Updatded pics of Aleesha

[Aleesha Sattva]

This is me at Christmas 2006. I gained a little more weight before the next picture (according to my friends who love me and were honest with me after I started releasing weight.)

http://www.timelessspirit.com/images/body/before.jpg

This is at me at my heaviest weight in 2007. I'm not really sure how much I weighted but I'm guessing I was pushing the 300 mark.

http://www.timelessspirit.com/images/body/bodyshotjune07.jpg

Now... today after 18 months of raw live foods. Not restricting my foods at all except when I'm fasting of course. Right now I'm almost 4 weeks into a fast which is mostly water and a little juices. Lots of supplements (chlorella, wheatgrass and spirulina). I've also taken MSM on and off this year. As you can see, I have no "ugly skin" - no saggy nothing. Hence why the first two shots are of me in a sports bra... so you can see that my skin looks normal.

http://www.timelessspirit.com/images/body/aleeshajan09.jpg

All my acne has cleared up and is a thing of the past. I no longer break out at all which is amazing since I always had acne before raw.

I am hoping to release another 25 pounds.

So... if you are pushing the 300 pound mark... take a look at these pictures and KNOW in your heart that this can be YOU!!!

[HolyGuacamole]

You look beautiful.

[JennaBoBenna]

WOW!!! Aleesha! you look amazing!!!!

[MiahTay]

Amazing and very encouraging! Thanks for posting the pics.

Blessings,
Heather

[Revvell]

Whoaaaaa! Amazing transformation!! Congrats my friend! Wow! You go gurl!

[Eva]

Holy moly!!! WOW!!! Amazing! Thank you for posting these! It's so inspiring to see the power of the human body to change for the better when given the opportunity!

[natieya]

These pictures give me hope! They are truly inspirational. During your raw journey, were you always 100% raw or were you more like 75% or so?

Once again, your pictures are remarkable. Congratulations on your success! I can only hope to be revealing my before and after pictures someday. :rolleyes:

-Nat

[Aleesha Sattva]

Nat, I was 100% raw 99% of the time. ;) Did I eat cooked here and there - yup, sometimes - but my focus was 100% raw.

Thank you everyone... I'm pretty happy with how my body is shaping up! The only 'working out' I do is: rebounding (http://www.timelessspirit.com/SEPT08/review2.shtml) and yoga.

[freshlight]

Aw, what a beautiful girl you are! Take care, Eva

[Bookish Lass]

Wowie, you look great!

[beckx]

wow lady, you used to look a lot older than 25. ;)

beautiful :)

[Hedi]

You rock, Aleesha! Thanks for providing such incredible inspiration. :)

P.S. I love the rebounding, too -- it's so freeing!

[Aleesha Sattva]

beckx, funny people were just discussing if you started to look younger from fasting... and here you are gifting me such a nice compliment... thanks - although i much say... i do look my age i think - 45 and loving it!!!

[Ilse W.]

You are my hero, Aleesha!

[Aleesha Sattva]

*blush* thanks

[IamLoved]

Aleesha,

Not only do you look healthier but you look happier too. Thanks for posting the photos.

[MelanieM]

Oh wow! You look beautiful! What an inspiring story! :D

[mountaintop]

Thanks for posting. You look so healthy. I really needed the perk today!

[Aleesha Sattva]

Aleesha,

Not only do you look healthier but you look happier too. Thanks for posting the photos.

I thought I was spiritual, I thought I was happy, I thought I was living a life of joy... and then raw foods came into my life (and fasting) and let me tell you... I was merely scratching the surface of life! It's truly amazing raw foods take you to a place you never could have even imagined.

[Aleesha Sattva]

I really needed the perk today!

and that is exactly why I decided to do this!

[sjpersonal]

AMAZING! You look great! You don't even look like the same person in the face, whch always surprises me when a person "releases" your word that they change so much in the face.

[Aleesha Sattva]

people who haven't seen me in a year or two... don't recognize me. they do recognize my hubby and then they say, "is that YOU? aleesha???"

*giggling*

[RaisingAlex]

Now that's my girl! You look fantastic! It is amazing what raw foods does for a body eh?

You look more and more like your little one everyday!

Love You!

[dreamspinner]

Thanks for sharing Aleesha! You look fantastic!

I really paid attention when you wrote 'no sagging skin' as I am at 320 pounds which I am down from my highest weight of 334. I keep trying and I won't give up no matter how many times I need to start the living foods!

Thanks for your inspiration.

[RawHeaven]

WOW!

Aleesha, you are beautiful. Holy moley (i'm fasting from cursing...lol) what an amazing transformation!!!!

[RawHeaven]

people who haven't seen me in a year or two... don't recognize me. they do recognize my hubby and then they say, "is that YOU? aleesha???"

*giggling*

ha! that is pretty funny. is that you aleesha? you should say, no, i am goddess aleesha.

[rawstrength]

Aleesha, your transformation has been really astonishing! Not only have you lost so much weight, but your eyes and skin have such a healthy glow. So many people lose weight, only to look pale, sickly and undernourished. You look terrific!
And as for looking your age . . . well, you look like you could be a student at my college.
PS: I love the new hairstyle.

[Aleesha Sattva]

giggling... goddess aleesha :D

dreamspinner... you CAN do it!!!

[Aleesha Sattva]

thanks rawstrength, same hairdo just a longer winter version to keep me warmer LOL

[rawhealth66]

FANTASTIC TRANSFORMATION! You really truly do look years younger, and I also say a hearty Thanks for sharing with us.

[Dimond]

Aleesha, you're inspiring for anyone trying to be healthy, improve their life or eat raw. Not just to lose weight. A great role model and example of raw for everyone.

[jacsam]

Shazam!!!!! Now that is incredible. You do look sooo much younger and I've seen people only lose 30 pounds and have hanging skin....yours really looks great.....no sagging on you girl. And the greatest blessing, your feeling healthy and full of energy. I'm so excited and inspired by you. THANKS!

[Pking]

Yowsers! You're beautiful! Keep up the great raw work buddy.

[Aleesha Sattva]

jacsam, trust me... nothing sags on me. not even my now-non-existant boobies LOL i thought they left town awhile ago but i woke up two days and realized... they are really really gone now LOL but hey i didn't have any before i had my first baby, so i have no problem going back ;)

thanks for the compliments everyone... i just wanted everyone to see... it IS possible!

[livin]

INSPIRING! Thank you for posting.

[Crazy Healer Lady]

I haven't read the whole thread yet. Just want to say WOWZA!!!! You are beautiful!!! Go you!

[curlygirl82]

Holy Moly, sister!!! :D:D:D

You look absolutely amazing! You were already an inspiration to me from your posts and blog - you have such a beautiful wisdom about you, and your generosity is so huge -- but now, to see this... I'm kinda speechless.

Show the world, lady! Thank you so much for sharing!!

[Aleesha Sattva]

wow, thank YOU curlygirl (((hugs)))

and thanks to everyone else as well. so kind of you all to post such beautiful words.

[katacykls]

Aleesha congratulations womban ! Keep the life force in you high, joyous, and vibrant. Yu look fabulous. What an inspiration you are to me and all that saw your pictures.

[firefaery]

You look beautifully healthy!!!! Congratulations on your commitment to health!

[Moretta]

You look amazing. Great job Aleesha.

[pixelkatt]

Wow Wow Wow!!!! :D Awesome! You are so beautiful!!! What a long way you have come!!!!!! :):D:)

[Aleesha Sattva]

i knoooooow. i've come into a whole new me!!!

[pixelkatt]

You have!! :D It's amazing what eating clean pure food can do for you.. Just amazing!! Seeing how much you have done and how much you have changed just makes me really look forward to my new life.. You are such an inspiration! :)

[AKRaw]

You look wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing your pics and where you started at. It is inspiring.

[Elena Ruj]

What a difference! Did I mention that you are breath-taking?

I'm very happy for you and your progress, but most of all I'm happy that you shared your pics and story. It is cause of people like you that I went raw 7 months ago and it is cause of pics like this, that I'm still here.

Thank you!

[shine72]

WAHOO! :D

Go girlie! "It's your birthday! We're gonna party like it's your birthday!"

Waaaaahhhhhhhh-freakin-hooooooooooo! Go Aleesha! :D

[Aleesha Sattva]

shine... you were here... holding the torch when i came ... and we are still here :D

let's party!!!!

thanks elena!

[GoingtoRAW]

Wow Aleesha - great pics - you look like a different person!!! I have about the same amount to lose and I am worried about loose skin. Without being to nosy - as you have lost weight is your skin tightening up (particularly in the belly area)??:rolleyes:

[Aleesha Sattva]

it is. it looks pretty normal. i do have lots of stretch marks... but i've had three kids LOL so that's no big surprise.

but i'm actually pulling in very nicely. i'll know better in another 20 pounds... which won't take that long since i'm fasting. so another 3 weeks i should be able to answer this better for ya.

but at this point... i have nothing that saggy or baggy.

[Veganforlife]

HOLY MAMA! WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!

You are absofreakinglutely beautious!


I LOVE YOU!!!

[Raw Angel Mom]

You should send your testimony to Oprah!

You look so happy, free and FANTASTIC!

Congratulations!

[ncadotte]

You look really great Aleesha! When did you start exercising? (You said you rebound and do yoga.) Was it right away or after you lost some weight?

I've been struggling lately with staying high raw and am thinking of adding in some sort of exercise routine to help. Maybe I need some extra endorphins to keep me focused! :) Again, you look beautiful!

[Aleesha Sattva]

in jan 08 - i started working out at a gym for about 9 weeks... 5 days a week while doing yoga (i did yoga right from the start once a week).

then i went to just doing yoga and then in june08 i got a bellicon rebounder and fell in love with it!

lucy, you are so adorable... thanks!!! i can see you jumping up and down typing that. *giggling*

angellove, the last thing i'd ever want to do is be on oprah. ;) but thanks.

[adiebabe]

Wow....incredible! You look fantastic! In my case, I'm not doing this for weight (though I appreciate it's an added bonus :p), more for health but as I looked at your photos I was thinking, you probably feel a hundred times better now too! Less strain on your body, more energy, etc...the difference must feel wonderful to you! It's amazing how easily we can all let ourselves get to a place with our bodies and health and don't quite realise how bad a state we're in, then something 'wakes' us up and as we improve, we think what the heck was I doing eating (or whatever) that way?! LOL!

You look wonderful (and feel fantastic I'm sure!) and I thank you for sharing, you're an inspiration to what raw can do for a person's health!

[Aleesha Sattva]

oh I came here for my health... the weight is a total bonus. Now that I have my health... I'm focusing more on releasing the residual weight. ;) 20 more pounds and I'm done!!!

[Aleesha Sattva]

HOLY MAMA! WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!

You are absofreakinglutely beautious!


I LOVE YOU!!!

gosh I love you!!!

[RawHeaven]

You should send your testimony to Oprah!

You look so happy, free and FANTASTIC!

Congratulations!

I told ya so Aleesha....that you were going to be on Oprah. I think they're going to find you and be in touch. You don't have to lift a finger. I know it's not your goal, but it is already done unless it changes. haha. :p

Just have to say WOW again, you are amazing.

[Aleesha Sattva]

you know what... you all make me feel amazzzing. thank you sooooo much.

what a beautiful gift this thread has turned out to be. i did it share with the newbies... so they knew what is possible if they do raw... but you all turned it into a gift to me - thank you!!! (((hugs)))

[Morn]

Looking Good Girl! :D

Rejoice and celebrate for all you have accomplished. All the Fasting and Raw foods have truly been good to you! You look amazing!

Congrats.

Morn

[Aleesha Sattva]

ya i believe it's the combo that's really doing it for me!

[rawwannabie]

For a newbie, you are a total inspiration.

GORGEOUS!!!!

Leah

[Aleesha Sattva]

when i read that i thought you were saying i was a newbie and an inspiration LOL

*giggling* thanks!

[rsloan]

Wow Aleesha! You look AMAZING!!

[AutumnBreezColordLeavz]

You have good reason to celebrate. Obvious visuals of transformation equates into more motivation for sure! 145 now but I know you will continue to chisel down to your bodies ideal weight.

[Aleesha Sattva]

*cough* i'm 139 *cough*

walks back into the room to continue fasting...

*smiling*

[w H i te D a i S y]

I've been following your journey for a really long time and your persistance is truly inspirational! You look amazing :)

[Aleesha Sattva]

i laid in bed last and realized that i really do look fine. i don't 'have' to release more weight. i'd like to... but i don't have to.

that felt really good. amazing what a year can do to your life!

thanks daisy.

[klomasius]

i laid in bed last and realized that i really do look fine. i don't 'have' to release more weight. i'd like to... but i don't have to.

that felt really good. amazing what a year can do to your life!

thanks daisy.

What a really great attitude to have!

You look wonderful by the way, a completely amazing transformation. :D

[Aleesha Sattva]

thanks klo!

[Misoi]

The pictures are really inspiring! I was wondering what supplements you're taking to stay healthy? I can see you're really glowing in the afters.

[Aleesha Sattva]

i don't take supplements.

i do take chlorella, spirulina and wheatgrass... but not on a regular basis. and i occasionally take msm powder. but that's it!

i just wanna put a link to my test results (http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?p=493927#post493927)in this thread... for when they are both "old threads"...

[veganman]

Fantastic!

[rubyhair]

You look AMAZING!!
Thank you for the inspiration. I needed that today. I have been at a plateau for a few weeks and feeling a little discouraged, even though i'm not far from my goal weight.

Also, I would like to know what your height is, because you are currently close to my goal weight. I have never been close to that weight so I don't know what I/my body will look like. As far as yoga goes, do you take classes or do it at home with videos? I am intrested in beginning to do yoga. I appreciate any advice. Thank you.

And keep it up! You're awesome!

p.s. one more question, what kind of fasting are you doing? Thanks :D

[Aleesha Sattva]

take a class... the instruction is (in my opinion) vital to learning the poses correctly :) the video can't say... "your knees are too close together - straighten your back* etc.

i'm 5'4" and 45 years old.

i'm doing a juice and water fast. depends on the day as to what i'm consuming. today is the beginning of week 6.

[rubyhair]

thank you!

[Conscious Midwife]

Simply Amazing!!!

Kudos on your blood work too...:)

[carolg]

What a beauty you are inside / out. Wow those pictures have to ignite any fire in those who want to lose and know it is possible. You are LIVING proof.

Great job sis! Feel free to email me..not always here....

carolg

[Aleesha Sattva]

hey carol i haven't seen your beautiful face in what seems like forever!!!

thanks life!

[PamRaw]

Aleesha, I don't want to overuse the word, but you truly do look amazing! You said there's "no saggy nothing"? Well, that's not quite true... those pants you have on are sagging just a bit in the behind! :p

Pam

[turbogurl]

I'm going to remember to look at pictures like yours when I'm tempted by all the cheeseburgers and fried foods at the restaurant where I work, you look GREAT!!!

[Aleesha Sattva]

pam, you made me giggle. *smiling*

and yup, that's what i did. looked at the before and after shots of people to inspire myself but within a few weeks... i was inspiring myself by looking in the mirror! you will too!

[muddskipper]

I am so impressed!!! Thanks so much for this motivating thread. I'm only on day 4 and going through detox stuff right now- so great to see this. You look AMAZING!

[Raene]

Yay, what fabulous pictures!

[Aleesha Sattva]

mudd, you can totally do the same (if you need to that is)... it's not hard at all. just eat raw. ;)

thanks raene :)

[deberaw]

(((((HUGS)))))) Thank You for sharing Aleesha! You look amazing, radiant, so healthy....Cheers! :D Deb

[Aleesha Sattva]

deb... I LUB YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Frugal Raw]

Yowza!!!! You look incredible!!!!!! Huzzah!!!!!!

[Aleesha Sattva]

hey thanks mattye (((hugs))) do you have any updated pics for me to see?

[Frugal Raw]

Not at this time...I've been working a nightmare job in a very toxic environment since Halloween and my skin is to the point of breakouts. I had to leave the CNA work I love and take a desk job - the place is a toxic petrie dish and I am making this Sunday my last day there...taking a leap of faith.

[Aleesha Sattva]

oh that sucks (((hugs))) are you going back to the CNA?

[Frugal Raw]

not yet - but I may go into home health care. I love the work, but my legs won't hold up to the rigors of 12 hour shifts and 10+ patients at the hospital. I think I could handle one at a time all day tho...but what I am doing for now will be working from home, writing, illustrating, doing art, and hopefully also building up a reiki practice. I am getting back to ME and back away from the person I never wanted to be. :D

[Aleesha Sattva]

sounds like you are on your path!!! (((light)))

[cara4art]

Wow - came in late on this thread - WHAT a fantastic job! You're a new woman - it shines from every part of you! As someone else said, Oprah so has to find you...You will be a total inspiration to people who think they'll never be able to drop their excess weight. You look amazing - as they say, keep on RAWKING! People out there HAVE to know they can turn this around and get into the most amazing health of their lives! BTW, Markus Rothkrantz should find you too - last year, his motivational YouTube videos kept me going. Google him, and you will see what I mean. Philip McCluskey who lost a ton of weight also...

[Katie P]

I'm lovin' the tatts! You'll look AMAZING!

[usernancy]

Wow!! Congrats you look fab!!

[Aleesha Sattva]

thank you thank you thank you *giggling*

[lovinlocks]

Aleeeeehsa, bless your heart girl. I am SO proud of you and I don't even know you. Oh my gawd, you should write an inspirational book to tell your story I know others would be most encouraged. I know I am. And here I thought this 190 lbs. was something . . . I have nothing to complain about and need to get off my phat butt and go 100% and quit playing.

Bravo!

[Aleesha Sattva]

100% raw RAWKS!!! it does it does it does!!!

[Pitaya]

WOWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Aleesha! way to go, and thanks for sharing your wondrous transformation. how beauty-full for us all to witness :)

[AutumnBreezColordLeavz]

Keep the ball rolling! Congrats!

[annavon]

Aleesha you truly are an inspriation. I am glad I am checking on Raw Food Talk again. As an accountant, I couldn't resist calculating your average weekly weight loss. It comes out to a healthy 2 pounds a week, which is what most experts say is the most healthy weigh loss because you are more likely to keep it off when you have released it slowly. I'm sure you probably had some weeks of huge losses and some weeks with just a little, but overall you have done a great job!!!! You did it the healthy way. You look so beautiful.

I still have about 20 pounds to release due to falling off the raw food program due to some awful emotional things with ex-hubby passing away. I still tear up when I think about it.

[bigfish]

That's really impressive. Congrats!

[Aleesha Sattva]

thanks anna... i appreciate you doing the math. i never did... so this is nice to hear!

i hear you on stress... when i'm stressed out... i fast. keeps me from bingeing which i KNOW i'd do...

thanks everyone else. just remember... it wasn't a challenge for me to do this... i just simply ate my veggies! *giggling*

[ladyg]

Aleesha, you are one of the main sources of excitement and commitment that made me want to... and believe I could do this. Thank you for your shining example!

You look AMAZING and waaaaay younger than your years. Rock on girl!!

[Aleesha Sattva]

i am so touched and blessed to have inspired you. you can do this!!! you can you can you can!!!

[zeros&ones]

You are looking, and feeling i bet, amazing and beautiful. You look so happy. Love your hair.'

What does your sleeve design have on it?

Like a new person:) it feels good doesn't it!?

[Aleesha Sattva]

my sleeve has a buddha - we took a pic of the one in my garden and tattooed it on my inner wrist. i also have a reiki symbol (i'm a reiki m/t) - a spider web on my elbow cause all gardens have spider webs (and i wanted something a little old school in this tat).

on the front of my forearm is a guide i work with inworld (shamanic) holding a ball of light in each palm. above her and around her is a garden of flowers. i have three lilies, one for each of my kids with their favourite colours in each one. my son is orange as he looooved orange when he was little. my youngest daughter is purple and green and my eldest is pink and cranberry. we chose lilies as they are my hubby's fav. flower.

there's a little caterpillar as well... which signifies the "very hungry caterpillar" my three kids fav. book when they were little. i have a dragonfly on the top of my shoulder as a tribute to my friend who committed suicide last summer.

a little australian spider on the web on my elbow... representing my mom as she's australian.

[winsomehill]

Wow. I'm in awe.

[cz213]

Beautiful! :)

[Aleesha Sattva]

ah thanks you two.

i'm in awe of the changes in my body as well. when i look in the mirror some days i just stop and stare at my new face... my neck... the fact that i can see my collar bones!!! i didn't even know i HAD collar bones before LOL

[durian]

You look so healthy, radiant and *fit*. I'd guess you were 35, max. Aw, I'm inspired.

[DancerGirl]

WOW!!!

what an inspiration!! You look beautiful!!!
Also, you really have that famous raw glow!!! :)

[Aleesha Sattva]

thank you both so much. i needed a little pick me up and here you both are...

[Stephen28]

You look amazing. I bet you feel great. Well done! Best of luck reaching you goal!

[Aleesha Sattva]

thanks so much :)

[Raw Hope]

Aleesha your amazing this is awesome

[Raw Kindness]

You are truly an inspiration!!

[Aleesha Sattva]

thank you so much :)

[iwuvmydoggy]

that is AMAZING!!! you look absolutely wonderful! :D what an inspiration!!! keep up the awesome work! you are a true inspiration to people! SURGERY IS OBVIOUSLY NOT THE ANSWER!!!

did you do anything special for your skin? i am pretty hefty right now (LOOOONG story) & looking at this is like "wow! i want that, too!!" lol so please lemme know :D

[health-nugget]

Beautiful and inspiring. You should be extremely proud of yourself :)

[Aleesha Sattva]

i took MSM in powder form for my skin but other than that... a little skin brushing here and there but nothing else except raw live food!!!

and yup, nugget... i'm very proud of myself *beaming*

[iwuvmydoggy]

i took MSM in powder form for my skin but other than that... a little skin brushing here and there but nothing else except raw live food!!!

and yup, nugget... i'm very proud of myself *beaming*

Ohhh That's cool! I didn't know MSM was good for your skin! I just thought it was good for your joints. lol But hey, thank you for the tip! That's awesome!

I have that chlorella stuff however you spell it, and I take green vibrance & wheat grass. I haven't taken MSM in years, but I used to. They feed it to horses to help with their joints... At least around where I live they do.. So I used to buy mine at the feed store in bulk... I don't know if you knew about getting it from there, but you might check into it & see if you can save yourself any money :D Every dollar counts these days! :D

Thanks again for the inspiration & the tips. :)

[shakti17]

wow! you look great! like a new woman

[Aleesha Sattva]

thanks :)

in light,
Aleesha

[rawbabymama]

I'm peeking in at this forum...wow! Congratulations! What an amazing difference!

I bet you feel fantastic :-)

[Cheremoya]

You look great, too skinny is unattactive, to me.;)

[Aleesha Sattva]

i do feel fantastic!!!

[asecretchord]

What an incredible transformation!

[Aleesha Sattva]

in every way imaginable! i feel soooo healthy and alive now. :)

[asecretchord]

You are very inspiring. :)

[Aleesha Sattva]

trust me... everyone who goes and stays raw is inspiring... cause our stories are so similar. we find great health and weight release (if needed)... and our lives become so much more than we ever dreamed...

:D

[desertowl]

trust me... everyone who goes and stays raw is inspiring... cause our stories are so similar. we find great health and weight release (if needed)... and our lives become so much more than we ever dreamed...

:D

Awesome job Aleesha! You look great.

[freelive]

Wow! We all can get anywhere we want to be no matter where we are now if we focus on what we want. You certainly did, Aleesha.

[The French One]

I think I've never given my opinion here, despite having seen your transformation before. This is purely amazing and unbelievable. You're thinner, sure, but your face looks younger, your skin seems to have no stretch mark, you glow. I don't have the same weight to lose (I was just slightly overweight and now my BMI is normal, even if I still have a few pounds left to lose) but your example is really motivating and inspiring.
I'm glad for you! You seem so much healthier! Congratulations and thank you for sharing!

[Aleesha Sattva]

my girlfriend was just saying last night that she's blown away with how "not saggy" my skin is after releasing so much weight. she said she has friends who have lost much less and have saggy skin.

it made me smile!!!

[somelikeitraw]

Thank you Aleesha! Inspirational, awe-inspiring, motivational, these words simply aren't enough. Fantastic, gorgeous, beautiful, moving, these words aren't enough either. In fact, I'm betting there really are no words that are good enough to describe the way I feel looking at your pics, reading your story, reading your posts. You bring us all up so effortlessly just by being you!

[Aleesha Sattva]

honestly there aren't words to describe how great i feel now that i've released all that weight and changed my lifestyle to a raw life.

;)

[SwishTN]

Hi Aleesha!

I know I have told you congrats on your journey before, but I just HAVE to say it again.

I have shown people your before and afters, especially people who have quite a bit to lose, and they just do NOT believe it is possible. They think you are making it up. I think that they WANT to think that way so that they can have the easy way out, lap band and then skin surgery. YUK!!!!!!

But, thank you for being such a tremendous inspiration!!

Did you drop that last 20 yet??? : P You must be ready for new pictures. You AND Lucy!!!

Conrats again!!!

Lauri

[Aleesha Sattva]

i've sat at the same weight for almost a year now. my face, arms, legs, ankles are still getting thinner but i still have a tummy. i don't really care though, i'm very comfy at this weight (154) and if i stay here... then so be it. ;)

if you show them my pics on my coaching site, it may change their mind since you can see my tattoos in all the pic so you know it's not fake LOL

i have a new raw food client who came to me from my magazine. she said she missed a couple of issues of the mag and thought someone new had taken over the magazine cause she didn't recognize me. then she saw my before and afters and realized it was the same person LOL

i sure do love being raw. no question i'll be raw forever.

[SwishTN]

That's right about your tattoos!! I actually used them myself as a way of knowing it was true or not ; )... Thanks for reminding me, ha!!!

154 is nothing to sneeze at !!! You look absolutely amazing...

But what's most important is how you feel, which I KNOW is leaps and bounds better.

It just makes me sad that people "choose" not to believe, because it makes them accountable.

Oh well...

Way to GO!!!!

Lauri

[Aleesha Sattva]

doesn't bother me at all if they don't believe it. i'm living it and that's all that really matters to me. the people who know me... they know i'm living it as well... ;)

just so you know (and anyone else reading this)... IMO 100% raw is important when you first go raw to release weight. once you get where you wanna be, if you want to switch it up a little... then so be it. sometimes (for example) i have non-raw salad dressing. no biggie in my world now but it certainly made a difference when i first went raw.

so remember... you can go 100% and once you get where you want to be health-wise and weight-wise... you can relax to a nice 98% raw life. ;)

[joliepolie]

I hope to have the success you have..however after having had 5 c-sections I do not hold out much hope for having skin that doesn't sag on my abdomen.I truly think I have been more scared to have a saggy skinned body than to hold onto my weight.I have seen the effects of people losing alot of weight and it can be pretty disturbing for the person.I know it would be difficult for me.I am glad you did not have to endure that after effect!!!:)

[Mandy]

wow! Aleesha, you are not 45? You look my age (25). I want to look like you when I'm 45. And you pics in a sports bra do clear up a lot of misconception. I've had a lot of people ask about sagging, loose skin from loosing weight so fast.

[Veganforlife]

Okay! Now we need a baby bump photo...

[green jeanie]

hey aleesha

since i put up some photos i floated around that part of the site a bit and just want to say WOW WOW WOW and i know those after pictures are probably old as well

as a health care provider, i just want you to know what an amazing soul you are to have dedicated your focus, energy and love onto your life to make this kind of change.

hero status!!!

[Aleesha Sattva]

jolie, i haven't found a raw foodist who has the SAD weightloss skin you are talking about no matter how many c-sections they have. ya, i have that c-smile... but not the SAD skin... ;)

and yup, i'll post a babe bump pic soon!

[Redrocket]

Looking good girl!!! I was wondering about the skin deal. I have lost 25 lbs since June 1st 100% raw 0% cooked since I started. My goal weight is 165-175, yes I'm a man. It's cool to see that your skin looks so good! I'm looking forward to being at my normal weight again and as of right now I am no longer considered obese:p

[Aleesha Sattva]

red, isn't that the best feeling... when you are no longer considered obese! i know it was a huge thing for me.

i'm still considered overweight by 'standards' but i don't care. i feel amazing!

[freelive]

Exactly, Aleesha, feeling good is I what I am or, not specific pounds. And the best part is, that I can feel good or at least better by simply choosing better feeling thoughts right now. I don't have to put off feeling good untill certain point.
I never had so much fun releasing weight before. Now I appreciate my body just as it is for most part. Now I am enjoying fasts and enjoying exercise, because they are fun, when I stopped looking at them like at something I "should" do.

[margoss]

Just looked at this...what a testimony girl!!! You certain don't look your age. I thought you were no more than 30 from your pic.

[Aleesha Sattva]

why thank YOU!

[Mandi68]

Nat, I was 100% raw 99% of the time. ;) Did I eat cooked here and there - yup, sometimes - but my focus was 100% raw.

Thank you everyone... I'm pretty happy with how my body is shaping up! The only 'working out' I do is: rebounding (http://www.timelessspirit.com/SEPT08/review2.shtml) and yoga.

Hi Aleesha you are looking fantastic! ;)

I am curious did you have any stretch marks or scars before going raw?
I have read stories of peoples experiences on a raw based diet/lifestyle and also with MSM powder and super foods/supplements, having scars/stretch marks reduce/dissapear, did you notice any of these added benefits after your raw food lifestyle transition?

Thank you Aleesha
take care & keep it raw :)

[Aleesha Sattva]

Yes I had lots of stretchmarks and honestly... they are still there. I don't care about them though. They are just sorta clear marks on my belly and hips that remind me of the beautiful babies I've birthed. (((hugs)))

[easyrawliving]

wow! wow!.............................................. ................... did I mention, wow! Thank you for posting... I am nearer the 210 mark (guessing as the last time I stepped on the scale it said 208 and that was a couple weeks ago).... but the shape is very familiar.... I look forward to regaining my health, fitness, and body... well done, you!

[xPIXIEx]

They are just sorta clear marks on my belly and hips that remind me of the beautiful babies I've birthed. (((hugs)))

Same here. I got over mine pretty quickly & no longer mind that they are there.

[Aleesha Sattva]

easy... you can soooooooooooooooooo do this!!! :)

[Ahngele]

You look beautiful!!

[Aleesha Sattva]

ah thanks Ahngele!

[Raw4everwoman]

Amazing!!!! This is an inspiration for us :)

[ZaeZae]

Thanks Aleesha! You look AMAZING!!

I've been struggling to stay raw, even though I feel great eating this way. I just have had a hard time planning my meals and food and then planning for my family as well. I've given in this past week and it shows, I'm trying to get re-motivated. Your pics are just what I needed.

Thanks so much!

[Aleesha Sattva]

excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BethMO]

Aleesha it has all been said before me about how very wonderful your transformation is how inspiring it is but I wanted to also say way to go. Also could you please share a bit more about the fasting part, how long on what; water, juice... constituted the transformation? What would you say felt helped the best in releasing weight making you feel best if anything especially helped with any cravings/desires? This type of thing. (I would ask for you to send some reiki my way but not certain it is okay?)

[Aleesha Sattva]

I released my weight BEFORE I fasted Beth. Raw foods is what created this transformation! Raw live foods. (and lots of them... and heaps of desserts too)

[Raw Creator]

Aleesha, I just saw your "transformation" photos - wow! You're truly inspiring.
I visit RFT forum once in awhile, today for motivation. Your accomplishments are empowering. Great work :)

[RawHealthyBeauty]

Aleesha!! You look great!! You definitely look like you're in your twenties!! A vibrant glow is just beaming out of you!! This is truly a wonderful transformation on raw food. You Raw'k!! :)

[buckyroc]

you are truly an inspiration....you look fantastic

[Aleesha Sattva]

thank you all. i'm feeling so much better now that i'm fasting and getting back to the 'real' me again. (((hugs)))

[bikediva]

You must be sooo strong to have been able to find the faith to START! And to believe in yourself so much. And now everyone else believes it, too.

I think you look so beautiful in your after pictures, and it's refreshing to see that you have a relaxed attitude about your weight. The beauty of what you did is SO far beyond a number on a scale. You did the impossible! You healed!!!

[Aleesha Sattva]

i did heal... i healed so many things.

for me, living raw is way more than my weight or what i can or can't eat... it's about being loving to this body - the only one i get in this lifetime... and it gifts me so much. the ability to smell, hear, touch... to walk, smile and enjoy a hot summers day. how can i gift it anything less than the best?

[Mnbordergirl]

Congrats! Wow!

Aleesha, what an awesome journey you have had. I am going to keep these close for motivation.

[ReneeH]

Wow!!!!! I can't believe I'm just now seeing this!!! Aleesha you're amazing!!!! Such an inspiration!!!! Wow!!!!

[Aleesha Sattva]

hahahaha you've never seen my thread before Renee? *giggling*

Thanks MN.

[DRiz]

:eek:I can only ditto everything that's already been said above.

You are such an inspiration....thank you!

Donna

[Aleesha Sattva]

*beaming* thanks!

[Aleesha Sattva]

Thought I'd share a pic of me and my daughter from today. She went raw on Feb. 1st this year... so she's been high raw for 7 months now. Here's a link to her threads: http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=59603

Anyway, here's the pic!

[RawLibrarian]

You both look great, Aleesha!

(Oh, and happy belated birthday! Turns out you share the same b'day as my sister!)

Hugs,

Betsy aka Raw Librarian

[Aleesha Sattva]

Thanks Betsy. We feel great (which is even more important) :)

[Shoshannah]

Wow.... SOOOO beautiful!

Your daughter shares your smile... a smile that is so incredibly vibrant, natural, and shiny that it can only come from within!

Peace and love to you both!

[Aleesha Sattva]

Ah thanks! :)

[RawHealthyBeauty]

Beautifully joyfully raw-kin glowing bright with awesomeness!!! :)

[Aleesha Sattva]

i am i am i am *giggling*

[missyc]

Great picture! Congrats to both of you for your great success!

[Aleesha Sattva]

thanks miss!

[GoodCat]

Aleesha... I just saw this. Wow... you two are beautiful!! Congrats to your daughter for staying high raw.
And I love your juice in your hand ;).

You two are both **precious**giggle**

Cathy :D

[Aleesha Sattva]

giggling... myyyy precious... (((hugs)))

[freelee]

Gosh Aleesha you have come SO far! Amazing, very inspiring thank you.

[Aleesha Sattva]

thanks freelee ;)

[smartiesoup]

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Wooooooooow! You look like a different person!!!

[Aleesha Sattva]

i am a different person! right now... i'm the smallest i've been in my adult life! raw works! and you can go from where you are now to where you want to be. so don't give up!!! (((hugs)))

[monkapotapus]

WooHoo! Look at those collar bones Chica!!!! :cool:
I like your new avatar :D

[Aleesha Sattva]

thanks mama!

[ReneeH]

Meeee Tooooo!!!! I LOVE your new photo!!!! You look beautiful Aleesha!!!! :)

[Aleesha Sattva]

thanks Renee :) (((hugs))) new avatar as of now. ;) (from my photo shoot today)

[GlimR]

I'd love to see more....you just glow....you are beautiful!!!!!:D

[Aleesha Sattva]

thanks Glimr. I just posted a thread in personal growth with some pics... here's a link (http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=62104)

[Rawism]

YIKES!! You look AMAZING!! What an inspiration!

[Aleesha Sattva]

Thanks so much!!!

[Bananna]

Nice job Aleesha!!

[Aleesha Sattva]

thanks ban!

[rawfoodromance]

Wow...
It must feel incredible to be free of the extra weight!
You are such an inspiration :)
xoxox

[Aleesha Sattva]

You wouldn't believe what a woman who's 130 pounds can do that a woman who's 300 pounds can't.

Like reach parts of my body with my hands. Couldn't never even reach my back - muchless scratch it!

Bending... I can bring my knees so high up on my chest... whereas before... they where against my flesh... but not near the bones in my chest!

So many changes... all of them good!

[rawpromises]

There are no other words except you are beautiful inside and out.

[Aleesha Sattva]

ahhhhh thanks!!! i feel like i've been hugged!

[healthywealthy]

HUGS from me too :)congrats,so very happy for you,so happy for us xxxx

[ready4raw]

for sharing, I am almost 280 lbs so I love the inspiration you have shared! getting going this week. I will have to look to see if you posted if you kept the fats and fruit low while losing. enjoy your life, Terry

[Aleesha Sattva]

nope. i ate ate ate ate ate... i made sure it was raw... and i melted away the fat on my body!!!

follow alissa's plan... that's what i did (for the most part) cause i fasted as well. short little 3-5 day fasts for the most part... :)

[Shelly11]

Congrats Aleesha, you are a such an inspiration!

[Aleesha Sattva]

ah thanks *blush*

[puzit19]

woooohooooo :) you shine all over the site girl ! thanks for the post and the pics... been looking for something else on the site and than your post popped up... i believe that anything that happens- happens for a reason... and im soo glad to see you rawking on this site with your happiness and shininess heehee :) thank you dear !

[Aleesha Sattva]

an thanks ;)

[English Tracy]

I'm so glad I read through this entire thread. It has given me great inspiration as I'm starting the 30 day challenge on 1st January 2011.

I've lost weight before on raw - approx 60lbs, which I put back on plus more. I now need to lose about 95lbs (yay I've said it) and Aleesha's story shows it can be done.

And I love the fact that Aleesha has no saggy skin and she looks about 20 years younger than she used to!!

Thanks for sharing your story.

Tracy

[Aleesha Sattva]

it's funny reading about me in third person LOL

it does work Tracy... and you are right... no saggy skin on my body. I'm not 18... but I'm not sagging like people who release 170 pounds look and they do it with SAD foods and drug therapy etc.

I highly recommend taking MSM while you are eating raw. Just a tiny bit each day... don't overdo it.

This is where (http://www.bio-alternatives.net/msm.htm) I buy mine from... really high quality!

[English Tracy]

Hi Aleesha,

I am in England and I have seen MSM for sale BUT not sure what people take it for!

Please explain - and how it helped you.

Thanks.

Tracy x

[Aleesha Sattva]

it assists with the elasticity of your skin and when releasing heaps of weight (like i did) i felt it was important to make sure i had enough in my diet.

only foods that are grown outside in the sun and watered by the rain have MSM in them... so with all the greenhouse foods in our markets... i wanted to increase mine.

[Pitaya]

incredible, Aleesha! you shine, before and after! blessings! :) :) :)

[RawGirl4Health]

Wow amazing! I needed to read this today. I am stuck in a raw vs cooked debate mentally :/ I was so successful initially w/ raw, but now that its winter, I am struggling a bit more (craving warmer foods). But, these pics / comments are really encouraging! Thank you, you look fantastic. You should be SO proud Aleesha :D

[Aleesha Sattva]

Thank you both!!!

[ReneeH]

I just showed this thread to my Mom and it has REALLY inspired her!!! She wants to do a 10 day fast with me!!! Thank you so much for continuing to inspire all of us! We just LOVE you!!!! :D

[Aleesha Sattva]

that's the BEST news renee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[raspberryswirl]

Wow, Aleesha! Your pictures have really inspired me to get back to eating raw foods again! Incredible. Your writing about how your acne has vanished is music to my ears, as I have suffered with cystic acne for years!

Thank you so much for sharing your before and after photos!

[Aleesha Sattva]

you are so welcome Rasp!

[RawHealthyBeauty]

Hey Aleesha, thanks for posting about the MSM. I got some today! And very very happy about it. I used to take it alooooong time ago and really liked how I felt when I took it then. So thanks and I would love to say it again > you look amazing!!! I told my mom about your story. She's so happy for you and find your story so awesome!!! :cool: Thought it was cool that I told my mom about you, then read Renee's post about how she shared it with her mom too!!! I love it when getting in sync happened!!! Much love to you and keep shining on!!! :)

[Aleesha Sattva]

being in sync is a lovely thing indeed!!! (((hugs)))

*smiling*

[climbing]

Wow, I just barely saw the new pics. You are beaaaaauuuuutifffullll! :)

[Aleesha Sattva]

ah thanks climb! (((hugs)))

[Sophie429]

You are quite an inspiration Aleesha! Wow! (c:

[MyRedPanda]

Wow that is amazing! Great job!

[Aleesha Sattva]

thought i'd add a pic of myself... this is from earlier this week.

i took this pic for one of my fasting clients. they wanted to know if i was 'too thin' and i assured them i'm not. :dance: so i took a pic for them.

second pic is me in my new cowboy boots i bought this week.

132 pounds (5'4")
5 weeks into my extended fast

[Mindy Sue]

Great pictures Alisha! and love the boots! What are they made of?

[Aleesha Sattva]

leather *very non-vegan... *

[GoodCat]

Look at you!! Soooooo pretty :heart

[Aleesha Sattva]

*curtsey*

[BlackKat]

WOW! The new pics look great! I'm so jealous of your new boots

[Aleesha Sattva]

I am in looooooooooove with my boots!!! Thanks!

[Lady Green Jeans]

You look awsome! Your new boots are a great attitude. Love them. Jealous, too.

[streetsurfer]

Just as in your avatar, in your recent pics you look happier than a colt (filly) in clover.

[Aleesha Sattva]

giggling... thanks Street!

[lizbar]

you look beautiful! you have been such an inspiration on this board. You deserve to look and feel awesome!!
liz:woohoo:

[Aleesha Sattva]

*blush*
:kisses:

[effortlessvegan]

You look fabulous!! How inspiring and thanks for posting.

[Conscious Midwife]

Oh my goddess you continue to go through these awesome metamorposis.
Like how does a beautiful butterfly morph into an even more beautiful butterfly.

Thanks for sharing and inspiring!:heart

[Aleesha Sattva]

ahhhhhhh thanks so much :hug

I feel more beautiful and happier with my body than I ever have in my entire life. Ahhhh what raw live foods and raw live juices do for the body!!!

[The Sproutarian (Mr Raw)]

WOW!

l had no idea you made such an amazing transformation, l am stunned.

Going raw really brought your beauty out. You must be so proud.

[Aleesha Sattva]

I am very pleased indeed. Thanks.

[MyRedPanda]

Can I just say wow. You look amazing, not even like the first person in the picture 17 ish pages back :)

[Aleesha Sattva]

I'm not the same person mentally, spiritually, physically, emotionally, consciously and un-consciously either. The transformation has been total and complete! And the wonderful thing is... there's more to come! Ahhhh I love my life!

[MyRedPanda]

That is great to hear. You can only get better, right?

[Aleesha Sattva]

Exactly!!!

[streetsurfer]

It's been a treat watching you blossom, repair your vessel, and expand your horizons during the short time I've been here. Just think of the many, many people who may have begun to change their lives for the better as a result of seeing what can be done through your own healthy choices. You're the sower of many a good seed. Bless you!