Help!!! I need to get organized!

[annavon]

I need some organization tips and some general motivation. I find myself feeling overwhelmed at times. I open my refrigerator and look in there and see all the chaos and just slam it shut.

I am feeling like I am in a vicious circle. The main reason I choose to go raw was because of my health issues. Unfortunatly, one of the effects of my issues is a great deal of fatigue. I admit that I am feeling a great deal better on raw even if I am not totally 100%, but I still have low energy days.

I know what I need to do is get organized and prepare some meals/and raw juices ahead of time so that when I am trying to rush out the door in the morning that have something for lunch. Today I didn't and I ended up eating at Chipotle. I got a salad with the guac and salas, but I had the black beans too:o :( The problems is when I get home from work my energy is so low that I either want to just sit or sleep. I am not sure how to break out!

Help!!!

[juliebove]

I know how you feel. I am trying to plant my peppers, tomatoes and cukes. Rather late, I know. And I had to sit down and take a break. I tire very easily due to assorted medical problems.

As for my fridge, I got a new one. That really helps. Having something new. I want to keep it good looking.

I get organic produce boxes each week, on Wed. So each week before I put the new produce in there, I go through it all and throw out anything that doesn't look so good, and rotate things, putting the older things on top so I will use them first.

Of course that doesn't mean I won't miss something. Just last night my husband hollered, "Whose macaroni and cheese is this?" Odd question because I didn't remember buying any. I knew it wasn't mine or my daughter's so I said, "Yours?"

Daughter went flying into the kitchen, grabbed the package and said, "Eeeeeew! Dad! This expired on June 22nd!"

I have no idea where that had been lurking. Sometimes things get pushed to the back and I don't see them despite having clear glass shelves.

[queenfluff]

how about hiring someone to do the meals for you?

Too bad you don't live near me. My bf and I just started doing just this - we make the raw meals for people so they are all ready for you in containers to take to work!

My suggestions would be to make a big batch of something that will stay and that you can always grab really quickly and throw in your lunch bag for work. That way you won't be tempted to cheat at Chiptole!

Hummus, soups, other dips, raw pasta (make a big batch of noodles and separate sauces), prepared sliced veggies.

Invest in some lunch sized tupperware put lunch sized serving in container like on Sunday so they are ready for the work week. That way all you have to do it grab a container or two and go!

Another thing you might want to do is to keep things like dehydrated snacks (fruits are good because they have the sugar for energy) and nuts (nuts will fill you up so you won't want to go out and eat something at Chiptole!). If you can keep these in your bag or in your desk you will always have something. When I had desk job, I always used to keep a fork and spoon and knife at my desk so I didn't have to worry about carrying them to work every day. But if you can't do that you can always keep them in a little sleek container and keep them in your bag.

Do all this on the weekend when you are more rested up so it is ready to grab and go for the week! :)

[lori ann]

Hey there,

greenfluff has some great suggestions. I suggest just start and eat simple like salads, fruits, nuts etc and then slowly add some recipes and prep. Mabye even try one new recipe a week. There are a lot of simple recipes out there. This fourm has a lot and also www.goneraw.com.

Tonight for dinner I needed something quick because I worked all day-exercised-went to library and then came home for dinner and I just put some things in a blender and made a blended salad after eating some fruit.

Also do you have Alissa's book-great book and she has a 4 week menu and lots of helpful hints. So good luck to you:)

[OneBite@aTime]

I'm on a small budget right now (off during the summer w my kids) so I keep it simple, and if I'm going to have a busy week or few days I'll cut up my veggies and fruit and put them in single serve containers. I also have 2 spots in the fridge that are for RAW foods only-this seems to help.

[annavon]

Thanks to every one for their suggestions and support. I actually took off of work early yesterday. I went home and took a short nap which gave me enough energy to make a green smoothie. Drinking the gs then gave me enough energy to juice some veggies and go through the fridge a bit. Like juliebove, I found something that made me go eeew! You know, that bunch of veggies that got pushed to the back.

[Veganforlife]

Yep, Green Smoothies. They are quick, easy, use a lot of what's in the fridge ;) , filling and wondrous, miracle drinks!!!

You'll be fine...

Oh! Another quick thought? Blend a bunch of your stuff - freeze it and then you'll have it ready for green smoothies. Some folks put it ice cube trays. Me? I just put it in a canning jar and then thaw the whole jar and use however much I want...