High raw fat, the truth

[startootsie]

Hello everyone!

My qustion is regarding raw fat intake. This includes nuts, seeds, coconuts, avaocados, olives, durians, cacao, oils, ect.

I have heard some people mention that a high RAW fat diet will not hurt you, however, I have been reading and researching and I have come to find that high fat no matter what is could: I don't know!
Some people say it is fine, others say that it is fine for a little while but then if you eat high raw fat to long that it can become dangerous. Hmm. This leaves me, well confused.

I don't want to become obsessed with this. I just have my questions...And of course would like to be healthy and vinbrent forever! And I will be, and I am!

Thank you for being so helpful!

Create a day od love and light!

Christianna

[trinity082482]

I personally limit them. But that's me. After gaining weight I found I had to cut back. :o

[DavidZaneMason]

This is a very personal dietary issue. You must decide if the added calories from raw fats....and how they make you feel.........is weighed against a lower...but conscious fat intake. See how you feel both ways and decide.

My opinion/advice: In the early transition phases: Eat a good percentage of fat with every meal to stay full and satisfied......but keep it measured 10-20% is a nice round figure.

-David Z. Mason

[rawfigure]

Almost all health professionals state that high fat diet has a downside. Of course there are good and bad fats...i.e raw coconut oil vs animal fats.

Alissa states in her book as many Raw Foodists do, that at some point in the Raw diet (maybe not at fisrt, just eat Raw..) you need to be conscious of overeating Fats. The trick is here, we each are insividual in how much we can handle in the diet.

[Revvell]

Personally, I don't worry about it. My feeling is that when folk transition from SAD and often even a vegetarian food program, they "need" that sense of fullness they receive from fatty foods. As Alissa has pointed out, so many say they go back to their old food programs because they "need protein" when in fact it's the weight of fat (paraphrasing here methinks).

For me, I don't consciously limit the more fatty foods; I'm just not as attracted to them as I was when I first went raw. My feeling is if people would just do Alissa's program as stated, their bodies would tell them what they need on any particular day. They just need to take the time it takes to get to that point.

Revvell

[RawVee]

Personally, I don't worry about it. My feeling is that when folk transition from SAD and often even a vegetarian food program, they "need" that sense of fullness they receive from fatty foods. As Alissa has pointed out, so many say they go back to their old food programs because they "need protein" when in fact it's the weight of fat (paraphrasing here methinks).

For me, I don't consciously limit the more fatty foods; I'm just not as attracted to them as I was when I first went raw. My feeling is if people would just do Alissa's program as stated, their bodies would tell them what they need on any particular day. They just need to take the time it takes to get to that point.

Revvell


I agree with Revvell. I've found, even after just 11 days of 100% raw, that if I have fats for one meal, I'm craving lighter foods for the rest.

[Nimmanu]

I wouldn't worry about it. I'm in agreement that when your body no longer wants and needs them (YOUR BODY DOES NEED SOME FATS!), it will let you know.

I've not been on the diet long, but already, my body is saying, "No thank you" to nuts. Very blatantly. I mean, there's no question for me at all. I made the apple pie, which has a nut "crust," and my body very plainly is telling me, "I do not want that."

Everything that I am feeling, "I do not want that" about is pretty much high fat foods.

[Raw Jewelrylady]

For me- last winter-I decided to try the 10-20% fat Raw program. I had been doing just great on Alissa's style-but got *greedy* & wanted quicker weight release..It was a huge disaster. I was in misery from Day one.

Sorry-but I don't buy the low fat thing, at least for me. I think that those coming from eating SAD- not even giving a *rip* what type of fat they were eating before & for people to start telling them that they have to go to *fitday* & enter in numbers-talk about sending someone into food obsession. :eek: Talk about losing people to Raw.

I think if you let your body go RAW-*whatever level it is comfortable for you*-as I am tired of all these % labels as well...you will find that your body will lead you to what you need. I believe some can transition without being all Raw-but I believe that VEGAN- staying away from Saturated FATS is the key.

I know that for me-I think the focus of Raw should be to enjoy all the beautiful food out there. Think in terms of eating all the colors of the rainbow -add some fats-esp avos...& enjoy your food. All these *rules*~ well you have to do it this way-or that way..it is just not FUN. Life is meant to be enjoyed ~ as is food.

I have been buying & reading a ton of books as well & believe me you can drive yourself crazy looking for the *magic book, fat %-answer..

OK-what have I discovered...Eat Raw-enjoy life-move your body~think positive, if you don't eat All Raw-eat Vegan & don't beat yourself up & move forward & think happy thoughts.. :)

So that's my take...Have a Rawsome Happy day :)

Lana

BTW- I also think it's not always what you are *eating* that can cause health problems...but what is *eating* you...

[Ariannah]

Sorry-but I don't buy the low fat thing, at least for me. I think that those coming from eating SAD- not even giving a *rip* what type of fat they were eating before & for people to start telling them that they have to go to *fitday* & enter in numbers-talk about sending someone into food obsession. :eek: Talk about losing people to Raw.


I agree with you!

That's why I keep posting about "Don't count calories, just eat!" over and over again. This is Alissa's approach.

Raw is so simple - take something raw, be it simple, fancy gourmet, or in between, and eat!

Trust that the body will adjust as time goes on. Sometimes I'll be turned off by fat, other times I'll want to eat nuts and avocadoes or whatever.

Raw gradually sets the body's instincts to where they should be. At least that is my experience.

[Raw Jewelrylady]

I agree with you!

That's why I keep posting about "Don't count calories, just eat!" over and over again. This is Alissa's approach.

Raw is so simple - take something raw, be it simple, fancy gourmet, or in between, and eat!

Trust that the body will adjust as time goes on. Sometimes I'll be turned off by fat, other times I'll want to eat nuts and avocadoes or whatever.

Raw gradually sets the body's instincts to where they should be. At least that is my experience.


Ariannah- I was just about to add the same thing to my post as I know we have a LOT of new people here on RFT. Trust your body ! Really- when I first went Raw-I wanted heavy nut dishes-gourmet-in the kitchen creating everything...Now-some days I am just really simple.

You have to switch the food up & enjoy what you eat.

The other night-I was feeling a *detox* some may refer to it as a cold-but I know better..All I wanted was fresh squeezed OJ- & olives & cukes-so that is what I had. I went to bed-the next day I was feeling great! I let my body tell me what to eat.

OK- so the funny thing is-I used to crave the same things when I was a child..how about that! :D

As for the Original post regarding fat..now I don't want to sound like you should eat nothing but fat~that isn't my point at all.

When you go Raw-you start to look at EVERYTHING differently..from the shampoo you use to cleaning supplies-etc...It's a lifestyle change. I'm still changing & having fun learning on this journey.

With the food part-you just need to listen to what feels good to your body & go with it. I don't want new people to make this harder than it is. Like Alissa says in her book & you have seen many of us say- *have fun with your food.* If you don't have her book-get it-along with the DVD.

Great thread..

Lana

[Revvell]

*sitting here munching from a bag of catch-yews* :D

[aubrey]

I agree with all those that think you should eat what you feel is right for you. I have been craving avocados, and I have been honoring that. And, I have been completely content. Avocados and olives are essential for skin and hair health. Nuts, especially walnuts and flax seeds, are high in omega 3s and 6s fatty acids, which are crucial for brain and nerve function, among other things. Almonds provide trace minerals. I think Americans have such a negative connotation of fats! Fats are essential, nourishing, and beneficial...we worry about fats because we are trained to limit them, not because people gain weight from eating healthy fats, but because SAD causes people to intake seriously excessive amounts of trans and saturated fats, which do so much damage. I think with fats, there are no rules! The only rule is, really, to listen to your body and be sure you eat a wide range of foods so you aren't lacking in anything. It would be a shame to eat so raw and healthy and neglect to take in essential fats!

[goodbeets]

I found that my first stages of raw I ate a lot of fats, after a few months, nuts gave me gas, gas, gas. Now I eat much less (fats) and am still very satisfied. After reading "The China Study", I am convinced that all plant foods do little or no harm. Yes, too many nuts or nuts combined with fruit (especially dried) are harder for me to digest, but nothing compared to animal fats!!! It is a great thing to do research, but be your own best guru!!

[Raw Jewelrylady]

*sitting here munching from a bag of catch-yews* :D

OK- so my *blonde* moment-what the heck is she talking bout...CASHEWS... LOL :D

RJL

[Revvell]

OK- so my *blonde* moment-what the heck is she talking bout...CASHEWS... LOL :D

RJL

*nod,nod,nod* :D

[startootsie]

Okay, first, thank you all!

You are all very helpful.

I am not concerned about gaining weight, cause I have a high metabolism. And I can handle a lot of fat. I can eat whatever I want and not gain weight. I am concerned about health. David Klien seems to be not so fond of them, and a few others too. They are very great people, don't gte me wrong. By the way, I am not all raw. I have to study before I jump in. I have heard of some not so good storys of raw. Hmm. I eat some rice sometimes and some eziekel granloa and manna bread, beans if I feel like I need them, and sometime protien shake. Please be easy on me. I just need to study more. The hair thing has got me studying mager.

I just want to know if it can really cause damage to your health? I ate low fat today, and I felt blay! Then I ate some fat and was like yeah!

I seem to not do good on just fruit, I tried the fruit in the morning thing and it did not work for me. I have to add other stuff or else I usually feel light headed and spacy and dull.

I am just wondering, like 1,2,3,4,5 tablespoons or fat a day? What does everyone else do? Maybe 3?

Oh yes, then with fruit...what about the glysimic index? And Gabriel Cousins opinion on that. I respect his word too! So much information, and it all seems different.

THANK YOU ALL!

Any more advice, experience?

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

[Rawkinlocs]

Startootsie,

I understand your concern, but I want you to please realize that, I don't think that many raw fooders, especially long-term, end up consuming dangerous amounts of fat daily. I mean, it's been said many times that after the intial transition period (and the timeframe varies from person-to-person) that your body will just begin to do what it naturally needs to do. Now, I do not believe that anyone who has been raw for a year or longer is going to be eating the same amounts of fat per day that they may have started out eating when they first went raw - mainly for that need of feeling full and satiated.

It has been my personal experience and many others that I've talked to or read about here and abroad that your body will just naturally begin to crave less fat or that your body may go through "seasons" - for a while you may crave nothing but fresh fruit and then after a while, maybe you will begin to crave fats and then after that greens - the body will ask for/require what it needs at the given time.

I eat nowhere NEAR the amount of fat I once did and that isn't by "choice" but moreso by default - I just don't want a lot of it anymore. I can eat a few nuts maybe a couple of times a week and I'm good whereas before, I felt like nuts were like a main staple in my diet. But I didn't stop based on anything any one said regarding me "needing" to stop...it just happened naturally.

I just don't think there is a "only way" or "best way" or "one way" when it comes to eating raw because we all did different degrees of "damage" during our cooked food eating days and therefore, some of us have had things take place inside of our bodies that causes us to react more negatively to various things be it fat, fruit or veggies. That's why we have so many people who simply cannot tolerate eating an almost all-fruit diet but they rather fair better with greens and nuts and there are some who cannot tolerate a high-fat diet or can't tolerate nuts due to digestive issues that more than likely began pre-raw but they CAN eat huge amounts of fruit and thrive off of that.

So, please don't allow yourself to become too dependant on what this person or that person says because you're going to get varying opinions and even "facts" depending on who is saying it amongst the laymen as well as the "experts". No one can seem to agree on ALL points. It all still boils down to one thing, listening to your own body!

[Lunar*Fey]

I think it depends on the person and the time in your life. Some days you might want a lot more fat, others less. I think its just a matter of coming to truly listen to our bodies (which I have a lot of trouble doing...I tend to eat TONS of fruits and a fairly particular amount of fats a day....on my necessary high calorie diet but it doesn't seem to be working perfectly for me...I would like to get out of this and truly listen to my body)
For some reason I get the inkling that you have a higher metabolism. Don't be afraid to eat what your body tells you to on raw. Its all good and if your lifestyle feels good and together and healthy,then you should totally listen to your body, even if it tells you to go eat two avocados.
I recently read something about getting the right fats and such. It said that if we don't get enough fats (healthy plant ones only) then our bodies cannot rid of fat either or something like that. It said our bodies need these healthy fats in order to stay slender. I think the bad rep fat gets is mostly from all the cooked fatty crap.

I have been craving avocados lately. So when we get some more, I'll eat as much of it as I desire without guilt.

love love love <3
~Lunar*Fey

[startootsie]

Rawkinlocs, I know what you mean. And...I also tend to get caught up in what people say. I am also honeslty a little afraid of going raw because about half of my hair fell out and I have heard of this happening a lot to people, and I haven't heard of anyone really yet, where there hair grew back very lovely, shiny, and thick. I don't know if it was because I went through a exercise time where I exercised veryu hard and lost a lot of weight, and then stuffed my face and got back up to a mroe healthy weight. I mean stuffed my face to, I ate until I could barly walk to make sure I would gain weight! I know that is not healthy. Anyway, right around that same time I was eating way more raw food and started cutting back on all of the soy products I was eating and I started losing brushfulls of hair, and it freaked me out! My hair is not falling out anymore. Thank goodness! But I have also added back some cooked food!

I also heard of some people gaining weight on raw food, and some say they could eat a ton before and then when they went raw they gained weight. So like I said before, I am right now study, study, studying! Do you have any insights on this stuff? I have looked at other people's threads and I still don't see an answer or reason for all of that stuff happening! It almosy makes me think there is something missing in the raw diet. I hope I don't offend anyone! Thank you for your help! I just want to study before I jump in, and also try to do what is right for my body.


Lunar*Fey, I feel the same way you do! I don't know what needs to be added or or removed from my diet to help me feel healthy and heal. I get so confused. I also know exactly what you mean about trying to actually connect with your body and listen to what it needs!

I know what you mean about the right fats too! I also (like I said before), heard of a lot of raw foodists not so fond of fat. Do you really stop craving fat after a while? Do you feel good on fruit? I get light headed, and experience light head aches on fruit a lot of the time.

Thank you all for your help!

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

[Rawkinlocs]

Startootsie,

I, too, have heard of a few (not a lot) of cases where women lost hair. But I've also heard some of them say (and some of this was right here on this very forum, not anyone selling books or products, etc) that their hair DID, indeed grow back in shinier, thicker, etc.

I don't have a direct answer for this but it could be they weren't eating enough fat or greens and maybe that is what they're body needed. Also, as a former Cosmetologist, I have theorized that it "could" also be a (here's that dreaded word again!) DETOX of the scalp of previous hair products, chemicals such as perms, dyes, relaxers, etc. When I first went raw, my nails began to get really weak, peeling and brittle and I was getting hangnails around my nailbeds something awful! I thought it was from a deficiency. But I just kept at it and after a while (I don't know how long exactly) I began to notice my nails growing again and getting stronger and the skin around my nails stopped peeling. But I have not experienced the hair loss that some have experienced. Not everyone does just as not everyone goes through severe episodes of other forms of detox/cleansing.

But if you feel you need to ease into this by simply incorporating more raw foods into your current diet, then you have to do what is right for you. But again, you are going to get so much differing information and it may get confusing. Do what is in your own heart and mind to do! :)

[Revvell]

You know Startootsie,

You can study until your eyes fall out. That's what I did with meditation ~ I could tell you anything you wanted know yet, nothing changed for me until I did it.

Here's the thing. I've been vegetarian for 21+ years now; raw vegan off an on for about 6. During the last 21+ years I've had handfuls of hair fall out then stop; I've had severe debilitating pain in my joints for no obvious reason; I've had problems with my teeth and gums; I've had an infected toe; I've gone into menopause and flushed and flashed.

What I found was, until I took reponsibility for ME; my own food program and just did it; did I find out what works for me. Raw fruits (LOTS) raw veggies, raw greens (LOTS), nuts, seeds, and sea veggies in a variety of ways including blended, mono, combined... etc. YOU have to do your own experiment.

When all my joints were in intense pain and my hands and arms kept falling alseep while I was working was I concerned? Yup! Did I run to the doctor to find out what was going on? Nope! Can I say why? Not really. I just trusted it was a phase my body needed to go through. Many can't/wont do that.

Cooked food with less nutrients does not make hair grow. How can that make sense? Why our bodies lose weight before re-gaining it while eating raw? *shrugs* I can't answer that. All I can say is, I did it; went into it; came out the other end. My hair looks GREAT and I often get compliments on how I look ~ at my age.

What I'm saying is... stay with one thing long enough to see what happens and do it completely. That's the one and only way to find out if something is truly for you.

Most of all, play with and have fun with your food ~

Revvell

[Apasaraw]

You are your own best test subject...your body will tell you what it wants. If your intuition is telling you less fat, follow your inner voice, but don't do what others think is best for all...everyone is so different. At different times of life your needs may change. If a woman different times of the month may mean different craving and needs etc...

I so appreciate your thirst for knowledge...I read alot too...but intuition has always been my best guide...

[startootsie]

Rawkinlocs, thank you! So, hair loss has never happened to you? Have you ever chemically treated your hair? What do you eat? I am just interested!

Thank you for the info!

Revvell, so your hair fell out, and now it is sexy and thick and shiny?
Well, I thought that cooked food might help because th Chinese say to eat beans, veggies and rice, and they say that your hair quality is telling you how healthy you are. Thank you! Great story! Do you have a picture?

Apasaraw, Thank you too! Is your inner voice your, not really a voice but a feeling? If that is, then I know. I get confused sometimes, cause sometimes I used to have this negative voice too. I'm not claiming anything negative. Positive, positive, positve!

Thank you! Love! Love! Love! Love!

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

[RainbowAngel]

Hi startootsie,

I seriusly think it is all about BALANCE if you look at the way we're naturally it is balance the way we are made is to be balanced!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have fun with that!! and i hope this helps you on your jouney

[Apasaraw]

Apasaraw, Thank you too! Is your inner voice your, not really a voice but a feeling? If that is, then I know. I get confused sometimes, cause sometimes I used to have this negative voice too. I'm not claiming anything negative. Positive, positive, positve!



It's an inkling or feeling...yeah inner...but not a voice...like a small urging in a certain direction. Sometime I just "know". I have at times of confusion just asked out loud the question and the answer came...sometimes I say "hit me on the head with it please" and I totally get a sign...something someone says or something I see in passing emphasizes the right way for me. It could be my ancestors or synchronicity or spirit guides or physics...all I know is that it works for me.

Try asking out loud or asking on paper...see what pops up!

Love and light!

[Revvell]

Revvell, ..... Do you have a picture?

Christianna

Sure. Go to any of my sig links. I've got pics on every site except the travel one.

Revvell

[aubrey]

http://www.newstarget.com/001545.html

Thought all might find it interesting, even though not specifically directed at raw foodies.

[Sunshine9]

Hey Startootsie,

Are you experiencing hair loss on your current diet?

I went through a major period of hair loss a few months into raw, and it scared me. I was losing massive amounts in the shower, and when I would even run my hands through my dry hair strands would fall out. I trusted my intuition and did two things: 1) took an angstrom zinc supplement and 2) used a hydrochloric acid supplement. For me, that was the right thing. I discovered I simply didn't have the stomach acid to break down the massive fibrous salads I was consuming, and probably wasn't absorbing very many of the minerals. Zinc can be an issue for anyone, raw or cooked. The most tell-tale symptom is white spots on your finger nails. Now it has been months since i've lost a lot of hair. I lose a few strands in the shower, many times none, and from everything I have read that is the norm.

I have also been consciously increasing my stomach acid through lots of green juice and medicinal amounds of sea salt. Stomach acid is related to our organic sodium reserves, and most people are deficient in sodium.

I completely respect your decision to read and research and decide if 100% raw is right for you. It is not right for everyone, and it's very important to listen to your intuition and begin where you are comfortable.

In terms of fat content, I am not yet clear exactly where I stand. I've been raw for a well over a year, and I am still not totally comfortable without a moderate daily intake of fat. That's me, and I look forward to when I won't need that. A lot of it is emotional and I still feel like I need the fats to slow me down. The high fruit thing is definitely not my cup of tea, but it might work for you. I believe simply that minerals are the building blocks of optimal health, and a diet of mostly sweet fruits does not have that.

So, I'm still figuring out what works for me.

all the best,
Sunshine

[startootsie]

It's an inkling or feeling...yeah inner...but not a voice...like a small urging in a certain direction. Sometime I just "know". I have at times of confusion just asked out loud the question and the answer came...sometimes I say "hit me on the head with it please" and I totally get a sign...something someone says or something I see in passing emphasizes the right way for me. It could be my ancestors or synchronicity or spirit guides or physics...all I know is that it works for me.

Try asking out loud or asking on paper...see what pops up!

Love and light!

Thank you!

I will try that!

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

[startootsie]

Sunshine9! Thank you so much! I had a slight feeling that I was low on zinc, and of course, I had tons of white spots all over my nails. I have been trying to eat a lot of pumkin seeds because I thought they have zinc in them, but maybe not enough? What kind of supplement are you taking? What is the brand? No, my hair is not falling out anymore. Juts a few strands a day, but I moved back to more cooked food, and am slowly moving away again from it and back to more raw food again. Now, if the zinc really helps, that would really help me a lot in eating more raw!

Why would you need a hydrochloric acid supplement? I am sorry, I see you did explain it...I just don't see why? Aren't re supposed to eat a lot of fiber and veggies?

Oh yes, I read that when you eat soy beans, or soy, that it somehow stops you from absorbing zinc or something. I was eating a lot of tofu, and soy dogs and soy milk for a while, I wonder if that has somehting to do with it?

I really, really, really, really appreciate you posting that! I will try a zinc supplement!

aubrey, I will check that link out. Thank you!

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

[startootsie]

Sunshine9! Thank you so much! I had a slight feeling that I was low on zinc, and of course, I had tons of white spots all over my nails. I have been trying to eat a lot of pumkin seeds because I thought they have zinc in them, but maybe not enough? What kind of supplement are you taking? What is the brand? No, my hair is not falling out anymore. Juts a few strands a day, but I moved back to more cooked food, and am slowly moving away again from it and back to more raw food again. Now, if the zinc really helps, that would really help me a lot in eating more raw!

Why would you need a hydrochloric acid supplement? I am sorry, I see you did explain it...I just don't see why? Aren't re supposed to eat a lot of fiber and veggies?

Oh yes, I read that when you eat soy beans, or soy, that it somehow stops you from absorbing zinc or something. I was eating a lot of tofu, and soy dogs and soy milk for a while, I wonder if that has somehting to do with it?

How much fat do you consume in a day? I do not do very good on a lot of fruit either, that is one reason for me posting this thread. Cause I like nuts, seeds, oils!
I really, really, really, really appreciate you posting that! I will try a zinc supplement!

aubrey , I will check that link out. Thank you!

Revvell, Thank you!

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

[aubrey]

I have found that CORAL calcium is fantastic for hair, skin, and nails. I don't know about the zinc content of coral calcium, but it has done wonders for me personally.

[startootsie]

Thank you!

I had some, but ran out a while ago...the funny thing is that I thought I was noticing a difference in a few things while taking it. A good difference! Thank you!

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

[Gosia]

Hello,

I am in my fourth year of raw. In my first year, I ate lots of nuts and avoes etc, and my diet was rather high in fat. This gradually and spontaneously changed. Now, I eat very little fat (most days no more than 1 tablespoon of tahini or 1/2 avocado) and on some days I eat no overt fat (nuts/avoes/tahini) at all. Not because I decide to do it, but because it feels best. Effortlessly and spontaneously. If somone told me to eat this way in my first month of raw, I would most likely hate it and suffer miserably. Raw food journey is a journey of evolution and self-discovery. Ridiculous ideas manifest themselves without any pain at all. Enjoy the yummy foods! Mmm, I am salivating as I write. :)


Fruiftully,
Gosia

[rawpesto]

I, too, have a voracious appetite for information. I did lots and lots of research before going 100%. I found that when I stressed out too much about what I was eating and what I wasn't, I lost hair and got very dark circles under my eyes; I felt down right weird. However, once my stress was balanced and I didn't get uptight about 'slip ups', my hair grew back (yes, even healthier) and my circles disappeared overnight.
I supposed what I'm saying is, study..yes BUT don't spend too much time searching for the 'right' answer because that is within YOU.
I am a researcher by trade in Biochemistry and even though studies of the 'raw' kind (legit. peer reviewed) are few and far between (mainly due to funding), some of them are in process and so far they support the hypothesis that 100% raw IS better.
I hope this helps.

[startootsie]

Gosia , thank you! I listened to my body today and I feel wonderful!

rawpesto,, thank you too! I do notice that I am healthier when I do not stress over things. And I have had some dark circles under my eyes, it seems like they come and go a little. I thought it was kidney stress for a while, but I think it might just be STRESS! Thank you so much for reminding me! Listen to the voice within!

I thought I would share this information on soy and zinc; I got this out of the book called "Food and Healing" by, Annemarie Colbin: Research done at the universities of Illinois and of Kansas has shown that soybeans may interfere with the absorption of zinc.

Can you believe that?

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

[rawpesto]

Startootsie,
Since, you are into researching and mentioned zinc…Zinc deficiencies have been implicated in serious issues, one of which is one form of alopecia (hair loss). The zinc mal-absorption you wrote about is due to the phytates in soy. It was first presented at the Joint Meeting of the American Society for Cell Biology and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Subsequently, many research studies were done ranging from zinc absorption in Bonobos (our closest relative depending on what you believe) to soy baby formula.

I know this is 'serious' but I find it interesting that you brought up zinc deficiency and hair loss in the same thread...you see...your body (through your brain that seems to be craving INFO) may have given you a clue!

Just a thought!

I’m glad you are doing your homework…

[rawwannabe]

I'm sure it's the fat that's making it easy to remain raw. AND I'm losing weight. Not as quickly as I would like, but then again I'm not terribly overweight to begin with.

[Lunar*Fey]

Christianna,
wow for some reason I must say that I really feel very connected with you for some reason....if that makes sense. I don't want to scare you or anything lol. Any way I don't think people necessarily stop craving fat, some people do. I think it depends on your body. A lot of raw foodists who claim to not eat fats or whatever seem to tend to be older adults? (please no one take that as an insult please please please please) not always but I say TEND. Maybe it has soemthing to do with the natural slowing of the metabolism? Maybe, in nature as we become more middle aged our bodies need less fat. I think our bodies are the only true indicators of this...I bet there are days/times in life when we need more and times when we need less and I think our bodies will indicate that if we can listen. For example for a week I eat like no overt fats as I simply didn't have any avocados and was very busy so I took tons of fruit with me and didn't think about the fat. At the end of the week we went grocery shopping and my eyes traveling right to the avocados. I ate a half of avocado with dinner the next night and got SO happy while I was eating it for some reason. I wanted more and ate the whole thing :) and felt great.
wow sorry I am writing too much. I wish we lived close, I would love to talk to you...
do you eat sprouts by the way? I recently have been trying to incorporate some sprouted legumes into my diet to help supplement even though I am not sure i feel they are best for human consumption. I am doing to to create a wider variety of nutrients in my diet until I am old enough to buy food on my own. (since most of the time I can only have one type of green for a long period of time and large quantities of a small range of fruits). Just curious.

love <3

Lunar*Fey

[lissomllama]

Sometimes we must find our own truths. This happens to be one of those cases. Some of us need them and some shouldn't partake of them. Let your body tell you how it feels about the situation.

[Sunshine9]

I ate a lot of pumpkin seeds for a while, because I do believe that it is better to get our nutrients from our food. However, the amount of pumpkin seeds I would need to eat to REVERSE a deficiency, was way too much for my system. So I got an angstrom zinc supplement, and I think now pumpkin seeds are a great way to maintain. I ordered mine from Nature's First Law, it's only $15 for a small bottle and I found I only needed one for the symptoms to go away. The key is that it's an angstrom supplement, because I believe most brands out there are useless.

The science behind taking an HCl supplement is that most people have low stomach acid because our sodium reserves have been stripped away by cooked and acidic food. HCl can help as a bridge while our bodies get back to normal eating raw foods, and restoring our sodium. Victoria Boutenko talks about it a lot in her book "Green for Life." There are a lot of other symptoms, some of them including bloating, indigestion, heart burn, and seeing undigested food in the bowels.

How much fat do I eat... it really depends, and I don't keep track. I tried fit day for a while, but I found it created an unhealthy mind-set around what I was eating. Generally, I don't eat any nuts, and I eat seeds occasionally. If I do it would probably be just a tablespoon soaked and blended into something I am making. Sometimes I will eat a few tablespoons of ground flax in the morning with my fruit (grapefruit, oranges, or apples, berries), or a little coconut oil. Later in the afternoon I might have 1-2 avocadoes with a large salad, and include a few olives. I use a small amount of flax or olive oil on my salad. I drink a large green juice a few days a week. Also as part of my diet, I eat a lot of seaweed, non-sweet fruits, celery, small amounts of maca, cacao, goji, and mineral superfoods. Hemp seeds are an awesome source of zinc, omegas, and plenty of other minerals. They are very digestable too.

All in all I know it's a lot of fat, and I know I will feel my best eating less fat and overall less FOOD in general. But I know that things take time, and I am taking it day by day as I am ready.

If I can answer anything else for you, just let me know.

Sunshine :)

[PandaBear]

I have heard raw experts (reluctantly) say that even low fat partially COOKED diet is better than a high fat raw diet. You MUST watch your fat intake!! Put your daily caloric intake into FitDay.com - it will give you a reading of calories from fat, carbs and protein. Science says that we should keep our fat intake around 10% of calories from fat. NO MORE that 15-20% at MOST! It helps to take a weekly reading instead of a daily one. <br>
But, on average ... take these numbers<br>
2000 calories a day
10% of 2000 is 200
9 calories per gram of fat
200 divided by 9 is about 22
about 22 grams of fat per day, that's IT!

Try that with all of your flax crackers, olive oil, etc. I say, one source of fat per day -- one serving -- at dinner time. Stuff yourself with fruit while it's light outside!!!
:D

[Revvell]

You MUST watch your fat intake!! :D

No, you mustn't. I don't, never have, never will. I have no idea who these "experts" are yet, I'm an expert, Alissa's and expert and Jinjee and Storm are experts and none of them, that I know of, use fitday or anything else to determine their fat intake. What they (and I) do is eat what they want, when then want and get out and move their tushes!

Revvell

[Svadhyaya]

I don't think high fat is good, but I don't think extremely low fat is good, either, on a general basis. In my experience my skin gets dry and I don't feel as balanced and stable without some healthy oils (avocado, coconut, etc.) in my diet. Right now I eat a medium-fat diet (no animal fat of any kind) because that's the way I feel the best.

Basically, though, I think people are physically very, very different and what works for one person may not work for someone else. You need to find the place where you feel your all-around best (and expect that place to evolve as you get older and your body changes.)

[RawVee]

is what got us all here in the first place, nutritionally and otherwise. How few people are walking this planet, comparitively, who are *truly* in their bodies? It is for that reason that we abuse ourselves with bad food, bad relationships, bad whatever.

I've been meditating and doing yoga for years, and still it's only recently that I have learned to truly be seated in my body and *listen* to it. It's not listening to the monkey mind (the voice chattering away in my mind that says "pizza!"). It's listening to every cell of my body, and letting them speak.

I remember reading about an experiment done where people were given an Oreo and a strawberry. It was called "conscious eating," I believe. They were asked to close their eyes and focus on the textures, tastes, everything. And not surprisingly, the majority of participants found the cookie to taste bland, chemically and not so great, where the strawberry was amazingly luscious and fufilling.

The point I'm slowly trying to make is that most of us eat without thinking. That's why raw is such a gift. Once you get over the hurdle of overcoming your cooked addiction, and once you've tried the complicated recipes and the substitutions for your old favorite cooked foods, it becomes easier and easier to *listen* to your body and what it needs. After a grueling workout every morning, my body needs young coconut water, and whatever fruit I'm drawn to, because it's light, easily digestible, and replenishes me. One day I may have cravings for avocado for lunch, the next, greens. Whatever it is, though, I listen with my whole being. Soon it becomes second nature, which I think is what all of these kind, wise people are saying. Your body knows what is best for you, and it wouldn't sabotage you. Our minds are the saboteurs. :)

[Lunar*Fey]

I have heard raw experts (reluctantly) say that even low fat partially COOKED diet is better than a high fat raw diet. You MUST watch your fat intake!! Put your daily caloric intake into FitDay.com - it will give you a reading of calories from fat, carbs and protein. Science says that we should keep our fat intake around 10% of calories from fat. NO MORE that 15-20% at MOST! It helps to take a weekly reading instead of a daily one. <br>
But, on average ... take these numbers<br>
2000 calories a day
10% of 2000 is 200
9 calories per gram of fat
200 divided by 9 is about 22
about 22 grams of fat per day, that's IT!

Try that with all of your flax crackers, olive oil, etc. I say, one source of fat per day -- one serving -- at dinner time. Stuff yourself with fruit while it's light outside!!!
:D

This is generally pertaining to those who eat about 50+% fat. The people of Crete had a diet composed of almost 40% fat from olives/fresh olive oil (naturally at the time it was cold pressed and minimally processed....ancient times) "The Cretins have a lower incidence of heart disease than the Japanese groups, which had 8% of the calories as fat." Not that this means it was the healthiest thing, but still...
Really, I think it depends and that we should learn to listen to our bodies rather than our heads

[startootsie]

This is generally pertaining to those who eat about 50+% fat. The people of Crete had a diet composed of almost 40% fat from olives/fresh olive oil (naturally at the time it was cold pressed and minimally processed....ancient times) "The Cretins have a lower incidence of heart disease than the Japanese groups, which had 8% of the calories as fat." Not that this means it was the healthiest thing, but still...
Really, I think it depends and that we should learn to listen to our bodies rather than our heads

I agree! Thank you!

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

[startootsie]

rawpesto, good, good, good, good! Thank you!

rawwannabe, if I eat too low fat, I feel really not that well. Thank you!

Lunar*Fey, I feel so good on avocados! I have been eating them too and I LOVE them! Hmm. Thats great! I have felt kinda the same thing, I never said anything though. It's cool that you felt it too! That must mean that we're more in touch! We both seem to do our research and want to do the best thing! Am I right about that? Thank you for posting! Joy to you! How are things going? What do you like to do for fun? I love dance, music, research, health, lots of more research, helping people. And umm, speaking the truth! It is so great!

lissomllama , thank you! That is what I am trying to do!

Sunshine9, thank you too! May I ask, what exactly is angstrom zinc? Can you get it from health food stores? Is it capsule or liquid? Thank you again!

PandaBear , I don't mean to be rude, AND, I don't agree. I do not feel good on low fat. That is just my body. I also don't seem to do very well on a lot of fruit. Thank you for your reply though. Where did you find this information? Thank you again!

Svadhyaya , yes listen to your body!

RawVee, thank you! I agree!

Create a day of love and light!

Thank you everyone!

Christianna

[Sunshine9]

Angstrom just refers to the size. You can get any of the minerals in supplement form this way. An angstrom mineral is very very small, and there is more science behind it than I am well read on. Essentially it's small and readily absorbable :)

It's liquid. You just put it under your tongue for 30 seconds in the morning. Doesn't taste like anything. I've read that once you are sufficient in zinc, it will begin to have an unpleasant taste.

I've never seen it at a health food store... I ordered mine online. Do some research, see what you find.

[startootsie]

Thank you!

I looked at www.rawfood.com, I think it is David Wolf's website. Anyway, I found the zinc! Yes it is liquid! Thank you so much for the help! I apprecaite it very much!

I tried looking at the health food store yesterday, I asked a lady that worked there if she knew what angstrom zinc was...she didn't know what I was talking about, she thought it was a brand. She was very kind though. So I looked at that website and I found it! I guess health food stores don't sell it.

What kind of hemp seeds do you get? I looked yesterday too and I didn't know which one to get. How long would they be good in the fridge? I have some old ones in there, but I am not so sure if they are still good.

Thank you again!

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

[Revvell]

What kind of hemp seeds do you get? I looked yesterday too and I didn't know which one to get. How long would they be good in the fridge?

I do believe Alissa sells the hemp seeds... yup! yup! yup! Here they are: http://alissacohen.com/shop/home.php?cat=4

Purchasing from Alissa supports this board. :)

Revvell

[luckitri]

LunarFey, I think that your observation is correct - older people do seem to need less fat. Growing people need fat - for brain development. (Since I am older I can say it.)

[Sunshine9]

Re: the hemp seeds

Yep, Alissa sells great stuff.

Also your health food store probably carries Nutiva brand. Those are good. Also lots of brands online...

I do keep them in the fridge, as with any nuts or seeds I purchase.

[startootsie]

Thank you so much!

I really appreciate it everyone!

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

[Lunar*Fey]

"Lunar*Fey, I feel so good on avocados! I have been eating them too and I LOVE them! Hmm. Thats great! I have felt kinda the same thing, I never said anything though. It's cool that you felt it too! That must mean that we're more in touch! We both seem to do our research and want to do the best thing! Am I right about that? Thank you for posting! Joy to you! How are things going? What do you like to do for fun? I love dance, music, research, health, lots of more research, helping people. And umm, speaking the truth! It is so great!"

Startootsie,
really? Wow that is awesome :) Yes you are right, I always have questions and am therefore always researching for answers. My mind constantly inquires. lol. I don't do anything outside of school any more...because I "can't" really *sigh* it just stresses out my family and such. But I love dance as well, and music, and all the things you listed as well as athletics, acting/drama, singing, drawing/painting/fine art, writing, ah the list could probably go further. I like too many things really, and I don't participate in any of them. I really need to though! You sound like a wonderful person and I hope someday we can meet in person!

[startootsie]

Lunar*Fey, why don't you participate in any of those things that you listed that you love to do? If it is because of being busy, wanting to do it but not getting around to it, kind of scared in a secret way, afraid what family might think, then I know how you feel. I have had some of those feelings (I don't know yet if you have), but, you know what? I decided I choose to make a difference. I don't choose to just go to work, eat, sleep, watch TV, and that is it! I choose to go out into the world and help people, I choose to touch people with music and help them to heal and learn through music. I choose to help people with there health and there self improvement. And much more! LIfe is so beautiful! I hardly believe that I didn't see it before! And I am so thankful for being me! I used to want to be someone else, I always used to want to change something about me, and now I am working on self improvement and telling myself I am perfect as I am at this moment and I love myself! I can improve, though I am trying to not be such a perfectionist. It's good sometimes, but over done it can get kind of crazy.

I used to be the kind of person who secretly and very deeply wanted to be noticed. I didn't realize how much I was doing it. I played mind games, and I wanted attention, and thought I would get it by not asking for it! I mean from my family. I got attention, but for some reason it wasn't good enough for me, no matter how much I got it I still wanted it from "someone else".

Well, anyway, sorry for going on about it! My advice, from my heart is, follow your bliss! I believe that the things we came into this word with, "our talents", we are here to share. And not sharing our talents is not honoring ourself, and our highest potential, I believe.

By the way, I LOVE your picture on your avatar! I have always loved unicorns and pegasus's! I also love cats! And of course, all animals!

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

[startootsie]

Hey Startootsie,

Are you experiencing hair loss on your current diet?

I went through a major period of hair loss a few months into raw, and it scared me. I was losing massive amounts in the shower, and when I would even run my hands through my dry hair strands would fall out. I trusted my intuition and did two things: 1) took an angstrom zinc supplement and 2) used a hydrochloric acid supplement. For me, that was the right thing. I discovered I simply didn't have the stomach acid to break down the massive fibrous salads I was consuming, and probably wasn't absorbing very many of the minerals. Zinc can be an issue for anyone, raw or cooked. The most tell-tale symptom is white spots on your finger nails. Now it has been months since i've lost a lot of hair. I lose a few strands in the shower, many times none, and from everything I have read that is the norm.

I have also been consciously increasing my stomach acid through lots of green juice and medicinal amounds of sea salt. Stomach acid is related to our organic sodium reserves, and most people are deficient in sodium.

I completely respect your decision to read and research and decide if 100% raw is right for you. It is not right for everyone, and it's very important to listen to your intuition and begin where you are comfortable.

In terms of fat content, I am not yet clear exactly where I stand. I've been raw for a well over a year, and I am still not totally comfortable without a moderate daily intake of fat. That's me, and I look forward to when I won't need that. A lot of it is emotional and I still feel like I need the fats to slow me down. The high fruit thing is definitely not my cup of tea, but it might work for you. I believe simply that minerals are the building blocks of optimal health, and a diet of mostly sweet fruits does not have that.

So, I'm still figuring out what works for me.

all the best,
Sunshine


Hello again!

What kind of hydrochloric acid supplement did you take, and how much? I got the zinc, and I think it tastes like distilled water. I gave it to some others to see what they thought it tasted like and they said it tasted like metalic and gross. I think you said that when it tastes bad then you have enough zinc, is this right?

The supplement I got is in veggie caps and it says: "Betaine HCI plus pepsin, Betaine Hydrochloride Formula, dietary supplement". Does this sound good?

Thank you so much for your help!

Create a day of love and light!

Christianna

[Faithfullyfit]

I wouldn't worry about it. I'm in agreement that when your body no longer wants and needs them (YOUR BODY DOES NEED SOME FATS!), it will let you know.

I've not been on the diet long, but already, my body is saying, "No thank you" to nuts. Very blatantly. I mean, there's no question for me at all. I made the apple pie, which has a nut "crust," and my body very plainly is telling me, "I do not want that."

Everything that I am feeling, "I do not want that" about is pretty much high fat foods.

I agree....I think the most important part of healing your body....is to eat more intuitively. Listen to your body. It WILL tell you what it needs. There are times when all I want are avo's, olives, nuts and others when I am craving GREENS and fruits, etc... So, listen carefully and you should balance right out!