what made it "click" for you?

[4forme]

The first time I went 100% something "clicked" for me and it was super easy. I was dedicated to it and nothing cooked would get passed my lips.
I slipped due to major frustration and some misunderstandings.
I agree this is the best for me right now, and I just can't seem to get that dedication back. I never got the aversion too cooked food that some of you talk about. The smells and sights were always tempting, and obviously still are.
I am sick of the veggies and smoothies I used to make, assume that my body doesn't need those things anymore. I am nervous about the variety, or lack there of becuase I don't know the local veg. very well (live in asia). Organic is out of the question, as I would be spending exorbitant amounts of $$ on just myself for food weekly. AND, I just found out the "raw" nuts aren't really raw!!! :mad:
So, I feel somewhat defeated already with these hinderances. I have brainfog majorly due to illnesses, and just want to get better. Planning a meal for everyone, that actually pleases everyone and then something raw for myself, besides the salad every day for every meal, gets very time consuming.
Now, we are traveling to Malaysia for Christmas and getting enough raw food to last me is not possible, so I will end up eating some cooked. I am sick of comprimising. It leads to addiction and overeating. I need balance in the face of difficulty until my life is back in routine. This has been the most stressful week, and I won't even tell you what I just put in my mouth!:eek:

Boy, this turned out very whiny, sorry! I just want it to be easy again!
So, in all of this, I am actually just asking, what exactly made it "click" for you. To stick with it, through thick and thin?
Thanks for listening!

[Shell]

Hey 4forme.....I can totally relate. When I started out, it was smooth sailing, then I ate something I shouldn't have, and it just landslided into a complete mess! I guess the thing that keeps bringing me back, is that I know what raw can do for me......I know how I felt when I was eating all raw, and it felt damn good! I also know how detrimental some foods can be....like dairy for instance. I've seen some videos on youtube that would make you swear off dairy for the rest of your life! So, knowing that, how can I possibly put those
foods into my body? I can't plead ignorance anymore! I also understand your point about not feeling an aversion to cooked food. I never got that either. Every time I saw something I used to eat, I wanted it......
I know sometimes it seems so hard to stick with it, but I guess it comes down to you, and how you feel about it all. It shouldn't be so hard, I mean, if you plan on doing this as a lifestyle, you've got a long way to go, so you may as well enjoy it! And if you slip, and eat cooked food sometimes, just pick yourself back up, and make the next thing you put in your mouth something raw. Believe me, I've been there, and AM there, but I eat as much raw as possible.....sometimes all raw, sometimes partially raw. I've come to learn that it's not about percentages, it's about your health, and how you feel.
I find that Alissa's advice about not thinking about what you CAN'T have, but what you CAN, has really helped me. So have RP's brownies!:D I say, find recipes that are easy, and you like, and it won't be so hard. If you're sick of salad, stop eating it! If you're sick of smoothies, stop making them! I go through phases where the dishes I once ate everyday, make me nauseous. I just make other things until it passes. I don't know what to say about making food for others, as it's just me, so I'm sure you'll get lots of helpful advice on that. All my best to you, and I hope you find what you're looking for!

*just in case*

Raw Priestess's Brownies

1 cup dates (unsoaked)
1 cup walnuts (unsoaked)
1/4 cup cacao

Place in food processor, and blend until well blended; should still be dry and chunky, appx 30 seconds. Press into a small springform pan. Refrigerate until you can insert a knife and it isn't too sticky.

Cut into little pieces, then place in plastic baggies and freeze.

They can be eaten fresh from the fridge or from the freezer.

(Note: Sometimes you have to add a teaspoon or so of water so they stick together. You can also form them into balls and then roll them in raw coconut.)


Icing!

2 small ripe avocados
1/2 -3/4 c agave nectar (raw "blue" agave is best, but is harder to find)
1/4 c raw cocao powder (or less)
2 T coconut oil
1 T alcohol-free vanilla
dash of sea salt
dash of cinnamon (optional)
banana or strawberry slices for garnish

Place everything in a VitaMix or high-power blender or food processor and blend (on high) until very smooth.

Keep stored in an air-tight container in the fridge.

[4forme]

Thanks Shell,
I guess, deep down I know these things. The committment needs to be made in my heart. It's so difficult. I think you are right in alot of what you said. Focus on what you CAN have vs. what you cannot, or better yet, choose not to have.
Also, having recipes that are quick on hand is key. I have a few books, but looking through them, finding something I like, then realizing I don't have the ingredients, or the raw form anyway gets frustrating! It is a journey, and each tep takes you closer, regardless of what you put in your mouth, because you learn from it.
I feel FANTASTIC when eating high raw! So, you would think it wouldn't be that hard. It seems when something starts working, I almost purposely sabotage myself, subconciously. Like, I lost weight (first time in a long time!) and this week I have eaten predominantly cooked, even after feeling the success. Like something in me is preventing me from succeeding. I need to think on this and figure out what it is.
Thanks for the recipes! I will be making them and bringing them on my trip!! This will help when the desserts come out for sure!
I am blessed to hear of others struggles/successes. Knowing I am not alone really helps. Blessings, wendy

[ShelShel]

I went through this exact thing. Today I'm starting a new 30 day challenge. It helped get me on track and in the habit when I first went raw...it can help me now! ;)

I'm going to go through my uncook books and find recipes that are simple...and I'm going shopping. The worst thing is to not have enough raw on hand. You know 2 apples, 1 orange and a bag of Spinach...and then wonder why you feel defeated with your choices. :rolleyes: Let's help ourselves succeed people! LOL

You can do this. Remember why you went raw in the first place and find your way back! I'm going too! Raw (((HUGS)))

[4forme]

Good for you, you can do it! I will join you on Dec 28th. That's when i return from holiday. Until then I would love an accountability partner. Whaddya think?

[ShelShel]

Absolutely! I will check in on your blog each day when I am filling out mine. Starting Dec. 29th! ;)

[4forme]

I guess that means I need to start one.:o
It will be good, and I will look forward to sharing success with you.
Thanks friend

[tanishamarshall]

I know exactly what you guys are talking about. Cooked food smells really good to me and as some of you said when you see it you want it. Lately or the last couple of months, my biggest temptation is Mexican (Rice and Beans) and Vegan Indian food, everything else I can do without, but I struggle with wanting them, my plan is to try to recreate them as a raw dish, and hopefully it won't be so hard.

I'm at a point where I don't crave cooked foods anymore but my mind remembers cooked food, I don't necessary taste them but I think of them only because I had them before, I'm guessing this is a stage people go through, you get pass the cravings then you have to work on your thought process. I have to say sometimes my thought process has won but I am getting a grip on things now.

I think it's best not to get to caught up in being stressed over messing up but it's important to never give up and keep trying to find ways to make raw work. Maybe start experimenting with creating your fav cooked foods raw, or read raw books and keep posting on the forum for support and strength, find a buddy in your town that is raw or trying to be 100% and help each other, this is what I am doing I just keep trying to find ways to keep focused. I believe and I say this all the time as long as we never give up we will succeed.


Tanisha

[RawHeaven]

I don't think there is a one size fits all cure, but I can certainly relate to your experience with the whole yo-yo cooked/raw eating rollercoaster.

I am now at the place where I honestly do not like cooked food and thecooked foods I used to lavish with attention seem quite foreign to me now. They smell good, their presentation appeals to me but it's like looking at plastic food in a display case if this makes any sense. It looks pretty, but it's plastic and so I know it's not meant for me to eat it. But I can certainly appreciate it's color, texture and beauty.

It's more than tackling cravings or wanting to reach a goal. It just simply is not who I am anymore. I appreciate my body so much more and I want to give it the best possible fuel and nutrients. We are working as a team now and I think this is what helped me finally get over the threshold. Raw foods are the only foods I can truly eat now.

Take your time, do what you have to do and give yourself lots of big hugs along the way. You'll figure it out for yourself. That may not be greatest advice, but it's the only advice I have to give from my own experience.

Thanks for listening to my Rave. Take care and enjoy your trip! And enjoy your food now and when you reach 100%.