Newbie Needs Help!

[Raindeer]

Hello all -

I am discouraged and thought I'd reach out to you living raw "pro's".

I've been raw all of September, but have only lost 7 lbs, which I lost right away. I've cheated a handful of times, when going out with others. I haven't had a chance to get back to the gym, although I'm still planning on it after this big thing I have going on this weekend. I don't feel really fantastic, just cleaner and bouncier. My feet and ankles still hurt when I first get up (I'm 47) but I do *look* thinner than I did.

I've been eating mostly green smoothies made from 2 bananas, one apple and a huge bunch of kale once or twice a day, plus HUGE baby green salads with sunflower seeds (maybe 1/4 cup), alphalfa sprouts (almost a whole little container), about 4 TBS of virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar - once or twice a day. I actually craved these salads - I'd eat a salad for breakfast because I felt like it, and was proud of myself. I'm also drinking lots of water.

Am I doing something wrong? Is it too much olive oil? Is there such a thing as overeating SALAD?? I thought the month would yield more exciting results. :(

Thanks for any advice,
Raindeer

[SuziS]

It sounds like you are on the right track. You just need to try to be patient. I went through the same thing. The first month I lost 10lbs and then it leveled off for a few months. I am almost at 6 months and for the last month or so I feel like a fat burning machine. I am really slimming down and people are really noticing!

[Veganforlife]

Hey Raindeer - congrads on your journey so far. And what are you talking about? 7 pounds is pretty remarkable considering you weren't 100% raw, haven't workout, etc. Don't be so down and negative on your body - it knows that and sends out acid and blocks any progress. Think more positive this will put you into alkaline mode! Seriously.
Your eating plan sounds fine to me. You may want to change up the greens in your smoothies a bit so you don't get burnt out by the same flavors. And no, one can't eat too many salads or greens or raw food.
Keep on doing what you're doing - you are doing well. Every BODY is different. Give it time. One month of good choices, vs a lifetime isn't a huge amount of time, but like I said you've made some pretty dern good progress there. And one day you'll wake up and not feel the pains in your feet/ankles anymore.
Don't weigh yourself for the next two-four weeks. Your clothes will tell you if you're elimnating weight.
Keep up the good work!!!

[mulch]

pictures
take pictures of yourself
sometimes you THINK you look the same but you
really don't
i lost a little weight
but a lady i haven't seen in awhile said
that i am really looking better
husband doesn't say anything (typical)
even if he did, i wouldn't believe him:D

[luckitri]

Yes you are doing very well. Rotate those greens like VFL said. Remember that you are detoxing as well and be gentle on yourself. Oil can be good if it is the right oil and olive oil is considered right by most. Oils help you release fats. Sometimes you will lose more on the scale and not see a difference and other times your clothes will suddenly be loose and no difference on the scale.