Revvell's Fit or Fat Program

[Revvell]

Hi y'all,

Well, since getting married and going out a LOT and eating whatever's been on my plate AND lots of what HE tends to eat over the last 5+ years, I've found that, eliminating excess fat isn't as easy as it was when I was first introduced to raw about 13 years ago.

I've tried LOTS of things ~ upping my exercise being one. Now, with that, my actual body shape has changed. I've got more muscle; back, legs, arms are stronger; stomach flatter; more stamina; definitely fitter!

I've added more fluid ~ mostly LARGE glasses of 1/2 water and 1/2 freshly squeezed orange juice. We go through about one 35# box of oranges a week. What's happened with more fluid is, less cellulite. I'd heard cellulite comes from fat. Well, I don't eat much of it; never have so, HAD to be something else. I asked Paul Nison in our interview on Rawkin Radio and he said ~ fluid. HUH? :eek: Well, fluid it is.

In Alissa's book, she says grapefruit juice. Well, that works too. One of my client's brings me a HUGE bag or two from his tree every time he comes over.

The other thing and I think it's a HUGE thing is, I've stopped focusing on FAT and started focusing on FIT! See, we've all heard it ~ what you focus on expands and, when we focus on FAT or focus on WEIGHT, what happens? For me, NOTHING! The scale NEVER moved and when it did, it was up! So, now, when I go in the fridge and His cheese is sitting right there staring me in the face, I say, Fit or Fat? FIT!!! So, I look further down where I always have fresh produce ~ Greens and lots of them! Reds to add to them are on the counter (red bell peppers, tomatoes, etc.). Strawberries, grapes, blueberries, raspberries! Already prepared smoozies!

I might even close the fridge door and head out to my garden and see what's newly ripened.

What I'm saying is, Fit or Fat is YOUR decision. Just remember, get moving! The changes I'm seeing in my body (and others are noticing) is amazing just in the last couple of weeks. I'm doing kettlebells, macebells, clubbells, Bulgarian training bags and bodyweight movements along with walking, stretching and more! Keep it varied and keep it fun! Oh! And don't bother with "rest" days. That's a fallacy. Kids never have a rest day from fun yet, for some reason, we've learned that we "should". :rolleyes:

Next time you open your fridge (NOTHING we eat except condiments should be in a cupboard) or look on your counter, ask yourself ~ Fit or Fat? Lemme know what happens.

Oh, btw, that doesn't mean I don't eat nuts, seeds, olives ~ I just don't eat them at EVERY meal or, together. We NEED fats to assist in the assimilation of fat soluble vitamins.

Revvell (http://Revvellations.com/Weekly)

[contessa20]

This is beautiful, Revvell. Definitely something I needed to hear today (as I was mentally whining that I still haven't dropped those last few pounds to get to my next goal weight.)

Thanks for the inspiration and the reminder.

[DebB]

Thank you Revvell. Your post was very timely for me as well. I'm just plain ole tired of always worrying about my weight. Your post was the catalyst I needed to just let it go and concentrate on being fit instead - I love it! *Ü*

[snoops]

(NOTHING we eat except condiments should be in a cupboard)

Revvell (http://Revvellations.com/Weekly)

Just an aside - I don't keep lots of things in the fridge. Apples, oranges, bananas, mangoes, passionfruit to name some things in my fruit bowl right now. Nor tomatoes, avocadoes...

Am I wrong??:confused:

But other than that - your thoughts are right on. I must stop focusing on losing the fat and focus on gaining the fitness. Thank you.

[Aleesha Sattva]

tomatoes should not be put in the fridge... makes them more acidic (if i'm remembering properly... i just know you should keep those babies on the counter!)

and i agree rev... you gotta move it to loose it and you gotta NOT eat it to not gain it! :)

[Revvell]

No, you're not. I mostly put berries in the fridge. Most everything with a peel I keep out unless it's been cut.


Just an aside - I don't keep lots of things in the fridge. Apples, oranges, bananas, mangoes, passionfruit to name some things in my fruit bowl right now. Nor tomatoes, avocadoes...

Am I wrong??:confused:

But other than that - your thoughts are right on. I must stop focusing on losing the fat and focus on gaining the fitness. Thank you.

[Revvell]

tomatoes should not be put in the fridge... makes them more acidic (if i'm remembering properly... i just know you should keep those babies on the counter!)
:)

That's what I said!

[apb1172]

Thanks Revelle! This is what I am trying to focus on this time around. I find it to be much easier to make choices based on fitness rather than calories or weight.

[Revvell]

That's what I'm finding and seeing a body transformation happening!!!


Thanks Revelle! This is what I am trying to focus on this time around. I find it to be much easier to make choices based on fitness rather than calories or weight.

[Revvell]

Happy to help. :)


Thank you Revvell. Your post was very timely for me as well. I'm just plain ole tired of always worrying about my weight. Your post was the catalyst I needed to just let it go and concentrate on being fit instead - I love it! *Ü*

[Revvell]

You're very welcome. Thanks for reading. :)


This is beautiful, Revvell. Definitely something I needed to hear today (as I was mentally whining that I still haven't dropped those last few pounds to get to my next goal weight.)

Thanks for the inspiration and the reminder.

[sprouts2go]

Thank you!!! Fit or Fat works for me. Yesterday my dinner choices were not good but I kinda knew I was not gonna make good choices. Yes I chose FAT instead of Fit.
Did work in the garden LOTS yesterday and today. Hope it helps. Ate lots of watermelon and water to help push my bad choice out.

[Susan123]

What a beautiful post. Thanks for the reminder!! :D

[Moretta]

What a wonderful post and so inspirational.

Again, thanks Revvell.

[Revvell]

You're welcome! Thank you for taking the time to read and respond!

[SweetTangerine]

I feel off again from raw (although not nearly as bad as last time) and I needed to read this as well. You are right, I really need to come into raw with a new attitude. Last time around I was bringing in a lot of negativity and was fixated on losing fat. All I could think about was fat. So what did I do? I ate too much fat and I didn't move a muscle! I am looking outside today and it is a beautiful sunny Washington day and I am sitting inside. Time to grab those rollerblades and hit the trail! Thanks again, your posts are always inspirational to those who are struggling. You always just say it like it is, and I admire you for that.

[lavendarJ]

Every since my raw vegan journey began, I have followed Alissa's most simple suggestion of: just eat. It hasn't steered me wrong and increasing my fats (of course raw vegan) has benefited me in too many ways to name...

There is no measuring for me unless I'm on a tight budget and trying to stretch a food item. It's a good thing to know what works for your body... I eat my avocados, olive oils and everything else with no worries and have noticed that my metabolism seems to be at its best when I just eat with good old common sense. For me, eating fat means eating fit but that just confirms for me that my body was deprived from healthy fats for the longest time in my old standard american diet eating days. I also just focus on eating a balance of everything...no yummy veggies or fruits are off limits to me... some of my raw vegan friends mono eat - like we're talking 20 bananas a day for a week and then switching over to something else which in my own opinion is just silly. I've done enough dieting in my lifetime and now I just focus on trying to eat what I know is best for my body's health and longetivity. I refuse to make raw vegan living anything similiar to a diet. The only thing I have noticed in my almost 3 year journey is that too many dehydrated foods give me the same reaction as eating SAD starchy chips or something like that. So like I said, it's all about good old common sense. I love everyone's posts and how we have all grown and really learned to listen to our bodies and know what's best for us as individuals in this raw vegan journey.....

[theresaann]

thanks, Revvell~

I too have been going through a body transformation for the last 8 months. At 44, it took me 6 months of consistent, tough workouts 3-5X/week, plus a pretty clean vegan diet (about 75% raw) to start seeing real results. Now, at 8 months, I have gone from a tight size 10 to a 4. But it really took some time!

I've tried to workout before, and would get really frustrated after a few months not losing fat fast enough, but this time I stuck with it and I'm so glad that I did.

My experience is that we HAVE to build up a good base of lean muscle tissue to really lose fat, cause the muscle burns so many calories and stokes the metabolism. Adding raw or high raw to that, well, we can really transform to the cellular level, and reverse aging as well as lose fat.

Its so fun to see this process unfold!! I also appreciate your message about hydration-I too have found that to be so so important. Thank you!

[Revvell]

I'm not talking about measuring, counting calories, dieting (in the new sense of the word) or worrying about anything or any fruits or vegetables being off-limits. What I am talking about is choosing MY food over HIS food which, when I open the fridge, is in my face. THAT's when I say FAT or FIT? HIS food makes me FAT!

PLUS, I've found, when first going raw, fat/excess weight disappeared easily. Going on and off, after awhile, it doesn't do that anymore. Also, being over 60 tends to make a difference for many of us. So, FAT or FIT? We choose to eat better, get up and MOVE, get enough rest, and get the mindset focused on what we want, not what we don't want.




There is no measuring for me unless I'm on a tight budget and trying to stretch a food item. It's a good thing to know what works for your body... I eat my avocados, olive oils and everything else with no worries and have noticed that my metabolism seems to be at its best when I just eat with good old common sense. For me, eating fat means eating fit but that just confirms for me that my body was deprived from healthy fats for the longest time in my old standard american diet eating days. I also just focus on eating a balance of everything...no yummy veggies or fruits are off limits to me... some of my raw vegan friends mono eat - like we're talking 20 bananas a day for a week and then switching over to something else which in my own opinion is just silly. I've done enough dieting in my lifetime and now I just focus on trying to eat what I know is best for my body's health and longetivity. I refuse to make raw vegan living anything similiar to a diet. The only thing I have noticed in my almost 3 year journey is that too many dehydrated foods give me the same reaction as eating SAD starchy chips or something like that. So like I said, it's all about good old common sense. I love everyone's posts and how we have all grown and really learned to listen to our bodies and know what's best for us as individuals in this raw vegan journey.....

[Revvell]

thanks, Revvell~

You're welcome and thank you for your input.




I've tried to workout before, and would get really frustrated after a few months not losing fat fast enough...
I can relate. I use to see a MAJOR difference in just 6 weeks but then, I was focused on the training. This time, I've changed my focus and now, changed it back to FITness!




My experience is that we HAVE to build up a good base of lean muscle tissue to really lose fat, cause the muscle burns so many calories and stokes the metabolism. Adding raw or high raw to that, well, we can really transform to the cellular level, and reverse aging as well as lose fat.

Absolutely!




Its so fun to see this process unfold!!

Yesssss!



I also appreciate your message about hydration-I too have found that to be so so important. Thank you!

Moreso than I've ever realized. Thank you!

[Aleesha Sattva]

i choose fit!!!

[lavendarJ]

I'm not talking about measuring, counting calories, dieting (in the new sense of the word) or worrying about anything or any fruits or vegetables being off-limits. What I am talking about is choosing MY food over HIS food which, when I open the fridge, is in my face. THAT's when I say FAT or FIT? HIS food makes me FAT!

PLUS, I've found, when first going raw, fat/excess weight disappeared easily. Going on and off, after awhile, it doesn't do that anymore. Also, being over 60 tends to make a difference for many of us. So, FAT or FIT? We choose to eat better, get up and MOVE, get enough rest, and get the mindset focused on what we want, not what we don't want.

Just to clear up... I got that you were talking about HIS food choices; should have clarified that - think its pretty safe to say that you've got a good grip on this experience/journey or however you define this thing that we can raw veganism...

just adding my 2 cents in on the various concepts around fit vs. fat in the raw vegan world because I hear so much of what I mentioned under the guise of fit vs. fat....

It's like I said before, it's good to see all the various responses on how we are learning to listen to our bodies- cause they really do talk!

[shine72]

I'm focusing on the fit right now as well. I could keep looking at the scale (that keeps going up and down w/in the same 4 pound range) and I will from time to time (because of the $$$ hubby's giving me at my milestones). BUT, right now, I'm more excited about and focusing on how I'm getting better at my workouts, how my jeans are getting loose (the SKINNY jeans at that), and how my legs are taking shape. :)

I ran yesterday, not a lot, and my shins are hating me for it today, but I RAN! I was told by the doctors when I was leaving the Army that I shouldn't run because of my knees and the issues I had with them and my hips (I'd over-compensate for my knees and get stress fractures in my hip). And I RAN yesterday and it felt GREAT!

So yeah, I think I'll focus on fit! It's so much more fun! :D

[curlygirl82]

Thanks so much for this, Revvell. I love hearing your perspective on things. Love it, love it, love it. And very timely for me, too! Thank you! You're awesome!

[Revvell]

Awww, thank you!


Thanks so much for this, Revvell. I love hearing your perspective on things. Love it, love it, love it. And very timely for me, too! Thank you! You're awesome!

[Conscious Midwife]

Hmmm back to the fridge one last time. I choose fit. As in a glass of water and a few pieces of iceberg for my night tiem crunch factor.

Hmmm

Why wait til Tuesday?!?!??

[Revvell]

Good job. All you've got is this moment.

I ended up having a salad with greens, spinach, tomatoes, red bells peppers and sliced strawberries. I think that's it for this evening ~ and fluid. Gots to have fluid before bed.


Hmmm back to the fridge one last time. I choose fit. As in a glass of water and a few pieces of iceberg for my night tiem crunch factor.

Hmmm

Why wait til Tuesday?!?!??

[Revvell]

Another component of the Fat or Fit program (and, understand something, some people who are overweight or carrying extra fat, can definitely be in better shape than many of us who are thinner)... is MOVEMENT!

Granted, you don't HAVE to do the things I do which are kettlebells, clubbells, macebells, Bulgarian training bags, etc. BUT, the body was made to move. I've found that getting up every 2-3 hours (I've tried EVERY hour but, that's too stringent and if I'm in the middle of something...), going downstairs and doing SOMEthing ~ bodyweight movement; running up and down the stairs 3-6 times (or more); taking a walk around the block; swinging a club or mace; 5 minutes of rebounding ~ SOMEthing ~ will help keep the metabolism going.

Soo, get up, get down, get FIT!

Revvell (http://LetsTalkRaw.com)

[Revvell]

So, yesterday, I purchased a fairly high-priced pedometer. I had a small collection of the cheap ones, wore 3 of them one time and still couldn't get an accurate count so did a search on Amazon and chose one. We'll see how it goes. Should be in by Friday.

I'm planning on adding the 10,000 step thing to my program.

Anyone with me on this program? Tell us what you're doing to go from Fat to Fit?

I'll have Himself do some vids of me ~ possibly today ~ doing some of my work out. Yesterday, didn't feel to do the heavier weights, so did the mace and 2# Indian clubs.

So now, I'm out for a walk! Oh! When I come back, going to drink some oj/water. :p Just had a lil to refresh myself after not having anything to drink for about 8 hours or so.

bbiab

Revvell

[snoops]

I finally paid for a personal trainer to get me back into weights. She's got me doing squats, dead lifts and bench press. Between the three you are using pretty much every muscle in the body. Its an awesome workout. I am lifting more weight now at 51 than I ever have. Amazing.

I do need to up my cardio as well. HIIT - high intensity interval training. You can get an intense workout in 15-20 minutes. I just need to DO IT.

FAT or FIT??

[Revvell]

Snoops,

Good on ya for doing what you're doing! Amazing how we can lift more now than previously, yes? Life is good!

Ummm, yea, choose FIT! 'k? :D

[snoops]

So I got home from a workout session with my trainer. Worked hard and felt like maybe it would be OK to treat myself to a piece of toast and peanut butter. I even had the bread in the toaster. I took it out and put it away and had half an avocado and a Larabar. I choose FIT:D!! not FAT:p

[Revvell]

Congratulations! I know what you're talking about. He's a bread/cheese eater. :rolleyes: I want it!!!! But, I'm choosing FIT!

One thing I do to curtail those is, tell myself I'll have something healthy (or, healthier since somethings I do want are actually fairly healthy) and IF I still want the other, I can have it! By the time I done with the healthy, I don't even think of the other. :)


So I got home from a workout session with my trainer. Worked hard and felt like maybe it would be OK to treat myself to a piece of toast and peanut butter. I even had the bread in the toaster. I took it out and put it away and had half an avocado and a Larabar. I choose FIT:D!! not FAT:p

[RawHeaven]

Wow, Revvell, thank you for sharing!!! If I take one thing from your words, it is to focus on fit. Makes a lot of sense as well as the fluids information. When I drink a lot of orange juice, the extra fat stores seem to melt away. Thank you again! And so glad you're feeling fine. :)

[sprouts2go]

:mad: Yesterday I choose Fat and SAD for dinner. My choices have been very good but this was to close and smelled to good. I have since chosen to be FIT and healthy. I will NOT make that FAT choice again!!!
I must learn to make something that will replace this until I can not want it.

[Revvell]

Thank ya ma'am. I was unaccountably sleepy yesterday; slept from about 830 p.m. until 4:30 a.m., got up, went out for a loooong walk and STILL feeling SO good! Nice "seeing" you. :)


Wow, Revvell, thank you for sharing!!! If I take one thing from your words, it is to focus on fit. Makes a lot of sense as well as the fluids information. When I drink a lot of orange juice, the extra fat stores seem to melt away. Thank you again! And so glad you're feeling fine. :)

[Revvell]

Yeah, well, that's the tough part. I'm finding if I'm totally nourished, I don't desire the pizza my honey is sitting next to me eating ~ that plus, a few months ago, I made one of those pizzas and ate it. Previously I could eat the whole thing with no problem. This time, I was done after 3 slices BUT, I kept on going until I was full, stuffed, bloated. Have not wanted any since!!! How cool is that?

So now, while He's eating pizza, I'm eating cherries or drinking my oj water.

It seems, after awhile, just the fragrance of the dead food is enough to satisfy. It just doesn't seem so much like food anymore, especially when I feel so goood!

It's really the morning after ~ if I don't feel to get out of bed; my mouth tastes like poo; I don't feel to train; my eyes feel goopy ~ then I know, I did wrong. Sort of like a bad food hangover, eh? Who needs that?


:mad: Yesterday I choose Fat and SAD for dinner. My choices have been very good but this was to close and smelled to good. I have since chosen to be FIT and healthy. I will NOT make that FAT choice again!!!
I must learn to make something that will replace this until I can not want it.

[rawstrength]

Blech. I know what having a food hangover feels like. I have one this morning from overdoing it last night on RAW desserts. I'm choosing fit today!

[Revvell]

Yes! Me too. Did the walk, did some Bulgarian training bag; had one smoothie and CHERRIES! lol


Blech. I know what having a food hangover feels like. I have one this morning from overdoing it last night on RAW desserts. I'm choosing fit today!

[sprouts2go]

Me and my wheeled bag stepped out in the farmers market and I was FIT all day!!!
OMG fresh organic produce who knew it could look better at a farmers market.
Nibble nibble as I came home and washed my greens.
What's the kale doing ? Becoming kale chips and an avocado kale salad (Karen Knowler Style)

[Revvell]

Oh yeah! Their produce is picked the day before! All nice and fresh! LOTS of nutrients, life force energy, enzymes and all that good stuff. Good for you!!!

Ummm, kale chips? I want some!!! :)


Me and my wheeled bag stepped out in the farmers market and I was FIT all day!!!
OMG fresh organic produce who knew it could look better at a farmers market.
Nibble nibble as I came home and washed my greens.
What's the kale doing ? Becoming kale chips and an avocado kale salad (Karen Knowler Style)

[sprouts2go]

Oh yeah! Their produce is picked the day before! All nice and fresh! LOTS of nutrients, life force energy, enzymes and all that good stuff. Good for you!!!

Ummm, kale chips? I want some!!! :)
Darn I just finsihed the last crumb as the computer loaded. Maybe next time :D darn is that kale between my teeth.

You are right everything was so fresh. The Kale avocado salad was great too.

[Revvell]

Darn I just finsihed the last crumb as the computer loaded. Maybe next time :D darn is that kale between my teeth.

You are right everything was so fresh. The Kale avocado salad was great too.

Brat! Now I have to go eat cherries. :p ;)

[*RayRay*]

It seems, after awhile, just the fragrance of the dead food is enough to satisfy I agree, I always smell my hubby's breads (which I used to claim as my favorite food!) but now just smelling them is enough for me....it's pleasant, but doesn't leave me feeling bad!! (I haven't had even a bite of bread in way over a year!)


about the water/O.J. what is the effect of the O.J. or grapefruit juice, and will lemon juice work as well (I've been drinking water with lemon juice squeezed in with a few drops of stevia) is it something special about the orange/grapefruit, or is it just the fact that you are hydrating that helps with the cellulite/fat reduction??? thanks for the inspirational thread!

[Revvell]

about the water/O.J. what is the effect of the O.J. or grapefruit juice, and will lemon juice work as well (I've been drinking water with lemon juice squeezed in with a few drops of stevia) is it something special about the orange/grapefruit, or is it just the fact that you are hydrating that helps with the cellulite/fat reduction??? thanks for the inspirational thread!

I think it's just the hydrating. Far as I know, lemon juice is really good fro cleansing liver/kidneys but, I like the taste of Oj and water and occasionally grapefruit juice and water. When I use lemon or grapefruit juice, I also add some sweetener which I'd prefer not to. I don't even think about sweetening with oj. Good question. Got me thinking. :)

[sprouts2go]

I made Fit choices all week!!!

[snoops]

Yaaaa for you. I did too. Doesn't it feel great:D

[Eilene]

I have been working out a lot more in the past month. I had slacked off due to bad knees and other problems. I have been working out consistently since I have been 19 & I'm 53 now) I'm practicing Yoga, weight training (can't do legs though as I have BAD knees), walking my 3 dogs once or twice a day for at least 1.2 miles each time and golf. (It's not fast cardio, but I'm still moving and getting off my butt!!) I already see a difference in my arms! I am totally in love with YOGA and feel it have really made me stronger & much more flexible. I just feel great from it!

I decided to try and do something almost every day! The only problem...I'm always sore from working out...but I love how it makes me feel...so alive!!! I'm for FIT!!!

[snoops]

Eilene, I have bad knees too. You need to build up your quadriceps and hamstrings so they can better support your knees. I started riding an exercise bike years ago and that did the job. With stronger legs you could start doing squats. I am doing them now and my knees are great. I don't think I could run but at least I can do weights. Lower body weight are the best for you because they are an all over body workout. Try doing a squat or dead lift without engaging all your core muscles too! If you don't know how to do a correct squat though get some help because doing it in the wrong position with for sure aggravate knee injury. In the right position - no problems.

And way to go on keeping fit anyways. I know bad knees are a pain.

[Eilene]

Eilene, I have bad knees too. You need to build up your quadriceps and hamstrings so they can better support your knees. I started riding an exercise bike years ago and that did the job. With stronger legs you could start doing squats. I am doing them now and my knees are great. I don't think I could run but at least I can do weights. Lower body weight are the best for you because they are an all over body workout. Try doing a squat or dead lift without engaging all your core muscles too! If you don't know how to do a correct squat though get some help because doing it in the wrong position with for sure aggravate knee injury. In the right position - no problems.

And way to go on keeping fit anyways. I know bad knees are a pain.

Bad knees run in my family. My Dad has 2 knee replacements. My sister has had a few surgeries. I used to be a runner & a bodybuilder, a biker...let's just say I have done it all. I don't have a lot of cartilage left & I think thats the problem. My doctor told me not to do squats or lunges. I am in pain when I try them. I HATE not being able to work out my legs!!! At least I can do Yoga & that helps. I'm also 53...so that isn't helping.

[snoops]

Do knee replacements make it like you have perfect knees again. Could you run?

[Colorawdo girl]

A program yesterday on the power of the mind. Some people were told they were having knee surgury and some had it and some did not. The ones who did not, did get cut n sewed back up(sure they agreed to be in the controlled study)....and guess what? Ones who did not have knee surgury but thought htey did, recovered nicely and became runners.

If we say we are sick, the body does nto know the difference. So , why not say I am well?! " I go towards , not away from what i want for my health.

Happy raw n good health to you.

[snoops]

Ones who did not have knee surgury but thought htey did, recovered nicely and became runners.


That is really interesting.

[Revvell]

Well, this sure got off-topic didn't it? lol

[Revvell]

just adding my 2 cents in on the various concepts around fit vs. fat in the raw vegan world because I hear so much of what I mentioned under the guise of fit vs. fat..

Sorry I didn't respond to this and I agree with what you say about eating in the "raw vegan world". Nod,nod,nod. :)