Frustrated in Dallas

[Twist of Life]

Hi Everyone,

I live in a northern suburb of Dallas, Texas and I'm sooo frustrated. I have been researching this raw diet for the past 3 years. It wasn't until just recently that I have made a total commitment to making a change in my eating habits and lifestyle. In April I cut out all red meat, pork and dairy products. In June, I stopped all sodas, packaged foods and restaurants. Only preparing my own food and eating, chicken, fish, vegetables and whole grains. I've lost about 20 lbs so far but have long way to go.

8 years ago I had some major life challenges, a child (c-section), a hysterectomy (cut open again), then went back in 6 weeks to be cut again because they punctured by bladder! Then my husband left me for a woman the size of a 5th grader, I had heart problems and got a pacemaker, I lost my job, my father was diagnoised with cancer, so I moved home to care for him and he passed away with a terrible death. I moved back to Dallas after caring for my him and threw myself into my job. I packed on a lot of weight over this time period and I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. I turn 45 this October and I want to be beautiful again.

So I ordered Alissa's book and DVD and I am ready to go. I have been trying different recipes for the past 2 weeks and haven't found too many things that I really like. I am spending all this money on food and feel really hungry all the time, plus I don't like some dishes and feel it's a waste. This is really strange for me, because I work in the culinary industry and food is my passion. I thought I would like this better and it's really hard for me. Today I broke down in tears from frustration. This isn't like me, I am usually very strong and work through things. But I guess I want it so badly that I am getting very emotional.

I really need some good support and ongoing motivation. I hope I don't sound real sappy. But it was hard to tell everyone my story without loading it up with all the drama. Actually, I would make a really good movie. Lots of things going on in my world!:eek:

[Vaclare79]

(HUGSS) I'm so sorry for your loss of your father. You are a strong person to go through all that!
There is A LOT of good information about the raw diet & great people on here to talk to if you need help :) Good luck to you on eating raw.

[crawmommy]

Hi,
You should only do a fourth or a half of a recipe to see if you are going to like it. At first, it may be hard to like some of the recipes b/c your (taste buds) may not be used to them. Also, write or type out a list of a few foods that you know u like and just eat those, u dont have to do recipes. Eat simply. Green smoothies, with flax, chia, hemp seeds may sustain u throughout the day. U should start a blog to help channel your energies and discuss the good and maybe the not so good in your life to help you through. You have already started and it's definitely okay to feel what you feel b/c many have been there. When you feel that you have a handle on your new lifestyle, not diet, then your username can be FULL OF LIFE!! I wish you the best and know that you will be fine b/c you are already off to a great start -- BELIEVE THAT!!

[Frugal Raw]

I wish you the best of rawesome health! Make up your own raw recipes - consider how to convert foods you love into raw foods, and if you need any guidance along the way, post something in the food prep area here:)

[spicyfull]

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

[Twist of Life]

I really appreciate the kind words and encouragement. I think I have to chalk up yesterday and a bad day. I am in much better spirits today. It's nice to have you all offer advice and support.

I did start a blog and it's in the process of getting up and running. I'll post my link soon!

Thanks again!

[OneBite@aTime]

Twist of Life,
I am newly raw (trans. for a year) and cand tell you I prefer fruits and veggies just like they are-without the fancy "mock" dishes...maybe you should give it a try....of course I don't have your cooking skills-or many appliances-or I'd be trying mock dishes maybe. The only one I've ever made, and I have to say I love it as a dip-or something different is the eggless egg salad. Anyway....know that I, along w many here on RFT are cheering for you-you can do it!

[Thick]

It takes awhile to be able to read a recipe and visualize what it will be like. In the beginning, you feel like you have to follow every direction--even down the the 1/2 t of miso.. But, for me, now I can read a recipe--take out all the things I don't particularly like and tweak it for my taste.

Same process with expensive ingredients--once you know the function of them, you can replace them or leave them out if you like.

There are a ton of recipes I think are really gross--and I have been there feeling betrayed and frustrated with the recipes.

Being a chef, I'm sure you have tried all the SAD food combinations at some point..but with raw-you get to make things that maybe noone has ever made before..it's very fun unexplored territory.

In the case of being a great raw chef--it is true that your failures make you stronger.

[carolg]

Sorry to hear of your challenges and loss.

If you need in person support I have found a group to be great. May look at meetup.com with your zip.

This group is great, but not a replacement for the in person and the foods brought to rawlucks either. Best to you.

I punched in just one of tons of zips for Dallas groups, so here goes the link:
http://www.meetup.com/search/?keywords=Raw+Food&country=us&locationPickerRef=0&dbCo=us&dbOutsideUsLink=&zip=75201&submitButton=Find+Meetup+Groups

carolg

[islesgirl]

Twist of Life, it is wonderful that you have found this RFT site. It will make such a difference in your life. First off, I am so sorry that you have had to suffer so much heartache in your life. You sound very much like me in some respects. I am supposed to be doing the RAWgust Challenge at the moment. Well, because I got discouraged with the food - trying new recipes and not liking them - in fact I threw the last one out the day I stopped trying to stick with the Challenge. But I want you to know that after a lifetime (I'm now 62) of yo-yo dieting, trying low-fat, low-carb etc. etc., this way of eating (raw) is the only one I have ever been able to last 3 months with and feel marvelous the majority of those days. Since I stopped eating almost 100% raw a few days ago, I have had some SAD food, BUT, I didn't rush to the store to buy a pound of chocolate, nor did I bake anything to gorge on, nor have I stopped my Green Smoothies or salads. This is the first time in my whole life when I haven't given up entirely and gone on a binge. For me, this is huge, and you know what? Thanks to your post today, and crawmommy's comment to you here, I am going to get right back on track! I will take her advice and keep it simpler. If all I have is Green Smoothies every day sometimes, then that's what I'll do. Or if all I do is eat fruit and veggies all day or just fruit all day - then that's what I'm going to do. No other way of eating has been so satisfying, calming, or life-changing. My appearance changed almost immediately. Skin is firmer, baby soft and smooth. I have gradually lost 20 lbs and at least one dress size - it always depends on the make of the garment. So dear, future fellow rawbie, don't give up. Keep reading and do that blog and you'll get lots of encouragement here. All the best to you and I am glad that you were feeling better today.:D

[RawHeaven]

Good Lord Twist of Life you are one strong woman!! I know you are because you're still standing and breathing. I'm sorry for the loss of your father and everything else you've endured. It feels like the Tower Card in the tarot deck and no doubt you're on your way to brighter times. Sometimes everything has to come crashing down around us before we realize it's time to change! I've experienced my share of betrayal, trauma and loss like a lot of people and I just wanted to give you a big hug and mention the healing process takes time - especially when you're healing your body.

With regard to not liking the taste of the raw food cuisine, keep experimenting. Eventually you'll hit your stride. I found personally that when my taste buds healed and I could taste food again, everything was bursting with flavor! Most americans palates are trained to only taste sodium, sugar and fat, fat, fat! When you no longer need those flavors as vices, watch out.

Also you don't have to spend a whopping amount of cash to do this raw thing either. Just run some searches in here and you'll get some great tips. If there's a farmer's market near you, I recommend checking it out. You'll save a lot.

Best wishes and welcome.

[patchouli]

Hey,

I'm not far from you--email me at smyda@hotmail.com and maybe we can meet at Whole Foods in Arlington!

[shashibala]

You can do this! I'm sending you encouraging thoughts! You have been through so much, and now it's time to take care of you! I was at a similar place when I started, so I understand. Just be gentle with yourself. Eat simply if that works for you. Take care!:)

[Pedro Kroger]

Twist of Life,

I'm sorry for your loss. I suppose diet change is not easy for many
people, and going 100% raw at once may be hard if you are eating
addictive food like cheese and sugar. My advice would be to try to go
100% vegan first instead. It will be much healthier already (cheese is
a pretty nasty thing) and I believe it will make the transition to
100% raw easier.

besides Alisa's book, I recommend "Raw Food Made Easy For 1 or 2
People" (book and dvd). It has very easy recipes (no dehydrator) just
for 1 or 2 people, so there is no waste in case you don't like
something:

http://www.amazon.com/Raw-Food-Made-Easy-People/dp/1570671753

I also recommend Victoria Boutenko's book "Green for Life" and Dr.
Neal Barnard's "Breaking the Food Seduction: The Hidden Reasons Behind
Food Cravings---And 7 Steps to End Them Naturally". These book really
helped me to understand what food can do to us and why sometimes is
difficult to stop eating certain kinds of food (e.g. cheese). When I
was vegetarian I tried to become vegan many times without success
(couldn't quit cheese). After watching Dr. Barnard video I quit
cheese, chocolate, caffeine, and sugar the next day:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3214100593069532942&ei=XNKiSN29O5emrAKC1tWfAQ&hl=en

I think it's good to go incrementally first, try to find recipes you
like. After that it will be much easier to go 100% raw.

[Twist of Life]

I am so delighted that so many people have given me hugs and support. This is really helping me. I am feeling much better about this transition. The last couple of days I felt really hungry and salads and fruit weren't doing it for me. So I got a stir fry of just vegetables ( Low oil and no rice) and that seemed to help me some. Then last night I made up some vegetable spring rolls and a dipping sauce plus thai green papaya salad. Not completely raw, but at least it was vegan.

My son has been such a wonderful support. He was so funny the other day when I made a recipe and didn't like it, he said "Just make your own recipes Mom, you make better food anyway and you will make it like you like it." For 11 years old, he has been my rock! He's even interested in some of this raw food and the health benefits, which is really exciting for me. It's just hard to keep him full since he is a growing kid and he can put away the food!

Thanks again for all your kind words and advice.

;)

[shashibala]

I'm glad things are looking up!!

[StarFire]

Aloha and Welcome to RFT!!!
Twist of Life... you have been led to the right place where you can sit back, relax, be safe, heal, learn and grow... I'm so glad you have joined us, even thru all the pain and turmoil you have been thru (sorry for the loss of your father :( )... I must say -- You should really be proud of yourself for standing up .... and taking a hold of the reins once again and choosing life.

This is the start to the beautiful world that lies ahead of you. And you son is right... look at the recipes... use your own wisdom and knowledge and then go for it... you can do this!!

RAWk on and Welcome....

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