~ 3 months ~ 100% ~ progress photos ~

[RawHeaven]

I've been 100% raw since January 1, 2008 and 80-90% since last April 2007 when I began this beautiful raw journey.

I've been putting some information together to chronicle how much I've changed over the years. I started as a chunky, overweight junk food vegetarian and morphed into an athletic vegan before I had my motorcycle accident in 2005. Then I put on a ton of weight again and decided to explore fasting and raw foods in 2007 to further heal myself. It is so true there is always a blessing, even when you're faced with the most difficult challenges in life...there is always a light. The accident I experienced brought me to where I am today. If it didn't have it, I wouldn't have gained the newfound appreciation for my body and how to heal on a deeper level. I'm after OPTIMAL HEALTH these days...it extends beyond physical appearance.


Here's me in Fall 2000 ~ 175 lbs ~ on my 5'2 frame that's a lot of weight. I was a vegetarian. I didn't eat meat, but I ate everything else. I was also a skilled emotional binge eater. :wink: No more, yay! :-D
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g203/crystalsbones/Four_Girls-1.jpg


I had my motorcycle accident in Fall 2005, gained at least 60+ lbs being in recovery for 2 1/2 years. Endless operations, being depressed, eating take out and junk food and pain medication will pretty much guarantee you will exacerbate your health issues. I don't have a photo, but I was even bigger than the first photo above to give you an idea. I was miserable, in pain all of the time and just not a very pleasant person to be around! Oh yea. haha. I began my first 30 day master cleanse, my first fast ever in my life, in May 2007. I lost 40+ lbs I think. Then I naturally progressed into eating raw foods, lost some more weight, but more importantly regained my Health; emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally.


1 year raw, 3 months 100% ~ April 2008 ~ 125 lbs V
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g203/crystalsbones/Four_Girls-1.jpg ----------------http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g203/crystalsbones/DSC00276-1.jpg



I have shared this to demonstrate that attaining good health is not neccessarily a quick fix remedy. It can sometimes take years and everything that you do Right Now, every little change you make...whether it's every day, every six months or on an annual basis will eventually reap great benefits. Be patient and persevere. Most importantly don't give up. Sometimes you will slip up! Slipping up is really no big deal, you have to give yourself credit for trying. Simply dust yourself off and get back on the health train.

I'm still healing and I still have goals for strengthening my body and eliminating more toxins. I will continue cleansing and eating highly vibrating, living foods for the rest of my life. When you decide to take the reins of your health into your own hands, the more in charge you will be of your own health. It really isn't all about appearances. Of course Good Health is apparent in someone's external beauty, but it's also reflective of their inner soul and inner health. It's also about balance, faith, inner peace, sustenance and expecting to stay WEll and BE WELL & strong, rather than the other way around. I'm happy to say I'm out of the game of yo-yo weight gain and loss and also paying attention to external advice as to what's good for me. Phooey. I don't listen! I simply pay attention to what my body is telling me to do now and how it's feeling. I consciously eat well, get fresh air, get plenty of sun, hug my family, love my sweetheart, exercise and try to be a loving and compassionate person as much as I can. For me this has provided the key to good, sustaining health. I hope everyone experiences this in their lifetime. It's our birthrite to be healthy, give and receive love, and to have fun in life.

Wishing you all of the best in attaining your goals whatever they may be. Here's to your fantastic health! I'll see you in 6 months to a year with further progress notes.

Love, Peace & Blessings,
Crystal

[kissum]

You look great- and very happy! Good for you!

[carolg]

I agree--you look GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

carolg

[StarFire]

My goodness.... you're HOW OLD??? :eek: hmmmm... are you sure??? ... you better check your drivers license - I think you messed up on the addition! You look like your in your early 30's!!!

GIRRRRRL.. YOU LOOOK FANTASTIC!!! http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/bigthumbup.gif

You definitely are sportin that rawMacious GLOW!!! I can just see it now ... at the airport... not only do you set all the alarms off... they probably can't figure out what's makin you glow on top of that!!! ahahhahaaa http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/laugh.gif !!!!

RAWk on and Congratulations!! Well done... and simply BEAUTIFUL!!

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/2006-11-16T08_58_11-08_00.gif

[Care4raw]

So beautiful, inside and out!

[tanishamarshall]

wow you look great.....

[Eva]

You look GREAT!!! And you can definitely see the difference in your face, that's for sure!

I have metal in my leg too -- sure didn't take pain meds for only 3 days after surgery though. How about 3 months? Ick.

You are soooo lucky to have found out about raw and to have the chance to recover as you did. Your attitude on here is always so positive and healthy, and I can see from your pictures how much your appearance ALSO glows! :)

[Raene]

Yeah, I agree...you must have your age wrong...early 30s you meant, right???

[lodestar]

you are lovely inside and out...congrats. with your evolution. xox

[RawHeaven]

Thank you everyone for your beautiful & kind words. You are so sweet. Starfire, you are so funny. You have such a gift to inspire. I have to disclose honestly that I've always looked younger...it's genetic and runs in my family. The big difference now is I FEEL energized, full of life and like my cells are regenerating daily eating living foods. Woo hoo! It's all about feeling connected I believe. Just wanted to share my 3 month, 100% Raw results to inspire others to hang in there. It works! I have not reached all of my health & personal goals yet. I look forward to seeing where I'll be in 6 months and a year from now...it's exciting to consider and keeps me on this path. :D

[RawHeaven]

You look GREAT!!! And you can definitely see the difference in your face, that's for sure!

I have metal in my leg too -- sure didn't take pain meds for only 3 days after surgery though. How about 3 months? Ick.

You are soooo lucky to have found out about raw and to have the chance to recover as you did. Your attitude on here is always so positive and healthy, and I can see from your pictures how much your appearance ALSO glows! :)

Eva, thank you so much! I enjoy reading your insight as well...your positive energy flows. The metal in the leg isn't so bad now huh? It freaked me out initially. With regard to the pain meds, ick indeed. lol. That particular recovery was the exception for me because I had started eating raw foods a few weeks months prior to the surgery. Usually I would be on those things at least 2-3 months after each operation. Another testament to the raw food lifestyle...your body recovers and bounces back faster I believe if you do sustain an injury or have to have surgery. Have a beautiful day. ~Crystal

[RawHeaven]

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[rawstrength]

Wow! It's amazing how far you've come. Keep rawkin'!

[jacsam]

Your pictures are beautiful and your story is inspiring....THANKS!!!

[RawSinger]

Age does not show on your face, pretty lady! I think your raw is showing! Very inspirational. I need that right now! God bless:)

[Aleesha Sattva]

beautiful... absolutely beautiful!!!! keep it up... it's working for ya!

[RawHeaven]

Thank you!

(((Hugs)))

Crystal

[Pansy]

RawHeaven,

Congrats. on your progress! You look MARVELOUS!!!! :)

[lavendarJ]

I just noticed your post and wanted to say that you look GREAT...and your testimony is powerful and inspirational.

[Apasaraw]

Crystal, you absolutely shine!
Thank you for sharing your metamorphasis with us. Your kind, energetic Spirit shows in your face...

[rawxstasy]

Rawheaven,

What a powerful testimony! I totally agree, this about more than physical improvement, but a spiritual, emotional and mental healing. You radiate good health, inner peace and joy. You look beautiful!

[RawHeaven]

RawHeaven,

Congrats. on your progress! You look MARVELOUS!!!! :)

Thank you so much.


I just noticed your post and wanted to say that you look GREAT...and your testimony is powerful and inspirational.

Thank you!


Crystal, you absolutely shine!
Thank you for sharing your metamorphasis with us. Your kind, energetic Spirit shows in your face...

Thank you Apasaraw!


Rawheaven,

What a powerful testimony! I totally agree, this about more than physical improvement, but a spiritual, emotional and mental healing. You radiate good health, inner peace and joy. You look beautiful!

Rawxtasy, thank you! I am definately vibrating in the later stages of this...feeling the spiritual healing most definately.


Thank you so much everybody. Your support means a lot and keeps me raw.

Love,
Crystal

[Veganforlife]

Check you out girl! WHOA!!!!! I'm so proud of you! I KNOW you feel good too!!!

You RAWk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RawHeaven]

Thank you Lucy! I feel really good. :D

[rusmiley99]

You look amazing...how did you start this and what are some tricks.

I am 5'2ish...read every book including my blood type, but can't seem to get to my goals.

I am reading the book, but after seeing how AMAZING you look, I am ready to jump into this lifestyle.

[RawHeaven]

Rusmiley99 thank you! Glad you have the book and are ready to do this. And you can do this!

There are no tricks, simply dedication to one's goals. For me, it boiled down to my health. After years of going up and down with my weight, I realize my motivation was usually external. I wanted to look good for my man, to be hot at work, impress my girlfriends. Everything except doing it for ME.

The biggest success factor I think is getting in tune with why you want to take care of your body and regain your health. What keeps me going is realizing my body is like any other vehicle of transportation. You have to keep it running in optimal condition and this doesn't mean beating it up to get there. You can love it and give it fresh whole foods as it's healing. Once your body knows you're in partnership with it, I think everything changes. I'm talking about strictly energy. Then physically everything falls right into place and you begin to release weight, not just physical, but emotional also. It's the emotional stuff, like eating to feel good, out of sheer boredom and/or to improve one's mood that gets most of us in trouble. Once you begin eating raw foods all of this changes.

Just do it (thanks Nike). Read Alissa's book and any others that you might have. Pay attention to your intuition and give yourself lots of room. I really do recommend jumping in at 100%. And making a commitment to yourself. You will be so happy you did.

Welcome and please let us all know how you're doing. I want to see your photos too!! :D

[Ginger]

Wow!! You look amazing!!

[RawHeaven]

Thank you Ginger! You look amazing too goddess! :)

[Frugal Raw]

Absolutely GAWGEOUS!!!!

[RawHeaven]

Thank you Mattye! You're so beautiful.

[kellijean]

I love hearing your experience. It is really inspiring! BTW, you look awesome! :)

[LivingRawGirl]

Congratulations you look wonderful and happy, and peaceful. I agree with your attitude about taking control of your health and life. Keep up the good work and I look forward to drawing more encouragement from you!

[chilove]

Wow! You look awesome!!! Congratulations!!! :-) Thanks so much for sharing.

Blessings,

Audrey

[RawHeaven]

Thank you Kellijean, LivingRawGirl and Audrey! I really appreciate your kind words.

Blessings,
Crystal

[snufkin]

I'm in agreement that attaining health comes with time and that it changes us as a whole entity! <3 Thanks for sharing!

[MaineMomof4]

Raw Heaven you look great and you really seem like you were really determined to make a change in your life and that takes a lot of strength to do that and stick with it. I admire that especially since I know it's so hard if you were depressed to get out of that slump and do something to make that change! Keep up the good work, you're doing awesome!!

[jacsam]

Not only do you look great on the outside but you can just feel the transformation you've had on the inside.....WAY TO GO!!!!

[RawHeaven]

I'm in agreement that attaining health comes with time and that it changes us as a whole entity! <3 Thanks for sharing!



Hi Snufkin. Thank you! It was my pleasure to share and I feel the same way about it taking time. Best wishes on your journey...hope to see your transformation pictures too. :)

[RawHeaven]

Thank you so much MaineMomof4 and Jacsam! I truly appreciate your support and kind comments...keeps me motivated and on the raw path.

Best wishes with your goals.

[RawSinger]

Every time I look at your photos I can't help but smile :) You are so radiant and gorgeous!!

[RawHeaven]

Thank you RawSinger. You are sweet and I appreciate your kind words. Keep rawkin.

[nluvwitme]

Thank you for posting your story this gives me so much motivation to begin this journey. You look amazing!!!!:) :)

[RawHeaven]

Thank you for posting your story this gives me so much motivation to begin this journey. You look amazing!!!!:) :)

Thank you very much! I'm so glad it gives you motivation. I felt the same in viewing raw transformations. I'm still evolving, but it feels to good to see the results, both physical and otherwise. I wish you well your own journey. Best wishes to you!

Love, Peace & Blessings,

Crystal

[Seabie]

I enjoyed seeing your photos but your story is really inspirational. You certainly motivated me!

[RawHeaven]

Thank you Seabie! Congratulations on transcending your plateau. Wishing you much more success.

[sareca]

You look amazing... stunning... http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/smilies/infatuated.gif

[RawHeaven]

Thank you Sareca. Your avatar photo is beautiful and I think you're stunning. :) I hope you're well.

[linda7276]

I'm brand new to this forum and to the raw food diet, in fact, I'm still trying to figure out the best way to get started, that's why your post peaked my interest. Your story is inspirational, thank you for sharing it. You look great!! :D

[ViolinCyndee]

I agree with everyone else here.. You look so beautiful!!! :eek:

I didn't actually see where it was posted how old you are.. but you definitely look like you are in your early 30's!

VERY inspiring for us raw virgins!

[KissyKate]

Way to go! I love reading your story, you are an inspiration, this is just what I needed to read this morning! THANK YOU!!

[RawHeaven]

I didn't actually see where it was posted how old you are.. but you definitely look like you are in your early 30's!




Oh my goodness...I'm receiving these wonderful notes with a lot of gratitude. Gushing & blushing here, lol. Thank you. I purposely edited out my age as I felt a lot of attention would be focused on it, hahaha. Cyndee, I turned 45 this past May...I look forward to 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 125. I plan to be one hot raw young lady for life! :-) The trick is to see and feel yourself young. It all begins with our thoughts and eating raw foods doesn't hurt either of course. Thank you so much for your kind words Linda, Kissy Kate & ViolinCyndee and best wishes on your (raw) journey. I do wish you all the best.

Blessings,
Crystal

[Dam]

Great to see you happy.You will surely get healed for the mind that you have.

Nice posting.

[kat1982l]

You look fantastic!

[Emmanuelle]

Hi Crystal!

I love your drive and determination and your soothing words for helping others out :)

You already had a beautiful smile, but your three month transformation is really fantastic! Keep it up, you look fabulous!!!

[RawHeaven]

Thanks everyone for your support!

This is actually an old thread from Spring 2008.

The support does come in handy because I dropped out of the raw life for a few weeks this summer. My body wasn't impacted too much, but my spirit was. I missed feeling exceptionally good! So now I'm back, stronger than ever.

Much peace, thanks again for your kind words.

[thatgirlfit85]

You're simply beautiful. Beautiful hair and skin...you glow.