Where to start?

[RawMistress]

Hi
I am Kathy. I live in Alabama.
I want to change my health! I would like to be raw and see how I feel and go from there.
My husband eats meat and I am not asking him to change. We may start raising chickens so he will not have to worry about "cloned" meat. (we are thinking about it). I think it would be healthier for him.
I on the other hand dont know if I can give up meat for the rest of my life; but I would like to give this a try. For at least 30 days.
I have PCOS. It has ruined my life and has made me temporally infertile. I read most go on the Atkins diet but it seems gross to me!
I really need to lose about 100 pounds!
It would be a miracle if I did.:rolleyes:
Well that is most of my story!

My question is where do I start?
How hard was this for you? What kept you going and staying raw?

Good day!
Kathy

[FloridaPatty]

There are dozens of raw food teachers out there. Trying to go through all them all will drive you nuts. Get a book by one of them. I haven't read Alissa's yet, but it has very good reviews. David Wolfe's book is - for me - hard to read.

David Wolfe has some good ideas - add new and good foods to your diet and just take the unhealthy ones off. Don't beat yourself up if you "fall of the wagon". Set goals. Enjoy your food. He recommends slowly going full raw so your body can adapt. That left too much wiggle room for me. Of course, I've also been fooling around for 6 months, so I've decided to go full raw. Less confusion.

This web site is a very good support group. Clear purpose and very knowledgable and caring people on it. Try to find a local group too. I am totally alone here. Next week I am taking Alissa's 1 & 2 certification course. It will be my second time for meeting raw food folks since last May.

[EZ rider]

What kept you going and staying raw?I learned about the effects on the foods when cooking is applied to them and how that effects the eater. That was it for me. I want my food to nourish me. Good luck.

[MZ B]

Fresh fruits and vegetables...raw nuts, are a good start. And of course order Alissa book and DVD if at all possible.

[boxerfamily]

I don't really have a head for science but Alyssa's book made understanding the Raw Philosophy easy. Her book is great quality and and easy/quick read. I am currently finishing Victoria Boutenko(Spelling) "Raw for Life" which also makes a lot of sense to me.

The boards on RFT will also help you stay on track. So much is here to help recipes, advice, friends, etc. I couldn't live without it.

Best of wishes to you! I am so glad you found us

[subbacultcha]

Too true, Atkins is gross :rolleyes:
The first thing you should do is get one or a couple of books on the topic. Great beginners ones are Alissa's and Ani Phyo's is great for recipes as the vast majority don't need a dehydrator or any special equipment.
Good luck!

[RawSweetie]

I highly recommend Alissa Cohen's book Living on Live Foods. It's easily readable, down to earth, and full of info and grrreat recipes! Get her DVD. I'd start there.

Keep reading stuff here on RFT. Read some recipes here for fun. They were intriguing to me as I was deciding to try raw. Who knew raw could be so delicious? I was riveted.

Truth is, as you are reading, learning, deciding, you can just begin....eat some fruits, some salads, some nuts. Some more fruits. Don't overthink it and don't worry. You are stepping into an adventure. :)

Best wishes!

[shashibala]

Welcome! I hope you give it a try! I have been eating all raw for one month and 10 days. I have lost some weight, but mostly I just feel much better.
It will really help you to have a book. Alissa's book is very inspiring and shows you very well all the foods you can eat. We generally eat tons of fresh vegies,especially greens and avocados, fruits, raw nuts and seeds, sprouts, fresh juices, smoothies... (the options are endless!)
Your body will love it! Best wishes!