New2Raw: 30 day challenge SIMPLE FOODS

[RawBeachBabe]

Hello all,

I have been browsing the boards from afar for a while and am finally making en effort to begin a 30 day challenge tomorrow---3/23/08.

I transitioned to organic and all natural foods about 5 weeks ago---although living in Chicago I was essentially defeating the purpose by eating out so often!! I even tried transitioning into raw and did well for about a week, last week was not so great and this week I completely fell off the wagon. Hence, I'm deciding to start a challenge for myself (ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BUDDY UP FOR 30 DAYS IS WELCOME!!)

I am looking for an advice and or support. I am looking to stick with simple foods--- stocked up today on fruits and veggies---have a lot of sprouts and nuts already.

My thinking for a mealplan is:

B-- fruit
s- fruit
lunch- salad w/ olive oil
s- handful of almonds
d-salad

I have a significant amount of weight to lose---80 lbs, but I am also starting mostly for my HEALTH.

at any rate. HELPPPPP...I could use it!!!

[Snoozy]

Well, it doesn't sound like you are planning to eat enough. If you don't, you'll be sabotaging yourself from the beginning. I've learnt that your body needs to heal itself and it needs the raw food to do that. You need to FEED your body, not starve it like with traditional diets.

Try eating more and make sure you include avocados - they are filling and the fat they provide is essential for weight loss. Smoothies are great too!

Don't limit yourself in the beginning. For the first few weeks, eat what ever you want (as long as it's raw) and eat as much as you want to be satisfied. Eventually you will start to eat less, but don't force it.

Good luck!! :D

[deberaw]

...welcome and come join us on the monthly 30 day challenge! Some folks get a jump start on the next months challenge by jumping in at the end of a month!:D

...I wouldn't deprive yourself of such things like RP Brownies {1 cup walnuts, 1 cup dates, 1/4 cup cacao....blend in FP..... make into squares or roll into little balls!...the recipe is in the recipe forum and it has a frosting...but I don't think they need it}....it's good to have such treats when difficult times roll around...late afternoon esp...... there are tons of recipes on this board...and I think when starting out it is good to let yourself eat anything that is Raw....easier to stay on that way.......

Congratulations on your Raw journey! Deb

[RawBeachBabe]

just curious....how could that possibly not be eating enough? eating fruit 3 times a day (around 5 servings), 2 salads, nuts??

[Rawkinlocs]

Yes, please just go on over to the 30 Day Challenge section and simply participate in the threads over there...documenting what you're eating (RAW only, please) and how you're feeling, etc. The other participants are there to give support and encouragement as needed.

You can eat simple foods if that's what you choose...but we only have one 30-day challenge area so that's where you'd want to post...there and/or a blog/journal that we have available here.

Thanks!

[Carlsbad]

RawBeachBabe,

I definitely agree that your plan doesn't sound like it has enough food. One thing that I found helpful in the beginning was to read through all the posts in the 30 day challenge. That will give you a good idea of what people eat on a daily basis. Keep in mind that raw food isn't "filling" in the same way that cooked food is. That's a great thing, and you'll come to love how light and energetic you feel after eating instead of the ol' SAD food coma. But in the beginning it can feel weird, and you'll want to have plenty of food available so you feel satisfied. Also, one of the best things about raw food is that you can truly eat as much as you want, and the weight just melts off. In fact, I've noticed that I often have to eat more in order to get the weight loss going again. I've been raw since July, and I've gone from a size 22 to a size 10, all while eating a ton of fabulous, delicious food.

It sounds like you don't yet have Alissa's book. You should absolutely get it, as it will explain alot and will help you find your own way with raw. You can use it even if you're eating simply, as lots of her "recipes" are in reality very simple (guacamole, etc).

Hope that helps, and I look forward to chatting with you on the challenge!

[SerenityGrace]

I am just starting out and would like to know if anyone knows of or has developed menu plans. I really don't just want to eat a pice of fruit here or veggie ther, a handful of nuts, seeds or sprouts. I realize keeping it simple is probably better but I would like to fix 'meals' for friends and family and having a salad or bowl or fruit won't due. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Rawkinlocs]

I have just four words for you!

Living

On

Live

Food

Yep, get Alissa's HUGE, colorful book full of recipes (strawberry crepes, calzone, 3 variations of pizza, crackers, breads, dressings, nut burgers, cheesecake, chocolate cake, etc.), information, inspiration, success stories, AND...a menu plan!

[GlimR]

I have a ton of raw books...everytime I reopen Alissa's book I am amazed at the wealth of information in there. It is so much more than a cookbook. Also get the DVD!!! It shows you exactly how to prepare raw food and also how do-able it is! Good luck~:)