becoming a naturopathic doctor?

[oai]

i'm not sure where to start. ever since i was a kid, i've wanted to be in medicine. i was in a science academy in elementary school for heaven's sake!

during my college sophomore year, my health started deteriorating. tylenol and the lot didn't cure my headaches. i was tired all the time! then i came to learn about fasting and raw foods only to realize what i was learning may not help people get better.

i dropped out my college senior year, because well, i didn't know what to do! all my life, i had it planned and then bam! i realize i don't want to be on that path anymore. after that, i felt like i didn't have a goal anymore.

now i'm thinking about naturopathy, although i don't really agree with all the teachings from that school either, but i think it's better than the allopathic route. i do like that naturopathy lean towards holistic healing and getting at the cause of a dis-ease rather than just treating it.

where do i go from here? go back to school and start over? i just wouldn't know what to do with my degree. :confused:

[rawstrength]

I don't have any advice for you, but I can definitely sympathize.
I have always loved studying biology. I was planning to major in biology in college. I wanted to go into research.
But now I'm just not so sure anymore, now that I've discovered raw food. I don't want to be doing research to make nasty pharmaceuticals that don't even work! So I might end up majoring in environmental studies, instead, because that has a lot of biology in it AND I suddenly really care about the environment because I have reconnected to the earth through raw foods. Wow, that was a long sentence! Anyhow, I hope that you can follow your heart and find a career that really makes YOU happy and thriving. Because that's what it's all about :D .

[Revvell]

i just wouldn't know what to do with my degree. :confused:

Which degree? How about looking outside of college?

[oai]

thanks rawstrength! i haven't really talked to anyone about this, and it's cool there's someone who understands. http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/SHOE_tutorials/current%20emo/thlove.gif

revvell -- it would have been a b.s. degree in biology. i've been thinking about going outside of college as well, because i feel there's almost nothing that would interest me there in the science field anyway. all i've known is that model -- college >> carreer. http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/SHOE_tutorials/current%20emo/thlaugh.gif following a path outside of college is unfamiliar waters. not that i wouldn't try it out anyway now. i currently don't have any close models who i can learn from who didn't do the whole school route.

there's blazing my own trail, but i'd still love to have a model to learn from. http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/SHOE_tutorials/current%20emo/confused.gif

[Raene]

The only naturopath in my community is a HUGE Atkins diet promoter. She went to a naturopathic school in Washington State. That's all I know. And I can't stand that b/c I tried to go to her twice and both times she thought my health problems were caused by my vegan diet. Arg. Her solution...meat at every meal. Her family is obese and I've watched her kids eat b/c I babysat them a few times and they eat things like hot dogs and all sorts of meats and I have yet to see those kids pick up a vegetable or fruit.
Maybe she's just extreme that way. Who knows.

[Revvell]

You'd be surprised at how many people you know have been to college and not used their degree in any significant way. A good model for you maybe would be T. Colin Campbell... do you enjoy doing research?

Suggestion: write down exactly what you enjoy doing; list in order of priority... then write down what you like/don't like about it... find someone who is doing/has done what you're doing. There's your model.





revvell -- it would have been a b.s. degree in biology. i've been thinking about going outside of college as well, because i feel there's almost nothing that would interest me there in the science field anyway. all i've known is that model -- college >> carreer. http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/SHOE_tutorials/current%20emo/thlaugh.gif following a path outside of college is unfamiliar waters. not that i wouldn't try it out anyway now. i currently don't have any close models who i can learn from who didn't do the whole school route.

there's blazing my own trail, but i'd still love to have a model to learn from.

[Thick]

I could list suggestions, but I think Revvell gave you good listing advice=)

Whatever you decide or don't, go and be an assistant for someone in the field you choose. Even if you are just bringing lunch or emptying the garbage, you will learn alot about what they do and get a sense of whether you want that for yourself--or how you would change it for yourself. It can help you sharpen your goals.

If you can't "get a job" in an area you'd like to work --do volunteer work. Either traditional volunteer work --or volunteering to do the tedious parts of the job for free (filing, making calls, being the gopher, cleaning etc)

There are too many traditional doctors and not nearly enough doctors like you! Perhaps you could look into teaching a continuing educational physician's course in the healing powers of raw food=)!

[oai]

there's a naturopath doctor who endorses Atkins? i never thought one could exist! http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/SHOE_tutorials/current%20emo/eek.gif

thank you for the advice, revvell. campbell sounds good. i was also thinking about joel fuhrman. now i can take which step to take next. http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/SHOE_tutorials/current%20emo/thnod-1.gif

lol. thanks for the advice, thick! that is a good idea to go volunteer and just find any way to be involved with a career i might interested in! and i do like teaching for some odd reason. teaching never even crossed my mind until i actually taught. http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/SHOE_tutorials/current%20emo/thlaugh.gif i wouldn't want to teach at a conventional school though.

what do you guys think about me just pursuing that MD in medicine just for the credibility it brings for having that degree?

[Thick]

what do you guys think about me just pursuing that MD in medicine just for the credibility it brings for having that degree?

I think that's a great idea. Not only can you influence the thinking of your professors and other students during the course of your studies, but you can better influence others in the medical field if they know your education and experience is "well rounded"=)

[Revvell]

what do you guys think about me just pursuing that MD in medicine just for the credibility it brings for having that degree?

I don't know what the guys think but yet consider that IF you get your MD license and IF you refuse to go with the "accepted" route with cancer patients (meaning chemo and radiation) you could possibly lose your license and go to jail. The FDA CAN and has been known to shut doctors down.

[RawSinger]

I don't have any advice for you, but I can definitely sympathize.
I have always loved studying biology. I was planning to major in biology in college. I wanted to go into research.
But now I'm just not so sure anymore, now that I've discovered raw food. I don't want to be doing research to make nasty pharmaceuticals that don't even work! So I might end up majoring in environmental studies, instead, because that has a lot of biology in it AND I suddenly really care about the environment because I have reconnected to the earth through raw foods. Wow, that was a long sentence! Anyhow, I hope that you can follow your heart and find a career that really makes YOU happy and thriving. Because that's what it's all about :D .

I completely resonate with you. For the last 3 years (excluding the last 3 months) I've wanted to be a good ol' western medical doctor. But after I'd gotten into raw food and saw what it was capable of, it was like, what's the point!?!?? I too have considered going into the environmental field. That's definitely an option. I've also considered becoming a naturopath, oai. Now I'm considering becoming a raw food chef and teacher. Ahh, so many options!! But I, we, still have time. I know things will fall into place if we stay true to ourselves.

By the way, oai, I'm currently working on an Associates degree in Liberal Arts: Math & Science. I chose that major because I wanted to be a doctor at the time, but it's not like that education will go to waste!! I may end up becoming a naturopath but even if I become a raw food chef, it will still be important to know chemistry and psychology. If you want to be a naturopath, it doesn't hurt to be versed in many different areas. I'm not sure of the exact prerequisites to become a naturopath but I'm sure a degree in biology would be very helpful.

Good luck on your path!

[oai]

oh my gosh. all the hard work down the drain. http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/SHOE_tutorials/current%20emo/disbelief.gif

it's actually a route i'm very interested in, because like mentioned, of the credibility it brings. i'm thinking since i'll be trained in the area, i'll be more knowledgable about both sides of the argument - raw vs. cooked, vegan vs. non-vegan, etc.... plus, i'll have the experience from being an M.D. and a raw foodist. so i'm wondering how joel fuhrman got away with touting fasting and practicing at the same time, and i wonder about others. i have to do some research into this.

if a doctor's license is taken away because their beliefs conflicts with the FDA, i'm thinking at least i can say that to those i'm teaching, helping, etc...? i know it's not going to pretty.http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/SHOE_tutorials/current%20emo/thlaugh.gif

from writing, i think i'm really focused on establishing credibility. http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/SHOE_tutorials/current%20emo/confused.gif which is probably why i'm thinking of getting an advanced degree in a science discipline i'm interested in, if i'm foregoing medicine or i could just chuck the credibility angle. hm.

i'm not in anyway set firm on this idea. i'm just throwing out my thoughts.

anymore insights always welcome. http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/SHOE_tutorials/current%20emo/thsmile.gif

[RawSinger]

oh my gosh. all the hard work down the drain. http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/SHOE_tutorials/current%20emo/disbelief.gif


Why?? Can't you go back to school??

[rawstrength]

Why?? Can't you go back to school??

I think she was refering to the possibility of having her license taken away by the FDA for suggesting natural healing.

[oai]

I think she was refering to the possibility of having her license taken away by the FDA for suggesting natural healing.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/SHOE_tutorials/current%20emo/thnod-1.gif

i know it wouldn't be a complete waste if that were to happen. i'd still have the knowledge. http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/SHOE_tutorials/current%20emo/thsmile.gif

yes rawsinger! a part of me feels that everything will fall into place as well. at the same time, i feel like i should know where i'm headed. http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/SHOE_tutorials/current%20emo/thboogie-1.gif i was so sure of where i was headed all my life and all.

it's like waking up from a dream you felt was so real and realizing it was only a dream. like that cliche, "ignorance is bliss." i so get it, but i'm happy with what i've learned so far, too.

i've looked some more into becoming a naturopath, & it seems it can only be practiced legally in some states. Not all.

I've also looked into the curriculum, and I'm not completely into some of the courses. It's no problem for me to take the courses but I think it would be a waste of time and money (esp. if i don't get some type of aid in the form of grants or scholarships). They have the same amount of courses that I don't completely agree with just as the allopathic courses. http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/SHOE_tutorials/current%20emo/no.gif i don't mind learning about it, but practicing them during clinical rotations for 2 years? oh my lord.

i know there are some doctors out there who have their own practices and doing what they believe in. now i'm wondering how they don't get into any trouble. hm.

[RawSinger]

I think she was refering to the possibility of having her license taken away by the FDA for suggesting natural healing.

Oh, okay. Gotcha.

[RawSinger]

oai-

I'm pretty torn on these issues as well. I wanted to be a doctor from the age of 17 until I found raw food I have an uncle whom I greatly respect as a person and I asked him what he though. "Evan," I began, "Do you think I should be an MD or a naturopathic doctor?" He said I should do both! Yeah, that would be nice but it seems like a lot of schooling (not that I wouldn't be working for a chunk of that time). I may want the allopathic education as well as the additional training in alternative medicine. That way I can look at a problem from both angles (like you mentioned). I also want the credibility! Unfortunately or fortunately, people still see MD's as gods and they will believe what an MD has to say over a naturopath, in most circumstances. That's such a tricky thing; I know a patient would believe me if I tell them a natural cure would work for whatever problem they're facing, but would I be allowed to reccomend something natural? Would I have separate patients; my natural folk and my western medicine folk? Wow, I really do have a lot of the same questions as you!! More research is definitely needed. I'm thinking for me, personally, that I could always become a certified living on live food teacher and teach raw classes while I'm in school, in order to make a living. There are people that do many things in life. My grandmother knew a man who was a doctor and a lawyer. One of her best friends was a woman who was a nurse for years and then became a lawyer. You don't have to limit yourself. But I know, the legalities of the whole allopathic/naturopathic thing are tricky. I'm going to have to look deeply into this. We'll find what's best for us.

[oai]

hey rawsinger. let me know if you have any further information. i've been looking into the national hygiene institude, and it seems like all the MDs, who practice natural hygiene, are either in Hawaii or not located in a metropolitan location where i am.

there are doctors like dr. joel fuhrman and at least this one other one. i really wonder how they advise the natural route (fasting and eating natural raw foods) and not get into trouble with the u.s. law. http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/SHOE_tutorials/current%20emo/confused.gif

i think i'm going to start sending letters around and hope someone will bite, hehe.

[firefaery]

I don't know what the guys think but yet consider that IF you get your MD license and IF you refuse to go with the "accepted" route with cancer patients (meaning chemo and radiation) you could possibly lose your license and go to jail. The FDA CAN and has been known to shut doctors down.

Yup and yup. I am in med school now as well as doing a postgraduate diplomate in homeopathic medicine (my true passion.) I started med school since in my state homeopathic medicine is licensed and you have to have an MD or an ND to practice. I have used natural medicine for over a decade and after seeing several ND's and looking into the schools and curriculums I decided that for me (personally) it was a joke. Now that I'm this far into it I have to say that med school was a better choice, but I am highly opposed to licensure so I'm in a bit of a bind. It may be that even as a Doctor of Homeopathic Medicine I will be practicing as most docs do that opt out of licensure....as a consultant. I am also a flower essence practitioner and certified spiritual counselor. What I want to do doesnt' fit into the allopathic model, even the naturopathic one.

My homeopath is very well know, the president of the national center for homeopathy for years, a licensed physican for over 20 year and a surgeon as well. He at one point did have his license revoked during a witch hunt-an allegation that he was practicing outside his "scope". It was reinstated, but after much time in court. IT's

Look at what you want to do. Honestly, if you want to help people heal, med school may not be much of a help. I'd be happy to talk more if you would like, since it's the path I'm walking now. Neither school of thought fits in with my idea of true health and healing. That doesn't mean it won't for you!

Oh, and yeah....ND's are of one of a couple persuasions when you are talking diet...traditional, NT, Atkin's, Blood type (which aren't all that different, honestly) and vegan...and the vegan ones are mostly products of unlicensed schools, interestingly enough. What's taught in licensed schools diet wise is just laughable...again...my opinion.

[oai]

I have used natural medicine for over a decade and after seeing several ND's and looking into the schools and curriculums I decided that for me (personally) it was a joke. Now that I'm this far into it I have to say that med school was a better choice,


i've also looked into the naturopathic curriculum, and as mentioned, some of the classes seem as pointless to me as the allopathic curriculum. http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/SHOE_tutorials/current%20emo/confused.gif what i'm leaning towards in my mind definitely doesn't fit either the allopathic or naturopathic model in medicine.

thank you for taking the time to write about your experience so far. if you have another block of time where you think of something you'd like to share about your experience, please do. i find that everything you have wrote really resonates with me. http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/SHOE_tutorials/current%20emo/thlove.gif

[firefaery]

I would be happy to talk anytime....this is my passion after all ;)

I went for vibrational medicine because there is no biochemical change. Homeopathy and flower essences work in similar ways. They make gentle suggestions to the body, but it is up to the BODY to make the changes. Herbs and supplements produce a change whether or not it is needed/beneficial. Homeopathy does not. It is a far more spiritual/whole body approach. It is gentle, effective and downright magical.

Flower essences have been something I have worked with for years. I am certified in several ranges. I have loved using this modality, as it is just beautiful from all angles. It works to shift people froma negative state into the positive by focusing ON the positive. There are no contraindications, and no potential for harm. It's just beautiful.

The counseling I do is along the lines of Louise Hay. You can heal anything. Ultimately it's your mindset that matters. Yes, there can be biophysical issues, but we also know that positive thinking can raise DHEA, improve the beat to beat variability of the heart and balance hormones. So at the end of the day your mindset is of hte utmost importance in healing. My goal is to assist people in being the best version of themselves and watching health follow.

I think the reason most people heal on raw (beyond the obvious benefit of nutrients) is that they begin developing a healthy relationship with food and start FEELING better. The fog lifts, things look brighter and they start experiencing real emotions! Our thoughts are more powerful than any medicine on the market. Getting ourselves to a place where we are uplifted and living in joy is the best medicine there is.

If you want to talk more, feel free!

I think the biggest thing for me to have figured out is that as a healer it is my job to hold the space of health for the other person, to see their potential...not to create health out of thin air. The gift I give is allowing people to heal themselves, because once they do they will always be able to own it. It is essential to take the ego out of it, because noone can heal anyone else. It just doesn't work that way. Health can only come from within. I've yet to meet a doctor that truly gets that when practicing in the allopathic model. I am a far more energetic sort and this was a very important thing for me.

[LeoBrayner]

hehhe I'm a Computer Science student trying to change to Computer Engineering and after I "took the red pill" (knew the truth about why I was fat and unhappy) I really have no intention of getting in this business (it was about the money anyway)! How about that? Right now I have no idea of what I'm going to do. Thoughts of becoming a nutritionist, doctor of medicine, homeopath, do slip through my mind, but honestly, all those tests and frustrated professors...

Don't you feel tempted sometimes to "elope" to some faraway countryside, live thoroughly connected to nature, have a nice family with kids raised away from evil society.

What do you think?

[firefaery]

I hear you! But honestly, I don't feel that way too much.

I have found that school is FASCINATING even when I disagree heartily with what is being taught. It challenges me and makes me question my beliefs long enough to really get fresh perspectives. I love the exams, I love the reading....I love it. That is how I know I chose the right path.

As far as slipping away....I think most of us have those moments. For me though I know that I can create a better life for myself and my children living our life right here, smack dab in the middle of it all. I don't preach, I don't recruit, I don't judge. I live my truth and I *know* that I have affected people. I know that the biggest thing I can do to create a change is to be right here, in joy and hold that space for all of those around me. For me, running off would feel like it was done from a place of fear, and I prefer to make my decisions from a place of peace. I also like being active in creating the world that I am leaving to my children.

I love to commune with nature, but I find that I have plenty of opportunities even in the city. Houseplant, my small garden and city and town parks are all places I connect. I feel great about it. I enjoy escaping to get revitalized, but it isn't necessary with a bit of consciousness applied to my everyday life.

I think we should all do what brings us joy. IF it feels more joyful for you to be out in the middle of nowhere right now....then you should do what you can to make it happen! Just explore your heart and know you are choosing it for the right reasons and above all remain flexible. It may be the best thing for you to do now. If in a couple of years that changes be sure to honor that.

I don't think "society" is inherently evil. I do think that people are not healthy emotionally or physically and our society reflects that. So, as always for me the change begins with me. People gravitate towards happiness when they are ready, not before. Keep holding that place and you will be amazed at the changes you see!

[plucked]

oai,

I went back to school inspired to become a naturoptath. Honestly, I don't think its up my alley now, but starting on that path has led to other things I would likely not have discovered. I don't know what I will do with my degree, but I feel school is the best place to be in figuring out that quest. I spent alot of time doing other things trying to figure out my role/goal. Whatever I do, even if it is not a career, I have enriched my mind, and that is always a good thing.

My suggestion, dont worry about the outcome, go do what you love. By the time you are through, you will be a different being, with a different perspective. You will know then what the step is after that, it is too removed from your life now to plan for.

[Riiiya]

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh i'm glad to see i'm not the only one who got disillusioned and confused after taking the red/raw/truth pill and woke up from this false matrix!!! :o

I just got my Bachelor's in Business... now my situation is harder- i'm an international student in the US and need to figure out ASAP how to prolong my visa- my main option is going for Master's.... and everyone is sure i should do MBA..and i was sure i should be doing MBA.... AND NOW I CAN_NOT_MAKE_MYSELF_TAKE_IT_SERIOUSLY! :( Maybe it's more job security? maybe i should do it and then pursue my passion with holistic nutrition/raw foods???

this is quite depressing for me.. my visa status requires me to decide fast AND make a worthy decision (my parents back at home will definitely need to help me financially and they want the most for their money of course)...

I've been researching and going crazy..... WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK ABOUT Dr. Cousen's Spiritual Nutrition: Vegan and Live Food Mastery (http://treeoflife.nu/spiritualnutrition)..? It is the CLOSEST to my passion and interest, but it's so... I do n't know unfamiliar? Unsecure? New? What will i do with such masters job-wise?? :( There's also a Natural University of Healthing Arts in Illinois i keep looking at... it has Masters in Eastern Medicine.. but i don't know if that would actually go along with my "rawness"... ahh at least i'm not alone...:)

[raweater]

hehhe I'm a Computer Science student trying to change to Computer Engineering and after I "took the red pill" (knew the truth about why I was fat and unhappy) I really have no intention of getting in this business (it was about the money anyway)! How about that? Right now I have no idea of what I'm going to do. Thoughts of becoming a nutritionist, doctor of medicine, homeopath, do slip through my mind, but honestly, all those tests and frustrated professors...

Don't you feel tempted sometimes to "elope" to some faraway countryside, live thoroughly connected to nature, have a nice family with kids raised away from evil society.

What do you think?

I've had a very similar story, I had taken a 1 year course in programming (and was a bit pushed into it by my parents, which did not let me any time to really think of what I wanted to do in life). During the class I made a program I managed to sell and make enough money to not have a real job in programming, which I'm really glad because I hate programming and since I've realized how evil the health care system is this gave me this unstoppable urge to want to help others.

Since helping others with health problems is sadly a crime and any "professional" health job like doctor, nutritionist, etc. is corrupt beyond imagination, people doing these jobs are making people sicker and accelerating death in exchange of profit. Even nutritionists are forced to tell people to eat milk and meat or they loose their job.

So what I decided to do is to keep helping others for free as I have been doing, and get a job as a firefighter which I think is the or one of the only jobs where you can honestly help others. I also workout and am determined to stay physically fit so this is another reason I want this job.

[RawHeaven]

Hmmm Oai, my acupuncturist is also a licensed medical doctor and he studied traditional chinese medicine. He doesn't practice western medicine anymore, but I think he can. I know he also is very deeply into alternative, natural medicine. Well obviously being an acuputurist. He's in California and I wonder if there are individual state guidelines (maybe loopholes ;) ) regarding this subject? He definately still has his medical license.

Also echoing Revvell, I recruited for a good many years for large corps and I'll tell you what....at least 80% of folks end up in positions that have absolutely nothing to do with their college major. It's okay if you venture into a different profession and whatever you studied is definately not a waste. It will come into play at some point and it shows that you're able to complete a goal. I would say medical doctors, financial professionals, journalists, lawyers are the obvious exception. I'm probably ommiting other professions which require a specified degree, but you know what I mean.

Something to consider as well....an even higher percentage (> than 80%) of americans are completely dissatisfied, stressed out and/or unhappy in their careers or jobs. (I don't have the specific stats or sources off the top of my head...just remember all of the studies I researched to retain my HR certifications.) Stress leads to illness. Do you what you love.

[LeoBrayner]

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh i'm glad to see i'm not the only one who got disillusioned and confused after taking the red/raw/truth pill and woke up from this false matrix!!! :o

I just got my Bachelor's in Business... now my situation is harder- i'm an international student in the US and need to figure out ASAP how to prolong my visa- my main option is going for Master's.... and everyone is sure i should do MBA..and i was sure i should be doing MBA.... AND NOW I CAN_NOT_MAKE_MYSELF_TAKE_IT_SERIOUSLY! :( Maybe it's more job security? maybe i should do it and then pursue my passion with holistic nutrition/raw foods???

this is quite depressing for me.. my visa status requires me to decide fast AND make a worthy decision (my parents back at home will definitely need to help me financially and they want the most for their money of course)...

I've been researching and going crazy..... WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK ABOUT Dr. Cousen's Spiritual Nutrition: Vegan and Live Food Mastery (http://treeoflife.nu/spiritualnutrition)..? It is the CLOSEST to my passion and interest, but it's so... I do n't know unfamiliar? Unsecure? New? What will i do with such masters job-wise?? :( There's also a Natural University of Healthing Arts in Illinois i keep looking at... it has Masters in Eastern Medicine.. but i don't know if that would actually go along with my "rawness"... ahh at least i'm not alone...:)

hey, Riiiya, since your parents' money is at stake, I prefer to not make any recommendations! Wouldn't want to feel responsible for such an important thing as the sweat from their brows.

I think you are wise enough to make a decision and may God help with that. Anyway, I think you've got great options and whatever you decide should not influence your brilliant future much.

Do you plan to stay in the US or move back? Honestly, I think, in a way, people in the US need as much help as the people in Africa.

good luck!

[LeoBrayner]

I've had a very similar story, I had taken a 1 year course in programming (and was a bit pushed into it by my parents, which did not let me any time to really think of what I wanted to do in life). During the class I made a program I managed to sell and make enough money to not have a real job in programming, which I'm really glad because I hate programming and since I've realized how evil the health care system is this gave me this unstoppable urge to want to help others.

Since helping others with health problems is sadly a crime and any "professional" health job like doctor, nutritionist, etc. is corrupt beyond imagination, people doing these jobs are making people sicker and accelerating death in exchange of profit. Even nutritionists are forced to tell people to eat milk and meat or they loose their job.

So what I decided to do is to keep helping others for free as I have been doing, and get a job as a firefighter which I think is the or one of the only jobs where you can honestly help others. I also workout and am determined to stay physically fit so this is another reason I want this job.

That's great, Raweater.

I'm sticking with Computer Engineering. I think it really will be of some use. I have my plans for later.

What are you eating to gain weight? I'm 1.885m (about 6 foot 2 inches) and weight about 63kg (139 lbs), which is ridiculous. Tell me about how you succeeded.

see ya

[raweater]

It is not as much what I'm eating to gain weight, but how I workout. On raw food you cannot gain weight just by eating different things, I know, I've tried for 2 years and was stuck around 135 lbs (and am about 5'7", and weighed about 175 before going raw, but most of that weight was muscle, I wasn't fat, but I had stopped working out before going raw which was a big mistake)

The secret is to do weight lifting with a heavy weight you can only lift about 4-6 times before failing, and to do major exercises like bench press, squats and deadlifts using this technique. The energy required for these intense exercises will increase your hunger, causing you to eat more. Also make sure to get lots of protein if you want to pack on muscle relatively quickly, I so far have put on about 25 lbs of pure muscle in just a few months. My main source of protein are walnuts which have as much as red meat, I eat probably 2000-3000 calories of walnuts every day, out of about 4000-4500 calories a day.

So do major exercises in the 4-6 rep range, eat more (this will happen automatically as you will need more food to satisfy your hunger by spending so much energy) and make sure to eat enough protein rich foods, and you will start gaining weight.

[oai]

hi guys,

thank you so very much for all the insights! there's so much information i know that i didn't know a few years ago! and now i'm just :confused:, haha. but i'm glad to have the support on this forum. with becoming healthier and the new energy, something should come along eventually. ;) for now, i'll just wonder aimlessly and be happy.

there's so much growing for me to do. i know my parents esp. my MOM will consider mentally murdering me deviating from the health field, and i'm learning to balance what i could love to do and yet not upsetting the parental unit as well, hm.... i hope that's possible. :p

[Riiiya]

hey, Riiiya, since your parents' money is at stake, I prefer to not make any recommendations! Wouldn't want to feel responsible for such an important thing as the sweat from their brows.

I think you are wise enough to make a decision and may God help with that. Anyway, I think you've got great options and whatever you decide should not influence your brilliant future much.

Do you plan to stay in the US or move back? Honestly, I think, in a way, people in the US need as much help as the people in Africa.

good luck!

THANK YOU for your response! iwould definitely like to stay in the US for awhile... at least here maintaining a decent level of life is possible and quite reachable! this gives me the luxury to explore all my time-consuming interests (such as alternative medicine and holistic nutrition!)...

Ah this is tough choices of course. Right now i'm applying for MBA and thinking that i could do all the great things i love in the meantime (i do that even now while i work!) i'm just trying to make all of this work out somehow :)

[Stina]

I'm surprized that no one's mentioned the massive student loans it would take to accomplish an advanced degree. It's like being an indentured servant. I looked at the Oriental College of medicine for acupuncture in Portland Oregon. Three year degree with complete loans would be $100,00.

[oai]

I'm surprized that no one's mentioned the massive student loans it would take to accomplish an advanced degree. It's like being an indentured servant. I looked at the Oriental College of medicine for acupuncture in Portland Oregon. Three year degree with complete loans would be $100,00.

that's crazy! :eek:

[firefaery]

Unfortunately education is very expensive. However do not let that be the point that dissuades you. Where there's a will there's a way. Grants and scholarships do exist if you take the time to look for them. You can qualify academically, based on life experience or because of your income. There are also private grants available if you take the time to look.