A little about me and my tummy troubles..

[DawnSierra]

Hi! I'm Dawn!:D

I was recently diagnosed with IBS after some worry I might have Crohn's like my brother. (Thank goodness I'm not that bad! Phew!) Unfortunately it turns out I also have esophagitis also when apparently is common for people like myself..

Anywho I've been doing my best to try and find a healthy diet to help me better control my tummy issues. I can't seem to find a right out diet for those with IBS but after some searching it seems raw food diets are good for it?? I honestly don't know if thats true for certain but I'm sincere in wanting to feel better and live a little healthier so thats why I'm here.Hopefully I can find some information and maybe even other people who've had similiar experiences... :o

I do have one overwhelming problem I'm afraid may halt any attempt at a raw food diet though... money, or the lack of it rather. At the moment my husband and I are subsisting on beans and rice with the occasional drop biscuit or cornbread thrown in. (We also had frozen broccoli and spinach and some canned veggies (obviously in an effort to save money and make the veggies last) but I'm afraid thats all gone and we're waiting until *hopefully* next paycheck so we can try and.. extend what we have.) Dried beans and rice are just about the only thing I could find that were high in fiber, reasonably healthy, versatile and cheap enough for us to afford. I have no idea how you can go raw or at least partially raw without spending a fortune trying to keep fresh things in stock. I'm a little worried about it but I'm determined to try and learn all I can..

Oh and I should mention my current thoughts (again remember I know diddly squat about raw food diets at the moment BUT) are a diet of lots of raw fruits and veggies with a little brown rice and maybe chicken or fish in moderation. I'm thinking maybe trying to have a abundance of food so my hubby (hes a big eater) will never feel deprived or depressed from being "on a diet."

Hope ya'll will forgive all my babbling.. I tend to run at the mouth.

So thats a bit about me and my tummy troubles. ;)


Oh! I nearly forgot to mention I'm a wee bit chubby, as is the hubby.. losing a bit of weight wouldn't hurt either. :o

[Eva]

Hi Dawn! Welcome to RFT!!! I went raw because of my stomach troubles, although I didn't go to a doctor to get a name. I was almost ready to go to a doctor about it because my stomach hurt all the time, and it just seemed like it would never end.

Here is the money I save from being raw: I no longer drink coffee or sodas or anything like that, I no longer use/need non prescription drugs (I'm not getting headaches or aches and pains any more), I no longer take Ritalin (which I did have to get prescribed and fill regularly without insurance), and I almost never eat outside of home.

Since going raw, I've gotten a new full-time job, gotten three raises and two big bonuses, and without Ritalin or coffee, I'm able to excel at my job! So, when I started raw, we were very strapped for cash, but I've been able to concentrate and improve myself. Actually come to think of it, I have a second job as well, which I didn't have the energy for before! So... now we're not so tight on money.... but we're hardly rich...

So, to save a bit on food, we do a lot of bananas, and green, leafy veggies in green smoothies in the mornings. I get nuts and seeds in bulk, and I never get so much food that it goes bad, but I get enough that I'm not without food!

I also am no longer (USUALLY!) eating for emotional reasons. Instead, I wait for the hunger signal and eat then. I find that I am always satisfied, but I do think I'm starting to eat less than I used to.

I really didn't mean to ramble so much! :eek: :eek: :eek:

I hope this is in some way helpful to you.

More importantly than my story... I'm so glad you're here!!!

[StarFire]

Aloha and Welcome to RFT DawnSierra! So glad you have joined us. Where do you live? There are rawbies on this site from all over the world - and many have shared their pearls of wisdom with newbies on where to find the best veggies and fruit - in or near your town -- or if there is a co-op near by! Invaluable information -- I wish there was a co-op close to where I live!

I'm sure the vibrant foods will help you feel better over time. It is very healing.... along with rebuilding a healthy body after the healing!

rawk on!! blessings to your and your hubby!!

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

[DawnSierra]

Thanks for the warm welcome!! :D

Eva,
I'm so glad to hear from someone else who's had some tummy problems.My stomach hurt for years and years, as did my Mother's and my Brother's, so I did my best not to complain and avoid diary but not much else. The pain got to be really bad though and my hubby got tired of hearing me complain about tummy aches and thought it was strange (TMI) I wasn't using the bathroom very often at all. The fiber and water is helping but I know if I changed my diet for the better it would have to help significantly.. ;)
Your post was so inspiring! Thanks so much.. :D

Starfire,
We live in east Texas in a VERY small town not far from a huge chicken plant (rather stinky in the summer.) I'm afraid we don't have a co-op or anything like that. We do have little stands here and there selling onions and potatoes but I have yet to find a farmer's market. We have only one choice is grocery store and their rather dismal (Brookeshires) but if we happen to have the gas money we try and make a trip to a nearby town that has a bit more to offer. Again the hubby isn't really enthusiastic but I'll be 33 this Saturday and I'm fed up with a boring cost effective diet with intermittent fast foods (quite sick of them.) Thats what happens when your deprived for a long time and then suddenly you DO have a little money you splurge on things to make you feel terrible like burgers or pizza. (I'm rambling now.. lol) I know I'd miss some things so I was thinking about going raw 6 days out of the week or something...

I'm still searching for beginner recipes. Nothing requiring speciality things like agave or anything. I think we'd tire of salad pretty quickly. lol

Anywho... THANKS FOR THE WELCOME! Your both too sweet... thanks for brightening up my day.. :D

[carolg]

My daughter is in Arlington, outside Dallas, near Ft. Worth too and was just diagnosed with Crohn's. Right now we are in the hunting stages for what to do. Boy is it a widespread topic as there are so many suggestions it's hard to choose what is right.

llivingnutrition.com may be a good forum to look at too.

rawlife.com
I see Paul has a book out now you can buy. Think $8.95ish.

My daughter is on probiotics. She's taking aloe veraa gel as she has a bleeding ulcer.

Tonight at health food store I saw book on Oil of Oregano and it talked about this parasite that is very hard to diagnose. Author suggested Oil of Oregano,, then some capsules, and also a liver cleanse. Think page 86 mentions it. It appears with this parasite, if it is so, some may have it called a different disease which I found interesting for adults or kids. Amazing.

We are looking at Garden of Life products. You can buy at health food store if near one.

She is going to have ion cleanses to rid her body of many of the antiobiotics she was pumped up with in past 4 months.

She has had many tests and finally the colonoscopy said Crohn's. She has dr. appt. believe this week too to go over results. She's not interested in drugs.

She is going to see about getting a prescription for wellness at gym too. She is mostly stressed and surely can contribute to her problem. I am thinking Yoga could help with stress relief.

Best to you.

My daughter tried green drink fast 3 days, bentonite for 10 days with no relieft.

Keep us posted. Feel well.

carolg

[StarFire]

do you have any kitchen gadgets? like a blender or food processor? There are some very easy and delicious recipes that use nuts. You can make a spicy taco meat from walnuts which is wonderful! wrap it in a lettuce leaf.... the recipe is here on RFT. See the banana up above - do a search for spicy taco meat. it's also great on salad - like a taco salad! :D

[Mona]

Dawn,

Something to tell your brother...

I know a person, a rawfoodteacher here in Sweden, who cured himself from Crohns by eating live foods, despite the doctors saying it was "Uncurable".

:)

[aliciamatheson]

Dawn,

I'm so glad that Eva responded to you because she TOTALLY popped into my mind when I read your post.

I can empathize with your financial situation and I think with savy bulk ordering and using what's available in your local grocery, you will be a-okay.

This way of living can be extremely simple if you choose.

Welcome.

[DawnSierra]

My goodness... such a response! lol Thanks everyone.. :D

carolg,
Thanks for the links! I've saved them both and I was so happy to see, straight off, there was "Colitis & Crohn's Health Recovery Center" Nice! I'll have to pass that on to my Brother.
By the way whats this probiotics diet entail? I've never heard of it. I tried looking it up but it had a brief explanation about replacing healthy tummy flora..? I am taking acidophillis pills atm (can't afford yogurt right now, consider try to make my own in the future.)
Best wish to your daughter, I know how scary Crohns can be. I don't blame her for being trepiditious... all those antibiotics and antiinflammatories CAN'T be good for you taking over such a long period of time. God bless..

StarFire,
Your avatar is so cute. hehe Unfortunately we don't have a food processor or a food dehydrator but we do have a blender, a chefs knife and a cutting board. I've heard you can make your own food dehydrator though.. ;)

Mona,
Unfortunately I don't talk to my Brother often at all but when the stomach problems got so bad I had to go to the doctor and have a bunch of tests done I had to call him given his history. I'll make sure to make an effort to let him know ANYTHING helpful.

aliciamatheson,
I talked with my hubby about our food budget being I'm very serious about doing what we can to go on a mostly raw diet, if not one day a totally raw diet. At the moment things are rather dismal being we have on average 0-$10 a week, unbelievable I know. (If I can manage to feed two adults on $10 or less a week I know I can do much more if given the opportunity.) Our financial situation is an absolute mess BUT after we get caught up its my goal to find a way to eat healthier on a tiny budget. Growing veggies & fruit might be a way out for us but again you've got that initial investment AND its the wrong time of year (unless you can somehow hot house your veggies which we can't.)


Anyywayys.. gosh look at me babble. lol Well things sound dire but I always try my best to be positive and hopeful. I think a veggie and fruit filled diet would really improve my physical state but also bring alot of joy into our lives. I just can't say thank you enough for all the helpful information! Even if it has to wait to be utilized IT WILL be utilized.. ;)

[Eva]

DawnSierra! I'm so glad all of my babbling was of some use to you!

Here is an idea in case it's helpful to you... Search at the top for "foraging"... funny I know... Some folks had a great thread going on here with tips on how to identify and find free food. It's worth a read. :)

I don't know how you can manage on such a small amount of money for food. Is there any way to get a part time job or to make different choices? Oh well, I don't want to be too personal for now.

I will say that when I first went raw, we were very tight on money (two kids to feed as well). Sometimes we did not know how we would pay the rent... My husband was born and raised in Brazil, and he's all about the rice and beans because it's cheap, and he's culturally biased. We would argue about it some when I would come home with all the fruits and veggies and have/let the kids have whatever they wanted that was raw. I stood firm that we would make it work, and that my health was worth eating more expensive food.

BUT after all of the arguments about the money and the blah blah blah... I'm literally making 3 times the income that I was at that time. It's mostly because I am able to concentrate more fully and be more creative (thanks to raw!!!!! I had not been able to concentrate without Ritalin and/or coffee before, but now I'm clear and able!). I cannot believe how I have been blessed since I started this journey in February.

Give it time, take the steps you can.

And start foraging if you have the guts! :)

[DawnSierra]

Thanks so much for the foraging suggestion... the "please help! food and money..." came up in the search so I'm reviewing it now. Looks to be pretty helpful.. Gonna' have to look into this foraging thing a bit more. :)

As far as the money situation gosh its such a mess right now, really. We had to move not long ago and what with loans to help move and what not its really cut into our food budget. We were having about $35+ or so a week but now I'm trying to make things stretch. We eat oatmeal, beans, rice, jiffy biscuits and jiffy cornbread with just a bit of frozen spinach for greens. (The beans and rice for dinner and the oatmeal for breakfast make up most of our diet.) I use dried beans that I soak each night and white rice (bleh) being you get a huge sack for very little. We drink lots and LOTS of water and sometimes iced tea. Its bland and boring and not much for nutrition but its been lasting us a while now. Its been about three weeks since we got to supplement our diet with some healthier things but we do both take our vitamins so that helps.

As far as our money issues..
My hubby works and he makes just enough for us both but being we're behind in bills and have loans its a little tight right now. I don't work being I have pretty bad anxiety disorder; if I could though I would. I looked into government support but ya know not only does that feel.. wrong somehow.. its really hard to get. They told me I should expect to be turned down several times and in the end I will need a lawyer. I don't feel right about it and other people need it much more than we do. Quite frankly I'd rather somehow find a way to build my self esteem, gather some courage and find a way to help make ends meet anyway. Hasn't happened in the last 7 years but hey.. its possible. ;)
The hubby is talking about taking a second job and I've been working on building up the courage to go and apply at a couple of places. *fingers crossed*

Oh! I completely forgot to mention we DO have a juicer. Its old and its crappy but it CAN juice. I just hadn't thought of it being we haven't been able to get any apples or carrots or anything to juice for such a long time. (I LOVE carrot apple juice.) :)

Welp I've got lots of reading to do. Thanks again for your post Eva! :D

[StarFire]

I looked into government support but ya know not only does that feel.. wrong somehow.. its really hard to get.

They told me I should expect to be turned down several times and in the end I will need a lawyer. I don't feel right about it and other people need it much more than we do.

Quite frankly I'd rather somehow find a way to build my self esteem, gather some courage and find a way to help make ends meet anyway. Hasn't happened in the last 7 years but hey.. its possible. ;)



DawnSierra ... I think it is very commendable that you want to build your self esteem, and find ways to make end meet...

but please remember -- those government programs are there to help us all if we need the help. I for one went on welfare assitance in 1989 thru 1991 until I was able to get on my feet. Of course its not there to be abused - but to help those who GENUINELY are trying to help themselves. Being able to have food stamps and money for rent was a HUGE benefit for me... and it helped during a time in my life that I thought I would never be able to get out of that hole...

so don't feel bad if you need the help. You're not there to abuse the system, just to get a hand up. there is no shame in needing a helping hand now and again... and imho - it's not wrong unless you intend to abuse the system - take money - party like theres no tomorrow and make no effort to help yourself.... then yes... those people deserve to be tarred and feathered! :cool: (okay - maybe that's a bit drastic! ;) )

strangely enough - my husband (ex husband now) was turned down twice - but I went in and they approved the assistance on the spot. Just b/c they 'say' it's hard to get -- doesn't mean it will be -- and it doesn't hurt to try! (and keep trying...)

blessings on your journey...

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/tha857f08c.gif

[DawnSierra]

Aww.. thanks Starfire... :)

Well we might decide to put a deadline on how long I have to either get some income in to help us do more than just meets the bills or to go ahead and give in and seek some financial assistance. I'm the sort of person who'd rather a hand up than a hand out... same can be said for my hubby.
I think finding something to be passionate about is always a good motivator though. Its easy to get excited about the prospect of not have chronic stomach cramping and painfully heartburn night and day.

I think I have just a few hurdles to jump before I can make the raw food plan happen. One of which is the money issue but I'm determined. Another problem, for me at least, isn't necessarily switching to a new way of eating but a new way of cooking. My chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes with gravy is pretty darn good if I say so myself and its everything I should not eat. My third hurdle is convincing the hubby (I'm sure I'm not alone in this) he's, surprisingly, not entirely opposed to the idea so long as we don't go, "..totally vegetarian.." he said with a grimace. He loves his meat... lol He also asked if this meant we had to eat our meat raw too. lol

So problem 1 being the most difficult but not impossible to solve, the 2nd just a little playful tinkering the kitchen should fix and the 3rd look not to be a problem (so long as his belly is full.) ;)

I just can't write a short post.. haha

Anywho I'll keep ya'll updated with news about the 'raw food project' here at our house. I know we can do it.. just need a little hard work and determination. :D

[justinesmith]

Hey DawnSierra ~ if you check out Amberstorms blog from a bit ago, she was posting about living on $10/week for her and her dh. She was all raw at the time. Good luck to you..... wishing you the best.

[Weezo]

In my experience the cheapest raw foods (with the best nutrient bang for your buck), tend to be bananas, big bags of (typically Red Delicious) apples, raisins, fresh spinach (always get a big container and it's pricey, but for the nutrients it's worth the cost), bulk almonds and walnuts, and Avocados (I always have some with my spinach, it increases the absorbtion of nutrients due to the fats it contains). Of course you can always utilize your beans (NEVER kidney, they are toxic when raw), and sprout them (I have done it in the past but tend to dislike their taste). I hope any of this helps!

Welcome to the board as well!

[DawnSierra]

justinesmith,
Wow! That sounds fantastic! Thanks! lol
She's got a few blogs it looks like so it might take some digging but that sound greats.. tyvm :D

Weezo,
Hey my favorite foods.. cool beans. ;)
Avocados cost a fortune and usually tend to be one of my 'special treats' when the money is available; but I'll add these to my list of cost effective raw foods to look into. Thanks very much..

[justinesmith]

justinesmith,
Wow! That sounds fantastic! Thanks! lol
She's got a few blogs it looks like so it might take some digging but that sound greats.. tyvm :D

Weezo,
Hey my favorite foods.. cool beans. ;)
Avocados cost a fortune and usually tend to be one of my 'special treats' when the money is available; but I'll add these to my list of cost effective raw foods to look into. Thanks very much..

Check her september blogs... I think that was when I read about that particular journey. :D

[DawnSierra]

Welp I shouldn't drag my intro post on too long but.. lol

Today is my birthday and fortunately I was able to make the tirp to see my parents. I shared what information I had gathered about raw food and they were intrigued! My Mother has MS so a healthier diet (they've given in to a somewhat unhealthy diet due to their houseguest who does their cooking) would be nice. Dad seems really interested in this ideas being he doesn't have a feel for cooking but raw food cooking can be terribly simple and more his speed. They used to be very healthy with lots of wheatgerm and whole wheat bread and lots of vegetables and brown rice and well I'm rambling again..

Anyyywayyss.. they liked the idea and not only enoucraged me BUT for my birthday my Mom and Dad bought took me and the hubby out to SAMS and bought a BUNCH of raw, healthy, yummy food!!!!! What a wonderful gift!!! I nearly cried after we got the truck all loaded and it started to sink in... all that food for US and enough to last us quite a while. :D
Its all so wonderful, I did my best (it was a surprised so I didn't know to have anything in mind, no list, no recipes) to grab whatever I could to start playing with raw food recipes. I got some organic, lots of fresh veggies and fruits and dried sugar free fruits, lots of walnuts and almonds and honey (not to mention some foods that do require cooking or are cooked like whole wheat bread and some whole wheat pasta and salmon and yogert.) Oh and juices and organic green tea! Yeah!!!
Thank God.. :)

Just thought I'd share being I'd gone on and on about how worried I've been over food. Granted this stash won't last forever but its enough for me to start playing with the recipes and experimenting!

Thats it... just a wee update.. thanks for all the support and the WONDERFUL welcome!! (Forgive my cornyness but..) I can tell theres a lot of love here. :)

Thanks everyone..



Now .. time to search for some recipes! W00t!!! :D

[aliciamatheson]

Dawn,

I really admire your honesty and your amazing strength of character to undertake even think about raw food, much less undertake this. So, give yourself a big pat on the back for being open to new experiences.

If I may suggest doing a search on this forum for anxiety disorders. I know many folks have have found raw food be their medication in this area.

Plus, another pat on the back, you have ventured outside of your comfort zone with raw food, so you have taken a huge step forward just by imagining how raw food will heal you.

I think I can speak for everyone on this forum when I say we want you to be successful, healthy and free of your binds.

Love, Alicia

[Eva]

Dawn!!! What a wonderful birthday gift! :)

By the way, Happy Birthday!!!

[DawnSierra]

Dawn!!! What a wonderful birthday gift! :)

By the way, Happy Birthday!!!

lol

THANK YOU!!! :D

[4forme]

Hi Dawn,
A bit of a late welcome to your introduction. It seems you have gotten LOTS of great info and encouragement to start! I hope you are able to have some fun and find some good recipes with all the food you got for your birthday!
I just wanted to jump in and tell you about my tummy troubles. I was diagnosed with IBS about 8 yrs ago. The Dr told me I would just have to live with it as there is no cure. :eek: Well, if he knew anything about IBS, and my personality, I would never "just live with" that!!!! I also was told I had fibromyalgia and that I had to live with it, as no cure either. WRONG!

Turns out I had many food intolerances and it made my gut "leaky" Leaky Gut is similar to IBS and that's actually what I have. Once I took out all the stuff I was intolerant to, I have no more tummy aches. I did have problems for a while though as my gut lining is so damamged. This is what cause all the pain I was having.
Since being raw, I have no more troubles!!! No more Fibromyalgia, no more IBS symptoms, no more pain! YEAH!
I wish you blessings on your journey into health. There are lots of resources here, don't be shy.
Blessings, Wendy

[Radiantly Raw]

Welcome DawnSierra! So glad to meet ya! What a lovely Birthday gift! WooHoo! Wow, you've gotten some great responses here! Not sure I have a lot to offer, but hey, I'll try! ;) My family struggled a while before committing to this lifestyle. There were several reasons, junk food addiction being a huge one!;) But finances were definitely at the top of the list. What helped us was my entire family going 100% raw. If we were trying to do raw & still buy other stuff for someone to eat cooked as well, we couldn't afford that. It's 4 of us, hubby & I and our 2 daughters. We were eating rice or mashed potatoes with every meal prior to raw, just trying to stretch food & save money. Even now, we barely make it by each payday (don't you love living paycheck to paycheck, just by the skin of your teeth). But so far, we've managed, and that surprised me! We used to eat out, and the money we save there goes right into our food budget. Farmer's markets help a lot. I love the idea of having a garden, I hope to do that too one day. After going raw, things began to shift for us. It was amazing, and we seemed to have just enough money to get by each week. Things just lined up some how- God is good, and He will provide!! You know, this lifestyle can be simple if you'd like it to be (or in my case need it to be)! In Alissa's book, she says most folks need the recipes to transition, and then go simpler after a while. We had to do the opposite, cause we just couldn't afford the nuts & other ingredients. I remember our first week, we had green smoothies & fruit each day and a huge salad for dinner each night. That's it! We would get lettuce and spinach at Costco to save money. After a couple weeks I bought a smaller food processor. I had a large one from 10 years ago that I never used, but I needed a small one too. Then we got a small $40 dehydrator... It just grew each week. I can see down the road someday my family eating simpler, and requiring less budget. I don't have experience with IBS, but I do have experience with the money problems, so I thought I'd share my story!:D Raw is the way to go, for anyone & everyone, it will truly change your life! Alissa's approach is so common sense and easy. It took weeks before I could afford her book & dvd, but I'm so glad I got them! Maybe you can put that on your Christmas wish list?! :D It's sure to inspire you! Just stay strong & keep your eye on the goal! You'll get there!!