February 2008 Challenge Archives

[MiahTay]

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!

roo - if you struggle with compulsive eating and have only been raw for a month or so I suggest waiting or do a short (like 3 days) juice fast. The fast is usually not the problem for those of us with compulsive eating issues it is COMING OFF THE FAST. Best of luck with whatever you choose just think carefully what is truly best for yourself.

Heather

[Carlsbad]

Still here, still raw baby! Woohoo!

I didn't get a chance to check in yesterday, but here's what I ate:

some bites of RP's brownies, though I made them with soaked dates. Tastes like fudge!
Green smoothie with dandelion, banana, coconut water/meat, and blueberries
cashews and kombucha
Whole order of nori rolls from Whole Foods (usually just half fills me up, but I was hungry!!)
2 chai raweo cookies
I also went to the gym. I am rawking away with the exercise. I definitely couldn't manage that on a typical diet. This way of eating keeps me from going comatose at 5pm!

Today's Food:
About a million clementines (yum)
Couple bites of brownie (not as good cold from the fridge)
Green smoothie: loads of dandelion, banana, mango, blueberries, hemp seed
For later I have more of those chai raweo cookies, and some cashews if I need something before my workout.
Dinner will probably be the fettuccini alfredo from Alissa's book.

I tried to make raw oatmeal yesterday, but I didn't like it. I mushed it all up with some apple and it's in the dehydrator now, hopefully making cookies or something more tasty. I need some dehydrated things because I'm heading to Kansas City this Friday/Saturday for a seminar. So I'll be whipping up some onion bread later tonight. I love that stuff, though it does stink up my luggage a little! :D

[fitme]

Okay, I made it through work where there was not only one but TWO bags of opened chocolate right in front of my desk.....no bites! I actually had a banana for a snack. Then came home and made a salad with avocado and some carrots and hummous. I still have half the day left but I'm confient I can make it today!

[solongng00dnite]

OMG so busy today.

So far just a green juice with beets and a banana.

Ahhhhhhh ttyl!

[Lauxa]

Made the cucumber pickles again (edit: last night) -- cucumber slices marinaded in raw apple cider vinegar with finely chopped garlic. DH came home while I was eating them and finished off the tub, so I guess they're a hit!

I ended up eating dried fruit (dates) and cashew butter a little later in the evening. I feel better about it though because I got some good fresh veggies in during the day.

Had a big GS for breakfast (nut milk, frozen banana, frozen mango, frozen pineapple, and kale), some freshly sqeezed OJ for a snack, and then a salad for lunch (butter lettuce, tomato, avocado, and sesame seeds with lemon juice and salt). There's still a rumbly in my tumbly! I think I'll have an Asian pear... mmmm....

[Nappilocs]

lol@ Debraw! :D
Hello everyone, I am just checking in. I started the morning off with a gs, and had some spanish "rice" for lunch and I just finished a stuffed avocado for dinner. I am feeling really proud of myself for staying on task this time. You all keep me motivated!
Have a beautiful evening, lovelies!

[smb106]

Good evening all!

Well, I managed to get to the grocery store and stock up on all sorts of goodies! I snacked on some dried figs and cashews.

For dinner, I made Alissa's collard rolls. Very tasty!

I am planning on getting up early tomorrow to workout!

Have a great night!

[floating]

I am joining as well tonight at 6:14pm on the 19th.....not wanting to wait until MArch. You are all so inspirational. Thanks for sharing the Love.
Cori

[solongng00dnite]

So I am really trying to stick to the whole "eat only when you are hungry" idea. Today all I had was a green juice, banana, and apple. Im just not hungry.

I went to jazzercise today. That was great I am loving working out again. Feeling good!

Night all

[fitme]

Okay, I'm so proud to have made it through the day without Bites of regular food! For dinner I had some carrots and hummus and later a fruit smoothie with banana, tangerine, and pineapple. I made a salad for tomorrow and some more zuchinni hummus...I LOVE that stuff!
I'm focused for tomorrow!

[roo]

roo - if you struggle with compulsive eating and have only been raw for a month or so I suggest waiting or do a short (like 3 days) juice fast. The fast is usually not the problem for those of us with compulsive eating issues it is COMING OFF THE FAST. Best of luck with whatever you choose just think carefully what is truly best for yourself.

Heather

Thank you for the advice MiahTay. That's a great point you make about coming off the fast. I notice when I just drink mainly juice during the day I feel ravenous and I think it's completely psychological. I should probably wait a bit to try this especially since I feel so much doubt about being ready.

This morning I had a green smoothie and then I started in on my onion bread. I picked at it until dinner and then made a sandwich with avocado, alfalfa sprouts, tomato, grated carrots and baby romaine. I ate too much. I was so stoked about getting that wonderful onion bread I really overdid it. :o

I think tomorrow needs to be on the light side. I need to recover! :rolleyes:

[Rawkinlocs]

Have an awesome RAWESOME 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!

[chinagirlkim]

Good morning ladies,
I hope you wake to a wonderful day where ever you may be. I am about finished with my day 20 and am feeling great today. i met a friend today for lunch at a new place I had not tried. Turns out the owner is a raw gal and a nutritionist. I had a great meal and was totally raw. She seemed thrilled to have someone who shared her ideas visit her restaurant. I had planned to make Alissa's marinera sauce & zuchini pasta for dinner tonight and ended up forgetting the zuchinni when I went to the supermarket. So in the same shopping center as my grocery I went to buy the zuchinni. Some how raw came up and she was thrilled to have someone else cross her path that is trying the raw lifestyle. I told her about this website so maybe she will pop in. Anyway, it was a terrific raw day today and really gave me a boost to chat with the restaurant owner and the health food store manager. She said the raw lifestyle has just "hit" our area but it's much more well known in the states. Since I am termporarily living outside of US....Is that true? Do you hear people talking about the raw movement? DO you see info in the press? This transplanted Texas girl is wondering what she may face when going back home this summer for vacation. Do you feel enough is known about it that most people are not critical of your choices? Anyway, just wondering.

My excalibur dehydrator should be here by the weekend....amazing though it cost me about the same amount to ship it here as the machine cost. Bummer but I hope I enjoy using it. I didn't have a food procesor until today so that did help in the prep work for my dinner.

So to recap:
breakfast a banana & some grapes
lunch my wrap salad type dish...soo good.
dinner marinera and zuchini pasta

Am looking through Alissa's book trying to get more ideas to add variety into my diet.
Have a great raw day,
Kim:D

[solongng00dnite]

Today is my long day, at school from 9-9 boooooo.

This morning I got to the gym which I havent done in a long time, loved it, I feel better already.

Had a banana, strawberry, blueberry, turnip green, maca smoothie. Currently I am having some green juice and later I have a kale, sprout, tomato, mushroom salad. I also brought an apple and a grapefruit if I get hungry.

Have a good day everyone!

[Vivafree2]

So i excercise - gee - i am heavy, slow and sore - but i am getting better.
Green smoothies and a-vocados are my allies and buddies. We are trying to persvasie fat cells that they can shrink, release fat and be happy without holding on. They need some rest - go on vacation and stop accumulating!
Have a nice raw day!

[MiahTay]

Hi All! Having a good day. I woke up and made juice and was out the door with 2 kids by 8:00, had to take my son to the chiropractor then the long trek to Sam's Club to stock up on produce. Hmmm, I am seeing a potential issue I am going to have to deal with as the weather gets warmer... I go to Sam's once a week and buy produce but now that my whole family is high to 100% raw we are buying a lot of produce and right at the moment I have been keeping what doesn't fit in my fridge in the garage since it is pretty cold out there, but as the weather warms I think I'm gonna have to get another refrigerator! :eek: How do you all cope? If Sam's was a few minutes away I would just shop more often but it's 45 minutes away! So, I suppose I need to start thinking how I'm going to fit a refrigerator in my garage. Anyway ... I'm having a good day, I have a lot to do as we have a realtor coming to look at our house so we can get it on the market so we can buy some land. So, I'm off to clean - fun, fun, fun!

Food for today:

carrot juice
grape
some pecans
1/2 avocado with marinated collard greens
big salad
I STILL haven't made a dessert yet this week!

Have a GREAT day!

Heather

[aliciamatheson]

Happy Wednesday!

Heather - I know what you mean about running out of space. You might have to resort to multiple trips to the store - anyplace closer than Sam's - maybe a farm stand opening in the warmer weather?

Kim, there is beginning to be more press about the raw food lifestyle - more people seem to have heard of it. In Boston, Alissa opened her restaurant so that's getting people talking. In the vegetarian magazines, you are starting to see articles/recipes on raw food.

I've been at my studio all morning so I'm starving now. Someone mentioned collard rolls here the other day and that sounds like a good idea.

Also have apples/limes and ginger for juice.

Take care, Alicia

[Carlsbad]

Checking in...

Last night I made the eggless egg salad, with added celery and avocado. I wrapped it up in romaine leaves, and it was yummy. But I ate way too much. It's the first time in a while I've been really stuffed on raw food. I did that Monday night too, I think because I've been just starving lately. Anyway, this morning I had lost two pounds! It's a funny thing, this raw journey.

Food today:
a bajillion clementines
Green Smoothie with hemp seed, dandelion greens, bananas, mango, blueberries
eggless egg salad with celery and avocado on romaine leaves

For exercise I'll take a long walk with my dog, and then I'm heading to bed early!

[deberaw]

Good Afternoon my Raw Friends!!!!

Busy busy day tomorrow...had trouble getting on-line this a.m. ....kids tinkering with the computer!...so here I am now for a sec....

Had a great GS: parsely, apple, oranges, lime..this morning. I was savoring it and watching my 1 1/2 year old on the counter...playing with the blender...tuning it on...off...taking top off...putting it back on..repeating the process...still smoothie left in as I had made extra's...just as I was thinking about grabbing my camera, he took the top off while it was blending!!!!...he was not too happy and there was smoothie on him and everything nearby!!...enough for my hubby though!:p

I also had oat groats that I had ground up and soaked....I drained it this morning and added nut milk, walnuts, strawberries and a banana! Yummmmm

Munching on banana with cashew butter.....also have sweet potato chips that I left overnight in the dehydrator...extra crisp!

Kim...not too much about Raw here....a center about 30 or so miles away that teaches Raw though and has Sunday lunches....a few folk here and there...but it is still new here...but not in San Francisco where my sis lives...not sure about NY, where my other sis lives......

Gotta Run...my hubby has requested the Grezzo cake for his birthday cake tomorrow and I want to make it today before the kids get home {I thought it was even better the next day...} I will decorate it with Goji berries!

with Love and Light,
Deb
p.s. Day 20!!!!! Amazing!!!!

[MiahTay]

Kim - I believe the closer you in to a big city the more aware people will be of raw food. ie - you are more likely to run across a good HF store or juice bar or smoothie bar in a city. And then there are those of us that don't live in a city and have to drive 45 minutes to get to Sam's Club! :o

Heather

[chinagirlkim]

:D Hi Raw friends,
Thanks so much for your feedback on how well known raw is. We call home the Houston area so the fact that it's a bigger city may help...but historically Texas is a meat eating state. So just thought I would ask. This will be a new adventure for me scouting out the health food stores etc....My Mom's love language seems to be cooking so when we go visit she just cooks up a storm. I haven't told her about me being raw yet so will have to cross that bridge prior to our arrival.
Thanks again for your opinions and have a great evening.
Blessings on your day,
Kim

[roo]

I've been watching lots of raw cooking videos on gliving today. Got some great recipes!

I ate so much again today. :confused: Not the onion bread this time, but everything else it seems. Salad, smoothies, wraps, olives... I'm insatiable right now. All raw, but insatiable! :rolleyes: I need to exercise for the rest of the night!

signed,
roly-poly ;)

[Chilley]

Okay, made it through day 20!
boy am I feeling bad! We've had a very busy few days. up early...up late...I feel achy, nose running, coughing...yuck. I felt this way last night too, but got up alright this morning,, but now am feeling it again.

Detox maybe, or just not enought sleep. I don't know which :(

Anyway, I am surviving and eating well! I had a 'hen' party at my house yesterday and had a pot luck type lunch. I made several raw dishes and jpknitech also brough raw food. Everyone loved all the raw dishes; and one even said that she should go raw if she could eat this way. very incouraging.

There has been some tempting moments, and i am facing a whole weekend at my sister's house. who rarely cooks, especially not heatlhy. I'll have to bring everything, endure all the social events. I don't even want to think about it!! :(

[Anastazia]

I really love reading about all of your raw adventures, everyone!

Went shopping today, YAY, & the fridge & ledges are overflowing, & I'm off to make a BIG salad, & have a cute little pineapple for breki tomorrow, some straight, some in a smoothie with coconut milk & oil!

Aching all over, knees throbbing, the walking I did while shopping was very difficult, but I'm going to go soak in a HOT bath, then do some stretches & weights~

I got some pomegrate juice, cuz I STILL can't find pomegranites! The produce lady said they come out in the spring & fall, can't wait, I miss them so much!

See ya tomorow! Stay RAW, everyone!

~Anastazia~

[jpknitech]

I'm reevaluating all the nuts and dehydrated foods I've eaten this month. Starting a new approach. The concentrated raws aren't agreeing w/ me to much. Yes, Chilley made some scrumptious dishes at the 'hen' party, but boy am I paying for it.

I'm gonna just have to put my foot down, so to speak, and step away from the dehydrator awhile. My body definitely wants combined foods that it can process smoothly.

All and all still working at it and looking forward to my new plan. Our bodies and needs are changing all the time. Once you connect w/ your body's needs, it speaks very LOUDLY. :eek:

Everyone, Goodnight.

Remember,
We can do this;)

[Hannah]

Hey Everyone,
Today's been good, had 2 bananas with almond butter, 2 green salads, a cacao bar, a lara bar and some water.

I have been SO hungry lately, and today definitely have not eaten enough - oh well, tomorrow is another day and hopefully I will find the time to nourish my body even more.

Have a great one!
Love,
Hannah

[Rawkinlocs]

Alright yall...THREE WEEKS DOWN!!! Celebrate yourselves today (but not in a non-raw way! ;))

=====
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]

Okay... this is just toooo fun!! http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/smiley_danceegyptian.gif being the first one to post AGAIN.... oh life is good!!

well... my big adventure is ... don't dehydrate your rye bagels for too long or they can be used as hocky pucks or weapons... http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/2006SmileyThinking.gif or perhaps doorstoppers...

they still taste great -- but good lord if I had false teeth - no way could I bite into them!!!

other than that....

RAWBIE WISDOM FOR THE DAY IS.... why we don't eat eggs!!!
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/CrazyChiken.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/Snicker.gif ...teheeeee!!! ....

[smb106]

Good morning everyone!

Starfire- your post cracked me up, what a way to start the day! Thanks!

So I went way overboard yesterday with the cashews, raisins and dehydrated breads/crackers. I don't know, everthing tasted so good and I just could not stop! Certainly my trigger foods that I rally need to monitor! Lesson learned! I least the foods were 100% raw!

TOday, started off great. Woke up and went for a nice run. Had my raw oatmeal, apple for a snack and planning on having simple salads for lunch and dinner to get back on track!

I'm excited for today and for my realization!

Enjoy the day!

[chinagirlkim]

Day 21 and still raw,
I am just amazed that I've stuck with something this long. I do feel like I've found my answers to a lot of questions regarding healthy lifestyle. YEA!!

Still waiting on my dehydrator.....hopefully tomorrow.

Menu for today...I had
b'fast- 2 bananas
snack chilled grapes yummy
lunch- left over zuchini noodles & homemade raw pasta sauce. Sauce was better today as spices had enhanced flavor.
dinner-husband and son at baseball game, daughter just wanted to eat leftovers so had some more left over from lunch so made another plate and finished off the zuchini noodles & pasta sauce.
snack grapes and pumkin seeds & was still hungry so avocado.
Going to bed...it's 9:30pm and I am exhausted so am listening to my body and getting horizontal.

Hope you have a good start to your raw day and can't wait to weigh in tomorrow morning. I went to bible study this morning and a gal said I looked like I've lost weight....yea!! I only weigh once a week.
week 1 weightloss 7lbs
week 2 lost 2 lbs
week 3 will fill in the info tomorrow.
Have fun chopping and shredding.
Kim:rolleyes:

[aliciamatheson]

Starfire - yes - the bagels are deadly weapons if left too long - know all to well - i've always thought it would be a funny thread to start "Raw Food Bloopers"

I am hosting a raw food tasting party at my yoga studio next week so I am doing a test run today of the menu to see if the plan works. So, I will be eating what I make (for the next few days!)

The hubby and I are going to Grezzo tonight for dinner! My social life is completely dependent on my babysitter - and she's got a great social life so mine is pretty nonexistent! But she can babysit tonight.

I will provide a complete report tomorrow! Have a great day.

[ReneeH]

Hey you RAWbies!!!

1 Banana and 2 Clementines so far!!! I'm gonna make some more Onion Bread today...I've totally eaten all my stash!!! I think I'm gonna have some pizza today for lunch (I made a DELICIOUS crust using hemp seeds!!!) and salad... Not sure what I will do for dinner....will search RFT for some ideas!!!

Have a RAWsome day!!!

[solongng00dnite]

Starfire - yes - the bagels are deadly weapons if left too long - know all to well - i've always thought it would be a funny thread to start "Raw Food Bloopers"

HAHA, I would have SOOOOOOOOO many things to contribute to that hhaha.

Anywho, I am finding it tough to get back on track and stay on track but I am still trying. I feel like i fell off the boat and I am swimming after it and i'll grab hold of the lifesaver and then I get hit by a wave and have to swim to catch up to that lifesaver again. Too bad I werent actually doing that, MADDDDDDD EXERCISE POINTS!! haha

Well I ate a bunch last night so I am not hungry this morning whatsoever.
I did bring an apple, grapefruit, sprout salad and some banana, berry, green smoothie.

We shall see what I get to but I doubt I will eat that much. I find that when I over eat one night then the next day I hardly eat a thing, if i am following my hunger cues, if not then it just keeps me from catching that lifesaver.

On a happier note I got this list of Random Acts of Healthy Kindness in my email today and it made me feel good so I put it all in a grid on excel with the next 10 days and everyday I am going to check off what I do.

RANDOM ACTS OF HEALTHY KINDNESS

To Thy Own HEALTH Be True
Smile As You Look in the Mirror
Wake Up Happy
Start Your Day With A Good Breakfast
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Exercise
Consciously Breathe
Drink More Water
Stretch
Vividly Imagine Yourself Healthy
Take An Action Step
Pause Or Meditate For Just 15 Minutes
Look Out a Window
Go For a Walk
Be Thankful for Your Life Today
Have a Salad for Lunch
Skip the Dessert – Have Fruit Instead
Stand and Sit Erect – Be Posture Conscious
Let Go of Anger, Disappointment – Just For Today
Forgive Someone
Forgive Yourself
Eat More Vegetables Today
Don’t Bring Your Work Home
Put Your Fork Down Between Bites
Chew Your Food Completely
Take a Nap
Avoid a Bad Habit Today
Remember Your Vitamins
Appreciate Your Body
Appreciate Your Life
Hug Someone Without Reason
Open Your Nerve Channels, Get Adjusted! – Even If You’re Feeling Fine –
Do Every Act Of Your Life As If It Were Your Last If anyone happens to want the spreadsheet email me and I will send it to you.

Toodles!!

[deberaw]

"MOrning All!!!...I'm so proud of all of us...Day 21 and more for some....I think I hear a distant drum roll as we get closer to the end of the month!

I had ground up oat groats that I soaked last night in nut milk....I topped it with banana, walnuts and agave, and it hit the spot...plus I looove the taste of oatmeal!................I'll have my green smoothie in a bit....

THen I have grated apple, beet, turnip in lemon juice and olive oil.....

and some nacho cheese in a tomato sounds good to me today...

salad and eating up leftovers...

We are headed up to Northern Michigan this w/e...Sat-Mon...for a weekend of Winter sports...will be staying with my father-in-law and his wife: BIG time meat/SAD eaters....I am thinking carefully about what to bring....want to keep it easy...and not make a big deal about what I am eating.....hmmmmmm.....

RAW food bloopers would be funny!

Make a beautiful Raw Day! Deb

[Lauxa]

We are visiting family this weekend as well! Will be bringing much food with us since we are driving and since raw stuff doesn't keep that well anyways, plus probably a shop when we get there. I also asked everyone to stock up on avocados!

Tried to make some raw sweet last night with dried apricots, corn, and sesame seeds. DH said it tasted like candy, but I didn't like it so much. Did make some marinaded young broccoli that was pretty good.

Haven't had breakfast yet, think it will be a salad. Although it seems like I am still hungry even after a big salad, maybe I need to add some fruit.

Weight loss so far is about 7 pounds (7 to go) and DH has lost 15 (50 to go), so that part is working. But I have been very cranky/depressed/unmotivated lately. :mad: I was hoping I could just eat raw food and eternal bliss would instantly result. What a disappointment! :rolleyes:

[Vivafree2]

Cold weather and cold smoothie somehow agree with me -so toast to you all!
Hugs
J

[chinagirlkim]

Deb & Lauxa- wishing you both safe travel and hope your raw efforts meet without judgement or critisisim. (SP?)

Lauxa-as I understand it takes different amounts of time to detox. Depending on the person. It sounds like you are in the "throws" of detoxing. I hope you hang in there...I have experienced such a wide range of feelings this last week. Sometimes I feel energetic and sometimes I feel like I am going to fall asleep sitting in a chair. I am beginning to notice that my legs don't ache as much as they used too.

I weighed this morning and have lost 3 lbs this week. So that brings my challenge weight loss to 12 lbs. Yea!!! :D

I do think this is the first time in my life where my physical self is working in concert with my spiritual self and emotional/mental self. It is an awesome feeling. I have tried every diet out there and can't remember the "highs" being as high as they are on raw....of course like I mentioned to Lauxa....the lows can be tough. But, just think of it as getting rid of the "nasty" forever. :)
Kim

[roo]

I've had a lot of energy today and haven't been eating with wild abandon. I feel good. I have that raw high today. When it hits, it's awesome.

I had an apple with a small amount of almond butter. A few bites of onion bread. A handful of dried cranberries and a green lemonade. Now if I could just eat this light every day! I actually had gained a pound this morning. :eek: I'm sure it was just water weight though. I ate a lot of salty foods yesterday.

Good luck to everyone and especially our travellers! I'm sure you're up to the challenge! :)

[GardenBella]

Hi everyone,
I've been away visiting my Dad for the last few days and was unable to post. I took all my food with me and didn't have any trouble staying Raw. The good news both my Dad and sister were interested in what I'm doing. I seem to be past the detox and I'm sleeping really well. I'm getting around 5 hours straight, something I haven't done in years! My energy is better and best of all the Irritable Bowel stuff has vanished! I've now been eating raw for five weeks and I've never felt so good with what I eat. It feels so right on so many levels. I'm taking Alissa's Level 1 course on March 1st from one of her certified teachers here in Vancouver. I can't wait.

Lorna
Starting Weight: 205.5
Current Weight: 201
Goal Weight: 130

[Rawkinlocs]

Have a great 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!

[deberaw]

Good Morning my Raw Friends! I hope this finds you all well today!

It is a brisk, clear, sunny day here.....

Had green smoothie of parsely, spinach, pinapple and water before heading to an appointment....now I'm hungry again....likely to have my banana/ground flax/vanilla mixture!

Tomorrow afternoon we head to Northern Michigan...kids don't have school Monday, so we'll be back in the evening sometime that day....

So weird to pack my food....and I just want to be low key about it all....my in-laws have an unheated room in the house where we usually put all of our stuff, so I'll bring my bag of stuff: I'm bringing: fresh nut millk, ground flax and ground oat groats, nuts, avos, portabella and tomato, greens, the Raw ranch dressing, dates, apples, bananas, crackers....some leftover Grezzo cake....ummm, I think that's it......I hope it goes okay....I really don't want to get into a discussion about it all with them because they are HUGE SAD eaters and found it so weird when I went vegetarian.....other relatives I could talk openly about it with, but with them, I'd be defending it...and I'm just not in the mood for that right now....just want to be with them, enjoy the time there, and stay Raw!

Make a wonderfully Raw day! Deb

[Carlsbad]

hey everybody! I didn't get a chance to check in yesterday, so I missed getting to mark the three week milestone! I've lost 8 pounds so far in this challenge, which I am really happy about. I'm now at my lowest weight in three years! The final week of a challenge is always where I have messed up in the past, so I am planning ahead. I'm going to make lots of filling, decadent raw recipes and desserts. I'm going to do a juice feast day on the first day of my period, and I'm going to pump myself full of green smoothies! I am determined to break through and sail past the 30 day mark, all raw. And then it's on to March!

Food yesterday: giant green smoothie: spinach, bananas, hemp seed, blueberries, peaches, agave (64 oz)
salad of mixed greens and cucumber with honey mustard dressing

Exercise: 60 minute walk with my dog.

Food today: dehydrated cookie type thing I made with raw oatmeal, chia gel, apples, raisins, prunes, honey, and cinnamon. I ate the whole thing! I hope my tummy is okay!
enormous grapefruit (yum!)
raw spinach hummus with celery
Not sure about dinner. I may finish up my eggless egg salad with avocado on some romaine.

Exercise: weight circuit @ the gym.

[roo]

Good morning!

I just finished off my batch of green lemonade for the day and got in some exercise. I'm going to make some homemade almond butter and have that on some celery for lunch. For those of you who don't buy organic (I probably only buy 3/4 of my produce organic), be sure to try organic celery if you haven't. I think non-organic celery can be a little bitter, but the organic celery is sweet. To me the taste is night and day. The perfect snack? Organic celery topped with almond butter and a few organic raisins. Yum! It's filling, crunchy, and a little bit sweet.

So that is lunch and then later today I'm making a green smoothie and if I get hungry again, a salad. Sounds like a perfect day of eating raw!

Have a great day everyone!

eta- this batch of green lemonade had spinach, kale, cucumber, carrots, lemon, ginger, beets, and apples. I recommend this recipe!

edited again because I forgot to mention something that made me happy. I haven't had much in the way of detox at all. Maybe a couple of mild, short lived headaches, but nothing else. Well this morning I woke up with about 6 small little pimples on my forehead and temple. I never get zits, ever! I was so happy to see something bad was leaving my body! Now had they been big honking inflamed things I probably wouldn't have been so thrilled, but these are tiny. I know my healthy diet is doing great things for my body and getting rid of toxins, but I liked seeing the tell-tale signs of it! :)

[Nappilocs]

Hello All,
I feeling great today! I just came back from my Cardio combat class and I am enjoying a huge bowl of Spanish "rice".. I love this stuff! I have a friend that is visiting and tonight we are going out, she thinks that eating raw foods is ridiculous and is already trying to convince me to have a drink with her tonight for old times sake (smirk). If she wasn't staying with me, I would cancel. I can't stand to feel pressured. Anyway,how do you deal with negative friends and family members who try to stop your progress?

[GardenBella]

Anyway,how do you deal with negative friends and family members who try to stop your progress?

Hi Nappilocs,
I have a solution that might help you. When someone asks me to do something that I don't want to do or don't feel that I able to make a committment I simply relpy "that doesn't work for me right now, but thanks for asking". Usually that stops any further discussion. I find that when I say no to people they want to hear and excuse and then when they hear the excuse they want to argue with me, then I feel guilty and then I'm giving in to them and then I get mad at myself. This phrase has saved me from a lot of trouble! Hope it works for you.

Lorna

[Lauxa]

We are now at MIL's house. So far today have had 2 pears and a huge salad. The drive down was hard for us! We have a bit of a habit of finding fast food along the way and now there is nothing we can get! We did find some bananas in a gas station and snacked on some Brazil nuts and an orange that we brought, but apparently road trips are a big trigger.

Now my parents want to eat at a restaurant with us tonight (they live very close to my in-laws). They say we can pick the restaurant, but there are no raw restaurants anywhere nearby. Eek! We have not eaten out since starting this diet. Any tips on what types of non-raw restaurants can serve decent raw fare would be much appreciated!

[deberaw]

Nappilocs, I also try to deflect with gentle grace and/or humor....I don't want to put myself in a position to be defensive....too tiring....if it's not someone you see a lot, maybe you could say something like....."talk to me about it a later time, but not now 'cuz I'm doing a 30 day challenge and I just can't let down my friends who are doing it with me"!;) or something of the sort!......

I've made some more RP Brownies for my weekend trip to my in-laws...I rolled them in balls and left some plain, rolled some in dried coconut {not Raw, but not the SAD stuff either, I'm going to pass but they look pretty!}, some in ground up nuts.....I might leave them on the counter with some other non-Raw treats I brought for the family....or just keep them in my stash! We'll see how it goes!

Good Luck and enjoy your friend...don't stress the food even if she it!

p.s. what recipe do you use for the Spanish Rice? Is it in Alissa's book? Thank you ! Deb

[aliciamatheson]

Good Afernoon Raw Friends,

Checking in late (for me) today - all is well. Went to Grezzo last night - it was so nice! Very fancy, yet intimate. The colors and the decor are very warm and inviting. It was a very cold night and the restaurant is beautiful when you walk in...but on to the food!

They were offering a chef special, where you could choose one thing in each category on the menu (salad, appetizer, entree, desert). So of course, I made my husband get something different and were were able to sample almost the whole menu.

Everything was amazing but two small things stand out in my memory: 1. the lasagna "noodles" were made with dehydrated onions that looked like flattened birds nests. 2. The cheesecake was drizzled with lavender agave syrup. So artistic.

If I have time I will describe the menu in detail on the main board - i took a picture of the menu - what a geek!

Take care, Alicia

[deberaw]

Lauxa, I would opt for a Mexican restaurant....authentic if possible...most have fresh made guacamole....then I would order an entree salad {do this also if at any other restaurant}, make sure they hold off on things like cheese and let them know just fresh veggies etc. Ask for a fresh lemon....or bring a lemon or avo or your own dressing.....and most of all, enjoy your family and try not to stress too much about the food...just be casual about it and others will most likely eventually be too!:D

*also can eat before you go....and snack there...? Best of luck, I'll be reporting on my trip too!

[Anastazia]

What fun & adventure you're all having! So nice to be doing this with everyone, & hearing all about the changes (happy over zits! Lol!) (& congrats on the 8lbs gone, carlsbad!), it really helps keep me motivated!

I'm going to have some pineapple for the first time in ages today! It's funny how buying tropical fruit feels like such a luxury, & almost have to talk myself into it! I even got a few mangos, a bag of organic kiwis, & a papaya! I'm goona have a yummy weekend!!!

I get frustrated sometimes at how slow the weight's coming off, but was really encouraged by the 'slow metabolism' post today!

See ya all tomorrow! Hope you get some sunshine today! (It's cold, but spring-like here! I'm going for a walk today no matter what my knees say!)

~Anastazia~

[Rawkinlocs]

Have a great 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!

[Chilley]

I can't believe that I'm the first to post today.

Well I will be out of town all weekend so wanted to get my post in before I left.

I made the burger bun recipie. Actually I made it both w/ buckwheat and w/ wheat berries. I wanted to be able to have sandwhiches this weekend because they are quick and easy to carry around. Also will be taking pineapple as a desert b/c it's soooo sweet.`I also made the Bannana bread to take for a breakfast. I guess you can tell that i'm a bread eater!

Any way wish me luck.

[aliciamatheson]

Happy Saturday,

I made the oatmeal this am that smb (i think) loves to eat each morning. And indeed it was very satisfying and yummy.

Not much going on here - I will also be out of town this weekend - will try and check in tomorrow but if not, Monday.

Take care, Alicia

[tvillemom]

HI all! It's been awhile since I posted, I've had the flu, and had to do some serious re-evaluating of the direction my life was taking. DH bought me drugs to combat the flu symptoms, and I was so weak....now I'm back to just taking some echinacea (which I had run out of, and had to wait until I was well enough to get out and shop).

I am looking forward to feeling 100% better on 100% raw foods!:D

Now that I'm feeling better, I'm ready to make some crackers and something new. I'm thinking I'm probably OUT of just about all of my produce though. I guess I'll be back at the grocery store....

Glad to hear everyone is doing so great.
I'm off to make a "heavy on the berries" GS....YUMMY

Peace

[tvillemom]

DEBERAW: I understand what you mean about just wanting to eat and not wanting the "confrontation" of it. Sometimes, I just want to eat, and NOT answer questions, and other times I don't mind sharing, but sometimes you (I) feel like the people I share my knowledge with are really making fun of my decisions.

Deberaw, I have a question, you mentioned Grezzo cake (leftovers) is this something you made or ordered?

[deberaw]

Good Morning All!

....getting ready to have gs: young coco, spinach, lemon and pineapple!

We're just about ready to head out of town 'till Monday evening.....my food stash is set {what a pain though having to think about that too!}, and I made some nacho cheese to have ready here when I get back...a little something!

Nappliocs: Let me know which recipe for Spanish rice you use, ever time you mention it, makes me want to make some:) ....

Okay now, I'll check in on Tuesday! All of you stay Raw now, we're almost there!;)
Deb
p.s. funny how lots of us are traveling this w/e, must be some kind of 4th week test!!!

[Carlsbad]

Checking in...

This morning (well okay, so it's actually after noon), I thought I didn't have anything to eat. So I was going to wait until I got to Whole Foods, but I was starving! So I ended up throwing the following together, and it was super yummy! 6 or 7 kiwis, a drizzle of agave, some lucuma powder, and a few scoops of chia gel. It was delicious! And now I feel energized. I took my dog out for some fetch and then just sat in the sun for a while, trying to wake up after 12 hours of sleep. Is this paradise or what?!

Later I'm heading to Whole Foods, but I need to do some menu planning first. I want to make lots and lots of new stuff this week.

Exercise today will be a weight lifting DVD. I'm proud of myself because I was zonked out on the couch last night, but then got up and took my dog on an hour long walk. Raw is truly transformative!

Anastazia: Thanks for the props on the weight loss. I'm psyched about it too! But all month I've been working out for at least an hour, 6 days a week. I've been kicking my butt!! And I know that's a huge factor in the weight loss. And keep in mind, I was raw for seven months before I had the energy level I needed to commit to exercise like that. So be patient with your body, and keep feeding it loving, living food! You'll get there!

[smb106]

I have had such a great day so far. Woke up feeling great. Made a huge bowl of fruit salad with apple, kiwi, banana, pear, and mango. It was perfet and hit the spot.

Then my husband and I went for a great hike. We took the dog and it was such a fun family outing. For lunch I made a great salad with greens, sprouts, mung beans, red peppers, apples and avocado with a little drizzle of evoo. Again it was perfect.

The sun is shining. I'm listening to great music and my husband is tying a few flies! It is a great day!

For dinner I am going to make zuchinni pasta with marinanra sauce. I just bought this fanatsic vegetable slicer. It comes with three blades and makes fantastic spaghetti. I had the saladacco, but I thought it made the zuch. spaghetti a bit to watery. This new machine is fantastic and mades percect spaghetti! I'm thrilled with the machine!!

Well, I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend.

[fitme]

okay, I haven't checked infor a couple of days ut here I am. I had a get togther at my house on Thursday night and had all raw snacks that went over pretty well! Fun for me! and then everything left over was all mine to eat the next day!

Today I have a sick child in the house so we were kind of stuck here. For breakfast I had a GS with banana, spinach, kale, carrots and apple

Lunch was a fruit smoothie: banana, strawberry, and pineapple anda few cashews

Snacks were grapes, assorted veggies and and zuchinni hummus and then dinner was salad

GOod day in all

Have a great sunday!

[beckx]

having a pretty good day, enjoying a honeydew and raspberry smoothie (yum)... a little jealous of everyone who got to enjoy outdoor activities, we just got a ton of snow so my outdoor activity today was trekking through our community garden to the compost pile. ;) i haven't felt motivated to exercise this past week, i had a stomach bug and today i got that 'but i have so many things to do' bug and also the grocery shopping bug, but i'm going to try to overcome it and get in some yoga later.

keep up the good work everyone!

[MiahTay]

For dinner I am going to make zuchinni pasta with marinanra sauce. I just bought this fanatsic vegetable slicer. It comes with three blades and makes fantastic spaghetti. I had the saladacco, but I thought it made the zuch. spaghetti a bit to watery. This new machine is fantastic and mades percect spaghetti! I'm thrilled with the machine!!


Hmmm... I find this interesting. I have a Saladacco and I just thought it was the nature of the zucchini that made it watery. But you are saying that your new machine makes zucchini into pasta and it doesn't turn watery? What brand do you have?

Heather

[Hannah]

Hey Everyone,
Still rawkin over here - not eating as much as I need to because Ive been so busy there hasn't even been time to shop ... but tomorrow I will go to market - tomorrow I will buy food food and more food. I look forawrd to tomorrow - it will be delicious!
We're almost there!
Hannah

[LAVIECLAIRE]

okay i'm starting now... the 24th of Feb. but i really don't want to wait until March, i think this will answer a lot of my health problems!! i'm excited to start

[Rawkinlocs]

Have a rawesome 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!

[Lauxa]

Well, I survived the restaurant a couple of days ago. The best advice I got was to eat before I went, so I had a bowl of corn soup before going out and I was glad I did! I ordered a sliced tomato at the restaurant. :D Unfortunately the darn thing was unripe and mealy and just not very good, so I picked at it a little but mostly just enjoyed the conversation.

Yesterday was an even bigger challenge for my DD's second birthday party. As a total raw noob (without a dehydrator), I was not going to try anything raw for the party food. Besides, my 4-year-old has been asking for months to make a "Diego cake" from the instructions on nickjr.com, so I got to bake a cake and frost it to look like Diego. It looked fabulous, but it took a lot of self-discipline to keep from licking icing off my fingers!

Then my MIL ordered pizza for the party. I made big salads for myself and DH, but he was very unhappy and sulked all through lunch. Four other people saw our salads and requested that I make them one to go with their pizza, and they all said it was fabulous. But I usually just use some lemon juice and salt for dressing these days, and DH has never eaten a salad without fat-based dressing before. Told me later it was the worst salad he's ever had. I think he usually uses oil and vinegar, so I will have to pack that for him the next time we travel.

But we made it!! So that was quite an accomplishment. Also, the scale this morning showed 129 which is about ideal for me. Yay!

I had a lovely fruit salad for dinner last night with pears and clementines with a little dressing made from brazil nuts, orange juice, and ginger. I love the combination of sweet crisp pears against the juicy acidic oranges. The dressing needs work though.

I have to admit that at this point I am not really liking 100% raw as a permanent eating style. But I am still committed to sticking it out through Lent.

Today we have to go to a family "pot luck" style gathering. I made a corn salad, and there may be some fruit salad and/or vegetable salad we can eat as well if we are lucky. Wish us luck!

[smb106]

I just had a wonderful fruit salad for breakfast! It was huge and hit the spot.

Heather- the machine I have for making the zuchhini pasta is called the "Spiral Vegetable Slicer" from World-cuisine.com. I bought it from amazon for $38. It is fantastic.

Okay, I'll check in later today.
Enjoy the sunshine

[fitme]

GS today for breakfast, Fruit smoothie for lunch. I think I'll have a salad or guacamole for dinner....can't decide what I feel like!
HAve a great day!

[aliciamatheson]

Happy Sunday,

Here's to packing food for car trips and eating before going out to non-raw restaurants. I squeaked by this weekend while we were away - I had two variations of one salad at a restaurant - one had toasted sesame seeds (sent back) and then it came without the seeds but with blue cheese!

Thank goodness for an almond stache in the car! Alicia

[chinagirlkim]

Dear Raw Friends,
Congrats to those who were traveling this weekend and have learned some coping skills dealing with family & friends. Also, navigating the unknown's in restaurants. Kudos for your stamina and will power.

Breakfast Greens shake
lunch greens salad with fruit juice dressing, pumpkin seeds, avocado, tomato and pomegrate seeds on top...delicious.

After lunch...went and did the grocery shopping for the week and it was crowded...uch!!

When I got back home my husband had to make a presentation for visiting bosses on Sunday morning...so hadn't seen him. He said we had been invited out to dinner with his boss visiting from Beijing. He chose the restaurant as Morton's Steakhouse. Soooooo, I had a chat with the waiter while everyone was looking at the menu and they made me a large tossed salad with greens, tomatoes, leeks, avocado with olive oil, crushed garlic & lemon juice for dressing. The other 4 persons of course made steak choices. For dessert they ordered Creme Brule and I ordered fresh strawberrys with nothing on them. So all in all it was a successful evening. There were some questions about me going to Morton's and ordering a salad. My husband and I discussed options of what I will say ahead of time...again not wanting to draw too much attention to what I was doing. I chose to say that my cholesterol was high (this is true) and am making some diet lifestyle choices to bring that in control without medication. So that seemed to satify questions but later their were specific questions about what I am doing and addressed those but tried to also steer the conversation back to something else.

Survived and did well through that unplanned event in my life.

Hope you'll have had a good weekend.
Kim

[pamparred]

I just joined last night, I'm up for the March challenge!

[Hannah]

Hey Everyone,
Its been a busy day here, and there is still ,much more to do, but c'est la vie ... its good to be busy too I suppose, and I know that I will feel great tomorrow! I weighed myself this morning after drinking 2 glasses of water and eating a salad and I've lost 4 lbs since last week when I weighed myself on an empty stomach first thing :eek: So I think I definitely need to be eating more - I work as a server at a restaurant and am on my feet and moving quite a bit ... I never thought it would happen, but now I am concerned about becoming TOO thin and losing too much weight ... well, I feel good in my skin and that is the most important thing, so as long as I stay energetic strong and healthy I suppose there is no need to worry ...

Hope you had a great day!
Love,
Hannah

[Rawkinlocs]

Have a successful 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!

[LAVIECLAIRE]

Hi I'm new here, just started going raw a couple days ago and I've been reading this thread to get ideas of what to eat. but i noticed most people just have fruit salad, green smoothies, and regular salad every single day... i know these are probably the quickest meals to make but i wonder do you feel full after days of just salads/smoothies? i know there are extensive meals you can make using dehydrator and everything (which i don't have) so i was wondering if there was a variety i could bring to my diet which is easy to make. and i'm also wondering if eating just salads and GS is what raw dieters do?!
sorry i'm at a bit of a loss :confused: and don't even know if this is where i should be posting this!
but i definitely wish everyone a great raw daaay!!:D you are all an inspiration to me to keep going as a rawsome person :rolleyes:

[MiahTay]

Good Morning! Well, I didn't post much last week had a very stressful week but this week looks better already (not really but I checked my attitude).

LavieClare - I know when you are just starting out you may look at these posts and think people eat the same foods over and over again, that is really not the case. Just because someone lists a smoothie doesn't mean they are drinking the SAME smoothie day after day. Or just because someone says they are eating a salad doesn't mean that either. What I would suggest to you is to make a list of all the fruits and veggies you can think of then start making smoothie and or salad combinations that appeal to you. You can also try some marinated veggies with your salads like broccoli, collard greens (or greens in general), mushrooms, asparagus ... use your imagination. No dehydrator necessary. Also you can make pates using veggies and nuts for a more substantial feel you can fill other veggies with this or just plop some on your salad. There is as much variety as you can imagine - literally!

My food for today looks like:

carrot juice
Green Smoothie (grapefruit, blueberries, spinach)
apple/collard green/lemon juice
Salad for dinner with Alissa's Mock Salmon Pate (my kids LOVE this stuff!)

Have a GREAT one!

Heather

[solongng00dnite]

Hello All,

I find myself craving this lifestyle 100%. My body is definitely sick of the crap I have been feeding it and getting back on track is a necessity. With that I am starting the March challenge a week early haha.

Todays Menu includes

Beet/green/carrot juice
banana
salad
grapefrui
more juice

[pamparred]

I too am starting the March challenge today. Everyone has been such an inspiration to me! I have tried raw off and on for 2 years. Even went 6 weeks then blew it on vacation. DH and I didn't think to pack munchies for the trip and we munch a lot while traveling. Like someone said in a earlier post, every fast food place, resturant and tourist trap that sold junk food called loudly as we drove by.

Thing I have noticed is that each time I go raw, even if for a day, the next time I eat sad I feel sicker than the last time I ate that food. Think I would figure it out. hehe

Well this time I am planning on doing it, no turning back. Everyone have a wonderful raw day.
:D

[smb106]

happy Monday everyone!

So today is officially my two month mark at 100% raw! YEAH! I am so excited and feel great!

I woke up this morning and went for a great run. Today is gorgeous outside. I wish I didn't have to work. I do feel like I coming down with a bug. My chest is congested and my throat is a bit sore. So today and tomorrow, I've decided to just drink water and lemon/cayenne pepper water to hopefully kill this bug before it really becomes a bother.

WEll, I hope everyone had a great weekend and enjoyed it raw! Looking forward to the third month!!

Enjoy the day!:D

[Vivafree2]

25 days WOW!!! I added more juices now - and enjoy them tremendously - especially carrot, cucumber, celery. My green smoothies with avos and juices make my days fresh and light! I feel great especially when it is sunny!!!
The chlorophil in my weins sings!

[fitme]

Today I had a GS for breakfast with banana, paineapple, kale and spinach and flax seed. For lunch I had a bowl of gazpacho soup with avacado...YUMMY. Probably for snack I will have some veggies and hummus. and looking for dinner to be a salad or maybe a fruit smoothie depending on what I feel like

have a great day!

[fitme]

Hi I'm new here, just started going raw a couple days ago and I've been reading this thread to get ideas of what to eat. but i noticed most people just have fruit salad, green smoothies, and regular salad every single day... i know these are probably the quickest meals to make but i wonder do you feel full after days of just salads/smoothies? i know there are extensive meals you can make using dehydrator and everything (which i don't have) so i was wondering if there was a variety i could bring to my diet which is easy to make. and i'm also wondering if eating just salads and GS is what raw dieters do?!
sorry i'm at a bit of a loss :confused: and don't even know if this is where i should be posting this!
but i definitely wish everyone a great raw daaay!!:D you are all an inspiration to me to keep going as a rawsome person :rolleyes:

I am new to this too with this being my first challange. I don't have a dehydrator or even a food processor. I am planning on getting the fp soon. Theree are some things that just don't come out well in the blender.

Anyway, I find that I get very full on smoothies and salad...and unfortunaltey I can eat a lot even before raw! Some days I am not hungry at all and other days I seem to get hungry between meals and I'll eat something raw...whether it be a piece of fruit, or some veggies and hummus (which I made with my blender) or a lara bar. the beauty of it is that I don't feel even the slightest bit guilty or that I shouldn't be eating this or that. I'm having something raw and my weight continues to drop!

I go through phases of eating the same thing for several days ( I did that non-raw too) it is just easier on me that way. I make a bunch of whatever and then eat it until it is gone etc. Some other things I enjoy are guacamole, and soups particulary gazpacho....very easy to make in a blender.

As you start making things you'll know the things that work for you and the things you like best. Everyone is different! Good luck

[Anastazia]

Hi, everyone~
Just drinking lemon water this morning, tummy's upset, rotton egg burps etc., had waaaaaay toooooooo many nuts yesterday!:o

Plan for the day is:
~ spicy blueberry applesauce (blueberries, apples, strawberries, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves! YUM! Waiting in my fridge, tastes better by the day!)
~ carrot-apple-celery-cuke juice with some kinda greens or another thrown in!
~Fruit...LOTSA fruit! Definately my mini watermelon, & maybe some kiwis!

My knees are suddenly MUCH better, like God touched 'em & put 'em back in place last night while I slept, :rolleyes: (Thanks, Father!) so I'm goin' for a walk today while the sun is shinin' no matter what!
(So many distractions!!!)

Here's to our RAWstoration!:D
(Holding up my lemon water for a toast!)
~Anastazia~

[Carlsbad]

LAVIECLARE: Just wanted to put in my two cents. First, welcome! Second, I hate salads and always have, so no, I don't eat salads very often. I usually only eat them if I have to go out to a restaurant, and then I bring my own raw dressing, and usually an avocado too. So what do I eat? Well, I eat/drink a huge green smoothie every day. I drink between 32 and 64 ounces of that each day throughout the morning. I try to change it up every day too so that I get a good variety of greens and fruits. I usually post what's in them, if you're curious. That usually keeps me from getting hungry until around 3 or 4 in the afternoon, and then I eat my "lunch," which changes every day. Yesterday I had nori rolls (got them from the raw counter at my Whole Foods), and today I'm having celery with raw hummus that I made. It's yummy. For dinner, I'm having raw lasagna (okay, I bought that too--it was a great week at the Whole FOods!) with raw cheesecake for dessert. I don't usually eat that heavily in the evenings, but I take a Bible study on Monday nights that involves an elaborate cooked meal, and I always like to take things that look good and fill me up. Most days I'll just nibble on fruit or nuts for dinner, or I'll whip something up in the food processor to eat. I do have a dehydrator, but I don't use it very often. It's useful, but not a necessity. As for do I get hungry, well actually, the cool thing about raw foods (and something that can take a little getting used to) is that there is no limit to the amount of food you eat. So when I say I've had fruit for breakfast, I don't mean one banana. I mean a whole cantaloupe and a bowl of berries or something. The celery I'll be eating with my hummus in a minute is an entire bunch of celery, not just a few sticks. You'll learn to listen more to your hunger cues and you'll figure it out. My only advice would be to eat a lot in the beginning, because it takes awhile for your body to get used to this way of eating. If you don't eat enough, you'll crave SAD. So eat a lot and play around with a lot of different recipes (definitely get Alissa's book if you don't have it already--it's a lifesaver!).

Anyway, sorry that was so long, but I hope it helps!

[Carlsbad]

Okay, so my last post ended up being entirely to another poster. So here's a quick update for the actual challenge. :p

Yesterday was really tough--I was on no sleep and I had a SUPER stressful thing to do at work. Being tired is dangerous for me and my eating, as is this last week of a challenge. Plus we had lunch at my mom's house, and she had made all this amazing food. But truthfully, none of it really looked good to me physically. My physical desires to eat SAD have completely vanished. But it was all comfort food, and it looked good to my tired and completely wiped out little self. There was beer, especially, that pretty much called my name. BUT, I was strong and I didn't drink or eat anything that wasn't raw!!! Instead, I ate my delicious raw food (my niece said it looked like a bouquet of flowers! It was nori rolls with vegetable strings poking out) and I am so proud! My reward? Instead of feeling horribly sick and bloated and miserable, I went to bed feeling light and proud. I slept for 12 hours straight, and it was awesome. And my food for today has been delicious, and I'm looking forward to a really tasty dinner too. Raw is the best. I'm so proud of myself for sticking with it, and I'm looking forward to finishing off this challenge and heading into March!!

Woohoo!

[Nappilocs]

Welcome Laviclaire:D

Hello all, just checking in. I have been so busy for the past few days so I haven't been posting. I'm still going strong. I had to go to a friends gathering at a bar on Friday, I was treated awfully because I wasn't drinking and partaking in the chicken wings. I don't feel like typing it out right now but I can't believe people can be so ugly because of what I put in MY body. The pressure they were trying to put on me made me feel as if I was in high school. They were literally trying to tease me into submission.:mad:

Anyway, today I had my usual GS for breakfast, an apple for a snack, a big salad made with red cabbage, kale, tomatoes, cukes and black olives. Right now I am enjoying a HUGE slice of watermelon that cost me an arm and a leg because it's out of season...lol.

Y'all have a beautiful evening

[beckx]

Hi, everyone~
Just drinking lemon water this morning, tummy's upset, rotton egg burps etc., had waaaaaay toooooooo many nuts yesterday!:o

anastazia, i thought i was the only one who gets rotten egg burps. yuck :eek: they're so bad. i've never been able to pinpoint what causes mine exactly, sometimes i think its avocado but then i'll eat a bunch of avocado and it won't happen. must be some food combining thing. anyway, i feel your pain!

today i had:
-almost 32 oz of juice: green apple, celery and fennel with a sprinkle of cinnamon (my absolute favorite juice ever)
-32 oz smoothie: 1/2 a cantaloupe, 1 mango, raspberries and almond milk
-some of rp's brownies made with raisins instead of 1/2 the dates and formed into little balls and chilled in the freezer (tasted like chocolate covered raisins but wayyy too much cacao for me)
-big salad: pea shoots, frisee, mixed greens, carrots, cherry tomatos, avocado

[Rawkinlocs]

Have a terrific 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!

[MiahTay]

Good morning! My dehydrator came yesterday afternoon. I made flax crackers, kale chips and dried bananas, apples and summer squash. Such fun! I am hoping to make the onion bread today.

Food for today:

carrot juice
mock salmon pate, avo, tomato and sprouts on flax crackers
apple/collard green/lemon juice
Salad for dinner with broccoli salad

Have a GREAT day!

Heather

[chinagirlkim]

Good morning raw friends,
It is so good to log on each day and see how all of you are doing. We are so close to the end of this challenge. I will be signing up for March also. I have had a busy few days so am just now posting.

Welcome to the new raw friends on this post. So glad you are getting a head start on March. :D

Breakfast-green shake with banana, frozen cranberry's, blueberry's and strawberry's.
Had my shift at the booster club booth at my teen's school so brought almonds to snack on.
Lunch-When I got back home I had zuchini pasta with sun dried tomato marinara sauce. It was great.
Dinner leftovers from lunch
Have been trying to up my water consumption. If you knew how much water I drink normally you would wonder how I can do that. Anyway, trying.

I wasn't in the mood for salads so had to get a bit creative. This raw diet is much more than salads and shakes. It does take a bit of planning and time to pull off some of the dishes but so many are easy. Try hummus and I make a fresh corn salsa that I really like. Take two ears of fresh raw corn and remove from cob. Add in Sweet red pepper chopped, cilantro, jalapeno to taste, white onion....all veggies chopped except corn. All ingredients can be adjusted to your taste. I also add a splash of Bragg's. It's really good spooned into avocados or as a topping for a simple green salad.
My dehydrator arrived yesterday but thus far I've just done almonds & walnuts. Will have to get a chance to sit down and read the book cover to cover and plan some goodies for it.
For the new crowd...I live overseas so when you are waking up I am just going to bed later the same day. So I really don't have all of this food by 8 am. Good night all and have a great day being raw and making choices that are kind to your health.

Have a great raw day,
Kim

[sproutygirl]

HI all: I never formally 'enrolled' in the 30 day challenge and I'm only on Day 23, but after lurking a while I decided to post. I've lost 10 pounds in three weeks, but was concerned when the scale wouldn't MOVE during Week Three. I think I was overindulging in bananas and almond butter and all that yummy stuff. (I started out by giving up bread and carbs for Lent and eventually found my way here.)

I've found that I'm now developing a taste for really basic simple foods. For breakfast I had two grapefruits.

I want to know more about this zucchini pasta stuff. We just ordered a Vita-Mix and I'm so excited! But do I need some special equipment for making zucchini pasta? Where do I get it?

[deberaw]

Good Morning my Raw friends!!!
It is such a snowy day here in Michgan, I'm surprised school hasn't been cancelled!

Welcome New Ones and wonderful that you are getting a jump start on March!

THis weekend up North went very well, I had my stash of food and just put some dressing, my nut milk and washed greens in the fridge....I had apples, bananas, avos, dried fruits, crackers, dates, ground oat groats and ground flax.....I munched during the day and at night ate a big salad with dressing and avo.....What I learned is, as long as I don't make a big deal about it, no one really cared what I ate! What a relief! I did share my salad, but only a few took some....the only time I was sort of tempted was when pizza was for dinner...it smelled good, but as I was cutting it up for my son, I noticed I really had no desire for it...I slept great, and had absolutely no desire for all the SAD snacks that others munched on...it was great! I did miss my GS, so am getting ready to have a big one!

I was also bummed I had forgotten the RP brownies I made, but was delighted to return home to them! My FIL was really impressed by the Grezzo cake too! Last night I made some honey mustard dressing....I had skimmed thru the logs to catch up....and was thinking about the variety issue with Raw...for me, it is important to have great dressings on hand....that way even if the main ingredients don't vary too much {hard in Winter}, the taste does with the dressing!

So for today: GS: spinach, apple, orange

I have the Nacho cheese which sounds good to me in tomatoes....and avos and crackers...greens and honey mustard dressing.....not sure what else...oh, RP Brownies! and I need to begin to think about what to get at the grocery...want to try some new things this week. I did find that the grain cereal I had, held me more than GS, it's nice to have that for busy mornings. I simply ground up oat groats in my grinder/mini-chopper, then soaked it at night in nut milk. In the morning I added some more nut milk, walnuts, cinnamon, banana...yummmmm!

Lauxa: Lemon and Olive Oil make a great dressing, with a little bit of sea salt...your hubby may like that better!:)

Napplilocs: What Spanish Rice recipe do you use? Thank you!!

NOw, Make a great RAW Day! ...I'm so excited to have made it this far! I've only lost a few pounds, but I really just tried on focusing on being Raw...the pounds will come off gradually I know!

Deb

[chinagirlkim]

The word pasta may be misleading. Some have used a spiral slicer to slice zuchinni into long pasta like threads. I just got a spiral slicer on mail order and tried it...I ended up chasing the zuchini all over the place and not slicing anything but time. So I will get out my instructions again and try to master that. Instead I put my shredder blade in my food processor and just fed the zuchini through the tube. So I got short shredded pieces that tasted great. I topped them with a sun dried tomato mariara sauce. Will have to look up the receipe on that but it was quick and easy. Hope this helps.
Kim

[pamparred]

Good Morning everyone,

Day 2 for me. Didn't post yesterday what I ate, so here goes: 30 oz of pear juice throughout the morning, cut up apples, banana and grapes with walnut butter in the afternoon and for dinner had asparagus soup and a cut up tomato. Today, grapefruit/orange juice for breakfast, tomato basil soup for lunch and not sure about dinner.

Does anyone have any suggestions for crackers that do not have flax seed as the main ingredient? My husband who is on this journey with me loves them, but I don't like them. Not sure if its the texture or what. Have tried several varieties, but just can't get them down.

Have a great raw day everyone and keep rawking!

[Carlsbad]

Yesterday went well, though I got caught in some stuff at work and didn't make it to the gym. We had our Bible study, and the cooked meal was pork loin (blech!) and mashed potatoes. I helped the cook spoon out the mashed potatoes, and thought they looked good. But then I washed out the pot and they were so much like glue in texture it was kind of crazy. I definitely don't want that in my gut! So I ate my raw lasagna, which was delicious, and had raw cheesecake for dessert. I ate when I wasn't hungry though, which I don't like to do.

Today I started with a big piece of rp's brownies (I modified the recipe and posted it in the recipe section). I ate an orange (yum!) and a banana, and I've just eaten 3 chai raweo cookies. They are delicious! For later, I have the rest of my nori rolls from the other day, and a grapefruit if I feel like peeling all of it. Tonight I'm hitting the gym for my weight circuit, and then I might go on a juice run. I didn't do a liquid day last week, and I really enjoy those, so I may splurge on some green juice and go crazy. :D

Rawk on!

[Vivafree2]

Hello! Today we have snow again and i have walnuts for a snack - i am still too attached to the dense food - master cleanse or juices only are not enough as yet...i will try again in near future.
So far my day is fun and raw!

[Anastazia]

Howdy~
Nice to catch up with everyone's adventures!

I'm doing a juice day all day, & a big salad tonight...still have an upset tummy from two days ago, from too many nuts...I HATE rotten egg burps!!! So hopefully juicing will help it settle down!

Anyone else have trouble typing & oil pulling at the same time?? Too many typos, & I keep just holding the oli in my mouth, forgetting to swish!

~Anastazia~

[aliciamatheson]

Hi Everyone, Missed out posting yesterday due to ....life gettting in the way! I hope you are all well and staying positive and raw.

I've been eating alot of fruit today and now drinking some miso broth - it's sooo cold here.

Anastazia - that's funny! it's kind of like walking and chewing gum at the same time!!!

Take care, Alicia

[Anastazia]

I can do THAT...(but don't chew gum anymore!...but just can't seem to type & oil pull at the same time...I guess cuz I'm still sporatic with it, & it ain't a habit yet!
At least I don't accidentally swallow anymore! YUK!
~Anastazia~

[smb106]

Well, I'm finally starting to feel better. I was able to eat dinner tonight and made Alissa's fettucine alfredo. I did not have mac nuts so I only used cashews and pine nuts. It still came out great.

I also made a date nut torte for a celebration. Today I hit the 20lbs lost mark! It feels great and I am so exicted.

The snow is coming down hard. I'm glad I was able to get my run in first thing. I think I'll be working out inside tomorrow morning!

have a great night!!

[raw4real]

Day 1 so nervous but happy. I had the best food today but the prep is a bit more than I expected in morning. Chopping veges and such for lunch. Also taking meds for thyroid. My learning curve is steep but fascinating. Im so excited about the possibility of curing my body from inside out. I was so fit previously when in a matter of a few months my endocrine just went wacko....but honestly this is the first time I have really thought about all the wacko stuff I was putting into my body before today.....

[Anastazia]

Wow, Raw4real, this is amazing, that in our culture, we can go YEARS, even our whole lives, without thinking about the fuel we're choosing to operate on!

...& yes, we were created to be self-healing, it still amazes me daily how quickly it kicks in when we feed ourselves the way we were meant to be fed!

Most of the time I take my food places whole, & eat as I chop when pressed for time (works great with peppers, cukes, carrots, etc...) cuz I learned that within the first hour of chopping a veggie (or fruit) it loses much of it's nutrition...saves time in the morning, (I throw it all in a cool pack lunch bag the night before, & just grab & go (packing knives, napkins, & a garbage bag seperately)...unless I have salad left in the fridge from the night before...

Welcome to the challenge, enjoy every day! & I hope you feel better by the day, even if you happen to go through detox!
~Anastazia~

[tvillemom]

DEBERAW: Where'd you get the "Grezzo" cake? Is this a recipe or something you ordered?? I'm busting to know. :rolleyes: Please!!!

I'm still feeling bad. My juicer is broke, and I need to send the part off to get it fixed.:( I really need to juice fast, if only for a few days.....

Hoping to feel better soon.

I bought some strawberries from the produce section and they are simply divine, even though I didn't think they were in season....they smelled so good on the shelf, I just HAD TO BUY SOME! It's like an early taste of summer! I can't wait to get back in the garden. I want to grow MORE TOMATOES, and my favorite zuchini's (even though they take up a LARGE space) and I want some fresh mint, etc. for some mint suntea YUMMY...ok...I'm off to dreamland.....

Tomorrow I am going to drink as much GS as my little tummy will hold.

I want some oats too, but now sure which kind to buy....for some reason I am craving oatmeal type dish or even oat based granola....what kind of oats am I supposed to buy??

What else....YA'LL ARE INSPIRING.

[Rawkinlocs]

Have a wonderful 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!

[raw4real]

Too true. Thanks Anastsia The idea of my body and the years of thoughtless gnoshing gives me the creeps. How do you deal with going out with friend to dinnner at known sad food joints?

[smb106]

tvillemom- I eat oatmeal everyday! I love it. The best place to buy truly raw oats is from Alissa's website. Her oats are raw flakes and I've read that raw oat groats from the HFS are not truly raw.

pamparred- Lydia's organics (there is a website) makes great raw crackers! While flax seeds are an ingrediant, it is not the main one. She uses either ground almonds or sunflower seeds as the main base. I really enjoyed them before i got my dehydrator!

Let me know what you think! Enjoy

:D

[smb106]

Good morning everyone!!

Well, I woke to a full driveway of snow! It just won't stop here in NH!
I was still able to drag myself out of bed to workout (inside). I certainly feel better when I am workout!

Today, I am planning on having a big GS and them keeping it simple for the rest of the day with fruit and salad.

Hope you all have a great day!

[MiahTay]

Good morning! I am feeling the need to eat light today as well so it looks like today will be:

carrot juice
GS
green lemonade
either another green smoothie or a salad for dinner

Have a GREAT raw day!

Heather

[Vivafree2]

Ok - raw rules again! My beautifully green smoothie gave me energy as i had to walk very fast - minus 20 degrees Celsius is fun only when you dress up for the occasion!
My snacks for today are raw brownies!!!

[aliciamatheson]

good morning everyone. just a quick note to say hi and hope you all have a great raw day. i've got a raw food tasting party coming up this weekend and have started to think about that. should be fun!

i think i had an orange earlier so i will feed myself soon!

it's been a great month! Alicia

[pamparred]

Good Morning everyone! I woke up to a beautiful, sunny day :D the, snow is melting, the snow is melting. I added that to my mantra of spring is coming. Normally I don't mind the snow and winter, but last winter two days after moving here I fell and broke my leg and spent the winter housebound with that. This year we moved to a house in the same area and found out you need serious 4 wheel drive to get out of the driveway and down the hill to the main road so I have been housebound a lot this winter.

Sorry, back on topic. Its day three for me and I can't believe how easy this has been for me. Yesterday I had fruit, pineapple, mango and blueberries for dinner and a snack of bananas and cashew butter w/ cinnamon. Haven't eaten yet this morning but will have orange/grapefruit juice for breakfast and more of the tomato basil soup for lunch. Again, not sure about dinner. Thats because I never know when DH will get home for dinner so I wait and see and then decide. I just make sure I have plenty of everything so it takes the stress out of deciding.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

[Carlsbad]

Checking in...

First, I have to say how excited I am that I've made it to day 27 already! Wowza! And it really hasn't been hard. I've only had 2 or 3 days when I've even thought about cooked food, and the rest has been joyful and radiant! Making the commitment to someone besides myself (God, in my case) has made a huge difference in how I look at things. It's sad that I don't love myself enough for a commitment just to me to work, but I'm glad I promised someone else that I would eat raw for all of February and all of Lent!

So anyway, I went to the gym last night and worked my butt off, which felt really good. Then I came home and had my favorite snack of cashews and kombucha. Raw cashews may not be "truly" raw, but I sure do drop weight on them fast. I lost another pound and a half by this morning. I ordered some of the "truly raw" cashews from David Wolfe. I'm going to do a little taste test to see if I can tell a difference.

Food today: the brownie bite I had at 8am yesterday still had me wide awake at 1am this morning, so no brownie today. Instead, I had two yummy oranges for breakfast. Now I'm guzzling some of my favorite veggie juice: spinach, parsely, cucumber, celery, carrot. I have some raw hummus and celery and grapes for later this afternoon, then I'll be headed out to the gym in between work and more work tonight. For dinner I have raw cheesecake with berries on top. Yum!

[deberaw]

Good Afternoon my Raw Friends!!!

Yes, Day 27!!!! WOW! I'm thrilled to be this far......busy busy day today.....this morning had to be up and out early for my moms group....so had grain cereal with walnuts banana and a bit of honey...and some fresh fruit while there....didn't even notice the other goodies on the buffet, just zeroed in on the fresh fruit!.....quick snack....raw brownies and a handful of onion bread that is in the dehydrator but I just have to taste now and then...ohhh soo good! ....I'm home for a bit so will have a big salad with honey mustard dressing before heading out again.....then fruits and veggies....I'm thinking about ordering those kelp noodles too.....

Okay now...I hope everyone is having a wonderfully Raw day! love, Deb

[fitme]

Had a GS this morning with kale spinach, carrots, banana, and papaya,
had a lara bar for a snack, and then lunch was guacamole, afternoon snack was celery and hummus, probably for dinner I will have a salad

Have a great day!

[Anastazia]

Howdy!
I'll try not to make too many typos as I sit here oil pulling again, trying to co-ordinate my typing (& not swallow!) I need more practice!

Am having papaya for breki (after I finish OP!) & then possibly some veggies & hummous dip for lunch, & then juicing the rest of the day!

Off to stretch & rebound!

~Anastazia~

[Rawkinlocs]

Have a great 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!

[LAVIECLAIRE]

hello!! i haven't written here in a few days (been very busy with exams etc.)
although i was a bit skeptical at the beginning i LOVE raw now, wow! so many great choices of food i never even knew... it's just hard when you're not at home for lunch.
but a quick update on things i've been eating: pesto stuffed mushrooms (yum!) avocado lettuce wraps, marinated veggie kebabs, mashed califlower. and i dried my first GS this morning- apple cucumber and spinach, and i quite enjoyed it!!
can i get some ideas for other combinations of GS, and is it better to drink them in the morning instead of having a fruit salad for breakfast?
good luck to everyooone- must go make my raw dinner now! cilantro-curry spinach!! if anyone needs a good recipe site: www.freshtopia.net i've found has lots of original dishes that are pretty easy to make!
thanks for everyones help :) and have a great day

[smb106]

Good monring!!

So I was able to get out and run this morning despite another light snowfall last night!! I am ready for SPRING!

I made a GS this morning and I decided to add a half of grapefruit along with the kale, spinach, banana, mango, berries and seasame seeds. The grapefruit was way overpowering. I did not realize how strong the taste is! The GS was okay, but I will not put grapefruit in again. Lesson learned.

Last night, I went out dinner with my husband and parents. The restaurant made me a HUGE beautiful salald. I was so surpised! It was tasty and one of the better salads I've had while out. It was so huge, I have half for lunch today. Yah!!

Dinner will likely be something quick and easy since I am chopping my hair tonight! I start my new job on Monday and want to start fresh on many levels!!

Okay, well have a great day!!

[deberaw]

Great Morning ALL!

Ohhhh, I made onion bread the other day and it is soooo tasty...trouble is, I just keep nibbling it and I think it triggers salt/sweet cravings....but it is also pms time, so maybe it's just that.....such a busy day yesterday....I had lots of dried stuffs and nut butters and light on the salad and fruit side.....I ended up feeling like a lug and almost eating my kids dinner....BUT, I thought about why I was doing this and have made it a point to eat lighter today and more on the veggies...will do a carrot juice later on...Had great GS of spinach, lime, apple and orange......

Will be keeping it light today and planning next weeks menu!

Make a Greeeeaatttt Raw Day! Deb

[deberaw]

p.s. Lavieclaire: check under the recipe forum under green smoothies for many ideas....put I love spinach, lemon or lime, pineapple or apple and oranges!

[pamparred]

Happy morning everyone! Today is day 4 for me. I am feeling so much better with raw than I have in a very long time. I have chronic fatigue and spend most of my time doing nothing. At least I am not falling asleep every hour so that is a very positive thing. Usually if I have any running to do, I do it before noon cause after that I am too tired. While I am not at peak performance, I am definitely much better. Baby steps, baby steps.

Today, orange grapefruit juice and then probably a salad for lunch. Not sure about dinner as I will be going away this weekend. DH is taking me to Albuqurque to the aquarium. He realizes I need to get away for a few days. Will be packing lots of goodies to take along, just in case.

Have a beautiful day everyone!

[solongng00dnite]

Yesterday I had my first wheatgrass juice shot. It was so good haha. While it is probably not the best quality wheatgrass since it is from Jamba Juice, I am going to get one everyday haha. I loved it, I had like a 5 minute buzz off of it. I am also going to buy some E3 Live today. Lots of people at my raw food potluck recommend it.

As for food, I am REALLY trying to regain my metabolism, so I am eating something every 3 hours even though I am not really hungry. I must train myself to be hungry during the day rather then at night before bed:eek:.

This morning I snacked on some blueberries and strawberries while I made a salad for lunch. (Does anyone eat the greens on the strawberries? I have been whether I just toss them into my smoothies whole or just eat them, leaves and all haha)

9: Grapefruit
12: Broccoli
3: Salad
>Wheatgrass Shot!
6: Fennel

I have also decided that at night I am going to have green juice in hopes that that will keep me from piggin out like I have been at night time. We shall see. Have a wonderful day!

[aliciamatheson]

solong - i think the green stems on the strawberries are a little bitter.

okay so i made variation on alissa's blueberry cheesecake and made it into a lemon cheesecake instead. i just got back from work and am having a piece for lunch!

we are nearing the end of the month - i'm going to be extra busy in march so i may not join the challenge but i am living in the raw (one year'ish anniversary) but i'll see you on the boards!

alicia

[GardenBella]

Hi everyone,
I haven't posted for awhile as I've been so busy at work but I've still stuck to eating Raw. I can't even imagine eating any other way anymore. I was thinking about my journey with Raw last night and I realized that all the horrible cravings I use to have for sugar, sugar, sugar, are gone, gone, gone!!! I use to get so upset because I couldn't seem to stick to any food program for more than three weeks before I started having a fight with myself not to eat ice cream, cookies, candy, etc. I feel so much more empowered around what I eat and I actually look forward to my meals and feel completely satisfied afterwards.

Lorna
Starting Weight: 205.5
Current Weight: 200
Goal Weight: 130

[Carlsbad]

Hooray! I've officially made it through PMS all raw! Yippee!!! Sorry for the TMI, but I'm really excited about this breakthrough. And other than Sunday, I haven't had any desires or even really thoughts about cooked food. Major progress!!

So today I started with 32 ounces of my beloved green juice: spinach, parsley, celery, cucumber, and carrot. Then for lunch I had 32 ounces of green smoothie: kale, bananas, pineapple, mangos, coconut oil. It tasted kind of weird though. I think maybe the mangos weren't ripe enough. Dinner will be raw zucchini hummus with celery and carrots, and maybe some grapes too. I'm betting I'll be munching on some cashews and kombucha later tonight, since I'm hitting the gym in between work and a work meeting to do my weight circuit. I have tomorrow off, and I'm looking forward to sleeping in!

One funny thing--I'm starting an exercise class that meets up by my office next week. It runs for ten weeks, Monday and Wednesday mornings. As part of it, the lady is making us fill in food logs. So I filled in this week's, and it looks so weird! Of course the food and the schedule make me so happy, and I'm getting thinner every day (literally!), but on paper it looks kind of bizarre. Freakishly, I love it and I'm so proud that I don't eat in any "standard" way. As a result, I don't look "standard,"--I glow! And I don't have any of the "standard" health issues, and I would bet my progress in the exercise class won't be "standard" either--it will be extraordinary!

Let's keep on rawking through the end of February, and amaze ourselves in March!

[smb106]

YEAH!! My excalibur came in the mail today! I am so excited. I have sweet potatoe chips drying and are almost done. I didn't know what to make first!! Onion bread is in the new future!

Any suggestions on what I should make first???

See you all tomorrow!

[fitme]

Good day with eating...GS for breakfast spinach kale banana, and papaya, lunch was a veggie soup, gazpacho type thing and then dinner was a salad and then later some papaya and banana pudding...YUMMY!

Lost another 1.5 # so yippee for me!

[Anastazia]

Had a nice, light day today, fruit, fruit, & more fruit... & some leftover smoothie (with lotsa greens...)
That's all so far, maybe more later, maybe not!
It's so exciting seeing the scale finally movin' again! Finally have things organized to start goin' for walks, too, so hope to begin tomorrow!
~Anastazia~

[Rawkinlocs]

Well, today is the last day of the February Raw Food Challenge! Congratulations to everyone who participated and stuck it out!

Have fun today!

=====
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!

[deberaw]

Yay!!!! Woo Hoo!!!! I'm thrilled to have made it thru the month! and so proud of all of you too! You guys helped me be accountable...Thank You to all who participated! It was fun!......NOw on to March!

I've learned a lot about myself and how good Raw is for me and how do able it is! Now I need to stock up today....outta my staples: bananas and avos!

Getting ready to have quick GS before heading out the door for an appointment.......then off to stocking up....and a Raw dessert is in order! Have a wonderfully Raw day! with love and light, Deb:D

[chinagirlkim]

Dear Raw Friends,
It has been awesome to get to know you this last month via this thread on the board. I have enjoyed reading your post and gaining knowledge about this journey from you and along with you. I have learned so much about myself....such as how addicted I WAS to refined sugar and caffeine. This was my first month on raw....some days I feel really good and some days I still feel like I am detoxing a whole bunch of stuff. Yesterday was a really hard day for me:confused: . But woke up this morning and felt great. I am learning more and more about managing my adrenal fatigue syndrome along with raw. Just made some simple changes today and it made a huge difference. I am not sure how long this detox will take in total but can tell you that I was not very kind to myself on the SAD diet. I do feel so much better and am pleased to have dropped 14 lbs this last month. My goal has been to get my health in better shape and the weight loss will just happen. With my Adrenal & hormone imbalances my body had a history of "hanging" on to fat instead of allowing it to pass. So once I become healthier and truly begin to heal I think I will loose the weight even faster.
My dr. cleared me yesterday to begin walking next week for 20-30 minutes 3 times a week.....so that will help my wellbeing also. Up until now my body has been working so hard just to process & digest food that activity has been limited.
Thanks once again for all your encouragement and advice.
Blessings on your raw day,
Kim

food for today:
GS
carrot soup
pumpkin seeds & walnuts
not sure what else......

Benefits that I've noticed since going raw on Feb. 1st
skin issue on one of my fingers GONE
redness on my eye lid GONE
painful feet, legs and joints A LOT BETTER AND FOR THE MOST PART GONE FROM FEET & LEGS
healthier eyes I AM NOT USING EYE DROPS AT ALL ANYMORE
back, neck & shoulder pain 80% BETTER

ones I am still working on.....
high cholesterol
adrenal fatigue syndrome

[tvillemom]

I am so proud of you all! I've been lurking and reading everyone's posts! Congrats on making the full month of February!

I look forward to joining the March challenge with some of you!:D

[aliciamatheson]

Happy Last Day of February

Yahoo - we did it - great job everyone - I'll see you on the boards!

Alicia

[Vivafree2]

I will celebrate today with banana chocolate pudding and macadamia nuts!
Have a great day - live green and prosper!

[GardenBella]

Hi everyone,
I had a great month staying Raw in February. I've lost 5 1/2 pounds and several inches. The first couple of weeks I was going through a major detox but since I've been over that I've been feeling so much better. I still don't have all the engery I want but I know that is probably another level of detoxing I'm going through. I've signed on for another challenge for March so I look forward to seeing all your posts and sharing my journey with you. I had a GS for breakfast will probably have a salad for dinner. A girlfriend and I are going to try a Raw restaurant in Vancouver this afternoon at lunch.

Lorna
Starting Weight: 205.5
Current Weight: 200
Goal Weight: 130
Raw Since Jan 2008

[Carlsbad]

Wahoo!! We made it! I am going strong and really looking forward to the March challenge as well.

Today I slept in and then had an orange and a big green/purple smoothie (kale, bananas, pineapple, mangos, blueberries, green juice). I've been munching on some cashews too, and I'm about to eat some grapes. Not ideal food combining, but I've just felt like noshing today. For later I'll have some raw "mashed potatoes" on flax crackers. I need to make some onion bread too, cause I've been craving onion bread and avocados.

It's a gorgeous day, so I may head out into the sunshine for a nice long ramble with my pooch.

Rawk on!!

[ellesgarden]

Day 60! Woo hooo!

[smb106]

WEll, the month was a success! I feel great and am ready to spring into March! See you all then!