Of Calories and Carbs

[Myca]

I've been logging Fitday for Calories and Carbs. I am moritified at the number of these things I am consuming.
So fellow Raw Food...mentors? (what do call each other) do calories count on this Raw Food life? Can I loose weight without worrying about calories?
Thanks Myca

[rawbabymama]

I've been logging Fitday for Calories and Carbs. I am moritified at the number of these things I am consuming.
So fellow Raw Food...mentors? (what do call each other) do calories count on this Raw Food life? Can I loose weight without worrying about calories?
Thanks Myca

How are you doing so far?

For me, calories are a nonissue - if I eat cooked food, I gain weight, if I eat 100% raw, I lose weight or stay exactly the same.

You need to see how your body reacts to eating only raw foods, so you can figure out what you need to do to lose weight. In the meantime, make sure to do some kind of exercise, drink plenty of water, get plenty of sleep, do something to manage your stress and don't eat right before bed every night. These are all factors which affect fat loss/gain.

Good luck,

Michele

[RawSar]

You need to see how your body reacts to eating only raw foods, so you can figure out what you need to do to lose weight. In the meantime, make sure to do some kind of exercise, drink plenty of water, get plenty of sleep, do something to manage your stress and don't eat right before bed every night. These are all factors which affect fat loss/gain.

All good points and important to lose weight.

I've been high raw (all raw but my coffees) almost 2 years I think now and I lost a lot of weight right off the bat. Wasn't working out that much, wasn't counting calories but instead just ate whatever I want whenever I wanted as along as it was raw and vegan.
Now that I have stayed at one weight for so long (my first weight goal! yay) I know I have to do some extra things to get to the body I NOW want. Instead of counting calories I watch my fat percentage. I was using nutridiary.com to keep track. I'm not sure if Fitday shows your percentage of fat/protein/carbs. Keeping my fat percentage to about 10% has definitely made a noticeable difference !

Hope this helps

[Myca]

Fat?
I had not even thought of Fat. Are you meaning nuts, Avocado, seeds?
I ate some initially, but stopped after someone told me about some fungus raw peanuts might have.
So you tend to lose more weight if you stay away from those things?
This is generally what I have been eating...
Little oranges (cuties)
Lots of Bananas everyday
Apples
grapes
berries
Romaine
carrots
grapefruit
kiwi
melon
tomatoes, onions, bellpepper, jalopeno (I never knew I loved it so much!)
How is this?
Oh, and I do still drink coffee, black.
Thanks Myca

[rayofsunshine]

In Alissa's book she talks about eating what you need to feel satisfied as long as it is raw, and the weight will come off. She gave an example of someone who tried to restrict calories/fat and she couldn't lose weight. She needed to eat more.

[JennaBoBenna]

in the raw -and cooked- food worlds, a calorie is not a calorie.

A raw avocado calorie is incredibly different from a french fry calorie. One has nutrients in it, one is empty.

So, no, do not worry about calories! (but that doesn't mean to start guzzling nuts! ;) )


AND! Carbs are not the enemy! especially delicious, healthy, nourishing, cleansing, energy providing raw fruit carbs!

[Veganforlife]

In Alissa's book she talks about eating what you need to feel satisfied as long as it is raw, and the weight will come off. She gave an example of someone who tried to restrict calories/fat and she couldn't lose weight. She needed to eat more.

I so agree. Apparently you do not have Alissa's book or you wouldn't concern yourself with calories and carbs and such.

Those days are done. Raw eating and calories/carbs do not flow - to me anyway.

I've forgotten what a calorie or carb even are! LOL!!! ;)

I have more important things to consume myself with. It makes me chuckle that folks when starting Raw dissect this way of eating with a fine toothed-comb yet when eating a SAD/CRAP diet? They just shoveled everything and anything down their throats. That just cracks me up! :D

[sport]

You need some fats in your diet and you do not seem to be getting any.
They are called Essential Fatty Acids because they are essential. All of your cells need fats to thrive.
I make sure that I have some each day and most days I have crushed flax seeds but if not then I have hemp or chia.
Please do not have a fat free diet.

[Revvell]

Fat?
I had not even thought of Fat. Are you meaning nuts, Avocado, seeds?
I ate some initially, but stopped after someone told me about some fungus raw peanuts might have.

I don't understand the connection between peanut fungus and avos, seeds and other nuts. Fat is a necessity to metabolize fat soluble vitamins.

Do some research on aflatoxin. It's not JUST in peanuts and it's really got nothing to do with fatty foods.

[RawKnitster]

I think Alissa's plan is wonderful, especially during transition. However I'm positive she does not mean we can go on eating whatever we please as long as it's raw forever. I base that on a post she wrote.

Perhaps some peoples bodies will balance naturally when eating raw. Not me. My first four months I lost 35 pounds. The past seven months I have lost 0 pounds. Everyone's experience will be different. You should use your own experience to answer that question. My tastes and eating habits balanced with my activity level did not allow me to release more weight. It's just that simple.

Since you listed your diet and asked how is it....I'll tell you what I noticed about it. Lack of greens. If romaine is the really the only green in your diet, I would suggest you add more, lots more. If you have trouble with greens you might want to increase them gradually. Just my opinion. Your free to ignore it. :)

[gs4life]

i agree, don't worry about calories eating raw.

how do you feel? if you feel good, keep doing what you're doing. you don't need overt fats in your diet if you are feeling good and doing well without them. there plenty of people who thrive without consuming "important fats" from nuts and seeds. fruits and leafy greens provide all the nourishment you need.

[Myca]

I
Since you listed your diet and asked how is it....I'll tell you what I noticed about it. Lack of greens. If romaine is the really the only green in your diet, I would suggest you add more, lots more. If you have trouble with greens you might want to increase them gradually. Just my opinion. Your free to ignore it. :)

Nope, I won't ignore it, I posted the list to get feedback. Remember, until 7 days ago, it was just meat and salad.

By greens...spinach...and what else?

[Myca]

I feel wonderful. I did every day except late into day 4 leading into day 5. Day 5 was awful. I was in a fog and my mouth was covered in white gunk. Day 6 dawned beautifully.

Celebrate with me everyone. I finally found the time to order Alissa's book, which I have been trying to do ever since pay day.
Myca

[rawbabymama]

I feel wonderful. I did every day except late into day 4 leading into day 5. Day 5 was awful. I was in a fog and my mouth was covered in white gunk. Day 6 dawned beautifully.

Celebrate with me everyone. I finally found the time to order Alissa's book, which I have been trying to do ever since pay day.
Myca

Wonderful, Myca!!!

I'm glad you feel wonderful!!!:D

[gs4life]

By greens...spinach...and what else?

-kale
-collard greens
-green leaf lettuce
-red leaf lettuce
-wild or exotic greens (dandelion, watercress, lamb's lettuce, mustard greens, etc.)

there are lots of choices for greens!

some even add herbs such as cilantro or parsley to green smoothies.

glad you are feeling better :)

[lindaglows]

Myca- I can confirm what the other posters are saying. I too have just started. I got Alissa book and DVD and the next day I started all raw to the best my (uneducated) ability. I have not counted anything. I followed Alissa's advice and just ate whole organic foods. I've been just picking out recipes and making stuff. Today is day 6 for me and when I got up this AM I decided to take a hop on the scales. I've released FIVE POUNDS BABY!!!!

I eat anytime I feel hungry; nuts, avos, fruits, vegs, smoothies, almond milk, granola. This weekend I'm going to sprout something. Basically, I'm having a blast. I say to myself; this body of mine is amazing and the life force of this food is allowing my body release, cleanse and renew. I hope this helps.

[Myca]

I love Red and Green leaf lettuce. Where can I find Dandilion?
I can't imagine my collards uncooked without hamhocks so I think I should stay away from those right now,:p
The greatest thing about this diet...er...lifestyle, is how great I am feeling. Day 5 is becoming a bad memory.

[rawstrength]

Here's a recipe for raw collards, no hamhocks :D . I think you'll like this one http://www.thedailyrawcafe.com/2007/10/mess-o-greens.html . You gotta get those greens in! They totally rawk!!

PS Dandilion is probably growing in your yard right now! This video should help you identify Dandilion and other goodies http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1wzs256OK4 .

[RawKnitster]

I like Swiss Chard, Dinosaur Kale, Curly Green Kale, Curly Red Kale, Spinach, Romaine, Red and Green Leaf Lettuce, Boston Bibb Lettuce, Arugula, Dandelion Greens, Mache, Mizuna, Cilantro and Parsley.

Look for leafy greens at a Farmer's Market. You may be surprised at how many there are. :)

[juliew]

where do you buy bulk granola? i can only find small bags for like 10 bucks!

[3kidsmommy]

Myca,
This is one of my fav. raw kale salad recipe. Remove the leaf from the stem. Massage the leaves in a bowl with some sea salt. Then massage it with olive oil and an avocado. I then add red onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, raw sun flower seeds, green bell pepper, and raisins. You can basically add whatever you want. This is a great and satisfying way to add raw kale into diet. I've also done it with mustard too. Good luck.

[Myca]

Myca,
This is one of my fav. raw kale salad recipe. Remove the leaf from the stem. Massage the leaves in a bowl with some sea salt. Then massage it with olive oil and an avocado. I then add red onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, raw sun flower seeds, green bell pepper, and raisins. You can basically add whatever you want. This is a great and satisfying way to add raw kale into diet. I've also done it with mustard too. Good luck.

Oh, this sounds wonderful. I am going to try this tomorrow.

[Silveretta]

I am so frustrated- for some reason I can't seem to lose weight- I was on a 10 day juice feast (lost 1 kg, around 2 pounds), I am 100% raw, I am at the gym everyday, at still nothing!

I juice in the morning (so that I can get my greens; usually ginger, cucumber, kale, parsley and 3 apples), have up to 2 bananas a day, lunch is cherry tomatoes with pumpkin and sunflower seeds (two spoonfulls of each) with spring onions and then dinner (at around 18h) is a big organge juice (freshly squeezed with lemon).

Any tips for me...please?!

[Ilse W.]

Looks to me like you don't eat enough.

[rawstrength]

I am so frustrated- for some reason I can't seem to lose weight- I was on a 10 day juice feast (lost 1 kg, around 2 pounds), I am 100% raw, I am at the gym everyday, at still nothing!

I juice in the morning (so that I can get my greens; usually ginger, cucumber, kale, parsley and 3 apples), have up to 2 bananas a day, lunch is cherry tomatoes with pumpkin and sunflower seeds (two spoonfulls of each) with spring onions and then dinner (at around 18h) is a big organge juice (freshly squeezed with lemon).

Any tips for me...please?!

EAT more!!! Do you like avocados? EAT THEM! Your intake sounds like a starvation diet.

[Silveretta]

@RawStrenght- I never lose weight if I eat avocados...I used to lose weight (like normal people) only on juice feasts and 100% low fat (meaning NO FATat all) diet...However, now my body refuses to even do that...I actually GAINED weight!!!

I am so sad and frustrated- My days are full of body treatments, massages against cellulite and gym workouts...I am tired and really annoyed!
I have NO idea how to fix my body so that it works like other people's bodies- to lose weight when it is supposed to :(

[rawbabymama]

@RawStrenght- I never lose weight if I eat avocados...I used to lose weight (like normal people) only on juice feasts and 100% low fat (meaning NO FATat all) diet...However, now my body refuses to even do that...I actually GAINED weight!!!

I am so sad and frustrated- My days are full of body treatments, massages against cellulite and gym workouts...I am tired and really annoyed!
I have NO idea how to fix my body so that it works like other people's bodies- to lose weight when it is supposed to :(

I feel ya Silveretta...I gained weight, even the past couple days eating only fruits & veggies, no avocados, etc. I am going to the doctor today to get my thyroid checked & some other things. I hope the doctor can give me some information which is helpful, so I can help myself heal faster with herbs and such.

I am not super focused on losing weight, but I am concerned. It is helpful to remember we don't gain weight because of calories - ok, this is my opinion, for now, but wait until I graduate!. I have seen so many times very skinny women who eat high calorie diets & very fat women who eat low calorie diets. Every time I have had a roommate or friend who started doing what I do, they have lost weight while looking sadly at me, wondering how it is I "got so big".

Even after I started eating cooked food again, I only gained about 10-15 pounds, then I stayed about the same for over a year. It wasn't until my son began to exhibit severe mood swings that I started to gain massive amounts of weight. I wasn't overeating. In fact, often times I was living on his leftovers - scraps, basically - because we were poor. Our bodies store toxins in fat; perhaps these toxins we store are not just from cooked food and pollution around us, but from the pollution we create within us in times of nonphysical stress.

I feel I am probably ill from stress & emotional trauma(I have other symptoms of illness, such as migraines, etc); I think my body has finally reached the limit for what it can handle. Maybe releasing fat, and the toxins within, would be more than my overworked system could deal with at this time.

I am sharing my view & my situation because maybe it will help you to figure out what your story is, why it is so difficult for you. I understand your frustration, but you will figure it out. Try to be patient, and focus on how you feel, what your body can do, instead of letting the weight bring you down.

Good luck,

Michele

[RaeVynn]

@RawStrenght- I never lose weight if I eat avocados...I used to lose weight (like normal people) only on juice feasts and 100% low fat (meaning NO FATat all) diet...However, now my body refuses to even do that...I actually GAINED weight!!!
(
It sounds like your metabolism has slowed way down.
You may just need to eat more, and be patient, until your body heals up and normalizes.
Lots of greens. Lots of water rich veggies, like cucumber, jicama, tomato, zucchini, etc. Go easy on nuts, use seeds and avocados for fats/taste. Be careful of salt (don't cut out sea salt, just maybe use it a little sparingly), and be sure to eat enough!

I never thought I'd lose weight eating so much food. Like you, I got to the point in my life where if I fasted, I'd gain a pound! Now, I'm dropping it, slowly but surely! :p

[asecretchord]

I've lost 5 pounds in 9 days without counting one single calorie. Lots of greens, lots of fruit, lots of water, and some nuts and seeds.

[Silveretta]

@ RawBabyMama- Thank you so much for your story. I am sure stress has some part in it, but I can't stop being stressed.

@ RaeVynn- Thank you,too. I barely use any salt, but I ll look into it just the same...I lltry to chill and see what happens.;)