Before and During (From Europe)

[Elena Ruj]

Hello! First I must thank you for being such a big inspiration for me. All of your before and afters kept me going in the beginning when I had a wish to be raw, but didn’t have so much willpower. In Slovenia (a small country next to Italy) we have a few raw foodists, but they are all so strict, that the first time I lasted only for two months. I didn’t use any salt, cold press oil or not even spices like basil or onion and so forth (all of that is not allowed). But this time I was inspired by an American way of raw eating (culinary way) and decided I could do it and last.
Today I celebrate 3 months on raw and the progress is already seen. In the before pics I had 91kg (200,2lbs) and now I weigh 76kg (167,2lbs). This last month I lost very little, but as long as I am loosing, I’m happy. When I meet my goal weight, you will hear from me again :D .
P.s.: I have also posted a picture of my dog Ruj, because he is (like Oprah says) an ANGEL IN FUR - he truly is.

26. Okt. 2008 Wiev my 4 months raw photos on the second page and in my profile.

13.July 2009 Wiev my 1 year raw photos on the 4th page of this thread.

[Eva]

Hello from over here in Hungary! You have made SUCH a remarkable transformation in just a few months. I bet you are feeling fantastic as well!

And wow, I can't imagine being raw and not including cold-pressed oils or even Himalayan salt. Hmmmm... that's crazy you lasted for two months. I hope you are able to last for as long as you'd like, as you'd like! You will find plenty of continued support here, and THANK YOU for posting your pics! You will now help to inspire others. How cool is that?! :)

[Revvell]

Major difference. Congratulations!

[shashibala]

You are shining with health and happiness!!! Congratulations!
I love your angel in fur!!:)

[rawstrength]

You look awesome! And ruj is such a cutie.
I'm so glad that you've found a way of eating raw that works for you. Food should be fun!

[Raw Angel Mom]

Very impressive. Congratulations, you look wonderful!

Blessings!

[oai]

so where's the before pic of Ruj? :p

in just 3 months, such a transformation! your face is just so beautiful!!! AND in just 3 months?!!! AMAZING!

besides the physical change, have you felt any different from day to day?

[Emma-Liza]

You look great! Ruj really DOES look like an angel! Please post again soon!

[Veganforlife]

WOWzers! Your transformation is incredible. You look GR8!!!!!!!!! Keep it up!
Love your dog too! :D

[ViolinCyndee]

WOW, big difference!

[Linda1970]

You look so beautiful! What a difference, especially in spirit!

[Elena Ruj]

Thank you all for your beautiful comments, trust me when I say that I will read them again and again.
Hey Eva from Hungary, nice to hear from you when you are so close by. This year I was three times in Budapest (I’m a truck driver) and I liked it there.
To answer OAIs question I would have to say that I had much more progress with the strict raw, because in only two months I didn’t smell bad anymore even if I didn’t shower for two or more days my body was free of smell, now I still have to shower every day, I didn’t need to wash my hair every second day now I still do. However, only one type of fruit or vegetable at a time, made me unhappy. Otherwise I was tired a lot before raw and most of the time I felt a little depressed, now I have enough energy and will to do the things I want, and most of the time I feel happy and positive about life.
I also experiment with the "Law of Attraction" and I feel that is also why it is easier for me to feel so good. And there is also Ruj, he takes me for a walk every single day:)

[oai]

pups are great. i have a jack russell and lab myself. :) i've always wanted a big pup like Ruj though, but don't tell my babies that. ;)

thank you for answering my questions! a few more?? you mentioned having better results with strict raw? like 100% raw and did you tinker with not being 100% before? i just want to make sure i understand that one right. also with your hair, what's the water quality like in your country? do you use a shower filter or shampoo/conditioner? more hair details? :)

[Elena Ruj]

Before I was 120% raw :D. The rule was: fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, preferably in mono meals.
You see, salt is none of the above, cold pressed oils also, raw peanuts are considered like beans - also none of the above, onion and garlic were considered poisonous for man and not allowed, spices increase appetite - therefore also not allowed, mixing foods like I do now was not an option. This was all very good for the body, but not for the soul (at least not mine).
Water is very clean in our country. I think I have destroyed my hair with a hairdryer. Now I try to dry them naturally. I use something similar to conditioner, but I don’t have to wash it off. I hope I answered your questions

[RawMissMiss]

I am truly inspired by your results! Your dog is a beauty too!:)

[Shell]

Wow!
What an amazing difference...and in only 3 months! You must be so proud of yourself.....you look fantastic.

[RawHeaven]

Elena, thank you for sharing. You're beautiful and inspiring. Your happiness shines through in your photos regarding your raw transformation. Is Ruj going raw with you? Best wishes as you continue.

Love,
Crystal

[trinut001]

Wow you look so vibrant! You look great!! I love your Bernie too. He looks like a character. I have 3 dogs and 1 foster dog myself. they get me out hiking and jogging too.

[oai]

Before I was 120% raw :D. The rule was: fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, preferably in mono meals.
You see, salt is none of the above, cold pressed oils also, raw peanuts are considered like beans - also none of the above, onion and garlic were considered poisonous for man and not allowed, spices increase appetite - therefore also not allowed, mixing foods like I do now was not an option. This was all very good for the body, but not for the soul (at least not mine).
Water is very clean in our country. I think I have destroyed my hair with a hairdryer. Now I try to dry them naturally. I use something similar to conditioner, but I don’t have to wash it off. I hope I answered your questions

yes! you did. thanks so much for taking the time to answer them. :)

[jacsam]

Love your puppy...what a cute face. Congrats on your success.....I really love the way it shows in your face.

[petaltothemetal]

OMG! You looked middle aged in the first picture and now you look teenaged! Heeeyaaw!

[LNdolls]

You really look wonderful!

[Elena Ruj]

I’ve been trucking for two weeks now nonstop, which is why I am answering to you this late.
Raw Heaven you asked if Ruj is going raw with me. The answer is yes, but his transition is milder then mine, because he is sensitive to different foods and he also extremely picky for a Bernie. A year ago his was diagnosed with skin cancer and the doctor said he has 3months to 1year of life left, and yet, one year later his is as playful, childish and full of life as he was then. The cancer is still here, but I pray to angels every day, so they would heal one of its own. Back then I knew about how to heal humans with fasts and raw food, but didn’t knot nothing about how to heal a dog. This information came to me four months ago. We will see if we will be successful, we are certainly trying.

[Elena Ruj]

I almost forgot to tell you. The most amazing thing that happened to me with raw food is that I lost my overeating XXL appetite!!! I knew this happens with raw food, but I never believed it could happen to me, because I was always hungry for more food. For example; I used to eat two bowels (not plates, but actual bowels) of macaroni cheese in one meal, and because I didn’t feel satisfied afterwards I had to finish a large bag of chips or popcorn and of course some chocolate. And that was just for lunch! Now I see the difference how living foods actually feed my cells and therefore I feel satisfied and not hungry for more, after a meal. I believe that this is the key to overeating. I never felt that I eat too much because of some emotional problems - happy or sad, I always ate a lot (2 pancakes was nothing for me, I had to have 6 or more). Now I have 1/2kg (1,1lbs) of grapes and I feel complete!
And thanks again for all the beautiful comments, I just love them!!!:p

[HolyGuacamole]

WOW, you look amazing! I am so impressed and inspired!
Keep it up!


Sending love to Ruj, too. :)

[Pking]

I almost forgot to tell you. The most amazing thing that happened to me with raw food is that I lost my overeating XXL appetite!!! I knew this happens with raw food, but I never believed it could happen to me, because I was always hungry for more food. For example; I used to eat two bowels (not plates, but actual bowels) of macaroni cheese in one meal, and because I didn’t feel satisfied afterwards I had to finish a large bag of chips or popcorn and of course some chocolate. And that was just for lunch! Now I see the difference how living foods actually feed my cells and therefore I feel satisfied and not hungry for more, after a meal. I believe that this is the key to overeating. I never felt that I eat too much because of some emotional problems - happy or sad, I always ate a lot (2 pancakes was nothing for me, I had to have 6 or more). Now I have 1/2kg (1,1lbs) of grapes and I feel complete!
And thanks again for all the beautiful comments, I just love them!!!:p

That's so true about the appetite Elena! In my opinion, overeating is so common with the S.A.D diet because of the artificial flavors, refined sugar, and other chemicals ("preservatives") put in foods that cause people to crave foods.

Your pics look awesome! Great job!

[Elena Ruj]

I know normally, most of you don’t post pics for every month. But I took mine yesterday and was really excited about the progress (especially in the face) that I had to share them with you. Now I’m at 73kg - 160,6lbs. I always thought that I would have to have a face-lift done after the weight loss (because it was hanging really bad), but now I have my hopes up, that it wont be necessary, because the nature might just do its job. I’m adding another before pic so you can see the difference. Enjoy. :p
P.s.: On the before pics I’m always pulling my stomach in, if I didn’t, I looked like I was pregnant.:cool: Now I don’t have to do that anymore

[Jenifae]

You look Fantastic and Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That Amazing progress in only 3 months.

[Moretta]

You look amazing.

[Pking]

Beautiful pics! And yep, you definitely don't have to worry about the face-lift since your face looks great already. Eating raw can bring out the natural beauty of the facial features for sure. Way to go!:)

[RawHeaven]

----- duplicate post

[RawHeaven]

Elena, your updated pics are beautiful. I love your testimony about appetite and raw foods - wow it's so true. I hope that Ruj continues to heal as well. Thank you for sharing. :)

[MarinaNieta]

Hi Elena! I'm American but come from Croatian descent, and actually spent three months in Croatia recently, I just got back in August. I've driven through Slovenia, beautiful country!
Your progress looks wonderful, keep up the great work you really do look like a new soul!
XO Marina

[Aleesha Sattva]

gorgeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeous!!!!!

[Elena Ruj]

You look Fantastic and Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That Amazing progress in only 3 months.



Jennifae!! Ive been to your homepage and I was really excited to find out what you do (I love spiritual world myself). Thankyou for your post it means a lot!

[Raw Angel Mom]

Raw food is truly a miracle for everyone. Your skin is radiating and you not only look beautiful but you look so healthy.

Congratulations!

[Jenifae]

Elena

Awwwwwwwwwwwwh, your so sweet. Thanks for visiting my site. :)

Thank you back to you :)

[Elena Ruj]

gorgeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeous!!!!!


Aleesha, you and your story helped me get here!!! I’ve seen how you have transformed yourself into a new much, much younger person, that is full of life and then I wanted a piece of that




You look amazing.

You’re too nice!!



Beautiful pics! And yep, you definitely don't have to worry about the face-lift since your face looks great already. Eating raw can bring out the natural beauty of the facial features for sure. Way to go!:)

That coming from a man means extra much. Thank you!!



Elena, your updated pics are beautiful. I love your testimony about appetite and raw foods - wow it's so true. I hope that Ruj continues to heal as well. Thank you for sharing. :)

Like I said to Aleesha, your story too has motivated me in more ways you can imagine (weight loss, amazing beauty) you are a true inspiration.



Hi Elena! I'm American but come from Croatian descent, and actually spent three months in Croatia recently, I just got back in August. I've driven through Slovenia, beautiful country!
Your progress looks wonderful, keep up the great work you really do look like a new soul!
XO Marina

Wow that compliment about my soul. I just love it. And yes, Slovenia is very beautiful, we are not exotic and we are very small, but we have it all (the hills, the mountains, the lakes, the sea, sun and rain in right amounts, don’t tell anyone, but the people aren’t so nice :eek:, just kidding, or not :rolleyes:, hehe .



Raw food is truly a miracle for everyone. Your skin is radiating and you not only look beautiful but you look so healthy.

Congratulations!

Yeah, raw gives us our life back. And becoming better looking is a great (did I write that with small letters?), I mean GREAT bonus! Thank you! Your words are like summer breeze to my soul:-)

[islesgirl]

Elena, you look so much younger as well as so slim. Congratulations on your success at becoming healthy and even more lovely than you already were. You are wise to be doing this while you are young. And thank you so much for sharing your photos and experience because I really needed to see this tonight. I am going to use it to help me see the light at the end of the tunnel as far as Raw food can bring me to a better state of mind and overall health.:)

[Elena Ruj]

Elena, you look so much younger as well as so slim. Congratulations on your success at becoming healthy and even more lovely than you already were. You are wise to be doing this while you are young. And thank you so much for sharing your photos and experience because I really needed to see this tonight. I am going to use it to help me see the light at the end of the tunnel as far as Raw food can bring me to a better state of mind and overall health.:)



Your opinion of me is so beautiful and uplifting and I want to thank you for that. I’m sure you will get where you want to go, just start and raw food will lead the way for you. And not just with diet, everything else will start falling
into place.

Before when I was able to walk and run normally, one day when I was on a thread mill, somebody came up to me and said: Run your minimum! Don’t push yourself, your body will still develop strength and you will always love running if you will do it this way.

So I tried it. Every day I ran my minimum, without forcing myself, loving it all the way and two months later I ran my first 10k. It happened so naturally. If I would have forced myself over my limits, I probably would have ended up hating running, now I dream about it all the time.

I believe this can be applied to other things in life as well. Good luck to you

[Pking]

Hey that's awesome Elena Ruj. Keep up the good work

[Matches]

WOW !

So much change in just a few months! Congratz to you :)
Keep up the good work.

The best thing I like about the pictures you had taken after a few months are that you're smiling wide and happy.

Your dog is cute too, very cute. Looking at the background of the photo's I see you live in a very beautiful country aswell.

[Elena Ruj]

Hey Pking thanks.....again:p!


WOW !

So much change in just a few months! Congratz to you :)
Keep up the good work.

The best thing I like about the pictures you had taken after a few months are that you're smiling wide and happy.

Your dog is cute too, very cute. Looking at the background of the photo's I see you live in a very beautiful country aswell.

Slovenia is really beautiful, nature everywhere. I will post some pics of SLO soon. And Ruj, yeah he’s still an angel (in his own bernie way), thank you so much!

[tiggerbounce]

Hey! Raw foods made you transform into a puppy!:eek:

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e367/gatsby6306/111smileychubbyhilarious.gif


You look great!:D You have really made awesome progress. Keep it up!

[Elena Ruj]

Hey! Raw foods made you transform into a puppy!:eek:

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e367/gatsby6306/111smileychubbyhilarious.gif


You look great!:D You have really made awesome progress. Keep it up!


And a cute one too, huh:D!
Thanks for that other comment.

[SwishTN]

You look a MAZE ing!!

You say you still want to lose about 30lbs? I can't BELIEVE that??

You must be very tall, because you look GREAT!!!!!

How are you doing?

Blessings!

Lauri

[inny]

Elena you look beautiful. It is nice to hear that im not the only one here from Slovenia:D. Your progres is fantastic

[Elena Ruj]

SwishTN I'm 5'9' (176cm) tall and to tell you the truth I don't feel as fit as I look on the pics. Yeah I still have a lot of ponds to go, because I want to be skinny for the first time in my life; I've never been that way, even as a newborn baby I was heavy! Thank you for your comment, it made my day!!




:eek:Hey inny!!! Thanks for letting me know that you are here on this forum:D. I've tried to log on Slovenian one, but it's not working. Wow, I'm so excited I must write you an email in our language:confused:!

[*green*faery*]

You look great! Such progress! I mean, you look great at 200lbs, but now even better and you look so energetic and happy! I hope I follow in your footsteps! Thanks for sharing-

[KombuchaCHIC]

You look so happy in your after pictures! Cute puppy, too!

[Nayeli_Raw]

Good Job Skinny!!!

[gritsnla]

Looking for motivatin to get back to raw and I found it in your pictures and your story. Keep up the good works!

[appifanie]

i know this is old but . . .

BERNER!! <3

[Elena Ruj]

Well, I finally managed to shed a bit more weight, so here is another before and after. I think that by now the difference is getting more and more obvious.....and I'm loving it.....just loving every moment of it. I think that this is first time in my life that I acctually get atention as a woman:p....and I'm not even there yet I still have 7-10kg(16-22lbs) to go!:D

[siren]

You look great. Wonderful progress! Thanks for sharing.

[Princess Pamela]

very inspiring
thanks

[rawfigure]

looking very fine ! :pinspiring.

[Pking]

Way to go buddy...still a rawful beauty. :)

[Elena Ruj]

Thanks everyone.....like I said...just loving it (the compliments included:p)

[Veganforlife]

Isn't it amazing. Raw is a true live-giving force. Who knew? ;)

By eating, SIMPLY eating one can heal, one can enjoy, one can LIVE!!!

[freshlight]

wow! Hey, thanks for updating,-you look gorgeous :)

[Emmanuelle]

Well, you just look fantastic!!!
I also went to your update on page 4, you are looking so very athletic these days :)

And your dog, I just want to hug him! Such a nice dog :D

[groberts1998]

Great progress! Love your smile. You are a hottie.