Weight loss inspiration please!

[cassidy]

I am in need of some raw food weight loss inspiration please! I'm doing well on a 100% raw diet and have no trouble sticking to it... now I just need to start shedding a few pounds. I'm aiming to loose 10lbs.
I'd love to hear your stories ... how much you lost, how long it took, frustrations, how you overcame etc.
I'm 5'6 and 135... I can easily maintain this weight on SAD so hopefull with raw this won't be the case (125 would feel a whole lot better)!

[goodbeets]

I am working on losing 15 lbs. Things I have found that are working.... no nuts, avos and olives and 1 TBL. of coconut oil as only fats. Green smoothies, 1-2 quarts per day. Exercise helps and I am considering a colonic (tmi?).

[Nutz Over RAW]

Apples keep you from absorbing fat. Gratefruit juice breaks down fat and red grape juice (and red wine...not raw...darn) raises your metabolism. Whenever my clothes start to feel snug I used to buy grape and gratefruit juice and trade off with the juices, so that I didn't have too much of one thing. I haven't made fresh yet since starting raw. When my friends and I go to the local brewery, I always ordered red wine rather then beer, knowing the red wine will raise my metabolism and the beer just packs on calories. I'm new to raw, so I'm not sure what I'm going to do when the group wants to hit the town. Is there any red wine that is considered raw?

[TinyTomato]

Apples keep you from absorbing fat. Grapefruit juice breaks down fat and red grape juice (and red wine...not raw...darn) raises your metabolism. Whenever my clothes start to feel snug I used to buy grape and grapefruit juice and trade off with the juices, so that I didn't have too much of one thing. I haven't made fresh yet since starting raw. When my friends and I go to the local brewery, I always ordered red wine rather then beer, knowing the red wine will raise my metabolism and the beer just packs on calories. I'm new to raw, so I'm not sure what I'm going to do when the group wants to hit the town. Is there any red wine that is considered raw?

Organic wine is raw. You can get it in white and red.

[adrienne]

I have been 100% raw since January 1st of this year. I eat a fairly high fat raw diet as this helps me not slide back to cooked and I know at some point this will even out...that being said - the weight has been falling off me. :D
AND I have been doing zero exercise as I am dealing with knee inflammation which is soon to be done FOR GOOD (yay raw!).
I don't have any numbers for you b/c I don't have a scale, but I am fitting into clothes that are my 'thin' clothes. I am very excited as I have a few pounds (around 20) to 'release.'
I hope this helps, trust your body, it will get to where it needs to be. Some people even gain a few pounds in transition then lose some. Be patient, move your body whenever possible, eat yummy raw food and feel super healthy!
Adrienne

[Nutz Over RAW]

Organic wine is raw. You can get it in white and red.

Yeah! I could always bring a bottle with me and pay a corkage fee....or just have everyone come over here for a raw dinner party. We have a Wednesday night dinner club and we draw names on who picks the restaurant. There's 12 of us and it would be great if I could convert some of them by tempting them with tasty raw food. In the meantime, I'm going to order a nice big salad wherever we go. Has anyone had any luck with converting friends that eat SAD.

[theresaann]

I'm back on raw for 8 days now, and am losing inches (don't have a scale). I have no cooked food cravings, which is a huge blessing. Last time I did raw (about a year ago), I lost 11 pounds in 3 weeks, but didn't stay raw. this time I'm ready to stay long term.

One amazing thing that happened was that I worked out yesterday for the first time in many, many weeks and just from that ONE workout, my body was losing inches overnight, and today. I've heard people say that their body responds more to exercise on raw, and that they need to workout less to be in great shape, and it sure looks that way to me!

also, I am still drinking some red, organic, sulfite free wine, the last two weekends (a couple of small glasses, one or two nights a week). I know this is ultimately NOT a healthy part of a living foods lifestyle, raw or not. It just isn't. I am weaning myself off of it (use it to "soothe" the stress of being in a relationship that is not the best for me because of financial reasons-but I'm handling that too). My intention is to let go of the wine. It's definitely not serving me from a health standpoint, and everything I've read says that if we just stay raw, those cravings will eventually go away too. But I sure love the increase in energy-it's making exercise just a joy to do.

In terms of losing weight, I've found (been raw on and off many times over the last 17 years) that cutting back on fats and exercising makes the fat just fall off....and I'm 42 with 2 kids, so, that's saying something.... :)

[Pierre]

For me, weight loss is not steady. I stay at a plateau for several weeks (I've been at 65 or 66 for a few months), and then lose several kilos in a week or two. So be patient. If your body thinks it's good to lose, you will.

I eat mostly olives and olive oil for fat. Earlier this winter I ate pecans, and in summer I eat avocados. I'm not disappointed at not losing for a few months, as it's winter, and I need fat for warmth.

[Beckla]

I drink lots of wine and beer. And yet, the pounds are sliding off of me. Granted, I started (1/5) at my heaviest EVER. Inches matter more, too.

But I think, based upon my experience and others' answers... it's a person-by-person thing. That's why you need to focus not on what is perceived to work universally.. but, rather, what works for YOU and your body. It does tell you.

Stay strong. You're on the right path - whatever that is. :)

Becca

[Raw Mom]

I'm 5'6", 135, and very happy at this weight. I seem to be losing inches at this point. 5 months raw, lost 20 lbs.

First few months, walked up a hill for about 45 minutes every day....
I do yoga at least 5 times a week....

Never imagined I would lose this much and I didn't start Raw just because I wanted to lose weight. I was JUST TIME...

Good Luck :)

[luna99]

I've lost 7 pounds in the last three weeks and honestly I probably could have lost more if I wasn't slipping and eating sad here and there (had a night where I had pizza! :eek: ) and haven't been exercising like I should.

I think if I start eating more fresh salads and green smoothies and start working out more.. I know the weight will come off quicker.. of course, I have quite a bit to lose.. so maybe when you're at a higher weight it might come off faster.. seems if you are closer to a "healthy weight" then the weight loss will come slower.

good luck!

[SiennaInLondon]

For me, weight loss is not steady. I stay at a plateau for several weeks (I've been at 65 or 66 for a few months), and then lose several kilos in a week or two. So be patient. If your body thinks it's good to lose, you will.

That, I'm afraid, is how healthy weight loss works. The plateau shouldn't discourage you. I have only been raw a month or so but I have been on a weight loss regime since about last April. Even when excercising, there will be a plateau.

God I am glad I have never started drinking alcohol. It sounds like a b***h to come off.

And thanks for the apples and grape juice tip!

[Beckla]

I just bought a second new pair of jeans. The ones I'd bought before xmas didn't fit. Then the ones I got to replace them got too loose. You can do it!!

[SiennaInLondon]

Ah being too big for clothes is fabulous. Especially when you once tight skinny jeans are too loose even after going in the wash. The problem is my skinny jeans are rather expensive so a new pair isn't actually that much of a thing to look forward to!

[cassidy]

Goodbeets - I think fats do me in too. I think I can maintain and still eat nuts and avos... but not loose. Thanks for the advice.

Nutz over Raw - I actually just last night read that about apples and grapefruit juice. So this morning for breakfast I had apple juice...mmm. It actually held me over for a while. Now it is 2pm and I just had my Kombucha - that's all Ive had today and I'm not even hungry. Very wierd for me! I'll probably have a giant salad tonight for dinner though.
I'm so excited organic wine is raw... I had no idea! I'm glad you asked!

Adrienne - You're very inspiring. Thanks! I'm glad your knee inflamation is going away! That's amazing! What do the docs say?
Also - Good on ya doing away with the scale!

Theresaann - Very inspiring, thank you! I feel like sometimes, as long as you don't get carried away with it, it's ok to have a vice to help you cope. While you're in a tough situation don't be to tough on yourself with the wine... as things get better you won't need it. I hope you are able to work through your relationship difficulties!

Pierre - You have a great philosophy! Your right patience is key. I also like the thought of it being OK to have some extra fat - it's cold out! I need it!

Beckla - Good for you! I'm glad your loosing and feeling great.... AND drinking lots of beer and wine. I laughted out loud when I read the first sentence in you post!

Raw Mom - Great! 20 lbw in 5 months is so fantastic! I'm glad your feeling good AND loosing weight. 135 and 5'6 is a good weight but I know how I feel when I'm even a little less and I feel much more, light, agile and energized (and I fit into my clothes better!)

Thanks for all your tips and inspiration! Much appreciated!
I'm not getting back on that scale for another two weeks. It's a lier and it likes to make fun of me. We have a bad relationship, the scale and I. LOL.

[cassidy]

Siennainlondon - My skinney jeans are $$$ too so I'm looking forward to fitting into them (not squeezing into them) again!

[Amberly]

I'm 5'6" 130 lbs and want to lose 10 pounds too, so I am in your boat. :D

[Nutz Over RAW]

[QUOTE=Thanks for all your tips and inspiration! Much appreciated!
I'm not getting back on that scale for another two weeks. It's a lier and it likes to make fun of me. We have a bad relationship, the scale and I. LOL.[/QUOTE]

Don't get on a scale! Throw it away! It takes 2 days to show up anyway, which is why people break their diets...out if disappointment. Judge by how your clothes fit.

[SiennaInLondon]

Disagree wholeheartedly Nutz. Scales are encouraging for me and they prevent me from losing weight. If I find I have put on even a pound, the next two weeks are manic with control. The more you weigh yourself, the more you understand fluctuation. For example I dont freak out when I put on the pre-period kilo now. I expect it.

[bittersweet]

I'm 5 5' and like 105 in the summer and 110-115 in the winter. I lost the first two months of raw, I went from 139 to 102, and then gained about three (healthy) pounds. I'm thin but healthy.

I eat mostly sweet, juicy fruits.

[Apasaraw]

My scale helps me too...I don't obsess on the number. It a great tool if you don't get involved with the # emotionally...I just use it as inspiration for determination or to encourage.

Clothes are a great barometer too...

I use both!

[cassidy]

Ohhhh... the scale. I do much better without it. However, I just moved in with my Dad and his wife so it wouldn't be appropriate to beat their scale to pieces with a hammer. :p

I guess I will have to use this opportunity to build a healthy relationship with the bathroom demon.

Maybe I can commit to using it no more than once a week. I can do that.
Aha.. another goal for Feb!

1. Use scale no more than once a week. Friday, first thing in the morning.
2. All raw throughout Feb. Even on my upcoming "vacation". It's OK I'll hit up Mother's Market for Kombucha and smoothies (and raweos! and cheesecake...!!!) and dine at Good Mood Food... What a great excuse to get pre-made gourmet.
3. Loose 5 - 10lbs.

[chilove]

Hi there,

I lost over 60lbs on raw (possibly a lot more, I never weighed myself when I was at my heaviest). You can see my before and after pics on the "my story" section on my website. It took me about a year to lose all my excess weight. I started losing weight right away and lost it steadily.

Raw definitely works!!! Yay for raw!!!! :-)

All the best,

Audrey
www.rawhealing.com

[cassidy]

Audrey,
I'm sure you havn't heard this before, but you look amazing! I bet you must feel fantastic. Even you skin looks better.
Now that is true inspiration!
While I was looking at your picture I was thinking you looked a lot like my friend... body type, hair etc. Then I noticed you have/had issues with fibromyalgia. She does as well. Would you mind telling me a bit more about how raw has helped? I would love to share it with her. She is deffinantly open to raw.
I'm so happy for your transformation!

[Nimmanu]

I'm losing weight, I'm 5'6" myself, and I have lost 10 pounds in 5 days. I'm a body builder, so that doesn't really please me very much, in all honesty. It has made me work out harder and eat even more... probably the wrong response, LOL.

It's funny to see how very different people are. I'm down to 129 pounds, and I want to be back up at a nice buff 145 with 18% body fat again, where the other ladies my height want to lose from the weight I am now (I can't imagine that! :eek: ).

[cassidy]

Muscle accounts for a lot though. I, personally, have a lot of muscle naturally and always weigh more than I look. I'd rather be that way!
That's amazing you lost 10lbs in 5 days though! I wish I had that problem. Maybe I should start lifting huh?

Do you find raw has affected your lifting at all? Do you build muscle mass slower, faster...?

[Nimmanu]

Muscle accounts for a lot though. I, personally, have a lot of muscle naturally and always weigh more than I look. I'd rather be that way!
That's amazing you lost 10lbs in 5 days though! I wish I had that problem. Maybe I should start lifting huh?

Do you find raw has affected your lifting at all? Do you build muscle mass slower, faster...?
I don't seem to be building any lean tissue at all, actually. But I don't seem to be losing it, either... :confused:

However, I have made pretty good increases in weight (how much I can lift), with little effort. I use kettlebells, and I've had to order the 18 pounder, which I never thought I'd use due to having fascial myalgia.

So, really, personally I'm stoked, from that point of view, LOL.

[Nutz Over RAW]

Hi there,

I lost over 60lbs on raw (possibly a lot more, I never weighed myself when I was at my heaviest). You can see my before and after pics on the "my story" section on my website. It took me about a year to lose all my excess weight. I started losing weight right away and lost it steadily.

Raw definitely works!!! Yay for raw!!!! :-)

All the best,

Audrey
www.rawhealing.com

I saw your picture earlier when I was searching for mine to leave a journal entry. You are absolutely beautiful and you look extremely healthy! Congrats!

[bittersweet]

I skimmed this tread, so forgive me if I missed something, but a calorie is NOT a calorie.

I eat MUCH MORE (calorie-wise) then I did on SAD, and when I weighed substancially more.

Fresh fruits and some veggies are the way to go!

Yay for raw.

[RawVee]

I'm 10 days 100% raw, and the weight is literally melting off of me. I have a hard time eating *enough*, as I'm really tuned into what my body wants/needs and sometimes, it just needs a break from food.

[Morn]

I am 4 months+ raw and I have lost 44 pounds. I am 5'6' (started at 230) and now I am down to 186. It is funny I just ran across this thread because this is the first week I haven't lost weight eating raw. I have averaged 2 pounds a week for several weeks so between last week (only losing 1 pound and this week), I am a little discouraged. However, I don't exercise every day due to time constraints in my schedule (but I try to exercise at least 3 times a week). I know I need to add in more exercise but I am having a hard time figuring out when. Anyway you can do it with raw and if you only have 10 pounds to lose it should be pretty quick. I would encourage you to measure yourself as weight is only 1 indication and measuring will give you encouragement when you don't see the scale move. Good luck!

[girlsmiley]

I've lost 30 lbs since September 2006 ... I haven't been 100% during that whole time though.

Also, I think the closer you are to your desired weight the harder it is to lose without a lot of exercise ... that is just my opinion. I have about 165 lbs to lose so my weight should be coming off faster just based on my eating. And it does when I am eating right :D