My Story with Pictures!-LONG

[Raw Jewelrylady]

Ok, I have been getting requests to post some pics & I know that many are here for testimonials.. so here goes...:)


My Story begins about 10 years ago. I work many hours in my retail shop in a resort town. By the end of our busy Summer Seasons I would always have pain in my body~especially my shoulders, knees & legs. I visited many Dr's & of course they would give me some medications. It did ease the symptoms but 7 years ago I was overcome with extreme pain.

The type that had me bedridden and unable to lift my head from the pillow. I tried everything from physical therapy to supplements. I was on so many medications that I was in a fog. It was a VERY scary time I was very depressed. The Dr's that I visited seemed pretty clueless as to what I was going through, but I was finally diagnosed as having Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome , Depression. I was also Obese had High Cholesterol & VERY High Triglycerides.

Well~at least I had a *diagnosis* so now what? I did a LOT of research, tried many supplements which would help for a while but while reading I began to see many books mention *RAW FOODS.* I bought my first Raw Food Book about 3 years ago & I was fascinated with the concept & the logic. Only one problem~no pictures so I headed onto the web & found a site with a Book & DVD that has changed my life

Thank You Alissa Cohen !!!!!!!!!!!!

Once I got the book /DVD everything made sense & I jumped into making delicious Raw gourmet. I have never been much of a cook, but I LOVE to create !!!!!!!! The freedom that Raw offers & the way Alissa lays it out for you just makes sense. I am helping some friends start their own Raw journey.


Today I feel great and have tons of energy. I run circles around people who are 1/2 my age. I'm 46 ~BTW... I am off anti-depressants, pain killers, sleeping pills, cholesterol medications & massive amounts of expensive supplements. I also have released 30 pounds.

My Raw Food Journey just gets better & better each day !


Here are some of my before numbers as provided to me from my Dr.

Cholesterol before was 288, now it is 191 !Triglycerides before was 350, now it is 123 !LDL was 157 before, now is 112 ! In fact, all my numbers are right on target

Needless to say, My Dr. is mighty impressed & I am thrilled.

Now I want to add that I have not been 100% Raw this entire 2 years but had I, the numbers would be even better. I am so excited to continue on my Raw Journey & now that I am 100% Raw I will see more fantastic results!:)


RJL

[Eva]

Thanks for posting that...

For some reason it seems that I have been slipping on and off these days. When I get too much SAD CRAP and I feel awful, that seems to be when I'm a lurker checking out the posts...

And every time I get reminders of why I need to get back on the right track.

Thanks for a really good one!

[lafsalot]

RJL, you look fabulous!!! Thanks for sharing ~ Cathy

[Raw Jewelrylady]

Thanks for posting that...

For some reason it seems that I have been slipping on and off these days. When I get too much SAD CRAP and I feel awful, that seems to be when I'm a lurker checking out the posts...

And every time I get reminders of why I need to get back on the right track.

Thanks for a really good one!

Been there~done that. :)

The best thing to do is get a Green smoothie in you & start again~even if it's one meal at a time! You can change your life.:)

Thanks for the reply

RJL

[Raw Jewelrylady]

RJL, you look fabulous!!! Thanks for sharing ~ Cathy


Thanks Cathy, I have released even more weight since that photo but I won't post another pic until 30 day challenge is up..

I appreciate your compliments. I do feel pretty GREAT !:)

RJL

[SuBu]

Perfect example of that Raw Glow everyone wants to see! Wonderful! Ready for Alissa's show?

[Raw Jewelrylady]

Perfect example of that Raw Glow everyone wants to see! Wonderful! Ready for Alissa's show?


Wow, thanks so much!

I am in such a GREAT happy relaxed place with raw now & I cannot believe how easy it is. Of course, I've always had a ton of fun making the food~but I made a few wrong but necessary turns on my Journey.:)

I did just send in a testimonial.;)

RJL

[Raw Jewelrylady]

OH,,,I forgot to add that I stopped adding chemicals to my hair~no dyes.. No extra $ at the hairdresser to poison me ! My DH noticed that I was feeling different days after hair dyes...DUH !!!

Just had all them cut my hair short & I LOVE my natural color !:) Haven't seen my natural color in a LONG time..LOL

RJL

[Revvell]

I want pitchers!!!! :D

[Raw Jewelrylady]

I want pitchers!!!! :D

Dontcha see them at the OP ~scroll down....& click !!!!:D

That B4 one was REALLY hard for me to put up.:eek:

RJL

[GlimR]

RJL~
*huge smile*...you look beautiful my friend~*tight hug*...and I tell you....reading your story is a joy~

[Raw Jewelrylady]

RJL~
*huge smile*...you look beautiful my friend~*tight hug*...and I tell you....reading your story is a joy~

Thanks GlimR ((((Cyber Hug)))) back~ atcha my Friend!!!:)

I am so glad you enjoyed my story as it was finally time to share.

RJL

[snowdrop]

niiiiice transformation!
i will be so psyched to poke dh in the ribs & say "i KNOW her!" when you're on the future program :D :D :D
thanks so much for posting & especially your courage & bravery in posting the before pic :)

[Raw Jewelrylady]

niiiiice transformation!
i will be so psyched to poke dh in the ribs & say "i KNOW her!" when you're on the future program :D :D :D
thanks so much for posting & especially your courage & bravery in posting the before pic :)


Thanks Snowdrop!!!

Yes- posting the b4's is very hard as I know I was in a big state of denial.

I appreciate your support !

RJL

[Revvell]

Dontcha see them at the OP ~scroll down....& click !!!!:D

That B4 one was REALLY hard for me to put up.:eek:

RJL

Mo' pitchers!!! mo' pitchers!!! :D

[spicyfull]

Thanks for Sharing. RAW WILL HEAL ANYTHING!! And your Testimonie is Proof.

[Morn]

I am so happy for you!:) Thanks for sharing! You look fabulous!

[Green Life]

You looked like a ghost before raw.

Now, you look alive and happy and vibrant!!

Good for you and thanks for sharing yet another great testimonial.;)

[ChaiLife]

WOW!:eek: What an awesome transformation! Thanks for posting. And don't you feel so much better?!

[justinesmith]

You don't even look like the same person! AMAZING transformation. :D

[Raw Jewelrylady]

Thanks spicyfull ~yes I truly believe in the healing our body provides when we eat Raw!:)

Morn~You are Such an amazing inspiration for me !!! I have to say that you got my fanny in gear with the exercize challenge as well! Thanks for writing !

Greenlife ~When I saw that photo of me I knew it was the one to post. hard to post~but the truth will set you free! thanks for writing.

Chailife~ Yes-I feel great posting MY story as I am hoping to inspire others. Thanks for writing !

Justinesmith~I'm not the same person. Like the song goes * I have a new attitude * thanks for writing.

RJL:)

[Raw Jewelrylady]

Mo' pitchers!!! mo' pitchers!!! :D

OK..Here I am when I met Tim McGraw ! I cannot believe how bad I looked. This was a rainy day at Lambeau field~Where the Packer's PLay & I ran into him! He was soooo nice ! Not hard on the eyes either!;)

The other is a full shot of 2 weeks ago..Dressed to go into the shop.:)

Enjoy..

Revvell..Check your e-mail:D

RJL

[Lindazkewl]

Hi, thanks for sharing your story and you DO look really great!! :)

Question, I'm thinking about ordering Alissa's book and dvd this very moment, but, I cannot afford a dehydrator or food processor. Are there many recipes in the book that can be made without these implements? Thanks! :)

[Raw Jewelrylady]

Hi, thanks for sharing your story and you DO look really great!! :)

Question, I'm thinking about ordering Alissa's book and dvd this very moment, but, I cannot afford a dehydrator or food processor. Are there many recipes in the book that can be made without these implements? Thanks! :)

Thanks for the kind words.

Absolutely ~there are a bunch of recipes that involve nothing more than a cutting board & a knife. I started out with a cheap blender & a cheap ($25) food processor.

I still use a cheap FP..but have bought a Vita-mix & dehydrator.

You will love her book/DVD:)

RJL

[Lindazkewl]

Woo hoo! Thanks for the quick response. I'm ordering them now!

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w18/Forever_Youre_Mine/panda1.gif

[Raw Jewelrylady]

Woo hoo! Thanks for the quick response. I'm ordering them now!

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w18/Forever_Youre_Mine/panda1.gif

First of all that Panda is just adorable & second WHOO HOO for you.

You will LUV the book/DVD. My advice..Just watch the DVD first & then read the book. You will be just stoked to get started...:)

RJL

[Lindazkewl]

It's done. And thanks for the advice. I'll watch the dvd first. yeehhheeee :D

[Veganforlife]

RJL - you got the glow girlfriend! WOWzers!!! You are absolutely beautiful! I sure hope you have sent YOUR story into Alissa for her TV show? And btw - if Tim could see you now - he'd be doing backflips!!!
Thank you for sharing! These transformations are definitely inspirations AND testimonials that raw IS healing AND it shows. I don't know about you, but if it meant me being heavy but no migraines for the first time ever in my life, I would have taken that. However, eliminating the weight is an extra added perk.
Thank you so much for sharing. You look soooo happy!!!
(((hugs))) to you!

[Raw Jewelrylady]

It's done. And thanks for the advice. I'll watch the dvd first. yeehhheeee :D

YAY !!!!!!! I would also start blogging & reading blogs at the top. It's a great way to help you get ideas about food & what to expect. Plus..very therapeutic & fun!:)

RJL

[Lady Green Jeans]

You look so fantastic. What a wonderful and beautiful transformation. Thank you for sharing your story and your great photos. Inspiration just seems to leap out.

Kathy

[Raw Jewelrylady]

RJL - you got the glow girlfriend! WOWzers!!! You are absolutely beautiful! I sure hope you have sent YOUR story into Alissa for her TV show? And btw - if Tim could see you now - he'd be doing backflips!!!
Thank you for sharing! These transformations are definitely inspirations AND testimonials that raw IS healing AND it shows. I don't know about you, but if it meant me being heavy but no migraines for the first time ever in my life, I would have taken that. However, eliminating the weight is an extra added perk.
Thank you so much for sharing. You look soooo happy!!!
(((hugs))) to you!

VFL- Yep..Same here about the weight..I won't say I wasn't ashamed about the weight, but I first needed to get rid of the pain. I could not do anything ~plus the meds had me in such a fog.

I used to be a size 4 so gaining weight was hard for me as the denial was there. I had many issues to overcome. I am still going with the process..ya know.;)

I have to say that I truly was looking for healing but yes, I have tried EVERY diet out there. None worked for me~they are just diets & the first 3 words are die..not for me. I like lifestyle & this is the lifestyle that I can do. Besides..ask Denny~I was a terrible cook but I can create awesome Raw dishes.

Thanks for writing as you are such an inspiration to me as well :)

RJL

[Raw Jewelrylady]

You look so fantastic. What a wonderful and beautiful transformation. Thank you for sharing your story and your great photos. Inspiration just seems to leap out.

Kathy


Thanks KAthy, I so appreciate your kind words. :)

RJL

[beppa66]

RJL, I found it! You have quite an amazing and inspiring testimony. It is always so powerful to hear of health problems overcome by such a simple thing as changing the way you eat. Bravo! Can't wait to see the new photos!!! You roook maaahvelous!

[Raw Jewelrylady]

RJL, I found it! You have quite an amazing and inspiring testimony. It is always so powerful to hear of health problems overcome by such a simple thing as changing the way you eat. Bravo! Can't wait to see the new photos!!! You roook maaahvelous!

Thanks Beppa, I'm so happy you found my story. It has been quite a change.

I appreciate all the kind words. !

RJL

PS I loved that Billy Crystal skit...LOL;)

[Revvell]

Got email. Laughing myself silly. :D

Tim McGraw, eh? Soooo, whatchu do with his wifey?



OK..Here I am when I met Tim McGraw ! I cannot believe how bad I looked. This was a rainy day at Lambeau field~Where the Packer's PLay & I ran into him! He was soooo nice ! Not hard on the eyes either!;)

The other is a full shot of 2 weeks ago..Dressed to go into the shop.:)

Enjoy..

Revvell..Check your e-mail:D

RJL

[Lindazkewl]

YAY !!!!!!! I would also start blogging & reading blogs at the top. It's a great way to help you get ideas about food & what to expect. Plus..very therapeutic & fun!:)

RJL

I'll do that :)

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/Lindazkewl/4h211c9.gif

[Raw Jewelrylady]

Got email. Laughing myself silly. :D

Tim McGraw, eh? Soooo, whatchu do with his wifey?

Wifey wasn't with him. He was alone carrying 2 beers when I spotted him. I just went up to him & said how much I enjoyed his music & some idiot comes up screaming **** Autograph****

I told the idiot to *chill out, he has his hands full* & Tim said..Hey, You want a picture...Now how could I turn that down?

Glad you enjoyed the e-mail.:D It is pretty funny...Probably should have sent to Alissa as it sounds like they could use a Good laugh as well.:)

RJL

[Raw Jewelrylady]

I'll do that :)

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/Lindazkewl/4h211c9.gif

It is very helpful. :)

RJL

[ChaiLife]

Gosh you look like a different person. So much more life! I am really proud of you. You are doing so good. Thank you for posting your inspirational story and pictures. Amazing!!!!!!!! You are a real sweety. :)

[StarFire]

Wow... what a journey!! From practically bedridden with pain to rawmacious Goddess!!! YOU RAWK RJL!!! I loooove your hair btw!!! and I agree with everyone else... MORE PICS!!! MORE PICS!!!!

look at that GLOW! You are simply radiant -- and that piece around you neck is QUITE amazing too!!! Beautiful woman... beautiful jewlery!

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/smiley_zzclapping.gif

[Raw Jewelrylady]

Gosh you look like a different person. So much more life! I am really proud of you. You are doing so good. Thank you for posting your inspirational story and pictures. Amazing!!!!!!!! You are a real sweety. :)


Thanks ChaiLife,I am a different person. I literally have changed the way I think & I have to thank Alissa, Raw foods, RFT & Revvell's book for helping me with an extra push.;)

Living with gratitude has really helped me to learn to think differently.

Thanks for the kind words...:)

RJL

[Raw Jewelrylady]

Wow... what a journey!! From practically bedridden with pain to rawmacious Goddess!!! YOU RAWK RJL!!! I loooove your hair btw!!! and I agree with everyone else... MORE PICS!!! MORE PICS!!!!

look at that GLOW! You are simply radiant -- and that piece around you neck is QUITE amazing too!!! Beautiful woman... beautiful jewlery!

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/smiley_zzclapping.gif


Thanks Star, That's the Larimar that I have been talking about. My fav piece of jewelry of all time. I have a few pieces on my site, but I'm building a new one with MANY more!:D

Anyways, Yes-I love my hair short~easy to care for & I love not dyeing or coloring anymore. It's Au~natural for me all the way.

I was bedridden with pain~Could not work . It was devestating.

I spent weeks just getting up to go to physical therapy & the bathroom/shower. I was a real mess. My story is much more involved, but I wanted to really keep it as simple as possible.

Your kind words & compliments mean so much~as does all your blog support.:)

RJL

[RowanC]

OMG! You look like your DAUGHTER now!

KOWABUNGA!

You're inspiring!

[Maria]

What a transformation! You look WONDERFUL!! Thanks for posting.

Maria

[EZ rider]

This is the kind of thread that inspires me and keeps me pressing on in my raw journey. My thanks to everyone and especially RJL for sharing.

[Raw Jewelrylady]

OMG! You look like your DAUGHTER now!

KOWABUNGA!

You're inspiring!

Thanks Rowan ! I am feeling great & appreciate your kind words!:)

RJL

[Raw Jewelrylady]

What a transformation! You look WONDERFUL!! Thanks for posting.

Maria


Thanks Maria, I appreciate your kind words.:)

RJL

[Raw Jewelrylady]

This is the kind of thread that inspires me and keeps me pressing on in my raw journey. My thanks to everyone and especially RJL for sharing.

Thanks EZ rider~it was hard posting the b4's but I wanted to inspire & also to look back at where I was & where I am now. I am not finished releasing wieght/detoxing/healing~etc...so look for updates.:)

Thanks for the kind words
RJL