Another Newbie

[JenzZx2]

Hi All,

My name is Jen, I've been becoming more and more interested in raw food diets, though I don't know if I can take the plunge completely.

A little background.. I've always been on the heavy side, and late last year finally decided to do something about it. I joined Weight Watchers in September, and have lost 50lbs since then. I'm at the gym 5-6 days a week, and I love it. I love the feeling of being healthy. I still have about 35lbs to lose.

I love raw veggies, fruits, and nuts, and include them in my diet every day. I love the thought of not eating processed foods anymore, but don't know if I could give up meats. I eat very little red meat, but lots of poultry and fish. Can you be "mostly" a raw eater?? I have no doubt that it's healthier to eat 100% Raw (I even feed my dog an all natural RAW diet, due to the benefits over processed dog foods), but not sure if I could cope with not having some of my indulgences, not to mention talking my husband into eating raw stuff!

So my questions are:

I know since I've been eating healthier, the cost has gone up quite significantly, is the same true for eating raw?

I know things like Avocados and Nuts are high in fats (albeit the good fats), and while I can have a handful here, or a slice there with weight watchers, I'd still like to follow their point plan until I reach my goal weight since it has worked so well for me. Do you find that you consume more calories in the form of these healthy fats, and do they have an influence on weight gain/loss?

Thanks for taking the time to read my lengthy introduction! I look forward to getting to know some of you and increasing my Raw knowledge!

-Jen

[JenzZx2]

Haha, Just read the "READ THIS BEFORE POSTING".. I'll find the proper place to ask my questions!

[soulstar]

Welcome, JenzZx2

Congratulations on your success with Weight Watchers. I know it must feel great to release the weight!

I can't really answer your questions, but I can let you know that I believe that Alissa's philosophy about the Raw Food Diet is the opposite extreme from calorie counting and things like point system. I know that you feel safe and comfortable with their system because it has worked, so you may have resistance to imagining that you can lose all the weight you want by simply eating whatever you'd like as long as it is RAW and VEGAN. That's understandable. You need to do what is ultimately possible for you to believe you can do.
Speaking of Vegan, Then there is your desire to continue to consume animal flesh. Everyone has to make these decisions for themselves, ultimately, and you have every right to follow what you feel works for you. Most people here, from what I know don't eat animal products.
That doesn't mean that you can't. Certainly, substantially increasing the amount of raw food that you eat in your diet will benefit you regardless of what else you eat. Personally, I would recommend trying out Alissa's book for recipes that mimic meat that could help you replace your desire for meat for raw foods. In her wondeerful book she has recipes for nut meat loaf, un-chicken pattie, not-salmon pate, veggie lasagna, etc. Just a thought, in case you are wondering what else you could eat, if you gave up fish, and poultry.

Alissa's forum here focuses on the RAW VEGAN Diet. And it is about following your instincts about what you feel your body wants, AS LONG AS IT IS RAW, Alissa feels, I believe, that over time your body and appetite will adjust to desiring the healthiest foods for you. It is hard enough being 100% raw, without denying yourself what you are drawn to, especially in the initial stages when your body is healing and detoxing from more toxic processed foods.

So, Alissa might say not to worry about counting fat calories in avocados and nuts, but to focus on eating 100% Raw Vegan FOODS. At first you may be drawn to the denser, fattier, foods, but after awhile your desires will come into a natural and healthy balance where you will eat according to your needs that particular day.

Please, anyone else here, correct me if I'm wrong.;)

I'm certainly no expert.:)

in any case, I hope that your journey toward your greatest well-being is a wonderful one!

Elena aka Soulstar

[spicyfull]

I wish you everything you need to Stay RAW......Welcome to MY World...