Hand-holding needed

[Melissa]

Hi everyone,
Some of you remember me as a "veteran" of this site...Started 100% raw (for the second time) last October and stayed on track until April or May. Adjusting to a new job (outside the home, first time in a decade) was part of my problem staying raw. The difference in how I looked and felt raw compared to cooked is amazing. My fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue were virtually gone (back now), my weight was down (up now) and I was bouncing with energy (collapsing at 8pm now, can't even finish reading story to my son w/out falling asleep.)

I told myself (wrongly) that I could do it "on my own" without keeping a journal and that a little "cheating" here and there wouldn't hurt. I read somewhere that when you "break the seal" of all-raw, you open yourself up to fierce cravings for cooked junk you're addicted to (sugars, fats, wheat, etc) and for me that is certainly true.

I'd like to come back full-force to raw and to this board but I need some help. Is there anyone who wants to buddy up for awhile and keep an eye on each other's progress?

I don't care any more about fitting in, eating what others eat, giving up "treats" forever, or any of the other false self-talk that led me down the wrong road.

I want vibrant health again, for myself and my family, and also because I'm 39 and thinking I might like to get pregnant while I still can and have a second child. (My partner is on the fence about this idea. We'll probably come to a conclusion about it by the end of this summer, one way or the other.) Turning 40 is looming up ahead and I want to feel happy and fantastic when it arrives! (Dec.)

So that's my story...If anyone can relate and also needs a buddy (to read each other's food log/journal daily and lend support) I'd love to cheerlead you while you do the same. If more than one wants to join in, we can be a "getting back on track" team.

Thanks!
Love,
Melissa

[sweetgoddess]

Melissa, welcome back darlin!!!
I can completely empathise with what you are saying as I did the very same things-with similar results. Isnt it great though, the promise and glimpse raw gave us that we just cant forget about!

Since so many of us have returned at the same time to go another round, I think a Getting Back On Track Team would be so fabulous. What say you? :confused:

[Ireland]

Melissa, welcome, welcome, welcome back!!!!!!!!! There seems to be so many of us backsliders that have wandered back to the raw flock lately. I was on my own SAD sabatical for awhile but after feeling worse and worse physically AND mentally, emotionally, spiritually, etc...it was time to come "home." It's amazing how one is so inter-twined with the other.

I'd love to do what I can to help, I'm still far from 100% but plan to do at least 80% for awhile before I jump right back into 100%. I don't know if that helps or not...but I'll still be standing on the sidelines cheering for you!

New baby plans, woo hoooooo girl! Yeah, so it's a good thing you've decided to get healthy first...remember to eat lots of food with folic acid, that's sooooo important BEFORE you even get pregnant. Here's a link if you're ineterested...

http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/690_1403.asp

Well, I'm glad you're back. God's Peace on your journey.

Shannon

And Hey, Sweet, a getting back on track team sounds like a fabulous idea!

[*~Butterfly~*]

Welcome back Melissa, even though I was only around for a month & did my 30 days, I am back in the same boat as you...I am still learning the ropes as far as raw goes & I would love a buddy or support group to help me stay aboard.

SweetGoddess, that is an excellent idea...count me in!

[catherinethegreat]

I LOVE teams! Lets play!

Great idea sweet goddess!

Melissa - sounds like you have described something that so many of us can relate to. Thank you for sharing it. One thing I missed was the connection here of like minded people and the support to be healthy. I find it amazing how many of us are back again all at the same time. Good luck with the MC and transitioning back into an eating lifestyle that works for you!

lets get the team going!

xo
*c

[twinyoga]

I'll help out however I can.

[Melissa]

:) I'm sitting here grinning...What a great group of women! It would be a lonelier (make that impossible!) raw road without you. Thanks for all your replies.

I think a team is the way to go, let's do it! Should we start a "Getting Back on Track Team" thread and post there to share struggles and successes? We can also look in on eachother's journals. Open to all ideas. Just so grateful to "see" you all again after thinking so wrongly that I had "aced" raw and could handle that SAD SAD world w/out support.

My family left for music camp today and I'm solo until Thurs. night, so (although I'll miss them of course) I'm also so psyched to have some time alone. It happens SO rarely (any moms relating?!) and it's perfect timing to get back on track. I'm cleaning out fridge and cupboards (w/out eating stuff!), throwing stuff away, wiping the counters and just enjoying Day One of my Master Cleanse. Already doing the detox nose blowing...bring it on.

I'm also going to make lots of dehydrator crackers this week to have 'em ready for Thurs-Sun when I'll be on vacation with my family. I remember how important they were for staying raw on the road.

We're all in this together, we all want to be the best we can be, and live life to the fullest w/out being dragged down by feeling lousy. We WILL do it!
For me, I have to be 100% b/c the tiniest cheat--even licking the cream cheese off the knife I used to spread it for someone else's toast--will set me on the wrong road. I just have to keep telling myself "You're RAW and that's not edible food for you. That's poisonous to you." Which, guess what? It's literally true. I guess we all have to learn things the hard way...This has been my second big slip off the wagon after feeling fabulous on raw food.

Time for some stretching and more MC. Sending love,
Melissa

[sweetgoddess]

I so relate Melissa! It is great you have a few days to yourself, where you dont have to worry about anyone elses food but yours. Perfect!
We started a getting back on track thread over under raw and living food discussion.
See you there :p

[Melissa]

Yay! Thanks Sweetgoddess! Isn't it great to see what you need manifest in your life? What a gift. This support is my "way back" to where I want to be.
See you on the boards.

[RawTruth]

Melissa!!

Welcome!! :D :D :D

I can't believe you're back. Over the last few months, I've wondered how you were doing. Welcome back. I know how challenging it will be for you as the only raw foodist in your family, but I also know that it's possible. And, your enthusiasm for and knowledge of how to succeed in this raw lifestyle will be your biggest assets. I'm glad you're finding others to support you here -- I almost wish I could start all over again so I could participate with this great group of people!! Almost ... :D

I'll be supporting you and look forward to seeing more of that smiling avatar again.

[twinyoga]

Let's be more positive...instead of a "back on track group"...let's call it "continuing raw"...or something more positive!

[VeganVixen]

yes , Ive been mising the "originals" - vintage is in ;)!!!!!


you were all such an inspiration when I first came , and still are :D

[misslinda]

I've always admired you Melissa .......remember our "Emotional" thread !?!?!?! :p :p Good times woman and looking forward to you rewarding success here.


:)

luv,
ML

[Melissa]

Thank you guys! I feel so fortunate to connect (reconnect) with you all. Linda, you are a real sweetie and great web buddy. Hi Debbie, whatever folks think best to call the thread is fine with me--I'm all for being positive about heading back to raw. I've been to "the other side" and it aint pretty!

Hope everyone's Mon. is off to a good start.

Hugs,
Melissa