Constant Hunger

[fatdogs12]

Hello Everyone,

I had an issue I was wondering if anyone has faced thus far. I have tried to go on a raw food diet for about a month and a half now but I am always faced with hunger no matter how much I eat. For instance I may have a few tomatos, some romaine lettuce and a few other vegtables but afterwards I am still starving. It is very frustrating cause I wish very much to only eat raw but I end up falling back to meat or something else cooked because I can't get satisfied at all.

Any idea why? I have talked to other people and most of them say the same thing about eating vegtables, they are hungy afterwards. Should I just be eatnig a ton of nuts?

[asil]

I have a pretty hearty appetite but still find raw pretty filling. But I also eat olive oil, coconut oil, and nuts. Do you eat these things?

[VeganVixen]

I would make nut based dishes if I were you ,and tons of green and fruit ,also drink WATER -I like the "essenced" sparkling water.....

[fatdogs12]

I have wanted to start eating nuts because I think that may be the last hope I have for sustaining eating raw. The only thing is I have had a hard time finding a place that sells raw nuts. I can get Planters roasted nuts at the grocery store but that is a waste obviously. Not sure where I will find them, got to keep looking I guess.

[VeganVixen]

Do you have a sams near you? Last time I went to sams they had them.....

also try the baking department -or bulk department ,they sometimes have them there

do you live near or in a city? if then try a health food store,like whole foods or wild oats

[fatdogs12]

Yeah I live in Atlanta which is real big, I have a whole foods down the street from me. I was in there before but I didn't recall seeing nuts. I will go back and see

[VeganVixen]

YES ,they DO have them -in the bulk section!

[Pailani]

Aren't raw almonds sold everywhere? I can get those at my rural grocery store, and at Walmart in the produce section, a pretty good sized styrafoam thing for $5.

[VeganVixen]

they usually do ,you just have to look -but I dont like walmart -it nauseates me and when I leave I feel QUITE aggitated......but YOU CANT BEAT THE PRICES......and thats important in this economy :).

[fatdogs12]

I went to whole foods. I got about a pound of almonds for $5. Seemed kinda pricey but I couldn't complain. It seems to curb my hunger somewhat. I had read in multiple places that peanuts (raw and cooked) were not good for you because they are grown in the ground and have bad organisms on them. Not sure but I bought them anyway. My nose started running right after I ate them. interesting at least

[VeganVixen]

interesting I have heard that they have a mold or fungus that naturally grows on them ,they have been hybridized so much that they are weakened and most are gmo ,there are "ancient" raw unweakened types ,but they are expensive- glad you found the almonds!!!

[Halo Aglow]

Good to hear that you are filling up better on the nuts. I haven't had the chance to really stock up on my raw nuts yet but will in a few days.

I have noticed that I am hungry a lot also. That first day of going raw, it was like I was ravenous, made me think I was some type of insatiable food vampire! One thing that I found really fills me up for the moment though are smoothies! Had a banana-strawberry one this morning and a banana-raspberry one for lunch. They really fill me up to where I can't even finish them (glass full). I guess the water in it is helping to keep me full.

[fatdogs12]

Not sure... I had a bunch of nuts but at this point I am too tired to continue on without eating something I probably shouldn't. I don't get why a person would be hungry if thier nutritional needs are met. I have read that yeast makes you hungry and so does parasites but I have never read any scientific evidence for this (I don't mean something from Merck I just mean something other than guesses).

I am soooo tired too if I don't eat. I don't know, it's like my stomach is saying "I have had enough vegtables".

[rawpriestess]

Hi,

It's not real hunger, it is the addiction to cooked food that is making you think you are hungry.

The stomache is only about the size of a clenched fist, and if you drink a cup of water it almost 1/2 fills it.

So, when you look at all the food that you see on a SAD food eaters plate, you will see that it's alot more than what you need.

So, if you are still hungry after eating veggies, you will need to eat some food that will sit more in your tummy, like oil or nuts, so make some almond milk, and drink that, it has alot of nutrients and oils in it, it will fill you up, if not, then eat some saute's veggies, I marinate some sliced veggies, like mushrooms, cabbage, cauliflower, red pepper in olive oil and braggs about 2 cups of veggies, and 1 T each of braggs liquid aminos and olive oil let it sit for an hour or so, and then spread all of it (don't drain) on a teflex sheet and place in your dehydrator for about an hour, it is soooooo yummy, and will fill you up.

OR, you can you can add some olive oil to your almond milk about 2 cups milk and 1 T olive oil, or coconut oil and it makes it taste more creamy, and I always add a few dates, and cinnamon, and some cocoa or nutmeg etc. it is so yummy.

I hope some of this helps.

The most important thing is to get through the cravings and you will end up feeling great. adn staying raw.

[fatdogs12]

Yeah I read the post by lunawitch, I just decided that if I was going to suffer with being hungry if nessasary at least for a while. I am willing to try it. I ate an apple and it was satisfying to a decent degree. I will update as it goes on.

[Autumn]

Nutbutters are very filling as well. I agree too about the smoothies. I think (ate least this was true for me) that when eating cooked/processed food, those of us with big appetites (and super-size-me mentailities) are so used to being "stuffed full" that normal satiation is confused with an empty feeling. I ate a lot of nuts my first month, but I noticed this past week that I am tapering off a bit. Once I identified (and started to enjoy) not being so full, I naturally started to eat a bit less. Hang in there, it will happen.

[VeganVixen]

I have the BIGGEST problem with nuts and nut butters ,not only does my lack of a gall bladder not help the situation ,but they are SO addictive!!! -I stick with dates,figs ,fruits and veggies -also grains are good for that "full" feeling(but they are terrible on my digestion)

but they might be greatfor you!

like a bowl of soaked then dehydrated oat groats w/ dates ,almonds,and nutmilk?

[fatdogs12]

The only problem that really bothers me about being hungry is that I cannot think at all. I can't concentrate or put any real effort forth. That makes me think that I have some nutriotion that I need. We will see.

[Rawkinlocs]

Yeah, the nut butters are good as are the smoothies!

But I was wondering WHAT is it that you're eating and then I saw that in your original post - you mentioned mainly veggies, which is fine...but for now, perhaps you need to incorporate a good nut pate' or some kind of dip to eat WITH your veggies. If you don't have Alissa's book yet, you can check out the recipe section here or visit websites that have a lot of free recipes such as http://fromsadtoraw.com or http://living-foods.com. Both have recipe pages and you're bound to find some dressings, dips, and pate's that I'm sure, if eaten with your veggies, will make you feel a little more satiated!

On Alissa's website, she does has some of her recipes posted such as the Mock Salmon Pate' which a lot of people enjoy. You could be doing lettuce or collard wraps using the pate' as a filling...things like that to make you feel more full. Later, as your stomach gets used to the lighter feeling of eating fruits and veggies, you will find yourself able to get full from eating just simple veggies and fruit and perhaps won't need the nut-heavy things as often. Just give your body more time to continue to adjust to this new way of eating even though it's been a month and a half.

[angelandarose]

It sounds like you need to add more fat to your diet, nuts, grains, oils etc... The right amount of fats in your diet will help shut off that little alarm that says EAT EAT EAT. There is always balance in everything, you body will let you know if you are over doing the fats by gaining weight instead of loosing or mantaining. Experiment! ;)

Love,
Angie

[Revvell]

I'd heard recently that people tend to go off a vegetarian diet thinking they need more protein when in actuality, they need fats. The body will not digest fat soluble nutrients w/out having fats and oils.

Also, from the Ayuervda (sp ~ too early/lazy in the a.m. to look for it and the 6 tastes), one must satisfy the 6 (or is it 5?) tastes for the body to be satisfied. A few tomatoes, some lettuce and a "few other vegetables"? No wonder you're hungry.

As some have said, nutbutters ~ on raw crackers, in smoothies, etc. You are denying yourself some real treats!!! Raw, vegan, vegetarian does not mean to starve yourself! It truly means abundance in wonder-filled, enriching, enlivening foods! Expand your food program please!

Injoy ~

Revvell

[VictorianApril]

I appreciate all of your letters about being hungry. I want very much to do this raw thing and have for a week almost %100. Tonight I was so starving I ate a piece of whole wheat bread. I just couldn't stand it. Now I read here that I need more fats. I did eat a handful of nuts before attempting to eat my salad but the lettuce and tomatoes and other vegies were not filling my empty stomoch. I'm glad to see you all have dealt with this and it changes after a while and I should go ahead and have more nuts and make some nut butters. I already make smoothies for breakfast and lunch and was trying to do just a salad for dinner. I can't think either when I'm hungry. Sounds like I need to get Allisa's book and try her recipes.
Thanks all of your for advice.
April

As some have said, nutbutters ~ on raw crackers, in smoothies, etc. You are denying yourself some real treats!!! Raw, vegan, vegetarian does not mean to starve yourself! It truly means abundance in wonder-filled, enriching, enlivening foods! Expand your food program please!

Injoy ~

Revvell[/QUOTE]

[Rawmommie]

How about avacado's and bananas? Not together, well, some people put them together. Blech! They always fill me up more. Do you put olive oil on your salads/ vegi's? That also helps me feel more full.

[asil]

I'd heard recently that people tend to go off a vegetarian diet thinking they need more protein when in actuality, they need fats. The body will not digest fat soluble nutrients w/out having fats and oils.

Also, from the Ayuervda (sp ~ too early/lazy in the a.m. to look for it and the 6 tastes), one must satisfy the 6 (or is it 5?) tastes for the body to be satisfied. A few tomatoes, some lettuce and a "few other vegetables"? No wonder you're hungry.

As some have said, nutbutters ~ on raw crackers, in smoothies, etc. You are denying yourself some real treats!!! Raw, vegan, vegetarian does not mean to starve yourself! It truly means abundance in wonder-filled, enriching, enlivening foods! Expand your food program please!

Injoy ~

Revvell

I *completely* agree about the 5 (6?) tastes that Ayurveda describes needing to be satisfied in every meal. I eat a huge salad of lettuce, tomato, avocado, and dressing, I am often left feeling hungry and unsatisfied. But if I pay attention to all the senses, and add herbs (bitter), fruit (sweet), salt, oil, lemon juice (sour), etc, the same size salad will be thoroughly satisfying. It's not a big deal at all and doesn't require much precision. Just remember lettuce, herbs, fruit, oil, salt, citrus.

I also agree about the fats. Lots of people say they can't digest them, but not me. Without fats, I'd be eating all day long and still hungry. My nails, hair, and skin really show it when I try to do low fat anything.

[rawelkie]

Hi!
I just read this thread and well,I wanted to open some like this myself!
For the last two weeks I am mostly off the rawfood diet,since I just couldn't deal with that constantly gnawing feeling in my stomach anymore!It's just like I was hungry all the time,feeling tired and have a lack of concentration.I also felt deressed and I could cry the whole time without any reason.
I must saythat when I eat bread and things lie that,I feel more satisfied and happier.
When I eat raw,I am constantly dealing with overeating myselfand binging in nuts ,seeds and dried fruit!
I must confess that I start to doubt about "all raw".Yes,really I am.You don't hear people who eat "normal" speak about foodlike we do on this board or something.Or you don't hear them talk about cravings,binges etc.Well,that's what I feel when I 'm with some of my friends.
I really don't know what to do anymore,but one thing is for sure:I feel really depressed at the moment and have a mind full of doubts.
Can anybody elp me please???!!!
Elke.

[siempresam]

I would say don't beat yourself up over eating dried fruits or lots of nuts. The great thing about the raw food lifestyle is that you can eat as much as you want - and the food is still good for you. I imagine that in the beginning people eat a lot of food, but then as their body adjusts to the new daily diet then they wind up eating less and less as time goes on.

The frustrating thing about other diets is that they always say you can't eat this and you can't eat that and you're only supposed to eat specfic portions of certain foods, etc., etc. Raw food really isn't strict. YOu can eat whatever, whenever as long as it is in the raw food category.

Don't get depressed or discouraged. Raw food isn't about limitations - it is about possibilities!! :D

[Pailani]

You don't hear people who eat "normal" speak about foodlike we do on this board or something.Or you don't hear them talk about cravings,binges etc.

Actually, I do. Any time people limit their diet, they do crave and talk about the foods they're used to that they can't eat. People on Atkins obsess over the carbs they're not supposed to eat, people on low-sugar diets are constantly battling cravings for sweets, vegetarians are often urgent about finding a cheese substitute.

I don't know many people who eat 'normal' and are happy with their weight or health.

[Revvell]

Hi!
For the last two weeks I am mostly off the rawfood diet,since I just couldn't deal with that constantly gnawing feeling in my stomach anymore!

I'm not understanding why you are feeling hungry all the time. IF you are hungry ~ eat! It's that simple! If it is truly hunger, then all one has to do is eat. If eating does not satisfy, then it's not hunger.


It's just like I was hungry all the time,feeling tired and have a lack of concentration.I also felt deressed and I could cry the whole time without any reason.

Without more information, it's hard to detect what this might be from.


When I eat raw,I am constantly dealing with overeating myselfand binging in nuts ,seeds and dried fruit!

What constitutes "overeating" to you? When folk go from SAD to raw they don't realize how big the portions they were eating previously of ~ whatever it was ~ chicken, pizza, etc. Even vegetarians and vegans ~ when eating cooked food, ate to overfull rather than satisfaction. BTW ~ maybe you aren't getting enough water. IF you are eating a lot of dried fruits, you "should" soak them first to re-hydrate.



You don't hear people who eat "normal" speak about foodlike we do on this board or something.Or you don't hear them talk about cravings,binges etc.


YOU don't yet I as a natural health practitioner come in contact constantly with folk who binge and vomit. Many are too ashamed to admit to friends/family that they are bingers/vomiter. Look at the obesity in this (USA) country.

Elke, you ask if someone can help you? The answer is yes. Go to the journal section of this board and read the journals; look at the pictures and find some place near you where you can learn how to eat raw. If you've not already done so, get a copy of Alissa's book and vid and find out how easy it is to live your life fully ~

Injoy ~

Revvell

[tracyinfo]

When it comes to stopping hunger, avocadoes work best for me. Nuts and seeds are great, too.

If you have a food processor, try making some pates. Delicious and filling.

[rawelkie]

Hello back everyone!
Thanks already for all the great replys!It do feels like we're all one family.
Well,I know about the journalling:I was on it,but didn't find the time to keep doing it,although I think about restarting.Yes,I have Alissa's book and dvd's,next month it will be a year that I received them here!(I live in Belgium).
And,yes I knowabout making rawfood recipes and stuff;my first recipe book is coming out in June.
It's just:that feeling in my stomach is making me "nuts"(lol)!You know it sometimes gets worse after I ate!Someone even told me:"maybe you can't stand raw foods all of the time."Well,I thought that was really stupid,but it kept going through my mind.....
So,that 's were my doubts began.,you see.
I really get sometimes weird symptoms besides that gnawing,hungry feeling like being extremely tired and now(well,it's already a few weeks)I get big red spots on my back,arms and they are getting bigger!!
Mum says I have to go to a doctor,but well,I don't really like to go...
Are all of those symptoms rlated to each other,I don't know......
Elke. :confused:

[Kitty]

Well I am new here but I have a few things that might help. Its been said that feelings of depression do come up when you first start on raw because you no longer have food as your crutch. So you are in a way forced to deal with issues that you might of been able to ignore earlier just by eating a yummy pasta dish or what ever. And as far as the hunger feeling I find that on a raw diet I actually have to eat something every two hours. Not a full meal but something. A piece of fruit or maybe some nuts. Always eat raw fats like oils and avacados. Young coconuts are a good source of fat that also give you energy. If you stay raw and deal with the issues that are making you depressed instead of resorting to eating a SAD diet again then in the long run you will hopefully be happier and of course healthier. xx

[Revvell]

Elke,

O.k., after reading your post and responding I got to thinking and what I'm thinking is, you may have a sensitivity to some of the foods you are eating.

Is there anything such as tomatos, strawberries, citrus, nuts that you are craving and eating everyday? If so, STOP! Give it a rest for 3 days and see if that diminishes. At one time I was on a cleansing food program. My roomie was on the same thing. While she was flying all over with excess energy, all I wanted to do was eat and sleep.

The other thing is, if you are eating a lot of dried fruit (which in and of itself "may" be the culprit), check and see if there are any preservatives such as sulfites. That could also be causing problems.

Take care ~

Revvell

[Kitty]

PS maybe the symptoms that you are getting are detox? I have heard of that so maybe its a good thing. Your bodies cleaning itself out.

[Fuzzball]

I too, seem to have this constant hunger.

I originally tried to satisfy it with nuts...I had a ton of nuts stored in my desk at work. Then I heard (right here on this board....where there is a wealth of information and help available) that I shouldn't eat them until I soak them for at least 8 hours, as the enzyme inhibitors are still present.

So, don't just grab raw nuts and start munching. I now soak for 8 hours, then soak in Nama Shoyu or Braggs Amino for a while, then dehydrate to get some crunch back. I may even add some sea salt after the amino soak for that roasted salted taste.

The point is, plain raw nuts are not as good for you as soaked, but not as bad for you as roasted!

I'm filling up on my veggies more now. I have been eating on a cabbage/carrott/snow pea/radish salad (2 cups) covered with raw home-made salsa for the last hour and a half. It's almost gone, but it's really filling me up. That's after I have had 2 pears, a banana, 16oz of water with fresh lemon juice (yep, I'm finally getting off the chrystal light drinks) and a cup of green tea...

I tell ya what though, when I get home tonight, full or not, I'm having a slice of that raw pie my wife made!!! :) Sure, the honey is sweeter than anything I've had in years, but mmm....mmm....mmmmmmmmmmmmm!

[swingbolder]

>>PS maybe the symptoms that you are getting are detox? I have heard of that so maybe its a good thing. Your bodies cleaning itself out.<<

The rash sounds like a definite detox symptom. I've detoxed twice in the last four months and both times I got rashes along with the fatigue, headaches. That's how I knew it was detox bc normally I NEVER get rashes.

>>Its been said that feelings of depression do come up when you first start on raw because you no longer have food as your crutch. <<

I think that recognizing this is key.

I was never overweight, never had an eating disorder etc., but when I went raw I found that food had been serving so many purposes for me besides just nourishing my body. I was used to snacking if I was bored, snacking in front of the TV -- popcorn and a video went together nicely as complementary forms of entertainment, eating if I was stressed, etc. When you go raw all those comfort-type foods are gone and now you have to face those feelings squarely in the eye, instead of distracting yourself from them with a snack or yummy meal. In short, our appetites are really distorted and not indicative of true hunger at all.

[VictorianApril]

I was really doubting this raw food thing too the night I wrote in about starving. I felt so much better when I ate a piece of bread.
I'm sure you have learned also learned that raw food is so good for us because it stills has live enzymes. If I felt the way you're feeling, This is what I'd do. I'd pick a meal to be all raw and start from there. Then go to two meals. Then maybe for dinner have a cooked potatoe and a salad. Also, having smoothies for a meal really does fill you up. I put flaxseed in mine as well as hemp and frozen bananas and strawberries or blueberries. They are so delicious I don't feel like I'm lacking at all. I gave myself a break and decided I could have a cooked potatoe in the evening and that has helped. I'm still clean of any dairy or meat or refined foods. Also I have a juicer and make veg. juices before each meal. I snack on snap peas throughout the day. I made a peanut spread from a recipe that was deliscious and put it on celery and was eating that while I made my salad last night and it really helped a lot. It was more satisfying then just eating nuts. There was flavor that really was good. Also I think the peanut butter stuck to my stomach for a while.
I liked one of the posts from someone who said she ate a lot of nuts in the beginning. I felt better hearing that because I was trying to limit the nuts. I still do but now want to make peanut pate's that fill me up.
Good luck.
April



I really don't know what to do anymore,but one thing is for sure:I feel really depressed at the moment and have a mind full of doubts.
Can anybody elp me please???!!!
Elke.[/QUOTE]

[VictorianApril]

Most people will not understand the raw food thing without doing their own research. Just remember you know better. I'm wondering if those spots are due to detoxing too!
I had that gnawing feeling in my stomach the other night too. It was not an emotional need or boredom. It was like a hole in my stomach. I don't know what was going on but I haven't felt like that the last two nights.
Are you making something with nuts to help fill up?
April


So,that 's were my doubts began.,you see.
I really get sometimes weird symptoms besides that gnawing,hungry feeling like being extremely tired and now(well,it's already a few weeks)I get big red spots on my back,arms and they are getting bigger!!
Mum says I have to go to a doctor,but well,I don't really like to go...
Are all of those symptoms rlated to each other,I don't know......
Elke. :confused:[/QUOTE]

[Autumn]

Another item that fills me up quickly and easily are carrots. You get the crunch and snackability factor, too. Even though one shouldn't sit in front of the TV or computer and eat, I often have a bowl of sliced carrots nearby. :D

[VeganVixen]

Another item that fills me up quickly and easily are carrots. You get the crunch and snackability factor, too. Even though one shouldn't sit in front of the TV or computer and eat, I often have a bowl of sliced carrots nearby. :D


Hey, it happens to the best of us ;)

[rawelkie]

Okay,I hope now it's working!I just had written a whole page and it was erased when I wanted to post it......Restarting..... :(

[rawelkie]

Okay,thanks everybody for helping me out!
I will comment a few toppics on this thread now:
*I do eat when I'm hungry!It's just the thing that I never feel satisfied anymore,no matter what I eat!I do eat a lot of nuts and heavy stuff.But,sometimes that gnawing feeling becomes worse after I ate.Yeah,t's likea hole in my stomach......But it makes me nuts!!
*I also have to eat every two,if not every hour!Also because I have hypoglecimiaso I have to keep my blood sugar stabil.
*Those red spots keep on growingand they start to itch!Could it be that I have candida???And that it's the candida that wants all that (sugary)food???
*At first that bread and chocolate were filling me up,but now they just mke me hungry,shaky and nuts!!I must confess that it's hard to stop eating them once you started eating them again....
*Okay,shoot me now,but I'm still a coffee addict!I hate myself for it,but it just doesn't work out to be able to stop it!! :( I really,really,really x1000 I could.......And I also but sugar in it..... :eek: :eek: :eek:
*Oh,is it really necesarry to soak all your nuts always?
*I beleive in raw again! :) I will open another thread on this topic......
Elke. :o

[Revvell]

Part of the problem I see here is, you are not 100% raw. I was just reading in one of the eBooks Storm and Jinjee put out that she was having problems with infections also. She found when she ate cooked, her system could not handle fruit. When she was totally raw, she could eat all the fruit she wants.

I've not had a yeast or candida infection since going raw.

Revvell

[Pailani]

Part of the problem I see here is, you are not 100% raw. I was just reading in one of the eBooks Storm and Jinjee put out that she was having problems with infections also. She found when she ate cooked, her system could not handle fruit. When she was totally raw, she could eat all the fruit she wants.

I've not had a yeast or candida infection since going raw.

Revvell

How interesting! Would something like heat-treated spices or Bragg's be enough to make a person's system not be able to handle fruit, do you think?