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sfdreams
01-17-2008, 11:26 AM
Hey all! I was looking at my sister-in-law's Christmas photos that she sent, and was totally SHOCKED by my appearance! I knew that I was losing weight, and my clothes were falling off, but I just couldn't see it in my body. (I only noticed that my face had changed.)

So, I wanted to share with you all. I went totally raw immediately after reading Alissa's book on August 2nd. I have only had 3 instances of non-raw since then (vegan hotdogs--I guess I'm human, after all!)

I am now at the lowest weight I have been since 1986! And I accomplished my first minor goal--to get below 300lbs. The last time I weighed I was at 278. I began this journey at 336. My highest weight was 376.

I think I have attached the photos...my first time, you know!:D The first was taken in June 2007--I am the one in the blue T-shirt. The second is the picture that shocked me the other day--I am the one in red. I realize that the picture is not that great--no smile on my face!! Wasn't aware the picture was being taken, and I don't recall what was being discussed.

I am really happy with my weight loss, though it has slowed down quite a bit (and before I had my human lapse with the veggie dog!) But, I really began this more for the health benefits than the weight, and I am extremely happy! My arthritis has improved dramatically--only my thumbs really bother my at all anymore, and WA-A-A-AY less than they used to! My knees don't hurt at all anymore, and I am able to go up and down stairs again. My hips only ache occasionally when I am in bed, and I'm not sure if it's because we need a new mattress or because of my arthritis.

I have been off of all medications since October--Glucophage (for diabetes), Altace (for high blood pressure and kidney protection from diabetes), Zyrtec and Singulair (for my multiple allergies), Cymbalta (for all my aches and pains), Ambien (for my sleeping disorder). My BP has been running 110/70 now, and I am sleeping so much better than I have in years--and without drugs! My allergies still bother me a little--but believe me, if I went off meds when I was on a SAD diet (and I did occasionally when money was tight) I felt so sick, stuffed up, and headach-y. And I have energy to spare! (Though I confess it hasn't helped me get more motivated with my housework, like others on this board! I guess I just really dislike housework, LOL!)

Although I haven't pushed my new lifestyle on anyone (though I confess to have been sorely tempted--I have the zeal of a new convert!) several people in my life have noticed the changes in me and asked about it. Some have even remarked on my new "glow"!

So, I am ecstatic and raw for life!! Thanks to all of you for the support that I've found on this board. I couldn't have done it without ya!!

trinity082482
01-17-2008, 11:30 AM
Good Job!!! :D

lore-ah
01-17-2008, 11:33 AM
That is so awesome! It's good to hear you're feeling so much better

raweyes
01-17-2008, 11:35 AM
Wow! How wonderful! I am so happy for you. You're family must be ever so proud of what you have accomplished through raw living. What an inspiration you are to everyone! You are living proof of what a raw food regime can do.

rawredbone
01-17-2008, 11:40 AM
WOW You really look GREAT!!!!! you can do it I know you can;)

Cabosun
01-17-2008, 11:51 AM
Oh my goodness.......what a difference! You are looking GREAT and your testimony is just wonderful and such and inspiration! :D Keep up the GREAT job! Lynn

eachpeachpearplum
01-17-2008, 12:00 PM
Excellent, well done! The glow and energy show through even w/o a smile. Keep us posted!!:D

Cheers,

EPPP

MZ B
01-17-2008, 12:05 PM
Raw is awesome and the cause of many miracles.:D

boxerfamily
01-17-2008, 12:19 PM
It is amazing how we can change so much and yet still see ourselves as the way we were. It is why it is important to take pics for before and after. I look forward to seeing mine once I have actually changed some more. Thank you for posting your pictures. Very inspirational!!:)

Radiantly Raw
01-17-2008, 01:38 PM
Awesome Terri!!! :D It's so nice to finally put a face to your name as well!! I'm amazed at how much healthier, happier, and smaller you look!!! Honestly, I'm just as amazed though at the health improvements you've had. WOW! That's a lot of meds to get off of! I'm so glad you're feeling so much better! You stand out in that group of women- you're glowing & look happy even if you're not smiling!:D You're an inspiration!! Thanks for posting these!

c'estlaviebelle
01-17-2008, 02:01 PM
Wow! That's great! You do have that glow now and its amazing what a few months raw can do. I'm so happy for you that your health has improved so much. :)

Vivafree2
01-17-2008, 02:37 PM
Congratulations! Keep raw and healthy!

shashibala
01-17-2008, 02:55 PM
WOW!! You are melting!!!! Congratulations and thank you so much for sharing!
Stories and photos like yours are my inspiration!

maui_butterfly
01-17-2008, 02:58 PM
That is so wonderful, what a difference! You're totally "shedding the cooked body", and the natural you is coming through. You must be so excited!!! Thank you for sharing!

avolove
01-17-2008, 04:06 PM
What an amazing change!! You are a total inspiration!!!:)

Nurse in the Raw
01-17-2008, 04:30 PM
I can really see a difference in your pictures. You should be VERY proud of yourself for sticking with it. Good job!!!

EZ rider
01-17-2008, 04:49 PM
Congratulations on your progress and perseverance. Stay on your journey and you should have some very interesting pictures and testimony for your one year anniversary present in August. :)

healinglisa
01-17-2008, 05:07 PM
fantastic terri!
what a testmonial and inspiration. you have managed to give yourself an ongoing gift- healing.

keep looking beautiful!

lisa

RawSweetie
01-17-2008, 07:51 PM
Oh, wow! You look so different in the second pic....your face really does glow, too. And I'm so happy for you for the end of all those meds. That is wonderful, wonderful news. Good for you!! I'll BET your friends are wondering what's up with this "raw thing"...:D The results can't be ignored.

Rawk on!

Anastazia
01-18-2008, 12:42 AM
Weigh to go, Terri!!!:eek:

You look soooooo different! & you're my new inspiration! Thanks so much for posting your pics!:D

I'm starting out a little heavier than where you started, & am sooo eager to see the changes happening!!! I need to get some good before shots taken ASAP, I'm already 19 lbs down from my highest weight...doesn't show yet, though, but I do feel better by the day!:rolleyes:

Keep goin' & keep posting!!! Can't wait to see more pics!!!

...& if that georgous big blue t-shirt you're wearing in the first pic is too big for you now, would you consider selling it to me? I LOVE it, & have so few clothes I can fit into...:o (yet!)

~Anastazia~

lane
01-18-2008, 09:51 AM
hi terri!
you look fantastic!!!!!
i occasionally wonder how you are doing, and was excited to read your update!
your face has a definite glow to it!
carrie

sfdreams
01-19-2008, 09:13 AM
Thanks to all for your kind replies! It helps, as money has been tight recently and I have been mightily tempted to eat more SAD foods.

Anastasia, that blue T is only half-mine, otherwise I would let it go. My sweetie is practically drooling at the mouth at all the "new" clothes she will inherit when I finish melting out of them! That tee is made by a company called Willow Moon, that sells at women's festivals. However, I don't know if it is true, but I recently heard through the grapevine that the woman who owns it no longer does screenprinting:( but is now focusing on painting.

Carrie, I have been wondering about you too! Do you think we could get a raw get-together started in Bloomington?? Have you ran into any other raw foodists here?

Blessings to all on this cold, cold day in the middle of the country!!

lane
01-20-2008, 04:22 PM
terri,
i haven't met any others- but they're out there! i read in the bloomingfoods e-letter the other day that there is a local weston a. price chapter starting- though most of those folks probably eat animal products as well, i'm guessing that most of what they eat is raw.
it would be fun to have a get-together some day- a potluck- or even a potluck style "take away" shindig- where everyone brings containers to fill up with different foods to take home. we used to do that with cookies at the church i grew up in and it was so much fun.
have a warm evening-
carrie