feeling VERY discouraged.

[britaniefaith]

So this morning I ended up ALMOST going off the Raw diet. I was so completely frustrated after weighing myself and seeing that not only have I not lost a pound since going raw but I somehow managed to GAIN 3 lbs. How in the world is that possible? yes, I have been eating alot of dates, nuts and banana's and such but according to Alissa's book you are suppose to allow yourself all the sweets you want in the beginning but I'm beginning to think that isn't exactly the best thing to do considering I am gaining weight.
Part of me feels just like giving up, although I am not eating Raw for just weight purposes but I definitely didn't want to be gaining weight on this and I feel very discouraged.

Any words of wisdom? I could really use some right now because part of me feels completely defeated right about now.

thanks :-(

[Veganforlife]

Oh, don't get discouraged. How long have you been raw? Maybe lay off the nuts for a while and incorporate green smoothies and DON'T weigh yourself. Folks obsess with weighing. Have you been working out more? Muscle weighs more then fat you know. Are you clothes getting tighter or is it just the scale?
Best words of wisdom? Don't give up.

[Stina]

Hey are you still eating greens? Are you getting in some salads and green smoothies? They're so important. I think some people put on weight initially as the body's mechanism is overwhelmed with all of the good nutrition after years of the standard American abusive diet, and is holding onto the fat like a security blanket. Stop weighing yourself- I have. I'm doing this to love myself and the weigh will slowly dissipate. How long have you been Raw? It's a slow process to get unhealthy and overweight. It's a slow process back, but not as slow. So, please, don't obsess over weight, as hard as that is, I know, and hang in there, and keep checking in with your friends here on the board. Let us know exactly what you're eating so some of the wise ones can make suggestions. Love Stina

[eatyourbroccoli]

give it about 2 weeks. ive been between high raw and 100% for the past 18 months, and everytime i go 100% i bloat up and gain a few lbs the first week or two weeks, and then like day 15 i swear i wake up and im 5 lbs lighter. dunno why this happens, but it does everytime.

if you feel up to it, go easier on the nuts. otherwise, just wait it out.

[britaniefaith]

*hugs* thanks you guys... I already feel a bit better just from reading your comments. Today is my 7th day raw and I definitely haven't been getting enough greens - I don't get my vitamix in the mail until Thursday so basically I've been living off of fruits, salads(lettuce, sun dried tomatoes, some avocado, etc), lots of dried fruits, larabars, and some date/cocoa nib/almond mixtures. I've been making lots of deserts too. I've also been eating nori rolls. but other than that, I'm not having any green smoothies or drinks, etc. Not until I get my vitamix. Do you think that it will help once I start adding green smoothies???

Is it really possible that I could have gained 3 lbs of actual FAT due to all the nuts, dates, etc?

and also, I do work out, not that much though, I mean not enough to gain muscle, atleast I don't think so. I usually go on the treadmill 3x a week for 30-45 min and I do pilates & yoga 2-3x a week as well.

[britaniefaith]

give it about 2 weeks. ive been between high raw and 100% for the past 18 months, and everytime i go 100% i bloat up and gain a few lbs the first week or two weeks, and then like day 15 i swear i wake up and im 5 lbs lighter. dunno why this happens, but it does everytime.

if you feel up to it, go easier on the nuts. otherwise, just wait it out.

Really? that's strange. When you lost the weight after the second week, were you eating alot of nuts & sweets, etc??

[Veganforlife]

Yes, the GS's will definitely help. You'll see.

It's hard to say what the gain is from. Increase your water intake meanwhile. And don't worry 'bout it!

You know worrying makes one gain weight. Didn't know that did you?

[hypnocmt]

transitioning is about changing your inner taste critic-not losing weight. You use this time to get the hang of raw foods, maybe detox, and learn what it feels like to be fresh on the inside.

Once you feel like you're used to the menu...probably you'll PREFER raw...then you can streamline you routine...eat clean....more juicy-fresh instead of heavy...and the weight will evaporate.

[RowanC]

I doubt if it is fat.

Listen, I can gain 5 pounds OVERNIGHT just by eating wheat.
When I was menstruating, I'd gain 7 pounds right before my period.

Excessive? Yes. But the truth.
Most of it was bloat... water...from my body not working correctly.

It's possible that your small weight gain is a type of detox.

If you're really worried, back off the dates and nuts for a day or two and see what happens.

[barose]

I agree with RowanC, I seriously doubt that is fat. I too can gain up to 10 lbs in water weight and gluten causes me to bloat and gain weight until its out of my system. What helped me loose since going raw is lots of greens and lots of sweet, juicy fruit.

I dont eat bananas and only eat dates as a treat (like in a dessert). I still eat about 1-2 avocados, some nuts (very little) and a little bit of virgin oil a day.

[Rawkinlocs]

Here is my usual spiel:

1. You've been raw for a very short time compared to how long you've eaten cooked food. Sure, you lost a LOT of weight when you were still eating cooked and you were eating "healthy" cooked food, but it was still cooked food. Raw food, especially fruit, is a cleansing "diet" - your body is FINALLY getting a chance to cleanse and heal itself so it is now going to focus moreso on that as opposed to weight loss.

2. All of our bodies have an "ideal weight RANGE"...I always tell people not to focus on one particular number, but rather a range. Sometimes, depending on what is going on, what you're eating, how you're working out (or not working out), water retention, "that time" of the month, etc. sometimes you will fluctuate in between that weight range. Also, sometimes our BODIES' ideal weight/size range is not always what WE think, hope, feel it should be. I would never have guessed my ideal body weight to be less than 130 pounds but after going raw, my body showed ME who's boss and it is less than that whether I like it or not! :)

3. When you first go raw (and Alissa advises this as well), you should always either get rid of that scale or tuck it away for a while because while your body is doing it's thing (as mentioned in #1) constantly weighing yourself on the scale will cause you to get discouraged (as you already have) and want to give up if you see the fluctuations that sometimes occur as the body is doing what it needs to do, especially when first starting out with raw.

So in essence, you have to figure out what is most important to you at this time - losing weight only or being raw and getting ALL of the benefits it has to offer. If it's the latter, then focus right now on eating raw and staying raw. It has been the experience of many of us that when you first start out, you desire to eat a lot of nuts and sweets BUT, the longer you're raw, that tapers off/down and you find yourself eating less of that and more of what your body needs, when it needs it. So, right now you're focusing on satiation and staying satisfied so you can stay raw - but eventually, your body will learn to become satiated on raw foods and then you can start limiting or cutting back on "xyz" if need be.

That's just my humble advice for what it's worth.

[eatyourbroccoli]

Is it really possible that I could have gained 3 lbs of actual FAT due to all the nuts, dates, etc?

no way. i can almost guarantee you that its water weight. have u been using a lot of celtic sea salt? that causes water retention in some people. i know it does for me big time.

green smoothies will help. they seem to for almost everyone.

[Vann167]

I dont eat bananas and only eat dates as a treat (like in a dessert). I still eat about 1-2 avocados, some nuts (very little) and a little bit of virgin oil a day.

I read this and was curious because I eat a ton of bananas. Are bananas a bad idea if you are trying to lose weight? What about if weight isn't an issue?

Thanks!

[kiki_louis]

Are you exercising? I know if I eat bananas I gain, so I cut them out. My diet mainly consists of kale and berries and the weight just falls off.

[kiki_louis]

for water retention, my trainer suggested adding pink himalayan salt to all my water and to take shots of it throughout the day when you are feeling tired. she suggested 1/4-1/2 teaspoons. this is the brand i use http://www.brandstormus.com/himalania/products.html

[barose]

I read this and was curious because I eat a ton of bananas. Are bananas a bad idea if you are trying to lose weight? What about if weight isn't an issue?

Thanks!

I dont know if its a bad idea for everyone but it is for me. They are just too sweet for me and I like juicy fruit so its probably a taste thing. Plus I feel strange after eating one but its probably related to my latex allergy too.

[kiki_louis]

also remember that one pound is 3,500 calories! and i just read that you are eating a lot of dried fruits, i would try to stick with regular fruits if possible.

[Rawkinlocs]

I don't recommend (and neither does Alissa) being too restrictive in the beginning UNLESS you are just "there" mentally- in other words, if bananas, dried fruit, etc. have no ill effect on you but they help you stay raw, eat them! If you are in control enough to start eliminating things and making your diet more and more restrictive through tweaking, then fine...but if not, then follow what is best for yourself.

[RawVee]

Is it really possible that I could have gained 3 lbs of actual FAT due to all the nuts, dates, etc?

.

Another thing to consider BF, is that nuts can stop you up if you're eating a lot of them. And being stopped up, personally, can add some pounds onto you.

You've come so far; don't even let the numbers phase you. How do you *feel?* That, above all else, is most important. :)

[beanblossom]

I've been making lots of deserts too

I'm sure the 3 pounds are just an unexplainable fluke that will go away, but I quoted the above comment to emphasize that even though we're eating healthly living food that is sooooooo much better than processed cooked food, a calorie is still a calorie. If you take in more than your body burns, you will gain weight.

[Morn]

I agree with Rawkinlocs - don't weigh yourself everyday. It will drive you crazy and only discourage you. Maybe you could set 1 day a week to do that and then forget about it. Also I would take measurements as that is another way to gauge results. But most importantly how do you feel after eating raw? Do you have more energy, better digestion, etc? I remember reading in one of your blogs you have some health issues. Is eating raw helping with those?

You will be fine when your vitamix gets to you. Until then just eat more green/leafy veggies and you will be fine. The greens in your system make you more alkaline so they are important.

[eatyourbroccoli]

I don't recommend (and neither does Alissa) being too restrictive in the beginning UNLESS you are just "there" mentally- in other words, if bananas, dried fruit, etc. have no ill effect on you but they help you stay raw, eat them! If you are in control enough to start eliminating things and making your diet more and more restrictive through tweaking, then fine...but if not, then follow what is best for yourself.

great point


also..maybe look into drinking a lemon water/apple cider vinegar mix throughout the day. lemon waters a great detoxifyer and ACV helps remove excess sodium from the body which could lead to water retention. might be easier than beginning to restrict at such an early stage. google it..there are different recipes to make a lemonadey type drink. personally, i just do the juice from half a lemon mixed with 2 tablespoons of ACV in a 16 oz glass of water. i drink this twice a day.. though you could always add the same amnt of lemon/ACV to a larger water bottle and carry it with your to sip on throughout the day. whatever works for u. u could add some honey/agave to sweeten it if youd like..ive gotten used to the taste though.

[RawVee]

Any words of wisdom? I could really use some right now because part of me feels completely defeated right about now.



PS, Britaniefaith...

Here's some words of wisdom from YOUR BLOG, darlin!!!

"I'm not so sure my body wants to lose weight anymore though, it seems like I am at my set point, where my body feels most comfortable because when I was down to 118 lbs - 120 lbs, I didn't look very healthy at all... I looked starving (which I was) but since I've added healthy fats like nuts and olives, avocado, etc it seems I've gone up on the scale but I'm trying not to be so focused with the number that I am because it's just not worth all the anxiety and negativity that it starts up inside of me."

Hugs,
RawVee

[beanblossom]

I was also going to say that I don't need a Vitamix to make my green smoothies. Do you have a regular blender? I just had an orange + blueberry + banana + spinach smoothie and I blended it up in my regular blender. I'm sure i'll want a Vitamix someday soon, but it doesn't seem to be a problem to make them now. The spinach gets blended as fine as anything else.

[dustandbreath]

Another thing to consider BF, is that nuts can stop you up if you're eating a lot of them. And being stopped up, personally, can add some pounds onto you.

You've come so far; don't even let the numbers phase you. How do you *feel?* That, above all else, is most important. :)

Hey, I am just a guy, and a newbie at that, so don't take my words for the "Bible" on this. But some observations: Definitely your BM could add to your weight, 2-3 lbs easily, if you have been more stopped up.

As a newbie, my "feeling" good has fluctuated. Of course, everybody here says it is "detox" (the answer for all raw ills). During those times, I get worried or discouraged, but, as always, I emerge feeling good, and I see weight coming off.

I would say focus on the larger goal of doing what is right for your body. 10 lbs is not that big a deal. Let us say that worse case scenario, you stay in the 130's: so what? If your body is way healithier allowing you to live longer and more freely, that is the ultimate good. You sound like you have a good work out each week, not heavy, not too light, enough to keep you toned. You are on the right track. You are doing it! Your temptations will come and go. Keep to this website for the encouragement you need. They sure will give it. I have eaten a lot of nuts and dates, too. My body may respond differently than yours. My pattern is to lose weight, then plateau or gain a pound or two, but then it goes down. My weight loss will eventually taper off, but I am excited about the health side of things.

Oh, and watch that DVD of Alissa's again! That'll get you pumped. As I said earlier, she turned me on . . . to raw!

Personally, I am not obsessing about food, now, in week 4. But there are some recipes I really really like, and I eat those. I don't have to eat as much nuts anymore. (but I do sometimes . . . for fun).

Thanks for letting me hog all the space with not much to add to the fine wisdom already here!

[britaniefaith]

I should mention that I have been drinking a TON of water the past week... like really a TON. sometimes I think I am going to overdue it on water, I know that sounds ridiculous, but seriously, sometimes I drink so much I'm not sure if it's good or not hahaha. I'm just worried that the reason I am not losing weight is due to my thyroid problems... I just thought eating Raw would maybe boost my metabolism more. You are all right though, I need to stop being so focused with the scale and the number. I keep telling myself that, yet when I go on there and see I gained weight, I can't help but feel down. I'm trying though! thanks so much for your kind words everyone!

Next time I am feeling down I will come here and re-read these comments to cheer me up;) :p :o :)

[Rawkinlocs]

I should mention that I have been drinking a TON of water the past week... like really a TON. sometimes I think I am going to overdue it on water, I know that sounds ridiculous, but seriously, sometimes I drink so much I'm not sure if it's good or not hahaha. I'm just worried that the reason I am not losing weight is due to my thyroid problems... I just thought eating Raw would maybe boost my metabolism more. You are all right though, I need to stop being so focused with the scale and the number. I keep telling myself that, yet when I go on there and see I gained weight, I can't help but feel down. I'm trying though! thanks so much for your kind words everyone!

Next time I am feeling down I will come here and re-read these comments to cheer me up;) :p :o :)

Which is why ya gotta put that scale away. Have a friend or family member even take it to their home for a while so you're not tempted to sneak a peek!

If you have thyroid issues, you really need to read Veganforlife's VERY UPLIFTING and ENCOURAGING post about her being off her thyroid meds. Again, as I said in my first post to you, your body may be trying to do some healing and so allow it to focus on that - don't give up on raw at this possibly crucial time that it is finally able to REALLY heal your thyroid and anything else. Because you did have a thyroid issue, that could be a factor in weight fluctuation, but if you eat a balanced raw diet, most likely you won't have to worry about it coming back on you full-blown is it did before! Hang in there!

[Zella Juice]

gimmie a break. sheesh.

you look great in your pics. There's alot of us on here that are 20 pounds and more overweight that would LOVE to look like you. Relax and drink a green smoothie and be happy with what ya got. You are already there.

This is the message our young girls are getting too. We always have to be as skinny as we can be or else we are miserable. I think you need to explore why you feel that way instead of worrying about that 5 pounds. Be healthy ..be happy ..be thankful for your accomplishments.

[dustandbreath]

Which is why ya gotta put that scale away. Have a friend or family member even take it to their home for a while so you're not tempted to sneak a peek!

If you have thyroid issues, you really need to read Veganforlife's VERY UPLIFTING and ENCOURAGING post about her being off her thyroid meds. Again, as I said in my first post to you, your body may be trying to do some healing and so allow it to focus on that - don't give up on raw at this possibly crucial time that it is finally able to REALLY heal your thyroid and anything else. Because you did have a thyroid issue, that could be a factor in weight fluctuation, but if you eat a balanced raw diet, most likely you won't have to worry about it coming back on you full-blown is it did before! Hang in there!

You are sooo practical, Rawkinlocs! WTG! Britianie, you're doing great. And it is pretty dang cool that you want to come to this forum for answers instead of just chuckin' it all. All the best to you.

[Rawkinlocs]

gimmie a break. sheesh.

you look great in your pics. There's alot of us on here that are 20 pounds and more overweight that would LOVE to look like you. Relax and drink a green smoothie and be happy with what ya got. You are already there.

This is the message our young girls are getting too. We always have to be as skinny as we can be or else we are miserable. I think you need to explore why you feel that way instead of worrying about that 5 pounds. Be healthy ..be happy ..be thankful for your accomplishments.

^^^^^ I think that's about it in a nutshell, in all honesty...especially the last paragraph. Try not to get too caught up!


Dustandbreath, thanks! :)

[RawGoddess13]

Brit you CAN'T quit! Just stick out the 30 days in June at least, and then see how your health has progressed on July 1st. Who cares about the damn scale, you are such an inspiration to everyone on this site & you are a beautiful person! You don't need a dumb number to gage your self worth or you raw progress. If you ever feel like quiting make sure you write me an email on myspace first & try to take a warm shower or bath & really think about why you went raw in the first place-for your health not for losing weight, you even wrote that in your blog! Take that darling dog of yours on a walk and enjoy the day & your dates & deserts, who cares about how much you weigh! You body's idea of ideal weight is very different from the tabloids & supermodels ideal weight, don't compare yourself to anyone b/c you already look amazing. Just focus on your health!!! I want to help you through this and I want you to help me too, so don't even consider quiting, it is NOT an option! Hang in there you are a strong girl:cool:

[hypnocmt]

As someone who has worked in the commercial and fashion photography industries, I can tell you that you are absolutely model material. Don't sweat it. Yoo look exactly like one of the most beautiful models I have ever worked with,..an gorgeous and sweet gal from the Czech Republic who should have been a huge celeb in my oppinion.

Just be you and stay healthy. You look wonderful NOW.

Forget the scale and just pick up some pilates bands or weights. If you can look at your body and see that it's firm and strong...that's all you need.


This is the model you resemble...although you have a sort of Gina Gershon thing happening too. Anyway...you are stunning as you are. Revel in that and enjoy it! The more you love life...the more balanced & beautiful your body will become!!!



http://mettaone.com/30266_p_0bccf9c2-b6fa-4f05-.jpg<br>
http://mettaone.com/mariana15.jpg

[SchoolOfRAWk]

Honestly, some of us cannot live on dates, bananas and avocados like most raw foodists. You do not sound like you have a weight problem, but I think it's important to point this out. Many will lose from doing that. God bless them. Some don't. I think it's important to know that. Up your water-content foods if you wish to lose.

[belleadonna]

You probably are just retaining fluid. If you are drinking that much water then cut back a little. Remember, that eating juicy fruit also adds alot of fluid. Don't drown yourself but make sure that you don't cut back too much either. :D

[luckitri]

Yes it was just full moon. Some of us tend to retain alot of water during full moon regardless of what we eat. If the moon can govern the tides who are we to refuse to acknowledge the effects it can have on our bodies? Especially the female body which has more water than the male human.

You are drop dead gorgeous. What is a couple of pounds with those looks? I would have been thrilled to look like you at any time in my life.

[dreamrawalwz]

I agree with all the replies, but I'd like to add one thing. I hope you don't think raw is a quick fix that will boost your metabolism instantly. There was a deeper reason your thyroid got messed up and you body needs to heal THAT first, then moves to the thyroid. Please don't give up. 3 pounds is nothing. You need a range. I understand that if you were previously overweight how any amount of weight seemingly to come back can be terrifying. Weighing and obsessing will just cause more stress on your body and mind (also slowing down or haulting the healing process). It can also lead to a VERY self-destructive path that I've been down and wish no one would have to endure that. What's more important to you? The health and healing of raw, or a few measly pounds that aren't fat? Stay raw girl and your body will even itself out. I know Alissa says to eat anything you want as long as it's raw, but some people just can't do that. Some lose weight with a lot of fat, some gain with just a tiny amount of fat. Some can do a lot of high sugars, others cant. Just tweak your diet and play around with it. Greens should help balance your body internally so that could help as well. Maybe your body is responding to the questionable raw items in your diet. Also, all that water you're gauranteed to keep some in you.

I know for me I can gain 10 pounds overnight and go up 4 pant sizes if I have even one BITE of corn or wheat or soy.

Ok, so maybe I added more than one thing lol

[Rastadawta]

Greetings.
Has anyone ever tell you that you may be at the healthy weight you are suppose to be. Becoming raw to most is a lifestyle...removing oneself from all the pollutes in the world. I personally think that you look healthy. Isn't that all we really want? Don't quit even if u just ate that last piece of SAD food. Shrug it off and keep moving:cool: .
See if you can make a raw buddy near home so you can speak about these thoughts and share recipe ideas. Don't limit the amount of foods you eat, just listen to your body. If you feel hungry eat, if not relax. I don't own a scale at all and go by my clothing.
Today makes my 7 day too and although it is hard..My job being around food for 8 hours..I look at the people around me eating SAD food and their body and think about how so many of my generation is killing themselves and their children daily. This is what helps me and also knowing I would look good this summer in a one-piece (have Kids..the lines of age shows.:D ) and didn't have to kill myself by going to the gym since January 1st. hope this puts a smile on your face :p

[Ginger]

Honestly, some of us cannot live on dates, bananas and avocados like most raw foodists. You do not sound like you have a weight problem, but I think it's important to point this out. Many will lose from doing that. God bless them. Some don't. I think it's important to know that. Up your water-content foods if you wish to lose.

DITTO. I am one of the unlucky ones that has to eat low fat to lose weight. I gained from a size 12 to a size 18-20 in 6 months eating all raw. Caused me to give up for over a year out of frustration. If only someone had told me back then that I would be fine if I cut the fats back. I was eating mostly greens, avocados, coconuts, nuts, seeds. Barely any sweet juicy fruit. I just always heard everywhere that raw fats are safe and good for you, which they definitly are, but still cause some people to gain lots of weight. I need to base my diet around fruit and eat some greens everyday and thats it. Fats sparingly.
In your case, you look great & didn't really gain much so you're probably fine. But just something keep an eye on over the next few months. Don't give up!

[britaniefaith]

As someone who has worked in the commercial and fashion photography industries, I can tell you that you are absolutely model material. Don't sweat it. Yoo look exactly like one of the most beautiful models I have ever worked with,..an gorgeous and sweet gal from the Czech Republic who should have been a huge celeb in my oppinion.

Just be you and stay healthy. You look wonderful NOW.

Forget the scale and just pick up some pilates bands or weights. If you can look at your body and see that it's firm and strong...that's all you need.


This is the model you resemble...although you have a sort of Gina Gershon thing happening too. Anyway...you are stunning as you are. Revel in that and enjoy it! The more you love life...the more balanced & beautiful your body will become!!!



http://mettaone.com/30266_p_0bccf9c2-b6fa-4f05-.jpg<br>
http://mettaone.com/mariana15.jpg

That is probably one of the nicest compliments that I have heard in a LONG time. that girl is absolutely beautiful and being compared to gina gershon is beyond amazing because I LOVE her. thank you so so very much!

[Florawithoutmuchfauna]

It all may just really be your body retaining fluids and nothing to be really worried about. But seriously don't let the weight issue bother you so much cause you look great , I'd kill to look half as good as you . In the second photo you remind me so much of Eva Longoria and even more of Nadine Velazquez.

[SchoolOfRAWk]

Here is my usual spiel:

1. You've been raw for a very short time compared to how long you've eaten cooked food. Sure, you lost a LOT of weight when you were still eating cooked and you were eating "healthy" cooked food, but it was still cooked food. Raw food, especially fruit, is a cleansing "diet" - your body is FINALLY getting a chance to cleanse and heal itself so it is now going to focus moreso on that as opposed to weight loss.

2. All of our bodies have an "ideal weight RANGE"...I always tell people not to focus on one particular number, but rather a range. Sometimes, depending on what is going on, what you're eating, how you're working out (or not working out), water retention, "that time" of the month, etc. sometimes you will fluctuate in between that weight range. Also, sometimes our BODIES' ideal weight/size range is not always what WE think, hope, feel it should be. I would never have guessed my ideal body weight to be less than 130 pounds but after going raw, my body showed ME who's boss and it is less than that whether I like it or not! :)

3. When you first go raw (and Alissa advises this as well), you should always either get rid of that scale or tuck it away for a while because while your body is doing it's thing (as mentioned in #1) constantly weighing yourself on the scale will cause you to get discouraged (as you already have) and want to give up if you see the fluctuations that sometimes occur as the body is doing what it needs to do, especially when first starting out with raw.

So in essence, you have to figure out what is most important to you at this time - losing weight only or being raw and getting ALL of the benefits it has to offer. If it's the latter, then focus right now on eating raw and staying raw. It has been the experience of many of us that when you first start out, you desire to eat a lot of nuts and sweets BUT, the longer you're raw, that tapers off/down and you find yourself eating less of that and more of what your body needs, when it needs it. So, right now you're focusing on satiation and staying satisfied so you can stay raw - but eventually, your body will learn to become satiated on raw foods and then you can start limiting or cutting back on "xyz" if need be.

That's just my humble advice for what it's worth.

Rawkinlocs, you are such a gift!!!

[SmilingRawDancer]

I know exactly how you feel, BF.
I started on RAW late last summer, after getting down to what I felt was my perfect weight. I FINALLY felt good and lean, with the perfect amount of body fat. I was always body-confident.
After a few months, I bought a raw recipe book (I was just winging it before), and I gained about 15 lbs. I still haven't lost it.
I am 80&#37; sure that I have some thyroid issues, as my metabolism is very slow, I'm often cold, and my body temperature is consistantly lower than "normal". However, I'm TRYING and STRIVING to not let it get me down. I keep telling myself that I want to be the healthiest I can possibly be. And if that means that I'm a jiggly shorty (I'm 5'1. And while my weight would possibly sound low to most people, it's not muscle weight) so be it.

I'm hoping that everything will even out in the long run. I see it as a life-long process, and if my body needs to conserve body-fat at this point in my life, for whatever stress reasons, I'm going to have to let it. I even keep track of my caloric intake, which stays very close to the BASE amount of what every "RMR/BMR calculator" says I need.

I try and walk for 30 min. on an incline for at least 3x a week, and I'm always trying to implement more activities into my lifestyle naturally, like an active job, baby-sitting, dancing, ....things that require me to move, so I don't view it as a "workout."

I guess what I'm trying to say is: you're gorgeous, and I know exactly what you're saying, but I think long-term health HAS to come before "vanity."
(Vanity sounds mean, but I can't think of any other words :)

It took me 18 years of HORRID eating to get to where I was, so I really can't expect the healing process to happen in a year.

<3

[tweety]

Hi britaniefaith
I havent read the entire thread here but I just looked at your before and after photos and I am dumbfounded..... literally .... that you are frustrated and say you havent lost a pound?!!??? :confused:

you are GORGEOUS!

I have been in showbiz since my early 20s and currently on a haitus the past few years and ive put on weight.
when i look back at my photos i think to myself "why was i so stressed about my weight!?" and i see how slim and beautiful i was.
i regret having done that to myself and not enjoying myself for who i was and im glad to say that it has changed me to a more appreciative way to hwo i am now.

please stop watching the scale... the numbers could be water weight or bulk in your digestive track.

life is too short to worry about that stuff if you are looking as great as you are and if you are having positive results with your health especially.

tweety

[SmilingRawDancer]

I just remembered:
BF, if you feel like you have thyroid issues (as I feel I do..)
then get a fluoride-free toothpaste as soon as possible, and switch to an aluminum-free deodorant as well. I made that change a few weeks ago, and I'm still waiting on results, but its an easy change to make and it might create some results.

Both Aluminum and Fluoride are said to affect the thyroid negatively, some articles even go so far as to blame them on the Obesity rates of today.

[VeggieMel]

Are you drinking lots of water? Water facilitates weight loss. A general rule is to drink half your body weight in ounces everyday. For instance, if you weigh 150 pounds, you drink 75 ounces of water a day.