Lacking self motivation, help please!

[missthomas86]

What are you guys motivations for going and staying 100% raw? Right now im not really self motivated, but i know this is the right path to go down health wise. Any advice, or tips would be appreciated.

[pete]

my main motivation is how raw makes me feel.
for example friday night i slipped up and ate some cooked food.
when i woke up saturday morning i felt awfull, stomach aches, head aches, it felt like a hangover.

that was my first slip up since going 100% and i'm pretty sure i won't do it again.

sunday i felt 100% better because i ate 100% on saturday.

[dalimeindacoconut]

Having a 7lb. tumor removed last year caused by a SAD diet I am sure and never wanting that again, extra weight that I want off as I want to be as sexy and beautiful as I can be at 45 instead of as fat and ugly as I can be, noticing results myself, eating raw then eating something SAD and see how ill you will feel, cutting out SAD sugar which was a serious addiction for me and feeling fantastic about overcoming this, feeling stronger, clearer thinking, curing my anemia, hearing positive comments from people whom I work with who say 'oh I thought about you the other day while eating something healthy' 'I knew you were here because I saw your avocado' or 'are you still doing that raw thing?' (note: they say it with a positive connotation), knowing that I can influence my mom and my daughter in a very positive way, trying several nutritional avenues and knowing intuitively that this is the right one for me, avoiding any serious sickness or disease in the future, trying on size 10 pants that fit (the smallest I've ever been is a size 8), a glow in my skin, knowing I am doing my body good, finally finding a way to eat that feels really right, not doing this perfectly, but have learned to make transitional choices which is another huge step for me. Seeing pictures of raw foodists whom had made the transformation, reading the board on a regular basis, asking specific questions I need help with to the right people.

[Radiantly Raw]

My motivation is that it is the right path. I was so tired of being on the wrong path. :( It was exhausting!

I was/am very overweight, and I knew deep down that this would be the only thing to help me release that weight forever & get healthy. I didn't have major health problems, but had the sense that they were looming around the corner. I also had 2 miscarriages this year, which was new to me, and hard to go through. I felt like it was somehow connected. I was a junk food addict, so if there was junk in my diet, there was little else. Feel free to read my blog for more about that, I explain most of the "why" in my first post.

It took me about 14 months or so from hearing about the raw lifestyle and feeling the truth of it in my heart, to doing it. I researched it all that time! But, by then my hubby had heard so much information he was ready to change his lifestyle as well & felt it would be best to transition our kids too. If we hadn't gotten to that point, I don't know if I would've done it alone. The support of doing it together has been my saving grace.

Just trust the process, and you'll be alright! Sometimes it takes a while. Hang in there. ;)

[RawHeaven]

Having a 7lb. tumor removed last year caused by a SAD diet I am sure and never wanting that again, extra weight that I want off as I want to be as sexy and beautiful as I can be at 45 instead of as fat and ugly as I can be, noticing results myself, eating raw then eating something SAD and see how ill you will feel, cutting out SAD sugar which was a serious addiction for me and feeling fantastic about overcoming this, feeling stronger, clearer thinking, curing my anemia, hearing positive comments from people whom I work with who say 'oh I thought about you the other day while eating something healthy' 'I knew you were here because I saw your avocado' or 'are you still doing that raw thing?' (note: they say it with a positive connotation), knowing that I can influence my mom and my daughter in a very positive way, trying several nutritional avenues and knowing intuitively that this is the right one for me, avoiding any serious sickness or disease in the future, trying on size 10 pants that fit (the smallest I've ever been is a size 8), a glow in my skin, knowing I am doing my body good, finally finding a way to eat that feels really right, not doing this perfectly, but have learned to make transitional choices which is another huge step for me. Seeing pictures of raw foodists whom had made the transformation, reading the board on a regular basis, asking specific questions I need help with to the right people.

WOW, you're an inspiration. Just reading your words is reminding me why I went raw and the reasons to shoot for 100%. Thank you for sharing.

[Radiantly Raw]

Some things that help me keep the right attitude while staying 100% raw:

I get on here each time I sit down to eat. I'm eating pineapple right now. The support here is unbeatable & such a blessing!

I browse through the raw food websites and blogs that I've collected over the last year. It gets me excited, and it inspires me. I don't want to do this with a bad attitude, you know?!

I listen to Rawkin Radio almost every day. I started at the first one, then listened to them in order. Now, I'm starting over again!

Hope some of these are helpful to you! :D

[missthomas86]

I know for a fact this is the right path also. Im 21, overweight and lacking funds for a 100% raw diet at this time. I have been reading "12 steps to raw food" by victoria boutenko and she believes that overeaters should maintain a 100% raw diet and normal eaters while transitioning can have cooked food. I believe this is true because when i mix raw and cooked foods in my diet, i tend to overeat and get tons of cravings. I wake up thinking about food. I know it is going to take prayer for motivation and funds to allow me to maintain 100% raw lifestyle.

[Radiantly Raw]

I haven't read that book yet missthomas, but it sounds right to me! I know my tendencies, and if I were to have any cooked food, it would be a slippery slope. More like a landslide! I'm an all or nothing kind of person. I know I shouldn't be, but so far, it seems like that's what I've always been. I can see it in looking back and observing the path I was on for so long.

We didn't have the money to be a cooked & raw family. By going all raw we cut out all restaurant expenses, and we're able to spend all of our food budget on raw foods and nothing else. That's helped. I swore I couldn't do it, we were on such a tight budget! But it seemed like as soon as we committed, the money was just there. Not tons of money, but always enough. It's been almost 3 months and we've always had enough. I'm amazed!

[missthomas86]

Thanks for your testimony Radiantly raw. Im just going to keep praying and i know things will work themselves out.

[justinesmith]

We actually spend less money on raw than we did on SAD. For my family, that is a HUGE motivater. We rarely go out to eat, we have FUN in the kitchen and our fridge is stocked with delicious fruits and veggies. What we can't use in a week, we freeze so there is little to no waste. There are four of us (me, my dh, and two darling dd's) and we spend about $500/month on groceries. Sometimes I treat myself to kombucha because I love it so much but I am looking into doing my own to save funds. We grow wheatgrass (www.wheatgrasskits.com) so we don't have to spend money on that every month. The hardest part of going raw is giving up the habit of eating cooked. It's EXACTLY the same as any other addiction. Best of luck to ya ~ we are all in this together! :D

[missthomas86]

dalimeindacoconut, any addiction there is to cooked food, i have it. im happy you overcame that, along with other health problems:D i too will overcome my addictions (hate that word).

justinesmith, It is only me that will be striving to be 100% in my family. At my job, at home, and my boyfriends house are sad eaters. This brings tons of tempation and im trying to find ways to fight it. I have always been the type of person to eat for taste and I do not like uncooked veggies for the most part unless they are carrots or something sweet. Fruits i do enjoy, but i am allergic to quite a few.

I guess as far as staying positive, i will find things to keep me going. Lately i think of the foods i will be giving up and how to maintain being raw as im always on the go.

[subbacultcha]

What really helps me motivation wise with anything is remembering that the only thing keeping me from acheiving my goals is me.

I mean, nothing's stopping you from having a raw lifestyle other than your want for cooked food, which is YOURS, and that you can control.

Mantras also help me a lot.

Hope this helps x

[missthomas86]

You are totally right. I am the only one stopping me from achieving anything. BTW, what is mantras??

[subbacultcha]

I might not be using the right word but what I mean is a phrase or some words that you can repeat to yourself in your head when you need motivating, or are in a situation that requires some willpower.

[missthomas86]

O Ok! Thanks, i do this often but didn't know what the name for it was.

[EZ rider]

I found that I did need some self discipline in the early days of all raw which I found by being quiet for a moment and listening to my inner voice of motivation and then thinking of a raw food that appealed to me in that moment and trying to supply that food to my body. As time went on it has become steadily easier until now I find pleasure in the raw foods I am choosing to fuel my body with. I love the brilliant tastes of the raw foods and I am so pleased and satisfied in the knowledge that I am providing the nutritional support for my body to thrive in radiant good health. Experiment with some raw foods so that it isn't an effort to eat raw but rather a pleasure because you can choose foods that you like and that make it not only easy but a pleasure.

[Juicy Girl]

I listen to one of Revvell's podcasts every day. I have heard all I them so I have started over (There is always a bit of information I did not remeber). I have also ordered the documentary " Eating" (I can't wait for it to arrive) and next month will order "supercharge Me". I found out about. I found out about booth of them on the podcasts.

[missthomas86]

Thanks you guys for helping me find ways to stay 100% raw.

[Dylan]

Knowing that there is a better life out there is my inspiration. I've spent so long in pain and misery, and while there have been (many) times even on this diet that I've been feeling so sad and lost, for some reason it is one of the few things that have been bringing me through to where I am now.

I feel like right now is the first time in my life I've really been able to deal with everything happening around me. I know that the Raw Food has helped me so much to be able to handle all the stressors and requirements of our world. Keep on going at your own pace doll, don't feel so intimidated that it's only 100% or nothing. While that number is very meaningful for some people, remember that nothing is more important than that you feel good. Most people who are successfully doing 100% DO NOT FEEL DEPRIVED! If you are trying to be completely raw and feel terrible or that you're holding out on yourself, then trust me you're not doing it right.

This is supposed to be a JOY. That is the inspiration: a joyful life.

[missthomas86]

Thanks dylan for those kind words of inspiration. Thinking back on my first thoughts of going raw i did feel like i would be missing out on certain/my favorite foods and activities. I do not feel like that anymore. I did some thinking and reading and i know that this is what i am supposed to be doing. As far as the all or nothing, the reason i said that is being if i have the slightest amount of cooked food in my diet my taste buds change. I desire bad foods and i dont want to feel like that. I dont want to binge anymore. I want to be healthy, happy, and have a good relationship with foods. I have mistreated my body for too long and im ready to take care of it. Im finding ways to be positive and just appreciate life and not take things for granite. I really do appreciate the support everyone has given me and for sharing your stories. I love this website, the support is awesome.

[Dylan]

:D

Good for you Miss Thomas! That is a fabulous attitude, it sounds like you are ready for growth and transformation.

[missthomas86]

I am and i have friends on rawfoodtalk to share it with which is so AWESOME!!!;)

[crystalmoon]

Striving for full recovery from long term physical & emotional illness & addictions motivates me.
You are sooooooooo right Subbacultcha - great advice :)

[crystalmoon]

dalimeindacoconut - wow thank you for sharing that you are really inspiring me :)

[crystalmoon]

Wishing you a wonderous raw journey :D
hoping you go from strenghth to strength ;)

[missthomas86]

Thanks so much crystalmoon! I wish you much success on your journey also.