Bodybuilding and Raw

[smasty]

So, I have some bodybuilding friends poking their nose in here (hi KB!)...if you are doing strenuous exercise on raw (psssst...Alissa--this means you), including bodybuilding, will you share your experience? How are you eating? How is your body responding? What is your energy level for tough workouts?

[Alissa]

Alright smasty,
When you first go raw, if you are working out heavy, lifting weights, etc... You will undoubtedly lose some strength and not be able to lift as much weight. After that initial period, (which is ALWAYS different for everyone in terms of length of time!) you will gain back your strength and more of it. You’ll have a lot more energy and endurance.

My energy level for workouts was much improved as I was able to work out longer and harder and my stamina was like never before.

My body began to get more defined, something I could never get on cooked food. I have a typical bodybuilding physique, I get really big and bulky really quick but losing weight and getting ripped were not easy for me.
Even now I can get 'smooth' if I eat a lot of fats and don’t do enough cardio.
Everyone is different in this sense; there is no one answer and you really have to 'know' your body.

My diet varies very much! If im working out a lot I tend to want a lot of fruit. But I still try to get my greens. Im doing some experimenting with hemp powders and my green powder which is amazing stuff and im really feeling it.

Its always changing but I can tell you that I have never had the strength, stamina, and energy that being raw has given me. My body is so much more sculpted now.

Did that answer some of what you were asking?
Best,
Alissa

[smasty]

Today is day 100 for me on raw. I'm thrilled with my progress, but there's definitely things I want to improve for the next 100 days. (Check out my journal entry today on Alissa's Raw in Process).

Day 1 weight: 196
Day 100 weight: 170
Day 1 Body fat % 31 (approx)
Day 100 body fat % 25.5
Day 1 fat pounds: 60.76
Day 100 fat pounds: 43.91

Day 200 Goal:

Weight: 160
body fat 20%

This means I've got to lose exactly 11.41 pounds of fat, and gain 1.5 pounds of lean in the next 100 days to meet my goal. Very doable, but will require consistent heavy lifting and daily (5x a week) cardio.

My exercise has been terrible the last 3 months. Very sporadic---I'm looking forward to more discipline in that area, and cleaning up just a few things that have gotten sloppy in my eating habits (too much dense food for convenience).

So, I'll be embarking on a bodybuilding experiment w/ 100% raw to gain 1.5 pounds of muscle in the next 100 days. Stay tuned!!

Sue

[thunderdancer]

YEAY!

Sue this is brilliant, i'm so interested in this too - I posted another thread coz I missed this one.

I too want to make some muscle, I have gone all thin and weedy and this will be my 1st ever time building muscle.

I'd love to hear what you do and how, I have no gym but I have got hand weights and a brother who tells me great stuff about using the body doing resistance work.

Thank you for sharing your goals! I just read your journal too and the LBM info was really good too thanks.

I used to eat loads of dried fruit and nuts too (don't have a dehydrator or I would have eaten that too) I ate dry figs and dates byt the bag. In the end my digestion shouted NO so I no longer have them. It was hard getting off them but increasing my fruit worked really well.

I feel so inspired by your journal!

[Kristi]

[QUOTE=thunderdancer]I used to eat loads of dried fruit and nuts too (don't have a dehydrator or I would have eaten that too) QUOTE]

You cracked me up. LOL :D Great way to start my morning!

[thunderdancer]

Hehe :D

And a great way to finish my day - to be grinning at the thought of making you laugh ;)

Seriously, my friend makes the most YUM things in her dehydrator, when I go there they have to open all the windows and light insense... ok not so serious after all hehe

[smasty]

Hi Thunder! Your pic is so great, I love it!

Yeah this will be a fun experiment! All my bodybuilding in the past has been done with high protein...loads of chicken, whey, eggs, tuna. I'm, obviously, not eating any of that stuff anymore, I do have hemp protein I use on occasion. I'll post my food and workout plans, and progress regularly. I'm glad to hear I have a partner! Resistance training is so important. Thanks for your comment too about the dense foods, I think it can be a real trap, I'm glad I'm recognizing it.

Sue

[Kristi]

What exactly is "dense" food? I think I know but perhaps I'm just dense ;) .

[smasty]

I see raw foods as basically two types: 1. High water content (fresh fruits, veggies) or 2. dense foods with little water (nuts, dried fruit, dehydrated stuff, high fat foods like olives, avocado, oils)

[Kristi]

Thanks for enlightening me! :)

[marigold]

i dont qualify for the heavy weights catagory but i do lift weights and my muscles do grow and are quite defined..i do rebounding too..dont do anything special but i do eat more fruit ..and am more hungry after..does this help..

[lil]

Smatsy -
I've really noticed a difference once going raw (with high fruit) with weight lifting.

I was fine when I was vegetarian, then I went vegan a few years back and seemed to loose a lot of strength. My ability to lift heavy weights and do cardio went way down. I dabbled in the protein powders (whey and hemp) but there was no difference. This last month I've really stuck to a high fruit raw diet and I can't believe the difference in the gym. I've increased some of my weights by 30%! (I'm still in shock!). I haven't experienced any of my usual fatique or weakness. I also look more toned and muscular.

[Rawkinlocs]

Maybe this is what our new category should be...fitness, exercise type of stuff. I need advice on what to do to build and tone muscle! I'd love to hear more from you all as to what you do, how often, etc.!

[thunderdancer]

Sue - happy to be your partner!

Rawkinlocs - i'm with you there!! It'd be grea tto get into this even more, training together/tips/guidance/expereince/inspiration

[smasty]

Great idea to make "Fitness" the new category!

[Kristi]

I like the idea, too.

[smasty]

Ok, yesterday: squats, leg press, deadlifts, leg extensions, piriformis exercises, 30 min cardio. I'm SORE today! But in a lovely way.

Today: 30 min cardio.

[thunderdancer]

Nice one Sue!

Weights workout - is this at a gym? Sounds like some cool equipment. Never heard of piriformi?
I used to go to the gym back in the UK, I loved it, all the different machines and no chance to get bored. At the moment it's just me and my hand weights at home and running once I get that in gear... any moment now!
I would love a rebounder...

What cardio do you do?

Thanks for inspiring me!!

[lil]

Squats are my challenge - I hate them!!

Way to go Smasty! Do you go to a gym?

[smasty]

Hi Guys!
I'm lucky to have a wonderful gym setup at home. DH and I committed a long time ago that we'd always have a nice gym in our home.

Piriformis: this is a small muscle under the glute that gets too contracted from long periods of sitting. It is often the culprit behind back pain and sciatica and hip pain. I've been sitting way too much lately for work, and felt I needed to work that muscle a little.

I'm looking forward to some good workouts this weekend!! Whose with me for burning some cals this weekend?

[Sunshine]

Hi Everyone!! I am so excited to see this thread!! I am a personal trainer/fitness instructor and I have been interested in switching to a raw lifestyle for such a long time now but have been afraid of losing my muscle, strength, etc. I have tried going raw before but never really had the right combination going as far as eating raw/weight training/cardio so I never really saw results and would start to panic about losing muscle after a few weeks. Especially when all my bodybuilding friends kept telling me that I wasn't going to get enough protein and I would never gain muscle, blah, blah, blah...LOL!!! The whole "bodybuilding diet mentality" is so ingrained in me since it is something I have followed for the past 20 years or so. I really believe in raw food and would love to have the support to really give this a try. So, I'm in if that's okay!!

Sunshine :)

[Curtis]

Hi Sunshine,
I started weight lifting again 3 months ago weekly and have lost weight and feel a lot better but like you I see where eating raw is the way to go. Anyone have comments on getting enough protein to maintain and build muscle? The protein bodybuilding, meat mentality I don't think is right when you look at what we feed cattle and animals in nature who are strong, most of them do not eat meat, and eat raw food.

[thunderdancer]

Hi Sunshine and Curtis :)

I totally believe in raw for power... not that i've done it yet ;)
I have a book by Steven Arlin called Raw Power and Doug Graham does a lot of work on body building/trianing athletes etc..

Personally, I got really energetic and strong at the start, then had healing crises and did a lot of healing and detoxing and I am not fit or strong at the moment, I am building up my strength and stamina again now. I have no doubt I can it on raw. I did up my protein but not to the high levels 'standard' practices tote - they also say complex carbs are great but not in my experience..
When I went raw I could run for 25 mins even when I hadbn't run or done anything for mobths. Before raw, I used to go to the gym and train but could never run more than 10 mins!
A lot of that has to do with healing my asthma and losing fat tho.

I'm interested in this topic, be glad to hear of people's experiences who have got fit and toned on raw, I really want to be fitter than I ever have :D

[thunderdancer]

hey guys!

where are all the fit/aspiring fit bods?

smasty how's it going?

i've been doing my arm weights (reps up from 8 to 12) and i've been running every other day (it's gone from 15 mins to 25!) and i've been doing yoga.

when I do it, especially 1st thing in the morning, I really feel much more positive and able to cope with the day. I'm sure my running is also a meditation - coz I regulate my breathing.

How's everyone doing?

[lil]

It does make a difference... in how you feel physically and mentally.

I'm at the gym 4 - 5 times a week right now. Since doing this high fruit raw, I can't believe the difference in doing my workouts. I used to get sooooo frustrated with it.

Good to see that your running Thunder!. It sounds like the same as swimming is to me - meditating.

[smasty]

Hi Guys!

Sunshine!! Welcome!!

I've been fitting in pilates all week, but not weights :( dernit.

I've just been a little too busy. I hope everyone else is doing better though???

One note about protein, I'm REALLY liking the hemp protein. I've started having a hemp smoothie every morning, it fills me up for about 6 hours, gets me off to a better start than just fruit, I think. I was a huge proponent of only having fruit in the morning, but I'm liking the smoothie effect.

[Sunshine]

Sorry I posted and then ran everyone!!! :rolleyes: I have been taking care of a friend who has cancer and over the past two weeks things have really taken a turn for the worst so I have not been spending any time on-line. I am definitely still very interested in this topic and I am hoping to start Allyssa's 30 day challenge sometime soon. In the meantime, I have been eating as many raw meals as possible and have been feeling great! I am really starting to see the definition in my arms and abs finally!! Yaaay for that!! I am going to have to try some of that hemp protein for sure!! I have to run but I will talk to you all again soon!

Love,
Sunshine :)

[ConsciousCuisine]

Hiya Sunshine! Smasty, I love the Nutiva Raw Hemp Protein Powder! In the past, I had hypoglycemia. Eating Raw, it can be a challenge for some to have even blood sugar levels and such...the Hemp Protein Powder has sooo much fiber, protein and EFA's! It is the BEST ever! I also use it with fruit or just with plain orange juice, especially when I have a cooked-food craving. It feels good to know it is so healthy and it keeps you regular too :) I make sure my daughter gets one serving a day. She's not 100% raw...about 50-75% with an occasional 100% (she calls those her "cleansing" days :) ) and since she's Vegan too I rest well knowing she's getting vital nutrients often lacking in the S.A.D. and even in most "cooked" Vegan diets. She's growing beautifully and is the picture of vibrant health! :)

[tglasco4]

Hello my name is Todd,

I have been raw for 5 months. I am not sure what you all mean by the term "body-building". When I think of that I think of people who enter contests clad in as little as possible to be judged by their muscular developement. I am into working out and building my body up but not into those type of contests. Is that what you mean in terms of "bodybuilding"?

[Kristi]

I don't believe they are entering contests but they are working on defining their muscles. Welcome Todd!!!!!!

[Sunshine]

No contests in my near future Todd! :D I am interested in being strong, lean, and fit. I love the way weight training makes me look and feel but I also combine it with cardio, yoga, pilates, (and anything else I discover along the way ;) ) to keep me balanced. I'm not into being "judged" on anything :cool: --I just want to look and feel my absolute best!!! :) :)

Smasty--I am heading out to pick up some hemp protein today!! I'll let you know how I like it!! ;) Take care all and I hope you have an awesome day!!

Love,
Sunshine :)

[tglasco4]

Well, this sounds like my kind of place then! The "bodybuilding" I was referring to, I don't believe is a truly healthy lifestyle because of the inordinate amount of calories that must be consumed to get the "mass" those folks want. But more power to anyone that wants to do that! I too am seeking the lean, musculature that I have found the raw lifestyle can give. I am not into suppliments of any kind at this time, but I have found that a program that includes fasting (both juice and water fasts) not only cleanses the body of toxins but also helps get that "ripped" look that I would like to have.

Peace.

[rawjojo]

Hi!

Since going raw I have been starting to lift a few weights however I am much more into Pilates. It does make you feel good.

Concious Cusine: Where do you purchase your Nutive raw hemp protein powder?

Sunshine: Where abouts in Ohio are you? I'm an Ohioian also!

[ConsciousCuisine]

Rawjojo, I get my Nutiva Raw Hemp Protein Powder form a local market where I only have to pay $10.49 per container because the owner of the market went to "Rawstock" and got a special discount from the Owner of Nutiva! The regular cost is $18-$22, and so I am really happy about using it often and affordably! :) The brand is "Nutiva". Look online and see what you can come up with.. :)

[Analeah]

Hey that sounds awsome, I would love to try out some raw hemp protein powder. I saw some online from Nutiva along with coconut oil they offer. It says extra virgin and raw, do you know if this is a good brand of coconut oil to go with? I wasn't too impressed with the stuff from nature's first law but I want to get a different brand and see if I can notice a difference...

Wow 10.49 that is awesome. How big is the container you get for that price?

[Scotia Scott]

Hey folks,

I have started doing a running practice called Slavyanskiy Byeg, or 'Slavic Trotting'. It is so great to do in the morning, as it actually gives you more energy, as opposed to feeling good from the neuro-endocrine response to aerobic debt (the feeling of 'Runner's High').

The gait is very much like powerwalking, and the respiration technique keeps you very relaxed once you get a handle on it. I really feel it working my muscles too, as I it takes stress off my joints and lets my muscle tissue carry the ballistic impact of running. I am consistently impressed with the Russian wellness practices I come across.

[Analeah]

Wow that sounds cool! How do you do it? Is it difficult? How did you learn?

[tglasco4]

Hi,

I have found a diet that is dominated by fruit is best for great workouts and progress. Fruit is the perfect food for the body! Most people don't eat anywhere near enough (including me!). But it does give the body what it needs to produce great workouts and high energy.

Peace.

Todd

[Sunshine]

RawJoJo! I live in the Cleveland area...how about you?? :)

Todd--I am really interested in following your progress! It sounds like you and I are on the same track. I am not really that into supplements but I am going to use the hemp protein powder a couple of times a week to see if I like it or notice anything. I am loving the way my body is starting to look now that I have dropped some bodyfat and my muscles are starting to show!!

Have an awesome day everyone! I'll be checking back soon to see what you are all up to!! :p

[tglasco4]

Hiya Sunshine,

Yes it seems to be the latest "thing", speaking of the hemp protein. But I guess I am just so aware of and sensitive to, the protein hype in this country I just reject anything that smacks of a protein supplement. That stuff as gotten rave reviews from everyone I have heard that has tried it though. The best to you!

Peace.

Todd

RawJoJo! I live in the Cleveland area...how about you?? :)

Todd--I am really interested in following your progress! It sounds like you and I are on the same track. I am not really that into supplements but I am going to use the hemp protein powder a couple of times a week to see if I like it or notice anything. I am loving the way my body is starting to look now that I have dropped some bodyfat and my muscles are starting to show!!

Have an awesome day everyone! I'll be checking back soon to see what you are all up to!! :p

[ConsciousCuisine]

I like Nutiva Hemp Protein Powder because one serving provides 11 grams of bioavailable protein, 14 grams of fiber, 120 calories and 3 grams of mostly omega 6's, some omega 3's fats, vitamin E, iron and calcium.

It really helps to keep regular, especailly for those who cannot tolerate psyllium or other bulking agents or even herbal bowel stimulants.

I know what you mean about the whole "protein powder" thing. We can get all of the amino acids and nutrients we need from a whole foods diet.

I do consider this to be a whole-foods product and enjoy it occasionally. I enjoy the flavor of it more than whole hemp seed, which is so rich! To get the same fiber from hempseeds, I'd have to eat so much more of them! They are so filling and rich!

I make a sprouted quinoa hemp seed creme cereal that goes over well...it is so rich that I can only eat 2 oz. at a time of it though...

[tglasco4]

More power to you CC! I hope I didn't offend anyone that uses this or any other supplement. That is not my intent. Sorry if I did!

[ConsciousCuisine]

I am not offended...You are quite clear and I appreciate that. ;)
I was just saying that I agree with you that when following a sound diet and holistic lifestyle, most "supplemets" are unnecessary and are just ways to make more money for a corporation or person and that certain whole-foods, relatively unprocessed concentrated nutrition "supplements" (especially one or 2 ingredient type foods) are useful in some ways...

I also like sea veggies, spirulina and chlorella but shy away from packaged "green drinks" that people use like Naked Foods Green Drink which is pasteurized (cooked) and has such minute amounts of these "Superfoods" that it's a joke. I don't like seeing people fool themselves into beleiveing that they are helping themselves in these ways by adding these "supplements" when they could just eat an apple or a salad and do more good for their body... :)

So, in my long winded way, I agree with you :)

[Analeah]

I am curious about the hemp proten powder mainly because I would like to find other sources of protein besides relying on nuts and seeds all the time. I also believe you can get everything you need from a whole foods diet and supplements are not needed, but I am not so sure if the amount of nuts I eat is healthy. I still have a little acne that does not seem to be going away and I assume this is from eating too many nuts but I suppose it could be hormonal too? I have heard of people still having acne while in their twenties but I don't know how common it is. Is the hemp protein powder something you should only buy certain brands of to ensure that it is raw? I haven't seen any in the health food stores here but I will check again while I am there just to make sure.

[tglasco4]

I can tell you, a 30-day juice fast will clear up all acne problems. Its the cleansing of the digestive tract that will make your face shine! and Analeah, you already have a pretty face already! ;)

Peace.

Todd

I am curious about the hemp proten powder mainly because I would like to find other sources of protein besides relying on nuts and seeds all the time. I also believe you can get everything you need from a whole foods diet and supplements are not needed, but I am not so sure if the amount of nuts I eat is healthy. I still have a little acne that does not seem to be going away and I assume this is from eating too many nuts but I suppose it could be hormonal too? I have heard of people still having acne while in their twenties but I don't know how common it is. Is the hemp protein powder something you should only buy certain brands of to ensure that it is raw? I haven't seen any in the health food stores here but I will check again while I am there just to make sure.

[Analeah]

Hi Todd, thanks for your reply and reassurance! I really wish I could do a 30 day juice fast but I don't think I would be able to handle it. I think the longest fast I have done (without the use of drugs) has been only for like 2 or 3 days and near the end I felt so incredibly weak, I really can't imagine doing a fast for 30 days though I would love to if I had the opportunity to do it in a retreat or some other way. I once did a fast with only juice for about 7 days and it was totally amazing but it was awhile ago and at the time I was using crystal which makes the thought of any food repulsive. I don't know why but for the last several years I have had acne and it is really annoying lol. It's not horrible or anything bad enough to go see a doctor about but I would really love to have nice clear skin. Since switching to high raw I have definately noticed improvement but it hasn't quite seemed to get rid of it completely. I dont know if perhaps it just takes time and I need to be patient or if I need to change something in the way I eat? I sometimes eat a lot of olive oil which I am thinking might be contributing but I am trying to eliminate olive oil from my diet or use only very sparingly. Do you think replacing (nuts) or mixing in hemp powder or something else would help? Thanks again!

[tglasco4]

Actually, Olive oil both externally and internally is very good for the skin. I use it daily both ways and it has done some very good things to my skin. You surely CAN do a 30 day juice fast. The hardest part by far is the first 3 days. If you have all your fruit and veggie juices planned and have a time set to take them daily (whether 2, 3 times or more per day) you can do it. Once you get past that 3rd day it is very easy. You will experience an exhilerating feeling on day 5 or 6. and by day 20 you will wonder why you ever need to eat food again! Analeah, yes you can do it and yes, be patient with yourself as this is totally opposite (speaking of the raw lifestyle) to what your body was raised on.

Peace.

Todd

Hi Todd, thanks for your reply and reassurance! I really wish I could do a 30 day juice fast but I don't think I would be able to handle it. I think the longest fast I have done (without the use of drugs) has been only for like 2 or 3 days and near the end I felt so incredibly weak, I really can't imagine doing a fast for 30 days though I would love to if I had the opportunity to do it in a retreat or some other way. I once did a fast with only juice for about 7 days and it was totally amazing but it was awhile ago and at the time I was using crystal which makes the thought of any food repulsive. I don't know why but for the last several years I have had acne and it is really annoying lol. It's not horrible or anything bad enough to go see a doctor about but I would really love to have nice clear skin. Since switching to high raw I have definately noticed improvement but it hasn't quite seemed to get rid of it completely. I dont know if perhaps it just takes time and I need to be patient or if I need to change something in the way I eat? I sometimes eat a lot of olive oil which I am thinking might be contributing but I am trying to eliminate olive oil from my diet or use only very sparingly. Do you think replacing (nuts) or mixing in hemp powder or something else would help? Thanks again!

[Analeah]

Hi Todd, thanks so much for your encouragement! I don't know what to think about the olive oil as I have no way of knowing the true quality of the oil I am using. I always get the cold pressed extra virgin olive oil but I have heard both that that means it is raw and that the only truly raw olive oil is the stone crushed oil from a certain company. In any case even if it has been heat processed do you think that would make a difference in terms of the benefits for skin? Do you have a favorite brand you like to use of olive oil? You really are inspiring and each moment I am wanting more and more to do a long juice fast. I think the main problem to overcome now is getting a better juicer. Once I have a decent juicer I think that would solve a lot of the problems I have had in the past when attempting a juice fast. Do you think a water fast would be just as beneficial in my case or do you think it is better to stick to just a juice fast? Thanks again!

[tglasco4]

Hi Analeah,
I use Filipo Berio and Luccini brands myself. Extra Virgin both. They are more expensive. I use them on my face, on my scalp in my food (LOL). Yes, you definitely need a high quality juicer for a fast. The water fast is much more difficult than the juice fast. It would require alot more preparation both spiritually and mentally. I would seek to start with a juice fast, that way you are both getting the cleanse and the nutrition your body needs. The water fast has a much more intense and thorough cleansing affect, but its more important to complete a fast at first. So, again, I would opt for the Juice Fast and yes, make sure you have a dependable juicer.

Peace.

Todd

Hi Todd, thanks so much for your encouragement! I don't know what to think about the olive oil as I have no way of knowing the true quality of the oil I am using. I always get the cold pressed extra virgin olive oil but I have heard both that that means it is raw and that the only truly raw olive oil is the stone crushed oil from a certain company. In any case even if it has been heat processed do you think that would make a difference in terms of the benefits for skin? Do you have a favorite brand you like to use of olive oil? You really are inspiring and each moment I am wanting more and more to do a long juice fast. I think the main problem to overcome now is getting a better juicer. Once I have a decent juicer I think that would solve a lot of the problems I have had in the past when attempting a juice fast. Do you think a water fast would be just as beneficial in my case or do you think it is better to stick to just a juice fast? Thanks again!

[Sunshine]

Hi Todd! I have to tell you that I absolutely love your attitude!! Positive and straightforward!! You're statement to Annaleah that she CAN do a 30 day juice fast really got me pumped up. You are so right that we CAN do anything we decide to do. It's just that we spend so much time telling ourselves why we "can't" or we "shouldn't" even attempt it and we end up talking ourselves out of things we see as being unpleasant. I am actually going to do a juice fast now because something about your statement hit home with me and now it has turned it into something positive instead of something that I was always telling myself would be so hard to do!! It's all in the mind and the attitude isn't it?!!

It's amazing how sometimes the littlest thing can make such a big difference in someone's life isn't it?? I will let you all know when I start and how it goes for me!!

Thanks so much! You all rock!!

Love,
Nancy

[Analeah]

I'll second that statement! You are so inspiring Todd! I think for me it would be too hard to do a long juice fast because I have such a cheap juicer but I am going to try and do a shorter one for sure and when I get a better juice I will do a long fast. Thanks for all your help and inspiration! I wish you the best of luck on your juice fast Nancy, and definately keep us updated on how it goes!

[tglasco4]

Hiya Sunshine!

I am so glad that you were encouraged to do a juice fast. Really what allows us to accomplish anything is one simple word that many overlook and ignore---FAITH. The bible defines it this way......"NOW faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" Hebrews 11:1. This means that one must not look at the outward appearance of things but BELIEVE in the outcome that is not yet seen. In other words, when our dear friend and fellow journaler Analeah said that she felt weak after the first 3 days of her juice fast, that is when faith is absolutely crucial. At that point we must not listen to our body whining to us because we feel weak. It is addicted and its craving junk. But we must believe that, by day 4 we will feel much better and by day 10 we will feel wonderful. I can testify that by day 4 you WILL feel better and by day 10 you WILL feel wonderful because I did it. Then we can do it for 20, 30 or even 40 days. Its all by FAITH. Jesus said, "As you have believed so be it unto you". Yes, we can all do Juice fasts if we really choose to, because its God's will that we have perfect, vibrant, exhilerating HEALTH!! Well now, thats my sermon for the day (LOL) :)

Peace and blessings to you on your Journey friend.

Todd


Hi Todd! I have to tell you that I absolutely love your attitude!! Positive and straightforward!! You're statement to Annaleah that she CAN do a 30 day juice fast really got me pumped up. You are so right that we CAN do anything we decide to do. It's just that we spend so much time telling ourselves why we "can't" or we "shouldn't" even attempt it and we end up talking ourselves out of things we see as being unpleasant. I am actually going to do a juice fast now because something about your statement hit home with me and now it has turned it into something positive instead of something that I was always telling myself would be so hard to do!! It's all in the mind and the attitude isn't it?!!

It's amazing how sometimes the littlest thing can make such a big difference in someone's life isn't it?? I will let you all know when I start and how it goes for me!!

Thanks so much! You all rock!!

Love,
Nancy

[smasty]

So glad I decided to pop in here and get caught up! Todd, I haven't had a chance to interact much with you on posts...but whooowa!

Juice fasting is awesome, and I agree with you that Analeah can absolutely do it. Juice fasting is an incredible experience. Most people know I kicked off my raw journey with a 21 day fast. It's something I want to do once a year...a long one like that.

Juice fasting is an entirely different experience than water fasting...they're not even the same beast at all. You get hungry or weak on juice fasting, drink more juice! Drink to your heart's content. Juice fasting is a freeing thing...freeing yourself from the world of food, with all it's anxieties and "rights and wrongs" is just cool. You begin to feel like you're on a different plane. Whatever your spiritual beliefs, (mine are strongly Christian and Todd's words on faith resonate w/ me)...a juice fast will bring you closer in touch with your beliefs.

It takes preparation...don't just wake up one day and say "I think I'll start my 30 day juice fast today"...uh uh. Set a date, plan for it, pray on it, meditate on it, read about it, know what to expect, plan, shop, etc.

Be prepared to throw away a lot of pulp! Don't get caught up in saving it for veggie burgers and stuff (composting is cool though!). You'll throw out a ton of it a day...it's just a casualty of the fast.

On another note...can we talk about weightlifting a bit?? I'm in Phoenix for the next 5 days...had to carry heavy bags around airports today....my shoulders are so weak! I've been plagued with rotator cuff injuries this year, I haven't been working on my rehab..and in fact I've allowed my shoulders to atrophy terribly. I was so tired carrying stuff that a year ago would have been so easy.

Also I'm turning "skinny fat"...losing a lot of muscle tone in the 40 pounds I've lost this year. I MUST MUST get some iron in my hands!!! I started this darn thread and didn't follow through. My life gets much easier when I return from Phoenix...time to set some goals!

[tglasco4]

Hiya Smashy!

When I travel I take these giant rubber band thingys they sell in the exercise equipment stores. (I am not sure you know what I am referring to but thats the best way to describe them). Start out with light weights, plan for a year of workouts by doing light weights and increasing repetitions slowly. For example, last year I started doing chin-ups. I started being able to do 3 sets of 4. My goal was to increase my repetitions by 1 or 2 chins each month. I do them 3 times per week. That was about 10 months ago. I am doing 3 sets of 20 now. Get some light dumbells and do basic exercises. The key is consistency. Do what you know you can do consistently and don't overdo in a rush to get where you want to. You can accomplish a tremendous amount in a year. I hope this helps.

Peace.

Todd

[Sunshine]

Todd,

Your post was beautiful. I, too am a Christian and it just resonated with me. It's amazing to me how God puts the right people in the right place at precisely the right time in order to drive home His wonderful message. Thank you for allowing Him to use you in such a big way. :)

Analeah, thank you for your good wishes. I will let you all know how things go. I'm very excited now and Todd's words have encouraged me to keep pushing through even when things get tough and that what is waiting for me on the other side is so worth the journey!!

Smasty--so sorry to hear about the shoulder issues. I tend to have problems with my shoulders if I lift too heavy so I use a lighter weight for all shoulder exercises and really focus on form. It's amazing how heavy 5 and 8 lbs. feels when you are slow and controlled with your movement!! :eek: Todd's suggestion to use the bands is a good one too because you can take them with you anywhere and there are a lot of different styles. You can get a really great workout with them.

Take care everyone!! I have to run but I will pop back in soon.

[tglasco4]

Hi Sunshine,

I am happy and humbled by the fact that you were helped. I pray that your raw journey will be full of your nickname SUNSHINE!

Peace.

Todd

[Sunshine]

Todd.....thank you!!! I will pray for you as well to continue shining your light for others! :) Have an awesome day!!! :D

[Scotia Scott]

Wow that sounds cool! How do you do it? Is it difficult? How did you learn?

Well, there are three main features to Slavic Trotting: the gait of the foot, the gait of the upper body, and the respiration. These change depending on the slope of the surface you are running on, i.e. uphill, downhill, or level.

The best resource for learning to do this is the video "Slavyanskiy Byeg™ Natural Carriage", a part of the Zdorovye Health Series distributed by Rmax Productions. You can find out more by following the CST link in the 'Neuromuscular Wellness' section at http://permavitae.net .

I learned it from watching this video, and it is a very easy thing to do, though 'outside-of-the-box' in comparison to conventional running and fitness programs. So the 'deconditioning' aspect may be difficult.

Sensa-pace,
Scott

[sally1]

Hi everyone,
I am new to this and have been 90% raw for 2 weeks. This is my 2nd attempt as I was raw last year for 3 months and went back to SAD(standard American diet and have felt lousy. So, my commitmet is to start exercising and getting back into weights, running & yoga and to be 100% raw starting today! Life is too precious!!
I will keep you posted and look upon you as partners.
Thanks, Sally

[Analeah]

Thanks scott for the info on the Slavic Trotting! I am definately going to check out that link you posted. Welcome to the board Sally! I really admire your determination to go 100% raw and start exercising more and doing yoga too! I wish you the best of luck on your journey and I look forward to reading more of your posts!

[flutterfly]

I would like to find a workout I can do with bulging disc trouble. I have always worked out before but am a little scared about it now. I really miss working out a lot. Also I worry about the fact that my Mother and Sister have osteoporosis, they have never been in the habit of working out. I know that you need to workout to keep your bones healthy. At almost 58 I have not seen the medical conditions the rest of my family has and I don't want to. Any ideas here?

[vegbaby]

Hi Smasty,

I have been bodybuilding on and off for several years, and my switch to raw several months ago (before my backsliding adventure - see my 30-day raw challenge journal) coincided with my return to fitness. I found right away that I had lots of energy for exercising, but I had to really focus on water. When eating cooked I feel thirsty, but when I'm eating raw I don't as much, so I have to consciously think about drinking, especially while working out. I also find myself very hungry after a workout, and whereas before I would feel guilty for eating afterward (like I was putting back on what I just worked off), when I am raw I feel like I'm fueling my body. I read in a fitness magazine that your body actually absorbs nutrients better after a workout so you should eat. I just listen to my body, and if I want to eat more, I do.

[vegbaby]

Hiya Sunshine!

I am so glad that you were encouraged to do a juice fast. Really what allows us to accomplish anything is one simple word that many overlook and ignore---FAITH. The bible defines it this way......"NOW faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" Hebrews 11:1. This means that one must not look at the outward appearance of things but BELIEVE in the outcome that is not yet seen. In other words, when our dear friend and fellow journaler Analeah said that she felt weak after the first 3 days of her juice fast, that is when faith is absolutely crucial. At that point we must not listen to our body whining to us because we feel weak. It is addicted and its craving junk. But we must believe that, by day 4 we will feel much better and by day 10 we will feel wonderful. I can testify that by day 4 you WILL feel better and by day 10 you WILL feel wonderful because I did it. Then we can do it for 20, 30 or even 40 days. Its all by FAITH. Jesus said, "As you have believed so be it unto you". Yes, we can all do Juice fasts if we really choose to, because its God's will that we have perfect, vibrant, exhilerating HEALTH!! Well now, thats my sermon for the day (LOL) :)

Peace and blessings to you on your Journey friend.

Todd
Hey tglasco4,

As a christian I have a question for you. I have a lot of friends here who are missionaries, and I know that sooner or later one of them is going to question my decision to eat raw using the bible to back themselves up. No matter what I tell them about Genesis and God giving us all the fruits of the trees for our sustenance, they will find other references supposedly pointing to eating animals. They have a very strong belief that that is what God wants of us. Have you encountered this?

melanie

[Rawkinlocs]

Vegbaby,

I know you directed your question to Todd, but I wanted to give my take on it too. BUT, I also don't want to hijack this thread and turn it into something other than about body building and raw, so I started a brand new topic so we can further discuss it without taking this topic off topic! :D
Here is the link to that thread: http://rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3942#post3942

Vegbaby, Todd, Nancy (sunshine) and other Christians, please join me there and let's discuss this because it's very valid and I've had this discussion several times already with other Christians (offline) who asked similar questions!

OH and while I'm here, I've been trying to dilligently do my Tae-bo tapes and am noticing some muscle definition starting to take shape! :p

[tglasco4]

Hiya Flutterfly,

Say I am really not an expert at all with regard to bulging disc problems. But, that being said I do know that when the blood is clean and flowing easily through the body, it greatly aids in healing. If it was me, I would first try and eat only fruit and veggies in their raw state for about 60 days. I know that people are having trouble doing that but I feel like that would cleanse the blood and lead to healing because I have read so many testimonies about people who have done it. As an alternative, I would do as I have done, which is a 30 day juice fast with no solid food. My shoulders were both in a arthritic condition and now they are 100% better. Either of these in conjunction with walking (if you can do that without pain) for 30-60 days should greatly improve the problem area. It sounds hard to many people, which is why I say prayer and faith are necessary ingredients in the battle for freedom from disease and vibrant health. Bless you!

Peace.

Todd

[tglasco4]

Hi Melanie,

I will do as Rawkinlocs suggested and answer the question on the thread she has started. That way, this thread can continue in the area of bodybuilding without interruption.

Peace.

Todd


Hey tglasco4,

As a christian I have a question for you. I have a lot of friends here who are missionaries, and I know that sooner or later one of them is going to question my decision to eat raw using the bible to back themselves up. No matter what I tell them about Genesis and God giving us all the fruits of the trees for our sustenance, they will find other references supposedly pointing to eating animals. They have a very strong belief that that is what God wants of us. Have you encountered this?

melanie

[flutterfly]

Thanks Todd. That is great advice and I will give it some thought but think I have to wait until warm weather again to try it. I can walk about 3 miles without a lot of pain and love to walk.

[tglasco4]

Say flutterfly,

What part of the world do you live? Is it very cold there now? Because even during the fruit and veggie juice fast, you could incorporate herbs as teas. I like to use hot water with half a fresh squeezed lemon and honey. Its warm and it makes your insides feel great. Just a suggestion. But I wonder if you are in a remote place that may not get fresh produce in the fall and winter.

Todd
Thanks Todd. That is great advice and I will give it some thought but think I have to wait until warm weather again to try it. I can walk about 3 miles without a lot of pain and love to walk.

[flutterfly]

I live in PA. The Landlady refuses to keep the heat on so I freeze. I also have to work outside in the cold for a 12 hour shift. I do drink warmed lemon water but that isn't doing the trick. Even tried the fire water.

[tglasco4]

Wow, flutter, tough situation. Well at least you can walk. Sounds like you work outside so it must be part of your job. Do you drink other herbs like clover or chamomile (with honey)? Clover is excellent for the blood. I imagine you bring a thermos with you to work. What type of work do you do (if you don't mind me asking of course)?

Todd


I live in PA. The Landlady refuses to keep the heat on so I freeze. I also have to work outside in the cold for a 12 hour shift. I do drink warmed lemon water but that isn't doing the trick. Even tried the fire water.

[flutterfly]

I am a Security Guard at a large Trucking firm. At the least we have 160 semi's that come in every night. I have to walk from one end to the other and back again, checking seals and numbers. It is cold, wet went it rains and dark so it is hard to see the numbers. Yes, I do take something warm to drink. I have teccino.
Guess what. I have heat finally! This is so nice.

[cara4art]

since I'm pretty new here - only joined up last week, and started my increased raw food intake 8 days ago, with the green smoothies, plus a big ol' pile of greens at lunch, I can attest to the magic of the green smoothies being totally compatible with bodybuilding exercise at the gym. I've weight-trained on and off for many years, and gone through the usual high-protein traditional stuff, as well as pre-contest dieting a couple of times for very small events, so I do know about the power of diet and how it affects one's performance and appearance. I've noticed already, and I'm not even 100% raw, that I've been able to bust through some plateaus this past week after the first couple of days of feeling tired and hungry. There's a saying that goes around just about any gym, diet is responsible for 80% of how one performs and looks. Anyway, on this high-raw plan, I am loving the combo of the hemp protein powder(2 T)and ground-up flax seeds(1T). For me this makes an awesome, magic drink that since it has the protein and fat in it along with the greens and fruit, it holds me for several hours. If I just ate straight fruit for breakfast, my blood sugar is not as even, and I'm hungry 90 minutes later! A great addition to any drink is liquid chlorophyll too - great blood builder sourced from alfalfa, which the Arabs gave to their horses to make them strong, lean and fast! And we know that the Arabians are magnificent horses.
About raw vegan bodybuilding, I was recently inspired by seeing pictures at www.charliesgym.com - seems to be working for him! I like that refined look, as the muscles built on raw are refined.