How did you transition...

[gettingskinny]

to raw foods? I would love to be 100% raw vegan. However, it seems being all raw AND all vegan is too much for me. I can seem to do all vegetarian and about 90% raw. How did you transition? What did you eat in the beginning as to not get overwhelmed? Did you keep it simple while learning recipes and while stocking up on new ingredients or did you go all out?

Thanks!

[StarFire]

Hey there gettinskinny! I jumped in with both feet - 100% and joined the April 2007 challenge. I followed the 30 day plan Alissa has laid out in her book. It really helped me cuz I had no idea what I was doing - how to prepare anything raw (other than a salad)... and she even gave me a grocery list! The menu was easy to prepare and delicious - I really had fun experimenting on all these incredible new foods and flavors!

I highly recommend following that path to anyone considering transitioning to the living on live foods LIFEstyle... it simply RAWKS....

enjoy the ride...

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/naked.jpg

[ShelShel]

I second this suggestion! I didn't have Alissa's book until I had already been raw for about 8 months. But once I got it...I went...OH!!!!! There were so many things I had to learn the hard way, by trial and error and there is really no point in doing that when she has it all laid out for you. ;) Keep trying, you will get there.

[Radiantly Raw]

We went 100% raw overnight. But, we kept it simple while learning recipes & stocking up on foods. In the beginning we couldn't afford a lot of the staples and concentrated on fresh fruits and veg. I started with recipes from this board until i could afford Alissa's book & dvd. It's still the only raw book I have! Now I'm all set & it's been awesome!

[shine72]

We went 100% raw overnight. But, we kept it simple while learning recipes & stocking up on foods. In the beginning we couldn't afford a lot of the staples and concentrated on fresh fruits and veg. I started with recipes from this board until i could afford Alissa's book & dvd. It's still the only raw book I have! Now I'm all set & it's been awesome!

Not to hijack, but OMG Resa, you look FABULOUS!:D LOVE the new avatar pic! Work it girl!:D

[Radiantly Raw]

:D Shine, you truly made my night! Thank you SO much!!!!:D :D :D

[shine72]

Not a problem. Didn't know you responded to this already. I sent you an email too, in case you hadn't seen this one.:o

[gettingskinny]

I just have to buckle down and buy that book! Is there still a 5% discount available?

So, it seems you all just jump right in.

Tonight I went to Costco and Sprouts and loaded up on fresh fruits, veggies and other raw products. I'm noticing that we'll have to compromise on organic a little bit. Hopefully not for long.

I'm going to post my grocery lists on my blog.

I've been wavering that last 2 weeks on what to eat and do, but every time I come to this board it just feels so right. Plus I know how I feel when I have a raw day and a cook day...the difference is so noticeable.


Radiantly Raw..you look awesome mama! I am so proud of you! I'm gonna have to catch up on your latest posts!

Thanks you guys!

[durianrider]

great question!

go raw as fast as possible..as slowly as neccessary..we only have finite days on this planet..want more go raw..

ive been 100% raw vegan for just over 2 years now..i run marathons, ride my bike around the world..up to 515km in a day..100% raw vegan...its just a choice..

eating sufficient fresh fruit is key. starvation diets never work..undereating carbs from fruit will just have us reaching for cooked starches, animal products or heaps o fat..none of them work..fruits and greens..get you into your tightest jeans!

today i ate 6kg of cantalope, 17 bananas and 10 mangoes with 1kg of tomato and heaps of tender greens..all cert organic..and i live on unemployment benefits..so anyone can do it if they want..

go to organic wholesalers or do what my friend does and form a co-op..her whole family eats organic for free now!

turn off the negative talk from others and tune into low fat fruit bat raw vegan liv'n!

because life is a RAWING adventure or its nothing!

ps; here is a pic of me winning a durian speed eating comp in thailand this year..getting paid on national tv to eat my fav fruit..this is what raw is about! get stuck in!

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p98/durianrider/3.jpg

[jacsam]

I noticed when I started drinking what I call a green drink every day that I wasn't craving chips and especially sweets, even raw treats as much. I make green drinks in alot of different ways but basically they are: bananas (froozen if you want more of a shake consistency) juice of an orange (or any other fruit, even water) a big handfull or two of spinach leaves. Sometimes I'll add flaxseed or rassberries. My son even adds carob or chocolate and it's good. If you need it sweeter as you begin you can add a sweetener like agave. Also, having a raw dessert in the fridge always helps me, sometimes I don't need it and it gets eaten by the rest of the family but it's nice to have when you need something sweet. I have a few favorites that are favorites for two reasons, they're yummy and they're quick. Just keep working at it and one day it will just happen.

[gettingskinny]

It seems as though you all just jump in. I posted about this on my blog this morning.

durian...that is awesome. it's great to hear how happy you are living your life and living it raw. i'd love to do a interview with you for my blog.

jacsam...i agree that smoothies and having a raw treat in the fridge are great ideas to help keep you raw. i did both today!

[Carlsbad]

Durian rider, you are a wordsmith! "Fruits and greens get you into your tiniest jeans!" I'm going to be singing this to myself all through the holiday parties this weekend. Awesome!