Introduction and question

[NewGTGuy]

Hello all!

Let me start out by introducing myself. I just stumbled on to the raw lifestyle a week ago. I was looking at vegan websites and ended up here. I'm 33 years old and have had several health problems develop over the last 4 years (high bloodpressure and depression). I blame my devotion to the typical American diet for these. I really want the feeling of vitality I had in my 20s to return.

Let me state now how thankful I am to find a group of people so committed to being healthy. You have all risen above the politics of food and I salute you!

Now for my question. I've been totally raw for 4 days and am really feeling weird. I have flu like symptoms and am having a hard time focusing. My question is, is this normal? If so, how long will it last?

Have a nice day!

Brian

[desertroadrunner]

Hi Newguy,
I'm pretty new too.
From what I've read, what you're experiencing is normal.
Your body is going through what's called a detox phase.
It's beginning to flush out all the poisins you've been ingesting up til now.
And yes it will make you feel sick.
For more info do a search on detox on this website and you'll find out all sorts of stuff on it.
There's lots of good information about transitioning to raw on this site.
Good luck I hope you stick with it.
And welcome.

[RawTruth]

Brian,

You're experiencing your body detoxifying. Yay! Congratulations!

This is absolutely normal and to be expected. Don't be discouraged.

I strongly suggest you buy Alissa's book (and DVD, ideally) ASAP. In the meantime, read the journals of people on this site who've successfully completed the 30 Day Challenge.

You have found the best, most supportive online resource on living raw. There is lots of information here. Be sure to check out the area where Alissa posts called "Need to Know More About Raw?" for good information (most of it is out of her book -- but be sure to get her book, also; it'll make all the difference to you since it gives you step by step instructions with explanations of how to go and stay raw.)

Again ... welcome ... you've started on an exciting, vital path in your life.

[Sharon in Colorado]

Brian what was your diet like before? You mentioned vegan (or was that just the sites you were referring to) - where there a lot of processed foods and soy products included. You might want to check Shazzie.com. She was a vegan for several years, but was in pretty poor health because she ate a ton of soy, grain products, etc. that isn't used in a raw diet. It could be the discontinuing use of such things that are causing these effects in your body.

All the best.

[swingbolder]

Hi,

Raw really helps with keeping my moods upfull and even. A lot of times I feel like a little kid bc I'm feeling so good I just want to jump up and down on my bed or something.

Gabriel Cousens (longtime raw foodist and MD) has a book out now about raw and depression, maybe it could be of some help. Here's the amazon link:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0688165001/002-0492680-5606457?v=glance

Don't sweat the detox. It's totally normal and is taking you to another level.

[RawTruth]

Brian -- I answered too soon in my earlier post, and Sharon's post really brought me around. I should have asked you what it is you're eating now that you're raw. She covered asking you about your proir diet, but it was irresponsible of me to just jump to a conclusion (despite it being commonlhy held) without finding out more about your situation.

So ... what have you been eating for 4 days?

[NewGTGuy]

Brian,

You're experiencing your body detoxifying. Yay! Congratulations!

This is absolutely normal and to be expected. Don't be discouraged.

I strongly suggest you buy Alissa's book (and DVD, ideally) ASAP. In the meantime, read the journals of people on this site who've successfully completed the 30 Day Challenge.

You have found the best, most supportive online resource on living raw. There is lots of information here. Be sure to check out the area where Alissa posts called "Need to Know More About Raw?" for good information (most of it is out of her book -- but be sure to get her book, also; it'll make all the difference to you since it gives you step by step instructions with explanations of how to go and stay raw.)

Again ... welcome ... you've started on an exciting, vital path in your life.

Thanks RawTruth! I have already purchased Alissa's book and DVD. I'm just waiting for them to arrive in the mail.

Also, this is definitely the most active raw food message board I've seen. I'll be hanging around on a regular basis.

Thanks for the information!

Brian

[NewGTGuy]

Brian what was your diet like before? You mentioned vegan (or was that just the sites you were referring to) - where there a lot of processed foods and soy products included. You might want to check Shazzie.com. She was a vegan for several years, but was in pretty poor health because she ate a ton of soy, grain products, etc. that isn't used in a raw diet. It could be the discontinuing use of such things that are causing these effects in your body.

All the best.

Sharon,

I ate everything included in the typical American diet. Up until 3 months ago I also drank quite a bit of alcohol. Now I'm totally sober and ready to start the next step on my road to health, raw food.


Thanks,
Brian

[NewGTGuy]

Brian -- I answered too soon in my earlier post, and Sharon's post really brought me around. I should have asked you what it is you're eating now that you're raw. She covered asking you about your proir diet, but it was irresponsible of me to just jump to a conclusion (despite it being commonlhy held) without finding out more about your situation.

So ... what have you been eating for 4 days?


RawTruth,

My days consists of the following:


Morning - Super Guac with lettuce and a handful of pumpkin seeds.

Mid-Morning - Banana

Lunch - Raw stir fry with cabbage, red pepper, tomato, cauliflower, organic soy, maple syrup and sea salt

Snack - handful or two of organic walnuts and raisins. Also another piece of fruit

Dinner - Salad with avocado, spinach and tomato

Desert - glass of almond milk made with almonds, vanilla, sea salt and maple syrup.

Let me know what you think...

Thanks again!

Brian

[NewGTGuy]

Hi,

Raw really helps with keeping my moods upfull and even. A lot of times I feel like a little kid bc I'm feeling so good I just want to jump up and down on my bed or something.

Gabriel Cousens (longtime raw foodist and MD) has a book out now about raw and depression, maybe it could be of some help. Here's the amazon link:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0688165001/002-0492680-5606457?v=glance

Don't sweat the detox. It's totally normal and is taking you to another level.

Thanks Swingbolder! I just ordered this book.

Brian