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View Full Version : Hello From SouthWestern parts of Virginia



Flanny
10-29-2007, 06:04 PM
Hello, I just want to use this opportunity to introduce myself as I'm gathering resources to continue my transition into 100% raw foods.

I've been trying to "go raw" on my own since 1998 after meeting a "living food" activist from New York. Initially I didn't try very hard and had no Idea what to do or what exactly outside of lettuce, carrots, etc. constituted raw foods. As I began to age, weight became more of an issue, and I developed health issues far earlier than I should have the search took on a whole new meaning and some serious efforts have taken place.

Trouble is I'm a very good cook and I eat what I make. Much of the time I'm asked to make my cooked food specialties which are very fattening. My wife and I share the cooking responsibilities though she's trying to take over 100% in the kitchen department. I've gotten several books including Alissa's material and I've started my transition efforts again. I started out by trying to go 100% right off the bat and went nuts again so I backed off and decided to do a transition but at least give up animal fats and proteins. This is a struggle but I'm working hard to maintain that much dedication. I'd like to utilize gourmet raw foods to transition into simple raw foods.

Here's me personally in as much of a nutshell as I can make it:

I'm a former Network Engineer who's jobs have been repeatedly outsourced to India, Philippines, China, etc. I still do computer repair and networking on the side but only as I can get the jobs locally or for friends. I have 3 degrees, 1 in business and 2 in computer technology which are essentially wasted as far as I can see ;).

I'm a Christian, married, with 5 children, a small family I know but that's where it seems we've ended up. Our local friends all have 5 to 12 children so far.

My whole family juggles and we put on juggling shows periodically so don't be surprised at the shameless juggle plugs. It's a wonderful exercise and has been scientifically proven to increase gray matter in the brain, cognitive skills and of course reflexes.

I haven't been as dedicated to transitioning as I want recently. My FIL, who owned our home, passed away Feb 19th and we've been technically "homeless" until recently. The atty kicked us out of the house so they could sell it and divide it between the sisters. We have been living in a 28ft camper trailer with intermittent internet access until we finally found our new home, a rustic old 1920's farm house on 4.643 acres in Southern VA (blue ridge mountains). It's got a lot of work to be done but we were able to buy it without a mortgage. Now I'm trying to get my shop set up so I can make utility trailers, store and sell stuff (I make and sell soaps, body care products, and other items on ebay).

I'm hoping to make friends and gain some support and possibly a buddy system to help in the raw transition. I'm addicted to cooked foods. I didn't kick the alcohol habit on my own and I doubt I'll be able to kick cooked foods on my own. Any cfaa (cooked food addicts anonymous) sponsors out there? :).

Green Life
10-29-2007, 06:11 PM
Hello there!:)

megazelle
10-29-2007, 07:01 PM
Welcome Flanny-
I'm a food addict too and havealso kicked alcohol, so welcome aboard and we'll all be in this together!!!!!

Flanny
10-29-2007, 07:56 PM
Thanks GreenLife and Megazelle,

I'm rather tired of the problems I've had on the S.A.D. and the trouble is currently my addiction has pushers on almost every street corner. Fast food chains and inexpensive restaurants permeate the U.S. landscape and it's literally killing me. I thought kicking alcohol was hard because it was a nationally accepted drug. Cooked food is even harder to kick IMHO than alcohol.

spicyfull
10-29-2007, 11:15 PM
I wish you everything you need to Stay RAW.........Welcome to MY World.

casperlynn
10-30-2007, 08:09 AM
Hi Flanny, and a warm welcome to you! Glad you found RFT...the support here is awesome!

Wishing you all the best on your raw jouney! :)

silkyraw
10-30-2007, 08:54 AM
Hi Flanny

I too live in Southern Virginia (Lynchburg) and have recently attempted 100% raw:) I had a few stumbles in the beginning of Oct. but am back on track!

Just wanted you to know that there are other Raw Virginia folks out there:)

Good Luck!!

oceanee
10-30-2007, 07:53 PM
I believe, as I continue to struggle but am determined that RAW is the way to go, that the cooked food addiction is the hardest of any. Other addictions one can go "cold turkey" but we all have to eat to live.
Welcome.
Oceanee

EZ rider
10-30-2007, 08:50 PM
Other addictions one can go "cold turkey" but we all have to eat to live.I used this as an advantage as there are many good raw foods to choose from.
I also had addictions to alcohol and cooked foods. I found the alcohol very tough to get past. I am now free of both addictions. I have been free of the booze for over 20 years now and free of cooked food since Aug 1st (91 days all raw). I found that to get past cooked I had to apply the same principal as I used to get past booze. That is I had to be diligent in making sure that not ONE drop of booze passed my lips -- its only the first sip you have to watch out for and after that first one you move on to the hangover the next day. Going raw was the same way for me. I went totally 100% all raw and have never let ANY cooked food pass my lips again. I am now very comfortable and satisfied with raw foods and enjoying the benefits that come with being a raw fooder. BIG :)

HTH

StarFire
11-01-2007, 03:02 PM
Wow.. great post! ALOHA AND WELCOME TO RFT!! Okay - I'm a couple of days late (work scheduling!) but I wanted to welcome you anyway! .... it sounds like your home is quite lovely ... and personally I think being able to work on it - care for it and shape it into exactly what you and your wife will be able to call your 'dream home'.... now that's sayin somethin!

You will definitely find a lot of support here... I too am kicked alcohol April 2007 and everyday - defeat the dreaded food addiction.... but IT CAN BE BEATEN..... just like alcohol!

We're all here for you.... there's a lot of information here... and so many wonderful recipes.... since you love to cook... I'm sure you will find this adventure even more enjoyable.... it's like finding a new 'avenue' of cooking -- new textures, new tastes... you will find so many wonderful things that will put a smile on your face... Alissas fudge balls being one of them!! (and her enchiladas...OMG... soooo yummilicious!)

glad you've joined us... RAWK ON!! and enjoy the ride!!

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

crystalmoon
11-01-2007, 04:27 PM
Just wanted to say Hi & welcome to you. Im also in recovery for drugs & alcohol (3 1/2yrs clean time). When I put those down along with caffeine & nicotine my addictive nature jumped onto food BIGTIME :(
Ive gained 56 lbs in recovery but am trusting raw will help me to release it again in a healthy way;)
I was amazed when you said 5 kids was a small family...Im in the UK & 3 kids is about the usual amount,4 or 5 is seen to be a large family here.
Your new home sounds just perfect...you can create a new rawsome space that evolves as you do on your new raw journey:)

Green Life
11-01-2007, 11:41 PM
I wish you everything you need to Stay RAW.........Welcome to MY World.

Spicyfull, I just have'ta comment on this saying of yours. I REALLY think it is so very clever and complete. That's the best way I can explain it. It is such a cute saying. Did you make it up?