Hi from Corvallis, Oregon (My new body in 7 years)

[phemehrys]

My name is Erin. I'm 28 and have just recently decided to ease back into vegetarian, vegan and now raw. I was vegetarian for several years about 10 years ago. As I've started getting older and involved in corporate america, I've noticed the need for work/life balance and the effects that it has had on my body.

Stress management along with sitting down all day has its tolls as does ready access to vending machines and quick foods. *shudder*

A few years ago I read that it takes approximately 7 years for every cell in your body to regenerate. We also have cellular memory. Along these concepts I decided I wanted to create a new body and gave myself seven years. This means no antibiotics, all organic and even the meats I've ate in the past were hormone and antibiotic free.

While I was previosuly vegetarian, I was in my teens and was not readily supported and did not learn to prepare meals or eat well/healthy. I have learned to do this with a well balanced omnivore diet but definitely have my work cut out for vegan... ensuring that my meals are nutritiously balanced.

I'm seeking support in ideas of how to plan out your meals for the week. How much prep do you do. What day makes sense, like a Sunday? Best resources if you know of any locally for the best prices on food. Along with that, what recipes or weekly plans do you recommend for first starting out?

Thanks for your support! Looking forward to connecting with you.

[PixieLed]

Welcome aboard! I totally know what you mean about corporate america and letting food become a nuisance/something we do so we can get back to work quickly. I know you will find tons of great tips on this board. If you have specific questions just look for the "banana" up top and do a search.

Here is my routine: wake up and make a green smoothie. It is so balanced and great to start your day with! Then I will snack if necessary and have a salad or other lunch type of meal. Then snack some more and have another prepared dinner type of dish. If you don't have Alissa's book I highly recommend it, most of the recipes I made are from her book. She keeps things simple and yummy.

Welcome aboard! Also, about the 7 years thing... I have a feeling that it will take you a lot less than 7 years to have a brand new set of happy and living cells. Most people underestimate the power of healing their bodies have... when you give it the right nutrients. Enjoy the process!

[Stina]

Just a quick hello from the coast to a fellow Oregonian. I live in Florence and just love eating raw and feel great and am very glad I made it through the detox phase. You sure do have a nice health food store in Corvallis.

[Judy]

Hmmm, that's interesting. I read it takes 6 to 9 months for your body to fully regenerate all of it's cells, so within a year, you literally would have a whole new body (I believe it was Deepak Chopra who wrote about it). Did you know that the cells of the eyeballs only take 2 days to fully replace themselves?
Personally I do believe it takes a lot less time than 7 years, your cells are reproducing all the time and rather quickly at that... But hey, I'm not an expert...

Anyway, welcome on board and have fun on your journey!

[faith4u]

Hello Erin!! Welcome from another Oregonian.

[phemehrys]

Perhaps I should reword... cells all take different lengths of time to regenerate some are a few days, weeks, months and some don't occur for years. So it's my understanding that what was meant is that in order for every single cell in my body to have become brand new it would take seven years although most would have been regenerated long before then.

unfortunately I read so much i have no idea where I read it. That's very cool that your eyes take 2 days!

[protea]

Hi phemehrys,
I'm also in Corvallis, OR (since 3 wks ago). I just love the Alt. food co-op and Saturday fresh food market, as well as the Friday Organic mini-market in the OSU ALS building (very cheap!)! Winco is cheap, but not much organic produce.
I usually make one or two raw recipes on weekends, which I enjoy through the week, and keep to mostly mono meals, green smoothies and juices the rest of the time. For me, simple is much easier...
Example: smoothie for breakfast, banana later in morning
an avocado and fruit for lunch (or raw recipe dish from weekend)
Supper is juice and more fruit
Good luck on your raw journey!:)

[KatK]

Welcome! I used to live in Corvallis :)

[StarFire]

Aloha and Welcome to RFT!! Very interesting post! So glad you have joined us on this forum ... and in this amazing journey!

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/welcome.gif RAWK ON!!

[phemehrys]

Hi phemehrys,
I just love the Alt. food co-op and Saturday fresh food market, as well as the Friday Organic mini-market in the OSU ALS building (very cheap!)! Winco is cheap, but not much organic produce.


I went to the co-op today (both of them actually). I found it difficult to find all of the raw ingredients I needed. Couldn't tell on the bulk items. I'll post some of those questions in another forum.

If you like Avalon Organics body products, Tom's of Maine, or Method soap... Grocery Outlet almost always has those products in stock for a fraction (usually near 1/2) of the price. They're on 9th across from "Taco Time."

Winco in Beaverton and Hillsboro frequently had a good selection with produce for Organic. The Grocery Outlet there also carried a wider variety of personal care organic products.

[spicyfull]

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

[protea]

Hi Phemehrys,

Thank you for the useful info - I will definitely go to Grocery Outlet to have a look at their selection. As I mainly eat monomeals, I have not had a problem with finding ingredients. Those I can't find in the stores, I buy online.. hope you find what you're looking for!