Hi everyone

[mennie28]

My name is Gina and I'm 28 years old. I work part time, am a single mom, and am a full time student. I am going to be a special education teacher. I have always had issues with food whether it be binging or starving. I just feel unhealthy and I am hoping this will help me establish a healthy relationship with food and feel good about myself. If anyone has advice for beginners I would love to hear it. Thank you!

Gina

[Punky]

Welcome Gina!!!
You've come to a great place for support and information
on the raw lifestyle.
I think this is a great lifestyle to address your issues with food
and for self discovery. When I eat a lot on raw I don't feel guilty
like I did eating SAD (i.e. pizza and stuff) because I know I am
eating food full on life, enzymes, vitamins, minerals and nutrition.
I don't have much experience with binging/starving aspect but I know some
others on this board mentioned they do/did and they might
have more advice or insight on those issues. I am more the overeater
and party girl and raw is helping me address my issues with this.
Best Wishes on your raw journey!

[heather]

welcome to RAW!! i agree with punky. this is a great place to learn and give/get support from others on this raw journey.

and as a person recovering from an eating disorder, i can tell you that this "diet" (for lack of a better word) has been a lifesaver for me. for the first time in years, i do not feel guilty when i eat. AT ALL. what a nice feeling that is. i never thought i would be able to say that again. but i did, and i honestly mean it - with every ounce of my being.

you can do it!! and get alissa's book...it is full of info for the beginner. i highly recommend it!!

[AutumnBreezColordLeavz]

You have alot going on in your life....wow!
This is a very supportive place, don't hesitate to ask, there are alot of great helpers here.

[caramba]

Welcome Gina
Single Mums have my absolute admiration !!! - and studying too!...You must be a women of drive...WTG!

Good luck in your Raw journey - my 'advice' would be to grab a copy of Alissa's book - as much for the motiviational support it will give you, as for the recipes (of which I've only tried a few so far...)

[mennie28]

Thanks to all for your words of encouragement. I am going to get Alsiisa's book as soon as possible. I let everyone know how it is going. Thanks again!

[mennie28]

Heather,
It has been three days of eating raw for me and you were right I have no guilt when I eat. It's amazing. I still drink coffee though. I can't give that up yet. I feel like I am free and I am not obsessing about whatever I eat now. Just wanted you to know that you were right. Thanks for your message!
Gina

[sweetgoddess]

A very warm welcome to you Gina.
Raw food living is a really different way to work through food issues. A much deeper way I am finding. I am at 54 days and recently slipped into 3 days of eating when we made a decision to move to Montana. Worry and change brought out my emotions...This time though-because of what I am now aware of...I couldnt stay there. I am back on track with my raw goals and HAPPY to realize it. This is new!
So I am sure raw will help you deal with your emotional food connections as well. It's fabulous!
My very best wishes to you~