In the Dumps . . .Need a Hand Up

[ShantiYogini]

Hi Everyone
Im posting after months of being non-raw and "junkier" than ever. I fell asleep last night watching Miss USA with a handfull of jellybeans on the way to my mouth.
So, it that doesn't scream desperation, I don't know what does!!!
I am SO desperate to get healthy, to become energized, to be LIGHT, particularly for my practise of yoga. I've gained weight...I feel sluggish and nasty, and I am SO psychologically addicted to junk food that I don't know if there is any help for me at all.
How do I get started on RAW like NOW (but not now cuz I've already intoxicated and polluted my body like crazy before 1pm)....but tomorrow now.
I have a limited budget and no culinary skills.
PLEASE help.
please???

[Frugal Raw]

Welcome back!! I wish you the best of rawesome health:D! How you do feel about raw treats? Like the brownies or making a cookiedough recipe and adding frozen chunks of it to raw icecream? Maybe just beginning with switching out your junk food for raw treats would get you going? Raw ice cream can be made as simply as blending frozen banana chunks until thick and smooth. Veggie wraps and dolmas are another very inexpensive raw food and so very versatile! My faves are "bean" burritos, tacos, and thai rolls!

(((BIG HUGS!)))

[rawmonger]

The hardest part is getting started. I was where you are a few months ago, just sluggish and very unhealthy from eating the wrong foods.

The good news is that you will feel such RELIEF even after the first day, relief at finally putting the brakes on unhealthy eating. So just DO IT. Go out and get a bunch of raw food and eat it. Get more than you need. Be prepared to make a few recipes, keep coming back here for info and support. And if you don't have Alissa's book you oughtta get it. You'll get tons of good information as well as inspiration.

[shashibala]

First, you must have food! Things to put in your mouth to stay raw. It can be as simple as making a raw dried fruit and nut trail mix, cutting up fruits and vegies so they are ready when you need them. When I started, I made dips out of sunflower seeds, spices, sesame seeds, and water with Braggs. You can find recipes for dips or pates here if you search. These dips stay good for a few days and are easy and filling. Before I went all raw I allowed myself to eat small amounts of very dark chocolate bars when I craved something sweet.
They are better for you than other junk foods and are less sweet. After a week of having a bit in the evenings I was satisfied with all raw foods. Dates are very sweet and satisfying as treats. They are almost too sweet for me now, but at the beginning they helped me stay raw. Raw doesn't have to be very expensive or complex, unless you love to "uncook", but it does take planning and preparation for different situations. The rewards are amazing, so go for it!!
Best wishes on your journey!!!

[ShantiYogini]

Thank you for the inspiration!!!

[StarFire]

Aloha and Welcome to RFT!!! I'm so glad you have joined us! As you can see -- you've already gotten so much EXCELLENT information! Everything you will learn in Alissa's book -- makes this LIFEstyle --DO'able.... fits your schedule... your budget... your likes and dislikes... and your cravings....

there are so many recipes to choose from.... plus tips on sprouting - making crackers or raw breads... (in case you get that craving at some point in time...) and sooo many wonderful and DELICIOUS raw desserts and goodies...

but first to start... it's as simple as deciding this is what you want to do. So -- you are ALREADY on your way! Making that decision is often the hardest step believe it or not...and you've already discovered... and ADMITTED... that this is the path you desire!

We are here to help and support in any way we can! blessings on your journey... and get to the store and get some raw veggies and some fruit....!!!

be patient with yourself... you're gunna do great... but give yourself the time you need to learn... to transition, to replace a lifetime of patterns and habits... !! okay?

blessings on your journey!!

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

[Joywithin]

Alissa's cookbook really helped me in the begining.
I LOVE her indian spinach dip, in fact I am eating a whole receipe right now with cut up broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, zuchinni, celery, and cucumber.
I will be full for hours!
If you love indian food, this is great. It is also very easy to make.

Another one of my favorites is Alissa's fudge balls. They too really help me during the mid afternoons. EAsy peasy to make as well.

And, of course, green drinks. I will make a huge one to start before work and finish on my break. They really keep me full too.

Basic green drink for me:

Half a blender of torn washed greeens (romaine, kale, collard, chard, parsley, spinach...) I am really loving romaine lately.
1 banana
1 apple
1 cup or more good water

There are many ways to do a green drink. This is just a quick one for me.
Blessings on your path,
Hugs,
Terri

[Theogirl]

Lots of water, lots of green smoothies. Welcome back to green eating!

[spicyfull]

I wish you everything you need to Stay RAW.........Welcome to MY World. Always Stay in touch with this Forum....IT IS YOUR LIFELINE......

[Veganforlife]

GREEN SMOOTHIES
THINK POSITIVE