florafauna
04-20-2009, 11:22 AM
I've been perusing the forums here now for a couple days and even posted a couple times, but thought it would be a good time to introduce myself....
I'm Michelle, and I live in Ohio with my husband, 3 children, 2 cats, 1 bunny, and 1 snake. Professionally, I'm an aromatherapist and herbalist. I love reading, gardening, and hanging out with my friends & family. We have been vegan for over a year and have just recently moved to high raw. (the cats and snake are not vegan - though the snake is raw!!) It's been really easy for our family. We decided to become raw after reading up on how healthy it is - with all the live enzymes, unadulterated vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats. As a family we are always growing and trying to find ways to be more healthy - in the physical and mental sense. I love making up recipes and creating new ways of eating the simple ingredients. I've ordered Alissa's book and am waiting for it to arrive. I think tomorrow is the magic day. YAY!
I've been battling with my excessive weight since the birth of my second daughter. After she was born I was just not able to get back to anything near a pre-pregnancy weight. Then when I was pregnant with my last child the same happened. I'm not blaming my weight on the kids, though - for me it more of a frame of reference. I know who snarfed down all the unhealthy high fat, high calorie, over processed crap. Me - I did it, and now I am currently in the 'obese' category and frankly - I hate that word! It sounds too much like 'a beast'. Not pleasant. Anyhow, I'm not going to stay a beast for long.... My BMI has been shinking daily. I also have a ton more energy and I feel clear minded and less stressed.
The only snag so far have been the recipes I've come accross that call for cashews - one of my kids is highly allergic, so we've just not used cashews and have made do with almonds, sunflower seeds, pecans, and other nuts that wont pose a problem for her.
One thing that really helped me - was to one day completely empty the house of any non-raw foods with the exception of a few seasonings and popcorn for an occassional treat. I also packed up all the pots, pans, toaster oven, crock pot, etc. that I had been cooking in. Not only did it provide for an almost meditative/cathartic 'clearing' it also makes it really easy for me to say to the family - nope sorry I cant cook that because it's not raw, I don't have the ingredients, and I dont have the equipment to make it in. Though I have to say that really hasnt been an issue - the kids love how we've been eating and also they love feeding themselves and making their own healthy choices. My husband is completely on board, too. While in transition we did 3 days 100% raw, then we had a family outing and we all slipped up on eating (of all things) carnival french fries! Oh the bucket of shame... Later that day and next we all felt queasy, bloated, and well just off. So that was that!
My middle daughter often askes for naan - so I am trying to come up with a decent raw flat bread that is acceptable to her. I may never achieve that though - she's hard to please. Oh well......
Well, I think I have rambled on a bit too long here - but i wanted to say how inspired I am by every post I've read. Thanks everyone for sharing your insights, stories, recipes, and support.
Take care!
I'm Michelle, and I live in Ohio with my husband, 3 children, 2 cats, 1 bunny, and 1 snake. Professionally, I'm an aromatherapist and herbalist. I love reading, gardening, and hanging out with my friends & family. We have been vegan for over a year and have just recently moved to high raw. (the cats and snake are not vegan - though the snake is raw!!) It's been really easy for our family. We decided to become raw after reading up on how healthy it is - with all the live enzymes, unadulterated vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats. As a family we are always growing and trying to find ways to be more healthy - in the physical and mental sense. I love making up recipes and creating new ways of eating the simple ingredients. I've ordered Alissa's book and am waiting for it to arrive. I think tomorrow is the magic day. YAY!
I've been battling with my excessive weight since the birth of my second daughter. After she was born I was just not able to get back to anything near a pre-pregnancy weight. Then when I was pregnant with my last child the same happened. I'm not blaming my weight on the kids, though - for me it more of a frame of reference. I know who snarfed down all the unhealthy high fat, high calorie, over processed crap. Me - I did it, and now I am currently in the 'obese' category and frankly - I hate that word! It sounds too much like 'a beast'. Not pleasant. Anyhow, I'm not going to stay a beast for long.... My BMI has been shinking daily. I also have a ton more energy and I feel clear minded and less stressed.
The only snag so far have been the recipes I've come accross that call for cashews - one of my kids is highly allergic, so we've just not used cashews and have made do with almonds, sunflower seeds, pecans, and other nuts that wont pose a problem for her.
One thing that really helped me - was to one day completely empty the house of any non-raw foods with the exception of a few seasonings and popcorn for an occassional treat. I also packed up all the pots, pans, toaster oven, crock pot, etc. that I had been cooking in. Not only did it provide for an almost meditative/cathartic 'clearing' it also makes it really easy for me to say to the family - nope sorry I cant cook that because it's not raw, I don't have the ingredients, and I dont have the equipment to make it in. Though I have to say that really hasnt been an issue - the kids love how we've been eating and also they love feeding themselves and making their own healthy choices. My husband is completely on board, too. While in transition we did 3 days 100% raw, then we had a family outing and we all slipped up on eating (of all things) carnival french fries! Oh the bucket of shame... Later that day and next we all felt queasy, bloated, and well just off. So that was that!
My middle daughter often askes for naan - so I am trying to come up with a decent raw flat bread that is acceptable to her. I may never achieve that though - she's hard to please. Oh well......
Well, I think I have rambled on a bit too long here - but i wanted to say how inspired I am by every post I've read. Thanks everyone for sharing your insights, stories, recipes, and support.
Take care!