, it took a little time for me to transition to not having that feeling that SAD foods gave me. If you start to eat a light meal and still feel hungry afterwords eat more. The important thing is that your eating raw and live foods. Eventually you`ll know true fullness and whats not. Also lots of water in between meals helps.You need lt to keep your bowels regular. (whole fruits and veggies is a good source for this!) Hope that helps......

[salsababy]

I totally hear you. I feel the same way! I'm listening to my body and sleeping more, okay lots more!! I actually have been trying to make myself exercise during this. I know it sounds absurd to be exercising when you feel like you're about to kneel over but it works! I've just been doing cardio for 30-40 min. and it helps so much! Now, I am talking about after I have been feeling the way you have for a FEW weeks.

The other thing I wanted to say, well rather ask you, is how much water are you consuming? I noticed when I eat dehydrated things I feel the same way you do and sometimes wonder if what I am eating is good for me. So, even though I do eat raw fruits and vegies, it's important to have a glass of water (or more) 1/2 an hour before your dehydrated stuff. I found this out this week! For me, I put half a lemon in my 16 oz. bottled water and my body seems to thrive on it. I can't get enough. Try drinking water (perhaps with lemon) 1/2-1 hour before you plan on eating a raw dish! :D

[chilove]

Hi there,

I'm wondering why you think you can only tolerate apples? It would be so much easier for you to eat lighter if ate lots of delicious yummy fruits! :-) I thrive on a fruit based diet. I can't imagine trying to do it on only apples. I hope you feel better soon!

All the best,

Audrey
www.rawhealing.com