Going Going Gone Raw

[Cathy Gilley]

Hi Everyone,

I am a new raw fooder. I have enjoyed it quite a lot. I have had ups and downs but mostly ups. I have never even attempted a vegetarian diet in the past. So this is quite a radical change for me and brought on for health reasons.

For 20 years I have suffered from allergies. My body has been full of congestion to the point I have a hard time breathing at night w/o using a nasal spray. Already since changing my lifestyle and eating raw I am having less congestion and more engergy. Although still struggling with a few things.

My most challenging times are going to the movies (love the popcorn) and eating out with friends/family. Although my husband is very supportive, he feels uncomfortable eating a conventional diet in front of me. I have tried to reassure him that it's okay. I am sure the longer I do this the more comfortable he will become. Hopefully in the future he might even want to joing me.

By the way, anyone from Dallas, Texas or east in Rockwall?

Sure would like to know if any of you have overcome allergies and what suggestions you might have for dealing with family friends.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Cathy

[shashibala]

Hi and Welcome! I have gotten rid of persistent asthma that was triggered by allergies since starting raw in Dec. 2007. I still have some allergies to pollens, molds, bleach, perfume..., but I feel so much better already. I hope my other allergies will get better as time goes by.

[spicyfull]

I wish you everything you need to Stay RAW...........Welcome to MY World.

[Frugal Raw]

Welcome Cathy! I wish you the best of rawesome health! I am originally from Dallas (Richardson), but now live in far East TN:D. I have allergies and asthma, but have noticed a huge world of difference in how badly they affect me being raw vs. non raw. Just going vegan worked wonders, but raw pushed it out even more.

As for family/friends, you have to realize that you are doing this for you and not them. They will be challenged by it, as like many of my family members in Garland/Plano say to me, "Well, I couldn't do that because..." - people internalize things they don't comprehend or that step into their comfort zone. You don't have to make a big announcement - just bring your own food to family get togethers, and if you go out to a restaurant, get a garden salad (no cheese), and have them bring you lemon wedges to spritz over it, or bring your own raw dressing in a small tupperware in your purse. You can always also say to them that you're "on a diet." People expect you to eat lots of bunny food on a diet.

Best of Luck to you!

[Cathy Gilley]

I am encouraged by your thoughts and your experiences. Thank you for taking time to respond. I know this new life style will bring continued improvement, mentally, physically and spiritually.

[jacsam]

It was fun to read about the success your having ..... by the way, about eating with your husband....one thing I like to do is have a nice salad with dinner. That way, I have a large salad and enjoy my husband and family during dinner and everyone by now is used to always having some type of salad with their dinner. Family dinner is VERY important to me...a time to connect and build relationships.

[rawmonger]

For years I couldn't sleep without breathing through my mouth. . .I thought this was normal. Now my sinuses are clear as a bell after 6 weeks of eating raw food.

My asthma has gotten a lot better too. I hardly ever use my inhaler anymore and I am off the steroids. My dream is that one day I will overcome my allergies to pet dander and be able to have a dog or a cat.

[lavendarJ]

There are some great testimonies on here about the power of raw vegan living!!!!

[StarFire]

Aloha and Welcome to RFT CathyG!! RAWk on! I'm so glad you have found this forum and jumped in! I personally have noticed a WORLD of difference in my allergies - which are almost non-existant right now! I think in the past year I may have had one severe allergy attack. Whereas before I was miserable ALOT!!

I'm sure we will be reading about all the postive changes and all the benefits you are experiencing very soon! I really admire you jumpin in and making the changes you have... very cool!!

blessings on your journey!

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/welcome.gif

[Cathy Gilley]

I thank you all for taking time to give me your words of encouragement.

Here's an update. My sinuses are clearer than ever. I sneeze every once in a while but then it's over. No more congestion and when I go to bed at night my sinuses are a lot better. I wish I would have done this years before. I guess we all come to change in our life when we are ready for it.

Thanks again and keep on rawking.

Cathy