My Before and After

[LivingRawGirl]

Okay, after hours of trying to post photos in my blog I think I can do it here! I know, I know, it wasn't all that hard, but once there is a mental block it is hard to clear and frustration only add to it! Anyway, here are my photos, the before photos are very sad, even my kids say it doesn't look like me (I'm glad they feel that way)! Sorry they are so HUGE, I can only learn so much in a morning.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd117/LivingRawGirl/July2003.jpg http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd117/LivingRawGirl/august2004.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd117/LivingRawGirl/10-4-07.jpghttp://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd117/LivingRawGirl/10-4-076.jpg

[Zaphirah]

WOWZERS!!!! You look 25 years younger!!! AMAZING! Thank you for the inspiration that you are!

[lodestar]

oh my heck! you are such a pretty girl in any photo...but, you look sooo much younger! honestly...are you sure that isn't a pic. of one of your kids?! :) congrats!!!

[Bethanie]

YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL:D
What an inspiration, your pictures are the perfect size for me.
Thank you so much.
Being raw does turn back the hands of time and you have proven that:)
I'm on my 7th day all raw and you have really inspired me to continue on the path i've chosen.
B.

[tanishamarshall]

OMG you look great and sooo much younger, wow... Thanks for sharing.

[lafsalot]

Wow!!!! Awesome transformation! Thanks for sharing ~ Cathy

[trinity082482]

WOW!!!! You look 20 years younger :eek:

[SuziS]

Wow! You look so much younger! Way to go!

[RawRoch]

Ok..I know I'm being redundant but OMG!!!! in your after pic you look like a teenager. You look AMAZING!!! THANKS FOR THE INSPIRATION!!!


Tamara

[Dj 247]

You look like a different (much younger) person. I had to keep looking back at your photos. I am so amazed by your transformation. I bet you have shocked a lot of people who have not seen you in a while. Are you 100% raw, and if you could give me one piece of advice to help me look as good as you ( I would love more) what would it be?

[tinystrawberry]

Holy guacamole.. you seriously do look so much younger like everyone else said! you are beautiful! how long have you been raw? you have the glow ~

[rawnhealthy]

Can't help saying it again....you REALLY do look 20+ years younger!!! Congratulations on your health and wellness:O)

[happybellies]

You look so incredible! :D

[viva diva]

you are gorgeous xx how long did it taek you to do this amazing transformation honey?...what a gorgeous face you have IN BOTH PICS...you are truly lovely xx

[crystalmoon]

I am sooooooooo inspired by your before & after photos, they are awesome,
you look so healthy happy & radiant.

[Angelina]

Am I really looking at the same person????:eek: AWESOME TRANSFORMATION!!! you look FABULOUS! :D

[Zuri]

Goodness! You look like a totally different person....about 20 yrs younger. I'm happy for you and congrads! You look beautiful. :D

[DewDrop]

Woooow! You look so much younger. As other people have posted, YOur pictures look like a mother and daughter. You seem so happy. Great inspiration!

[LivingRawGirl]

You all have really made my year! I want you to know that I appreciate all of your comments, they bring tears to my eyes. I find that this is a very emotional subject for me. It really was hard to post the before shots. For those of you said I am an inspiration, you have no idea what that means to me. My desire is to inspire people to reach their full raw potential. To help anyone do that would be to come full circle on this board, so many members have inspired me over the past year and a half.
To answer a few of the questions...
Yes, that really is me in all 4 photos. I began my raw transformation in February 2006 and just started by adding more raw foods with each passing month. At this point I am 99% raw (I hate percentages but it is a fairly accurate representation). I must say that yes, many family members and friends have been amazed at the change. My mom says I look like "her little girl" again. One bit of advice I would give is to be true to yourself and do what makes sense and feels right (I sound like David Zane Mason now- he has good advice). Also, I try to sleep until my body tells me to wake up and I only use coconut oil to cleanse my face (for the past 6 months).
I hope I answered all questions, if not I'll check in later. You are all very helpful and kind. Thank you so much!

P.S. Hmmm...25 years younger would make me 12, WOW!

[meancat]

OMG!!!!

You look amazing! You look like you could be the daughter of your before pic!

You must be very proud of yourself--major accomplishment!

Thanks for sharing this with us
meancat

[SmilingRawDancer]

You look CRAZY young! OMG! You should be SO proud.
I'm jealous.

Gorgeous!!! <3
The proof is in the RAW pudding!

[KittyMommy]

Waahhhh. I can't see the pics. Where are they?

[JoAnn D.]

Congradulations!!!

All I can say is "WOW" You look absolutely fantastic!

[rande]

you look AMAZING!!

[solarliving]

Holy Guacamole! Amazing transformation. I'm sending your picture to my mum. Hope that's ok.

[SmilingRawDancer]

Hey, if you haven't sent your story in to Welikeitraw.com yet, you TOTALLY should. So far I've seen 3 RFT members on their site.

[PixieLed]

I think you look amazing! You are really inspirational! You turned the hands of a clock back, and not just a few times... but literally YEARS have fallen off of you!

Way to go!! :) And I know I am truly inspired by this! Thank you!

[Leeeeeeena]

WOW?!?!?!!? That isn't you????? Wow, wow, incredible.

[luckitri]

Ditto ALL of above comments and questions!

Your transformation is so fantastic!

[freebird]

OMGoddess, you truly are such an inspiration, you look so beautiful and calm and true to yourself. I am flabbergasted by your transformation. Indeed you do look 25 years younger. Congratulations. You are amazing!

[Lilly the Naiad]

O-MY-GOD, you seriously need to put those out in editorial before and afters. You look 25 years younger. I'm breathless.

[dreamrawalwz]

WOW! :eek: Those look like two completely different people! you're so beautiful! You look much younger now too.

[CaliRaw]

AMAZING! You look like you are a teenager in the AFTER! I don't think I've seen such a remarkable transformation before! WOW!

Did you exercise?

[LivingRawGirl]

how sometimes when you've lost a lot of weight you still see the old you when you look in the mirror? That was true for so long, but I am finally starting to see the real me. I feel happy, calm, free. If you've been through this you know what I mean, if not, you have a lot to look forward to.
Sometimes it takes so much more than you think you have to stay on track , but even if you goof up, just hop right back on with a new resolve. I really believe those little stumbles make us stronger in our determination.

Thank you all for your encouragement.

[CaliRaw]

Did you exercise?

[LivingRawGirl]

I am so sorry I didn't answer your question earlier, yes I do exercise (weight training, cardio, etc), but I did not at first. Thanks

[CaliRaw]

Thanks! :)

[SuBu]

Kimberley, I just wanted to say that your jewelry is beautiful. Self-taught--you are really talented! Now that we have calmed down from being blown-away by your metamorphasis, we are dying to hear your raw story--all of it!!

[lulushka8]

WOW!!! was the first thing i said seeing your pictures! good for you, you look so young and are truly beautiful!

[salsababy]

Wow! I did a double-take (quite a few times). You look sooo much younger. Although I have to say, you have great legs in your after photos. I was thinking "I want legs like that!". :)

[Linda1970]

Wow, Kimberley, your change is just too amazing! Thanks for sharing the photos. They are really inspiring!

[Stina]

gosh, I almost thought somebody was pulling our leg and posted a picture of their mom for the before shot!:D But your pictures and post not only radiate beauty but sincerity and spirituality. I am so happy for you!

This is exactly what I love about this board!

[CaliRaw]

Kimberley, Do you sell your jewelry? It's beautiful!

[kaleidoscopeeyes]

What an amazing transformation, congratulations!

[raw-siobhan]

Okay, after hours of trying to post photos in my blog I think I can do it here! I know, I know, it wasn't all that hard, but once there is a mental block it is hard to clear and frustration only add to it! Anyway, here are my photos, the before photos are very sad, even my kids say it doesn't look like me (I'm glad they feel that way)! Sorry they are so HUGE, I can only learn so much in a morning.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd117/LivingRawGirl/July2003.jpg http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd117/LivingRawGirl/august2004.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd117/LivingRawGirl/10-4-07.jpghttp://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd117/LivingRawGirl/10-4-076.jpg

You are absolutely beautiful! Your skin is terrific and you look so young!

[trugoddess]

Gurl......You are GORGEOUS! Give us the details:) What did you do? How long did your transformation take? How do you feel? Are you keeping or tossing the SAD pictures (I think I'm gonna toss mine so there's no evidence that I was ever in that state. Lol)? Congratulations, you look vibrant, youthful and absolutely beautiful! And it's true, you do look YOUNGER!

[trugoddess]

Also, I was just thinking that it would be great if you would post your pictures on some of the other online raw food boards that feature before and afters. You'd be a great inspiration for many others who may not visit this forum:). I wish their was some way to interview you and Doug and others who have great results on raw. Stories are so amazingly powerful.

[LivingRawGirl]

It is so encouraging to read your responses. I do want to let you know my whole story, it is currently on my website which I just launched and is in the construction stage but readable... livingrawgirl.com. When I get it finished (or at least "more finished") I will put a link in my signature. The whole plan for the website is to give people the same info I had starting out so they too can learn and be encouraged. By the way, I am 5'9", my mom is 5'2" and has never weighed anywhere near 219lbs, it really is me in the before. I was however starting to look more her age than mine.
Oh yeah, yes CaliRaw, I do sell my jewelry mostly at home jewelry shows, but I also display at a jewelry store.

[CaliRaw]

ahhh..that's too bad about the jewelry. :(

Your story will be very inspiring for others who were diagnosed with MS. Did your husband lose weight too? Is he mostly raw?

[Tinacampy]

Seriously, it looks like mother in before pics, daughter in after pics.

Way to go - you look so healthy and glowing.

You motivated me, that's for sure. Congratulations!!

[cinnamon panda]

Wow!!!!!!!!

[starapple]

I know you've heard it all before but your transformation is amazing!

Raw is the truth!

[justinesmith]

OMG!!! You seriously look like a different person. WOW! :)

[Morn]

You look fabulous! congratulations on your success! You are a beautiful lady!

What size were you in the first picture and what size are you now?

[honeydew]

:eek:
you're probably tired of hearing this by now...but you look phenomenal!

I'm 20 years old and you look like one of my girlfriends I hang with on Friday nights!

You should be so proud; you're a walking ad for the raw food lifestyle

[LivingRawGirl]

of hearing compliments, do you get tired of it? Just being silly, thanks again. Size before 18-20, size now 6.:)

[Lady Green Jeans]

Kimberly,

WOW! You look absolutely fantastic! Great job. I agree--you look like the daughter of your first picture. Thank you for your inspiration to stay the course. Really awsome. Thank you so much for sharing.

Kathy

[puzit19]

WoW !
Thanks for sharing ! you just made my day ^_^

[rawbeliever]

wow, you look fabulous! Congratulations!

[VickyDee]

Whoa,

You look beautiful. I mean you look like a model! Wow. Thanks for the inspiration.

[Crystalight]

:D AWSOME...AWSOME....AWSOME!!!!
I just have to ask, how long did it take u to see such a difference??
How long between these 2pix!! You really do look so much younger!!
Congratulations!!

[Green Life]

Wow, you're hair grew THAT FAST in a year and a half?? From very short to past shoulder in a year and a half?? What exactly did you eat? Some kinda super food.
You look wonderful, so pretty. You don't look at all like the older woman above.

I can't get over your transformation. Really inspiring. thank you for sharing

[StarFire]

OMG!! OMG!!! I JUST SHOWED YOUR PICTURES TO MY HUSBAND AND TO MY BOSS!!! OMG!!! you are SOOOOOO BEAUTIFUL!! WOW!!! :eek: okay - two men drooooling here... gunna have to give slaps to dh though http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/meow.gif !!! :D

you are amazing... blessings and congratulations...!!

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/congratulations.gif ... you are an amazing inspiration... RAW FOODS BABY!!! RAWK ON!

[Judy]

I don't think your before photos look sad, you were already beautiful then, or did you mean SAD :)? As for the after photos I can only say wow wow WOW! As all the others have mentioned earlier, you look yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyears yyyyyounger! What a wonderful transformation! Thanks for sharing.

[LivingRawGirl]

Actually, my husband and I both started noticing the hair growth thing in late March 2006 (it began almost as soon as I started raw about 75%). I think I've only had it trimmed twice since I started (I'm really bad about making the time for things like that). If I had to break it down I would say that over the past 6 months my intake has been 40% greens, 15%other veggies, 15% fruits, 15% nuts, seeds, oils, 15% sea veggies, macca, etc. That may not work for eveyone, but it works for me and I feel AMAZING!!!!The seated "before" photo is in September 2005, the after photos were just last week. So about 25 months between photos but I didn't really start raw until Feb. 2006. Thank you all for your uplifting comments. Starfire, you always make me smile! RAWK ON, INDEED!!!!;)

[PomegranatePip]

Wow! I actually thought that those second two pictures were your daughter or something. You look so much younger!

[Cinnamon]

I could type the exact same comments everyone is making, amazing!! You look just beautiful and so much younger, at least 20 years. Like a mom and daughter picture like so many others have said.

Congrats and what an inspiration you are for all of us!!! And I do hope you can send your story into some other sites so others can benefit from your story.

RAWK on!!!

[eachpeachpearplum]

WOW! Those are mother and daughter shots right?!:eek: I mean truely I guessed the before at about age 50 (not that there is anything wrong with 50!) and the after at late 20's! Did I say :eek: !!

I am so very inspired:p Thanks!

[TheAvocadess]

:eek: :eek: OMG! That's AMAZING! You GO girlfriend! Incredible!
I thought the same thing as EachPeachPlumPear... looks like mother/daughter shots. WOW!
:D

[beppa66]

Just had to say I tried your tip of washing my face with coconut oil. And WOW, does that make my skin smoooooothe! Thanks for the tip!

[Lindazkewl]

Good googely goo!! You look fantastic! What an inspiration! Way to go!!! And how long did it take? Congrats!!:D

[RawWealth]

WOW, I thought this is not her it is her daughter. I looked 3 times before I read the thread. "You look marvelous!" - Billy Crystal. ;) Keep up the great work you ARE an inspiration!
Thank you,
RW

[GoingtoRAW]

Wow! I actually thought that those second two pictures were your daughter or something. You look so much younger!


There you go!!! That's EXACTLY what I was thinking! You look AMAZING!!! OH MY GOD! I WANT TO BE LIKE YOU WHEN I GROW UP!!!:D

[Aleesha Sattva]

okay... it's been said but let me say it again. you are absolutely glowing! you look like a totally different person. thank YOU for sharing this with me.

i do have one question. you said you use coconut on your face? how and why... details please http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x87/recyclinggoddess/icon_please.gif

[blaqberry]

How wonderful! I'll try not to sound like a broken record, but I concur with much of what most everyone has already said.

...you look fabulous ;)

[dalimeindacoconut]

Oh my God Kimberly the former you looks like your mother. You are absolutely stunning. What an inspiration. I am so happy I didn't eat processed sugar tonite. That just gave me serious hope. How tall are you? You lost a face and grew another one! That's the only way I can put it!

[dalimeindacoconut]

Also, what are you favorite delicious recipes that you eat? How many avocados per day? Your picture is going to flash through my mind every time I think I want something bad. Also, please send your pix into SELF Magazine. They always do articles on women like you. There has never been a transformation that I have read about which was this profound. As a matter of fact...you look so hot...send it into every fitness magazine you can!

[beanmonkee]

Kimberly who is that woman in the first pictures? It can't be you! That's incredible!

The first thing I thought is similar to what other people have been saying -- you look like your former self's daughter! Nutty!

You are an inspiration -- thank you for posting these pictures!

[MysticTree]

What lovely photos. You must be so pleased. You certainly look so much younger!!!

Georgina

[shine72]

Holy H.E.Double-hockey-sticks woman! You look like a teen, maybe early twenties now! Party like a RAWK STAR honey!:D You've done amazing! You were pretty before, but you are GORGEOUS now!:D You look great!:D Great job!

[Raw Angel Mom]

What a fantastic transformation! Yes, your body is shaping to the real you. On all picture, you are so radiant and your inner spirit so beautiful, but the after, i can feel so much weight in energy form lifted, like you are finally free. This is unreal that you are the same person, i agree that you look so much younger that at first i thought it was your mom, no joke.

Congratulations, you are so inspiring. Keep up this wonderful work and i am looking forward to read your story, please post it soon

[Rawkin']

WOW! Words fail me! These photos have brought me out of lurkdom!!! You are stunning!!!! :D :D :D

Rawkin'

[Ireland]

This is one of the most amazing raw transformations I've ever seen! You could pass for your own daughter....wow!!!

[LivingRawGirl]

I have not yet said it and I need to.. I prayed daily (and still do) for God to help me along this journey. I know that was the main factor to my success. I don't mean to upset anyone and am not trying to convert anyone, I just felt I needed to say it.
Also, for everyone that has asked, I have added a link in my signature to my new website. It is very new and not yet complete, but my story is up if you are interested.
Your posts and support have been greatly appreciated!!

[Radiantly Raw]

Kimberley, you looked great in the before pictures, and there are no words to describe the difference in the after pictures! Truly, you are such an inspiration! I'm in awe!!!

I saw this thread this morning, and found your website through your blog. I showed my sister your pics, who showed her hubby when he got here. And I still have them up so my husband can see them when he gets home. Seriously- It was like she saw you and said I HAVE to show someone that! Now that's really something!! My sister read your story & was really impressed, she's not raw (yet ;) ).

I think it's wonderful that you're giving God credit for helping you on this path. I'm with you there! I couldn't be doing this without Him. I don't want to turn people off with that either, but it's the truth, you know?

Your transformation is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your story with all of us! What a gift- for you to give us hope & inspiration. Thank you, thank you!

[jenjen]

you literally have lost 25 yrs! don't know how old you are, but in your before pix you look 45-ish and now you look 20.
amazing. this kind of stuff should be on tv.
j

[RawHeaven]

Wow, you need to model. Simply gorgeous.

[MrGreenJeans]

Wowzer LivingRawGirl, you have set back the clock many years! Are you sure that's you and not your daughter? I bet your husband just can't believe the new you! Congrats!

MrGreenJeans

[LearningDaily]

Whoh! Amazing!

[lil fairy z girl]

as everyone is saying you look so much younger :)
beautiful photos,

best wishes
sal
~*~*~*

[swingbolder]

Wow!!! As they say, a picture is like a thousand words. . .

[Nurse in the Raw]

I have not yet said it and I need to.. I prayed daily (and still do) for God to help me along this journey. I know that was the main factor to my success. I don't mean to upset anyone and am not trying to convert anyone, I just felt I needed to say it.
Also, for everyone that has asked, I have added a link in my signature to my new website. It is very new and not yet complete, but my story is up if you are interested.
Your posts and support have been greatly appreciated!!

Amen girl! Give the credit where the credit is due. He can bring us through anything!

[Migrou]

Wow!! I am very impressed! You are very beautiful, congratulation!!!

[spiralgirl]

LivingRawGirl,

Wow, you lost 82 pounds in 14 months? That's amazing, it doesn't even look like you, it's looks like the after woman is your daughter. Congratulations on such a great job, it keeps me encouraged. :)

[Trogdor]

But how do you get your protein? ;)

[mulch]

You look beautiful
WOW
You must be so proud
I am so happy for you
You are such an inspiration
Thanks for sharing your success
with us

[River Mom]

I want to know how long too cuz yur hair is amazen girl.

Congrats on your well earned success
River Mom

[mrpickles]

holy crap... wow... I thought I looked a little better but nothing like that... damn... definitely wants to make me keep it up!

[Marcus]

Wow! It's hard to believe those pictures are the same person. :eek:

[Rawsome Ginger]

No pictures come up for me!!???

[LivingRawGirl]

Rawsome Ginger,

If the pics are still not working you can click on the link to my site and see them there. Or maybe they are working for you by now.

Thanks to everyone who has emailed me, you guys are really great and I hope I have given helpful answers/ support/ encouragement.

Gotta get the kids in bed.....

[Conscious Midwife]

Your pics make you look youthful enough to be your own daughter:D

WOW KUDOS!!!!

[amyambro1]

I am amazed at the difference.. You should are a very beautiful example of the all the benefits of raw food.

[Zella Juice]

Well...your Befores And Afters Really Make Me Want To Get Back On Track. It's Been Very Challenging Lately.

You Are Amazing !!!!!!!!!!!

Excellent Job. And You Still Look Modest. So Sweet!

[DianaH]

I can't add anything, everything has been said. I am TRULY inspired. I hope you don't mind if I print your pictures for inspiration?

But how do you get your protein? ;)
ok, that CRACKED.ME.UP! :lol

[sciencegal]

Wow,way to go!!!Are you sure that's really you? Keep it up!!Sciencegal:D :eek:

[Essensual]

...YOU BETTA RAWK!!! You up in here lookin' like yo' own daughter, and stuff...

YES MA'AM!!!:D

**raw brownie runs through house naked** (and inspired to keep fighting).

[Karine]

Thats crazy!!! :D I mean, this is truly the most amazing before-and-after pictures I have ever seen!! Im sitting here, alone in my house, and I just screamed and laughed out LOUD when I saw this. You are gorgeous!!!!! Im so happy for you, you must feel so proud and happy.

[blix]

DITTO TO ALL OF THE ABOVE WELL DONE. How long did it take?

[halikatak]

You look great! At leat 15 years younger!!!!!!

[racheyCYZ]

wow,what they all said!!

[okorolina40]

wow -- you look absolutely amazing!! How long have you been raw and any advice or tips?

[rawfigure]

Wow AMAZING..Rawsome !!:D

[supergreen]

I've seen a lot of the before and afters and this is by far the most incredible. At first I thought the first two on top were it. I just saw a slight difference. Then I scrolled down. It was a genuine shock. You're very pretty, especially in the second "after" picture.

Do you pinch yourself every time you look in the mirror?

[D'vorah]

WOW. Can I say that again??? WOW!!! I find myself wanting to ask you how old you are, I just can't tell from the pics, they are sooooooo different. You don't have to answer if you don't want to. Wink, wink. Your blog is so inspiring.

Deborah

[futureboy]

You look like a different person. You really do look 15 years younger. I can't believe it's the same person! Rawk on!

[maui_butterfly]

wow. double wow. you've got the glow all right. congratulations! and thanks for posting... really inspiring stuff.

[purdeychoo]

:eek: Oh.My.God. The difference is startling. The raw you looks like the daughter of the old you!

Thanks for posting your pictures, what a transformation and inspiration!!

The glow you have is captivating :D

[scarletblizz]

amazing!!! they're right...20 years younger! how long did this take? very inspirational...

[aliciamatheson]

Thank you for persevering to get your photos up - They are amazing and your story (on your website) is really inspiring. Wow. I'm speechless (which doesn't happen often!).

Congratulations!

[Tinana pai]

Well you go girl a good role model for me.

[Azura Skye]

wow you look amazing!
you look years younger - well done you!!!

[Migrou]

You are absolutely and truly magnificient!! It takes years off of you! You must be so proud!!! Wow!!! Truly inspiring!!

[raven]

Amazing! I'd never think you were the same person. What an inspiration you are! Thanks for sharing your photos.

Suzy

[Aasyah]

An amazing tranformation:eek: you look like a totally diffrent person. You go girl!!!:D

[klomasius]

I kow everyone's said it before, but ditto what they said, you look WONDERFUL!

:D

[oceanee]

Thank you for persevering to get your photos up - They are amazing and your story (on your website) is really inspiring. Wow. I'm speechless (which doesn't happen often!).

Congratulations!

Ditto what Alicia Matheson wrote ! I had to scroll back and forth as I was in awe. I am definitely going to use visualization tactics and think of myself with the peaceful face as you now have. So neat to see that shine through. You should be so proud ! And is helps those of us trying to get there!
Oceanee

[apower2me408]

:eek: WOW!!! Are you sure that is not a picture of your daughter? You totally look 20 years younger, no kidding!
Great job and Thanks for the inspiration!

[Ingenue]

Holy mary, that is unbelievable! You look so beautiful and young! Awww, I'm re-inspired....

[oai]

wowzas! :)

[joyfulmama]

My goodness Kimberly, what an inspiration you are.. You do look so much younger.. I look forward to that.. I have 135 lbs to lose..

[Theogirl]

You are absolutely lovely. Your arms and legs are fabulous! Your hair is gorgeous and your face like an angel. Keep it going!

[rawfood_newbie]

You all have really made my year! I want you to know that I appreciate all of your comments, they bring tears to my eyes. I find that this is a very emotional subject for me. It really was hard to post the before shots. For those of you said I am an inspiration, you have no idea what that means to me. My desire is to inspire people to reach their full raw potential. To help anyone do that would be to come full circle on this board, so many members have inspired me over the past year and a half.
To answer a few of the questions...
Yes, that really is me in all 4 photos. I began my raw transformation in February 2006 and just started by adding more raw foods with each passing month. At this point I am 99% raw (I hate percentages but it is a fairly accurate representation). I must say that yes, many family members and friends have been amazed at the change. My mom says I look like "her little girl" again. One bit of advice I would give is to be true to yourself and do what makes sense and feels right (I sound like David Zane Mason now- he has good advice). Also, I try to sleep until my body tells me to wake up and I only use coconut oil to cleanse my face (for the past 6 months).
I hope I answered all questions, if not I'll check in later. You are all very helpful and kind. Thank you so much!

P.S. Hmmm...25 years younger would make me 12, WOW!

Hi,

What a significant transformation backwards!!!

You had mentioned that you use coconut oil to cleanse your face. Can you elaborate more on that on how did you do it and what benefits does it give you? Is there a article out there on the Internet that talks about it?

Thanks.

[Ambug]

The before and after photos are really inspiring! What a beautiful lady! And your skin is so perfect. This is really motivating for those of us who are just starting out. I have about 120 lbs to lose. It always seems so daunting. I just need to go more raw so I can have the energy to work out. I want to be slim and gorgeous too! :D

[Ginger]

I just fell out of my chair. O. M. G. Are you freaking serious?? LOOK AT YOU!!!!! :eek:

[chilove]

WOW!!! What an amazing transformation!!! You look decades younger! Congratulations! You are beautiful!!!

Blessings,

Audrey
www.rawhealing.com

[rawererin]

OMG I can't get over how different you look, there are literally two different people in those photographs!
OMG How old are you?! <-- and what face cream do you use? lol!

[Eilene]

I CAN NOT believe that is you!!! WOW! You look sooo much younger. You truly are a beautiful girl!

[RawPaw]

I swear you took 15-20 years off. Those look like mother daughter photos to me. Amazing. But you still have the same pretty smile.

[SuzyQ]

You do look terrific now. But what I really love is how you look like a really nice, sweet person in ALL of the pictures. Someone we would love to be friends with. Congratulations! You're doing yourself and your family such a favor by eating healthy.

[Carlsbad]

Oh...my...goodness!!!!!! I have no words. You look sooooooo phenomenal!!! I completely agree that those look like mother/daughter pictures. And I love how peaceful and serene you look. What a tremendous inspiration!!!!!!

[LivingRawGirl]

You guys really know how to keep a thread going! It's kind of embarrassing (but I'll take it!!). I really do hope to be an encouragement to anyone who needs it, that is why I originally posted the photos. I know when I first started here, I stayed on constantly and dreamed of the day I could have great before and afters like so many before me.

Some of the most recent questions have been answered earlier in the thread, but i know is not fun to read through ten pages so I will try to answer again.

1.Coconut oil for my face- I just rub some into my skin for a few minutes, then rinse a cloth in very warm water and lay it over my face til it cools, then use it to gently wipe away the oil. Finally, I rinse with very cold water and add a tiny bit of coconut oil as moisturizer. What is truly odd is I have always have very oily skin and this seems to keep it in check and it is SOOOO soft! Coconut oil is the only cleanser/ moisturizer to touch my face for a year now!

2. I will be 38 in June.

3. I must say that it is so much easier to be happy/ nice/ cheerful now that I feel better. I have always been a happy person, but now life just seems to mean so much more!! Or maybe I just want to find all the good that is in life.

I do hope all of you who are just beginning will soon see the results you want. I know, even if it takes a while, you will be happier and healthier.

Thanks again for your kind words, love and encouragement. I've been raw for over 2 years now, but we all need support! Believe me, when your oldest child is graduating, you need all the help you can get!:o :eek:

[Rawfoodmom]

You said, "I only use coconut oil to cleanse my face (for the past 6 months)". I know I'm showing my ignorance but how can oil cleanse your face? I'm curious as I would like to switch to all natural face cleansers and moisturizers but...not sure about how to do this.

Rawfoodmom

[Seren]

You said, "I only use coconut oil to cleanse my face (for the past 6 months)". I know I'm showing my ignorance but how can oil cleanse your face? I'm curious as I would like to switch to all natural face cleansers and moisturizers but...not sure about how to do this.

Rawfoodmom

This is an excellent way to cleanse your face - I have been doing it for a couple of weeks now and my skin is getting so much clearer and is much softer, not to mention not oily at all (it was very oily when using normal facewash - very confusing for me lol!) Here, look at this:

http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/

You will like oil cleansing - try it!! :D xxx

[rawfood_newbie]

Thats awesome.

Which coconut oil is the best? I usually buy the Unrefined Extra Virgin Coconut Oil from WholeFoods.

Also, here is a quick tip:

When you or your kids, get blisters, try this:

apply coconut oil on it and leave it for a while or apply it before going to bed and leave it overnight. The next day morning, the blister would have definitely healed. No need for any chemical based stuff (Eucerin, bandaid etc). Also when taking bath, with the oil on top of the blister, water will not enter the wound at all. my mom used to do this when I was a kid in India.

Coconut oil is a natural healer and in the Kerala state of India, they use coconuts and coconut oil for every day cooking.

[rawfood_newbie]

Checked up the oil cleansing method URL and it never talks about coconut oil.

[grassdude]

Holy Shmolie You look great. Congratulations!

[RawHeaven]

***bump***

[rawenergy]

This has got to be the most dramatic transformation I've seen, Congrawtulations!!!! I am totally inspired, you seriously look 20 years younger in your after photO!!

[nownatalie]

OMG!....I had to.

[RawSinger]

Entirely different person. As everyone else has said, I can't believe how much younger you look!!! You are sooo beautiful!! Way to go :D

[Vivafree2]

Beautiful transformation!!! Great job and increadible results!!! Rawk on!!!

[Theogirl]

I love your transformation so much that I wish I could add it to my computer wallpaper to reinspire me every day! LOL!
BTW, I checked out your jewellery too and it's GORGEOUS! Makes me want to be creative!

[Curleedst]

OMG - please do not take this the wrong way - you look SO MUCH YOUNGER!!!!!!


Okay, after hours of trying to post photos in my blog I think I can do it here! I know, I know, it wasn't all that hard, but once there is a mental block it is hard to clear and frustration only add to it! Anyway, here are my photos, the before photos are very sad, even my kids say it doesn't look like me (I'm glad they feel that way)! Sorry they are so HUGE, I can only learn so much in a morning.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd117/LivingRawGirl/July2003.jpg http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd117/LivingRawGirl/august2004.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd117/LivingRawGirl/10-4-07.jpghttp://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd117/LivingRawGirl/10-4-076.jpg

[theresaann]

now THAT is an INSPIRING transformation.

There is no way that is simply a physical transformation. You look as though your whole soul has shifted. I am really in awe and humbled. ROCK ON, GIRL!!!!

[fruity girl]

Amazing! You are an inspiration. I am not really overweight (5ft 5in and 140lbs) but I do have trouble with my skin and sometimes I get a bit despondent that while my figure is ok, my face gives me away - all the rubbish I've consumed over the years (I'm 47) shows up like a neon sign. I am just starting out on my raw journey (2 months in with slip ups but getting better at sticking with it) and your face inspires me - if I could have skin like yours and that beautiful glowing look - I'd be a very happy woman. Thanks for sharing your pics. I have taken photos of my skin now and am going to take photos every month to see the transformation!

Fruity Girl

[Mona]

I´m speachless! Are you sure it´s not two different persons in those pictures?? I´m so happy for you!

[Azura Skye]

i might have commented before - but I just have to post again!
you look gorgeous! so healthy, and erm, like a million years back in time haha - you've found the secret of time travel! gosh, you look HOT!

[ShelShel]

You are so beautiful! Congrats on eating raw, being healthy and letting your outside match you inside! :D

[hootiehoo]

WOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!!



*sees ring on her finger*



SHUCKS!




;)

[Pilgrim]

These photos are inspiring! YOu look so beautiful, and yes, you do look more than 20 years younger. Well done!

[ciarac]

I can't believe that's the same person! You look AMAZING.

[mangosteen]

you are such an inspiration. you look young and glowing, and i agree with everyone else...you look decades younger! Here I am worrying that at 19 I have done unreparable damage to my body, and here you are looking like a model in her twenties! you look lvictoria's secret model miranda kerr;s big sis. only you seem a lot glowier. :D I think I already said that, but its true.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://lh5.google.com/fisherwy/R1ZD7KzeSsI/AAAAAAAALxI/KfZdQvrtxvI/Miranda%2520Kerr%2520Australian%2520Vogue%2520Maga zine%2520Photos1%255B3%255D&imgrefurl=http://fisherwy.blogspot.com/2007/12/miranda-kerr-australian-vogue-magazine.html&h=772&w=369&sz=62&hl=en&start=14&um=1&tbnid=k3dlBae8Iv1yMM:&tbnh=142&tbnw=68&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmiranda%2Bkerr%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26r lz%3D1G1GGLQ_ENUS276%26sa%3DN

[Raspberry4]

What a wonderful inspiration you are. You looked like a happy person before too, but now you look happy and at peace - like life is good. THank you for sharing. ;)

[AngieK]

You look more than 10 years younger. I am so inspired by your photos. I am just starting on the whole Raw thing. I eat about 80% raw or maybe more some days. I am looking forward to having a transformation like yours!

[Seabie]

I agree, you look 25 years younger. Congratulations!

[lytlsprout]

wow you almost don't even look like the same person!

[brownies]

seriously, that could be pictures of a mom & daughter. You look SOOOO much younger. I'm seriously inspired.

[feelgoodnow]

Your pictures are SO inspiring for me...you do look so much younger, almost like the daughter of your heavier self. Congratualtions and thanks for sharing!

[Gittel]

Kimberley, you are beautiful. Your journey has inspired me. Congratulations on your successes!

Gittel

[Ms.K]

That is not you! that's your daughter...lol

Nice try!!

You look amazing

[Total Newbie]

I've almost fallen off my chair and I'm still in disbelief.
You look absolutely FANTASTIC!!!!!
Cant wait to hear how long you've been raw and how much.

[mia954]

WOW! I am so inspired by your photos!!!
Thanks so much for taking the time to post!!! Helps me want to really do this!!!

[100percent]

WOW!!!!! Your pictures are amazing!!!!!!!!!! Keep up the awesome work!!!!!

[babyraw]

Ok, I don't want to be redundant but you do look so much younger!!!! When I first saw the pictures, I had a hard time believing that both pictures where you. I could have sworn I was looking at mother/daughter pictures. You look amazing! You're definitely my inspiration! :)

[patchouli]

Your story and pics motivate me to continue changing SAD thoughts to RAW thoughts--from Standard American Diet to the Real Amazing Way of living.

[pinkkpanthur]

OMG! You look so different!

(I still think you look really cute in the before pictures :)
But you really do look WAY younger. Congratulations on your 'spring cleaning' your body!

[patchouli]

So I showed my daughter your "before" pic, then scrolled down to your "now"--
"That is NOT HER! Really? Let me see!" She thought I was going to say,
"and this is her DAUGHTER."

How does it feel to turn back time?

[wiccedfae23]

OMG... ok.... call me inspired!! unbelievable... you have transformed yourself and your beauty is shining through! way to go :D

[ViolinCyndee]

WOW!!!!!!!!! You look so gorgeous in the pic near the tree!!! :eek: And yes, WAY younger, too!

[RawSinger]

Younger! Younger! Younger!! You have great legs, too. You look rawesome!!!

[Rrose]

:eek:MG!!!!!!

If THIS is what raw can do, I'm giving up my cooked salad dressing and
going 100 pecent, right now!!!!:eek:

You look entirely like a different, 30 years younger person. I just can't believe my eyes. This is the BEST raw transformation I have ever seen.
:eek:

[samariah]

you look awesome. :)

[LivingRawGirl]

It's been about 10 months since the last posted pics were taken. I am feeling GREAT! I cannot express how much and in how many different ways raw has helped me and my family. My son is leaving for college in a few weeks and I am facing that with energy and a positive outlook, I am sure things would have been different had I not adopted this lifestyle 2.5 years ago!
I hope I have attached the new photo correctly, if not i will try, try again!
4387

[Moretta]

Wow, you look amazing.

Way to go.

[MPD]

I can't believe that's the same person! You look AMAZING.


Ditto!


Very inspiring indeed.

[rawffle]

WOWWWW.

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd117/LivingRawGirl/10-4-07.jpg

This looks like a Senior (in high school) photo!

[shashibala]

You look so lovely in your new photo!! I am having a similar experience with a child leaving home. My 22 year old daughter has lived with me all her life. She is finishing one degree and moving from my home in NY to Oregon to work on her next degree. I am single and she is my family. Before I was raw I would simply have had a nervous breakdown. I had no hope for myself. I lived for her. I still do, but now I have joy and health and hope in my life and I'm able to be happy for her, though I will miss her terribly. Raw changes EVERYTHING!!!!!!
Best wishes to you and your son!

[jacsam]

Wow....raw has been very good to you!

[HolyGuacamole]

http://forums.randi.org/images/smilies/mazeguyemotions/shocked.gif
O M G!
I am so glad this got bumped up; I never would have seen it, otherwise.
You are soooooooo radiant, beautiful, and healthy looking - truly, the picture of perfect health. What an inspiration! Wow, wow, WOW!

[Crazy Healer Lady]

I'm glad it got bumped up, too. WOW! You look like a different person, really! I would never look at the two pictures and say they were the same, not even as a b/a. That's really you???!! Holy smokes!! You're amazing! You look 20 y/o in the pic by the tree!! I hope this isn't rude but the before pictures look about 40. Even in your picture in your sig, you look 20-ish. I can't believe it. Wow! You are amazing! You LOOK amazing!

[SheLovesToEat]

I'm glad it got bumped up, too. WOW! You look like a different person, really! I would never look at the two pictures and say they were the same, not even as a b/a. That's really you???!! Holy smokes!! You're amazing! You look 20 y/o in the pic by the tree!! I hope this isn't rude but the before pictures look about 40. Even in your picture in your sig, you look 20-ish. I can't believe it. Wow! You are amazing! You LOOK amazing!


extra weight can make anyone look alot older than they are..... i have seen this kind of thing before where people have lost so much weight and grown out their hair and they look decades younger.

but you have to be at an age for the body to reclaim the skin....when we get older....and try to do this.... the skin wont receed as you lose weight.
my mother had a freind that did this and she was 57. (not really old but....it made a difference) ) her skin never went back to normal.... it just hung there and she had to have surgery to remove the extra.

this girl is obviously younger becuse the skin is still tight and has receded nicely back to normal. what a great transformation.

[MelissaO]

I had to look twice - you are a radiant beauty.

Thank you for sharing

[Green_Woman]

I showed my roommate, who is trying to lose weight, and she was like "That's not the same woman. It can't be the same woman!"

:O

I agree!!! You look fantabulous!

[mama's_gone_raw]

OMG, that is so amazing and so inspirational. I have been trying the last few weeks to go raw, but something always comes up (food at work, travel out of town) that makes me cave in to cooked, processed food. Now I'm faced with the holidays! LOL...............
Anyway, your story has inspired me to try harder to stay on track. Thanks so much for sharing and inspiring.
By the way, you look BEAUTIFUL!!!

[rsloan]

WOW! You are beautiful!

[KPainter]

I just saw these pics and I'm amazed. You look like you've become your own daughter. I am awed and inspired. Thanks for posting.

[cara4art]

WOW - you should post these pix over on some other raw food sites featuring before and afters! If this isn't a testament to the power of a raw food diet as far as a dramatic shift in appearance, I don't know what is! You know, I think Jinjee and Storm over at thegardendiet.com would be interested as they often feature before and afters - just a thought here. Your skin looks just lovely - again, the power of raw, and that beats commercial beauty products hands-down, IMO! Keep on rawking!

[siren]

I just saw these pics and I'm amazed. You look like you've become your own daughter. I am awed and inspired. Thanks for posting.


Just what I was thinking. So inspirational! TFS.

[xinmywayx]

I am not lying when I say this: when I saw your after pictures I thought you had posted pictures of either your daughter or a picture of you from high school/college. INSANE to see the difference. You look fantastic! I bet you feel fantastic too!

[Faithfullyfit]

Your transformation was amazing! You must feel so wonderful and empowered:-)

[circle]

omg!

amazing you look terrific!!!

wow!

i can't get over this transformation. so incredible!

[health-nugget]

I cannot believe your nothing-short-of-amazing transformation!!! You look beautifull and years younger. I'm in shock :eek:

[Irish_Vegan_Girl]

You look like *your daughter*. Your after photo looks like 20 yrs previously and your before photo showing what you look like now. But it's the other way around!! :O Amazing! You look fab!!!

[~ladybug]

:eek::eek::eek:

Oh wow.

That is incredible. Unbelievable.

Man... the power of raw.

[appifanie]

WOW!!



Also, here is a quick tip:

When you or your kids, get blisters, try this:

apply coconut oil on it and leave it for a while or apply it before going to bed and leave it overnight. The next day morning, the blister would have definitely healed. No need for any chemical based stuff (Eucerin, bandaid etc). Also when taking bath, with the oil on top of the blister, water will not enter the wound at all. my mom used to do this when I was a kid in India.

Coconut oil is a natural healer and in the Kerala state of India, they use coconuts and coconut oil for every day cooking.

as someone who gets tons of blisters, thanks!!

[iwuvmydoggy]

holy moley you look fabulous! thanks for sharing! :D very inspiring!

[expatgirl]

WOW. thank you for posting these

[kaleboy]

I think this is the best life regeneration I've seen...

[Eatrawordie]

You look amazing! Good for you! I can't get over how much younger you look!

[Namaste Mama]

I am amazed! In your SAD pictures you look mid forties and you look 18 in your after! You are such an inspiration! Congratulations!

[Olahh]

*Jaw dropping*

I love my raw journey.

[BeingK8]

WOWZERS!!!! You look 25 years younger!!! AMAZING! Thank you for the inspiration that you are!

Yes, these before and afters are all inspirational, but yours is quite exceptional. I cannot BELIEVE how much younger you look!

[byzantinehalo]

What an incredible transformation, wonderful! You are stunning. There is hope for us all, thank you for sharing your photos, what inspiration. :)
Is there anywhere in this forum that you share what you eat on a regular daily basis? I'm still trying to get my head around the full potential of eating RAW.

[cbritton]

I am amazed! You look amazing! And honestly about 25 years younger!! Way to go! This is complete inspiration for me!

[fastfreedom]

WOW, WOW, WOW, WOW. :wow:

Amazing transformation.

I too saw the first two pictures and was looking closely thinking, "I don't notice much of a difference, but I wonder if there's more pictures", so I scrolled down and...... seriously, my jaw dropped.

[shy17]

hello raw girl
thank you so much for posting your before and after pics.
you are looking just beautifull,marvelous,fantastic,magnificent i hope you enjoy your new self out there cause you rock..
you go girl:cheer:

[harkly]

What an inspiration! I thought you had posted pictures of your daughter! I hope to have as wonderful transformation.

[Crystal2870]

OMG you do look totally different and so much younger, what an inspiration, thank you so much for posting xx