slim physique possible?

[rkk]

Hi there. I have a concern that I'd like to voice; however, I am afraid of offending, as I don't mean to offend anyone.

I've seen some women who have been 100% raw for a few years or more. Some of them look really good, and the other ones look a bit pudgy. I was just wanting to know what differentiates those with a slim swimsuit model type physique (like Carol Alt, Tonya Kay) versus those that still look 15-20 pounds overweight (without muscle definition) even after being 100% raw for a few years or more. Do they possibly eat too many nuts and don't exercise enough? (I apologize if this sounds at all judgmental, as I don't mean to be like that. I just don't know how to ask my question in a less blunt way.)

Most of the 'Get slim quick' cooked-food diets I see have people eating lots of protein several times a day with very little fruit... it's basically a high-protein, low carb, low fat diet. I have read up on celebrity diets, and they eat this way doing a low calorie/high protein diet along with lots of cardio and high repetition weight training (to develop lean toned muscles).

Obviously I don't want to follow the celebrity diet thing, as it's not healthy. I am vegan and don't eat meat anyways. I have been 100% raw for the last 5 days, and want to make this a lifestyle. But I want to know what to do to slim down and be toned and not be 'skinny fat'. On a previous attempt at raw foods last year, I had my body composition tested and I lost a good deal of muscle mass. I want to see if I can avoid that somehow this time around so that I am toned and not flabby. Anyways, I definitely don't want to be a hypocrite as I am trying to lose a good deal of weight myself... but I was just wondering if there was an 'ideal' approach to get the fit body I'd like.

Any suggestions? Thanks so much!

Edit: I am thinking about adding some high protein/low fat raw protein powders, like Sunwarrior into my diet. I am hoping that might help me shed off fat faster while not losing muscle.

[Teraw]

I went from 216lbs to 130lbs those who are pudgy are either not 100% raw for real or are still eating hybrid fruits and veggies. Your body will not hold in toxins if your body truly is alkalined.

Google hybrid foods. They are very acidic and it causes your body to create more fat cells in order to trap those toxins and keep them from damaging your organs. Some people dont exercise and they have lots of skin left over causing them to look pudgy as well. Make sure you do pilates, urban rebounding, or any cardio that makes you sweat buckets. Ideally you want to detox through your bowel movements, but sweating releases lots of toxins as well, and it firms you up. Its the combination of being raw and exercise that will improve your chances of obtaining a tight smaller body. The smallness will come as long as you stick to eating raw. There have been many arguments as to whether freezing your foods reduce nutrients as well as dehydrating them. Everyone has their opinion and no one truly knows we just try to make the most sense out of limited facts. With that being said watch your intake of these foods, enjoy them in the beginning because they help, but when you are stronger being raw gradually become conscious of eating more fresh fruits and veggies. Your tastebuds will change ( someone said every 10 days of the same food consistently, idk) and you will love more recipes the further you go.

In respect to those pudgy rawbies. It is also smart to take small steps and keep moving forward, than to leap and have to leap backwards. Dont overwhelm yourself in the beginning. The weight will come off, just keep eating raw. Make a list of the different steps you would like to take and make the steps when you are ready. Then enjoy that process for a while until the next transition.

Make sure you find a way to focus on more than the weight. The reason is many women still feel fat when they lose the weight because psychlogically the have not changed. Set goals and become happy with where you are before moving somewhere else.

I hope this helps!

[Colorawdo girl]

I love this.

Make sure you find a way to focus on more than the weight. The reason is many women still feel fat when they lose the weight because psychlogically the have not changed. Set goals and become happy with where you are before moving somewhere else.


I have been looking at my life, not in regard to weight but where to live. I too ,really benefited by loving exactly where I am, before moving somewhere else. In fact, only when I loved where I am, did something huge open up to be somewhere else.

As this applying to weight. I have seen it. Not looking at raw for weight but good health. The weight takes care fo itself.

I too wonder when I see raw people who appear overweight still. It may be lots of nuts or maybe high gourmet foods. In the raw world, one can still rely on the heavier foods and the body can be continually being asked to process all this.
When there is a body burden like this, the body has so much work to do and never gets to the fat deposits.

I feel best when I eat light and airy, greens and juices and light. Heavy foods hit me like a ton of bricks and I puff up.

Weight....? Let it be and simply eat, one raw meal after another, and let it all unfold.

How you do this is up to you always. You can have the body you want, effortlessly.

[sport]

Do not let the look of others influence you. You do not know what they are eating and they may not be 100% raw.

[LotsaRaw]

In addition to diet discussed in previous posts, there is also your personal build to take into consideration. While not fat at all, I will NEVER be THIN. I am 5'2" and have a gynmnast frame (ie: Mary Lou Retton) - NOT a ballerina frame! 'tis what 'itis

[islesgirl]

I have often wondered the very same thing but was afraid of voicing it lest I offend anyone. Even those who've written "raw" books appear to be on the heavy side - like me (too heavy for my own self). As Colorawdo girl said though I feel so much better when I eat lighter fruits and veggies and greens. Seeds and nuts are going to be eaten much less by me. I do know from my wonderful experience with raw food last summer (and I was eating just about all raw food) I felt fabulous, all my cravings vanished and my skin changed dramatically. I did glow and my skin actually tightened up - I am 63. My bowels (pardon me) worked perfectly. I was eating tons of greens from my own garden. I lost somewhere around 17-20 lbs. I ran for the first time in years. Hope my experience gives you some encouragement. Really, our health is paramount and the rest will fall into place, I'm sure - it just may take time. Exercise is also very important. And I personally don't think that, after living on the SAD (standard american diet) all my life, I can expect this turnaround will be quick and easy.

All the best...

Sue.

[Jessica1228]

It is absolutely possible to be thin on a raw food diet! At 5'6", I got down to 100 to 110 pounds on 100% raw. I didn't have a lot of muscle mass (although I did lift)... but I certainly didn't have much fat either! I was very, very lean.

[Sygma]

The longer I am raw, the more I realize that your body will transform into whatever frame you are meant to have.

I somehow think that genetics play a huge role in what your physique is. For example, all the women in my family (on my mom's side) have a gut. My sister has a gut, and I have a gut (despite being a raw foodist and exercising an average of one and a half hours a day). Some people do not have the genetics for the same, well-accepted-by-our-culture body.

My advice, LOVE your body...even if it isn't like what everyone else considers beautiful, oh and go on 80/10/10-- you can't go wrong. :D

[EZ rider]

I was just wanting to know what differentiates those with a slim swimsuit model type physique (like Carol Alt, Tonya Kay) versus those that still look 15-20 pounds overweight (without muscle definition) even after being 100% raw for a few years or more.
I have read that eating cooked foods causes an immune system response which causes the body to make more white blood cells to defend itself. I think if at the end of the day a person were to separate the foods they had eaten into two piles with one containing the foods that the body received well and the other that body found was not good fuel you would find the answer to your question there.

[RawSar]

My advice, LOVE your body...even if it isn't like what everyone else considers beautiful, oh and go on 80/10/10-- you can't go wrong. :D

Agree ! Love your body and your right Sygma, you really can't go wrong on 80/10/10!

[DwightLight]

Just two days ago, I had someone come up to me and ask me what I was doing because I was getting even skinnier. I mean I had noticed it somewhat, but didn't think there'd been much of a change since going raw April 1st. I told them that I was just eating raw, lots of fruits and vegetables, over the weekend it was nothing but watermelon, and bananas with almond butter... so good, but by Monday I was craving greens like you wouldn't believe, so I had a mountain of salad for dinner.

Regular exercise is huge, even more important however is the mind. If you're focusing on needing to lose weight, you will likely, always need to lose weight. Focus rather on the wealth of health you'll gain from eating raw, and your body will take care of itself, you won't know what happened until someone comes and asks you what you've been doing because you're looking great.

[RawLibrarian]

Hi there. I have a concern that I'd like to voice; however, I am afraid of offending, as I don't mean to offend anyone.

I've seen some women who have been 100% raw for a few years or more. Some of them look really good, and the other ones look a bit pudgy. I was just wanting to know what differentiates those with a slim swimsuit model type physique (like Carol Alt, Tonya Kay) versus those that still look 15-20 pounds overweight (without muscle definition) even after being 100% raw for a few years or more. Do they possibly eat too many nuts and don't exercise enough? (I apologize if this sounds at all judgmental, as I don't mean to be like that. I just don't know how to ask my question in a less blunt way.)

Carol Alt was a professional model. The modeling industry, like ballet, has definite genetic requirements. I don't think that appearance of the tiny number of people in those two professions should be held up as the ideal for the rest of us, especially given that eating disorders are rampant among models and ballet dancers, as is smoking (kills the appetite and boosts metabolism)--hardly something to emulate.

About the other people who still look pudgy, it's simple--they are consuming more than they are burning off. Exercise is a really important component in weight loss, and is invaluable for overall health and well-being, whether a person is thin or not.

[T-Bird]

I've seen some women who have been 100% raw for a few years or more. Some of them look really good, and the other ones look a bit pudgy. I was just wanting to know what differentiates those with a slim swimsuit model type physique (like Carol Alt, Tonya Kay) versus those that still look 15-20 pounds overweight (without muscle definition) even after being 100% raw for a few years or more. Do they possibly eat too many nuts and don't exercise enough? (I apologize if this sounds at all judgmental, as I don't mean to be like that. I just don't know how to ask my question in a less blunt way.)


Not at all!

Listen, when I first started trying to get into shape again, I got hooked into the "turbo jam" purchase.

Yeay! It was a fun workout, good music, I enjoyed it. but I notice NONE of the women in the turbo jam videos had a waistline! WTH??? One or two I could think it was genetic, but no - all of them! I don't do those anymore, I want a waistline, I used to be famous for mine! Just amongst those who saw me at a nightclub you understand!

Maybe again? We'll see!

[T-Bird]

I too wonder when I see raw people who appear overweight still. It may be lots of nuts or maybe high gourmet foods. In the raw world, one can still rely on the heavier foods and the body can be continually being asked to process all this.

I wonder about people who think they are 100% raw and buy nuts and dried fruit at trader joes or whole foods, who purchase frozen fruits for smoothies, etc. I had a bag of frozen strawberries melt once - and I've seen cooked strawberries with more life in them, lol! I wonder if they are flash steamed before entering the freezer or if freezing is that debilitating....I cut them out of my eating after that.

Just the nuts and dried fruit would make someone who thinks they're 100% down to as low as 20% due to the calorie density of the nuts/dried fruit vs fresh fruits and veggies.

People are not raw, and they don't even know it!:eek:

[theresaann]

It just takes time for the body to detox sometimes. Also, eating too many nuts and fruits will create acidity which makes the body toxic which will cause it to resist releasing fat.

Being alkaline is the biggest key. My personal experience is being 100% alkaline is sometimes easier on a high raw than all raw diet, because if people aren't getting enough calories (which is hard to do on all raw for some) they will overeat the nuts and seeds, creating acidity.

Also, not eating enough calories will make the body resist exercise which is vital to build lean muscle which burns fat, and also causes the body to release stress hormones which promote fat storage. Brendan Brazier has a good book describing this called the Thrive Diet. Hes a high, and sometimes all raw, professional triathlete.

Being high raw with some cooked legumes, or veggies, for example, will give enough calories and stem that desire to eat too many nuts and fruits. So, which is better? To be all raw, but too acidic, or high raw, alkaline, and healthier and leaner?

This is not speaking to those who do fine on all raw, just those who are not. Who knows? in the end, we just have to trust ourselves and our bodies.

[cherry.chops]

ok, remember everyones body is a different shape. some people will always be curvy, while others will be very slim. Raw will bring you to your perfect weight for your body, so some times this will be heavier than you want. I believe it also depends on your genes :)

[Ocean]

I think some of it is genetics for sure! Females especially can have a lot of hormone variation from woman to woman which makes you hold on to fat or to lose it.

Just because you are thin doesn't mean you don't have toxins. I'm thin and just restarting raw, but I have Lyme disease and probably have a lot more toxins than the average 'heavy' person.

Thin definitely doesn't equal healthy by any means!

I lay around much of the day because I'm so tired all of the time, yet when I put on make-up and clothes other than sweats (what I normally wear), I 'appear' to be very healthy.

To each their own, I mean there are people who can eat the SAD diet and remain very thin, there is a lot to your body type.

I don't think you offended anyone by your question, don't worry :)

Take care,
Ocean

[snoops]

You will have a slim physique if you are genetically programmed to do so.

I am 5'10", have hands as large as my husband who is 6'4", size 10 feet, shoulders the same width as hubbies!! I am never going to have a slim physique. My ideal weight is about 180lbs.

But I can have a healthy, fit physique and that is what I am striving for.

Strive for what your body is genetically pre-determined to be. Can't change genes;)

[Irish_Vegan_Girl]

This is a really interesting question, it's something that I have thought about also.

I think that different people release weight in different stages it also has to with genetics/height/how raw/what raw etc. And exercise, also I think some people probably don't actually want the typically slim physique and just get to a weight they are happy with and take it from there. I have read that people detox even years after going raw, weight can be shed at those points too.

[iwuvmydoggy]

i agree with everyone else.. seems your body will sort itself out.. but i believe you can do some exercise and weight training to sculpt your body into more of what you want. me, personally, i don't like the thin, frail woman thing.. i would rather be strong and able to defend myself if something were ever to happen to me.. i'd like to feel secure, knowing that if some guy attacked me in the middle of the night, that my punch to his nose will cause more damage than a bloody nose or a slight inconvenience for him... lol i want his nostrils to be on the other side of his skull. you know what i mean? lol

also, i will never be a skinny little thing. when i was 15, i had never really worked out in my life & i decided i wanted to do competitive bodybuilding.. i got a personal trainer & when i was 15 was classified as a heavyweight.. without having even touched a weight in my entire life. when i DID train, my biceps were bigger than a lot of skinny people's THIGHS... i had bigger calf muscles than my trainer, too! (i'm a girl, by the way.. and my personal trainer had been competing in natural bodybuilding competitions for years!!!) i like being a bigger woman. i would just like to not be so darn fat! which is what i'm currently working on! lol but you know.. i am proud that i am built well. i can carry my dog's 50lb sack of food in by myself. i can get 10 sacks of groceries & carry them in with 1 hand (and get my dog's food at the same time lol), eliminating multiple car trips.. i can move my own couch, my own bed (queen sized!), and do a lot of things for myself that a lot of other women would have problems doing. it allows me more independence and i don't feel like i have to rely on anyone. i also feel safer... and you know what else? i am not only stronger and bigger than a lot of women, i have a naturally pretty face and a very soft, womanly voice. i love myself!

i'd also like to say that you don't have to look like a celebrity to be attractive. i'm sure you're a beautiful person anyway.. you don't have to be a size zero for everyone to see that.

[rkk]

Thank you all so much for your great posts. Many of you mentioned genetics, which is something I probably didn't give enough weight to. I realize that I need to work with what I have - even though I might prefer the toned ballerina look over the gymnist, I'll have to see what my body is willing to shape for itself. (By the way I didn't realize that there were body-shape requirements for those in ballet - that's news to me. I thought they just got that way through exercise.) I was just wondering if there were ways to have some input in the process of what I look like - and I guess the only way I can add to things is to have a clean diet with plenty of exercise. I was talking to an aquaintance recently about how he manages to stay muscular and fit while eating raw - and he was telling me that exercise is a major part of it, and that many of the long-term raw foodists we see as leaders in the field don't have an exercise routine at all. Thus they look lanky and untoned.

[bunny_rescuer]

I am glad you asked this -- and not me. I worry about eating too many nuts. So many of the beautiful recipes have nuts. I have a slim but pear-shaped natural shape - so that is probably what will happen to me, having reviewed this thread. I don't really have anything to lose. I just don't want to gain.

I also want to get a healthier body composition. That is bound to happen. I was mostly eating brown rice and pressed tofu prior to this raw journey (just at the beginning). I'd only bother with veggies when my husband cooks. He is from Hong Kong - so not especially healthy veggies :)

[cara4art]

There's a difference between getting to a low weight for one's height, and a naturally-slim physique, the latter of which has largely to do with bone structure and other genetic factors, physical disciplines aside. The best thing to do, IMO, is to check out other people of one's own bone structure and genetics who have gotten themselves into excellent shape, instead of pining for the ultra-slim, delicate bone-structured body that is predominant in ballet, modelling, and increasingly TV and movie actresses(they focus on skinniness often to an unhealthy degree on account of the fact that cameras tend to add at least 10 pounds to anyone, and also, the free designer samples that they get to wear are often in size 0 or 2). A person who has larger bones in general or a naturally-higher level of body fat is NEVER going to achieve that look, without becoming anorexic or something. But that same person can get to a wonderfully fit, sleek, but powerful look through solid workouts that actually do something, and that means good old-fashioned weight-training and intense enough cardio too. In fact, just about anyone of any build can benefit from this, and achieve a fit, toned body. It takes work and discipline, just like going and staying raw and clean. People vary in the types of foods that they thrive on too, as is often talked about here, whether to have more fruits/lower fat, or higher greens/more fat.
Bottom-line, if one solely relies on diet to lose weight(although it's extremely helpful in recomposing one's body)it DOES take solid work to get the firm body, especially the older one gets. Don't let that discourage you though, as a well-constructed raw diet works wonders in a myriad of ways! I'm still at it at almost 62(the 21st to be exact!).
One last word though about family genetics, when people say "everyone in my family is fat" that might be the case, but often people inherit the family's lousy eating habits too. There are some families where overweight is very prevalent, and one member or more have gotten on the bandwagon about their diet and exercise and overcome what looked like inevitable obesity. True, if that tendency were really there, they had to work harder, but they were able to improve their health and get down to a healthy weight for their particular body. I hope I haven't offended anyone here who is genuinely struggling with their weight - really, best of luck to all who are trying to improve their health and weight!

[iwuvmydoggy]

I am glad you asked this -- and not me. I worry about eating too many nuts. So many of the beautiful recipes have nuts. I have a slim but pear-shaped natural shape - so that is probably what will happen to me, having reviewed this thread. I don't really have anything to lose. I just don't want to gain.

I also want to get a healthier body composition. That is bound to happen. I was mostly eating brown rice and pressed tofu prior to this raw journey (just at the beginning). I'd only bother with veggies when my husband cooks. He is from Hong Kong - so not especially healthy veggies :)

O-M-G!!!! i LOOOOOOOOOVVVVVEEE bunnies!!! and lucky you XD your hubby cooks! (well.. i mean.. even though this is a raw forum, it is sweet that he does that... most dudes that i know wouldn't know how to boil water, let alone make VEGETABLES!!! you picked a winner!!)

in regards to your pear shape.. you can lift weights or do some other kind of resistance/strength training exercise and sculpt your body into your dream physique. :)



There's a difference between getting to a low weight for one's height, and a naturally-slim physique, the latter of which has largely to do with bone structure and other genetic factors, physical disciplines aside. The best thing to do, IMO, is to check out other people of one's own bone structure and genetics who have gotten themselves into excellent shape, instead of pining for the ultra-slim, delicate bone-structured body that is predominant in ballet, modelling, and increasingly TV and movie actresses(they focus on skinniness often to an unhealthy degree on account of the fact that cameras tend to add at least 10 pounds to anyone, and also, the free designer samples that they get to wear are often in size 0 or 2). A person who has larger bones in general or a naturally-higher level of body fat is NEVER going to achieve that look, without becoming anorexic or something. But that same person can get to a wonderfully fit, sleek, but powerful look through solid workouts that actually do something, and that means good old-fashioned weight-training and intense enough cardio too. In fact, just about anyone of any build can benefit from this, and achieve a fit, toned body. It takes work and discipline, just like going and staying raw and clean. People vary in the types of foods that they thrive on too, as is often talked about here, whether to have more fruits/lower fat, or higher greens/more fat.
Bottom-line, if one solely relies on diet to lose weight(although it's extremely helpful in recomposing one's body)it DOES take solid work to get the firm body, especially the older one gets. Don't let that discourage you though, as a well-constructed raw diet works wonders in a myriad of ways! I'm still at it at almost 62(the 21st to be exact!).
One last word though about family genetics, when people say "everyone in my family is fat" that might be the case, but often people inherit the family's lousy eating habits too. There are some families where overweight is very prevalent, and one member or more have gotten on the bandwagon about their diet and exercise and overcome what looked like inevitable obesity. True, if that tendency were really there, they had to work harder, but they were able to improve their health and get down to a healthy weight for their particular body. I hope I haven't offended anyone here who is genuinely struggling with their weight - really, best of luck to all who are trying to improve their health and weight!

you are absolutely, 100% correct!!! i agree with everything you said!! http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt213/patriotcz/the-blacy-victory-1.png

[somelikeitraw]

There are many different forms of exercise and some are designed to lengthen muscles. That is the kind of exercise that will help any body shape to be it's longest and leanest. Of course, genetics and bone structure will dictate whether one's body is gymnist or dancer style. http://www.callanetics.com/ (http://www.callanetics.com/)
Has some good routines that will help lengthen and strengthen muscles. Yoga is another good way of lengthening while strengthening.

[iwuvmydoggy]

i also saw some surgery that can lengthen your leg bones, which increases your height, and of course makes your legs look thinner.. although the gymnist/dancer thing has a lot to do with shoulders/neck & arms as well... that doesn't mean you shouldn't exercise them.. if you don't, you could end up with that jiggley under arm stuff.. http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt213/patriotcz/the-blacy-horror.png

somelikeitraw: that place's hosting account expired :(

http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt213/patriotcz/ohnoes.jpg

[katchmoleen]

The absolute best best best exercise in the world is T-Tapp!
http://www.t-tapp.com/
I saw dramatic changes in my body in just a few weeks and it permanently reduced my upper back and shoulder pain. Once I get over the first week or so of detoxing from being newly raw, I am getting back into it so I don't lose my muscle. For being a fat old lady I am surprisingly strong and want to stay that way.

[GoingtoRAW]

I agree with those who say genetics play a large role in how your body will look - no matter what you eat. I have a sister who can eat me under the table any day of the week and has a hard time maintaining her weight. She is tall but has a small frame and usually teeters between 99 and maybe 105 to 110 pounds if she's lucky! She loves to eat and she eats several large meals a day. I mean the whole shebang. When she eats she is not knoshing - she gets a plate and makes a meal with all of the food groups! I have been to restaurants with her and she will eat soup, salad, entree, dessert, eat off of everyone else's plate and order food to take home - which she has been known to eat as soon as she walks in the door!! I am not kidding! It is a sight to see! It's like she has a tape worm in her stomach. And she detests exercise. Her only exercise is walking to the kitchen to make another plate of food. And her tall, skinny daughter, my niece, is the same way!! On the other hand I have struggled with my weight all of my life and unless I eat the "right things" and exercise I will gain weight. And yes, we had the same mother and father. My mother was a tall, skinny stick figure as well and even though she never "dieted", she watched what she ate and stopped eating when she got full. My father was skinny but put on weight as he got older and had to watch it. Sometimes I wonder what in the world happened to me? I guess it's true what they say - genetics can get you from relatives from waaayyy back!!!

I guess the moral of the story is - to each his own. We can't judge how people look even if they are raw. Everyone is different!

[something beautiful]

but I notice NONE of the women in the turbo jam videos had a waistline!

Thank you! I've noticed that too, but whenever I point that out to my gfs or husband they think I'm raw nuts. I want to be curvy, so I'm staying away from those kinds of videos ;) Do you do any special exercises? I find that dance and ballet and yoga exercises are more in line with how I want to look.

[T-Bird]

But hard core yoga and ballet types have no BOOBS!

When I was younger - my measurements were 35-23-35. I had just a B cup and I loved it!

I want to get there again. Is it possible after 20 years and 2 kids? IDK - but I'll see how close I can get. I recently gave away all my D cup bras! I only needed the D's at "that time".

I do a pretty standard weight routine. I'm not looking to be super bulked, just hard underneath a thin soft layer of feminine fat.

I'm dialing down on the weights until I lose a little more fat - I don't want to get too bulky - or WAISTLESS - without realizing. I've been doing that sitting curl with the weight machine, and the hanging reverse situps so those are pretty hardcore for the midline. Also side bends with 40 lbs, incline situp about 100, with half twisting to the knee, also reverse sit ups on the incline. I just want my natural shape so I'm not pushing too hard to increase weights/reps at the moment. Just maintaining fit/a wee bit of progress, and of course interval cardio for fat burn.

Exception is the squats/lunges. Those were the last exercises I implemented into my routine, so those muscles are behind (no pun, really:)) the others.

I've been able to get into a few odd pieces of my teenage daughter's clothing....she's actually still 12 for 6 more weeks, and slender......so I'm psyched on that! Just a few t's that were large-ish on her. She's a size 1 pants - I don't think I'm going there. I'm a size 6/8 currently depending on who makes the clothes - and would ideally like to be a 4. Well - she will grow - then we can share!

[RawKnitster]

I was just wanting to know what differentiates those with a slim swimsuit model type physique (like Carol Alt, Tonya Kay) versus those that still look 15-20 pounds overweight (without muscle definition) even after being 100% raw for a few years or more. Do they possibly eat too many nuts and don't exercise enough?

Your right, they wouldn't be in that kind of shape without exercise. Heidi Klum loses weight the way you describe, lean protein and veggies because that is the diet her personal trainer tells her to eat. She also works out intensely many hours a day. Years ago Demi Moore changed herself with a raw diet and an INTENSE work out regimen.

BTW: Carol Alt has a sister that is a plus size model. Still got the good genes, just in a bigger size.


after being 100% raw for a few years or more. Do they possibly eat too many nuts and don't exercise enough?

As for long term rawbies with weight issues...I've heard Victoria Boutenko speak about her weight issues. She said she is just a woman trying to do the best she can. She works in an office, writes a lot, and eats to much in the evening, and needs to exercise more.


On a previous attempt at raw foods last year, I had my body composition tested and I lost a good deal of muscle mass. I want to see if I can avoid that somehow this time around so that I am toned and not flabby.

Add all the protein you want, but if your not exercising you will not get "toned".

I have all the same concerns. I want to lose more weight, but I enjoy preparing and eating food, and despise exercising for the sake of exercise. I'm trying to find some fun ways to get active, like hiking. I would love to be able to afford a good yoga class, too.

[cara4art]

"Add all the protein you want, but if your not exercising you will not get "toned". - RawKnitster

Really true, and to clarify that further, waving little pink dumbbells around for 50 reps a set and calling it weight-training won't cut it either! Also, the word "toning" really needs to be retired, because what we're really talking about here is building muscle which gives a sleeker, firmer look to anyone. There are far too many women who are still afraid to lift a weight(even with all the solid evidence out there)because they fear "looking like a man". If they only knew just what hard work it is for most women(unless really genetically gifted or doing steroids)to put on lots of muscle due to the fact that on average we have one-tenth the amount of testosterone(the muscle-building hormone par excellence)that men do. All the more reason to train hard according to one's abilities, IMO. What a lot of women think is getting bulky is the result of building some muscle, but not losing the body fat that is sitting on top of the muscle. As I said earlier in this thread, solid weight-training that tends to go heavy, with compound movements being the foundation of one's program and some high-intensity cardio will do wonders along with not over-eating in general. One needs to eat enough of course to support this kind of activity, but also not too much, so that body fat will eventually go down. Then, all those new muscles will be more evident, and even though one might weigh somewhat more on the scale, one will look trimmer and more sleek, whatever the body structure. As far as the waist and boobs go, part of that is genetic - those hard-core yoga and ballet types were often small-boned to begin with, and they are not eating that much, save for a few genetically-gifted types who can chow down anything and everything and still be skinny. There ARE those people around!

[bunny_rescuer]

Since going raw (not 100%), my weight has totally just become stable! I did master cleanse prior to starting raw. Detoxing was crazy. I never regained the weight. Occasionally I add calories in my head - I always eat more than 1200 when I do that.

Anyway... I am not eating nuts (except for flax seed and raw almond butter). I have not sprouted any grains yet. I've just been sprouting legumes.

I ride my bike everyday as my primary means of transportation. I find biking makes me look long/leaner than other exercises. I don't bike intentionally -- I am just trying to save money and not buy another monthly subway pass while the weather is nice.

Back to the long leaner thing... I have decided it depends most on your fat ratio. My arms are small. When I judge someone's fitness level -- I look at their upper arms. That is my gauge that does not take frame/body type into account. My husband told me that he does this, and I have found it is very accurate.

I guess I have a very small frame (I used to always have to have watches made smaller. My wedding ring is a size 5...). I am lucky there. I am also flat-chested. That makes someone look leaner.

I don't mind not having boobs. Except - it is hard to find bras. 34 small-A is *very* hard to find.

[freelive]

"

Really true, and to clarify that further, waving little pink dumbbells around for 50 reps a set and calling it weight-training won't cut it either!

I prefer small muscles to large, so I make sure not to use any dumbbels larger than 3 pounds(my 2 pound ones I use the most are not pink though- they are blue):D And I make sure to do variety exercises from all the angles like in Tracy Anderson dvds. Yet, I understand, that some people like large muscles and they choose large weights - and it is just fine with me.

Actually we need to understand that tiny or bigger waist, bigger or smaller boobs, bigger or smaller muscles are simply a thing of taste. They don't show your core value, they don't make you better or worse. That said, why not to relax and have some fun creating the body we want(and allow others to create the body they want without judgement for our sake.)

The shape does change when you change exercize or food, and a lot. I always thought that me having larger size on the bottom than the top was genetic. Cha! Once on raw, my bottom just melted off like it never even was there. People who eat a lot of dairy, have bigger bones, and if they ate dairy as children - they are taller. Cow's growth hormones make them taller.You can see it in the whole nations - where dairy is consumed or not.

[eatyourbroccoli]

Hi there. I have a concern that I'd like to voice; however, I am afraid of offending, as I don't mean to offend anyone.

I've seen some women who have been 100% raw for a few years or more. Some of them look really good, and the other ones look a bit pudgy. I was just wanting to know what differentiates those with a slim swimsuit model type physique (like Carol Alt, Tonya Kay) versus those that still look 15-20 pounds overweight (without muscle definition) even after being 100% raw for a few years or more. Do they possibly eat too many nuts and don't exercise enough? (I apologize if this sounds at all judgmental, as I don't mean to be like that. I just don't know how to ask my question in a less blunt way.)

Most of the 'Get slim quick' cooked-food diets I see have people eating lots of protein several times a day with very little fruit... it's basically a high-protein, low carb, low fat diet. I have read up on celebrity diets, and they eat this way doing a low calorie/high protein diet along with lots of cardio and high repetition weight training (to develop lean toned muscles).

Obviously I don't want to follow the celebrity diet thing, as it's not healthy. I am vegan and don't eat meat anyways. I have been 100% raw for the last 5 days, and want to make this a lifestyle. But I want to know what to do to slim down and be toned and not be 'skinny fat'. On a previous attempt at raw foods last year, I had my body composition tested and I lost a good deal of muscle mass. I want to see if I can avoid that somehow this time around so that I am toned and not flabby. Anyways, I definitely don't want to be a hypocrite as I am trying to lose a good deal of weight myself... but I was just wondering if there was an 'ideal' approach to get the fit body I'd like.

Any suggestions? Thanks so much!

Edit: I am thinking about adding some high protein/low fat raw protein powders, like Sunwarrior into my diet. I am hoping that might help me shed off fat faster while not losing muscle.


imo, the ideal approach to get the best body for you is intuitive eating. by that i mean eat what your body is asking for..if it's fruit, eat fruit. if it's seeds or nuts..eat those. i eat a ton of fat personally (love seeds and olive oil), and do yoga 3-5 times a week..i'm thin (5'10" 134-138 lbs), but w definite hips and a waist (thank you Italian heritage..), AND i have a moderate chest that i'm happy with :p ..and i attribute it to listening to my intuition and not allowing the chaos of "eat this but don't eat that and only eat that on sundays if the moon is waxing and the temperature is less than 50 degrees..."

but maybe that's just me. i trust, like alissa, that simple old raw is enough. some raw food advocates may be heavier than others, but that could be because they are stressed, have certain genetics, or maybe they like being a bit bigger (imagine that! :D ). my humble advice would be to eat what your body is craving (raw rise.. :p ) and keep up with whichever workouts make YOU feel best.

besides..if everyone was a size zero, what a tragic death for the diversity of beauty that would be.

[zinny]

Interesting thread, lots of good points. I find it interesting that so many people assume that the pudgier raw people are not really 100% raw--but amongst SAD, we also see the very thin and very overweight. (A lot of ballerinas are living on grapefruit and coffee; eating disorders are very common in that world.) The pudgier raw folks may really be eating 100% raw, but at the end of the day are eating more calories than they're burning up--which can be addressed by eating fewer calories or exercising more. Or by being happy with their good health if in fact they feel great!

I think a lot of it is perceptual as well. I seem to aesthetically prefer people who are heavier than Hollywood likes. To my eye, I find that a lot of the 100% raw people are unattractively lean--to me, being very thin looks less healthy. I wonder if this is an intuitive recognition that our ancestors would have preferred storing more fat on the body in case of a time of famine? :D

If you are eating a healthy, varied diet; getting in good regular bouts of exercise, both aerobic and strength-training; and have high energy and a robust immune system--then enjoy!

[carlye]

Maybe the "pudgy" 100% Raw eaters are HAPPY with the way they look and don't have any body issues??! :)

Gee, i wish there were more people like them in the world.

[back2healthy]

But then there's Aleesha who has been very successful eating raw. Her last piece of advice that I can recall lately is to "eat, eat as much as you want/can". She's dropped a ton of lbs's and looks and feels fabulous.

Can someone outline a "perfect" day of raw food intake, including excersize.

[TaupeRawMan]

Maybe the "pudgy" 100% Raw eaters are HAPPY with the way they look and don't have any body issues??! :)

Gee, i wish there were more people like them in the world.

YES!! Perfect!!

[Mikkei]

Even those who've written "raw" books appear to be on the heavy side - like me (too heavy for my own self).

Totally! My mother-in-law actually went to see Victoria Boutenko when she came through Canada this year. She paid like $160 to attend her talk, but she said that the Victoria was so over-weight (she said she looked 200lbs) and unhealthy looking that she walked out because she knew there was no way she could be 100% raw and couldn't take what she was preaching seriously.

I can't imagine anyone on a 100% raw diet being huge, but I think you could be a little bigger than normal. When my girlfriend and I first went raw she was 105lbs at 5'2". However, after the first couple of months we started eating more nuts and oils and she gained 5lbs. max. but still was a size 1. After she cut out the nuts and oils, she lost it all. So there is a difference between different "types" of 100% raw.