hi everyone! new to raw! excited ! ! yipee! PLEASE READ

[lilrawroar]

Hello,
I've been a vegetarian for 6 + years and have recently been more and more interested in becoming raw. I just finished reading The Raw Food Diet Myth by Ruthann Russo, which was a great introduction to this lifestyle. Next, I will be reading Alissa Cohen's book.
Does anyone recommend any other books for someone new to being raw??

Also, I've read that its best to work your way into being 75-100% raw.
But, I really want to dive right in! It will probably be hard for me to give up coffee, but otherwise I want to be close to 100% from the start.
What are others experiences with becoming a raw foodist? Did you
work your way into it little by little or did you go raw cold turkey??

When I became a vegetarian, I was 100% from day 1. And it was completely fine for me. My boyfriend at the time, was vegan so that probably made it much easier.

Tomorrow, I am starting Day 1 of a 14-day Master Cleanse, I figure this will be the best way to eliminate all cooked foods and all junk from my system, without having the opportunity to let it sneak back in..
This will be my 3rd Master Cleanse, but I've never done one past 10 days.

Please, please share your thoughts, knowledge, etc...

THANKS!! and I look forward ..
P.S. If anyone is doing a master cleanse right now, how/where do i chat with others about ? its nice to read about other's experiences along the way:)

[spicyfull]

I wish you everything you need to Stay RAW..........Welcome to MY World.

[lilrawroar]

thanks spicyfull for the encouragement!
i am excited for this new beginning and I WANT to make this last. Just as I did when I became a vegetarian and now 6 years later, I still could not imagine going back..only FORWARD..

thanks!!

[RawKnitster]

Go ahead and dive right in to the 30 day challenge! It took me a few weeks to let go of my daily cup of java, but after being raw a while it became necessary.

I don't know about the master cleanse approach. Too restrictive for me, and I'm likely to binge after that kind of deprevation, but since you already have experience with it you would know how you respond to it.

Whichever way you go, best of luck to you!

[Veganforlife]

Welcome! Do a search on here for more info on books and such.

Victoria Boutenko's "Green for Life" is a great one too.

Alissa's is THE BEST however... :D

[Ilse W.]

Welcome to the raw food forum and raw life. Some people are all-or-nothing types, myself included. If you can go cold-turkey, more power to you.
Aside from Alissa's book, I liked "The Live Food Factor: A Comprehensive Guide to the Ultimate Diet for Body, Mind, Spirit & Planet" by Susan E. Schenck.

[iluvmangos]

Also, I've read that its best to work your way into being 75-100% raw.But, I really want to dive right in! It will probably be hard for me to give up coffee, but otherwise I want to be close to 100% from the start.

This is actually what Alissa suggests in her book. Why take years to transition? Just do it. Get healthy NOW! :)

If you do fall of the wagon, don't beat yourself up. Just start over with your next bite. Welcome to RFT!

ETA: I've never used it before, but I've heard that Teecino herbal coffee is a good substitute for coffee so you might wanna try that. You may be able to find it at your local health food store. If not, they have a website. Google it.

[lilrawroar]

WOW, THANKS!! Everyone for all the feedback. !! I will definitely take that all into account. !! I am so so enthused about this new lifestyle. I have the feeling it is going to better my life in many more ways than I realize.
Best!! :) :)

[lilrawroar]

to iluvmangos: I have heard of the coffee alternative..I think that eventually I will ween myself off of the coffee..going from less coffee ( which I have done already) to tea. I am not one for "fakes", ie fake veggie meat and such.
Thanks for the suggestion.

And what a great advice Alissa gives about diving into the raw diet. I think that is the one thing I am afraid of. That is, messing up. You know? Having a craving for cooked food and giving in. But, as long as I keep in mind the reasons why I am choosing to do this that will keep me going. .. And, continuously learning more and more. That is what helped for me when I first became a vegetarian. If I apply similar methods I will be well off. And if I mess up, I will start over with that next bite.

[Frugal Raw]

Welcome!! I wish you the best of rawesome health!!