February 2008 Challenge Archives

[tvillemom]

Good morning all! Having a great morning. DH and I did our taxes last night. Hoping to get enough of a rebate to pay off our van! It will be the first time since we got married (almost 15 years ago) that we won't have a car payment! I can't believe it and I am so excited!

This morning I am going to have a spinach/blueberry/banana GS, I am really looking forward to it.

I watched Dr. Oz on Oprah yesterday. It seemed there were so many RAW tips he was giving, that it just confirmed what I already know. Fresh foods, he even talked about "chia seeds" which I think I've heard about here, but just didn't pay attention to, so I will do a search and see what they are all about.

Hope you all have a great RAW day!

[aliciamatheson]

Good morning raw buddies - such a great positive vibe this month - so wonderful to check in each day.

I made almond milk yesterday and used it instead of water in my smoothie this morning - it made it so creamy - very decadent!

I made Alissa's tortilla recipe last night - so I will probably do something with that today.

It's pouring with rain here in Boston and I'm still in my pajamas (again, so decadent - what's up with me and decadent!!!) - I don't have to go into the studio until this afternoon so it feels like a day off.

Enjoy your day, Alicia

[deberaw]

'Morning All! .....I had a hard time falling asleep last night, my mind feels soooo clear! I still feel good today...lighter...I asked my 5 year olds if my tummy looks smaller...they are so honest and said YES!!!

Christine - I go to MOPS too and next week the activity is candy making!!! :eek: I'm playing with the idea of skipping it, but I'm treasurer so I should go...I will smoothie it before I go and fresh fruit is always part of the brunch {unless someone mixes some crap in it!}....this will be a good social test for me I believe {for you too!}....next weekend, my family is going to a Raw potluck, so that will help me stay on track....I do not feel tempted by the candy making at this point...if I do, maybe I can help out with the kids/nursery instead of doing the activity!

Today I'm just about to make Alicia's swiss chard drink...sounds great! Then another banana/flax smoothie....salads, avo, and a wild rice salad for dinner....just black wild rice soaked several days with lemon and oil and a dash of salt, some carrots and cukes sliced thin....yummmmmm...oh I have crackers going too.....lots of hummus left still in fridge....

Make a RAWFUL day!

I'll probably check in later because I'm like Stina...just need to!;)

[ReneeH]

Hey RAWbies!!!

I've missed you guys!!! This month it has been hard for me to post, but I'm here today! I had my green smoothie (had 2 yesterday!!! :)) and I'm ready for the day!!!! Really LOVING the Eggplant Bacon recipe from Rawkinlocs!!!

Stay RAW yau'll!!!!

[tvillemom]

'Morning All! .....I had a hard time falling asleep last night, my mind feels soooo clear! I still feel good today...lighter...I asked my 5 year olds if my tummy looks smaller...they are so honest and said YES!!!

Christine - I go to MOPS too and next week the activity is candy making!!! :eek: I'm playing with the idea of skipping it, but I'm treasurer so I should go...I will smoothie it before I go and fresh fruit is always part of the brunch {unless someone mixes some crap in it!}....this will be a good social test for me I believe {for you too!}....next weekend, my family is going to a Raw potluck, so that will help me stay on track....I do not feel tempted by the candy making at this point...if I do, maybe I can help out with the kids/nursery instead of doing the activity!

Today I'm just about to make Alicia's swiss chard drink...sounds great! Then another banana/flax smoothie....salads, avo, and a wild rice salad for dinner....just black wild rice soaked several days with lemon and oil and a dash of salt, some carrots and cukes sliced thin....yummmmmm...oh I have crackers going too.....lots of hummus left still in fridge....

Make a RAWFUL day!

I'll probably check in later because I'm like Stina...just need to!;)

How about if you make some dehydrated fruit, and then take a chocolate sauce....show THEM how to dip and enjoy, I have no idea though how the class is that you are talking about....is it class participation? or just someone instructing?? Best of luck, I hate being in those type of situations.

[tvillemom]

So far my food today has been a banana shake, complete with chai tea (made strong and cooled) with some stevia, raw cacao nibs, and a few frozen cherries! YUMMO!!!

I think I will still make a GS for lunch...or maybe dinner....I think I'll have some guacamole with fresh salsa with flax crackers for lunch! OH yeah...I'm back baby and lovin' the raw life!

Peace,

[deberaw]

Oh Wendi I wish it was that simple, but we have 2 crafts ladies that organize it....and I do believe we are melting chocolate in molds....I think there will also be a chocolate fountain and all....but that is just part of the morning....the other part we break into discussion groups, and I just love my group....I don't want to make a scene if you know what I mean or come across better than thou........I think for something smaller {less people}, and less organized, that would be a great idea!! I really may see if they need help in the nursery though!....Glad you are back in full swing!:D Deb

[Nappilocs]

Hello all,

I am only on day three but I'm having a hard time today. My appetite is hefty today and I'm having some crazy cravings...like fish (I have been a veggie for three years) so I don't know what thats about. o far, I have had a green smoothie, an orange, some coconut water and a spinach salad and I am about to eat again..lol.
I just came back from a a kickboxing class and on yesterday I did pilates and a high impact African Dance Class. I need some rest!
I will check in later, y'all have a good day!

[faithjrny]

HI, all! Glad to see everyone is keeping on!

I had my raw banana cream pie last night that my sweet 14yo dd made, with an ice cold glass of sesame milk...oooh so good!:D

Today I had a sesame milk, berry, banana shake for breakfast. Lunch will be GS. For dinner I have patties dehydrating made with what I had on hand: carrot/spinach pulp, soaked sunflower seeds, dried tomatoes, a few fresh tomatoes and dill. They smell so yummy! I will have these with raw cheddar cheese sauce made with red pepper, lemon juice, cashews, tahini, celtic salt.

Had a major migraine yesterday:( , but ok today.

Blessings,
Lori in TX

[Varda]

Hi there everyone...

was a mixed day...had diarrhea til afternoon....but now I'm feeling fine.

In the morning I had papaya, an apple and a banana.

For lunch I had a mixed salad with avocado and cashews.

Dinner was pineapple and a big smoothie with melon, orange juice and berries.

:rolleyes:

[subbacultcha]

I had a cacao-maca-lucuma shake and sipped it all day. When I got home I munched on some dates, apricots and cashews. I just had an onion-sesame buckwheat bagel with tomatoes, olives and some salad. Yum!

[Carlsbad]

This morning all I wanted to do was dive head first into a big plate of french fries. But I came home early from the software training (I actually snuck out during a break!) and drank two glasses of my giant, and VERY green, smoothie, and now I feel at peace, energized, and much more in control. My cravings over the past six days have been bonkers, and it's been depressing. I will be more diligent about my green smoothies from now on--they are the key!! I have stayed 100% raw, but it is so much easier and more delightful with the green smoothies. I also think that the raw chocolate I've been eating each morning has made my cravings worse. I've been eating it for the magnesium, which is supposed to help my neck/shoulder heal. Maybe there's a less dangerous source?

Anyway, here's what's in my scary-looking smoothie: a vitamix full of kale, three handfuls parsley, four tablespoons hemp seed, four bananas, a bag of frozen mango chunks, half a pineapple, two handfuls frozen peaches. I tried to warm some coconut oil in my dehydrator to put in the smoothie, but the Vitamix got too full. I'll have to add the coconut oil halfway through. Yum, I think I'll go get another glass!

Keep on rawking!

[Anastazia]

I'm soooo tired (3 & a half hours sleep) so I have very little appetite...

...& I can barely be on my feet, but am determined to still get some exercising in (besides the stretching & bit of weight lifting I've already done...)

Smoothie & salad & a grapefruit or 2 will be my food for the day.

I find I really need to keep it simple to not struggle with cravings right now...but I need some nuts, they really help with the feeling of fullness, & strength...gotta get some soon!!!
~Anastazia~

[rawinspired]

Yipee I got through MOPS without caving in. I brought in a big gs and had a bit of fruit so I could chew on something. A lot of questions though. Thats for sure:D

Deberaw- Don't you love MOPS?? Thank goodness we didn't make chocolate. Our craft was to make a bracelet. We were to pick out a metal plate that had different words inscribed. I chose SPIRIT, because I feel thats what I need right now. Raw is really changing my entire lifestyle for the better. Yes my life is wrapped up with raw. But its going to have to be for a while until its just 2nd nature.

Bfast:GS
Lunch: big green salad
Snack: apple, grapes, cantelope
Dinner: I'll have another big green salad

Need to go to the grocery tomarrow. Time to restock:)

[deberaw]

Yay Christine! You made it thru MOPS!!! ....yes, MOPS has been a Blessing to me, that's why I don't want to miss it! I love your bracelet...and how you say that your life is wrapped up in Raw...and that's how it's going to be until it is second nature....I agree totally!!! See how much it is on my mind.....that I check our great group here several times a day!!!!:D

I'm tired today...and just kinda spacey....but going strong...just had wild rice salad with lemon, sea salt, evoo, cukes, carrots and avo.....yummmmm....still passing gas, but not so loud as to startle my kids and husband!:p Blessings All! Deb

[smb106]

I just finished Alissa's banana-nut milkshake it was fantastic! I highly reccommend it!

Anyway, waiting for my husband to arrive home before deciding what to make for dinner. At lunch, I did marinade some mushrooms in a ginger marinade...maybe I'll have those on top of a salad??

Glad to see everyone is doing well overall. Remember this is only day six and it becomes much easier and "second nature!" Just keep keeping raw and having fun with your food experiments and soon enough it is your lifestyle without any thoughts!!!

[Anastazia]

Just keep keeping raw and having fun with your food experiments and soon enough it is your lifestyle without any thoughts!!!

WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!

IF I STAY RAW I'LL NO LONGER THINK?!?!?!?!?!?!?:eek:

Hmmm, maybe I should reconsider.....:confused:

~Anastazia~

[smb106]

Soon enough the raw lifestyle will become second nature and you won't have to always think about planning and prepping for meals...

[fitme]

Breakfast: GS kale, collard greens and banana and pineapple
had an orange as a snack at work when someone brought in a huge snack tray full of chocolate "things":(
Lunch was avacado, tomoato, cilnatro, and onion and then some more pineapplle
dinner fruit smoothie with banana, pineapple, mango, apple...very yummy!

Having some head congestion....I think are allergy related...let's hope that passes! Going to weigh in tomorrow!:)

Have a great day!

[Anastazia]

Soon enough the raw lifestyle will become second nature and you won't have to always think about planning and prepping for meals...

I was just teasing, silly! :D

Maybe I shoulda thrown in a few happy faces!:D :D

~Anastazia~

[GardenBella]

Hi everyone,
Went back to work today. Feeling better although I still have stuffy nose but even that seems to be fading. Had a good day eating Raw. Had a shake for breakfast, a LaraBar for a snack and “tuna salad” on baby greens for lunch. I’m planning on a big mixed salad for dinner or maybe a GS.

Lorna
Starting Weight: 205.5
Current Weight: 203.5
Goal Weight: 130

[roo]

This day has been a mixed bag. The cats woke me up at 2 a.m. and I was up until 6. :mad: I was able to get back to sleep for a couple of hours but it really put a damper on the day. Then, experimenting, I made a "kitchen sink" smoothie and it was all I could do to get a glass of it down. I really wanted to throw it out, but it was loaded with healthy stuff so I suffered through it! There is still half of a vitamix full in the frig. :rolleyes: Lunch was a salad and some "ritz" crackers with a nap following soon after. I felt so much better after that! Went to Wild Oats and had a lovely shopping experience. It wasn't packed like it normally is and they had corporate bigwigs visiting today and everything was pristine. Everything was stocked to the brim and beautifully arranged. What a dream that produce section is. I bought so many organic greens! If I were rich, I could go hog wild in there. Some people dream of buying shoes, and clothes, and jewelry. I dream of buying beautiful produce!! :D I snacked on olives when I got home and if I can deal with it, I'll have more of that awful smoothie. If I can't, I think I'll have another salad.

Love reading all the posts! You guys are such an inspiration!

[Carlsbad]

Add some bananas and honey to your smoothie, they will make it delicious!

I had to share that I put some chia seeds into some fresh apple juice to soak. They are weird little things! I can't even describe the consistency they turned into, but they definitely soaked up all the apple juice (I did one cup of chia and 2 cups of apple juice). They are completely bizarre. But I tasted a chunk, and I kind of love it! I can't describe it. But try them and see!

[Rawkinlocs]

Hey gang...ONE WEEK DOWN!!! Keep up the great work!

Remember, no mention of slip-ups (not that you're gonna have any) - just focus on raw and staying positive and most of, have FUN and enjoy yourselves!

[chinagirlkim]

Greetings from Singapore...yes, it's already the 7th here so thought I would post for the first time since I've begun this challenge. I began on Friday and did well although mid day I had a horrific caffeine headache. By Saturday, I still had a headache but accidently slammed my thumb in the door of our safe...so after that it was only the throbbing thumb I felt. Am just now able to type without one key at a time so thought I would update.
Have felt better for the most part all week. I made a list of my "ailments" prior to beginning this lifestyle and have noticed that two of them are gone already. It's Chinese New Year holiday here so a lot of things are closed so it's easy to stay at home and prepare my meals. I just got a juicer this week and have ordered a dehydrator from the states so will be glad to get that.
Enjoyed reading your posts and ladies...keep up the good work.
Blessings on your day,
Kim

[theplatypus]

Been crazy busy lately haven't had a chance to check in. Hope all is well.

[rawinspired]

Can you believe its day 7??? Its day 18 for me and I am so enthused by this, so I thought I'd brag:D
It's the week before my period(sorry boys) and I am ravenous. And my cravings are really strong. How did you ladies overcome this? I'm just worried.
Well just wanted to check in this morning and wish everyone a great Raw day.
I'll be back later with my meal plan cause right now I don't have one:p

[aliciamatheson]

Hi Christine,

I think you should give in to some of those PMS cravings with raw food that satisfies, whether it's salty, sweet or just volume(!). As long as it's raw, go for it - be that crazy PMS-ing girl! I did find within 6 months of going raw, PMS type of stuff really mellowed out, just like alot of our other stuff.

But it's good that you see the tendency and can recognize it for what it is and act accordingly.

I think some nori rolls are in order today and maybe something i've never tried. I am hosting a raw food tasting party at my yoga studio in March so I'm starting plan for that. I sell Alissa's book at our studio boutique (boutique meaning we have one rack and one shelf of stuff!) and about 15 invites have gone out and it looks like I'll be prepping for 15 tasters! I'm so excited.

Anyway, hope you all have a great raw day. Wendi, it's so nice to have you back with us! I've missed hearing from you.

Alicia

[deberaw]

Good Morning All!
The sun is trying to peek out here, and we are blanketed in peaceful snow....

Kim - we lived in Singapore for awhile when I was young, and then my Dad went back when I was in Graduate school, so I got to visit....beautiful...I miss the warmth right now!

Anyone else feel a little spacey? I mean, I feel good...even mood, I can see changes in my skin and face, I feel lighter...I feel good...just not as 'sharp'....had to keep writing myself notes for my to-do's for the day lately!

I had a huge green smoothie: spinach, orange, lime...refreshing....and am keeping it easy and using what I have in the house....salalds: wild rice and green, avo, veggies etc., hummus and crackers.....lemon pudding and such...and fruits....I'm have kamut sprouting for some sweet crackers and also started sprouting lentils....

Christine, for PMS, I agree with ALicia....even mixing honey with some fresh almond butter and eating a spoonful of that or 2 helped me last week!

Make a wonderful RAW Day! Day 7 allready!! YAY!!!!

[MiahTay]

Feeling GOOD this morning! Got up with only 7 hours of sleep instead of in the past 9! Made 2 kinds of juice for my family of 4. Hit the treadmill for 35 minutes - Feeling GOOD!

PMS ... two words - RAW CHOCOLATE. RP's brownies (recipe here on the boards) have kept me sane during that week! I just roll them into balls and pop them in the fridge and they are there when I need them (sometimes I make a double batch :D ).

Have a GREAT raw day!

Heather

[Nappilocs]

Day 5 for me.. Feeling good. I have been having some strange cravings since yesterday. This morning, I had a serious craving for a caramel machattio...lol. I mean, I could literally taste it. It was the sugar, I know. So instead of having coffee, I juiced grapes and that satisfied my sweet tooth.
Feelin' great today!

Everyone have a rawsome day!

[Carlsbad]

One week down--woohoo! I'm feeling MUCH better today on the cravings front. That green smoothie was a miracle worker! I feel like just doing juice and smoothie today, so that's what I'm doing. I have the most amazing orange juice; it is so delicious! Then I've got super green juice (spinach, cucumber, celery, parsley, carrot) for later, and some green smoothie left over from yesterday to drink before my workout tonight.

Even though I slept for more than ten hours last night, I'm feeling spacey and sleepy from the muscle relaxers I took for my neck. I usually steer clear of meds, but this neck thing is out of control, and we're trying to get rid of it once and for all. But the muscle relaxers are definitely going to have to be an at night only kind of thing!

Rawk on everyone, we're doing great!!

[jpknitech]

Hey everyone,

Didn't get a chance to check in yesterday. Had a bad bout w/ the sulfur burps in the middle of the night and then woke up w/ diahrrea this morning. I hope that's the end of that. Very odd indeed:eek:

I went back to fruit, because I don't know if it is all the vegetables mixed w/ dehydrated foods causing the extreme detox (that's what I'm assuming it is), because I don't feel ill. I feel pretty good.

Put on some chocolate cookies last night.

B'fast: fruit smoothie w/ mac. milk
snack: 3 choco. raw oat cookies
lunch: salad leftovers
supper: fruit smoothie w/ choco. raw oat cookies

I'm anxiously awaiting Alissa's book and DVD.

Remember,
We can do this:p

[MiahTay]

Carlsbad - have you ever thought of going to a chiropractor instead of an MD for your neck? My mom and husband have had chronic neck problems and the only thing that helps them is chiropractic adjustment. I have scoliosis and they are slowly correcting my curve and I feel better than I have in years. But the key is finding a good one, always ask around to see who healthy people use. Best of luck.

Heather

[Conscious Midwife]

IN THE ZONE TODAY:cool:

[rawinspired]

OMG!!!

I just ordered my Vita-mix, and I'll have it here Tomarrow!!!:D :D :D
I've been doing Gsmoothies with my magic bullet and just can't do the trick anymore. So many more options with vita-mix. I didn't want to spend the $$$ if Raw was going to be just a passing fad for me. But 18 days is the most I've ever stuck to any diet. And I really don't want this to be a "diet" for me. I want it to be a lifestyle. So I deserve this and I'm so excited. You know I'll be looking out my window until it arrives:p

[rawinspired]

Oh yeah!

Thank you so much for the PMS ideas. I bought some cacao and I will be using it!:p

[Vivafree2]

Still raw - but super busy with everything :work, life and weather:) We have lots of snow - it is absolutely beautiful out there - but mostly through the window. Appointments accumulated in one week and friends needs attention.
Regards to all - have a great day!

[rawkchicster]

woohoo!! Still doing the juices, 4 days down now. :) raw love to all!

[Varda]

hi there....one week raw.....yeah

today I ate pretty much...a bit too much I think

Breakfast: OJ, pineapple and a banana

Lunch: OJ, a large mixed salad with an avocado, 1 apple

Dinner: OJ, mixed salat with tomato-sunflower seed-dressing and some cashews

Could still go on with eating :D

Felt good today!!!

[ciarac]

Oh, you guys seem to be all doing great!
Silly Ciara over here is not doing so good at all!

I fell right off the wagon. I won't go into detail so as to keep with the aims of the challenge moderators. But I will blog about it, oh, how I will blog about it.

In other news, I dropped my laptop the other day. But it survived! The hard disk didn't work so I had to wipe everything off and format it, so I lost all my data. BUT, it at least works now, so that's great.

Tomorrow is another day and I will aim, once again, to be 100% raw. The way I am trying to see it is that it doesn't matter if I fall off, as long as I get back on again, because one day, it will just stick and I will BE 100% raw instead of trying to be 100% raw.

[deberaw]

Glad you are back Ciara!!! Focus forward and RAWk on!!!

[Anastazia]

Hi, fellow Rawbies!!! {It brings me such joy to know we're all doin' this together, & I really appreciate the accountability!}

I just made a HUGE plate of veggies for my daughter & her friend....& then proceeded to eat most of it myself!!! :eek: Had to make them something else!!!
(Had no time for breki, just a grapefruit!)

I don't think there's one vegetable I DON'T like!!!

Now Hannah is out getting me some more produce with a friend, then I'm going to make some grape/blueberry/lemon juice, just to see what it's like!!!

I was going to go, the sun is shining so brightly, but have slightly sprained my ankle, not too badly, but I know if I walk on it it'll get worse! So it'll be off my feet exercise today!:rolleyes:
~Anastazia~

[Chilley]

Hello All,

I didn't get a chance to check in yesterday, we had terrible weather and tornados in the area. We were very blessed, but about 2 miles down the road they weren't so fortunate.

Bfast: raw choco. oatmeat cookies (JPknitech's recipie)

Lunch: made vegie sandwhich using alissa's tortilla recipie as a bread. I love that recipie cause there is no prep time, just blend and dehydrate.

Supper: apple with almond nut butter (and guess what KPknitech, I ate a whole apple at one sitting!) (She knows that I'm not a great fruit lover)

Anyway, going good and readdy for next 7. :)

[Chilley]

Hey needed to correct a mispell.
When I said oatmeat cookie, I meant oatmeal cookie. You probably knew that but wanted to clear it up before any questions.:rolleyes:

[fitme]

Feeling very congested still today with a horrible headache and haven't felt like eating anything....:confused: ...that really NEVER happens to me! For breakfast I had a GS with kale, collard greens banana and pineapple which I didn't think I was going to finish, lunch was just some randon veggies and the hommus I made earlier in the week, Dinner I made the corn chowder from Alissa's book....it was kind of okay. I don't think I will make it again. It was a mess getting that corn off the cob! Even had trouble drinking water today. It took me all day to finish a 20oz bottled water....I usually drink about 2 and a 1/2 of them by noon! I did make a salad for tomorrow. I'll be moe prepared. Hoping to feel better and of course eat better!:)

Have a great Friday!

[smb106]

One week and feeling great! I love where I am at since going 100% on Christmas!

This morning I was able to get our of bed again and workout! I'm loving my mornings now! For breakfast, I had my standard oatmeal with banana and blueberries. Lunch was a really simple salad. We had a lunch today at a restaurant to welcome a new attorney to the firm and the only thing that I could eat was a salad. It was a buffet and I am thankful that the dressing was on the side!

Dinner- I made a great salad with all the fixings and avocado!! YUM! For dessert, I'm eating a banana with almond butter, agave and coconut!

Well, I hope everyone is feeling great and ready for the weekend!! Have a good night!

[roo]

I'm having a great day, both mentally and physically. I have tons of food to prepare and my recipe list made. I'm going to spend the rest of the night at the table prepping while listening to some good music.

Today I have had a bottle of Raspberry Passion Kombucha, Nori rolls, and RP's Brownies.

Best wishes to everyone! :)

[GardenBella]

Hi everyone,
Made it through 7 days without any problems except for the detoxing I’m still going through. I read somewhere that I should be eating more green smoothies as it helps feed the body better and I won’t feel the detoxing as much. Also, by the feel of things, I need to get some serious fiber in me to get the toxins out the other end.:o Had a GS for breakfast (first one I’ve actually had) – tasted pretty good too (1 banana, 1 cup water & a couple of handfuls of baby greens) – pretty simple. Had a big salad for lunch. Went to a salad bar with a friend but thankfully they had lots of great raw veggies. Haven’t had dinner as yet but I’m planning on another salad. Happy One Week Anniversary everyone!:)

Lorna
Starting Weight: 205.5
Current Weight: 203.5
Goal Weight: 130

[Rawkinlocs]

Have a GREAT raw day!

Remember, no mention of slip-ups (not that you're gonna have any) - just focus on raw and staying positive and most of, have FUN and enjoy yourselves!

[chinagirlkim]

Still raw and feeling much better.

Deberaw-Singapore is warm now...as always. Sorry you are on the chilly side. This is a beautiful city and it's been easy to go raw here because just over the bridge in Malaysia there is an organic farm so these products are available. It's also nice because on almost every street corner is a fresh juice stand. I had a blend yesterday that I loved....avocado & honeydew.

I was recently diagnosed with some health issues that I am trying to reverse. Has anyone had success with reducing cholesterol on raw?

My husband and I are going on holiday next week at an all inclusive resort so it will be interesting to see how the "raw" goes. I am planning on staying on course.

Best wishes to you all as you wake up and begin your new day...in the raw.:)

[deberaw]

'Morning All! I feel really good today! And so glad to be past the 1 week mark, as that is the furthest I've made it......I feel very clear and good....surprised that I've lost a half pound, because I feel like I've lost more!

Kim...Singapore is very beautiful,and sooo clean....I have wonderful memories...we also visited the beaches in Malaysia. I recently found imported Rambutans here...but they were no way near the fresh ones I remember as a child! So glad you are doing well....I am reading "The China Study" and it talks about the correlation of diet, animal based protein and cholesterol....a good read!

Busy day today...I'm drinking a refreshing GS: pineapple, spinach, lime.......more fruit and veggies, salad and the Stuffed Mushrooms on the docket today...along with crackers and hummus...

Have a wonderful RAW day everyone!!!:D

[rawinspired]

I can't believe no ones checked in yet! Everyone must have a busy, busy morning.
Yesturday I had cup of coffee around 2pm and I don't know if it's coincidence but I could not fall asleep until 12:30. My head just kept swirling. So I just came to this site and luked for awhile:p
Yesturday was a great day! I had some onion crackers with delicious quacamole, banana, a couple tangerines, a big gs, and a plate full of lovely veges.

So Vita-Mix made a mistake and instead of overnight-ing it which I paid for they shipped it ground. I'm a little sad. I said a big goodbye to my magic bullet, as yesturday was supposed to be the last time it made me a green smootie:rolleyes: Actually more like a green chunky:p
Well they're tring to see if they can send me out one Today so I'll have it here Tomarrow. I'm going up north to Daytona to visit my Dad on Mon. and I want to take it with me. I can't wait!!! This is surely a sign I'm getting older. I'm so excited about a blender;)

Have Rawkin' Day!![/COLOR][/COLOR][/B]

[rawinspired]

OK, OK, by the time I got done writting others had beat me to it:D

[Vivafree2]

Good morning rawthlings! Sisters and Brothers in Raw!
My RAW friends!
I am raw and like it! Avocados are strong and so the green smoothies!
Rawk on!

[tvillemom]

Hi all! Just checking in. Feeling the affects of some sinus congestion, detox, or whatever YOU want to call it. Today I will drink LOTS of fluids, (I would juice fast, but my juicer is out of commission) so today I will eat just my clementines, and have REALLY warm lemon/ginger/cayenne water (this is kinda Alissa's recipe, but I make it warm) and it really helps with the detox. If anyone else has any tips, I would really LOVE to hear it. Oh yeah, I will probably get a gs in too, I'll get lots of nutrients in that way.

Ya'll have a great day!

[rawinspired]

tvillemom-
When I detoxed my first week I had a real bad sore throat, and I was "swampy". Wierd word but it's the best way to describe it. My body was damp and I had slight chills. I just kept drinking GS and eating big green salads. No nuts or seeds. Lots of water. You mat want to try an epsom(i think I spelled that correctly)salt bath. The salts help to draw the water out of you. But since that first week I've felt great except that afternoon brick wall I hit.:p I just want to sleep and sleep and sleep.....

[tvillemom]

Thank you Christine! I don't have a sore throat, thank God, but my nose, and face (sinus area) are feeling like TONS of pressure. I know this will clear up. I will eat only fruits and some veggies, gs, and drink lots of water. A warm epsom salt bath sounds divine right now. I have to hit the store to pick up a few items, so I'll look for that too!

Thanks again. I know my congestion is due to all the slippage last month, more reason to stay 100%!:D

[aliciamatheson]

Happy Friday to my Raw Friends

Had a banana/strawberry/almond milk smoothie this am -

Epsom Salt is so cheap (get it at the drugstore) and you can add a few drops of essential oil to add some fragrance. If you are adventurous, add several tablespoons of dry mustard powder (the kind you use in salad dressing!) - mustard powder draws impurities out of the skin and leaves the skin fresh. It makes your bathtub water a bizarre yellow color so just be warned.

I am stuck finding a bread-like recipe that I enojy. There's something about the dehydrated breads that don't appeal to me - Can anyone share their favorite raw bread with me.

Thanks - stay positive and stay raw! Alicia

[Chilley]

Just wanted to check in this morning and say day 8 is looking great!

Made a choco smothie for Bfast. I keep hearing about the green smoothies, I think I will just have to break down and try one again. I've only made it one time several mo. ago...I didn't like it! :( but that was early in my raw experience so, I'm definatly (sp?) more open to things the more time i'm into this way of life.. So I'm going to shopping today, guess I get some extra greens so I can try it again. :)

Any way I'll check in later and let you know how it goes!

Christina

[rawberri]

Hi guys,

Well I'm definitely starting to feel the effects of being all raw...I was probably doing it 60% or so before...but now it's kindof hit me.

Last two days I had off work and first had all this sinus congestion that went away and now I am TIRED.

It's like that fasting kind of tired, you know, way deep inside, and I slept like 10 hours the last two nights.....I can just feel my body is working hard doing something.

And I keep thinking about orange juice. All I want is to drink orange juice, so I think when I get done with the food in my fridge this weekend instead of buying more food for recipes maybe I'll just get a crate of oranges and start juicing.

Tvillemom hope you feel better, have a great RAW day everyone!!!

[Nappilocs]

Good morning y'all
Yesterday was rough.. I was experiencing some serious detox symptoms last night. I felt fluisish and I had a headache. I forced down some avocado and some fresh Orange/Pineapple juice. I was in bed by 8:30.
Feeling much better today..
So far, I have had a green smoothie and a banana.

Y'all have a good day!

[roo]

Good morning everyone!!

I'm still here making all kinds of goodies to eat. I haven't had a meal yet because I can't stop picking at the onion bread in the dehydrator! At this rate I'll be lucky to have enough for a sandwich when it gets completely done. It is so good! My first attempt at this recipe and I'm thrilled it turned out so well. Usually I come away wanting to change things up a bit. Not with this onion bread. Yum. I have eggplant marinating to make bacon with and I'm cutting up the veggies for sweet and sour sesame veggies (I'm leaving out the "chicken"). And then, Banana Cream Pie. :eek: This Raw Foods diet is genius!! :D

I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

[rawinspired]

Chilley
With the GS use more fruit at first like 70%, to get used it. Maybe every week or every few days up the % of greens. It's very true that after awhile of drinking GS(like a couple weeks) you will begin to want more greens. Thats even on a SAD diet. I use frozen bananas, frozen berries, dark greens, an orange, an apple, carrots, and gogi berries. In the begining I wasn't like 'Oh my gosh I must have more of this', but now I love them and I really look forward to mine everyday.
Good luck.:)

[rawinspired]

So I opened my very first Thai coconut. It was alot easier that I imagined it to be. Lots of delicious water came out. So I made a smoothie with a banana, mango, and coconut water. DIVINE!!! It was decadent. My 2 year old loves my GS, but he could not get enough of this one.

[faithjrny]

Still staying raw! Amidst some intense upheaval with my oldest dd who is getting married in May. Arrrgg!

It's pizza night at our house, so I will have my raw crust w/ veggies and 'cheddar' sauce. Had fruit smoothie for brunch.

Feeling like bit of a sore throat/ear ache, but I'm not sick. I guess it's detox. Wish I could rest, but that just doesnt happen around here until about midnight. :eek:

[fitme]

GS for breakfast with Kale, lots of spinach, banana and pineapple. I love spinich in my GS!

Apple for a snack while at work and then some corn chowder left over form lst night which tasted better today and then some veggies and dip.

For dinner I'm planning a salad.....need to think about what to make for the rest of the fam!

Have a great day!

[smb106]

Hey there rawbies!!

had a great day! I tried Alissa'a porridge this morning! It was great! But I LOVE oatmeal! Lunch was a simple salad. For a snack I made a banana-nut smoothie and trail mix.

Tonight for dinner will be another simple salad.

It should be a very busy and active weekend. I have to go on a long run on Saturday and some nordic skiing. Sunday is a snowshoe trek! My husband's flyfishing documentary is premiering on Saturday night! It is going to be a blast.

i will be away from my computer for the weekend, but I'll still be 100%!! have a great weekend!!

[Chilley]

Thanks christine for the advice on the GS. I will add the greens to my fruit smoothie that I already make. Now it doen't sound so daunting!!

Today was great, I faced many tempations , but I just kept rememember the reason I started doing this; also my commitment to this site adds weight to my food choices.

ANy way I made it!!!:)

Bfast: Choco smothie
Lunch: Tortilla (alissa recipie) with the BBQ chicken fingers from her uncookbook. I made an open faced sandwich out of the tortilla and BBQ fingers topped with dill cream cheese and nut cheese and a bit of salad.

Supper: apple w/almomd butter while I cooked supper for rest of family, then had a salad for the sit down part of supper.

also starting to feel the "raw high"! Thanks everyone for the support!:D

[Carlsbad]

Hey everybody!

The past two days have been soooooo much better than the week before. Yay greens! I had only liquids yesterday, and I felt amazing. I think I'm going to start doing that once a week. I continued with the juices today and had a bunch of fresh oj, then some green juice. Then I had a kombucha and some cashews because I was feeling hungry but too lazy to make a green smoothie. I went on a hour long walk/hike with my dog, which we both loved, and I may eat a persimmon or banana in a bit. Mmmm...or maybe some grapes.

I have to go on a date later, and I'm really not looking forward to it. I would much rather go take a hot bath and then crawl into bed! I had physical therapy today, and it really helped my neck. But I'm still sleepy from the meds and just want to crash. Oh well!

[jpknitech]

So I opened my very first Thai coconut. It was alot easier that I imagined it to be. Lots of delicious water came out. So I made a smoothie with a banana, mango, and coconut water. DIVINE!!! It was decadent. My 2 year old loves my GS, but he could not get enough of this one.


That smoothie sounds marvelous!! I'm working w/ a an herb store that has started carrying raw foods and she thinks she has found some young Thai coconuts. I love coconuts. We just got back from Hawaii and had fresh coconuts right off the tree, so I'm really missing them

We can only find the old brown ones here. Which I do like the nutty meat, but you never know what your gonna get.

Jpknitech

[jpknitech]

Late to check in, but doing fine.

Chilley brought leftovers to coop classes so i got a treat. Everything she brought to sample was delicious.

Tomorrow we have church together, so we banded together to make sure we had plenty of goodies.

B'fast: fruit smoothie w/ mac milk
lunch: raw chicken fingers, dill dip, choc. oat. cookies, raw bread
supper: two huge servings of salad and slaw
snack: taste testing all the goodies for tomorrow

I'm so glad to see everyone still excited about eating Raw. I can't believe it's already been 8 days. Way to go everybody:)

Remember,
We can do this:p

[GardenBella]

Hi everyone,
Didn't have the best day Raw. Lunch was off but I had GS for breakfast - added some berries this time and some raw cocoa - very tasty and a LaraBar for a snack this morning. Going to have a big mixed salad for dinner.

Lorna
Starting Weight: 205.5
Current Weight: 203.5
Goal Weight: 130

[ReneeH]

Hey!!! I'm still here too!!! RAW has been sooo good for me! I've been doing quite well...no slip-ups!!! I'm very proud of myself and I feel sooo good!!! I know that things are just gonna get better and better!!! :) Alissa, I just LOVE you!!! Thank you for bringing RAW to my life!!!! (((( HUGS!!! ))))

[Rawkinlocs]

Have a TERRIFIC raw day!

Remember, no mention of slip-ups (not that you're gonna have any) - just focus on raw and staying positive and most of, have FUN and enjoy yourselves!

[Anastazia]

It's early in the wee hours of the morning, I'm still up, in pain, unable to sleep, so thought I'd be the first to check in today (seeing as I missed yesterday!:rolleyes: )

I fell yesterday (today) outside in the snow & landed hard on one knee while my other leg flew out straight in front of me, which pulled the muscle/tendon on the back of that one, so BOTH my knees are outa whack, & I can barely walk...or even sit here at the computer...
...but I'M STAYIN' RAW!!!!:D

~Anastazia~

[Nappilocs]

^^^ Oh no Anastazia! I am sending some healing energy in your direction. Hope you feel better soon.

Well today I am feeling okay. I have a bit of a cold, it's going around at work. I am releasing a lot of mucus and I have slight cough. I am putting lots of ginger and citrus in my smoothie this morning so that I can knock it out.I still plan on going to African dance class today. I went to bed late and I was still up around before 6 this morning, despite the fact that I feel a little under the weather, I have a lot of energy this morning. I have been up cleaning for about an hour. I am going to have a green smoothie before I get ready for class. Y'all have a good Saturday!

[deberaw]

Good Morning All!
Anastazia....ohhhh no! be gentle with yourself and I hope you heal quickly.....wonderful that you are staying Raw!

Me: I have such a tummy ache this morning...I didn't feel it until I got up though....last night I had grated butternut squash with oj and cinnamon., romaine....later when the kiddos went to bed; some buckwheat cereal with sesame milk, but I'm sure it was the squash...it tasted good and I had the darn squash sitting on my counter for a while.....{I loved it cooked} and had heard you can eat it Raw....well, the thought of it now wants to make me gag and I can't look at it in the fridge....I'm gonna have to get rid of it I think!uugghhhhhhh!

So it is going to be light stuff today....smoothies and juices....nothing really sounds appealing!

Funny how some Raw stuff is just tooooo heavy for me: savory nut dishes and now this squash thing...don't know what that is all about.....

Have a Rawsome Day my fellow friends! Deb

[ciarac]

Hello beautiful people,

I'm flying! Yesterday I was all raw except for a coffee, today, nada de café and am totally raw so far! I just had a GORGEOUS 'hot' chocolate made with hazelnut milk and cacao. OH GOD! Soooo tasty!

[beckx]

deb, i had a similar reaction to raw sweet potato... can't even look at them now. i tried to use one in a juice yesterday and could barely get it down. maybe these are things we'll learn to enjoy later, who knows.

day 9! february is 1/3 over... which means we're getting closer to spring. :) not loving the snow up here so much, although they've been getting it much worse farther north. i'm on the 5th day of my juice feast, staying strong and feeling good. have a good day, everyone.

[deberaw]

...Hey All! Just wanted to check in again...I feel better....and had Alissa's stuffed portabella for lunch....mmmmmm......I'm also making her sweet potato chips {beckx, maybe they will be better this way! I must have an orange veggie thing going on! I don't know if they are meant to be eated Raw! except carrots! Maybe it's something in the starch...or just some tummy tolerance we acquire later on....!!!!}.................also have marinated greens in the fridge...I'm liking keeping it simple, for now....I love how quick most Raw meals are to make and how little clean up there is.....Hope all are doing well!....:D Deb

[Varda]

Hi there

Feeling fine today

In the morning I just had an OJ

For lunch I had an apple and a banana.

In the evening I had zucchini pasta with tomato-avocado-sauce.

Had a lot of energy today, in the morning I was jogging and later I made a tour on bike.

Greetings from sunny germany :D

[aliciamatheson]

Happy Saturday Raw Friends,

One of my kids is having a birhday party today - wish me luck - 9 7 year old girls in one house!

This morning I was up early for teaching my yoga class and came home and made some beet, carrot, apple and lemon juice. Amazing color.

I made the raw hummus from Rawvolution but it's so unbelievably garlicky, I'm not sure I can eat as is. I probably can add cashews and mellow it out a bit.

Have a great Saturday and I'll check in tomorrow.
Alicia

[Carlsbad]

So my date last night ended up calling to reschedule, and I was SO glad. I had just hopped out of the shower, so I shimmied into my pjs and had an awesome snuggly night on my own. Today I got up and hit the gym with my trainer and ended up working out for two hours! Yay me! Then I was wiped, so I just crashed on the couch and watched some movies. Pretty blissful day actually!

Foodwise, I started the morning with a raw chocolate truffle, a couple of scoops of chia goo, and some green juice. I had more chia and green juice after my workout, and now I'm noshing on some kombucha and cashews. I'm going to make a giant green smoothie this evening, and I may eat some grapes then too. I've got a friend's birthday party to go to, and it's at a barbeque place, so there won't be anything for me to eat at all. But I'm not stressed a bit; everyone there knows I'm raw, and anyway I am feeling fabulous today. The green smoothies and juices have turned things around completely for me. I feel SO GOOD. I need to remember that and work a little harder to make sure I'm eating enough greens all the time.

Off to shower. Rawk on everybody!

[jpknitech]

Today Chilley and I made it through a huge potluck Raw. Our combined efforts worked and I felt like I had not missed anything. We both bro't Alissa's corn tortilla's. I put the Alissa's mock salmon in mine and she put Alissa's BBQ sauce in hers. We also brought two huge salads and I bro't my raw oat choc. cookies. I'm so proud of us.:D

B'fast: apple, choc. cookies
lunch: GS, corn tortillas, choc. cookies
supper: GS w/ my nut bread, came home and made more choc. cookies w/ extra walnuts.
snack: if I get the munchies I'll probably have a fruit smoothie

Remember,
We can do this:p

jpknitech

[GardenBella]

Hi everyone,
As I said yesterday I fell off the Raw wagon at lunch yesterday and I ended up paying for it last night. Woke up around 3:00 AM with an upset stomach. Today I'm keeping everything simple. Had a GS for breakfast and a simple salad for lunch. Going to have a mandarin now and another GS for dinner. Happy Day Nine everyone!

Lorna
Starting Weight: 205.5
Current Weight: 203.5
Goal Weight: 130

[chinagirlkim]

Hi there,

Anastasia....I am so sorry to hear about your injury. I can feel your pain over the message. Hope you get some relief and get better.

My chiropractor is my best friend!! In fact I have noticed a difference in my joint and muscle (back, neck, hip) pain since raw. I seem to be getting lots of relief. I have also had a mysterious eye issue and have been using eye drops several times a day for at least a year and I haven't needed eye drops since day 2. I am really beginning to see huge improvements. By the grace of God, I am 100% raw. My complexion is even imporving and I've lost some weight. I got some medical reports back last week with some huge changes that need to be made and it looks like I am on the right path. So pleased!! My two teens are away on a school trip so my husband and I went out to dinner. I was concerned but brought my avocado in my purse and I ordered the large mixed green salad with olive oil and lemon wedges on the side. It was so nice to go out and be able to stick to my lifestyle plan. I really enjoy reading all of your posts and look forward to hearing how you are doing.

Have a great evening.
Blessings on your day,
Kim:D

[Chilley]

Alright made it through day 9!!!

JPknitech was right, we did make it through a hugh potluck at church today, we teamed up and coordinated our menu plans. We statched us some aside but also brought some for everyone else to try. We brought tortilla rolls wraped around BBA sauce and also the mock salmon. Several people asked for the recipie!


Bfast- fruit smoothie
Lunch- salad, tortilla, raw oatmeal cookie
Supper- orange slices w/ walnuts topped with coconut shreads

I am also fixing to have another smoothie.

[faithjrny]

Stayed raw yet another day..yay! Made Alissa'a chocolate mousse last night for my dd and me, except used raw cacoa instead of carob and it was AWESOME (as my 14yo dd said!) Have some left for tonight.

Had kombucha(sp?) for the first time, it was wonderful! My dd thought it tasted like vinegar, but I thought it was more on the order of champagne!:D

I feel like I have been doing too many raw nuts. I am going to try a few days next week of more just fruit and veggies.

Does anyone take any supplements like B12? Just wondering if I would benefit from something. Not all of our produce is organic (extremely difficult to get much in this part of TX!) I am hoping for a big garden, but we have to have many trees removed to let in more light.

Have a great evening everyone!
Blessings,
Lori

[roo]

Another good raw day! Officially 25 days raw now! :) I'm seriously considering a juice feast. I don't know if I want to do 100% yet. Maybe I'll start off with one solid food meal a day and see how I feel about taking it further. I really think I'm too addicted/dependent on eating things to give it up totally. Maybe that changes as you progress in the feast?

Today I had...

a quart of green lemonade.

A wonderful sandwich made with onion bread, 1/2 avocado, 1/2 a tomato sliced, eggplant bacon, and a couple leafs of romaine. I didn't really care for the bacon at first but when I put it on the sandwich I liked it a lot. I'm looking forward to tomorrow so I can have another one.

2 celery stalks with almond butter and raisins.

1 apple.

I love reading about what everyone is doing. Keep up the good work!!

[Carlsbad]

Just checking in again. I went to the birthday dinner at the barbeque place, and ate an awesome salad and drank water. The guys at the table (there were about 6 of them) ordered an "all you can eat" thing, and they went through plate after plate of meat. It was so gross to watch! I really can't believe I used to be such a carnivore. They just kept wolfing down plate after plate, and all of them ended the night with red sweaty faces and all clutching their stomachs and groaning. Blech! It was like watching some sick reality tv show!

I'm always amazed whenever I eat with a group of cooked fooders, the whole social aspect of the meal breaks down after everyone has eaten. They are all so stuffed and tired from gorging that they can't interact anymore! Meanwhile, I'm refreshed and satisfied and ready to party! And these are "skinny" people too. It's weird. There is such an incredible difference between eating cooked and eating raw. It's like a completely different process (which of course, internally, it is!). I just marvel. Anyway, wanted to share!

[Rawkinlocs]

Have a wonderful day!

Remember, no mention of slip-ups (not that you're gonna have any) - just focus on raw and staying positive and most of, have FUN and enjoy yourselves!

[chinagirlkim]

Good morning,
It's been a good day. I woke up feeling well. The rest of the day I've been a bit "fuzzy" headed. Kind of hard to describe but you may know what I am talking about.

mixed fruit for breakfast
small mixed green salad for lunch
I juiced a bunch of celery & oranges.
Planning to clean out the fridge tonight. So not sure if I will juice it, smooth it or just eat it. My husband and I are away this week. Should have access to lots of fruit & salads so will plan on staying raw.
Have a great week if I don't get to log back on.:)
Kim

[magglepie]

Oh, I get that "fuzzy" headed feeling sometimes too. And when I went off caffeine last April I also got the dizzy headed feeling for a while.

I had some bananas for breakfast (wasn't feeling all too hungry) and now I am on my way to church and then to buy some grocery's and do the laundry! Have a great day everyone :)

[deberaw]

Good Morning my Raw friends!!!
Yes, what is that "fuzzy" head thing about? I get it too, like I'm just not quite as sharp, but I do feel clear.....does it go away? when?????!

I feel good today....last night for snack I had apples and Alissa's sweet potato chips...which my hubby loved, and one of my sons liked Raw!!!! I thought they needed some salt though...so I put some more in the dehydrator with some salt today....

Green smoothie this morning: spinach, pineapple and water....I'll have my banana/flax/vanilla one in a bit......I loved Alissa's Stuffed Portabella,so will have that for lunch...then wild rice salad and romaine for dinner....sweet potato chips, fruits and veggies for snack! Then I've got to seriously plan out next weeks foods....I do much better if I'm planned out somewhat!

Off to a Healing Service today for a friend/mom of 3 who was just diagnosed with a rare aggressive breast cancer....and she is nursing a 1 year old...my heart breaks for her...the second mom/friend in her 30's that has been diagnosed within the past year...and that %$#@&*! disease took my mom before she was 50......I'm reading The China Study now and have been encouraging my sisters to read it too...that's all the motivation I think I need to stay Raw! .....

Now, make a Rawsome Day and I hope that all are well....I'll check back later! Deb

[roo]

The China Study is a very informative book. Everyone should read it. My mother also had breast cancer before 50 and now my father has prostate cancer. I feel I need to be very mindful of how I eat. I'm 47 and I'm just recently getting that through my thick head. I guess better late than never. :o

I tried the sweet potato chips once and they were a big disappointment. They never did get crisp. They aren't supposed to be rubbery are they? :confused:

I'm having green lemonade for breakfast. I'm on my second glass now. For lunch I'm having another onion bread sandwich, and for dinner, the remainder of my sweet & sour sesame veggies.

Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!

[Nappilocs]

^^ Debraw and Roo, I can totally relate because cancer runs rampant in my family. I lost my maternal grandmother to cancer, and on my father's side I lost my grandmother, 1 aunt and 4 uncles to different forms of cancer. My dad has already had prostate cancer, thankfully they caught it early enough to treat it. This is one of the reasons that I am determined to make raw foods a lifestyle. I hope that I can encourage others in my family as well.
Anyway,
Yesterday was strange, I did a 1/2 high impact African dance class. Afterwards I was fully of energy but not really hungry. I went to the farmers market with the intent of coming home and uncooking a big meal. But I really didn't want to eat. I grazed on fruit, almonds, olives and fresh OJ all day.
Today, I haven't done much of anything but I am ravenous!! I just had a big bowl of Spanish "rice"and now I am eating some pineapple. I'm also feeling quite tired today. I have been working out for 6 days straight so I guess my excessive hunger and tiredness is my body's way of rejuvenating itself.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a rawsome! day

[fitme]

Didn't get a chance to check in yesterday, but I learned a lesson last night. We went out to eat for the first time since this challange started and I ordered a salad that on the menu seemed like all raw ingredients, however when it came, it had a bunch of croutons and A LOT of cheese:( ....I was able to get off al the croutons but the cheese was a little trickier....so I guess I need to ask next time if there is anything else that is not listed on te menu!!:(

Today had a GS with kale, spinach, collard greens, banana and pineapple,
a lara bar snack and lunch was salad with guacamole dressing and some mango for dessert. Tonight for dinner wil probably be a salad or a fruit smoothie.

Is it okay to have a fruit smoothie for dinner?

Have a great day!

[aliciamatheson]

that's so weird, i swear i posted my reply! anyway, maybe it was so boring it disappeared into think air!!

hope you are all enjoying your sunday - i did one of my favorite raw rituals- cutting, washing and storing vegs for the week - i put some music on and i'm good....

not much of an appetite - probably from snacking on all the vegs!

[deberaw]

Roo and Nappilocs....Hugs and let's stay Raw strong and hopefully encourage our family as well!............Roo: did you slice your sweet potato chips thin? they have to be very thin...I used the thin blade on the thing that makes spiral noodles....I also dehydrated them longer than said on the recipe....today I added salt before drying them and that helps too!

Alicia!maybe you get that fuzzy feeling that was discussed and that is what happened to your first post? hee-hee;) ...Your day sounds great....music and prepping...love it!

fitme....smoothie for dinner sounds yummy!

I'm glad to be in the double digits...Day 10! Great Rawness everybody!:) Deb

[ciarac]

Hello to all,

It's day 3 on my 'back on raw' journey and I'm doing great. I'm happy, energetic and proud, and I am being super strong re. cooked food. If it ain't raw, I ain't eating it. Punto.
Hurrah!!!!

[Anastazia]

Howdy everyone!

First of all, Deb, I just want to let you know that this is the same type of breast cancer God just healed me from, & I know how intense it is to be diagnosed with & to have to face, (especially as a parent!):(

I'm going to spend time in prayer for your friend today & every day until God has done whatever His will is for her life...I believe in & know in my own body His power to heal, & also have full confidence in His sovereignty, & that His ways are NOT our ways...they're much higher...so no matter the outcome, I believe He will see her through with peace & strength...please keep us informed, & would you mind letting me know her name? I'll add her to prayer lists, as well, if that's ok...

...it grieves me, too, to see all the disease & poor states of health that are unfolding all around us, that are accepted as 'normal' & 'to be expected'...

...yesterday, I was talking with my sis, who's just gone raw, & after awhile, she said something like, "Wow, just get you started on the topic of nutrition & there goes an hour!" I feel my passion to help others growing by the day, & can't WEIGHT until I'm further along, & can start reaching out more to let others know there is a valid, powerful solution to hearly every health problem there is!
I had a friend say to me the other day, "Well there's plenty of 'health experts' around who weight 300 lbs..." meaning no-one'll listen to me while I'm still obese...(I forgave her, but yup, it hurt...):rolleyes:
{...at least my sis is listening...}

I'm sooooo excited that she's taking responsibility for her health & making the changes she has...in less than a month of exercising again, & eating more & more produce, (& now being raw!) she's lost 9 lbs, & is feeling better by the day! Please pray she's ready to quit smoking soon, then I KNOW her health will soar!!!:D

...so anyways, yea, I fell...walking in the snow, with SANDALS on:eek: ...yup, dumb....won't do that again!

One leg flew out in front of me, yanking & overstretching the tendon at the back of my knee, then landed on my other knee full force...both hurt today, & then I got a massive toothache (maybe my teeth hit hard when I landed...?)

It just makes me MORE determined to keep going, keep moving as much as possible, & keep progressing on getting my health back, no matter what obstacles I have to overcome!

Just had a few apples for breakfast, goona make some salad here soon, & maybe some carrot/apple/celery/baby lettuce juice first! I don't have much appetite cuz of little sleep again, & not moving enough, so I'll just snack on fruits & veggies through the day when my hunger does return.

Have healthy, peaceful day today!
~Anastazia~

[deberaw]

Oh Thank You so much Anastazia! Her name is Jen......she is an ordained minister also, her faith is very strong...your words mean so much....do you need her full name for a prayer list? I'm sure that would be okay, but just wanted to check. She has inflammatory breast cancer......

God Bless You too, I am very happy to hear that you are healed, and you sound like a very strong and encouraging woman...I am so sorry to hear about your fall...I hope you feel better soon! It is very icy here too, and temps below 10 degrees today...brrrrrr.

I just made Raw Priestesses Brownies: 1 cup walnuts, 1 cup pitted dates, 1/4 cup cacao....put in food processor and blend.......put in a pan.....or roll into balls...I made little balls...ate some...hubby ate the rest! The complete recipe is in the recipe forum...it even has an icing, but I found them yummy like this!
warmly, Deb

[Anastazia]

You're welcome, I'm so glad to know the power of prayer in many areas of my life, & when someone is going through something I've gone through, my faith for a miracle is even stronger!

I wish every single woman would go look up the signs of Inflammatory Breast Cancer, it's so different than the usual kind, & mammograms, biopsies, etc. often miss it...

...I don't need her full name, but it can be good to have, for some lists, & to help people not mix prayer requests for her up with another Jen...

...it's freezin here, too, but my feet NEVER get cold (hence, the sandals!) I used to go barefoot year round, in Vancouver, (with LOTSA cold rain) & just wear sandals in the snow...but the ones I was wearing are wearing out! No traction!

Wish I had some dates & walnuts, sounds yummy! I'm making a sorta salad (keep eating the things that are headed for the bowl..) & then I'm making my new recipe invention..."Icy Squares", the kind of little chocolates I used to LOVE to eat!!! It tastes JUST LIKE 'EM! Maybe I'll post the recipe later...

~Anastazia~

[deberaw]

Anatazia, her full name is Jen Starr-Reivett...thank you so much for including her in prayer lists.....I will keep you in thoughts and prayers too......I hope you get better sleep tonight, Blessings, Deb

[Chilley]

Okay the past 9 days have been great! But today, I was hungry all day!!! Nothing I ate satisfied me. Although the kids had to stop at a restaurant while we were in town, also cooked something special for the DH, I didn't cave in...wanted to...was rationalizing it...telling myself how good i've done and little slip up was alright. But down deep I knew it wouldn't be one slip up, it would become a downhill slope from then on out.I just kept reminding myself why I was taking this challange.

anywhy bought some wheat berries, so I am going to sprout them and make some bread. oh yeah, I did sprout some chick peas and made the spicy refried bead recipie. They taste really good. (Yes, I was surprised on that one!)

Bfast- apple w/ nut butter
lunch-refried bean on flax cracker w/ BBQ sauce and nut cheese
supper -salad and another bean and flax cracker combo
snack-choco smoothie, handful of nuts

[GardenBella]

Hi everyone,
Had a great day Raw - 100%! Still have a bit of a stuffy nose but feeling great otherwise. Had a GS for breakfast, salad for lunch and dinner. Was fairly hungry yesterday but not so much today. Feeling a little frustrated that I haven't lost anymore weight but I guess my body will release the weight when its ready!

Lorna
Starting Weight: 205.5
Current Weight: 203.5
Goal Weight: 130

[Rawkinlocs]

Have a GREAT day!

Remember, no mention of slip-ups (not that you're gonna have any) - just focus on raw and staying positive and most of, have FUN and enjoy yourselves!

[aliciamatheson]

Good Monday Morning

A very cold day in Boston - but sunny! Hope you are well.

I had a terrible night's sleep, thanks to one of my kids who had a bad dream, jumped into bed with me and the husband, and the proceeded to toss, turn, kick and flail around. How can someone so small take up so much room!

Anyway, had a fruit smoothie this morning and have some wheat berries soaking to sprout. Trying to do more with the sprouting but, to me, the sprouts all taste the same. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd be happy to hear about sprouts.

Have a nice day, Alicia

[deberaw]

'Morning my Raw friends! It is very cold and icy here.....below 10 degrees again and school is closed...again! .....Oh I feel for you Alicia! one of out twins used to come in a lot at night....sometimes the other one too...they do well now.....but the frequent disruptions from tossing and turning or a kick in the head...can take their toll by morning! Hopefully you can take it easy today and all will sleep better tonight!

I've got lentils that have sprouted and I just plan to put them in salad today....I have kamut that sprouted too...but that I'll make into crackers...I'm curious for more sprouting ideas too though!

Green smoothie this morning: spinach, lime, apple, orange and just a bit of pineapple............My order for a case of young coconuts came in to the grocery so at some point, we'll brave the weather....I really want them! My grocery gives a 10% discount if one orders a case of produce! ....

Last night I quick whipped up RP Brownies: I cup of pitted dates, I cup walnuts, 1/4 cup cacao......food processed and pressed into a pan.....I just make little balls though....they were divine and disappeared in a jiffy...my hubby and one of my sons loved 'em...I got a few! ....more of the same today....smoothies, wild rice salad to finish up, young coco's, salad...lentil sprouts.....yummmm...still need to plan out more for the week though!

Make a Rawsome Day everyone! :D

[ReneeH]

Hey RAWbies!!!

I feel for you guys... It's a brisk *** 64 degrees *** here in Katy, TX!!!! :D Yep, people are literally walking around with no jacket and shorts!!! :D But, I used to live in NJ, so I can remember what COLD :eek: feels like!!!

Great start this morning... 1 Banana, 3 Clemintines, and a handfull of Pistachios... Plan to have a Green Smoothie for lunch. RAW feels sooo good! I'm really proud of myself and I feel like I'm glowing from the inside out! I thank God that I saw Alissa on the Tyra Show. It has changed my life!!!!

[roo]

I had a bad night too but that is the norm for me. I've been sleeping 4-5 hours a night and it isn't enough. I know some 100% raw people do well on 4 hours so maybe I'll get to that point eventually. I wish I knew what caused my mind to think it is supposed to wake up after 4-5 hours. It's been going on for years. :confused:

Deberaw, I made those brownies a few days ago and I also thought they were good, no need for icing. Yesterday I made the Banana Cream Pie but it turned out closer to Banana Pudding. Don't know why it was too wet to hold a pie shape but it tastes good! I think it should be my last dessert/nut type recipe for a while. (Have I said that before??:p ) I want to lose weight a little faster. I've lost 9 lbs and I'm starting day 27 today. I know people who have lost twice that much weight (and more) in that amount of time. I don't think they are eating all the nuts/flax/evoo/avocado that I am though. I think I've transitioned enough to start eating less fat and less complex dishes. The onion bread is so good I may have to keep that on hand though. I'll make veggie sandwiches, eat salads, green juice and green smoothies. That should help the weight come off. Right now I'm mostly just craving green juice. I've had two large glasses this morning and I ran to the store to get more things so I can make another one later.

My green juice today had one bunch kale, 1 cucumber, 1 sm. carrot, several stalks celery, ginger, 3 apples, 1 whole lemon. YUM!

I'm feeling good, but sleep deprived. If I could get a good nights sleep I would probably be bouncing off the walls with energy. As it is I feel so much better than I did when I was sleep deprived and eating SAD. That was misery. I know 100% raw is the answer to what ails me (weight & sleep) and I'm determined to stick with it. I don't even have to work at it because I love the food. It is SO GOOD!

You guys all sound like you are doing great. I'm so proud of you! :D Stay warm! It's freezing rain here today!!

[tvillemom]

Good morning all! I've made it, but haven't had time to check in. Yesterday we had prayer and fasting at the church. Lots of us stayed at the church until about 6pm. Just juice and water. It was great. I remembered though why fasting is sooo hard for me. I become consumed with food, and thoughts of it.

I would also love to hear what everyone else is sprouting. My biggest problem with sprouting is that I forget to soak the seeds or lentil overnight!:eek: I even planned to sprout some lentils, and keep forgetting to soak them.

I would still like to hear what everyone else uses theirs for. I have thought about sprouting, food processing with other stuff like flax, etc. and making some type of cracker that would have all the nutrients of the sprouts.

I like lentils, I think they taste alittle spicey. I have never had any success with garbanzo beans, so I never liked them.

Today's food so far has been just my "regular" apple, banana, walnuts drizzled with evoo, nut. yeast and alittle sea salt.

Our fast at church is carrying over for a 40 day fast, where we are to give up one thing for the 40 days, and fast 1 meal a day....one day a week if possible.

I look forward to the fasting time......staying raw definitely will help me with what I've chosen to give up for the 40 days. Just stay raw.:D

[MiahTay]

roo - 9 lbs. in 27 days is GREAT!

Deberaw - RP's brownies are even better the next day! I try to make a double batch so I will have some left. But I love them so much after then have set in the fridg overnight that I can usually resist now until the next day :D .

Sorry I haven't checked in for a few days... I've been putting more energy into the fitness boards and meeting my goals for exercise. Looks like everyone is doing GREAT!

Heather

[Varda]

Hi there everyone..
Didn't have time to post yesterday, sorry.

Today I'm feeling great, just a bit tired.

In the morning I had an OJ, an apple and a banana.

For lunch I had an OJ again and a mixed salat with avocado

For dinner I had a smoothie (melon, orange, berries & almond milk) and a bit salad with mushrooms and tomatoes.

Was jogging for an hour in the sunshine, great ;)

[Vivafree2]

It is cold in here -perfect weather to see how people live in countries closer to the equator....
Raw today consisted of bananas and lemon water.
Hugs to all!

[Carlsbad]

Hi everyone!!

I'm feeling foggy and sleepy today, even though I slept for 12 hours last night. I think tonight I will try skipping the meds. They don't seem to make much of a difference with my pain levels, and they really knock me out. I'll try going without and sticking with the stretches and massage.

I'm feeling super skinny today, and yesterday at church everyone kept commenting on how skinny I'm getting. It was awesome. The scale hasn't budged much, but my body just looks different. I think it's all the exercise and weight lifting I've been doing. Either way, it rawks!

I stayed all raw yesterday, even though my mom made one of my absolute favorite cooked things. I had an opportunity to eat some when no one was looking, but I didn't do it. I'm still kind of amazed and grateful about that! Yesterday I ate a lot of fruit and then some onion bread with avocado. It hit the spot. This morning I started with a banana and then a bunch of chia goo with strawberries and banana. I have a salad to eat for dinner with greens, carrots, avocado, and the stuff you make the kale chips with (I had extra, so I added honey and made it into a salad dressing). I've also got cashews and kombucha to munch on. I've got a Bible study thing tonight at church where someone brings dinner for everyone. It's weekly, and I'll be bringing my own grub. I'm okay with that though. I just hope people don't go overboard with questions.

I'd better clam up and get ready for the gym. We're almost at two weeks! Woohoo!

[smb106]

Good evening all!

So I was able to stay 100% raw through the entire weekend though I ate a great amount of nuts and dried mango.

Today, I had a great big bowl of magoes, bananas, apples, strawberries with a little agave. Lunch was a salad with chick peas and dinner was a really boring salad. I had to order it since I'm working late!

I am getting so excited for Thursday night! My husband is taking me to Alissa's new raw restaurant in Boston which opens on 2/13! I cannot wait! The menu looks amazing. My husband will have a rough time though. He's not raw and he's allergic to nuts! I'm hoping he can eat maybe a soup and salad??

I am hoping to leave work shortly and go home and workout.

I hope everyone has a good night and I'm glad to be back and posting after the weekend away!!

[Nappilocs]

Hello everyone!
Today, I feel wonderful. I started the morning off with a green smoothie: pineapple, spinach, an apple and a banana
I had some delicious spanish "rice" for lunch
This was dinner....

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n155/Nappilocs/sunfloweralmondsammich.jpg

I call it my curry burger... It was sooo good, if I say so myself. I am starting to think that I am a much better uncook than I am a cook. I am having so much fun experimenting with new foods.
Everyone have a good evening!

Love and Light

Nappilocs

[deberaw]

Oh Napplilocs that looks delicious!!!! Beautiful..thank you for sharing the pic!

SMB106: you MUST tell us about Alissa's place and what you had! How lovely and lucky for you!

I had a huge salad for dinner and made Alissa's honey dressing...I put it in an almost empty agave bottle...perfect for it and it was very, very good...I used my coffee grinder to grind the mustard seeds...what flavor! 'night all, rest well and peaceful dreams...;) Deb

[Anastazia]

Howdy~
Been having a rawsome day, lovin' salads like I was BORN to eat 'em...but that picture looked MIGHTY good! Can't wait to borrow Shannon's dehydrator!!!

Just snackin' on fruit, drinking green water (had too much earlier, threw it up, but decided to try again with less...much better now...)

Was going to try to dehydrate some yams for chips in the oven, but don't wanna accidentally cook 'em, but I'm going to wait & dehydrate 'em properly...can I make a bunch & store 'em in a glass jar & have 'em last? (Hopefully! May have to hide them from Hannah!)

Can't wait to get the ingredients to try that dressing!!!
~Anastazia~

[fitme]

I had the roughest day yet with my food! I;m not really sure what it was all about. I just kept wanting (and sometimes taking) just a bite of the other things that I was making for my family for dinner! It was making me crazy!

For breakfast I had a GS with Kale, spinach, banana and apple which kept me full until about 2:00! Then I had a fruit smoothie with banana, orange pineapple and a little bit of almond butter (I have found that I really LOVE almond butter). I had some veggies and hummous dip while I was making dinnner for family and myslef. I made a big salad with avacado. I also made the spinach dip form Alissa's book and it was yummy too! I just have a blender right now, so it was a little tricky to make, but I did it. I really need t get a food processor soon!

Here is a I'm sure a silly question but where do you get carob powder?.....hfs? can you find it a regular grocery? and is all carob powder raw? Is powder the only form it comes in?

Okay, I am prepared for a MUCH better RAW day tomorrow! Have a good one!

[GardenBella]

Hi everyone,
Had a good day today with eating Raw. As I said yesterday, I’m some what frustrated that I don’t seem to be releasing anymore weight. The good news is that normally I would have given up but I don’t want to go back to eating cooked foods. I just don’t have any interest. I kept it simple today – smoothie for breakfast, salad for lunch and dinner. Realized today that I haven’t been drinking very much water so I’ve upped my intake.

Lorna
Starting Weight: 205.5
Current Weight: 203.5
Goal Weight: 130

[Rawkinlocs]

Eat raw...be happy!

Remember, no mention of slip-ups (not that you're gonna have any) - just focus on raw and staying positive and most of, have FUN and enjoy yourselves!

[aliciamatheson]

Good Morning - hope everyone is having fun with the raw challenge!

I accidentally made this concoction that started off as raw hummus (made with zucchni and tahini) and kept messing with it until it came out tasting very much like chunky egg salad.

I will post a picture of it on the recipe thread - finally got a new camera!

I know many of you have sprouted barley for Alissa's raw chili - I tried once but the barley never looked like it sprouted with a nub of a tail or anything. Anyone have any different experience they can share?

Thanks, Alicia

[MiahTay]

Good morning all! I've made 2 beautiful juices this morning and did my 30 minutes on the treadmill. My food for today looks like:

Carrot juice
48 oz. Green Smoothie
Apple/Lemon juice
Big salad with avocado for dinner
Maybe if I get ambitious I'll make a dessert :D

From your comments yesterday:

fitme - carob powder from Alissa's store.

GardenBella - have you incorporated any exercise?

Have a GREAT raw day!

Heather

[tvillemom]

Good morning all! I'm getting ready to have some warm tea, and my apple/banana/walnut breakfast stuff. Love that. DS is sick, throwing up last night, and I'm still suffering with alot of congestion. Staying raw is definitely helping because I don't have the PAIN that goes with the congestion.

Dinner will be a Great Big GS! Can't wait.


Peace

[deberaw]

Great Morning my Raw friends!!!
I do feel good today...clear and rested in spite of waking off and on due to my babe....Had a huge GS: spinach, grapefruit, apple, water......the GS just seems to set me on the right track for the day.....I also made fresh almond milk.....and made a porridge of ground flax, cinnamon, sunflower seeds,almond milk.....I seem to need some more substance after the GS...and that holds me thru morning....I have some raw oat groats I want to do something with too.....

I have delicious young coco's for smoothies later.....and Alissa's honey mustard I made last night...yummy....so salads and raw snacks and smoothies are in order for the rest of the day....

I am pleasantly surprised that my Rawness hasn't affected cooking for the rest of the family...I worried about that; cooking and not eating what the rest of the family is...what kind of message does that send to my kids etc....but they are easy...and my hubby is so supportive....I don't feel the urge to taste what I've made for them...and we are keeping meals simple...kids like that anyway! I usually put a bunch of dishes in the middle of the table...they love that it's like a buffet, and I include my dishes too....so all is going well.....I'm carrying my extra weight around my middle and one of my sons said today, "mom, let me see your belly.....it is smaller!"...made my day...kids don't lie!!!

Alicia, I can't wait to see your new recipe....I'm curious about the barley too...a Raw chili sounds good!

Have a great Raw day All! Deb

[Vivafree2]

On the twelfth days of February my true love has sent to me 12 pears bursting with juice and sweetness!
Hallelujah - i started to excercise again! It feels good!
I toast with green smoothie made with pear and celery and parsley:):)

[Carlsbad]

I'm feeling pretty awful today. I didn't take my pain meds/muscle relaxer last night, and I'm wondering if I'm detoxing from them. If so, yikes! I may have to say goodbye to all drugs. I feel so yucky! Tired and cranky and out of it. But I'm drinking a giant and very green GS right now: masses of kale, 3 bananas, bag of frozen pineapple, bag of frozen mango, 3 tbsp hemp seed, and some honey. I'm hoping that will pep me up.

Last night I went to the gym in between work and my class, and ran for ten minutes on the treadmill (among other things)! Never before have I been able to run for ten minutes straight without having trouble with my breathing. I didn't even have to breathe through my mouth. It was like I had a completely different set of lungs! Very cool. I was pretty wiped out during my cardio though, I think because I was kind of hungry when I started, and that drained my energy. Plus, I'm wondering if the running broke up some toxins in my body. I need to do a little rebounding every day so I can jolt those toxins out!

Anyway, then I brought a salad to my class and it was yummy. I made the Chrissy's Goddess Kale Chips the other day, and had a lot of the coating stuff left over, so I added honey, and voila! my new favorite raw salad dressing. It was awesome, particularly on the avocado. For food today I have 64 ounces of green smoothie, plus cashews and kombucha for dinner. I'm hitting the gym again tonight, and then the grocery store. I'm thinking tomorrow will be all liquids. Hopefully that will help get this detox or whatever it is out of my system.

Rawk on everyone, we're doing great!

[Anastazia]

Good Morning~
WEll, I'm DETERMINED to get my nites & DAZE turned around, so I've just stayed up all night, & will sleep for a few hours this afternoon, then get up, make myself stay awake, & go to bed REAL early!
It's the only thing that works for me, getting up an hour or so earlier each day doesn't work, I get my second wind at night & still stay up till the wee hours...

I really am starting to believe what "they" say, that every hour of sleep we get before midnight is like getting two (health-wise)...

I felt SOOOOO much better, the few weeks I finally got on an early morning schedule...it's weird, I've been a night owl all my life, & NEVER felt the need (just pressure from others) to change, but when I go raw, it just feels...necessary to get on an early schedule!

When I'm over-tired, I have little (or no!) appetite, so I'm going to just make a buncha green smoothie, put it in the fridge, & sip as needed...& may make some applesauce later...yum...yaaaawwwwwn...

...goona go jump in the bath & wake Hannah & then get on my physioball, & do a bunch of stretching, so I make it through this day...

...my knees are feeling a lot better, maybe after I sleep a few hours, I'll even go for a little walk!

Have an excellent, victorious day, y'all!
~Anastazia~

[Lauxa]

First post. Husband and I decided to go RAW vegan for Lent, so this is day 7 for us. We have been having a small amount of almonds, which I later found out are all pasteurized, but hopefully that won't mess us up too much. I like to put some nut milk in my GS to make it more creamy.

I have noticed a few physiological changes, maybe diet related. When jogging Friday I felt like my lungs were stronger; usually I am wheezing after a bit of exertion. Also I have been breaking out, maybe that is clearing some toxins? I have also been "eliminating" more than usual, hopefully that is a cleansing thing as well. Mood-wise, I have been slightly unmotivated and extremely cranky for the last few days. I feel like I have extra energy but zero motivation to apply it to the tasks at hand.

The biggest dietary challenge is that I feel hungry a lot of the time and I have to bring my raw snacks with me everywhere, but it's not so bad. Finding appealing raw foods has not been as hard as I thought, but I am still going to the grocery store every 2-3 days until I figure out the quantities (I'd like to go once or twice a week instead of 3 times). My favorite dish so far was a relish made from 1 bag frozen corn, 2 chopped tomatoes, 1 chopped avocado, 1 chopped jalepeno, 1/4 onion, and some salt.

Alissa, thanks for providing a place to post this, it's nice to be able to share with supportive people.

[Varda]

Hi there everyone...

Was a good day today....feeling good, just a bit tired..

Today I had:

For breakfast I had an OJ, later melon with goji-berries and grapes.

Later I had an apple and a banana.

For lunch I had a green salat with tomatoes and avocado and walnuts.

Later I had a banana and too much dates :eek:

For dinner I had a cucumber-tomatoe-avocado soup with mushrooms and a few macadamia-nuts.

Til tomorrow!! :)

[ellesgarden]

Still doing and feeling well.

For breakfast I had a GS and a small bowl of lentil sprouts.

Lunch was a plate of dino kale and 1/2 avocado dressed with Chrissy's Kale Chip dressing. Dinner will probably be the same.

I've got a ton of fruit to snack on throughout the day.


It's all become second-nature.

[Nappilocs]

Hello everyone!
Anastazia, I'm so glad that your knees are feeling better.

I don't know what is wrong with me today but I am very irritable. I don't know if it is some sort of withdrawl symptom or what. But I have been like this :( :rolleyes: :mad: all day long. Hopefully this blows over.
I had a a delicious GS with pineapples, strawberries, OJ and spinach for breakfast. Kale with fresh salsa for lunch,and some oranges for snacks. Tonight I will have fresh avacados. I am going to African Dance class this evening, hopefully I will be able to dance some of this frustration off!

[roo]

I was feeling a little bitey today myself. Hang in there! Mine passed after I took a nap.

Today I've had a Green smoothie and Green juice. I may go all day without solids but I have ripe avocado tempting me. A Nori wrap may be in order for later tonight. :)

I watched a bunch of raw videos on YouTube today. I especially enjoyed Karen Knowler. She was a pleasure to watch and listen to. Check them out!

[GardenBella]

Hi everyone
Thank you MiahTay for kicking my butt about exercise. No I haven't been exercising. My excuse is that I've been too sick with the cold/detox I'm going through but since I'm feeling better I can't let that excuse continue. So I'm off to the gym and a workout on the treadmill after work. Thanks for the support.

Have had a good Raw day sor far. Shake for breakfast and a mixed salad and mandarin orange for lunch.

Lorna

[Hannah]

Hey Everyone,
I know I have not posted much in this challenge at all - eating raw is no longer a challenge, now posting about eating raw is the challenge - lol!

Well I am rawkin over here, there have been some trials lately, but I am trying to roll with them - today was supposed to be grocery shopping day (my day off work) but we were hit with a major winter storm and the roads were horrendous (sp?). So I holed up inside and cleaned and organized the bathroom - we had SO much old junk in there it was ridiculous, now it looks SO nice, I think raw is inspiring cleanliness in me. Hmm - Well its good to check in, read your posts and feel all your good raw vibes. I can't promise consistency in posting, but I will try.

Keep rawking!
Hannah

[smb106]

I had a great and interesting day!

I lost 2.5lbs this week and feel great! I exercised this morning and started the day off on the right track.

Since, I started this raw journey my life has become much more clear. Not just in feeling healthier and becoming more motivated with lots of energy, but my life's path has also become more clear. It is scary because I am starting tomorrow I am making a huge career move, and I hope it is the right choice.

Anyway, because of this decision I was a bit stressed today and just ate for the first time. I did have a tasty banana with almond butter and raspberries on top.

I hope everyone has a great night!

[Chilley]

Wahoo for me!! I took a 12 day raw challange a few months ago.. so I am very happy that I again made it 12 days and still going strong!
This time is so much easier with Alissa's book! Everything I have made has been so good.
I just made the cannoli...wonderful! I made them into bite size pieces like alissa suggested. Ate 3 of them!:eek: They are sooooo good.


Bfast: choco oatmeal cookies

lunch: large salad with nut cheese dressing

snack : 16oz fruit smoothie

Supper: made a flat bread out of wheat berries and seasonings, made a veggie sandwhich

Dessert: Cannoli yummmmy!:D

[Rawkinlocs]

Have fun!

Remember, no mention of slip-ups (not that you're gonna have any) - just focus on raw and staying positive and most of, have FUN and enjoy yourselves!

[aliciamatheson]

Happy Snowy Day from Boston!

Today I am going to make this green lemonade I hear about so often. I like fresh juice but want to experiment with it more.

Debe - made those brownies you told us about - oh my, they are good! A great valentines treat.

Stay positive and stay raw! Alicia

[MiahTay]

Good Morning! Having a great morning so far. I made carrot juice which I will drink here in a minute and I've already gotten my 45 minutes on the treadmill done! Yes! I tried an experimental dessert last night and it was really easy and good, I'll probably post the recipe in the recipes section.

Have a GREAT day!

Heather

[roo]

Yesterday I had a green lemonade and a green smoothie and around 7 while trying to decide what I wanted for dinner I ate a piece of banana cream pie. It triggered HUGE cravings. I noticed it the other couple of times I ate it too, but the cravings were pretty mild. Not last night. It was the first time in 28 days that I was faced with NEEDING to eat cooked. The craving was so strong had it not been 26 degrees outside and in the middle of American Idol (don't laugh!), I would have gone to the store. :( I had to have tortilla chips or saltines and cheddar cheese. So looking at those cravings I'm thinking that the intense sweetness of the pie caused me to crave salt. An old pattern for sure! Luckily, my situation prevented me from going to the store AND I had Nori rolls I could make quickly, something I had thought of having for dinner anyway. The salty taste of the Nori and the Nama Shoyu cut out my craving instantly. As soon as I ate it I was fine. :rolleyes: So now I see that I must be careful what I eat, even though it is raw, because it can trigger unbelievable cravings and bring back the intense need to binge with the salt/sweet thing like I did so many times before going raw. Being 100% raw this past month has been easy, until last night. It makes me sad to see how weak I was when the craving hit. I felt like a drug addict needing a fix. And to think I LIVED like that daily, alternating between sweet and salty with a compulsion to overeat both. :o It was a good lesson to have. I didn't like that desperate feeling at all. I've been so free from that for a month now. It's a new me. I cannot go back to living like that! So no more overly sweet desserts for me. They are too dangerous! It's interesting that the Brownies I made a few days ago didn't trigger the cravings. I'm scared of them now anyway! No more desserts for me. Oh well, I'll live. And by live, I mean really LIVE! :)

I'm out of everything for green lemonade and green smoothies so a trip to Wild Oats is on the agenda for today. I always go on Wednesdays because I take my dad and we get his 10% senior discount. Every penny helps in that place!

BTW - My hair and skin looks so good. I'm amazed at the results in just a month! My natural red hair had been fading to a brownish color for years. The red is coming back vibrantly! It's awesome to see. And my skin is tighter, smoother, and getting that youthful glow. I'm a believer!

[deberaw]

'Morning All!!! The sun is shining so pretty on the snow today...makes it glitter and I do believe our temp will be hitting the teens!!! Not so bitter cold!

Alicia: The brownies also have an icing...but I think they are just fine without...the full recipe can be found in the recipe forum, under Raw Priestesses Brownies......ummmm, I'm going to have to make some more!

Roo: I'm so glad you stayed strong and learned more about your cravings...I can relate...cooking for my family, and making most things fresh...seems like I am in the kitchen a lot...tasting this or that or eating too much of this or that...but on 100% Raw, my cravings disappeared in the first couple of days...amazing.....I'm cooking w/o tasting....all is good!

Big GS today: spinach, orange, apple, water

Had appointments....now I am getting ready to make a banana or 2 with cashew butter and some strawberries!

I have young coco's....hummus....sprouted lentils...made some crackers, but they came out too salty, will so until I can get some more going.....I have recipes I want to make but am missing one ingredient or another! Oh, I have some lemon pudding also...and of course, lots of fruits and veggies...very busy day today, lots of running around and my kids start a sports group this evening.....whew, and all is good...I feel really good today....

Make a great Raw day everyone! I'm so proud of all of us!!!! Deb

[MiahTay]

I just had a discussion with my children and I have tried not to FORCE them into raw because I don't want it to be a negative thing for them but they decided after seeing me and dad doing it that they would give it a try for February. So, this morning my son said he wants the raw dessert I made last night for his next birthday cake and they both agreed that this is how they want to eat from now on. I am SO happy.

Heather

[Hannah]

Heather, that's wonderful! Congratulations!

Today is a snowy one again here, but I decided to start early and trek to the hfs. The roads were if-fy getting there, but coming home they were perfect, and I have supplies to prep again! I picked up some new cacao powder - my last batch was a bit granular and did not blend well, but the new stuff is fantastic - had banana with almond butter, agave and cacao followed by the leftovers of last night's green salad and now I am going to prep up some more goodies - yum!

Have a great one!
Hannah

[ReneeH]

Hi all!!!

Today I have had my Green Smoothie and Fruit with some EggPlant Bacon! I also made some pizza bread, so I'll be eating that for lunch today with a salad. I have a lot of RAW leftovers, so I'm gonna finish off what I have left for dinner and snacks... Yes, It's a good day in the RAW neighborhood!!!

I'm finding that being 100% RAW is not difficult when I am prepared with food to eat. Alissa says that in her book...have LOTS of RAW food on hand. She's wise beyond her years!!!

[Varda]

Hi there....today's not my day....been very tired today and I'm bloated :o

Today I had:

-OJ, melon, an apple in the morning

-An Apple, two bananas and an avocado for lunch

-Zucchini pesto with tomato-avocado-sauce and a little green salat

[Anastazia]

Heather, that's so wonderful with your kids choosing LIVE foods! I, too, don't want to force my daughter, but am definately phasing out what I bring in the house!
Well, another night with only 3 & a half hours sleep...YAAAWN....but I'm getting it turned around...
...no appetite again today, so far...will make a smoothie here real quick, then a big salad for lunch, then more smoothie...lotsa greens to use up!

Anyone else have trouble typing & oil pulling at the same time? Maybe I'm just too tired to be that coordinated!
~Anastazia~

[Carlsbad]

Roo~I'm so proud of you for not giving in to your craving, and for learning so much about your food patterns at the same time! Your post was an inspiration. I always have a tough time with the last few days of any 30 day challenge, and like you I have learned (although much slower than you did) what I need to have around me to eat during those times.

Heather~That's so exciting about your kids!! You must be so proud of the example you've set!

Okay, on to me :p I feel much better today than I did yesterday, though it was still hard to get out of bed (it kind of always is!). I'm feeling really skinny these days, which is awesome. I think the exercise is really starting to show. I hopped on the scale this morning, and I've lost 7.5 pounds already in this challenge, and we haven't even gotten to two weeks yet! I was so pumped. Also, I think my crazed devouring of cashews has come to an end. I ate some yesterday afternoon with some kombucha, like usual, and they really made me feel yucky. I do that with foods on raw, I go hog wild with a certain food for a period of time, and then I lose the urge to eat it completely. It's kind of cool. And I'm glad to be free of the cashew munching for a while, because they're expensive! Now I can just save them for recipes.

I wanted today to be all liquids, so I went to my local health food store last night, but they were out of my beloved green juice. I was so desperate for some that I plucked up the courage to ask the guy at the counter if they had any more (I'm very shy). They did! I bought two jugs, one of which is gone already! I love that stuff. I also went through the produce department like a kid in a candy store. I bought all kinds of vegetables this time, which is unusual for me. I had read Steve Pavlina's raw food blog yesterday, and I guess all the pictures of the salads really got me craving some veggies! I usually tend more toward fruit. Anyway, it's fun to see how my tastes evolve and cycle on raw food, and I'm excited about what I will make with all the fabulous fresh stuff I bought.

So far today, I've had lots of fresh orange juice and some more of my giant green smoothie from yesterday. Later on I'll have my beloved green juice (spinach, celery, cucumber, parsley) mixed with carrot juice. I'm hoping all this juice will help my skin clear up, cause it's going through a major detox right now. Even my scalp is breaking out, which is super annoying.

Sorry to babble on so long today! Keep on keepin on everyone--we're almost halfway there!

[Vivafree2]

Ok rawthlings - today only sunny fruits so far - 2 oranges, banana and orange juice, tomatoe and avocado. I can not even think about diner:)
Hve a great day - we have white snow and sunshine - such a rare combination in downtown:) It is a beautiful day:)

[Lauxa]

I made some nut butter last night with Brazil nuts and olive oil and DH and I had it with dried apricots. YUM.

I had about 12 oz of GS this morning and then hit the gym. I dropped off the kids at the child center then hit the treadmill and ran a 12 minute mile. Not a hint of wheezing, though I did feel pretty tired by the end. I was feeling pretty empty afterwards and forgot to bring snacks so I considered skipping my yoga class, but I ended up going and just taking it r-e-a-l easy.

I felt so much better after working out. Sometimes (okay, MANY times) I forget how much exercise improves my moods. I have been so irritable for the last several days and trying to snap out of it using my mind when I should have been using my body.

After working out, I picked up the kids and took them to the indoor pool in the gym. I had packed sandwiches for them and nothing for me, but it didn't bother me too much. Maybe today is just going to be a light day. After I got home I ate some cucumber marinated with vinegar and garlic and then 1/4 cantaloupe.

[Anastazia]

I felt so much better after working out. Sometimes (okay, MANY times) I forget how much exercise improves my moods. I have been so irritable for the last several days and trying to snap out of it using my mind when I should have been using my body.

Wow, I love the way you worded this...makes a LOTTA sense! Thanks!
~Anastazia~

[Raw Buddha]

Have you missed me? LOL

I fell off the wagon but am back full force. February wasn't going well for me in this challenge for some reason. Every day I started off well with a gs, but then cooked would work its way in. In the beginning it was because I hadn't prepared enough with having enough to eat on hand, but then my friends from California visited for 4 days and wanted to go out to eat for every meal! (They are older, not active, weather was snowy and terrible here, so I was kinda stuck in how to handle this, so I went out to eat.) The interesting thing about all this is even though I didn't stay raw I noticed that my whole outlook on eating in general has changed *so* much. In the past, I would have been thrilled to "have" to go out for every meal, but now I really didn't enjoy it. I kept looking at the food as poison and wondering why I was eating it! Plus, I felt terrible afterwards. I tried to eat as little as possible, but it still didn't feel right. Anyway, I have been back on the wagon big time since Monday and am doing great. I feel like I have crossed over a major block for me (I say this quietly so as not to jinx myself!), but I just have no desire whatsoever to eat anything cooked. I am feeling so committed to wanting myself to be healthy--I'm not sickly now but breast cancer runs in my family so I am trying to prevent any illnesses in the future to the best of my ability as well as trying to be a healthy role model for my children!)

Anyway, long ramble to say that I missed you guys and am glad to be back.

Today, I had gs for breakfast and lunch; jicama "fries" for dinner as well as guacamole; for dessert, I had the chocolate mousse.

Question: For those of you who don't have a dehydrator, where do you get raw crackers/chips, etc.? I checked at WFs, but they looked at me like I was crazy, but I think the east coast is slower to catch on than the west. I will check this website first obviously to see if Alissa carries them, but if not, suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks, and congratulations to all of you who have done so well!
M :)

[Chilley]

Not much to say today, pretty ordinary day so i'll just list what I ate.

Bfast=fruit smoothie (also made it for my kids)

Lunch- Salad

Supper- veggie sandwich ( on a raw flat bread I made in dehydrator)

Dessert:- Finished off the raw canoli

[smb106]

Today was a rollarcoaster of a day! It started off great with an early morning exercise routine then I had a great bowl of raw oatmeal with raspberries on top! Delish! Then I went to work...as I posted yesterday, since going 100% raw in December, I have been viewing life in a much different way. I am following my heart. I am a lawyer in a large firm and today, I gave my resignation and accepted a job as a lawyer in public service representing the underserved population.

It is a huge change on a number of levels! I know I made the right decision and I am so excited to give back!!
Since I was stressing about leaving my job, I did not eat until dinner tonight. I had a simple salad and am now eating a mix of almond butter, raw cocomut, agave and raspberries.. So tasty.

Have any of you had this type of ephiny while 100% raw??

[fitme]

Felt like I was eating all day today. FOr breakfast had a GS with spinach, banana, and pineapple, a couple hours later an apple, then an hour later a banana, then lunch...salad and a mango, then dinner was a salad. i don't feel too bad eating when I'm hungry when I eat fruits and veggies!

Have a great day!

[GardenBella]

Hi everyone,
Had a good day today. Had a shake for breakfast, LaraBar for a snack this morning, lunch was a big salad. I had a meeting this afternoon that didn't end until 9:00 PM but they had lots of raw veggies and fruit and I also took a LaraBar. Be prepared and eating Raw is a lot easier!

Lorna
Starting Weight: 205.5
Current Weight: 203
Goal Weight: 130

[Rawkinlocs]

Have a very Happy (RAW) Valentines Day!

Remember, no mention of slip-ups (not that you're gonna have any) - just focus on raw and staying positive and most of, have FUN and enjoy yourselves!

[rawinspired]

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!

I've really fallen off the face of "Raw Food Talk". My step-mother had uterine wall cancer and had a hystotrectomy so I went to go help out at her home for awhile. So I'm back. I tell you packing up to go to someone elses home that doesn't eat RAW was really an ordeal. But I maintained except for one slip-up, and it was because I was exhausted. When I havn't had enough sleep all of my self-discipline goes right out the window, and I want to eat the worst foods.:o
So how is everyone else doing? I havn't gotten to read the previous boards yet. I'll have to go and catch up.

Have A Wonderfully Raw Day

[Vivafree2]

Have a great Valentine's Day!
Today on menu raw chocolate rum truffles:) and more truffles and more later on:)

[Hannah]

Happy Love Day -
I love a day to celebrate love ... I am starting the day with some raspberry cheesecake pudding (first attempt at the recipe - hope it turns out!) ... I have a long work day today so I'll probably take a salad with my new favorite tahini dressing (acv, olive oil, salt and tahini - yum!). I've been craving tahini hard core, prehaps I need the calcium or the fat or both! Yummy!
Have a great day!
Love,
Hannah

[deberaw]

Happy Valentine's Day my Raw friends!

...All is good here...very busy day yesterday, but I had this non-stop energy...it was wild...and then I didn't sleep too well....child came in in the middle of the night and squirmed in bed...then my babe was a nursing fool...woke up more than ususal to nurse...maybe my milk tastes extra good Raw! hee-hee.....but I still feel clear and good.....another busy but fun day today.....

Had Green smoothie: spinach, apple orange

salads and choco. pudding on the docket for today.....

my crackers didn't turn out out too great, so I have more Kamut soaking for another batch...I head to the grocery tomorrow...eager to get supplies for more recipes.......I have some fresh soaked wild rice for salad too....and hummus....mmmmmmm

Glad you are back Christine....it sounds like you did very well overall in the face of stress....did you get your Vitamix yet?!........

Varda: have you tried blending a bunch of greens with your morning OJ? that might help with energy!

Make a wonderful Raw Day!:D

[MiahTay]

Good Morning! Feeling good today just got off the treadmill. Hubby is juice fasting for the next 3 days so my day started off with 7 1/2 lbs. of carrots and 5 lbs. of apples to juice and about a half pound of spinach. He did his own grapefruit juice. As I was looking at all the cut up produce covering my kitchen counter I realized how BEAUTIFUL it all is. My daughter (8) is currently MAKING HER OWN SMOOTHIE! I am so blessed.

Have a GREAT day!

Heather

[solongng00dnite]

Glad to see you all are doing well. Like rawinspired I fell off the face of the RFT earth as well. I never thought it would happen but I biffed my raw foodism:( Such an upset. I dont know what has been going on with me lately but I definitely lost touch of the person I was becoming.

Idk if any of you remember but I did a juice fast from Jan 1-14. I wanted to do it for the whole month but come day 14 I started feeling fatigue and blah and after all the crazy over the top energy I had I thought something was wrong (now looking back I realize it was probably just detox but since i hadnt experienced any in so long I was worried). With that I thought my body needed to eat food so I broke my fast, but completely the wrong way. I was eating all raw but started eating heavy raw foods and completely went nuts and binged. I felt terrible and didnt go to work for 2 days. You would think I would stop but I didnt I kept bingeing and even worse I stopped going to the gym. I became a raw food couch potato.

This lasted for 2 weeks then something even worse happened. My job is close to a whole foods so I started getting the raw food bars and not just one or two a day like boxes. At this point I realized i was battling something much more, compulsive emotional eating. You would think after I realized that maybe I would stop but I didnt, I kept eating those bars like it was my job all while feeling completely awful because I was completely overloading my stomach. Needless to say I gained a ton of weight, none of my close fit and after another 2 weeks I finally stopped eating them.

Now here is the worst part of my story. After this crazy episode of food issues, weight gain and still no gym I cracked and binged out on not raw food:( Funny thing is I didnt even really like it, so I dont know why I did it.

Which brings me to why I am here posting this insanely long novel. I am getting back to the raw and while February is half way over I am joining anyway, hope nobody minds;). All throughout that crazy ordeal I stopped posting and reading the board and I now know how important all of you on this forum are. The support here is like no other and not to get all sappy, but what the hell its Valentine's Day, I love you guys, you are my inspiration.

[Carlsbad]

Good Morning!

I did all liquids yesterday, but then was really starving at around 11pm, so I had a couple of spoonfuls of chia gel. Starving on raw food feels completely different than on SAD. On SAD I used to get crazy and irritable if I even got the slightest bit hungry (I think it was a blood sugar thing). Last night I was physically extremely hungry, but it was just a physical feeling. I could put off eating until I had finished what I was doing. Weird, but awesome.

Today I started with fresh oj (yum!) and later I'll finish off my green juice and carrot juice. I brought bananas and blueberries and persimmons, and I might put them in a bowl and top them with cinnamon flax cracker crumbles. I may throw some nut butter in there with some honey, depending on how hungry I get. Then dinner will be green tomatoes, orange tomatoes, and grape tomatoes drizzled with my tahini salad dressing. Yum that sounds so good! And I don't even like tomatoes!

Had an awesome workout at the gym last night (juice really energizes me!) and I'm headed back tonight for my weight routine. Woohoo! Keep it raw!

[MiahTay]

YIPPEEE! You're back! I've missed you and was wondering what had happened. Just remember we are all human and we can't change yesterday but today is FULL of possibilities! SO GLAD you are back!

Heather

[aliciamatheson]

Solong, great to see you back on the RFT - just remember - you are an inspiration to many folks here so please don't forget that - Alicia

[RawMeg]

OK, I"m majorly late, but I'm soooo in!

[RawMeg]

Hello all! I've started WAY late for the February challenge, but nonetheless, I'm here.

I made apple sauce this morning and Alissa's Marinated greens. I can't stop eating them!!! I guess they're supposed to taste better if they're marinated overnight, but I keep taking them out and snacking on them. Crazy.

[Carlsbad]

Soloong, I must have been posting at the same time as you, since I didn't see your post til after I'd posted. I'm so glad you're back! You are a ray of sunshine, and we've been missing you. Congrats to you for climbing back on the raw wagon. Please share any and all insights you gain from your experience, as I know it will help a lot of us!!

[Nappilocs]

Hello everyone!
Just checking in. I have been experiencing detox symptoms off and on for the past few days b, but for the most part I am feeling good. I just finished pilates and right now I am enjoying a spinach salad.

Everyone have a rawsome day!

[fitme]

I'm am so struggling....does that ever go away? THis morning I had a fruit smoothie of banana, orange, pineapple and some almond butter, lunch was avacado, mango, tomato, onion salad. I'm hoping to have more of that for dinner. I have to make something with my tomotoes tonight so maybe some gazpacho? Stayed up too late last night and got up too early, so i am lookingforward to going to bed earlier tonight!

On the good news front....I lost another 2 pounds this week..YIPPEE:D
Have a happy valentines day!

[Carlsbad]

The more greens I eat, the fewer cravings I have. It took me 8 months to figure that out, but I finally got it. So go hog wild on greens if you can and watch what happens!

[deberaw]

Hi All! Nappilocs, what are your detox symptoms? What is everyone else feeling in terms of detox?

Me: kind of spacey at times......a bit more tired at some times and then lots of energy at others.....irritable sometimes...but much less then on SAD.....overall I feel very clear...

[Anastazia]

Welcome back, so long! you've been missed! & yes, please share what you've learned from your (mis)adventure!

mADE A vALENTINE'S DAY SMOOTHIE (RECIPE ON MY BLOG) FOR hANNAH & i THIS MORNING, IT WAS SOOO INCREDIBLE!!! I wanna make another one for lunch, but ran out the red ingredients!

{Oops, dumb caps button's always in the way! Sorry, wasn't yellin'!)}

My day is too busy, but I'm so excited, I get to borrow Shannon's dehydrator & some raw books etc. tomorrow!!! So no matter how much I have to do, I'm going to go make a list of ingredients I need to be able to try some recipes!!!

Woohoo! Finally I can taste (& not just look at the pictures!) of all the yummy things y'all write about! I get the feeling Hannah will WANT to be 100% raw now..."Would you rather have this yummy raw meal...or mac & cheeze?" What a silly question!
~Anastazia~

[Raw Buddha]

Welcome back, Solong. I posted yesterday about my fall off the wagon as well so it looks like we were both in difficult places for the 1st half of February. But, we are back and that is all that matters!

So far so good today: gs, grapefruit, cashew/almond milk/banana/avocado/cocoa smoothie, and Larabar. For dinner, I will most likely have guacamole.

Happy Valentine's Day!

M :)

[smb106]

Started off the day with some exercise and for breakfast raw oatmeal with raspberries.

Lunch was a simple salad. I'm saving room for tonight! My husband is taking me to Alissa's new restaurant. :D www.grezzorestaurant.com

It looks amazing! I will report back tomorrow!! Have a wonderful night

[Lauxa]

The only thing I want to do lately is read everything I can on raw food, research recipes, and prepare food. I enjoy changing up my eating style frequently, and this is normal for me when beginning a new diet. Had to do another grocery shop today (have been 5 times in the last 10 days).

When I first started I was not using any recipes, but now I am wanting to play a bit more. I don't have a dehydrator but I do have a Vitamix and I have made some very interesting dips in the last couple of days!

So far today:
- 1 GS
- 2 lettuce wraps (broccoli, cabbage, carrots, beets, red bell peppers, and raw "BBQ sauce") which were just all right... I have a bunch more in the fridge along with some nut butter/ginger/red bell pepper/jalepeno dipping sauce
- 1 pear
- carrot sticks with cucumber dill dip

As far as detox, my face has stopped breaking out. The most interesting thing has been what Carlsbad remarked on about not being as cranky due to hunger. On cooked food my stomach usually felt full, now it usually feels much more empty, I guess because the food passes through so quickly. I am feeling like I have good energy but not much motivation, and the empty feeling makes me feel weaker (although I don't believe I'm really weaker, just adjusting).

[tvillemom]

My tummy hurts!! DC have had some kind of stomach virus that's been going around, and even though I haven't thrown up, my tummy HURTS! I have barely eaten today because of it. Some Valentine's Day:o DH is referree-ing tonight until about 9, and the way I feel, I will turn in early.

Oh well, tomorrow is a new day. SOLONG!! Welcome back, and RAWmeg, and RAWbuddha... I think it's never to late to join. Remember we are on a journey, and when you do slip, just use it as a learning experience!

Solong: I do want to tell you this. I juice fasted for 8 days last year. On day 9 I COULD NOT take it anymore. I was dreaming of food. At first it was RAW food, and then I just wanted anything I could get my hands on! When I broke my fast, I thought I could keep it all raw, and at first I did, but by the end of the 2nd day I was totally bingeing on EVERYTHING!! It was terrible, and it took me forever to come back to raw after that. So congratulations to you for coming back and realizing that something was going on. It has taken me awhile to think about WHY I don't want to fast again....I'm too afraid of loosing control when the fast is over.:o

Anyway. Sorry for the novel you guys. Solong just brought back painful memories, and I feel her pain!:D Your not in this alone!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

[solongng00dnite]

Thanks to everyone. Every word was greatly appreciated.

In terms of what I have learned, well my legs blew up and I dont have ankles. Not only did I gain weight but I am majorly retaining water. My calves are so swollen that they dont move/jiggle, its just a solid mass, grossssssssssssss!

But by far the worst part of this is that I have not been to the gym in a month. I am really going to try and get there tomrw but I will most certainly have to take it easy.

Happy Valentine's Day!

[Sugar Snap Pea]

Can I start now? (I mean monday?) Is it better to ease into this, or just jump right in? :eek:

[roo]

Welcome back solong! It's good to see you.

My day was ok I guess - it started fine but ended in a mess. For breakfast I had an apple and some raw almond butter. Then I made a couple of quarts of juice that had romaine, spinach, celery, beet, carrot, cucumber, ginger, apple, and lemon. It was ok but I didn't love it like I do my green lemonade. Just too many different tastes going on. I drank it throughout the day. I snacked on olives, dried figs, and almonds. For dinner I had a green salad.

I've been craving SAD all night. Crunchy carbs. :( I hate this! Here I am at day 30 and I'm being hit with bad cravings. I went nearly a month without them and now I'm being overwhelmed. I didn't give in but I did eat the stuff I mentioned in pretty big doses so my stomach is really full. Why am I relapsing into old habits when I was doing so well? I feel like I could cry. Emotional detox or just the awful realization that I'm just a hair trigger away from losing my grip on my compulsive eating? Wow. Cravings, mood swings, sore teeth & gums, an out break of shingles on my hand looming, an overly stuffed gut...

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh this too shall pass!!!!!!!! I apologize for coming in a dumping my problems in the challenge thread. I'm going to bed and pulling the covers over my head. I'm ready for a new and better day!!

Goodnight my 30 day challenge friends! *hugs*

eta- when I ate the banana cream pie the other day and it triggered cravings it was very understandable. Looking at what I ate today I'm not seeing a reason for it. That's what worries me. Since I have other physical issues going on, maybe these new cravings are just a part of that? Can cravings be a part of detox?

[Rawkinlocs]

Have a very successfully-raw day!

Remember, no mention of slip-ups (not that you're gonna have any) - just focus on raw and staying positive and most of, have FUN and enjoy yourselves!

[smb106]

Good morning all!

So last night was the best experience on my raw food journey! I ate at Grezzo (Alissa's restaurant) and it was amazing. I felt like I was meeting a rockstar as soon as I saw Alissa and her husband behind the bar working. She is so adorable.

The restaurant is quite small, but typical for the northend of Boston. It seats about 28 people but the tables are very close. The colors, wall painting are so inviting and warm!

The waitstaff were very efficient and pleasant! The menu was to die for! My husband is allergic to nuts so we knew he would have a problem, but totally supported me there! Alissa came right over as soon as she heard and she had the kitchen prepare him a three course "special" meal! He loved it! I ate everything!! Including both desserts!

I had Red papaya and bitter endive salad with young coconut, star anise and cucumber

Sprouted guinoa tabouli flatbread - Za'atar, black olives and pickled grapes

Gnocchi Carbonara - House-made dumplings, creamy rawmesan and fresh English peas with crispy eggplant and pea shoots


Decadent deep dark chocolate fudge cake - strawberry moat and blueberry
and Sinfully delicious cheesecake - Fresh berries, kiwi and lavender

All was fabulous and I left on cloud nine!! I could not stop talking about the experience all the way home, which is an hour!!

My birthday is in April and I know what I am asking for!!!

So for today, I am going very light with just kombucha and maybe some greens.

I hope everyone has a great day!!

[Vivafree2]

Half way! Have a great day everyone - today in menu - my supersmoothie - thick, savoury and tasty. For snack - apples and lemon water.
:)
I wish to live closer to Grezzo - i would go there for lunch!

[MiahTay]

Juicing for today is accomplished. So my food for today will be:

carrot juice
GS
grapefruit juice
Green salad for dinner

Have a GREAT day!

Heather

[roo]

Wow how awesome smb! I hope I can make it up to Boston sometime. It sounds fabulous!

Today is going to be a better day for me. I'm going to focus on green smoothies today instead of the juice and see if that helps me with my cravings. I think it might make a difference. I decided to try oil pulling this morning to help with the sensitivity I'm feeling. I hope it works. This is all a great learning experience!

I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

[aliciamatheson]

smb - i'm so glad you enjoyed Grezzo. the food sounds fabulous.

okay raw buddies, had some nori rolls this am and some wild looking carrot juice. need to get in the kitchen today because things are looking bare!

take care - have a nice Friday! Alicia

[holisticfox]

I didn't want to jinx myself by signing up, but I figured since I've made it half-way through the month without a single bite of cooked food (or even the desire for it), I may as well declare that I'm doing it too.

[ReneeH]

I'm in Dallas today!!! You guys would be sooo proud of me!!! I've stayed 100% RAW BABY!!!! Movin' on and doin' great...

[mocha]

Greetings all,
I just join the Raw Food Talk family. I love what I have read and I am very excited to sign-up for the March Raw Challenge.

[deberaw]

I 'm so proud of ALL of us! Yay! half-way!

SMB- Thank you so much for sharing! I hope to get there someday - it sounds fab!...

I slept much better last night......and another busy day and evening today.....

Green smoothie: spinach and orange....needed some apple though I think......just had sprouted buckwheat in Brazil nut milk,with a touch of honey and some banana...hit the spot.........

salads and smoothies and hummus to finish up......will be at the grocery today and hope to make some new dishes next week......

Make a wonderfully RAW day! Deb

[faithjrny]

Haven't been able to check in for a few days because of some computer probs. Still sticking with my first all raw...can't believe I have been doing this for 15 days!!! What a blessing!

Hope you all have a great raw weekend! My hubby is off this weekend...it's been a long time since he has been off on the weekend and 2 days in a row. So, since it is supposed to be rainy here in E. TX, we get to just relax with the kiddos!:D

[fitme]

Had a romaine lettuce, banana, and pineapple smoothie this am...
lunch was a salad with avacado
dinner gazpacho soup
looking forward to toorrow!

[roo]

Really good day today! Finally!

I started with an apple and almond butter, then made a vitamix full of green smoothie. I drank on that all day until having a salad for dinner. The smoothie kept me full and satisfied all day. No cravings! I had a lot more energy today too.

Love raw days like this!

Hope everyone else had a good day too! :)

[Anastazia]

Another night of not enough sleep, so little appetite again...smoothie, salad, snackin' on fruit...struggling a little with temptations...
...goin' to bed early!!!

~Anastazia~

[GardenBella]

Didn't get a chance to check in yesterday but I had a good day today and yesterday. One of the more noticeable changes for me is that I'm sleeping through the night. Last night I went to bed around 11:00 PM and slept through until 5:30 AM - six hours straight! Most nights I sleep from 5 to 6 hours straight. That hasn't happened in a very long time. Most of the time I've been waking up every 2 to 3 hours.

Still having a raw shake for breakfast (strawberries, blueberries, banana, Goji berries, Acai, greens and raw chocolate). For lunch I make a big salad (baby greens, avocado, sprouted beans, cucumber, radish, carrots, sunflower seeds) and dinner is usually the same.

Lorna
Starting Weight: 205.5
Current Weight: 203
Goal Weight: 130

[Rawkinlocs]

Much success to you on your raw journey!

Remember, no mention of slip-ups (not that you're gonna have any) - just focus on raw and staying positive and most of, have FUN and enjoy yourselves!

[ManyLittles]

Checking in. Doing well. Down almost 15 pounds. No cheating. Feeling a bit tempted today, but staying strong. Cooked food is NOT an option for me.

Tonight I ate half a spaghetti squash with marinara. Yummy.

[rawinspired]

Good Morning Everyone!

It's another beautiful day in Florida. It's become a joke in our home. After living in Chicago my whole life it's nuts to wake up day after day to sunshine, and its Feburary.:p I love it.
I have to tell you all that I have been struggling immensley. I am really having a difficult time. In the begining which was 27 days ago I was reading all the RAW books, I was on the raw websites constantly, and I have gotten away from it. I don't know if I need to fast to get the cravings out of my system. I was just sooo happy and excited with this new lifestyle. I don't want to go back to SAD. It's crazy...but I'm afraid of myself:eek: I know what could happen. Hhheeellllppppp!!

[deberaw]

Good Mornin' my Raw Friends!

It is a beautiful bright day here in Michigan! Snow is crisp on the ground....and it is supposed to rain tomorrow! Spring is on it's way! I love these crisp days....but it really shows the dust in my house!!!!

Christine: Glad you are back! Think about what will help.....is your Vitamix in? Start using it! Look at Raw recipes! push thru the evening....what is happening after everyone goes to bed that makes you eat SAD? Remember to do this for YOU, not for everyone else......btw, I'm not sure if it is appropriate to mention here....I hope it is okay to say...but there is a book called The Detox Diet....which talks about the different stages of Raw....and different %'s....and how people tend to go back and forth between them...also The Hallelujia Diet is Raw all day and then 1 cooked vegan meal in the evening...the founder found that many people had trouble staying 100% and had guilty feelings etc....he found that many people were more successful at just under 100%...but that is just his opinion....some agree with him, some don't agree with him. I personally find it easier to just be 100%....then I'm not tempted etc.....be gentle with yourself, this is a journey and you are doing great overall:)

Manylittles: Congrats! You are doing super too! I'm seeing slow but steady weight loss...2.5 lbs so far....It would be great to lose 5 by the end of the month..

So, on the docket for today is a big GS: spinach, apples, oranges and these lemon/orange things I got by mistake instead of lemons!

Then house cleaning!

I'm making cashew vanilla cookies {recipe from Living Cuisine}, that I will add
beet powder to for a pink color...I plan to make them into heart shapes for a Raw Potluck tomorrow!

I made a bunch of RP's brownies last night.....also to make today: Ranch Dressing, Nacho cheese.....yummmmmmm

Make a beautifully Raw Day! warmly, Deb

[Chilley]

Hi everyone! I haven't been able to post for a couple of days...been real busy. I have to say that I've had a slip-up a few days ago. I don't know if you'd call it a slip-up because I didn't really want it; It was social pressure from a MY grandma (the kid's great granny).Even If I take a huge salad and a smoothie, she thinks I'm starving my self. It's hard to look in your granny's eyes and disobey her, because I know she means well, and loves me. ANyway I ate a little cooked veggies, but it just didn't taste the same and as good as "grandma" food normally does! My DH says that's good b/c my tastes must be changing.

Also some good news. I told my DH that I didn't thing I would be going back to cooked b/c I am eating sooooo good on raw that I'm not missing a thing!
He said (to my surprise!) "I may have to start eating your way" I've been sharing my food, and he has liked everything I've made, even though he had warmed it up once or twice. ALso he watched Alissa's video with me, so that may have made an impact on him. I think I will start including raw meals into his normal eating and see how that goes.

So all-in-all a very encouranging week!
Chilley :)

[aliciamatheson]

Happy Saturday Everyone,

I'm going to experiment with some new breads/crackers this weekend, now that i have some time.

I also want to make a verison of stuffed mushrooms that incorporate the stems into the pate - maybe something with sundried tomatoes, basil and pine nuts....

Debe - your cookies sound so wonderful!

ManyLittles - you are doing great - maybe something to jump over those cravings, like a raw desert or something salty or spicy - whatever seems decadent! Keep remembering your weight loss and how proud it makes you feel.

Stay raw and stay positive! Alicia

[solongng00dnite]

Hello Everyone.

Still battling some of my demons but I am gradually getting into a better mindset which I think can definitely make or break you. Its all mental.

Anywho, I am getting ready to go to the gym for the first time in a month:eek: It is going to be brutal but it is oh so necessary. Later tonight I am going to a Raw Food meetup. I wasnt going to go because I felt guilty about messing up but I changed my mind:)

Have a great day!

[Carlsbad]

Solong: I'm proud of you for going to the raw food meetup! That will definitely help you get in the right mindset, and I'm impressed you didn't let guilt get in your way!

I've been absolutely ravenous the past couple of days, but haven't really eaten enough. I stopped eating cashews because they didn't taste good to me anymore, and I've been exercising a lot this week, and my system is desperate for food! I made some of my favorite guacamole and ate it on onion bread, and I was still hungry! So today I'm going to make a giant green smoothie with coconut milk in it and hope that helps. I'm also going to try to get to Whole Foods to pick up some things and maybe get some raw food meals while I'm there. I haven't been hungry like this really since I started this way of eating, so I'm kind of at a loose end. I think I need to make some recipes today. I'm heading to the gym at noon, and then I guess to Whole Foods.

I can't believe we're already more than halfway through!

[deberaw]

Hey Alicia! The cookie dough tastes really good! and the beet did give it a lovely color...they are dehydrating now....I'd like to post the recipe with a photo....but it may take a few days because our photo card reader is acting funny...my hubby will have to do it!

Am I allowed to post a recipe from another author as long as I reference the author/book? I wasn't sure if that was kosher.....I will as long as it is okay...??!

[Hannah]

Hello Everyone!
Hope that this weekend is treating you great! Things are going well over here, my weightloss has plateau-ed (I'm at 136-137, down from 157) and I love my body more and more each day, it's fantastic! Even though my wieght is staying the same my shape is still changing. Its been almost 5 months raw for me - and I am still going strong.

This board helps so much, I was away for about 2 weeks or maybe a month and I could feel myself becoming more negative and less inspired - thank you! I do still have cravings, especially when I don't rotate my diet enough and provide a variety of food options - I do fall into food ruts and patterns, and then just maybe need something that I am not getting from my standard selections.

Like tahini, at the start of raw I didn't like it at all - now I am obsessed with it, whereas the cashews that I could eat until the cows came home in the beginning are no longer such a treat for me.

Also Christine, i have to tell you that the challenge really kept me going in the beginning. For the first 3 months every month, like clockwork, around day 25 I would start having MEGA cravings and detox - it was no fun ... but it was a pattern for me and I spotted it, so maybe it is this way for you too. It is getting easier as I go longer because i have more raw momentum and also i am learning what I need to do when I am at loose ends with what to eat.

I recently heard someone say you should know a person 4 seasons before you marry them - I am ammending that for me and raw food - I think I have to be 100% raw for 4 seasons before I really know completely how to ride the tide of cravings and nutritional needs.

I know I wrote novel today - hope it helps, and SoLong, welcome back! I was wondering about you and hoping that all was well - glad to see you here again.

Love,
hannah

[Nappilocs]

Hello everyone!
I hope everyone is doing well. I woke up with tons of energy today after having about 5 hours of sleep. I started the day off with my GS and then went to African dance class. I don't have much of an appetite today, so I had an orange and some avocado. Last night we went to this raw resturant near my home,I had the most delicious nutmeat loaf! You should have seen me trying to examine it to see what was in it so that I could try to make it at home..lol. I have some almonds and sunflower seeds soaking right now so that I can make it. I'm off to get some rest before my show tonight.
Have a great Saturday!:)

[smb106]

Happy Saturday all!

I had a fantastic day so far. I took Alissa's level I certification class today! It was great. We ate a lot of tasty food, learned a ton of tips, and just became more aware of the raw food movement! I highly reccommend it!

I plan on execising, walking the dog, and cleaning the house today. Tomorrow, I am going to implement some of the things I learned today and revamp my kitchen (since my husband) is away for the week.

I hope everyone is having a great day! Enjoy the long weekend!!

[Carlsbad]

My food morphed, so I wanted to post an update of what I ate today:

2 bananas, 3 clementines
smoothie with the water and meat of a young coconut, 3 bananas, 3 mangos, lots of blueberries. Soooo yummy!
Favorite guacamole (it's like regular guac but with fresh corn) with onion/garlic flax crackers and half an orange bell pepper
3 chai raweo cookies
16 oz tangerine juice

And I won't get a chance to check in tomorrow, so here's my food plan for the day:

Green smoothie (my smoothie from today with dandelion greens added in)
salad with avocado, carrots, celery, tomato, green onion, and raw tahini dressing
raw nori rolls from Whole Foods with nama shoyu
Probably some clementines as snacks throughout the day.

I'm drooling already!!

[roo]

Quiet, lazy day. It rained all day today so it was nice just to chill out. I slept a lot.

I had an apple and almond butter for breakfast. A green smoothie through the day. Snacked on figs. Dinner was a green salad.

Tomorrow I plan on making some onion bread and marinated collards. I need to get a little more variety.

I had a few thoughts of SAD today, but worked through them. I kept trying to figure out what it was I thought I needed from eating junk. I couldn't come up with a good reason. So I ate a big salad instead. Yea!

Hope everyone has a nice, raw Sunday. :)

[Rawkinlocs]

Have a successfully-raw day...you can do it!

=====
Please remember, no mention of slip-ups (not that you're gonna have any) - just focus on raw and staying positive and most of, have FUN and enjoy yourselves!

[magglepie]

Goooood Morning!!!!!! I am so happy that February is half over, because that means spring is coming soon, and that means that spring fruits are coming soon and strawberries and blueberries will be cheaper :) I had some apples for breakfast and am now pondering what to eat next because I am still hungry! Any good ideas?

[deberaw]

'Morning ALL!
It's a cloudy, rainy day here.....a calmer day today after all the cleaning and food stuff I did yesterday.......I have a Raw Potluck to go to this evening...it will be fun to try new food and meet new people! The Cashew Vanilla cookies that are in the dehydrator are STILL in the dehydrator....they are taking a long time...still a bit soft...but getting there....

Alicia: is it okay to post a recipe from Living Cuisine as long as I cite it? I wasn't sure if it was....I would be happy to share!

I am constantly amazed at how quickly foods come together.....I have nacho cheese and Ranch dressing in the fridge, along with some of RP brownies....and I'm going to make Alissa's spicy fries today too.....it also is so interesting to me how quickly I get full...a couple of celery sticks with the nacho cheese and I am good for a while...well, maybe more than a couple....!

I do have to remember to eat more often though...I got awful cranky when the kids weren't minding when it was bedtime.....and then I remembered all I had 4 hours prior was a small salad...I usually like to have a snack after they are in bed and it is quiet...but maybe I need to do that earlier!

Maggiepie: maybe a big greensmoothie?!!!

Make an awesome Raw Day! Deb

Just had a GS: Spinach, 2 apples, orange, lemon/orange thing..........I'll have my banana/flax/vanilla smoothie before heading to Church....

[solongng00dnite]

Deberaw thats great that you are going to a potluck tonight, have a ball!

I am finally feeling like I am back on track. I got up had my lemon cayenne water then went to the gym. Only did my jazzercise class because I dont want to do too much too soon.

Came home took a shower and made some turnip tops, red swisschard, carrot juice. I am going to use the pulp to make some crackers and I also whipped up some hummus.

Lovin life, lovin myself, lovin raw, lovin you guys, I am just full of love right now haaha

Ta Ta

[aliciamatheson]

Happy Sunday!

We were in the North End of Boston this morning where Grezzo is located and it didn't seem to be open for brunch at 11am but the restaurant is beautiful and the menu looks amazing. I'm going to try to get over there this week with my husband for dinner.

And - you know - you have to to give Alissa Cohen credit for opening this restaurant in the middle of the Italian North End of Boston - shaking it up!

Debe - I think it's okay to post the recipe here but I found it in Living Cuisine yesterday (I forgot I had the book).

Solong, awesome to see you back and have your energy in our midst!

Alicia

[roo]

I'm feeling the love too! It's amazing how good I feel when I get enough sleep. I feel like I'll be able to get a lot done today. I have a few recipes to make to have ready for the week. I can hardly wait to get started!

This morning I made a big fruit salad with an apple, banana, orange, blueberries, walnuts, pecans, shaved raw coconut, and a squirt of agave. It was delish! I had it for both breakfast and lunch. Now I'm going to make a green lemonade to sip on while I make my recipes. I'm making onion bread and marinated collards first, but then I have a large head of cauliflower and some broccoli crowns I need to use for something. Oh, and a head of cabbage. I think some coleslaw for sure, but the broc & caul, I have no idea. Guess I better get to searching for recipes! Ideas welcome!

I'm so excited for the people who get to go to raw pot lucks, raw cooking classes, Alissa's restaurant (or any raw restaurant- hers especially), and anything else that helps reinforce good raw eating habits. You guys are very fortunate! I hope to get to do all of those things at some point along this journey!

Take care everybody and have a wonderfully raw day!! :)

[Lauxa]

Today has been tough. I am craving bread so badly, but I don't have a dehydrator. None of my raw food seems appetizing and so far today I have only managed to eat an apple. I prepared some guacamole, but I couldn't make myself eat it. Maybe things will be better after a nap...

[Anastazia]

Lauxa~
Hope you feel better soon, & overcome the craving! Breadfruit, maybe?:D
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today I woke up to a blender full of incredible applesauce (apples, water, few strawberries & frozen blueberries, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves!) in the fridge, sooooo yummy, filling & satisfying! Took the edge off my hunger so I can make a smoothie without being too ravenous to wait!

Still in lotsa pain, but determined to get out for a walk in the sun today before church...:cool:

...have a BIG salad in the fridge for lunch, & am going to get something going in my friend's dehydrator she lent me before I go to church for a late snack or dinner (or breakfast tomorrow if it takes too long!:rolleyes: )

I'm eager to start feeling better by the day again, & get past this FM flare-up! I soooo want to be more active! I'm craving swimming!!!

Have a really rawsome day, everyone! :)

~Anastazia~

[SandraDee]

Hey everyone!! This is my first time posting in here. This whole journey is something!! Just when I think the weight is not coming off fast enough... I have to marvel at the small things. My skin is getting softer (I'm usually all chapped up at this time of winter)... and my eyes have finally stopped stinging.

I'm having one heck of a time eating this huge salad I made Friday for supper. I've been eating a bit each day lol!! I definitely find that as time progresses I'm requiring less. Had a blender full of GS this morning and then pretty much salad the rest of the day. I making some carrot/garlic/flax/almond crackers as we speak... they smell devine!!!! Now I just need to find some raw nut butter.

At the moment I can't exercise b/c I took a spill yesterday... but just as soon as I can I'm going to get back on that horse!!

[Rawkinlocs]

Have a SUPER-successfully-raw day...you can do it!

=====
Please remember, no mention of slip-ups (not that you're gonna have any) - just focus on raw and staying positive and most of, have FUN and enjoy yourselves!

[Molly229]

Good morning. I'm new to raw and the challenge. I figure even though we are 1/2 way through the month I can still start the challenge. Today is my first day. I'm nervous but excited about this new way of life.

[SandraDee]

LOL... I just joined this thread yesterday (I'm probably about a week and a half into it... tho just a week at 100%).

Today I just feel fantastic. Met a goal... I'm in the 140's again... haven't seen these numbers in quite awhile and my jaw actually dropped when I saw the number!!

Feeling very positive and just looking forward to a great raw day!!!!

Honestly, I think since going raw I have a weight lifted off my shoulders... before I was full SAD... not vegetarian... and the animal part always really bothered me. I wish everyone would, at the very least, go vegetarian. lol... guess those are my thoughts for the day.

Wishing everyone else a terrific day!!!!

[aliciamatheson]

Happy President's Day!

Pouring with rain here in Boston and it's the first day of February School Break (who invented THAT!!)...

I made some yummy onion bread and garlicky flax seed crackers and my sundried tomato turned out very nice - this was yesterday - I'm not that efficient at 9am!

Food today - I think a big smoothie is in order for breakfast. A raw sandwich for lunch and a big salad for dinner.

Off to find something to do with the wild people (aka the kids) - wish me luck!!!!

[aliciamatheson]

I forgot to ask - Debe - is it okay to email you about your post on the board regarding your friend with cancer. I had a suggestion for you but I wanted to shoot you an email. I can do it through the forum privately.

[Lauxa]

Well, yesterday was the first day I didn't start with a GS, and the worst day for cravings by far. I made it through by eating my raw "junk food", dried apricots and cashew butter. Today I started with a "greena colada", so hopefully today will be easier! This is my first GS w/o banana, and though tasty, it was quite a bit more acidic than I am used to.

Gotta go get the kids ready for a trip out to the gym. Looking forward to a great raw day!

[MiahTay]

Having a great day so far. I got up and juiced for the family - carrot juice and apple/collard green/lemon juice. Then I hit the treadmill for 45 minutes, did 50 modified pushups, 50 crunches, 50 leg raises and stretching. Whew ... I'm focusing this month on getting exercise REALLY back in the picture it's been since the beginning of October of last year that I've exercised at all before this month and it feels GREAT! Food for today looks like:

carrot juice
GS
apple/collard/lemon juice
Big Salad
Maybe dessert :rolleyes:

Have a GREAT raw day!

Heather

[deberaw]

Good Morning All and Welcome New folks!! Yay! Glad you are here!

Boo-Hoo....the Raw Potluck that I was to go to last night was LAST week! :confused: can you imagine? thank goodness I called to confirm....I just had a feeling...the weather was bad so I called to see if it was still on! I don't know how that happened....next time I'll ask for the actual date...we had different understandings of "next Sunday"!!! My cookies were just okay...they tasted good, but didn't dry through...maybe it was the beet powder which gave them a nice color, but made them look platicky somehow...

Alicia: Have you made those cookies? I'm wondering if they do dry through and through...mine were still soft after 24 hrs in the dehydrator...YOUR recipes sounds delish! Good Luck with the Wild Ones! and yes, that is perfect to send me an e-mail, thank you:)

Had big GS: spinach, water, oranges

salads and smoothies on the docket for today...I will be making corn crackers and sprouted kamut crackers.....I love the Nacho cheese and will be having that in celery sticks....and of course, avo's...and I have young coco's still....mmmmm might go get one now!

Make a yummy Raw Day! love, Deb

[Conscious Midwife]

I'm in, AGAIN!!!
:eek: :D :cool:

[BeTheChange]

Is is too late to join? I'm going to join in just a little late...but I'd love to be a part of this encouragement, and then whoever wants to keep going after February is more than welcome to tag along with me!

:D

[MiahTay]

I ordered my 9 tray excalibur dehydrator today! I can hardly wait! I've been reading all these wonderful recipes since the beginning of November and since my children have decided to give raw a try my hubby and I decided it is time. We believe it will make their lives easier to have some dehydrated options not to mention it will be nice to be able to throw some dehydrated stuff in my hubby's lunch. I am so excited!

Heather

[Anastazia]

Howdy!
Welcome, newbies! Good to see ya here with us!

Today I had 3 big juicy oranges for breakfast, they were sooooo satisfying! Then applesauce, now I'm making a big salad, & tonight, I try something on the dehydrator!!!
Yes, YAY, I finally have it! Wish I had a time machine so I could eat whatever I make FAST!!!
The sun is shining away, i've been exercising on my living room floor with it streaming in the window...i just come alive in the spring, i'm so glad it's early this year!!! (Sorry, not tryin' to rub it in for those still dealing with snow, slush, rain, cold! I'm soooo glad I moved from Vancouver's rainy weather!)

See ya tomorrow (or elsewhere!)
Remember, Biggest Loser is tomorrow! it's gettin' good, too!
~Anastazia~

[ellesgarden]

Still hanging in there and doing well. I'm having cravings for chips, so I'm buying lots of kale and making chips daily. I eat at least an entire bunch a day. I refuse to go back to what I used to be and how I used to treat my body.

I made the most amazing cashew milk this past weekend. I think it's going to be a staple.

[fitme]

I have been struggling with staying 100% raw for about 5 days now. It is making me crazy! Just a bite here and there, mainly of my childrens' food, but I can't seen to stop.! Today I had A LOT fewer "bites". I decided to try and eat as much raw food as I could. Breakfast was a GS with kale, spinach, banana and pineapple (breakfast I usually don't have a problem with). Then after working out I had some grapes....still good. Then lunch:( I made a salad, felt pretty good but still wanted "something" so I made a small fruit smoothie of 1/2 banana, almond butter, pineapple, and strawberrie. it hit the sweet tooth spot and of course after that I was VERY full! so I didn't have any more "bites" FOr dinner tonight I had a salad out and it had one non raw item:mad: I think I am not going to be able to go out to eat right now AND I may have to eat until I'm so full that even cooked food doesn't sound good......I'm not too sure about that but we'll see if I can make it a couple full days again. I was so good at the beginning of the month! Hoping for a better tomorrow!:)

[Mueller]

Just got my Vitamix!!!

Wohoooo

[Rawkinlocs]

Have a fantabulous day!

=====
Please remember, no mention of slip-ups (not that you're gonna have any) - just focus on raw and staying positive and most of, have FUN and enjoy yourselves!

[StarFire]

OMG.. i'M THE FIRST POSTER TODAY?? okay.. so I'm cheating.. it's actually still Monday here in Hawaii... and okay.. I'm cheating again .. I never officially signed up for the February challenge... :eek:

baaad rawbie http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/nono.gif!!!

but I'M SIGING UP NOW!! I have a note from my doctor http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/author.gif .. I been sick...

so I'm a bit late but I'm still jumpin in!!

RAW FOODz BABY!!! still rawkin my world after 11 months!! http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/th357582627l0ng1ru-11.gif

[chinagirlkim]

Hi there,
It's been a while since I've posted. My husband and I were away and I am just now getting my life sorted out from being away.

To update you...I was able to stay raw while away. The place we stayed had an awesome salad and fruit bar. Even two nights the chef made me some marinated asparagus and broccoli. It's easy if you've never tried it....take the vege and marinate it in olive oil, chopped garlic and lemon juice for 1 hr prior to dinner. I was so thrilled to be able to stick with it. Since being home I haven't felt like I've had much energy and have been resting a lot. I wouldn't say I've been ill....just no energy. I've checked to make sure I am getting enough of all the nutrients I need so it's not that. Just after beginning the raw challenge this month I received some results back from medical testing and found out I have Adrenal fatigue. So, that seems to be why I am so tired. I woke up tired this morning. I do feel it's only a matter of time until my body is healed from this condition...so am patient and anticipating the time when I have more energy and stamina. On a positive note.....I am on my road to a better quality of life and one of the spokes in my "health" wheel is diet....so here I am. I hope each of you wakes up to a glorious day being raw. It's already early evening here in Singapore so I am headed out to my son's baseball game.....with chilled grapes and other fresh snacks.
Have a wonderful day,
Kim

[smb106]

Good morning everyone!!

Welcome back Starfire and chinagirlkim!!

Starfire: I took the level I certification with Rawma (Lisa)! IT was fantastic and she spoke so highly of you!!

Today started off with raw oatmeal. I need to go shopping drastically! I have no idea what is in store for the rst of the day! I'll post this evening!!

Have a great day!!

[aliciamatheson]

Happy Tuesday!

SMB - I know Lisa from my training time in Kittery - she is such a riot, isn't she? such a great lady and her energy is magnetic! hope you enjoyed your Level 1.

Uh...let's see...I made the recipe for the Grezzo cake that I've read about and it's goooooooood. I think the icing makes it look finished but it's not necessary if you are in a hurrry.

I haven't had breakfast yet so not much to report here yet.

I think today I will try out some of those vegetables that Kim writes about - good job staying raw Kim while away!

Starfire - nice to have you here!

[fitme]

Had a GS this morning kale, spinach, banana, and pineapple. and then later a nut/fruit ball that I made last night. They didn't turn out quite right but taste good nonetheless. No extra "bites" for me yet today. I'm going to make it ALL day! I'll check in later!

[deberaw]

Good Morning and Good evening to Kim! and all those in opposite time zones!

Nice to see you here Starfire! Kim: what a wonderful getaway and how wonderful to stay Raw with ease! Excellent!

I must say that the other night I made marinated brocolli...but with just olive oil and salt...it was sooo good.....and, it gave me quite the gasses....phew! I blamed it on the kids when my husband wrinkled his nose at the smell...but later 'fessed up! ....maybe I need to try it with the lemon....I do want to eat it again, but have to time it...just to make sure my system can handle it! hee-hee

I made crackers yesterday....and am just keeping it simple today as my system is still recovering a bit from the gasses...or is that just part of detox????

Green smoothies...salad.......Stuffed Portabella...........more veggies and fruit on the docket for today!

Make a Great Raw Day! :D

[beckx]

hi everyone. day 19, we're doing great!

my meal with my partner at grezzo the other day coincided with this awful stomach bug. i've been sick for three days now, nothing i eat helps. sipping on limeade with msm now. at least i have no desire to eat nut butters and rich dehydrated food... ever again. :/

[MiahTay]

Good Morning!

Mueller - congrats on your Vita Mix, they are wonderful!

smb - how do you make raw oatmeal?

Welcome back to those of you who have been away.

I'm having a good morning so far I just got off the treadmill. I have always found it hard to stay faithful to healthy eating AND exercise but so far this month I have been able to maintain both and I would even say improve on both. I know it has to to with the extra energy I have from raw - I am so thrilled. So, my food for today looks like:

carrot juice
GS
grapefruit juice
big salad
I will probably make a dessert today (maybe RP's brownies)

Have a GREAT raw day!

Heather

[Vivafree2]

Good morning- i had long raw weekend. I went to the movies, opera and received beautiful, my very favourite, tea roses. I am so pleased and so grateful for the first in history Family day in the middle of February - thank you! So much needed especially when it's cold and dark out there.
Have a great day rawbies!

[smb106]

Heather:

The raw oatmeal is my staple breakfast! I love it. I use Alissa's raw oat flakes (buy from her website). I soak the oats overnight. In the morning I food process the oats with a banana, cinnamon, nutmeg. I top with either raisisn or free fruit. Some days, I replace the banana with an apple and use agave instead of cinnamon. Both ways are delicioius!

Make sure to drain the water. IF you like thinner consistency add almond milk on top.

Enjoy!

[roo]

That oatmeal sounds so good! I'm definitely going to try that. I also want to do the marinated veggies. Yum! When I was SAD I would roast veggies with olive oil and garlic and herbs at a very HIGH temp to give them a little caramelization and they were so good, but now I realize I was cooking them to death, literally. I'll stick with the raw version!

I've been living on green juices, green smoothies and salads. I made onion bread and it is finally ready so today I'll have a veggie sandwich. Can't wait for that!

I want to start a juice feast, but I'm so torn. I've only been 100% a little over a month and I'm not sure I'm ready for juice only. It might be easier when that natural thing happens where people are wanting to eat less and less as they go along on their raw journey. I'm afraid I'm still too much of a compulsive eater to eliminate solid foods totally. But then I think maybe a feast would help with that? Maybe I'll try a short one and see how I feel/do. It seems like such a huge challenge. I don't know yet, it scares me to think of not being able to eat. :o :rolleyes:

It's so good seeing all the activity here today! Everyone is such an inspiration to me!

[MiahTay]

I had an interesting thing happen today ...

I have had a bit of a stressful day, we are looking at buying a piece of land and selling our house. So, I called the survey guys and the Real Estate Attorney to get some information. I HATE making those kinds of calls because I know NOTHING about the topics. So I was so proud of myself that I accomplished the tasks at hand and called hubby to report. Then he asks me to call the realtor to come out for a preliminary on listing the house! UGH. And of course all this hit right around lunch time. So I made the call and I made my children lunch and my dd didn't finish her lunch ... so, what do I do ... I finish it for her. But don't panic friends! My kids have gone RAW so it was OK! Then I proceeded to finish mine too! But I stayed raw in the face of stress! Maybe only you moms can truly appreciate this tale but I just had to share.

Heather