where do I begin -- again??

[BDraw]

Hi, I'm new to this forum. Well, that's not exactly true, I've been lurking for a while -- great information!

I started raw back in October and did great at first, and as time goes by so does my ability to be raw. I do not have Alissa's book, waiting for the $$$ to get it, but am reading everything I can get my hands on. I'd like to take the 30 day challenge, as I think I could really use a "Kick in the Pants". From what I have read it seems I need to get a dehydrator, also a $$$ problem. So the question is, is going raw really easier with a dehydrator, easier meaning: more doable, more satisfying, more appealing? I must admit at this point in my diet, I am bored. But I also must admit, I do have serveral receipe books and have not made any of the receipes, okay one exception: Sergei Boutenko's orange/banana smoothie (it was easy).

I still must cook for a SAD family (6 of them), maybe that's my real problem, by the time I get thier meal done, I have nothing left (meaning in desire or energy) to create something for me. I do serve them (the four little ones) fruit and nuts for breakfast, fruit, veggies, and more nuts for lunch, and a large veggie salad for supper before anything cooked. So I've come a long way.

I really want to be 100% raw and reap the benefits. And I start each day with new initiative. I usually make it till after lunch and then the chocolate chips scream my name so loud I can't ignore them, oh, then the cheetoes start screeming. And they win.

Any advice?? Thanks!

[Autumn]

First off, hi and welcome! :D

I think it is fantastic that you are preparing mostly raw for your children. Their little bodies must be glowing with health and will long reap the benefits of starting out this way instead of eating SAD for 20, 30 or 40 years before discovering raw. So kuddos to you for setting such a good example for your young family!

As far as the dehydrator goes, I just got one myself (I started raw back in March). I have to say it has given me quite a bit of excitement already, and I wasn't necessarily bored with eating simply. It's just that once in a while one does like something different, and new, and exciting and I think if you are bored, as you stated, then having the dehydrator might boost your resolve for staying raw. A lot of people on here like the American Harvest/Snackmaster from Walmart ($40). Maybe that is doable in the near future.

That said, you don't *have* to have a dehydrator to be raw and there are a lot of great recipes that don't use one. Maybe you should prepare your meal *before* the others so that you won't be worn out when it comes to making time for *you*! If the chocolate chips and cheetos are screaming your name, well don't buy them anymore. Your kids seem to enjoy raw if they are eating it every day, and if you do get a dehydator, you can make them all kinds of fantastic goodies- cookies and candies and snack chips. Who wants to eat day-glo orange food anyway? :D

Best of luck!
Autumn :)

[sachis2112]

Oh, there's a DIY dehydrator somewhere on the web. Maybe you should google it... it might get you by until you're able to purchase one.

[PixieGreen]

Do you feel deprived with your breakfast and lunch meals, so you're just holding on as long as you can? Are you eating enough earlier in the day?

Concerning your Cheeto and cookie lapses, I know it was easier to go 100% when I had reasonable substitues for my old "cheats." Cookie dough, [later] fudge, RawReese's, and cookies. I "indulge" in these raw treats when I'm in the mood for my former [daily!] candy bar. And they do taste better to me than the old versions. Perhaps you could try making something like that to satisfy your afternoon cravings.

If it is always afternoon, is that when your body slows down and cries out for energy? Do you have a space where you could lay down for a few minutes, or do a few simple yoga postures, or just close your eyes and breath? Sometimes we just need a break until we get our next wind.

Do you watch more tv [commercials] in the afternoon?

I'm in agreement with Autumn, get the chips and cookies out of the house. They aren't good for anybody.

It may take some experimenting in the kitchen to come up with some recipes you can make *before* you prepare the family's food. I do not have kids. Or a husband. From an "outsiders" point of view I hear women say they don't have time to do this or that for themselves after they've taken care of everyone else all the time. Your first commitment *has* to be to yourself. Who is going to take care of your family if you get sick? Or if you get depressed or plain pissed because you're getting neglected and they aren't?

Christa

[BDraw]

Wow, what a concept, take care of me first. . . I'll have to give that some serious thought.

And I know all about leave the garbage out of the house, but when my hubby does most of the shopping and he's still SAD, I feel like I'm fighting a loosing battle. He supports me -- to a point. He knows it is best for the kids -- to a point. Sometimes I feel like he subconsciencly sabbotaging me. If I'm not home in time to make the meal or gone for the weekend, it is junk food city!

And no, we watch no TV (too much junk!)

What is a DIY dehydrator?

Thanks for your responses, I do feel honored that you cared enough to respond. Sorry I am coming across with mostly complaints.

Blessings! BD

[PixieGreen]

It can see where it would be a lot more difficult if someone else does the grocery shopping. There's only so much you can do, after all. :) I hope I didn't sound like I was judging you for having that stuff in the house. If so, I'm sorry!

Besides, keeping the tv off means keeping a LOT of garbage out of the house. :)

I think the previous poster was referring to a Do It Yourself [DIY] dehydrator; building your own instead of buying one.

Christa

[tracyinfo]

BDraw, Autumn mentioned preparing your food first. I have to agree with that advice.

Also, prepare some kind of snack for yourself, that can last several days. It could be almond/nut/seed milk, or it could be some kind of non dehydrated cookie. Since you don't have a dehydrator, just make sure the dough is rollable. Usually the ratio of nuts to dates in the food processor is 1:1. Sprinkle in a small amount of carob, and roll them into balls!

I also make sure my kids are eating a high percent of raw foods. About 3 to 4 dinners each week are raw. I did this by gradually by incorporating more and more raw dishes to the dinner table. Now, I am so happy, that at least 3 dinners each week are totally raw! The first dish to make raw of course is the green salad. Then a vegetable dish. Then finally I made wraps using collard greens. I made sure the filling was both sweet and savory for the kids taste buds. Anyways, they like the zucchini pasta with marinara and chili.

Blessings.

[sachis2112]

DIY as in "do it yourself". I've seen step by step instructions on how to build your own so that you don't have to spend much money on one.

[Gosia]

is at:
http://www.k-clements.fsnet.co.uk/dehydrator.html


On-line recipes:
http://www.rawguru.com/html/recipes.html
http://www.fromsadtoraw.com/RawRecipes.htm
http://www.living-foods.com/recipes
http://www.rawfoodinfo.com/home/home_a.htm
http://www.purejoylivingfoods.com/recipes/index.shtm
http://www.waldorfhomeschoolers.com/rawrecipe.htm
http://www.fresh-network.com/recipes/index.htm
http://www.rawfoodfocus.com/index.htm? art_cravingsforsweets.htm
http://www. shazzie.com/raw/recipes/
http: //www.alissacohen.com/recipes.html
http://www.beautifulonraw.com/html/recipes.html
http://www.rawgosia.com/recipes.html

Foods that my kids love: fruit, fruit smoothies (e.g. bananas, raspberries and water, blended), fruit jelly (fruit blended with psyllium husks), fruit pie (fruit blended with psyllium husks, on a crust made from nuts blended with dried fruit), juices, sweets (made from nuts blended with dried fruit).

Sorry for rushing, have got to go!

All the best,
Gosia.

[BDraw]

Wow! Thanks for all the advice and sites people!! Today I made a decision to begin anew and did pretty darn good. Also took the advice of snacking on almond/seed milk. Yummy! Actually I make this daily for my Downs Syndrome Blessing in order do get some decent calcium/protien down him. . . I finally gave myself permission to share it. It helped get me over a couple bumps.

I am feeling more courageous about joining the 30-day challenge.

Blessings! BD

[rawpriestess]

Dear BD, this is something I posted a couple of days ago, that you might like to read.

I've tried many things ONCE, and I always start with wild excitement, and great expectations, visions of what it will be "someday" and knowing that my desiny is calling me.

Then something happens, and my excitement wanes and my great expectations are fizzled, and my visions are cloudy, and I "feel" that there is no "someday".

This does not mean that we need to end it, to stop, to not continue on.

We can recommit, we can find a new excitement, we can find a new challenge, a renewed passion to an old quest.

So, do NOT give up, Give in to your quest, Give in to your new awakening, give in to a renewed sense of self, and continue on, recommit to RAW, you Will feel better soon, you Will feel wonderful, you Will get thin and look more radiant.

YOU CAN SUCCEED, no matter how many times you fall off the raw wagon, there will always be someone to pick you up. YOU.

So, recommit, do it today, do it every hour, do it every minute if you need to, just do it.

Recommit Today.

I did.

[BDraw]

Rawpriestess,

Would you believe I did read it and printed it! It is good and I used it to reread during the day to inspire me.

Thanks! I do not know where you came up with your "name", but it is very fitting. Hope you have a very raw and wonderful day.

Blessings! BD