Spouse gaining...too many calories?

[mamabird1953]

Hi there, my spouse has deciced to go raw. He is diabetic, high blood pressure, some heart problems, and needs to lose about 50 or 60 lbs. He started the raw food challenge and lost 5 lbs. already. Then the last 2 days he's gained. We've been eating too many fats in the form of raw nuts I guess. In Alissas DVD she said to eat anything and all you want and the fat will melt off. It seems that calories would count tho. 1 lb. equals 3500 cals. He had the Fettucinne Alfredo dish yesterday and some crackers, avocado, and nut dip and gained weight. He is getting frustrated and thinks now it won't work. I know that people burn and metabolize differently. I don't want him to give up before the miracle happens. Please...any help, ideas, andexperiences would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou...

[Rawkinlocs]

Hi there and congrats on your spouse going raw!

Please let him know...and this is for you too...that Alissa also says to put the scale away and don't get caught up into counting calories, etc.

See, the thing is, when you first go raw, you have to do what it takes to stay satiated...satisfied...so you'll stay RAW! Now, what was his diet like prior to the Raw Fettuccine and all the other goodies he's now eating? He has to eat what will keep him on this diet and if those types of foods help, then so be it.

But what also needs to be realized is that weight will fluctuate. I mean, he ate and then he checked his weight the same day and noticed a 2 lb. increase...is he going to do that through this whole journey...eat and get on the scale? That is not the way to go about this...tell him to eat raw and first and foremost, allow his body to heal and get cleaned out and then once he's been raw for a bit longer, he can begin tweaking...but not to start restricting now...it's too soon in the game.

It WILL work...Alissa's has worked with many people (using her program), diabetics included, and they've not only lost weight, but gotten off of their meds to boot!

So, tell him hang in there, toss that scale or at least hide it and just enjoy this transformation and transition and not stress or worry over it as that will only add to the problem.

He'll be GREAT!

[Rawkinlocs]

Also...take a look at these threads and share with hubby:

http://rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=29032

http://rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=29033

[subbacultcha]

I wouldn't trust the scales over a period of a couple of days!
I mean, he can't really have gained much over the period of two days considering you need to consume 3500 excess cals to gain 1 pound.

Lots of factors affect weight, like fluid retention or how full your tummy is.

It would probably be better for him to weigh himself once every couple of weeks or once a month. Or better still, measure his waist. The scale lies! (I know this, I used to be obsessed with scales and weigh myself 10-20 times a day)

[mamabird1953]

Thankyou sooo much. The more advice the better. I think alot of us need this. We did just get the DVD and book. My Woodybear feels better already after this advice and Alissas two threads as well. He is a big guy, 6'3" and 280 lbs. He's a meat and potatoes man and is use to BIG meals. We have been working on his eating the last couple of years but I never dreamed he would want to try 100% raw. This is a blessing!

[walnutty]

If you do decide to use the scale, keep in mind to use it the same time each day. You could weigh yourself at 10:00 a.m., drink a gallon of water and weigh yourself again at 10:30 a.m. and you would have gained 8 pounds...which is how much a gallon of water weighs. I don't weigh myself because it has a sabotaging affect on me...I always determine where I am at by how my clothing fits. When I used to weigh myself, I would jump out of bed, pee, strip and get on the scale...(overshare?)...which would give me the best indicator of weight gain or weight loss day to day. But again, I got rid of the scale...cuz I just don't like them much...:D

[RaWonderWoman5]

I agree that it's waaaaaay too early to judge success by the number on the scale. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Therefore, I would encourage your husband to relax and enjoy the ride as the benefits of raw are amazing.

[momma-rawma]

I would start with weighing only once per week.

Too much can fluctuate from day to day--

I admit I do weigh daily--but I make sure it is AFTER my morning potty business but BEFORE any breakfast or beverage is consumed.

Pick a day of the week--then lock the scale up until then.:D

[mamabird1953]

Well, after all the great advice my Woodybear has a much better attitude. We did alot of reading in Alyssas book. There is just so much great info! And he got on the scale today (before putting it away for awhile, we decided) and he lost. So, in a week he lost 7 lbs while enjoying his food and stuffing his face. Thanks again so much for your support.