New here!

[babyphat1989]

Hi everyone! my names heather and im new to this forum. ive been off and on raw vegan since last december. ive been 100% vegan tho since then. i'm now starting to get back into raw due to skin and hair problems and my weight is slowly creeping up on me. ive read on here that the best way to get clear skin is to eat organic. so today i went out and purchased all organic fruits and veggies and organic cold-pressed oils and some live enzymes to speed up my detox.

this is how my diet looks that i just started today:
B- 2-3 servings of organic fresh fruit

L- Big green salad with a choice of 1 healthy fat (avocado or oil) and non sweet fruit or veggies

D- Big green salad with non sweet fruit and veggies topped with lemon and lime juice

Pills- 2 enzyme pills before or after each main meal, 3 spirulina pills 1 or 2 times daily.

Water- 8 glasses daily

does that sound about right? im 5'1 and 103 pounds. when i first went raw i dropped down to 90 pds. i wasnt eating all organic at the time and i was combining my foods completely wrong. so now im ready to do the real thing and do it right.
for exercise i do yoga, 25 mins of kickboxing, walking and light weights. not all at once everyday but just to list what i do as exercise. i usually work out 4-7 times a week.
things i want to improve are my skin, hair, and body. if you have any tips for me i would be glad to listen.
oh and i recently like 3 days ago was put on zoloft (25 mg) for mild depression due to my past eating disorder. im wondering if i should go off of it or not? i dont think its in my system enuff to harm me if i just stop taking it. what do you guys think?

[jaurequi]

Hi,

Welcome. Your diet looks very light. Is this satisfying? I would include a green smoothie in there, as well as at least a handful of whole-food fats, such as nuts and seeds daily.

Are you still struggling with an eating disorder?

Good to have you here.

Best,

[hypnocmt]

I'd eat a little more/ Eating too little (and I speak from experience) can SLOW down your weightloss, so enjoy a bit more food. I might add some lo-glycemic fruits like berries or citrus for antioxidant value, and for their benefit to neurological health and cardio health. Maybe try a berry+greens smoothie with hemp protein for extra energy and fullness w/o empty calories.

DO NOT go off your meds unless supervised by your doc. Zoloft is nothing to play with.

Don't hesitate to have a little extra light juicy fruit before your workouts too. :)

Sounds like you have the right idea. Hope you'll experience HUGE benefits very soon!

[belleadonna]

Sounds good but with the raw foods, you really don't need the enzymes. The raw food has lots of that. You really only need them when and if you eat cooked food.

[Veganforlife]

Welcome! I suggest buying Alissa's book and DVD if you can afford both, but definitely the book. It's loaded with good info.
At 5'1 and 103 pounds, you're pretty tiny at that. As far as going off the zoloft? I would say that's your call. Try eating raw for 30 days and see how you feel, but eat WELL.

[babyphat1989]

jaurequi-
well do you think im getting enough from just avocados and oils or do i really need to add nuts and seeds?
and yes to be honest im still struggling with my eating disorder, i have anorexic tendencies but i dont make myself throw up anymore, i quit that a year ago.

[babyphat1989]

Welcome! I suggest buying Alissa's book and DVD if you can afford both, but definitely the book. It's loaded with good info.
At 5'1 and 103 pounds, you're pretty tiny at that. As far as going off the zoloft? I would say that's your call. Try eating raw for 30 days and see how you feel, but eat WELL.

thx ill def. ask my parents for some green to buy that book haha. i have david wolfe's book Eating for Beauty. that also has a lot of good tips in there.
see i dont feel like im "tiny" i have a belly and my thighs arent that great. i wanna lose maybe 10 pds at the most.

[babyphat1989]

I'd eat a little more/ Eating too little (and I speak from experience) can SLOW down your weightloss, so enjoy a bit more food. I might add some lo-glycemic fruits like berries or citrus for antioxidant value, and for their benefit to neurological health and cardio health. Maybe try a berry+greens smoothie with hemp protein for extra energy and fullness w/o empty calories.

DO NOT go off your meds unless supervised by your doc. Zoloft is nothing to play with.

Don't hesitate to have a little extra light juicy fruit before your workouts too. :)

Sounds like you have the right idea. Hope you'll experience HUGE benefits very soon!

really? well i thought i was eating enough bc those are big salads and i added fat in them. but i guess it wont hurt to add a couple of fruits inbetween.
ive tried a green smoothie before, but dont taste that great, but i guess its all about getting used to it and changing your taste buds. right now im craving a vegan cookie haha but i know they dont make me feel good so ill just stick with some fruit.

[LoveLife]

I'm glad u are doing better with your eating habits on raw:D ...but I have to add that it does seem that u are still a little too concerned with losing weight...specially since u are 5'1" and already only weigh 103lbs..some would argue that even that is a little on the light side..BUT my suggestion is maybe u are looking at this a little wrong...u said that u have a little belly and heavier thighs than u want..my suggestion would be that maybe u don't need to lose "weight" but u need to gain muscle...when it comes down to it even if u are at a "perfect" weight u won't look your best without being toned..there is a point when u should stop being concerned about what a scale says..and rely on muscle definition and how your clothes fit...maybe u should look at fitness mags. (not Fitness..but real ones like Oxygen)..and don't be worried that if u do their exercises u will get muscles as large as theirs..they train with heavier weights to get that..u should train with 8-10lb. most likely since u already are doing some weight lifting...just a suggestion instead of being overly concerned with what u r eating...hope u figure it all out..and good luck on being Raw:D

[babyphat1989]

I'm glad u are doing better with your eating habits on raw:D ...but I have to add that it does seem that u are still a little too concerned with losing weight...specially since u are 5'1" and already only weigh 103lbs..some would argue that even that is a little on the light side..BUT my suggestion is maybe u are looking at this a little wrong...u said that u have a little belly and heavier thighs than u want..my suggestion would be that maybe u don't need to lose "weight" but u need to gain muscle...when it comes down to it even if u are at a "perfect" weight u won't look your best without being toned..there is a point when u should stop being concerned about what a scale says..and rely on muscle definition and how your clothes fit...maybe u should look at fitness mags. (not Fitness..but real ones like Oxygen)..and don't be worried that if u do their exercises u will get muscles as large as theirs..they train with heavier weights to get that..u should train with 8-10lb. most likely since u already are doing some weight lifting...just a suggestion instead of being overly concerned with what u r eating...hope u figure it all out..and good luck on being Raw:D


yea that is one of the reasons i was put on zoloft was bc my eating disorder caused depression and self esteem issues. its something im trying really hard to get over. i have been trying to gain muscle and stuff but it just seems harder to do on a raw vegan diet. i mean what would i have to eat to help gain muscle quicker? do you know? i love oxygen magazine...i used to get there magazines all the time! the girls in there were in inspiration to get fit.
well thx for the advice!

[Naiad]

Hi there!

I'd also suggest you do a green smoothie. I'd also add in some raw, virgin coconut butter/oil. That way, you can get extra fat into the diet which actually *improves* metabolism. Who doesn't need that? :D

The fats I have during the day are 1 tablespoon of cold pressed MacNut oil on my salads, in addition to 1/4-1/2 of a Haas avocado. I then put 1/2 tablespoon in coconut oil in my smoothies.

[LoveLife]

yea that is one of the reasons i was put on zoloft was bc my eating disorder caused depression and self esteem issues. its something im trying really hard to get over. i have been trying to gain muscle and stuff but it just seems harder to do on a raw vegan diet. i mean what would i have to eat to help gain muscle quicker? do you know? i love oxygen magazine...i used to get there magazines all the time! the girls in there were in inspiration to get fit.
well thx for the advice!

I'm glad u are getting better..I've never had an eating disorder so I can't say too much from experience..but I'm really into nutrition and working out..u need protein to gain more muscles..which can come from nuts or if u are worried about fat still then some good ones are..romain lettuce, spinach, bean sprouts, and broccoli..u might also look at this website..it is a vegan athlete who has really good products like raw bars and a great meal replacement shake..it's called Vega.. www.brendanbrazier.com ..u might want to look up that too..good luck love:D

[babyphat1989]

I'm glad u are getting better..I've never had an eating disorder so I can't say too much from experience..but I'm really into nutrition and working out..u need protein to gain more muscles..which can come from nuts or if u are worried about fat still then some good ones are..romain lettuce, spinach, bean sprouts, and broccoli..u might also look at this website..it is a vegan athlete who has really good products like raw bars and a great meal replacement shake..it's called Vega.. www.brendanbrazier.com ..u might want to look up that too..good luck love:D

thx! no im not really scared of fat bc as long as its raw and good for you, it doesnt actually make you fat. bad fat makes you fat. i myself am obsessed with nutrition also, from having an ED i have researched alot about health and stuff and thats how i found out about the raw food lifestly. ill def. check out that website! thx again!

[jaurequi]

jaurequi-
well do you think im getting enough from just avocados and oils or do i really need to add nuts and seeds?
and yes to be honest im still struggling with my eating disorder, i have anorexic tendencies but i dont make myself throw up anymore, i quit that a year ago.

I would skip the oils in exchange for whole, raw foods; oil isn't healthful.

I think you do need to add nuts and seeds. Specifically, EFA's are essential, not only for everyone, but especially those suffering with emotional and/or mental issues. The brain needs them for optimum function; essential fatty acids are a main food source for the brain. If you, essentially, starve your brain of its source of nutrition, you will suffer the effects emotionally, mentally, and even physically with things such as dry skin, hair, eyes; pain in the joints; etc.

So, get your EFA's daily, then the other fats as you desire. The best source of Omegas (EFA's) are Chia seeds; if you cannot find those, then get flax seeds. Grind both before consuming. Take 1 TB whole seeds and ground. You can add to smoothies, use in dressings or sauces; sprinkle onto salads or onto cereals.
You may find you need more; so, if you are taking flax, take only 2 TB maximum, but you can increase your chia seeds and hemp seeds intake. If you feel these seeds leave you too full (which chia seeds may), then consider chia oil, which is very much like fish oil, but pure, vegan, and non toxic. It's used for depression as well as other symptoms of EFA deficiencies. This oil would be used medicinally instead of culinarily, and therefore an exception (and which makes it health promoting); and it does not need to be taken in large amounts.

For other good fats, consume walnuts, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, and avocadoes. If you like olives, they are available now raw.

Stay on course; don't give up. You can get well.


Best,

[hypnocmt]

On the exercise thing-

Eating disorders are really expressions of anxiety issues. One way you would hit two birds with one stone is yoga.

It will give you beautiful lean muscles that look and help you to move gracefully. It is really a dance of strength.

Also, you get so inside of your mind and body when you do it, that it really interrupts the anxiey feedback loops that make us need to "control" our eating.
Plus you will be so stoked to see how your body changes, and how amazintg it is in learning to do INCREDIBLE things, that many of your body image distorions will often mel away. You will appreciae your strength of mind and lean muscle so much that big self love is an inevitable side effect.

To start at home, I recommend Seane Corne's vid's or Bryan Kest for a serious challenge.

Good luck.

And at the end of the day:

Eat intuitively

Develop that intuition by eating in a way that allows you to ask yourself
"Am I making this food choice out of love for myself and my body? Or am I making this choice out of a need to control myself, or others, or to punish myself or others?" Then choose the loving direction.

honor the gift that is food and savor the feeling of NOURISHMENT

Give yourself one treat EVERY day ( I am partial to raw cookies or a dish of banana ice cream- guilt free!)


Good luck, and stay with us whenever you need support. MAny of us have found our way o health thru raw, and found our way BEYOND our eating disorders, into a deeper place of self-understanding.

[babyphat1989]

I would skip the oils in exchange for whole, raw foods; oil isn't healthful.

I think you do need to add nuts and seeds. Specifically, EFA's are essential, not only for everyone, but especially those suffering with emotional and/or mental issues. The brain needs them for optimum function; essential fatty acids are a main food source for the brain. If you, essentially, starve your brain of its source of nutrition, you will suffer the effects emotionally, mentally, and even physically with things such as dry skin, hair, eyes; pain in the joints; etc.

So, get your EFA's daily, then the other fats as you desire. The best source of Omegas (EFA's) are Chia seeds; if you cannot find those, then get flax seeds. Grind both before consuming. Take 1 TB whole seeds and ground. You can add to smoothies, use in dressings or sauces; sprinkle onto salads or onto cereals.
You may find you need more; so, if you are taking flax, take only 2 TB maximum, but you can increase your chia seeds and hemp seeds intake. If you feel these seeds leave you too full (which chia seeds may), then consider chia oil, which is very much like fish oil, but pure, vegan, and non toxic. It's used for depression as well as other symptoms of EFA deficiencies. This oil would be used medicinally instead of culinarily, and therefore an exception (and which makes it health promoting); and it does not need to be taken in large amounts.

For other good fats, consume walnuts, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, and avocadoes. If you like olives, they are available now raw.

Stay on course; don't give up. You can get well.


Best,


wow thanks for all that info! ill be printing that out haha. ill def. try what you said, it seems pretty logical. my dad said i can order some raw food online which i think ill do today but i was looking at all the raw food stores and everything that i want is sold out! i guess ill have to wait awhile to order stuff. and one more question...do you think i should eat nuts sprouted or just raw?

[babyphat1989]

On the exercise thing-

Eating disorders are really expressions of anxiety issues. One way you would hit two birds with one stone is yoga.

It will give you beautiful lean muscles that look and help you to move gracefully. It is really a dance of strength.

Also, you get so inside of your mind and body when you do it, that it really interrupts the anxiey feedback loops that make us need to "control" our eating.
Plus you will be so stoked to see how your body changes, and how amazintg it is in learning to do INCREDIBLE things, that many of your body image distorions will often mel away. You will appreciae your strength of mind and lean muscle so much that big self love is an inevitable side effect.

To start at home, I recommend Seane Corne's vid's or Bryan Kest for a serious challenge.

Good luck.

And at the end of the day:

Eat intuitively

Develop that intuition by eating in a way that allows you to ask yourself
"Am I making this food choice out of love for myself and my body? Or am I making this choice out of a need to control myself, or others, or to punish myself or others?" Then choose the loving direction.

honor the gift that is food and savor the feeling of NOURISHMENT

Give yourself one treat EVERY day ( I am partial to raw cookies or a dish of banana ice cream- guilt free!)


Good luck, and stay with us whenever you need support. MAny of us have found our way o health thru raw, and found our way BEYOND our eating disorders, into a deeper place of self-understanding.

aw thx so much! that was very motivational. i used to do yoga everyday for like 20 minutes and it really helped but then i stopped, i dont know why. but im gonna start it up again bc it always made me more relaxed and more confident.
thx for the tips about eating...i really have a problem with that bc sometimes i will starve myself or just eat to ease feelings, not necessarily hunger. it all really makes sense but its just something i have to work on and be really dedicated to. which i am.
thx for all the support! this is a really great community and im so glad i joined it! the feedback i get from it is so great too!
take care everyone!