Newbie from Long Island, NY

[ImaVeganVeggie]

Hello all. First, let me say that I love this site! Great info and great people! So inspiring!

I've been a vegetarian for 17 years and a vegan for 1. I've been overweight basically all my life. I may even considered myself a food addict or compulsive eater. I want to take more control of my eating. Meaning, I want to prepare my own food. Throughout my years of being a vegetarian, I've relied on packaged foods. VeggieBurgers, VeggieChicken, etc. I rarely ate veggies & fruit. Since I was a vegetarian because I no longer wanted to eat animals killed for me, I ate whatever didn't have animal ingredients with no real concern for how healthy it was. But this is, hopefully, all in the past.

My focus will be on getting healthy. Eating nutritious food and making exercise a big part of my life. Losing weight will simply be a very wonderful added bonus :)

[maraw]

Here, here (applause)! I couldn't agree with you more, or encourage you enough. You are singing my song. I did the same thing when I was vegetarian - relayed heavily on pre-made foods for work, and even at home. It wasn't until recently that I found raw. I want to get healthy, and losing some weight would be a nice little perk too.

Now, I am not an authority on the subject, I am only on day 6 of 100% raw. But I can tell you in that short time frame, I have experienced a real transformation - not just eating, but outlook too. This thing really gets to you, you know?

Well, I just wanted to say welcome and you are in the right place for support, encouragement and general advice. This is a great group of people here.

Best wishes on your journey.

[ImaVeganVeggie]

Thanks for your reply. I had my first smoothie this morning ... Leftover frozen Peas & Carrots, Apple, Banana. It was truly yummy! I feel different already after three days of eating maybe 75% Raw. I think I'm hooked :) I ordered Alissa's Book & DVDs last night and can't wait to get them!

Have a Great Day!

Maria