New to the diet, the site, everything- Help please!

[gabscastillo]

My partner and I were watching a show about various diets (most of which were insane!) and they profiled the raw diet. I was immediately compelled to learn more, and the more I learn, the more it just makes sense! However, I am very new to all of this, and the many rules and principles are a bit overwhelming at this point.

Advice for budding raw-foodists? This is a huge undertaking, and I'm afraid if I get too caught up in the details, I'll get frustrated and give up. Some pointers on keeping it simple and embracing the lifestyle in a methodical, practical way?

I bought a juicer, and stocked up on fresh raw produce, nuts, goji berries, honey, etc... the staples. I've bought some books... I'm experimenting with raw recipes, etc. I'm finding that for the most part my body is responding well, however, I am dealing with some nausea on occasion. I almost feel overwhelmed by all the vegetables, etc. Is this normal? Will it go away? Is there anything I can do to make it easier?

Thanks....

[lily]

It sounds as though you're doing great -- and yes, it is a bit overwhelming at first.

One way of easing into this life-style is to 'go raw' one meal at a time, starting with a completely raw breakfast or lunch, say, then as you get used to it making the remaining meals more and more raw.

Have the intention to go raw, take one day -- one meal -- at a time, don't worry too much about the 'rights' and 'wrongs' but just do your best, and you'll be amazed how quickly you get into it.

You don't have to be perfect at it straight away! Most raw food enthusiasts are constanting seeking to improve their diet, me included -- it's an on-going journey and becomes more so as we get tuned-into what our body is telling us and what it needs.

Good luck!

[jacsam]

Reading Alissa's book and watching her DVD will REALLY answer ALL your questions. It sets a very good foundation for you....it really is a must in my book. Judith:)

[Carlsbad]

I know it can seem overwhelming and complicated, but it really is very simple. It's just very different (in some cases opposite!) from what you're used to. My advice would be to read as much as you can (Alissa's book is a must, and the DVD helps you realize how easy it is). You can do everything you need with a food processor and a good blender. Play around and find foods and/or recipes that you love, buy way more produce than you think you can possibly eat, and ALWAYS carry raw food with you. This site is an awesome resource. You may want to check out the "what are you eating right now" thread for some meal ideas, and the recipe section is great too.

Good luck to you! We're all rooting for you!

[SmilingRawDancer]

Don't feel overwhelmed! When I first went raw I didn't know how much produce to buy at a time, lest it spoil...but you get the hang of it after awhile, and you'll find out how much you eat, AND how much you can freeze/juice/store in the pantry if you don't want to waste stuff.
Good luck!

[chilove]

Hello there!

Welcome to Raw Food Talk and congratulations on discovering the miracle of raw! You will love being raw!!

Don't eat veggies if you don't like them! Seriously! :-) I eat very few veggies other than some tender, mild greens and tomatoes and cucumbers and I am healthier than I EVER have been. I healed from obesity, chronic fatigue, fibromylagia, depression, anxiety, IBS and other conditions eating this way.

Find lots of raw food that you LOVE, surround yourself with it, always take WAY more food with you than you think you could possibly need everywhere and you will do great!!!!

Eat less complicated foods and difficult to digest foods (email me if you don't know what that might be) to avoid stomach upset.

Blessings!

Audrey
www.rawhealing.com

[gabscastillo]

Thanks, that's good advice! It seems so simple... if it doesn't make me feel good, I don't need to eat it. I have had the intuition it will take my body some time to adjust, and things that are not entirely comfortable now will get easier. I think I need to ease up on the hardcore veggies in the beginning. Fuit, raw nuts, etc., are really easy and appealing.
Plus I'm enjoying the idea I can eat as much avacado as I can get my hands on! Bring it on!

I know- I KNOW- that foods are can make us well or they can make us ill. I am not going to spend another day or minute counting calories, obsessing about food, or working my body so hard I feel unwell. I want to eat things that make me feel good, and work out in ways that make me feel good.

And all this beautiful food the universe provides to make us well and strong... what a beautiful thing I've stumbled on.

Thanks for the awesome support!