more than weight loss

[IamLoved]

Hi everyone,

I have come to realize that living the raw lifestyle has to be about more than just losing weight. While weight loss is definately a wonderful thing eating raw really needs to be about more. There are lots and lots of different ways to lose weight, but only one way to be healthy. Eating raw and living foods is the healthiest way to eat and to feel the best you can. If you are making this all about weight loss than you are missing the bigger picture of health and wellness. I know that when I have my head on right, and I am eating raw because it is the best way for me to feel great and prevent so many diseases, I don't struggle nearly so much with SAD cravings, because why would I want to poison myself? When I look at this only as a great way to lose weight quickly then I am easily sidetracked by lots of other "diets" that promise results with less conflict.

[StarFire]

Excellent Post IAmLoved... and so very TRUE.

once we get past the 'weight loss' issue.. and look at THE WHOLE PICTURE.... then we enter TRUE FREEDOM....

Health and Healing - Spirit, Soul and Body... A beautiful and wonderful quality of life for the rest of our life... and the freedom to soar and truly be who we really are... our true selves emerge....

and it's a beautiful thing...

EXCELLENT POST.... and one we all need to be reminded of!

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

[Riiiya]

i absolutely agree. i started raw because of the desire to MAINTAIN low weight AND because i actually had a health concern...... my raw journey has ups and downs and at the moment i feel like i'm getting chubby (maybe not, i don't know) because i exercise less. But raw is more than about weight- some people i live with think i'm "on a diet" but that's so missing the point.

Besides, i don't know how about other people, but when i went raw i practically WOKE UP from the MATRIX! First you start finding out how messed up the food industry is, then it just gets you into all kinds of new information... and you suddenly understand the cause of illnesses and why people are so down all the time..

ok sorry, this is longer than i planned to write

p.s. and no SAD- pizza or ice-cream- can be more enjoyable than raw! i just came back from a local health-food store, bought some raw goji cacao treats, raisins, and Kombucha... mmm!

[Nurse in the Raw]

Besides, i don't know how about other people, but when i went raw i practically WOKE UP from the MATRIX! First you start finding out how messed up the food industry is, then it just gets you into all kinds of new information... and you suddenly understand the cause of illnesses and why people are so down all the time..

Its funny you should say that. I am glad I am out of the Matrix too......now how do we get everyone else out?

[SuBu]

I have to admit, I'm one of those who began raw to lose weight--I didn't have any social conscience whatsoever. Didn't know any better. I have gotten, and am continuing to get such an education right here on RFT. I hate to sound like I lived under a rock (or in the Matrix!) but obviously I did. I am so into the health aspect of this lifestyle now. I chose raw because it was a "new" diet--one I'd never tried. Done all the others. Needed something new and exciting to motivate me. I'd lost 60 lbs and needed to lose 60 more. Couldn't stay motivated on the old diet. So, little did I know how my life would be transformed. I have to watch myself. People hate being preached to. I just share tidbits and let them see (maybe sample) me goodies. Most people feel it's just IMPOSSIBLE to eat this way. Still wanting the magic bullet. But the health benefits and the "EWWWW" factor about so much of SAD foods (and foods in general) have kept me here even though I am not seeing the "pound-a-day" loss I envisioned. In fact, I can't believe I'm still here after not losing the weight I expected. That's just not like me! I attribute it to the sound science behind this lifestyle, the good food, the awakening I've felt, and the wonderful community on this board. Thank you.

[Riiiya]

Its funny you should say that. I am glad I am out of the Matrix too......now how do we get everyone else out?

hihi, well that's a good question. As Subu mentioned, nobody likes being preached to. So far i am working on my attitude- i want to be radiant and happy- this attracts people, really. Then they want to find out how you do it.... then i just share some information without pushing it- and i actually got two of my good friends who SWORE by dairy products to stop consuming it- and i NEVER PUSHED, but the bits of information i gave them here and there made them wonder...and eventually "wake up" from the matrix themselves ;)

[tanishamarshall]

I totally agree that you find out it's not just about weight loss but it's about finding yourself, the real you, the person hiding under the SAD foods which tend to cover up things or supress problems and raw brings everything to the light and you have to start dealing with things that you never had on a SAD diet.

SAD Food really puts a blanket over your head and you think everything is ok when it isn't. Raw Food exposes us and make us better people, better then we have ever been before, at least for me it has.

[crystalmoon]

Hi there i am soooo with you on the waking up & disconnecting from the matrix!
Im so glad to be awake but do find it scary sometimes the way I can suddenly 'see' how awful big companies are etc. It really is the veil falling from my eyes!

My path to raw started when I went to a vegan festival this summer & literally woke up! Cannot now understand why I havent been vegan all my adult life. And how could I have believed that somehow buying organic meat made it ok????!!!!! Am so amazed at how asleep i have been over the years. Have been reading as much as possible & changing as much of my life as a I can to reduce my toxic load...

AHA! Ive just had a 'lightbulb' moment writing that last sentence...my detox is fierce & Ive been wondering why...its not just the food in my life that has changed but also my toothpaste, toilet rolls, household cleaning products, sanitary protection, clothing...EVERYTHING has changed so much in the last 3 months ;)
No wonder Im having a mega detox ;)