Morbid Obesity Prison- Breaking OUT!

[MyQuest4Health]

Hi everybody!!
I'm so glad to have found this place! I'm Angel- married mom of 3 blessings and on Day 16 of my 100% Raw Food Challenge. My highest weight EVER was 352lbs in September 2006. A mom in our homeschool support group shared her testimony of losing 100lbs and eating at least 75% Raw Foods. I've learned alot in the past year and have made slow but significant changes to my family's diet. I've yo-yo'd but overall losing but still struggling too much.
I finally decided I had enough. On November 25th at 326.5 lbs I began a 30-day Raw Food Challenge. As of December 9th, I'm at 314.5. Now 17 days into this I am thinking I will go past the 30 days but I am taking it 30 days at a time and not deciding for sure before then. I want to "listen to my body" but mostly, follow what I feel God puts in my heart about this.
I do belong to a healthymoms club locally, but no one else is doing "that Raw Food thing" and I get questions like "aren't nuts fattening?" or "where do you get your protein?" to "how many points is that?". I just love them to death but they just don't get it!
So, I could realllly use some real understanding support!

Has anyone else here ever gone from "morbid obesity" to thriving health and lost over 100lbs? My husband and children support me and are eating more Raw Foods even though not 100% like me which is fine. I praise God for that. My extended family doesn't know because they already think I'm on the fringe for changing our eating habits so much already (no processed foods/ preservatives/ going organic/ eating less meat, etc.) add homeschooling on top of that and now Raw Foods?? They'll put me in an institution!! LOL

Isn't that sad though? How eating so naturally is now "weird"???

Okay, this is long enough! Sorry!

Here's my food log and blog w/pics. I'm SO glad to found this place!!!

Angel
http://myquest4health.blogspot.com

[walnutty]

Welcome, Angel! I just stayed up waaaay past my bedtime and read your whole blog. Very inspiring and very honest. Congratulations on passing "the test" on Day 16!!! Looking forward to reading your daily updates. You should be very proud of yourself!!!

[VeroP]

Hello and welcome!

I'm sure there a several who can give testimony here. My highest weight was 311 a few years back. My starting weight in April was 298 - both in morbidly obese category with a height of 5'7".

Since April 8 I have been 100% raw with my daughter. I am now at about 210 pounds - 89 pounds from starting weight, 101 pounds from highest known weight.

I am still in the obese category based on BMI, but somewhere around 190 pounds will drop to the "overweight" category. Life is much better and I am feeling great! The weightloss has slowed in the last few weeks (2 months maybe) but that is probably because I have not committed to an exercise program.

You will find wonderful advice and support here. Stop by often, even just to peek in.

Do your research so that you can answer those questions that come to you. Definitely get Alissa's book when possible, her recipes can be life saving when you are craving something more and her information and insights are invaluable.

Be passionate about your health. Look forward to having normal sized wrists, your clothes dropping off of you, the need to do some shopping at a thrift store, and just feeling normal again. Loor forward to doing things that you have been afraid to do, but which you never quite said outloud that you wouldn't do them because of your weight. It is a journey to better health, the weightloss for those of us who are obese is a bonus. It is the savoring of the journey that is the important part, not the arrival at the destination.

Peace,

VeroP

[Radiantly Raw]

Hi Angel! I can't wait to read your blog!

I'm still obese, but staying 100% raw is releasing the weight slowly but surely.;)

I was so worried that everyone would think I had gone off the deep end with this! I already have different political views than my family & friends, I'm the only one who speaks out about processed foods, vaccinations, natural living in general, and I homeschool! I didn't want to stand out anymore!!:eek: But, it's all worked out. After 4 months, I think they know it isn't some fleeting fad I decided to experiment on my family with!!

So, welcome to the boards, I know you'll find lots of support here. Try using that banana search button up top and look for before & afters. I think that might bring up some great inspiring threads to peek at!!

[mtraezme]

Hi Angel!

I can't check out your blog right now, but I wanted to say welcome and that you won't be "weird" around here.

There is also a thread called (I think) Obese Raw Foodists. If you click on the New Posts above, it should come up as it's usually pretty active.

I used to be over 220 pounds and and 5 foot 1 that's in the morbidly obese range. I can happily say that I'm now 125 :D It's awesome that you're taking care of yourself and your family and that you've already got two weeks under your belt!

Welcome again and good luck

[Frugal Raw]

Welcome Angel! My weight stats are below in my siggy;)...but at one time, I was somewhere over 300 pounds, myself. You will LOVE this lifestyle - and it looks like you are already doing some amazing rawsome things in the kitchen!!!! Remember that we are ALL here for you whenever you need/want us:D

Happy Holidays!

[RawHeaven]

Hi Angel, you have a great blog! Thank you for sharing. I know how tough it can be when those emotional temptations surface - I also learned what foods I associated with comfort, family and fun. It's an interesting process and congrats on overcoming that fast food chicken temptation.

You're very talented in the raw kitchen. Your dishes look better them some I've seen prepared by notable raw food chefs. I look forward to reading about your progress...extremely inspiring.

Best wishes & good luck!

Crystal

edit: I forgot to ask, can I come over for dinner?! :-D I hope you open a restaurant one day...

[Nurse in the Raw]

I was so worried that everyone would think I had gone off the deep end with this! I already have different political views than my family & friends, I'm the only one who speaks out about processed foods, vaccinations, natural living in general, and I homeschool! I didn't want to stand out anymore!!:eek: But, it's all worked out. After 4 months, I think they know it isn't some fleeting fad I decided to experiment on my family with!!



I guess eating raw and homeschooling go hand and hand. I have one that goes to public school and one that I homeschool and yes my family thinks I am weird so I guess we are all in great company.

[MyQuest4Health]

WOW!! I am crying tears of joy here! What wonderful people you all are! thank you SO much for your replies to my first post. I feel so supported already and to be around others in the same mindset and situation- that is SUCH a blessing. Thank you!

Hope it's okay to reply to send a MRIO post! Here I go!

Wanutty- You are TOO sweet! Thank you for reading my blog. It's been one crazy year for me.. many ups and downs.. dabbling and trying but struggling so much still. I needed a clean break and I believe with all my heart this is IT for me now.

VeroP- What an inspiration you are to me! Congratulations for losing all that you have so far! Wow.. that is amazing. VeroP, you had me in tears. When I pray I envision myself thriving, strong, healthy, MOVING, and FREE. I thank God for giving me that vision because I believe He's truly given me the tools and daily strength to see it come to pass. I will savor the journey, indeed. I am so glad to have met you! Thank you

Dearest Resa,
I found your blog last night and read alot of it and I have to tell you- I can really hear your heart and relate to your pain as well. IT's so neat to find another mom so much like me! I too have experienced losses and my heart LONGS for another child. I pray pray pray that it is God's will but I know He wants me to be WHOLE first. I am praying to be content with whatever plan He has for me. Thank you for letting me be real! Congratuations on the progress your family has made so far! What a GIFT you and your husband are giving those beautiful children! I especially loved the birthday cake picture.. what a great mom you are! You know with homeschooling it's often life schooling for us and so my children (9yo twin boys, 6yo daughter) are "into" whatever I'm "into" and my 6yo daughter can tell you why GOD made foods are so much better for you than man-made foods LOL. They are raw with me all day, love Green Smoothies, fresh juices, and especially raw treats but will eat the healthier (yet mostly cooked) dinner I still make for the evening since DH is not ready to make that change yet and I honor his position on that. We have started eating Raw Dinners now 1-2 times a week and so I'm so happy about that! Llittle by little- chains broken girl!! God is good!

Dear mtraezme,
CONGRATULATIONS on your fantastic health transformation! 125 lbs?! Geez! I weighed that in 5th grade!! (how sad is that!? LOL) Thank you for the link to the Obese Raw Foodist thread I'm definitely going to check it out!

Dear Mattye-
I so enjoyed alot of your blog especially your recipes! I am trying "refried beans" recipe tonight for dinner! You are such a beautiful woman and inspiration. Congratuations on your accomplishments so far! Thank you for such a warm welcome. :)

Dear Crystal-
You are too sweet! Thank you. I am having fun making food. It's more fun that cooking regular food which I don't enjoy as much LOL. I am no where near as talented as you think- I'm just a good copy cat LOL!! How's that for honest! Actually, I have made up some of my own recipes like a Flax/Veggie bread that I can't get enough of but I'm excited to learn more and more. Thanks for understanding me especially with that whole temptation episode I had yesterday. I am SO glad I overcame (thank you Lord!) because today it paid off- I'm down 2 more lbs!! Woo Hooo 312 which means I hit the 40lbs GONE FOREVER mark!!
Speaking of restaurant, I am so sad- there doesnt seem to be anything RAW in San Antonio, TX! I guess with our #3 rating as Fattest cities in america and all the rich mexican food (I'm Mexican so I know what I'm talking about LOL)- there may not be much market for Mexican Raw Foodist LOL!!! Closest scene I found is in Austin, TX - a raw group that meets monthly. I'm a little shy about going over there though, don't know what to expect at all. Anyway! Thanks for the support!

Nurse in the Raw-
I read your story about your son being told to stay away from the salad and I was shocked too! Before becoming a fulltime homeschooling mom I worked in the school system for 7 years and saw first hand how much the type of foods there contribute to the failing health of many children. So sad. I am so glad to get a chance to meet you and support you as well in this journey! Congratulations on your progress so far!

[Frugal Raw]

Aw Shucks;) We're glad to have you! Thanks for the compliments - you're gonna LOVE those beans - so many of us are already addicted;) I love to roll them up in a collard leaf with chopped white onions and some hot pepper sauce - much like a healthy Taco Bell burrito, in my opinion;)

[Carlsbad]

Hi!

I just wanted to say congrats on finding this lifestyle--it really will change your life! I live in Austin, and though I haven't been to the raw food meetup group yet, we do have a raw food counter at the Whole Foods downtown. They have several raw entrees and a whole case of raw foods to go that change every once in a while (right now it's all holiday type food). I definitely recommend stopping by if you're ever near Austin. Their raw tostada will knock your socks off! Also, definitely get Alissa's book. I really missed Mexican food when I first went raw, and several of her recipes really filled the gap for me.

Again, welcome and a huge congratulations on all your progress so far!!

[ShelShel]

Welcome! You are doing so great. Oh, my, gosh your food pics are divine! :D Yum!

I started out at 177 pounds and lost 64 last year eating raw. (I'm only 4'9") I still have some to lose, but I've tried my whole life and nothing worked the way that raw does! It's not just that it helps me lose weight either. I'm no longer tired all the time. My acne clears up and my mood is so much lighter. I don't snip as much as I used too. :p

RAW is the best! God blessed me when I stumbled onto this site. I'm so glad you found it too!

You can do this...and others don't understand because it's different, but in time they will understand that it is normal for you. It took time, but the people in our family know, our church family knows, and even the people who work at our local hang outs know...I'm raw. They see me coming and say, "Ice water with lemon to drink?" I smiled at the yummies in the bakery the other day and the women behind the counter said, "Oh, no you don't!" :D I said..."I can look! I just can't touch."

It becomes a life style and your happiness and health become the focus people see...not what you are eating. God Bless. Raw (((HUGS)))

[Radiantly Raw]

Dearest Resa,
I found your blog last night and read alot of it and I have to tell you- I can really hear your heart and relate to your pain as well. IT's so neat to find another mom so much like me! I too have experienced losses and my heart LONGS for another child. I pray pray pray that it is God's will but I know He wants me to be WHOLE first. I am praying to be content with whatever plan He has for me. Thank you for letting me be real! Congratuations on the progress your family has made so far! What a GIFT you and your husband are giving those beautiful children! I especially loved the birthday cake picture.. what a great mom you are! You know with homeschooling it's often life schooling for us and so my children (9yo twin boys, 6yo daughter) are "into" whatever I'm "into" and my 6yo daughter can tell you why GOD made foods are so much better for you than man-made foods LOL. They are raw with me all day, love Green Smoothies, fresh juices, and especially raw treats but will eat the healthier (yet mostly cooked) dinner I still make for the evening since DH is not ready to make that change yet and I honor his position on that. We have started eating Raw Dinners now 1-2 times a week and so I'm so happy about that! Llittle by little- chains broken girl!! God is good!


Thanks Angel! It's sad to hear of your losses. I feel for you sweetie. I'm praying that He blesses us with another child or two. It's odd. This was the toughest year ever for me because of those losses, yet it's been such an amazing, liberating, and spiritual year as well. I thank God every day for leading me to this lifestyle. I know it's what He wants for my family. That makes passing up the fried chicken have more meaning, right?!

My 6 yr old has mentioned recently that she's missing cooked foods. I think I need to get more creative in the kitchen. I've been tired lately & lazy!:rolleyes: She does know why, but hasn't latched on to it the way I hoped she would. She loved experimenting in the kitchen when we sued to bake & cook. I know the answer is getting her into the kitchen now as well. I need to check out your recipes to see what looks great! I think I missed that part of your blog! What do your kids eat during the day? Wondering if there's some new ideas to keep my oldest happier. My 3 yr old doesn't mind our selection, but I'm sure she'd like more variety as well.

You're right about the homeschooling. She's learned more about true nutrition than most 6 yr olds I'm sure!!;) And a good amount about conviction too.

Alissa has provided a Raising Raw Kids section here too! If you haven't checked it out yet, you should! It's so cool that your kids are in it with you during the day. That's really great!!

Definitely come over to the Obese thread & join us there. This IS a very supportive group & I'm glad you found it!!:D

[Radiantly Raw]

You can do this...and others don't understand because it's different, but in time they will understand that it is normal for you. It took time, but the people in our family know, our church family knows, and even the people who work at our local hang outs know...I'm raw. They see me coming and say, "Ice water with lemon to drink?" I smiled at the yummies in the bakery the other day and the women behind the counter said, "Oh, no you don't!" :D I said..."I can look! I just can't touch."

It becomes a life style and your happiness and health become the focus people see...not what you are eating. God Bless. Raw (((HUGS)))

What an awesome post! You're SO right ShelShel!:D

[Radiantly Raw]

I guess eating raw and homeschooling go hand and hand. I have one that goes to public school and one that I homeschool and yes my family thinks I am weird so I guess we are all in great company.

Yes, I think we're used to thinking outside the box perhaps? It's a good fit though!

[klomasius]

Welcome Angel!

I saw your videos on youtube, I'm dismutased!

So glad you've come here, this is definitely the most supportive and comprehensive raw forum I've ever encountered, and you will find MANY like minded people (I think you have already!) :)

It's so good to see someone start on the path to true health and get so many benefits from it. I LOVE looking at all the before and after posts here as there are some people who have had major weight/health issues who have gone through amazing transformations (physically and mentally) and been changed forever for the best.

There's so much wrong with the world, and the more there are great changes like these ones, the closer we are to developing a cohesive community for change and making the general population sit up and listen.

BEST WISHES!!!!!

[MyQuest4Health]

I loved the sunflower seed beans!! So did my family! Wooo hooo!!!

[MyQuest4Health]

Carlsbad,
Thank you so much for the warm welcome.. I found out about WF Raw Counter and plan to visit out there one weekend when we can drive out. I'm looking foward to it! Congrats on your progress too!
Angel

[MyQuest4Health]

Shel Shel,
You are SO right.. thank you for that reminder and encouragement! That is what I want- for it to just become part of me not "that weird diet I"m doing" (sigh LOL)
thank you for the super warm welcome!
and WAY TO GO on your accomplishments so far! Glad you liked my pics. I'm such an amateur!

[MyQuest4Health]

Resa,
Thanks again for your support. Regardingmy kids well they know they are pretty much eating what I'm eating but they will also make other things on their own (albeit "healthier" but not totally raw foods). They love smoothies of all kinds, they love fruit salads for breakfast too, I madethem Oat Groats oatmeal- I used the Dehydrator to make Veggie Burgers from Serene Allison's Book Rejuvenate Your Life Recipes for Energy - they likd those with lettuce buns..something more "grabby" and filling you know?
I made a raw version of Peanut butter banana sandwiches (one of their favs) using Sprouted Kamut Bread made in the D, raw almond butter with raw honey, and slices bananas plus raisins sprinkled.. those were a big hit..
I thought I could try also to emulate the "grilled cheese sandwich" another favorite by using the Flax/Veggie Bread I made in the D, raw butter I made from fresh cream (sorry I have not made a decision about the Vegan part of raw- I figure as long as it's raw, it's okay for now) and either some nut cheese or raw milk cheeses that I buy from the same diary I get our raw milk from..then just gently warmed in the D to soften
little by little.. I have not taken away anything from what they can eat other than what we no longer eat as a family- candy, white sugar, processed foods, etc.) but I am adding in stuff instead.. I am hoping they will start to like the raw stuff more than the cooked with time.. I see for my family more like 50-60% doable for the long term even for my DH but it will take time.
HTH.. again, sorry if my raw dairy is inappropriate.. I mean no offense to anyone

[MyQuest4Health]

Hiiii! Thanks again for your feedback onmy youtube video! It helped!
Thanks also for the warm welcome here... I joined long ago butnever read much and never posted.. so glad to have found it again!
Angel

[spicyfull]

I wish you all the Best..........

[Eveleaf]

I was morbidly obese when I started my raw food journey in May of 2006. I have lost over 100 pounds so far (have at least another 50 to go) and it is all because of raw. I hope you'll find your way, too! ;)

[SuBu]

Eveleaf, come join us on the Obese thread. We can use your experience!

[Morn]

Hi Angel welcome to RFT. You sound a lot like me when I started. I think that is cool that you are taking it 30 days at a time that is what I did. I too am a Christian and feel like God led me to eating raw and this site. I am one pound away from losing 100 pounds (eating raw). My highest weight before I started raw was around 240 so it is more like I have lost 110 pounds from my heaviest. I have went from being a size 20 to a size 4. Hopefully by tomorrow I will be at my goal of 130.

Anyway I just wish you well as you continue on your journey - know that you can do all things through Christ that strengthens you! I claimed this as my signature 15 months ago when I began and it is true! I have also found that having accountability is key to being successful at this. Join the challenge threads for eating and exercising that will help. If you have friends in real life that can help with this that is cool to. THe main thing is the more people you tell about your lifestyle change the more you will be held accountable. God blessings to you! You can do this!:D