I am really struggling please help

[janem]

thank you in advance for any support! Not sure where to begin. This year has been a whirlwind of different eating plans only to gain lots ofveeight work each failed attempt. I bought alissas book two weeks ago and wholeheartedly believed in this lifestyle. My initial goal is to lose 30 pounds and improve my overall health. The weightloss has been slow buy in the meantime I have changed my kitchen to a raw kitchen and have made numterous dishes from her book. My issue is I just flew out to Ohio for the Arnold classic. The most beautiful physiques in the world are here but.....no one is raw and all are pushing the high protein diets. For my weightloss goals they think I am crazy to eat fruit and nuts. I guess I agree that I should cut back on them but now I am so confused about a plan. I wanting to go for a long run because my head is all mixed up!!

[40in8]

My advice is to google raw vegan bodybuilding. And also search that term in youtube.

Don't let those guys at the Arnold Classic confuse you. Those really high protein diets they are on aren't good for them, and many of them will pay for it when they get older. Even Arnold himself has had to pay, though it's not clear to me whether that was because of past steroid use or unhealthy diet, or maybe both.

There are raw vegan bodybuilders and athletes, who often defeat meat eaters in serious competitions.

This is one raw vegan bodybuilder:
http://robbiehazeley.blogspot.com/

Watch the Go Raw Now trailer, there is an Australian natural raw vegan bodybuilder on it (very hot guy):
http://youtube.com/watch?v=z3xOU2tLl7g

Here is site for raw vegan bodybuilding:
http://www.veganbodybuilding.org/main.htm

Here is Brendan Brazier, he is a raw vegan Ironman:
http://www.brendanbrazier.com/


Here is another raw vegan bodybuilder, talking about diet, among other things:
http://charliesgym.info/default.php


Good luck to you.
:)

[RawSinger]

Although I don't have a bunch of links to give you like 40in8, I want you to know that you're doing the right thing in becoming a raw vegan, janem. Make sure you read Alissa's book in its entirety, especially the Frequently Asked Questions.

[belleadonna]

Only you can decide what is right for you. If you are doing this JUST to lose weight, then you probably won't succeed. Do it for your health and the weight loss will come with time.

I know that I did high protein for awhile and boy did I get sick. I had diarrhea and my gall bladder went crazy. It is a plain unhealthy diet. I ran from diet to diet to lose weight. And guess what?? I put weight on!! :eek:

I am doing raw now because it is right for my body and I am healthier. I am losing weight but that is just a side benefit.

Stop looking at other bodies and take care of your own. :D

[janem]

Thank you so much for your wonderful support! I know in my heart raw is the best plan for life - this is how I want to live - I just need to figure out how I will do raw. I am still "afraid" of nuts - I fear the fat will stick to me - I love the recipes that use the nut cheese though!! I also fear the fruit - long time brainwashing - so I have to let my fears go and enjoy these wonderful foods - I know my body will direct me. Thank you everyone!!

[Raspberry4]

Don't fear the nuts. After you soak and dehydrate them they are great as a HANDFUL in a salad or as a snack. Also, nuts are good in raw desserts, eaten once a day if you need to limit yourself to one time a day then do it for now. You will notice if you need more dense food, like nuts and seeds, because you will feel hungrier and want something with more substance than just fruit salad or a regular green salad. Read Alissa's book if you have not already. She does a wonderful job of explaining it to those new to raw, as well as those who have been doing raw for awhile. She covers many topics and it is a very thorough job in explaining the raw lifestyle. Good luck to you.

[janem]

Thank you rasberry! That is very helpful - I did need to "feel full" which is why I ate so many nuts - they were soaked - that is the good news!! Great response though!

[theresaann]

also check out runningraw.com. raw vegan athlete-cute and VERY smart...

I went to gorawnow.com-Holy Smokes! How inspiring!! Thanks for posting!

[shakti17]

thanks t! wow! that gorawnow is inspiring! :) :)