Counting Calories

[avanderland]

Hi, I know that there is a lot of emphasis on eating when you are hungry and not worrying about calories so much by a lot of people, but I am wondering, has this really worked for you?

I am not worried about myself as much, but my fiance is going to go on a raw journey with me and I know that he will be tremendously disappointed if he does not see weight loss (that is his first goal, though I am hoping he catches on to the other benefits)...

Should I monitor his calories or can he really just eat as much as he wants? He has like 100lbs to lose, maybe more... Have you seen significant progress without counting calories?

[Rawkinlocs]

Have you seen significant progress without counting calories?


I personally have. But you could use like a www.fitday.com type of thing if you really feel the need to count calories.

Also, I saw one of our members (Revvell I believe) mention something about eating like 5 to 6 small meals throughout the day.

I also wanted to add this (please don't take this the wrong way...I mean it sincerely and without offense)...has your fiance tried other ways to lose weight that just didn't work for him? If so, then would it not be a little unfair to put a great demand on eating raw? I guess what I'm saying is, he WILL lose the weight, but it could happen quickly or it could happen slowly...patience definitely plays a role when you are rebuilding the body, detoxifying, cleansing and the body is getting used to eating raw foods as opposed to cooked foods (healthy or SAD-style).

There is a thread that was started recently here discussing weight...maybe type in "weight loss" in the search field (the banana icon up top).

Very important...don't get into scales. Get rid of it or hide it for the first several months or so. Too many other factors play a part in how much one weighs to rely on what the scale tells you.

And for inspiration and encouragement to the both of you, check out the journals of some of our members here who have shown tremendous amounts of weight loss (most without having counted calories). People like Yani, Allison, tglasco (Todd), and others.

[avanderland]

I also wanted to add this (please don't take this the wrong way...I mean it sincerely and without offense)...has your fiance tried other ways to lose weight that just didn't work for him? If so, then would it not be a little unfair to put a great demand on eating raw? I guess what I'm saying is, he WILL lose the weight, but it could happen quickly or it could happen slowly...patience definitely plays a role when you are rebuilding the body, detoxifying, cleansing and the body is getting used to eating raw foods as opposed to cooked foods (healthy or SAD-style).

... Very important...don't get into scales. Get rid of it or hide it for the first several months or so. Too many other factors play a part in how much one weighs to rely on what the scale tells you.

... People like Yani, Allison, tglasco (Todd), and others.

I know that it makes sense not to put too much pressure on losing weight, and I think he will not after he starts feeling more healthy and vibrant---but this is a really big step for him, so I think he needs the weight loss reward motivation at first. I am hoping that he will change his mind, but I am just glad that he is actually going to do it with me! We are going to transition for two months before our 30 day challenge, because otherwise I think he would just give up and quit and I really don't want that to happen---he needs the health benefits badly... He has elevated liver enzymes, kidney stones, a messed up ankle, and a fatty liver---and he's only 25!!! Sigh!

He has actually lost a decent amount of weight before (30lbs) on counting calories---but it wasn't sustainable for him... I want him to try raw because I think that once he gets used to it (part of why we are transitioning), he'll find it much more sustainable than what he was doing before.

Luckily, we don't own a scale! I've never been able to convince myself to pay $40 for a decent one! The only scale we see then is at his Dad's, where we only go maybe once a month, so we can't become daily weight watchers...

Thanks for the tips on some specific journals... I am at work with nothing to do, so today I started browsing through them to get some motivation... It is truly inspiring to hear everyone's stories. Everyone on these boards seems so friendly and encouraging, it's the first time I've ever posted a question on a message board without fear of someone making me feel really dumb!! Maybe I can get him to get on here and start reading some of them to get the same sense of inspiration, whether or not he sees immediate weight loss!!!

[Rawkinlocs]

Ooo no scale!!! Right on! :D

But I do hope that while weight loss would definitely be a big motivator for him to stick with this way of eating for the long term, he will begin to notice other benefits that will make him say, "HEY...I no longer ____!! This raw diet is the BOMB!!" LOL!

I believe, though, while he may or may not see a LOT of pounds come off right away, that he will see some noticable results within a relatively short period of time. Maybe pants that are getting looser or a belt that he has now has to MAKE another notch in...stuff like that!

Well, best to the both of you on this journey!

[Revvell]

Also, I saw one of our members (Revvell I believe) mention something about eating like 5 to 6 small meals throughout the day.


Nod,nod,nod. :) Actually, I said probably 5-8. It's the best way I know to keep the metabolism going.

In addition to what Rawkinlocs said, I would list ALL the things, to the tiniest, little thing you can think of that you/he would like to see change. What tends to happen is, things go, aches and pains disappear ~ you wont notice. After 2 weeks or a month of raw, look at the list. That is one SURE way one can see progress.

The body in it's wisdom may find that there are internal things that need taking care of ~ and the excess weight will have to wait. When one focuses on just one thing and wants ONLY that particular thing to happen, we miss a lot of what is and could be happening.

Most importantly, play with and enjoy your food ~

Revvell

[rawpriestess]

Hi,

I didn't count calories, I ate anything and everything that I wanted as long as it was raw, and I lost 30 pounds in 34 days. I actually have lost a total of 40 pounds but haven't lost anything in over 2 months, but that doesn't matter, as I've lost it, and I keep eating raw.

But I must say, that since I haven't lost any in two months, I've had a lot of slip ups. So, did I slip because I didn't lose the weight? Or did I NOT lose the weight because I slipped up? HUMMMMM.

Anyway, IF he truly wants to feel better, have better health, lose weight, look younger, and be happier, he will do great on the raw path of life.


But, trust me on this, if he is ONLY trying it to make you happy, IT WON"T WORK.

HE MUST HAVE A BURNING DESIRE TO CHANGE ON HIS OWN. Plain and simple.

[avanderland]

Anyway, IF he truly wants to feel better, have better health, lose weight, look younger, and be happier, he will do great on the raw path of life.


But, trust me on this, if he is ONLY trying it to make you happy, IT WON"T WORK.


Hah, I wish I could be that persuasive! I've been talking to him about veganism for a year! I'm lucky if I can convince him to let me pick the DVD rental for the weekend!

No, I think he is interested in seeing what happens after I keep bringing up all the good things I have been reading! He was willing to give it a try, all on his own, and I'm hoping the experience is enough to convince him to keep it up!

P.S. I have been reading your journal, and I must say---it is one of the most motivation things! You are so wise and inspiring in your words!!!

[avanderland]

Nod,nod,nod. :) Actually, I said probably 5-8. It's the best way I know to keep the metabolism going.

In addition to what Rawkinlocs said, I would list ALL the things, to the tiniest, little thing you can think of that you/he would like to see change. What tends to happen is, things go, aches and pains disappear ~ you wont notice. After 2 weeks or a month of raw, look at the list. That is one SURE way one can see progress.


That is a great idea!!! Crossing aches off that list will be very inspiring---I may be young but have struggled with such allergy and sinus problems since birth (I was hospitalized for pneumonia at 3months)... I am hoping to one day be able to cross that off my list!

[Revvell]

I may be young but have struggled with such allergy and sinus problems since birth (I was hospitalized for pneumonia at 3months)... I am hoping to one day be able to cross that off my list!

I'm betting you will. I have had hay fever, life-threatening asthma, the sneezes upon waking up ~ Those are GONE! My hubby who still eats bread and cheese is still having sinus problems.

Enjoy!

...and injoy ~

Revvell :)

[magnolia]

I'm such a "micromanager"... I like to see what I'm eating, where my calories are coming from. Maybe I could have a few less nuts and more of something else.. that kind of thing. :)

[Sweet lips]

Avanderland,

Welcome, welcome, welcome! I am the infamous calorie counter - girl, I at one time I could tell you the calories in a one kernel of popcorn. However, I found for me, counting calories wasn't working with me to lose any weight.

I am a diabetic, with a multitude of health challenges, and losing weight is a must for a better quality of life.

So I went on another journey and another journey and lo behold, a path I entertained for a small while in 1993, came back to me again in 2003, only for me to put it aside until 2004. I know you are waiting for me to tell you- drumroll please -dada -RAW !!!

Let me tell you, when I started RAW, the swelling in my feet went down, and the puffiness in my body began to leave. I have lost a total of 20 pounds in the past 6 months and I have marked improvement in health.

Everyone had told you on RAW, calories don't count, so , I will tip toe around that subject. So, when on RAW - be a picture and mirror for him - let him see you refelct the blessings of this lifestyle and as a mirror reflect what you see in him. Soon enough the desire to (oh the dreadful word) count calories really won't matter.

My hubby would say things like - oh I can eat this for breakfast - when I made Alissa's blueberry pie as tarts , and he loves the onion bread sandwiches I make, not to mention the banana ice cream - and I am not talking about small servings.

A little advice from experience - this board is a place of solitude for all other places we have been and have felt abuse. I mentioned that I went back on the path last year, but not before someone whom I thought was wise in raw, commented on my daily food in take that I shared and said after putting my food into Fitday, she discovered that I was eating way too much fat. I was bumed about that - and failed to listen to my body, which was saying whatever you are doing, I like it , so keep doing it and I went back to some SAD eating, because I thought I knew what I was getting, never the less after Alissa and reading others experiences, I eat - I enjoy my food, I am healing, and I am okay -

Take your time and let his body talk to him, as yours will to you. If you really feel like you need to count calories then do that, but remember the raw calories process different in your body. Avocado and french fries may have the same calories, but rest assured, the body will not receive them the same - I will say and I am done, the proof will be in the pudding, and it will be all good. Check out this post: //www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4572

[ANIMLOVER]

YES YES YES!!
I went all raw about a year ago and GAINED weight!!
Musta been my love of NUTS!
Ppl say as long as it's raw blabla bla..

I bought FITDAY and was eating HUGE amounts of FAT!
try to keep your fat intake under 15%!

A great book is by Frederic patenaude
RAW SECRETS
it will tell you all you need to know about weight loss andlow fat!
You can buy it on his website and print to right awaY!!

[avanderland]

I bought FITDAY and was eating HUGE amounts of FAT!
try to keep your fat intake under 15%!

A great book is by Frederic patenaude
RAW SECRETS
it will tell you all you need to know about weight loss andlow fat!
You can buy it on his website and print to right awaY!!


I'll look into that book, I get his emails right now---but I'll never be a low-fat girl... I tried that 15-20%, it didn't do anything and it was annoying to me to make sure... Right now I eat what I want (vegan) and get usually between 25 and 35% which averages to the exact perfect 30%, according to the dietitian at school...

I had a FITDAY account, I'll haev to look it up---I'm not a nut person, but I am a CALORIE person... It's really easy for me to go over my 1600 calories right now, I'm hoping it gets easier to stay underneath when I go raw... I'll remember to not go nut-crazy :)

[Rawkinlocs]

YES YES YES!!
I went all raw about a year ago and GAINED weight!!
Musta been my love of NUTS!
Ppl say as long as it's raw blabla bla..

I bought FITDAY and was eating HUGE amounts of FAT!
try to keep your fat intake under 15%!

A great book is by Frederic patenaude
RAW SECRETS
it will tell you all you need to know about weight loss andlow fat!
You can buy it on his website and print to right awaY!!

Alright now...please don't start that up again, 'kay? We've already been down this road.

Not everyone GAINS weight eating a lot of nuts...it's an individual thing. I eat TONS of nuts and my weight doesn't go over 124-127 (good weight for me at 5'4")

Avanderland, you and fiance' do what is right for you...IF you don't notice the results you desire AFTER having been raw for at least 30 days, then go about tweaking and seeing what needs to be cut back on, etc.

[avanderland]

Alright now...please don't start that up again, 'kay? We've already been down this road.

Not everyone GAINS weight eating a lot of nuts...it's an individual thing. I eat TONS of nuts and my weight doesn't go over 124-127 (good weight for me at 5'4")

Avanderland, you and fiance' do what is right for you...IF you don't notice the results you desire AFTER having been raw for at least 30 days, then go about tweaking and seeing what needs to be cut back on, etc.

That sounds like a good idea--I know when I first went vegan, I lost 20lbs without doing anything, "tweaking" as you say only came later... I keep forgetting that I can reference what happened with my body then as at least a clue to what will happen now...

What nuts do you eat? I've only ever liked pistachios, but I'm willing to try new thingssss... A lot that I read talks about cashews and walnuts, are there other fabulous nuts that I'm missing out on??

[Revvell]

Almonds!!!! :d

[RawTruth]

Avanderland, welcome. You've found a great place for support and information as you go raw.

I, personally, lost weight with eating as much of whatever I wanted whenever I wanted it. In fact, I followed Alissa's 30 Day Challenge plan from her book in which she tells us to eat lots and lots and lots during that first month. I lost 20 pounds (but I wasn't trying, I was thin to begin with, so I think this is all I could possibly lose without turning into a skeleton, so ... if I had excess weight to begin with, I believe I would have lost it all). I continue to eat what my body tells me it needs/wants. How cool is that. I love this aspect of being raw.

I don't feel it's necessary to count calories. Counting calories is inextricably linked to a cooked food diet as is the food pyramid and being concerned about getting "enough" protein. What the other long-time forum members have said is right on the mark. Not one of my raw foodist acquantinces who have been raw for over a year count calories - nor did they when they began. I haven't been to them myself, but it's my understand that none of the raw food healing institutes teach about calories. It just runs counter to the overarching philosophy of raw food. However, that's just my experience. Oh yeah, one more thing -- it's incredibly freeing to let go of all that fussing and "micromanaging" (as has been so eloquently described by magnolia.

And -- Revvell's right: almonds. I'll add: almonds, almonds, almonds. They're the bread & potatoes staple of raw eating. Just be sure to soak/sprout 'em. But, Alissa explains all that in her book. So, hopefully, you have that. (I don't think you mentioned whether you do or not ... if not, get it yesterday! And her DVD. After that, you'll be so confident and prepared!)

BTW, pistachios aren't raw :(

[Rawkinlocs]

Cashews (though probably not "truly" raw...but "raw" :p ), almonds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, sometimes pecans (those are a rare treat), and when making wonderful things such as Alissa's Strawberry Crepes (Mmmm) macadamia's.

Also, please allow me to clarify...I don't sit around and just pig out on nuts, nuts ,nuts, nuts, nuts all day long. I DO tend to eat a lot of them though...more than the "recommended" amount. But I also have noticed that as of late, my body is not liking a whole lot of nuts just due to how I feel when I eat too many...so IT let's me know when to chill out on the nuts a bit. This is what I mean by the diet being tweaked later on...your body will let you know what to do! Some days I don't have any nuts at all, but my point is, I don't count how many nuts or how many calories from nuts I eat each day and my weight is perfect (for me). I eat pretty much whatever I darn well please as long as it doesn't bother me.

I don't dispute the fact that people can and do gain weight eating a raw diet...but as I said in the other thread that was started on a similar topic, I have YET to see the person who gets overweight/obese on a raw diet. I think there are more people who are concerned with being/becoming UNDER-weight and/or emaciated eating a raw diet than there are people concerned with becoming OVER-weight!

Just do a search on "weight gain" and/or "weight loss" using that banana icon-thingy and you'll see past discussions and what various responses were given.

[VeganVixen]

I find that If I feel good after eating it ,it gives me the results Im looking for : for example I am VERY fat sensitive , I turn into "BLOATED girl" when I eat nuts or avo (some olive oil is ok FOR ME) and I gain LIKE CRAZY! So my body it seems NEEDS fiber and veggie carbs the most ,for others this is different (like they run on fats)

I am part Mediterranean and Asian and a BIT of native American - so my ancestors ate less fats and a more veggie ,carbs , and lean proteins (although I am also British and Russian/Mongolian , I DIDN'T inherit the digestive system) - So that may play a roll? Typically -Ive noticed-correct me if Im wrong ,the people with athletic/hunter/Viking/germanic genetics tend to do better with more PLANT fats. But of course their are exceptions and its all under interpretation .....and the genetic card game ,which of course (again) has wild cards!

[sailaway]

When I went raw in March I did it for health reasons, it justed seemed right. I was also over weight maybe even hitting the obese catagory. With thyroid problems it was very difficult to lose any weight in fact I continued to gain weight while getting ready for the LA marathon (my last was in " March 98, I gained 20 pounds the month of Feb 98 and continued to gain up to starting raw, 84 pounds in all.) I had tried many other diets without luck, the last being weight watchers. When I went raw as I said it was for health reasons my body was leading me there and lucky for me I stopped to listen! What happpened has been amazing, since March I have had greatly improved health (waiting for the lastest labs and ultra sounds to come back) and a suprise bonuce to date I have lost 56 pounds! Again this was not my intent to lose weight I had finally resigned myself to being heavy. I read in one of the gazzilon books on raw that I have invested in, that your body has a per determined DNA code and that if you eat raw it will seek that level naturally and for some that might mean a weight gain. (usually on overly thin people) My 12 year old son is feed with a g-tube all night and for the first 9 years on IV's at night to keep his weight up (currently 54 pounds). He has actually gained weight for the first time without forcing 10,000 Calories in his tube each night!

So bottom line is check out some of the journels and find ones that talk about improvements in health and weight lose and show those to you BF. Then YOU start raw and as changes occur with you he maybe more interested in doing it for the right reason TO LIVE! not just for weight. As I have said in my journel the weight lose was a by product the real gain was my life! Good Luck

[avanderland]

RawTruth:

It's okay that pistachips aren't raw, I'm not ADDICTED to pistachios, I probably won't even miss them---they're just the only nut I've really ever tried!!! That's one thing I'm looking forward to---getting out of my eating rut and trying new things!

And I did buy the book (two days ago), I am eagerly awaiting it in the mail!! I'm very impatient for it to come.


sailaway:

I know exactly what you mean---when I first went vegan, I did it for health and then 20lbs just came off... Then I discovered that I had one more healthy step to take---going raw! I am hoping that he does see some changes and realizes it's about more than that---we were thinking about having him go in for an allover physical before and after our three months... I think/hope that wil be really motivating for him because he has lots of health things (already!!!) that I'm hoping start to get better... He is a bit skeptical, but he has more of an open mind about it than he ever had in the past, so that's a step!

And I'm totally going to have to get him on here to read all of you guys' stories... They are so inspiring and motivating, I could sit here on these messageboards ALL DAY!

[VeganVixen]

pistachios arent raw :confused:? ,geez they were my only favorite nut (b/c theyre GREEEEN :D,they seemed like more digestable fat )