Growth spurts and puberty

[Raw Yogini]

I went and got my hair done today and the hair dresser's ex-husband is bipolar, as is mine and I told her I really hope my kids don't end up bipolar. I've also struggled w/ anxiety and depression. She said to watch them close b/c 3 of her 6 are bipolar. I immediately thought I've got to get strict about raw w/ my kids in hopes to avoid this. I know being raw has helped me quite a bit. A bit later she started talking about kids eating nonstop during growth spurts (I've heard about this before) and eating as much as three people and now I'm worried this raw thing won't work for them right now. (they are 12, 10 and 10) My 12 year old already talks about "having to have his meat" which he gets on weekends at my parents. I don't make a huge deal about it, but I REALLY want to protect them from mental illness. Have any of you transitioned your kids around this age and how did growth spurts go?

[shine72]

Hi,

Mine were 11,9, and 7 when they started raw. They still eat more during the growth spurts, but not like when they ate cooked. When they ate cooked, there was NO getting them satisfied when they were going through a spurt. With raw, yes, they eat more. However, they get SATISFIED, and stop once they are. That, and they weren't moody/tired/complaining during the spurts like they were with cooked.

HTH! :D

[Raw Yogini]

Thanks Shine 72! Now I know it's possible.

[Clare]

just want to chime in witha couple thoughts..

I was a low-fat vegetarian during my growth years (12-18) not by choice but family decision. I grew from 5' at age fifteen to 5'10 by age 18. I also didn't begin menses until age 18, which was normal until modern Western diets. I was athletic and ate TONS of not so great stuff like bread and pasta but also lots of salads, fruits, and carrots (and my mom juiced). The only time I really felt full was when my dance team had cupcakes or something :-) and then I had no energy. I am grateful to my parents for this diet because I never had to worry about weight or energy level. The only sad thing was that I could no longer eat as much starchy stuff after 18 and maintain my thin figure.

Mental illness is chemical for sure but there is also a spiritual and emotional component. It is great that you are doing all that you can to ensure the best physical health for your children. Don't forget to help instill in them a sense of purpose, of mission in their lives according to your religious beliefs. Countless studies have shown this to be crucial to mental health and happiness beyond the support of a spiritual communtiy. As for emotional support, you obviously love them very much or you wouldn't care so much for their bodies!

[Raw Yogini]

Thanks, Clare! I appreciate your comments.