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Kalehua
02-07-2009, 05:12 PM
Hello all,

I wanted to first introduce myself before I started posting and asking questions.

My name is Jessica and I've been a vegetarian for around 18 years. Yet, not a healthy one. My diet was/is made up of mostly pastas, frozen foods, breads, and dairy. I first heard about raw years ago but didn't take much notice. Then about a week ago I saw a show from the Travel Channel called Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern. He had this gal on there making a few raw dishes and when I saw her rawzagna I said to myself, "That actually looks really good."

I went online with the intention to just look up a few raw recipes. But then I started to read about the benefits of going raw and it just made sense. It seems so basic, simple and very alluring to me.

I have many reason why I personally need this but it really doesn't end there. My mothers' health is so bad that unless we can get things on the right path for her... well, I have to fight back tears from thoughts of what may happen. To briefly sum it up, she has been overweight and living with Type 2 diabetes most of her life. Within the past two years she has had bowel and stomach reconstruction surgery, a heart attack, stents put in her heart and legs, discovery and treatment for a benign brain tumor, and Parasonage-turner Symdrome which is damaged nerves in her arm and shoulder causing extreme pain.

After the treatment of her brain tumor, we decided we both had to step up and take control of our lives. I shared what I've learned about raw foods with her and she then jumped onboard and has shown a big interest in healing foods.
Myself, I would like to go upwards to 100%. But for her, we are thinking more along 50% for now.

This site looks to be a wonderful resource and I'm very much at ease with Alissas' philosophy. I was on another site/forum yesterday which talked about different diets and rules and quite frankly it was turning me off. I'm seriously considering buying Alissas' book and or DvD becaus of it.

Well, one last thing to say is that we have not gone raw yet. We'll be slowly starting this coming week after I buy a juicer, blender, and stock the kitchen. (I'm lucky to already have a dehydrator and a small food processor.)

Cheers!

freshlight
02-07-2009, 05:20 PM
Welcome to the board:) and thanks for joining us! I wish your dear Mom a very speedy recovery.
Take care,

Eva

adiebabe
02-07-2009, 05:56 PM
I'm newer to actually doing raw as well...like you, I'd heard (and actually started doing some) about it years ago but didn't take it very far (can be hard when you have an uncooperative partner :().

Make sure to keep reading up for yourself, of course (sometimes people have differing opinions and sources for info here) but I've found that there are some really knowledgeable people here and a lot will even post links for you to find out more on your own. It's a cool place!

Mara
02-07-2009, 07:32 PM
Hello Kalehua

I'm new myself here but finding it a great resource. I've been raw for about 4 weeks and loving it. I have had two cooked vegan meals in that time and they both made me feel crook so that's been a bit of a deterrent. I have found jucies the best thing to ward off cravings and eating plenty of sprouts, seeds and avocados. Strawberries, goji berries and raw peas are my new favourite treat foods - I've just been down to our local market and bought raw peas - yum! I never thought I'd say that given I've been a big comfort eater forever but I love my food more than ever now - raw food tastes so good and makes me feel great!

I was really moved by your introduction and obvious love and concern for you Mum. I wish you both the very best in your quest for health.

Mara

klomasius
02-08-2009, 02:06 AM
Welcome!

So good to hear of your enthusiasm to heal both yourself and your mum. :D

It's been mentioned in another intro thread but I'd definitely recommend watching the documentary Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes to see some fantastic results with average American SAD eaters with both type 1 and 2 diabetes.

http://www.rawfor30days.com/

Watch the trailer, I've seen the doco and I loved it, brought tears to my eyes.

I'm so heartened to hear of your love for your mum, I'm hoping you can help her to make some great changes to her life and her health.

Sadly, I had similar health concerns for my dad, but he just wasn't interested in the message (enough to make significant changes) and he passed away in 2007.

spicyfull
02-08-2009, 02:41 AM
I wish you everything you need to Stay RAW........Welcome to MY World.

Kalehua
02-08-2009, 12:33 PM
Thank you everyone for the warm welcomes, advice, and encouragement /hugs!
And thank you klomasius for a link to the trailer and sharing about your dad.

My mom and I are so mentally ready for this that we've already been munching on a lot of fruits and veggies. I guess a sort of mini start to our planned one.

Interesting enough, after hearing us talk a lot about raw and our plans my father the hunter, deep sea fisher, and former rancher is wanting to get healthier now too. He's eating more salads and wanting to exercise more. I don't see him really going raw but he's definitely eating more raw foods.

I love the ripple effect this is already having.

Thanks again guys.

mattshor
02-08-2009, 05:21 PM
Welcome to the board. Looking forward to hearing more updates and success stories!

gritsnla
02-08-2009, 06:29 PM
Sounds like you're good in the appliances department. And you are going to love your raw journey with everyone here!

jacsam
02-09-2009, 08:21 AM
You mentioned thinking about getting Alissa's book or DVD.....all I can say is.....don't think, just get them both and dive in, you won't regret it. The DVD is Alissa's preparing many raw food dishes. It shows you just how quick and easy raw food preparation can be. Her book goes over ALL the in's and out's of being raw. It will answer all of your questions and all the questions people will ask you. I've got alot of raw food books and if I could only have one, it would be hers. It really covers it all. Plus when you go raw, it's nice to have some knowledge behind you. Good luck and enjoy your raw journey.

oai
02-09-2009, 10:11 AM
Hey Jessica! Welcome to the community.

Wow. I'm so impressed that you've been vegetarian for years. Meat was a big thing for me to give up -- addiction-wise.

I'm very happy on raw. And I hope you and your mom will give it at least a month with full commitment just to see how it goes. Oh. Papa is thinking about joining, too? Your family is just awesome. :D

Moretta
02-09-2009, 10:17 AM
Welcome and good luck on your RAWNESS journey.

Veganforlife
02-09-2009, 10:21 AM
Welcome! Read, learn, listen. Take it all in. Do you have Alissa's book and DVDs? GR8 tools!

Frugal Raw
02-09-2009, 11:01 PM
Welcome!! I wish you the best of rawesome health!!!

Kalehua
02-10-2009, 10:41 PM
The amount of support on this forum is so amazing! Thanks again, you guys are wonderful. :)