Newbie--3 Days 90% Raw NEED SUPPORT

[mberam]

Hi All,
I haven't been on this thing for awhile...I strayed far away from the raw lifestyle. Well I'm going at it again. I have had enough. Last week I went to the doctor and my cholesterol was 405 and the bad cholesterol (LDL) was 335 which is terrible. In fact I had to go to a cardiologist and he told me that was one of the highest LDL's he's ever seen. I also had my testosterone checked and the doctor said that was low too. I'm also taking 100 mg of Zoloft for OCD/anxiety, which I have been taking for over a year now. The doctor gave me Androgel which is Hormone replacement therapy (testosterone) and Vytorin for my cholesterol. After taking these drugs for about 5 days I started to feel really anxious and shitty. I don't know why...maybe it was in my head, but I'm sick of this shit--pardon my french. I live with anxiety alot and I'm sick of doctors and western medicine. Honestly, Im hoping the rawfood lifestyle along with a spritual practice will be a "cure all" for me. I want off the Zoloft and I want to feel good like I once did. I'm sick of these problems.

I have been eating mostly raw for 3 days now. I have gone from drinking 4-5 cups of coffee a day to a 1/2 a cup and tomorrow I'm going to an acupuncturist to quit smoking. I smoke about 2 packs a day. I started doing pilates a couple of months ago and I love it.

The past 3 days I have been feeling very groggy and tired and sleeping alot. The funny thing is though, that I also experience short bursts of elation or excitment, but then sometimes I experience depression and anxiety. Is this normal in the first few days of eating mostly raw? Today has been better than the first 2 days. I'm sure the groggy feeling is partly from the coffee. Whats funny is that when I eat a little bit of cooked rice--I start to feel better. Isn't that interesting.

I cannot do this alone...that is what I tried last time and I failed. I also cannot share this with most of my friends because they thing Im being impulsive (which may be true) and they think its silly. I do not get the support I need from them. They don't understand what it is like to have to take these friggen antidepressants.

Im looking for a raw coach...does anyone know of someone in Los Angeles? I would love to find someone who has a background in medicine or has had similar health concerns as I do who has recovered. I cannot do this thing alone--that is what I tried last time. I definitely need help and support!!!!

I have also ordered Alissa's book and cd and should be getting it shortly.

Here is what I have eaten the past 3 days: (If anyone has any tips--it would sure be appreciated).

Sunday:

Green Smoothie, with banana, orange, kale, maca and hemp protein
1/2 cup of coffee with stevia
Green Smoothie--Bananas, Strawberries, Bluberries, Kale, Spinach, Blue Green Algae Flakes
2 Lara Bars (Are these things really raw? Does anyone know?)
Seaweed Salad from Sushi Restaurant (had dressing on it--probably not raw--I tasted sugar)
Salmon Sashimi
Yellowtail Sushi with Rice
4 dates

Monday:

Green Smoothie--Banana's, Strawberries, Blueberries, Blue Green Algae flakes, Kale, Spinach, Collard greens
1 whole Avacado
Raw Ceasar Salad from a Raw Restaurant called Leaf Cuisine--dressing was raw as well
1/2 cup of coffee with Stevia
2 Lara Bars
Seaweed Salad from Sushi restaurant
Cucumber Salad from Sushi Restaurant
A bunch of sashimi
1/2 c brown rice
4 dates

Tuesday:
Green Smoothie--Banana's, Strawberries, Blueberries, Blue Green Algae flakes, Kale, Spinach, Collard greens. maca powder and cacao nibs
Lara Bar
1/2 cup of coffee
Raw Ceasar Salad from a Raw Restaurant called Leaf Cuisine--dressing was raw as well
1 apple
HUGE Green Smoothie--1 apple, 1 pear and a TON of greens-spinach, kale, collard greens.
Had about half a glass of diet coke
4 dates

Wednesday:

Cup of Green Tea
HUGE Green Smoothie--2 pears and a TON of greens-spinach, kale, collard greens.
Lara Bar
HUGE Green Smoothie--2 Bananas and a TON of greens-spinach, kale, collard greens.
1 avacado
HUGE Salad with mixed baby greens, peppers, cucumbers, celery sprouts, and a raw coconut curry dressing from Leaf Cuisine
1 cup of steamed brown rice
Seaweed salad and cucumber salad from sushi restaurant and about 3 ounces of sashimi.
4 dates

Thursday:

Peppermint Tea
Lara Bar
HUGE Green Smoothie--2 Bananas and a TON of greens-spinach, kale, collard greens.
1/2 cup of coffee with splenda
1 Banana and 4 dates
HUGE Salad with mixed baby greens, peppers, cucumbers, celery sprouts, and a raw coconut curry dressing from Leaf Cuisine
1 Banana and 1 Avacado
HUGE Green Smoothie--2 Bananas an apple and a TON of greens-spinach, kale, collard greens.
Small Handful of pumpkin seeds
3 dates

Friday:

4 dates and a banana
Raw Ceasar Salad from raw restaurant (romaine, avacado, chopped nuts, tomato, raw dressing)
Raw Crakcers
Banana
Huge Green Smoothie--2 apples, banana, Lots of Spinach and Kale, Blue-green algae flakes and Maca powder
Organic Dried Mango Slices


Anyway everyone...thanks for reading this long ass post...your support is really appreciated.

[Raw Yogini]

I used to drink a cup of coffee everyday and when I quit 6 months ago I had many periods of extreme sleepiness and a depressed feeling throughout the day. It probably lasted a full month, maybe a bit longer. I would guess that your sleepiness is withdrawls from so much caffeine. I know I got discouraged at times because the sleepiness was so severe and lasted so long but now I feel TONS better!! I can actually jump out of bed when I wake up and go about my day. I don't depend on that cup of coffee to get me going. It's wonderful. Good luck quitting smoking. We're here for you.

[Raw Yogini]

One more thing-about psych meds-don't go off them cold turkey, it can be VERY dangerous. Perhaps your meds need to be adjusted until you can get balanced out and then try slowly weaning off them. I allowed myself a year to wean off of Paxil. I work in the medical field and I've seen disasters happen when people completely stop psych meds-hallucinations, severe panic attacks, dangerous, impulsive behavior, etc. I believe getting off them takes much time, awareness, contemplation and support. Many hugs your way!

[mberam]

Thanks for your input..I really appreciate it. How are you feeling now off the paxil? Did raw foods help you to wean off? Are you 100% raw?

[Raw Yogini]

I'm 95%+ raw which I've transitioned to gradually and I believe the biggest improvement w/ my anxiety and irritability came w/ eliminating caffeine, artificial sweetners and processed sugars of any kind. I feel great off Paxil and the longer I eat this way, the less anxiety and irritability I have. I also believe that being stabilized on Paxil gave me the clarity and presence of mind to transition to this diet. It sounds like you're moving in the right direction. I'm so happy for you!

[Snoozin]

...about feeling better after eating the rice. I had some quick oats in hot water yesterday, and though I had them with raw honey, I am pretty sure something is done to them to make them not-raw. So I don't think it really counts as eating raw. The mild headache I was experiencing (I just started eating raw a couple of days ago) immediately went away for awhile. I wondered if I was halting my detox process for a bit.

Hang in there! Be careful about going off your meds though. Keep in close touch with your doctor if you try to do that. Maybe a regular therapist could help ease the transition, if you do go off your med.

[jacsam]

If you go through Alissa's website there are many who have trained through her and do coaching. There are several right here on the forum....Starfire, rockinlocs, just to name a few. Also get Alissa's book and DVD, they are a couple of tools that will help you succeed.

[spicyfull]

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

[mberam]

Hey All, thanks very much for your responses. I am definitely not going to just stop the Zoloft--I will be eating raw for quite awhile, then quit smoking, and then slowly wean off the zoloft. Thats the plan.

I did order Alissa's book and DVD by the way. Im waiting for it to arrive.

Last night I started reading Victoria Boutenkas Green For Life Book and I made a HUGE green smoothie--probably had close to a pound a greens. It was very simple too--just greens and an apple and a pear--it tasted ok, but man after I drank it--I FELT REALLY GOOD! I wasn't hungry for the rest of the night. However I did wake up at about 2 am and started eating some organic dried mangos I got from whole Foods and I woke up sluggish. I don't know if these were raw or not, but I know that they interfered with my sleep.

Anyway, I just made another green smoothie like the one I made last night. I have a hunch that greens are the way to go!

[Jenifae]

Hi Mberam,

I went 100% Organic 12/05 and didn't really realize I was doing 100% raw also. I had read Kevin Trudeau's book and that's what started my organic process. I stayed that way for about 2 or 3 months and never felt better in my life. I had been on Lexapro and other anti-depressants for 9 years. I wasn't planning on going off my meds but, had been wanting to for a couple of years. I just kept forgetting my meds. Until, I just stopped to see how I was doing. I did however start taking herbal immediately and still do and hope to remove that at some point. I take 5HTP and GABA for Depression/Anexity.
It is never recommended to just stop your meds. I worked in the Psych field for years and depending on why you are taking your meds and your conditions you really need to be gradual and be monitored for safety reasons. I've seen people end up in the psych ward for just stopping.

I have struggled staying organic and have always eaten mostly salads. But, I have been addicted to refined/processed sugars and carbs.

The Raw Food Diet has educated me a step further in understanding my body and health. It makes more sense. It's a more supportive atmosphere with no guilt just progress. This works better for me since, I tend to beat myself up to begin with.

I love the Raw way of life and Raw Fooders. They are the best people I've met :p

Keep up the good. Take it slow. It takes time to wean ourselves off the SAD foods and it takes time for our bodies to cleanse from all the toxins we've poisened ourselves with with the SAD food. It wont' happen overnight. I really think this takes time and so, I tell myself:
It's Progress not Perfection"

[mberam]

Hi Jen,

Thanks so much for that input--I really appreciate that.

I also take 5HTP- 150MG at night and Theanine. How are you doing now on just the 5HTP and GABA? Are you 100% raw?

I take the Zoloft for OCD and Anxiety.

[StarFire]

Aloha and Welcome to RFT!! I am so glad you have found your way here ....

OKAY... first of all here are some LIVING on LIVE FOOD coaches in the LA area:


I PERSONALLY KNOW LISA MATZKE... and I realize she's in Palm Springs - but if you could hook up with her-- you will NOT be sorry. She is an AMAZING PERSON. I graduated with Lisa in the LOLF CERTIFICATION CLASSES -- and got to know her really well.... and if I had a choice --- my choice would be to connect with Lisa. I know she will listen to your concerns, address them with love and wisdom. It would be well worth your time to give her a call... seriously --- seriously. You will NOT be sorry you called her.

Lisa Matzke - Living on Live Food Teacher & CHEF
Palm Springs, CA
760-902-7097
lisamatzke@mac.com (lisamatzke@mac.com)

Teaches Level 1 and 2
http://www.rawteacher.com/lisamatzke (http://www.rawteacher.com/lisamatzke)





here are some other teacher's listed on the Teacher page here on RFT... Although I am unfamilar with them, I am sure they are all excellent teachers also.

Andee Lambert - Living on Live Food Teacher
Southern California
818-458-6002
andeelamby@hotmail.com (andeelamby@hotmail.com)
Teaches Level 1 and 2
http://www.rawteacher.com/andeelamby (http://www.rawteacher.com/andeelamby)


Diana Harrelson - Living on Live Food Teacher
Southern California
562-493-8461
diana29@verizon.net (diana29@verizon.net)
Teaches Level 1 and 2
http://www.rawteacher.com/dianaharrelson (http://www.rawteacher.com/dianaharrelson)


Fatima Lowe-Williams - Living on Live Food Instructor
Greater Los Angeles, CA
213-453-8926
lowefat@yahoo.com (lowefat@yahoo.com)
Teaches Level 1 (level one is the Chef level only)
http://www.rawteacher.com/fatima (http://www.rawteacher.com/fatima)


Vicki Rosenthal - Living on Live Food Teacher
Los Angeles, California
(310) 701-5023 cell
Strchld269@aol.com (Strchld269@aol.com)
Teaches Level 1 and 2
http://www.rawteacher.com/vickirosenthal (http://www.rawteacher.com/vickirosenthal)

I am looking at what you posted as your intake of food... basically -- your diet consists of pretty wise choices. If you are going to eat meat or fish -- at least you are being wise and not eating some fatty slab of heavy red meat. I think if your food choices are better than they were 3 days ago -- then that is an EXCELLENT START.

some people prefer to transition more slowly... you must listen to your body and do what is right for you.

I think having Alissa's DVD and the book will help you greatly. Those two tools were so essential to my transition into this LIFEstyle.

now as far as your meds... my feeling on that is that you need to follow your heart ... but if I may offer my opinion ... and remember -- this is my 'opinion only.'.... I am not a medical professional...

but my feeling is that...

when someone is on medication... they should just continue to take their medication, AND... continue to eat as healthy a diet as possible. Eat as many raw foods as possible. Over time, your body will begin to heal - and you will see that your medication will need to be adjusted down.

Please read Veganforlifes testimony... she continued to take her medication, until one day she finally did not need it anymore! and the Dr. took her off of it!


VEGANFORLIFES TESTIMONY AND PHOTO links - YOU'LL BE AMAZED!
Current photo: http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=39597
Progress photos: http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=30369]
My testimony: http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=26306

be patient with yourself - this is soooo important. You are taking the first steps to reclaiming your life - and it won't happen overnight. So have faith and allow your body to work with the LIVE foods and vibrant nutrition... give yourself the time it will take to heal... and in time... we will all be celebrating your testimony and your victory!

blessings on your journey... You are doing really well... Keep it up... because you are on your way!! AND CALL LISA MATZKE!! YOU WON'T BE SORRY!!

RAWk on!!

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

[StarFire]

I had some quick oats in hot water yesterday, and though I had them with raw honey, I am pretty sure something is done to them to make them not-raw. .


Just a quick shout out to Snoozin... Alissa has raw oats in her store here on RFT!!! and it is FABULOUS!!! AAAND... makes wonderful oatmeal cookies too!!

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

[mberam]

Aloha and Welcome to RFT!! I am so glad you have found your way here ....

OKAY... first of all here are some LIVING on LIVE FOOD coaches in the LA area:


I PERSONALLY KNOW LISA MATZKE... and I realize she's in Palm Springs - but if you could hook up with her-- you will NOT be sorry. She is an AMAZING PERSON. I graduated with Lisa in the LOLF CERTIFICATION CLASSES -- and got to know her really well.... and if I had a choice --- my choice would be to connect with Lisa. I know she will listen to your concerns, address them with love and wisdom. It would be well worth your time to give her a call... seriously --- seriously. You will NOT be sorry you called her.

Lisa Matzke - Living on Live Food Teacher & CHEF
Palm Springs, CA
760-902-7097
lisamatzke@mac.com (lisamatzke@mac.com)

Teaches Level 1 and 2
http://www.rawteacher.com/lisamatzke (http://www.rawteacher.com/lisamatzke)





here are some other teacher's listed on the Teacher page here on RFT... Although I am unfamilar with them, I am sure they are all excellent teachers also.

Andee Lambert - Living on Live Food Teacher
Southern California
818-458-6002
andeelamby@hotmail.com (andeelamby@hotmail.com)
Teaches Level 1 and 2
http://www.rawteacher.com/andeelamby (http://www.rawteacher.com/andeelamby)


Diana Harrelson - Living on Live Food Teacher
Southern California
562-493-8461
diana29@verizon.net (diana29@verizon.net)
Teaches Level 1 and 2
http://www.rawteacher.com/dianaharrelson (http://www.rawteacher.com/dianaharrelson)


Fatima Lowe-Williams - Living on Live Food Instructor
Greater Los Angeles, CA
213-453-8926
lowefat@yahoo.com (lowefat@yahoo.com)
Teaches Level 1 (level one is the Chef level only)
http://www.rawteacher.com/fatima (http://www.rawteacher.com/fatima)


Vicki Rosenthal - Living on Live Food Teacher
Los Angeles, California
(310) 701-5023 cell
Strchld269@aol.com (Strchld269@aol.com)
Teaches Level 1 and 2
http://www.rawteacher.com/vickirosenthal (http://www.rawteacher.com/vickirosenthal)

I am looking at what you posted as your intake of food... basically -- your diet consists of pretty wise choices. If you are going to eat meat or fish -- at least you are being wise and not eating some fatty slab of heavy red meat. I think if your food choices are better than they were 3 days ago -- then that is an EXCELLENT START.

some people prefer to transition more slowly... you must listen to your body and do what is right for you.

I think having Alissa's DVD and the book will help you greatly. Those two tools were so essential to my transition into this LIFEstyle.

now as far as your meds... my feeling on that is that you need to follow your heart ... but if I may offer my opinion ... and remember -- this is my 'opinion only.'.... I am not a medical professional...

but my feeling is that...

when someone is on medication... they should just continue to take their medication, AND... continue to eat as healthy a diet as possible. Eat as many raw foods as possible. Over time, your body will begin to heal - and you will see that your medication will need to be adjusted down.

Please read Veganforlifes testimony... she continued to take her medication, until one day she finally did not need it anymore! and the Dr. took her off of it!


VEGANFORLIFES TESTIMONY AND PHOTO links - YOU'LL BE AMAZED!
Current photo: http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=39597
Progress photos: http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=30369]
My testimony: http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=26306

be patient with yourself - this is soooo important. You are taking the first steps to reclaiming your life - and it won't happen overnight. So have faith and allow your body to work with the LIVE foods and vibrant nutrition... give yourself the time it will take to heal... and in time... we will all be celebrating your testimony and your victory!

blessings on your journey... You are doing really well... Keep it up... because you are on your way!! AND CALL LISA MATZKE!! YOU WON'T BE SORRY!!

RAWk on!!

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

Wow Starfire...thanks for that info. Those were pretty impressive testomonials too. Its also really positive to see that there are people on here that have gotten off their antidepressants and are feeling good. I think the pharmaceutical industry is a conglomerate of unconciousness and I am stuck in it! lol! I think its all BS! But whenever I try to get off the Zoloft--wohoo...its no fun! Well I'm going to keep doing what I am doing. I can't wait to get Alissa's book--it should be here any day. Next week I go to acupuncture to stop smoking. I was going to go this week, but its my first week raw and I didn't want to overwhelm myself. The eating is going well...today I have been 100% raw so far--except for a 1/2 cup of coffee.

[Jenifae]

Hi Mbeam,

I am 100% raw since, 5/1/08 and am doing good. But, before I joined the challenge I was struggling. There is no way when I first started that i could do 100%. It was diffently a process to get to the point where I could commit.

I would strongly suggest that you take you time. Be easy on yourself and take it slow. Like Starfire suggested "Easy Does It" Listen to your body, do what you can and don't beat yourself up for what you cant'. This is a process for long-term health.

With medication issues you really want to take your time and work with your Doctor and let them know the diet your transitioning in. Even though I think the Pharmacuetical companies are a racket...........I still feel that you need to take that one slow. These are powerful meds not to take them lightly.

5HTP and GABA work great for me especially when my diet is organic and raw. When it is not I tend to get anxiety attacks and depression episodes. I see how eliminating chemical/toxic food and all animal products have helped me tremendously.

Hope that helps :)