Advice on trying 100% or MC first......

[deberaw]

Hello All! ....as some of you know, I {and my hubby too} have been exploring Raw and enjoying recipes and such....we've been trying to do all but our evening meal Raw...I want to try 100%, he is happy for now with doing as much Raw as he can.......our trouble is that somedays we stick with it and other days we don't do too well... it's getting the dinner ready for our 3 young boys that throws me off...sometimes I do fine...othertimes I taste and that sets me off to eating what I had planned not too.....it also feels weird not to actually eat what the kids are eating {we do eat healthy, mostly vegan}....they have been trying the Raw snacks I've made and love fruit and veggies and juice and smoothies...so I know we are on the right track with their eating habits..................my hubby is just going with the flow, but I feel drawn to Raw for the health benefits.........also am turning [gasp] 40 soon {yay or yikes I dunno!} and have a family history of cancer...so I want to be as healthy as I can be.........I've been getting frustrated with myself for not following thru better....I'm wondering what is the best way to get rollin' in Feb.: do a 10 day MC and then onto 100% or 100% and look into the MC later on:rolleyes: ...............................any thoughts are welcome! Thank you in advance!!!:) ...and thanks for reading my ramblings!!!!

[RawHeaven]

Congratulations on being Raw first off. Secondly, I'm here to tell you the 40's rock! So no worries there. I'm having more fun now than I did in my 20's & 30's. And I hear it only gets better in your 50's. Oh yeah! ha. :D

Whether to do the MC first or just jump in with Raw foods full throttle I think is a personal choice. Some will say that raw foods are enough to detox and they most likely are. I chose to do a long master cleanse (30 days) last May and then I delved into raw foods 100%. In my case, I had been extremely toxic from taking prescription pain medication for many months and eating tons of junk for 2 years. In fact, I didn't know I was going Raw until I was halfway into my cleanse, I just came to the decision naturally from listening to my body. My objective had been to heal and cleanse my body. My body shouted back "alright it's Raw foods from now on!" Because my colon and other organs were clear and raring to go, I only wanted to eat living foods when I was done with the cleanse. My body craved them so it made it a piece of (raw) cake. I also knocked out the rougher detox symptoms before going Raw which helped me maintain my focus and goals. Have I slipped up? Most certainly. I've had my cooked food addiction moments, but for the most part I'm doing really well. For me this was the way to go.

I would say if you're struggling with staying on Raw, a 10-14 or even 21 day master cleanse would probably help you transition better. I find that I get very clear mentally, physically and emotionally during a fast and another tremendous bonus is you really get in touch with your food addictions and relationship with food. Watching people eat, smelling food and it's emotional triggers and all of that is a mind blowing and eye opening experience when you're fasting. It's forever changed how I view food and it helped me shift my focus to nourishment and fuel as opposed to eating for comfort and feeding emotions.

Good luck with whatever decision you go with. I'm sure you'll get lots of great advice and gems of wisdom in this thread.

Love,

Crystal

[EllenA]

Well I am new to raw, just finished up my first week at 100%, but I feel better than I have in years. So I believe what Alissa says in her book, go 100% from the start. I love the way I feel and this is going to keep me comitted.

I can't comment on the MC because I haven't tried that yet.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Ellen

[MiahTay]

JMO. I would only START with a fast IF you don't have leanings to eating disorder or binge eating. If this is an issue it will likely rear its ugly head when you are ready to break your fast. But otherwise fasting is a great way to get perspective and jumpstart your cleansing process.

Heather

[Aleesha Sattva]

i began my journey into raw with a fast... well actually a juice feast. lots of freshly made green juices. it really helped me to get into the swing of raw. but it's a personal thing. are you ready for a fast?

[deberaw]

Thank you for all of your thoughtful replies! ...I will continue to ponder and pray aobut this....my hubby is interested in the MC, but has a demanding job....I am thinking it might be better for him when he can take some time off? or do a mini MC on a long weekend.......?...................and thank you too for the warm reply about turning 40, Crystal!:) ..............

[commoncents]

I am on Day 15 of the Master Cleanse and will start raw 100% thereafter. I find it easier to transition into a new eating pattern after a fast.

Good luck.

[jaurequi]

I would suggest to just go RAW first. You may (or may not) set yourself up for a binge by doing the MC before being healthy and strong on RAW first. Even some seasoned RAW fooders find they binge or fall off of RAW after doing this cleanse. It's not always a success.

Good luck.

Best,

[dalimeindacoconut]

I am right in the middle of a juice fast and have done the MC as many others have. Juice fast has alot more variety. I will never be able to stomach the MC again. Juice fast is raw and is now becoming a huge part of my raw journey. Research both online. I am blown away that it took me this long to find out about a juice fast. Try both.

[nfracer]

I am right in the middle of a juice fast and have done the MC as many others have. Juice fast has alot more variety. I will never be able to stomach the MC again. Juice fast is raw and is now becoming a huge part of my raw journey. Research both online. I am blown away that it took me this long to find out about a juice fast. Try both.

interseting....any specific juices or a variety???? Do share, I am interested in juicing but need to be able to continue my training + work + be the mominator.....MC did not work for me either more than a day or two....this may help and I may be helping a friend get "started" on this path so I can juice for her too....I just made and drank some lime-rommaine-celery-ginger-apple juice this a.m. for my pre workout bev and my tummy is warm.....sour though should've added carrots but at this hour tying to keep the noise level down!!! Also, since it IS time consuming do you juice ahead and freeze or do it as you go??? Convenience is important, especially if I am going to stick to something
....any thoughts?

[nfracer]

BTW----deberaw-40's are fab! I'll be 41 in April!!!! Welcome!;)

[Eva]

For your husband, it may be better to just go raw so he doesn't have such severe detox. I think a lot of cleanses are better a little more transitioned for me. I detoxed a decent amount with going raw, then later on when I needed an extra boost, I've done 1-2 day juice feasts (just juice and lots of it).

You didn't mention it, so it's not likely an issue... but beware of the MC if you have had ulcerative colitis or any type of ulcer in the past (which you may have had unknowingly if you had pains related to food regularly for a long period of time). The cayenne can be really bad for that. I think I personally could do a MC AFTER another YEAR of all raw food and still being gentle for that whole time so that my digestive system is completely healed. Raw has been amazing for that so far.

Anyways, the second paragraph probably doesn't apply, but I thought it was worth noting just in case. Good luck either way.

[islesgirl]

Congratulations on being Raw first off. Secondly, I'm here to tell you the 40's rock! So no worries there. I'm having more fun now than I did in my 20's & 30's. And I hear it only gets better in your 50's. Oh yeah! ha. :D

Whether to do the MC first or just jump in with Raw foods full throttle I think is a personal choice. Some will say that raw foods are enough to detox and they most likely are. I chose to do a long master cleanse (30 days) last May and then I delved into raw foods 100%. In my case, I had been extremely toxic from taking prescription pain medication for many months and eating tons of junk for 2 years. In fact, I didn't know I was going Raw until I was halfway into my cleanse, I just came to the decision naturally from listening to my body. My objective had been to heal and cleanse my body. My body shouted back "alright it's Raw foods from now on!" Because my colon and other organs were clear and raring to go, I only wanted to eat living foods when I was done with the cleanse. My body craved them so it made it a piece of (raw) cake. I also knocked out the rougher detox symptoms before going Raw which helped me maintain my focus and goals. Have I slipped up? Most certainly. I've had my cooked food addiction moments, but for the most part I'm doing really well. For me this was the way to go.

I would say if you're struggling with staying on Raw, a 10-14 or even 21 day master cleanse would probably help you transition better. I find that I get very clear mentally, physically and emotionally during a fast and another tremendous bonus is you really get in touch with your food addictions and relationship with food. Watching people eat, smelling food and it's emotional triggers and all of that is a mind blowing and eye opening experience when you're fasting. It's forever changed how I view food and it helped me shift my focus to nourishment and fuel as opposed to eating for comfort and feeding emotions.

Good luck with whatever decision you go with. I'm sure you'll get lots of great advice and gems of wisdom in this thread.

Love,

Crystal

Hi Crystal,
I read with interest that you felt more than just your colon was cleansed when you did the MC. I did this for about 28 days last year and lost 22 lbs (if I remember correctly) and I had no cravings all that time and felt very well. But, for what it is worth, I felt even better last month when I went 100% RAW for a period of three weeks. Wish I had stuck with it and I intend to begin again. However, if the MC is more thorough, as a quick cleanse and for more than just one organ, then I want to do it again and while doing so, prepare myself for going RAW by dehydrating stuff and freezing it. So how extensive is the MC as a cleanse? I threw out my MC book! How silly of me. For me, it is starting to sound like a pretty good idea before going 100% RAW. I am so excited about this as I have a very good friend who is pretty sick and if this works for me I'm almost positive that she will sit up and take notice and do the same for herself. Thanks so much for your input:)

Sue

[RawHeaven]

Hi Crystal,
I read with interest that you felt more than just your colon was cleansed when you did the MC. I did this for about 28 days last year and lost 22 lbs (if I remember correctly) and I had no cravings all that time and felt very well. But, for what it is worth, I felt even better last month when I went 100% RAW for a period of three weeks. Wish I had stuck with it and I intend to begin again. However, if the MC is more thorough, as a quick cleanse and for more than just one organ, then I want to do it again and while doing so, prepare myself for going RAW by dehydrating stuff and freezing it. So how extensive is the MC as a cleanse? I threw out my MC book! How silly of me. For me, it is starting to sound like a pretty good idea before going 100% RAW. I am so excited about this as I have a very good friend who is pretty sick and if this works for me I'm almost positive that she will sit up and take notice and do the same for herself. Thanks so much for your input:)

Sue


Hi Sue, I actually found the same thing, that my detox continued on a much higher level when I went 100% after being on the MC. I researched tons of cleanses and fasts early last year as I knew I needed to heal myself on a deep level. In my opinion, the MC is one of the best for extreme cases. I was an extreme case being chock full of narcotic pain meds, surviving 10 operations on my leg bones and gaining quite a bit of weight on my small frame, 50+ pounds during my recovery. I noticed immediate extensive results with my first master cleanse in May. I stayed on it for 30 days and lost 48 lbs. I've completed a 30 day, 34 day, 18 day and I'm now on my 24th day of a 40 day cleanse. This will probably be my last MC. I know there are other ways to heal, like with juice feasting etc. But this is my personal choice which I came to after being guided by my higher spirit.

With my very first cleanse I had so much multi-colored mucus coming from my head, lungs and colon it was just unreal. I went through boxes of tissues! So it's definitely extensive, ha! I also know my liver had been taxed from taking the medication, both in the hospital and outpatient. I believe the MC also healed my liver, gall bladder, adrenals, pancreas and my entire digestive system really. I felt it in my body. I've also done liver flushes. I've never felt better. It's well known that a healthy colon is critical for the health of the overall body, so in turn you do heal other systems at the same time. With longer term cleanses, you being to cleanse and rebuild your body down to the cellular level. I believe people have healed themselves of many ailments, not unlike with raw foods. I've read that a 40 day cleanse can heal just about anything. But like anything, else you've got to believe and you've got to have to hold it in your mind's eye what you're wanting to accomplish. If you see yourself as sick, no matter how much healing you're doing on a physical level, you will sabotage your efforts with your thoughts. Healing is a 360 degree proposition, mind, body and spirit in my opinion.

And yes it's very true you can experience the same thing eating raw foods and just jumping in 100%. I was starting out with a negative percentage of health and wanted to jump start things. I didn't want to wait for 6 months to a year to see results and I was sick and tired of being sick and tired! I was very encouraged by the immediate results I experienced with my first master cleanse and going raw was just a natural progression and easier because I'd already gone through detox.

There is a good book that I recommend called The Complete Master Cleanse by Tom Woloshyn (he's in Toronto). He is Stanley Burroughs' protege and he's completed 1000 cleanses. He answers a lot of questions that are not covered in Stanley Burroughs' Master Cleanser pamphlet. And he brings the MC current to the present day. He has a humorous writing style and it's a very easy to read, helpful book. Stanley's book is good to have also, but this one helped me a lot.

Sending good thoughts to your friend. I'm sure you'll find a healing regimine that works.

Love,

Crystal

[islesgirl]

Okay Crystal, I'm off to buy some maple syrup from one of our local farms. Thank you so much for such an enlightening response to my question. And I will keep the book in mind (from that fellow in Toronto). Actually, it was my friend who is so sick (ironically) who got me started on the MC last year. She does it several times a year. Perhaps she doesn't know much about RAW but I am going to let her see what it does for me - she knows me very well and so the proof will be in the (raw) pudding! I am glad to hear that you are better now. It sounds as though you have suffered a lot. 48 lbs. in 30 days!! That is amazing. Did you tweak the MC in some way? Would you mind telling me exactly how you did it? I know the recipe - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp. dark maple syrup (grade B) and 10 oz. water about 10-12 times a day and cayenne. But how on earth did you lose so much weight? I have about 55 lbs I really hope to get rid of and I am 61 yrs. old. Maybe my age will slow my weight loss.

Love from me too.
Sue.

[RawHeaven]

Hi Sue, how great you can get the syrup from a local farm. Maple syrup is not raw, but at least you can get it in a more natural state. I followed the cleanse strictly by the book and didn't tweak it. The recipe is correct, you just have to have a minimum of 6 drinks per day, 8 is recommended. Depends on your own body's needs, but 6 is the minimum. I've been an athlete most of my life so going into my accident I was in excellent condition, my body because of the athletic training I think bounces back easily so this is probably why I lost all of the toxic fat weight so quickly. The first 10-15 lbs of it was probably water weight and impacted waste in my colon. The rest was all fat, yay! I wasn't able to work out too much because of my knee's condition at the time, but I did swim a little a bit and walked 20-30 minutes a day. I also drank a lot of water to flush out the toxins.

Good luck on your cleanse!

Love,
Crystal

[islesgirl]

Thanks again Crystal. I will start walking tomorrow along with the cleanse. I can see how 20-30 minutes a day of walking would speed up the weight loss for sure. I can't wait. I am really going to succeed this time! By the way, thanks for your e-mail, but guess what, I deleted it by mistake. Would you please be sweet enough to mail it again? I will enjoy reading it at night when I can't sleep, as happens often.

'til next time.