Wanted to share with you my weightloss story...

[freelee]

Hi everyone! My name is freelee and I would love to share my rawfood story with you all...
I haven't had a mouthful of cooked food in 2years and i feel amazing!

Over the years I struggled with my weight, yo-yoing back and forth, never finding stable ground. One day I would be subscribing to anorexic mentality, eating a couple of items of food a day and looking up advice from bulimic websites on how to puke effectively… whereas other days I would be stuffing in over 5000 calories of cooked junk food a day in a frantic binge…I always had a love of fruit but I was afraid the fruit sugar would make me fat, I would later discover its NEVER the fruit’s fault at all.


Before raw
http://fruit4free.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/freeleabfore.jpg

After raw 1 year
http://fruit4free.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/dsc061811.jpg

Today After 2years...
http://fruit4free.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/img_07531.jpg

http://fruit4free.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/photo-73.jpeg

[solarliving]

You are a shining Light : )

I just read your blog. Amazing story you have to tell. I was especially interested in your experience with the mono eating. It definately has inspired me to try this. I'm curious, how did you eliminate the previous addictions? Did they just fade away from being raw?

[freelee]

Yes i did eliminate all of my former addictions. When we meet our bodies physiological requirements of adequate quantities of carbohdrates, addictive behaviours become a thing of the past!

It really is very exciting, I used to have candida issues, weightgain, digestive disorders, STD's, anxiety...these have all been cured. I am so happy you enjoyed my story X

Lovefreelee

[ViolinCyndee]

SO inspiring!!!

[Green_Woman]

Hooray for RAW!!! :D

[Mary Kay]

Thanks for sharing!!!!!

Mary Kay

[solarliving]

Yes i did eliminate all of my former addictions. When we meet our bodies physiological requirements of adequate quantities of carbohdrates, addictive behaviours become a thing of the past!

It really is very exciting, I used to have candida issues, weightgain, digestive disorders, STD's, anxiety...these have all been cured. I am so happy you enjoyed my story X

Lovefreelee


That's monumental! You have me filled with Hope. Thank-you.

[freelee]

Oh thank you so much Green woman, Mary Kay and ViolinCyndee!! You ladies have made me feel very special and welcome, I appreciate that so much XX
:D

[spicyfull]

My Very Best to You....

[freelee]

Thanks Spicyfull! It's great to receive your support :)

[RawHealthyBeauty]

You're radiant and glowing!! Wow!! Two years is awesome!!

I would have been considered 100% raw if I had became a vegan about a year and a half ago, instead I just became a vegan two months ago, so now I'm 100% raw. It's making a huge difference for me.

VERY RAW-SOME!!! Thanks for the inspiration!!! :)

[Shine]

Wow!! Thank you for sharing your story. What beautiful fruit pics in your blog :) makes me happy **as she devours some grapes**

Blessings :)

[stellaJewels]

I'm happy for you and your weight loss story too, I just hope you're not here to try and push 80-10-10 on people like I've seen you do on other sites...

That's NOT what this site is about

[abeautifulworld]

Wow you look so beautiful and healthy! You're an inspiration to me to move more toward being 100% raw. =-)

[Green_Woman]

No pushing, just lots of offering our hands to each other to help us walk this journey together, though some may walk faster and some slower and some may lurch a little and others may have a smoother ride.......... right?


That's my little attempt at peacemaking. :D I think I'm not so good at it. :eek:

[freshlight]

I'm happy for you and your weight loss story too, I just hope you're not here to try and push 80-10-10 on people like I've seen you do on other sites...

That's NOT what this site is about

wow, this doesn't sound friendly at all! It's impossible to push anything at all on folks imo.

you are beautiful, freelee, thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I loved your blog and my son (11) enjoyed looking at the pictures.

Especially the one with 1000 durians on it,- yum yum!!!!

[Dianne K.]

Hi there .I am going to check out your videos soon.Hello there.

[freelee]

Thanks so much ladies! Lovely messages thankyou :)

Haha no pushing just sharing my experience and success on my raw fruity path. I am passionate about others health and well-being and believe everyone should have as much varied information as possible to assist them on their journey to health.
I am just here sharing my successes... no not to convert anyone to 811, I don't feel i have the power to convert anyone anyway, that is a personal choice, I'm also not that way inclined nor do i have that sort of time to convert others! :)

I do find it challenging not to tell peeps about my journey because I honestly feel great and would love others to feel this too... and I do agree with freshlight when she says it's impossible to push anything on anyone, peeps are free to bypass my journey if they choose, its all good.

Please don't be concerned Im not going to fly all over the forum with the 811/LFRV message! I would like to share occasionally though :)

Thanks again ladies X

[Mary Kay]

I can't say that I really felt you were PUSHING either..I got more the feeling that you are sharing - maybe just pushing a little.

But I WOULD! like to talk about 811 for a moment. My not-quite-scientific thoughts are that it is absolutely great for cleansing and healing in the beginning, but I'm wondering about the longterm. I mean you come off SAD, and you start eating real food, and good things are certain to happen.

I can see a young active guy being 811, but have a hard time seeing a menopausal woman, who probably needs more fat, thriving on it.

Are there other places to go to read up on some longterm 811'ers?
I have read Jinjee's experiences with women who did not do well on 811.

I haven't really been a true believer in 811, but I must say, I substitute more fat for fruit than I should, so would do better to apply a few of its principles!

I don't have much of an excuse either as my dh is a fruit farmer - mostly apples.
++++++

These are rhetorical thoughts too: It's funny how one scientifically-minded doc or guru can say one thing, yet another can say something different. Maybe? they all have points: either some fare well on some diets and others do better on other diets: OR the human body is so versatile, it can survive on all kinds of different diets. Geez, look at the crap some people "live" on. Yes, I know, they're not living to their fullest potention ---but geez, they're alive!

I'm respecting people whether raw or not, meat eaters or not---just so long as they eat REAL food. And if they do eat meat, that it not be from factory farms.
*********

Just thinking out loud. Know some of you might have some thoughts to share about some of these points.

Thanks for listening.

Mary Kay

[Nini]

I really enjoyed reading your blog. I've been on it for 2 hours!

You have motivated me.:)

[Moretta]

Welcome and good luck on your RAWNESS journey.

Your story was inspirational. Thanks for sharing.

[stellaJewels]

Didn't mean to sound harsh, but like I said, I've seen freelee on OTHER raw food sites and she's treated others VERY harshly regarding 811, especially if they said it didn't work for them and they ran into the same problems we hear over and over about the diet. I didn't want that to be brought here.

This isn't just a raw food site, it's Alissa Cohen's raw food site, based on her philosophy of eating, which I happen to believe in. I would never go on Doug Graham's personal site that discusses his philosophy to share the health benefits I've found from following Alissa's path. I just think it's rude.

So I thought I'd speak up and stop any drama from happening before it could begin. (Although I may have caused a bit instead, sorry about that...) It's been said before, if people want to learn about and try 811, there are plenty of other sites they can visit to learn about it. I really like this site and everyone on it seems so nice and open and honest about their journey and I wanted to protect that...

[Krayton]

I read Alissa's groundrules when I signed up and am pretty sure they included not to push other versions of a raw vegan diet (e.g. 80-10-10, etc). When I want to get beaten up for opposing 80-10-10, I can go over to rawfoodsupport.com and get my butt kicked notwithstanding the weight of evidence that too much high sugar fruit (e.g. bananas) can add to AGE levels in raw vegans and unnecessarily overtax the glycemic load.

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=33779

"We totally support you in that process but we are now committing this board to the support of a raw and living food diet as outlined in Alissa’s book and DVD. Does this mean that you HAVE to be 100% raw in order to post here? No, but it does mean that you have to be in support of this diet and those who are striving to be 100% raw, again, in accordance with Alissa's book and DVD.

What this means:

1. No threads/discussions dedicated to “other” approaches to raw foods. This includes such diets as 8-1-1, [emphasis added] low-fat, low-fruit, natural hygiene, fruitarian, raw meat/dairy-eating, mono-eating, no-grains, no-fruit etc. There are boards dedicated to almost every approach to raw foods such as these mentioned above. But they will not be discussed in detail here and promoted here. Again, this board is for support of a raw and living food diet as outlined in Alissa’s book and DVD. If you don’t own the book and are not familiar with Alissa’s concept for eating raw, it is stated further down below these rules and guidelines".


Didn't mean to sound harsh, but like I said, I've seen freelee on OTHER raw food sites and she's treated others VERY harshly regarding 811, especially if they said it didn't work for them and they ran into the same problems we hear over and over about the diet. I didn't want that to be brought here.

This isn't just a raw food site, it's Alissa Cohen's raw food site, based on her philosophy of eating, which I happen to believe in. I would never go on Doug Graham's personal site that discusses his philosophy to share the health benefits I've found from following Alissa's path. I just think it's rude.

So I thought I'd speak up and stop any drama from happening before it could begin. (Although I may have caused a bit instead, sorry about that...) It's been said before, if people want to learn about and try 811, there are plenty of other sites they can visit to learn about it. I really like this site and everyone on it seems so nice and open and honest about their journey and I wanted to protect that...

[Green_Woman]

Didn't mean to sound harsh, but like I said, I've seen freelee on OTHER raw food sites and she's treated others VERY harshly regarding 811, especially if they said it didn't work for them and they ran into the same problems we hear over and over about the diet. I didn't want that to be brought here.

I don't think it will be! :) There are so many folks on here regularly that are concerned with keeping things straightforward and based around Alissa's books and advise, now!

I haven't seen it get crazy on here in a few months, and I'm SO DEEPLY appreciative of the wonderful Moderators who are keeping the tone set here!!!

[marc]

you sher an nice ex off what can raw food can do.

i would like to say you are a real nice woman to start wit to.;)

this is just great.

saw you on 30bad site a few days back

good blog to ,you have.

marc

[freelee]

Thanks again ladies :)) Seems like there's been a bit of activity here...

StellaJewels please please show me where I have been very harsh with others? I am never rude to other peeps. I am really quite suprised at your comments, considering you don't know me. I simply help peeps see where they have gone raw as far as 811 goes but that's it, a lot of peeps will say they've tried 811 but haven't even read the book and as anyone knows its always important to read the directions first when embarking on a new program.

Alissa doesn't need protecting from me !lol! Like I said before I'm here to share my experience just as you are. I respect Alissa's rules, I know it can be challenging running a forum, keeping everyone happy. I also don't feel I need to justify for posting here.

Hey Mary Kay I would love to talk about 811 as I know it like the back of my hand since discovering it in 2006 but I respect Alissa's rules, I feel like I may be banned if I speak about fruit here but by all means email me.


Thanks Nini, Marc, Diane, Moretta and everyone else who popped in with their support :))

[Green_Woman]

Free - You don't get banned for talking about Fruit or we'd all be banned. ;) In all my days here (and I first discovered Alissa and this board in 2006) I don't think I've ever seen anyone banned (except spammers who were obviously not Rawbies)

Hey everyone, take a chill pill and drink some GREEN SMOOTHIE and let's play nice. :D

I promise I will if you will.

*giggles*

[freelee]

haha cool Green woman :) I'm only here to play nice I promise. I just had a smoothie actually, feelin' pretty chilled X

[Green_Woman]

I feel a little stoked myself today.... I had 2 quarts of GS for my meals today, and it's like putting the highest purity gasoline in my little Nissan... puts me in a clean-running, high-energy mode. :D

[Krayton]

Thanks again ladies :)) Seems like there's been a bit of activity here...

I was warned when I signed up there weren't a lot of men here. Their loss.

Drew.

[freelee]

yummo! Wow 2 quarts, that's a good effort! I love GS, once I had only GS for 10days, fantastic results. Not quite 2 quarts for me this morning although I had 300gms of soaked dates in mine, i call dateOrade :D

[Peasblossom]

Thanks for sharing your story. You look amazing!
:)

[freelee]

I was warned when I signed up there weren't a lot of men here. Their loss.

Drew.

- I have a habit of doing that...
I've seen a few men skating around...

Thankyou PeaBlossom :))

[hellicat]

Freelee I love your blog and lurk around on the 30bd forum. Plus I love seeing other Aussie raw fooders.

Thanks for sharing your story! In fact, while I don't consider myself to follow a particular "plan" but I have been dabbling in low fat raw over the last week to improve my digestion. I'm eating a lot of fruit and doing some mono meals. Stomach feels good, and I have lots of energy provided I eat enough fruit. Oh, and my skin is clearing up and I've lost a couple of lbs. :D I definitely plan to keep eating this way.

[freelee]

Hey hellicat :-) Thanks for popping in and sharing.

Haha yeh I used to lurk around the forums a fair bit, until I found it more fun to join in!
Great to hear your digestion is improving, it really is the norm for peeps on this path, I have healed my chronic digestive 'disorder' this way, it was actually the main reason I wandered down the fruity path....
Great to hear about your awesome results, when we get out of the bodies way (stop eating SAD diets/complicated combo's etc) the body will heal just about anything we throw at it.
I'm just about to tuck into some durian....
http://fruit4free.wordpress.com/files/2009/11/img_0919.jpg

[rawrawks]

freelee, I gotta say....from all I have heard, I think I would not try a durian! I can smell it from here...hahaahaha. I guess the deal is to get past the smell. If I have to get past the smell of something, I dont want it.

YOU however, enjoy! I have seen many who do!

[freshlight]

wow, durian! it's beautiful!!! it's one of the fascinating and most wonderfulsmelling fruit, yum yum :) how much do they cost in Australia?

[Ripe Avocado]

Hi Freelee and welcome.

I know Freelee from other sites and in my opinion she does not stir the pot. I am not a person who eats high-fruit and have never felt pressure from her or anyone else to do so.

I think people just get excited to share with others what they feel passionate about. We ALL feel passionate about raw food, that much we can agree on. Some have had success with simple eating, some have had success with elaborate meals, some favor greens and others favor more fruits. This is what makes raw exciting, fun and educational! I love hearing about what works for others, even if I have no intention of following it myself.

I respect that it is Alissa's site, I think she is great. Alissa herself encourages people to experiment and determine what works best for them. There is no one way of "Alissa eating" that everyone has to follow here. It is just about celebrating the power of raw food and helping others transition into this "diet."

[hellicat]

wow, durian! it's beautiful!!! it's one of the fascinating and most wonderfulsmelling fruit, yum yum :) how much do they cost in Australia?

I saw a durian at woolworths last week for $5. (AUD).

[thatoneguy]

Wow, nice story! Nice blog, too!

After I get raw down, I would like to experiment with a fruit diet.

The leader of the raw food support group I go to doesn't eat fruit! She's trying to cure her diabetes and follows Gabriel Cousens' plan. Everyone looks at her like crazy when she says she doesn't eat fruit, lol. I'm REALLY gratefull for her though because she started the only raw food support group (http://www.meetup.com/indyrawvolution/) in Indianapolis. Different strokes for different folks.

[Peasblossom]

If freelee's pushing anything, it's definitely durian! I just tried it today. Smelly, but very creamy and tasty! :D
Strangely, the smell kinda makes me hungry. lol

[rawlight]

I didn't want that to be brought here.

How ironic that you made the fuss and she didn't. If you notice, she was very respectful and didn't mention 811 in her post at all, but you did in yours. :D How ironic that you made a problem where one didn't exist, because you were afraid there would be a problem!

She didn't do anything on her post, folks, that goes against any rules here. She shared her blog with that information in it. I think that's legal..:rolleyes:

freelee, welcome and thanks for sharing your journey.....

[freelee]

Wow! I'm overwelmed by all the replies! Thankyou everyone, seeing you took the time to comment I am going to take the time to reply individually.

RR - Oh you have to try fresh Durian! It's absolutely amazing, there is a variety in Malaysia called 'red prawn' or 'Ung hare' and its pinkish in colour...no word of a lie it tastes like cherry ripe cream mousse..I actually like the smell now! I agree it can be overpowering at first but it certainly grows on you if you eat enough X

Freshlight - I don't usually eat frozen durian as it's generally irradiated but this one was in a box so it misses that treatment, this box (one durian) set me back $14AUD, pretty expensive as I need about 5 to fill up! Definitely was worth it though.

RipeAvo - Thanks so much for your support, yes I would rather inspire others to get well then 'stir the pot', I'm glad you can see this is not what I am about.

I think people just get excited to share with others what they feel passionate about
- Yes you are right, also having the knowledge that I can help others who are suffering from similar issues as I was is a powerful motivator.
I appreciate you popping in to say that :)

Hellicat - oh yeh the woolies ones are pretty ordinary, I haven't had one in over 1 year because the last one I got was the weird fluro pink inside..They get pretty hammered with the chems :(

TOG - Hope you don't mind me shorting your name, its kinda cool actually :)
Glad you enjoyed my journey, it has been quite a trip! The fruity lifestyle is always here for us to try when we are ready, either straight away or slowly does it...direction not speed...

We have 2 choices when it comes to blood sugar issues (please keep in mind every cell in the human body runs on glucose & when need a constant supply) we can either...

A) take the sugar (petrol) out of our bodies (by restricting fruit) and yes this will lower blood sugar levels but then as a result we don't have sufficient amounts of petrol (sugar) to run our bodies on so we fall into ketosis and begin producing ketones (a toxic acidic byproduct of fat metabolism produced by the body in the absence of carbs). We then start to feel lethargic, depressed, foggy and emotionally unstable... Limiting our intake of carbohydrates is never the way to go because it is the brain and bodies primary fuel...it may seem to work short term but long term it doesn't and simply leads to a low metabolic rate, weight gain and continued disharmony in the body.

or we can....
B) take the excess fat out of our bloodstreams and as a result the sugar doesn't get caught in the blood and intestinal tract rather it can move freely onto its destination (the cells), sugar is designed to move through the body at a fast rate, when excessive amounts of fat is consumed (& fat/sugar combo abombo's) the fat coats the important receptor sites, clogging sugar's access to the cells hence keeping the sugar in our blood which caused our blood sugar levels to rise to dangerous levels for unhealthy amounts of time... feeding candida overgrowth,diabetes,adrenal fatigue and other blood sugar issues. Most peeps even rawries have too much fat in the blood, it really can be health-destroying but easily fixed! I have seen many peeps heal their candida,diabetes,chronic fatigue and more on a raw fruit diet where fat is kept low.

Anyways that's all i'll say on it for now! I wrote a little article about it here... (http://sweetjuicyfreelee.com/2009/10/26/dont-be-a-candida-feeder/)

PB - haha yes I have been known to push the Durian! I really recommend you somehow get to Asia to try it fresh, its a very different experience... I just spent 4months on a tropical island (koh Phangan, Thailand) munching it everyday!

RawLight- thanks you do make a very good point, I don't go out of my way to mention 811 unless ofcourse Im on an 811 forum or 30BaD. Thanks for your kind welcome!

Lovefreelee

http://fruit4free.wordpress.com/files/2009/10/imgp0543.jpg

[starck]

hi
you'r story inspired me
but i have a question for you freelee

you talk about ketosis in you'r blog , that it is not good to be in that state

but if you water fast you also go in ketosis right ?
is it bad to water fast , what's you'r opinion ?

love to know

x

[Peasblossom]

^^^ I'm curious about this idea that ketosis is harmful, too. I used to low-carb, but couldn't stick to it (too gross. lol). After the first few days, I felt great while in ketosis, kinda like the way i feel on raw.

[freelee]

Hi there Starck :)) Hi P :)

Thanks for popping in and thanks for presenting a very intelligent question.

Yes our bodies do go into a state of ketosis during a water fast, depending on the person it can take between 2.5hrs & 3 days for the body to use up all available glycogen stores & begin burning fat as primary fuel & apparently about 2gms of protein a day, this state is called 'ketosis'. Waterfasting is an emergency healing measure and is never generally maintained for any longer than a month. Hence we only spend a small amount of time in a state of ketosis in comparison to say a low carb diet (which peeps can follow for years with dire consequences)
When peeps eat a low carb diet automatically they will be eating too much fat which is definitely not advisable long term, even by the WHO (World Health Organisation)

Ketosis results when there is an accumulation of ketones in the blood which are byproducts of fat oxidation. Ketones are toxic (poisonous), acidic chemicals such as acetone,acetoacetate, and beta-hydroxybutyrate.

Ketosis is a dangerous state to be long term as it increases insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, not to mention you feel crap!! Insulin resistance is a major risk factor for the development of heart disease.

When our bodies are in a state of ketosis dehydration will also result, due to the kidneys being overtaxed by having to rid the body of excess nitrogen. This can cause dizziness, headaches, confusion, nausea, fatigue, sleep problems, and worsening of kidney problems.

Carbs are so important in fact that the brain tissues, red blood cells & cells of the kidneys ALWAYS prefer to use glucose as fuel. Limit your carb intake & your body will run out of glucose, the result? Survival mode! The body is then forced to burn its secondary fuel which is fat.

here is just a few reasons why being in a state of ketosis long term is dangerous...there are many more.

* CONSTIPATION
- When we have a low fibre diet it lead to varicose veins,hemorrhoids & a hiatal hernia

* KIDNEY STONES
- The kidneys really suffer when we eat a low carb- high fat/protein diet....because as the mineral calcium is leaving the body (via the urine) it regularly solidifies & turn into kidney stones

*MENTAL CLARITY GONE
- Mental function is seriously impaired when the body is in a state of Ketosis…its not rocket science, the brain obviously doesn't have its preferred fuel - glucose so its in low level energy conservation mode

* BAD BREATH
- Is because of the ketones produced when our bodies are forced to burn fat in the absence of carbs. Some of these ketones are eliminated through our breath. Hmmm fruit breath or meat breath?

* DEHYDRATION
- 2.7gms of water are stored with each gram of water so when we deplete our body's glycogen it results in an overnight weightless of more than 3pounds of water & glycogen. Once there is no longer glycogen to burn, the body will turn to stored fat, which then creates ketones (which have a diuretic effect) on our kidneys, which leads to more water loss so Its easy to see where the 'weightless' is coming from.

Woah ok that was a long one! Hope I answered your question :)

[freelee]

I took a little ab shot yesterday...not fat on fruit here!
http://fruit4free.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/img_0913.jpg

[katchmoleen]

One never need worry about going into ketosis eating nuts and seeds, as they have a balanced nutritional profile of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. About the ONLY way a raw fooder could go into ketosis if from eating greens and watery low carb veggies like celery and nothing else. I haven't ever heard of anyone doing that! Also, the ketosis one goes into from low-carbing is a totally DIFFERENT type of ketosis that one goes into as a diabetic or some other medical condition. There are some medical conditions, like seizures, that actually RESPOND well to a ketogenic diet. One mother I know had a child who had seizures that did not respond to any medications, so she put him on a ketogenic diet and the seizures stopped.

[VeGenesis]

Welcome Free Lee,

I have been reading this thread a little and have a few questions. First, correct me if I am wrong but does "peeps" mean people where you are?

While I am on terms what does 811/LFRV mean. 811 I know is Dr Graham's shorthand, but forgive me but I cannot figure out what LFRV means. I just have this feeling when someone tells me that I am going to say, yeah, that was kinda stupid.

Are you a frugivores or fruitarian? Meaning you eat no veggies besides fruit?

Do you use the term fruit to mean the disposable part of the plant (that picking it doesn't damage the overall plant) - as in bell peppers and tomatoes? Or does fruit to you mean the high carb foods that the average SAD eater would call fruit in a pie?

Do you have / use Alissa's book, Living on Live Food?

If you only eat fruit, where do you get your minerals, amino load and omega-3 nutrients? One of my turning points in my Raw Food journey was bringing my Dark Green Leafy Veggies up to a half kilo a day or more.

You being in AU and me in the Philippines, you may be one of the closest people I know of on 100% raw food that I didn't introduce here in the Philippines. I am starting the first Philippine Raw Food Community (native languages of Tagalog and Bisaya) and we have opened the first Free Philippines Raw Library! Although it is mainly just my personal research, a few ebooks from raw websites, and computer access to Raw Food websites.

The good people at Simply Raw are donating there DVD and likewise Dr. Graham personally is donating his book to the library.

Our little group of high raw people (almost 50 now) has had six diabetes reversals, seven including mine.

You can read my long story elsewhere, but basically just under 3 years ago I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease which three doctors insisted I did not have at first. I weighed 528 lbs (240Kg) then and had all the problems that goes with that like angina, enlarged heart, gout, high BP and "triglycerides on a rocket-ship to the stars!". Not to mention Diabetes and heart disease that have figured into the death of every male in my family.

I soon realized the Philippine label laws are a joke and it would be impossible to be gluten free here "unless I just eat fruits and veggies" I told my wife. She said she would eat them with me. On my own, I realized that Rich food made my diabetes worse. Everyone said I needed "protein" - but from my long past days as a Vegetarian I knew about Aminos. I had previously spent a year as a fruitarian (I had a 30+ year history of trying new diets!) - but had problems with that. Nonetheless, I knew fruit gave me fuel "Whole-fuel" in my thinking.

Being a computer geek I like numbers and I started looking for a good ratio between Rich fuel, Amino fuel and Whole fuel. I tried different combos but ended up with less that one Rich, lest than one Aminos and greater than eight Whole-fuel. For two years I refined my RAW118 diet. Other people (peeps?) started seeing the results (all major illness being resolved and major weight loss) and they started asking for my help. Most diabetics in the Philippines are sent home to die because they cannot afford shots and pills. I had a cure and had cured my diabetes with RAW118. I also have retired 232 lbs! 32 more pounds and I will actually weigh one half as much as I did before.

RAW118 did not start out as raw! That evolved... RAW or R.A.W.-118 stood for Rich (oily food), Aminos and Whole-fuel.

There is no word or concept of eating raw in the Philippines "Standard Asian Diet" (which now includes most American junk food along with fried white rice and roasted pig as staples!). "Hilaw" means "not yet cooked" in relationship to veggies and "not yet ripe" in relationship to fruits. With no word nor concept of raw food - "eating without heating" came from an idea in Genesis. I called it my VeGenesis Lifestyle by smashing Vegan and Genesis together.

I am not selling anything! I am trying to save 4-8 million diabetics with no money for insulin or other meds!

On a TV show (Oprah I think) I saw someone talking about raw food and not heating it above 118 degrees. I was already "eating without heating" and RAW118 took on an additional meaning.

When people starting asking for my help, that is when I turned to the internet and I found this site. It has been a huge help to me. It also came near costing my life when a liver cleanse went south. I will never use oil again! Another story - you can follow the blow by blow at another place on RFT. Use the banana and search!

I am NOT an 80-10-10 person or 811 or anything else. In fact I am not even RAW118 - more like 89-7-4 right now! By the way, 118 is not just 811 reversed. 811 is dealing with carbs, protein and oil expressed as calories counted. 118 is dealing with types of FOOD a Filipino eats. Although they may be close, they are not the same. We really do not count anything!

That is why RTF is a good place for me. Alissa's idea, as much as I can tell (I hope someday someone will donate her book to the Philippine Raw Library!) is that we should eat raw food based on what our individual bodies need.

A runner obviously needs more carbs than a couch potato - or would that be a couch tomato? Or for example an office worker that sits at a desk most of the day. Thirty bananas a day seems a little excessive for an office worker! Or my two brothers who have each lost a part of a leg to infections and my elder brother who is still insulin dependent (but raw food kicked my insulin out the window!).

I just wonder how you balance your fruit with what you might get in the 1/2 kilo of Dark Green Leafs I eat daily! (Just finishing it up now! I Love my green smoothies!)

[VeGenesis]

Also, the ketosis one goes into from low-carbing is a totally DIFFERENT type of ketosis that one goes into as a diabetic

Wow Katch, that is something I didn't know! Thanks... I still remember my days of carrying a Snicker bar around "just in case!" I made a game of it - do what I need to do and then give away a Snickers bar to make someone smile! Kids and old people were my favorites! SAD-ly I don't think I would get the same reaction if I gave away a banana - really too bad!

My friends would laugh at me because I would buy Snickers bars by the box (daily I would give one away - my reward for not needing it!). One of those guys just started eating HAPPY (raw) and sent me an email saying he was sorry for joking me about the Snickers. It seems he went raw and his friends joked him about buying ground turkey meat to feed to his cat!

I assume the cat is not 100% raw - yet! :D

[klomasius]

VeGenesis,

LFRV = Low Fat Raw Vegan, attached to 811 as a clarifier.

[VeGenesis]

VeGenesis,

LFRV = Low Fat Raw Vegan, attached to 811 as a clarifier.

Oh, I knew it would be something so obvious... just couldn't see the writing on the end of my nose!

Thanks klomasius

[klomasius]

Oh, I knew it would be something so obvious... just couldn't see the writing on the end of my nose!

Thanks klomasius

All good, I still have to ask for clarification of some abrevs sometimes. :)

[gabriele]

These are rhetorical thoughts too: It's funny how one scientifically-minded doc or guru can say one thing, yet another can say something different. Maybe? they all have points: either some fare well on some diets and others do better on other diets: OR the human body is so versatile, it can survive on all kinds of different diets. Geez, look at the crap some people "live" on. Yes, I know, they're not living to their fullest potention ---but geez, they're alive!

I'm respecting people whether raw or not, meat eaters or not---just so long as they eat REAL food. And if they do eat meat, that it not be from factory farms.
*********

Just thinking out loud. Know some of you might have some thoughts to share about some of these points.

Thanks for listening.

Mary Kay

I agree completely. I am taking a little something from everyone. With every single diet "guru" i have some small disagreement, whether they use too much oil, too many nuts, not 100% vegan, too much cooked grain foods, whatever it is. I think they are all trying to do the right thing, and are headed in the right direction, but i feel there is something to learn from most of these guru people. I tend to believe the ones more, who have some kind of higher education and have actually studied something in the way of nutrition also.

[raw runner]

how did you lose fat around your waist???your waist is so thin...give me the secret...and nice job sweetie

[Green_Woman]

That is why RTF is a good place for me. Alissa's idea, as much as I can tell (I hope someday someone will donate her book to the Philippine Raw Library!) is that we should eat raw food based on what our individual bodies need.

This. :)

And I hope, Lan, that someone DOES donate her book to your library soon because it's the best Raw Resource out there, IMNSHO!!!

[freelee]

Hi Katchmoleen :) I've got a few answers for you here...


One never need worry about going into ketosis eating nuts and seeds, as they have a balanced nutritional profile of protein, fats, and carbohydrates.
- Unfortunately nuts and seeds don't have enough carbohydrates to meet our sugar needs to keep us out of Ketosis. Eg - Macadamias only have 13gms of carbs, 75gms of fat> Almonds 19gms carbs, 50gms fat> walnuts 13gms carbs, 60gms of fat. So to get the necessary 400-1000 gms of carbs a day you'd have to eat. If you aiming for 400gms of carbs a day this means you will get around 1000gms of fat!! which we all know is unhealthy...The main reason nuts and seeds don't fit the bill is because we can't eat sufficient amounts of them because they are predominantly fatty foods that fill us up before our sugar needs are met. This is why mother nature only gives nuts and seeds to us in season - only a few weeks a year typically.


About the ONLY way a raw fooder could go into ketosis if from eating greens and watery low carb veggies like celery and nothing else.
- Yes you're right eating veggies, celery and nothing else will quickly result in Ketosis but it's not the only way. The above science automatically proves this - that you won't be able to get sufficient carbohydrates to the cells because that much fat will block the insulin receptor site. Its like trying to open the door to your house but the lock is full of putty (fat).


Also, the ketosis one goes into from low-carbing is a totally DIFFERENT type of ketosis that one goes into as a diabetic or some other medical condition

- Can you share with me the difference please with some scientific studies? That would be great


There are some medical conditions, like seizures, that actually RESPOND well to a ketogenic diet. One mother I know had a child who had seizures that did not respond to any medications, so she put him on a ketogenic diet and the seizures stopped

- How long are these people actually in a state of Ketosis? So the child was in a 'fasting' state in other words? Yes many conditions improve when we fast because we stop taking in toxic foods that have caused the disharmony in the body in the first place and the body finally has a chance to heal. The child could not survive long term in a fasting state, that's why we have to work out a diet that is sustainable long term and in line with nature's design.

Lovefreelee

[freelee]

Need to make some corrections but missed my edit window....


- Unfortunately nuts and seeds don't have enough carbohydrates to meet our sugar needs to keep us out of Ketosis. Eg - Macadamias only have 13gms of carbs, 75gms of fat> Almonds 19gms carbs, 50gms fat> walnuts 13gms carbs, 60gms of fat. We need 400-1000 gms of carbs a day (to avoid ketosis),so if you are aiming for about 400gms of carbs a day (which is low) this means you will get around 1000gms of fat!! which we all know is unhealthy...

[hellicat]

Just to add:

Ketoacidosis is what occurs in diabetics - it's like an extreme form of ketosis that occurs with elevated blood glucose and can be deadly. Glucose is not taken up into the cells, so the diabetic person's body thinks it's starving, therefore breaking down stored body fat into ketones for fuel.

I believe ketoacidosis is immediately life-threatening. Ketosis is not - although it's probably not all that good for you.

I remember doing the Atkins induction diet. Lasted all of three days. :rolleyes:

[freelee]

Hey RR - I got my slim waste by eating a fruit diet, exercising regularly, sleeping sufficiently and getting enough water...basic looking after myself :)

[freelee]

Thanks for that hellicat, great points


I remember doing the Atkins induction diet. Lasted all of three days.

- oh me too I also tried the metabolic typing diet too, shocker.

Ketosis is just not a healthy place to be long term, unfortunately there are a lot of fad diets that try to convince us that it is...at the detriment of our health

[Green_Woman]

- Can you share with me the difference please with some scientific studies?

I was just going to ask you to also share some citations, Freelee. I'm enjoying much of your info, but I'm a scientific person (formerly majored in a narrow field of Research before choosing to pursue Music - odd, but that's just me ;) ) and would like to see some citations following your big blocks of information.

And this is just one more reason I LOVE Alissa Cohen's books and materials and continue to gravitate to these Forums year after year.

Alissa has a decade of experience, research, peer review + testimonials from clients to support the success of her simple "formula", which is simply: LISTEN TO YOUR BODY...

And I love that her emphasis is not on weight-loss so much but on total body wellness, balance and enjoyment of eating RAW...

[freelee]

oh hehe loving the 2 star rating for my weightloss story! Thanks ladies (you know who you are :-)))

[RawSar]

Hey Freelee, welcome !!

Its nice to see you here ! I'm also on 30bad and loved reading your story.

I especially like your responses to what SADers ask you! I need new ways of answering people's questions without sounding .... uhm..rude and cocky... :o
Always responding with a smile helps ;)

[freelee]

hello there RawSar! I thought I recognised you :))
Great to see you here my friend. Oh yeh I agree responding with a smile is sooo important! There is a saying:

When you tell people the truth you better make them laugh otherwise they're going to kill you!

[freelee]

Wow Vegenesis! That is a long post :)) Maybe you could shorten it a little for me?
Yes I know my 'peeps' slang is probably a bad habit...I have actually been thinking about changing it back to people.

[Green_Woman]

I'm not wanting to get into a debate about diets here

Excellent! Nor was I. :D

Just looking for your sources on the things you've been bringing up, especially as regards ketosis!

No, there's certainly no competition on Alissa's forums. :D She beats out all by default. ;)

[VeGenesis]

Wow Vegenesis! That is a long post :)) Maybe you could shorten it a little for me?

Do you eat dark green leafy veggies? Roots like carrots or ginger? Or just fruit?

Do you eat any of these:
Grain?
Nuts?
Seeds?
Beans?

Either raw or as sprouts?

I am not trying to debate... I am trying to understand you on this board. And my wife, who only posted once when I was very ill, is interested in a flatter tummy! (What does she do for those abs?)

Most people know I eat a half kilo greens, most fruit and veggies as I want, but no reproductive (seed) parts of plants.

[joyce09]

What about acidity of fruits? :confused:

http://www.acidalkalinediet.com/Alkaline-Foods-Chart.htm

According to the above link (and some other "experts") most fruits are slightly acidic.

I would be happy to stay on a fruit-diet. I have been high-raw for a couple of years and I eat mostly sweet fruits. My body is very acidic according to ph tapes (below 6). And I have never been able to lose my 15 pounds. That is why I have switched to mostly vegitables these past two weeks. And my acidity has gone from below 6 to 6.2.

[klomasius]

Do you eat dark green leafy veggies? Roots like carrots or ginger? Or just fruit?

Do you eat any of these:
Grain?
Nuts?
Seeds?
Beans?

Either raw or as sprouts?

I am not trying to debate... I am trying to understand you on this board. And my wife, who only posted once when I was very ill, is interested in a flatter tummy! (What does she do for those abs?)

Most people know I eat a half kilo greens, most fruit and veggies as I want, but no reproductive (seed) parts of plants.

Can't speak for Freelea but the typical 811/lfrv'er doesn't tend to eat grains, def not cooked, usually not even sprouted. Also, no or low 'overt' fats (i.e. fat containing foods like seeds and nuts). Raw beans? Depends, but as these are not a good source of energy giving carbs it wouldn't be a large part of the diet. They are also not an ideally digested food either.

Greens are usually an important part (but obviously not energy wise) of most lfrv diets. I've seen freelee post about eating lots of sweetleaf (a favourite of mine).

[freelee]

Hey GW, yes Alissa is an inspiring lady, her videos are a source of inspiration for me always :)
here is a medical definition (http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/ketosis) of Ketosis which may help...

Hey Vegenesis, thanks for the summary :)

Yes I do eat green leafy greens if they are tender and young. I have eaten 100% rawfood for the past 2 years (well 3 years minus one month of cooked food) - 98% of my diet over the past 2 years has been fruit and 2% has been greens,nuts,seeds. I like tatsoi, sweet leaf, baby spinach, celery and iceberg lettuce most.

Hey regarding what your wife should do for a flat tummy - I recommend eating a 100% rawfood vegan diet that is predominantly fruit and is low in fat. It's very important to exercise too, when we were in nature we would've exercised to collect our fruit, so we need to earn our meal by working out at least 1hr a day (even if its just walking). Strength training is a GREAT way to increase one's metabolic rate, full body weight-bearing exercises that incorporate large muscle groups are best (like squats,pushups, lunges), I really love ashtanga yoga, its a sure belly-flattener!



Hi Joyce,
Fruit is the most alkaline food on earth.
I
would be happy to stay on a fruit-diet. I have been high-raw for a couple of years and I eat mostly sweet fruits. My body is very acidic according to ph tapes (below 6). And I have never been able to lose my 15 pounds. That is why I have switched to mostly vegitables these past two weeks. And my acidity has gone from below 6 to 6.2.
- It makes a lot of difference what else you are eating, do you eat 100% rawfood? What makes up your diet?

Thanks Klomasius, well said!

[freelee]

Awesome back up to 3 stars !! :D

That's me happy choppers below :D
http://fruit4free.wordpress.com/files/2009/11/photo-on-2009-11-04-at-11-36.jpg

[RawHealthyBeauty]

Nice teeth, just wondering what kind of toothpaste are you using?
I've asked this earlier about what raw fooders use for toothpaste. :)

[Bananna]

Hey Freelee good to see you sharing your story...a great one it is!

Ha, I can think of one person that got banned for too much fruity talk, lol!

...what we are doing here really is talking about talking about fruity talk ;)

I don't think Alissa is against LFRV per say, she does have one of Dr. Graham's recipes in her book after all...so they can't be that much of enemies. I think the cautionary point really is to not get caught up in all out wars...easy to do actually, hence the banning of certain conversations, but I don't think she's so Against a high fruit diet at all.

[Krayton]

I just wish you would follow the forum rules.



The 80-10-10 Diet is the most scientifically researched rawfood book available, check it out. (references in the back).


http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=33779

"1. No threads/discussions dedicated to “other” approaches to raw foods. This includes such diets as 8-1-1, low-fat, low-fruit, natural hygiene, fruitarian, raw meat/dairy-eating, mono-eating, no-grains, no-fruit etc. There are boards dedicated to almost every approach to raw foods such as these mentioned above. But they will not be discussed in detail here and promoted here. Again, this board is for support of a raw and living food diet as outlined in Alissa’s book and DVD. If you don’t own the book and are not familiar with Alissa’s concept for eating raw, it is stated further down below these rules and guidelines."

[Krayton]

I just wish you would follow the forum rules.




http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=33779

"1. No threads/discussions dedicated to “other” approaches to raw foods. This includes such diets as 8-1-1, low-fat, low-fruit, natural hygiene, fruitarian, raw meat/dairy-eating, mono-eating, no-grains, no-fruit etc. There are boards dedicated to almost every approach to raw foods such as these mentioned above. But they will not be discussed in detail here and promoted here. Again, this board is for support of a raw and living food diet as outlined in Alissa’s book and DVD. If you don’t own the book and are not familiar with Alissa’s concept for eating raw, it is stated further down below these rules and guidelines."

But the quote was there prior to deletion, with follow up on other authors, e.g. Fuhrman, Ornish, etc.

[Green_Woman]

Again, this board is for support of a raw and living food diet as outlined in Alissa’s book and DVD. If you don’t own the book and are not familiar with Alissa’s concept for eating raw, it is stated further down below these rules and guidelines.

Whenever I read this part, I want to add: "...then buy the book and read it!!!"

:D

[lovenlife]

This is amazing. What a great testimony for eating raw food and especially the power of fruit.

[freelee]

Thanks Woah-raw.

I haven't used toothpaste for about 3years, I only use a soft brush and water, does the job really well :)

Hi bananna,
Nice to see you here.. Cool i appreciate your comment :)

[freelee]

No worries girls, Its cool the post was deleted, I'm learning what is acceptable and what isn't :)

[freelee]

Thank you lovenlife! Fruit certainly is a powerful little package of goodness :)

[freelee]

I cut the other one in half...Here's the original...
My inspiration Poster :) Please copy and share if you like
http://fruit4free.wordpress.com/files/2009/11/page_1_2.jpg

[Mary Kay]

So what do mainstream docs do when a person goes into ketoacidosis?

What would an alternative/nutritional savvy person do - I mean, immediately?

Just curious. Never heard of this.

Mary Kay

[katchmoleen]

If a person is in ketoacidosis from low carbing, they would do nothing because it is not physically harmful. If they are in ketoacidosis due to diabetic problems, they would treat the diabetes. It would be almost impossible to get into a ketotic state from raw. You would have to practically starve on nothing but greens, because all veggies, nuts and seeds, and obviously fruits have carbs in them, but greens are the lowest carb.

[freelee]

Hey Mary Kay I'm not an expert on what mainstream Dr's prescribe because I'm not one of them and don't subscribe to their approach of addressing the symptom rather than the cause but I assume they will check the patient's symptoms - bad breath, kidney stones, constipation, dehydration, lack of mental clarity - tick these all symptoms of the body burning fat in the absence of carbs (ketosis)....maybe give the patient an insulin jab and send them on their way...which ofcourse isn't addressing the cause.

The nutritionally savy person would give the patient high water content fruit in a easily-digested form to bring their blood sugar levels back up to acceptable levels seeing the condition is brought about by a lack of carbohydrates in ones system and continue to do this over the coming days until their bodymind is back in homeostasis... followed by a lesson in basic physiology. Also the patient would be dehydrated so water intake needs to be monitored over the coming days.

It just doesn't make sense to want to starve the body of its primary fuel, every cell in the human body runs on glucose, lets feed it what it needs in sufficient quantities.

Restrict your fruit sugar (fructose-glucose) intake and you DEFINITELY run the risk of falling into Ketosis, it's just basic physiology which any good physiology book will confirm. Short term you aren't going to die but long term it is definitely dangerous and why go there in the first place? I feel that's an important question to ask anyone venturing into a low carb 'lifestyle'. The answer is usually weightloss, yes one will lose weight but it's only water weight and will be gained back quickly when one resumes eating normal amounts of carbs again...and so the diet yo,yo'ing continues...

Low carb diets (which eventually lead to a state of Ketosis and at worse case Ketoacidosis) are especially dangerous because when we are undereating on carbs then we automatically need to get our fuel source elsewhere which results in the overconsumption of protein and fat to replace the missing brainbody fuel - carbohydrates.

Once we are in this state it can be really difficult for us to recognise and we begin a downward spiral.

I strongly recommend you check out this link below, its a great read...
Low Carb diet danger (http://www.earthsave.org/health/hiprotein.htm)

More low carb stuff (http://www.diseaseproof.com/archives/cat-low-carb-high-protein.html)..

Since I've been a professional in the health and fitness industry for the past 10 years or so I have seen many dangerous fad diets come and go, especially the low carb one, it just keeps remerging with a new name, there's big money in it especially for the Meat & Dairy industry.

I've tried just about the lot of them and payed with lowered health & vitality & the activation of dis-ease in the body....this is why I'm passionate about sharing the dangers of this way of eating with others, if I save one person the pain I experienced then Im happy!

Now my goal is sustainable health not just a diet for the summer .

Lovefree

[raw runner]

what do i see???war among raw foodists...well,sorry but i love freeley,she is so beautiful and radiant,vibrant,so on...brighter than the sunlights

[hellicat]

If a person is in ketoacidosis from low carbing, they would do nothing because it is not physically harmful. If they are in ketoacidosis due to diabetic problems, they would treat the diabetes. It would be almost impossible to get into a ketotic state from raw. You would have to practically starve on nothing but greens, because all veggies, nuts and seeds, and obviously fruits have carbs in them, but greens are the lowest carb.

I'm pretty sure ketoacidosis is life-threatening, whether it occurs in diabetics or not! I've worked with alcoholic non-diabetics who've had to be rushed to hospital for this reason.

[hellicat]

I believe that another problem with low carb diets is that the body will also break down protein from our muscles to "make" glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis.

I'd say that loss of muscle protein = loss of strength (although I'm not sure about this). Scary!

[hellicat]

what do i see???war among raw foodists...well,sorry but i love freeley,she is so beautiful and radiant,vibrant,so on...brighter than the sunlights

What about a fruit war? :D We can make a giant salad and watch all the fruits battle it out :p

[RawHeaven]

I want to be just like you when I grow up. :D

Thank you for representing Freelee...you inspire!

Thank YOU!

[Bananna]

According to my microbiology textbook a ketone is a type of sugar and is an alternative fuel source. It is the only other type of sugar the body, particularly the brain, can use. It is a fuel for periods of starvation.

"Ketoacidosis is an extreme and uncontrolled form of ketosis, which is a normal response to prolonged fasting. In ketoacidosis, the body fails to adequately regulate ketone production causing such a severe accumulation of keto acids that the pH of the blood is substantially decreased. In extreme cases ketoacidosis can be fatal." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketoacidosis

Interestingly, coconut oil, which is a medium-chain triglyceride, is more ketogenic and has been found that if you have some coconut oil everyday (if you have diabetes and showing signs of alzheimer's) it can be dramatically improved...the mechanism is thought to be because diabetics may not be getting appropriate amounts of glucose to the brain, and ketones are not an insulin dependant fuel. The studies on it show pretty amazing results, using the 'draw a clock' test, some of you may have heard of.

[joyce09]

It just doesn't make sense to want to starve the body of its primary fuel, every cell in the human body runs on glucose, lets feed it what it needs in sufficient quantities.

Restrict your fruit sugar (fructose-glucose) intake and you DEFINITELY run the risk of falling into Ketosis, it's just basic physiology which any good physiology book will confirm. Short term you aren't going to die but long term it is definitely dangerous and why go there in the first place? I feel that's an important question to ask anyone venturing into a low carb 'lifestyle'. The answer is usually weightloss, yes one will lose weight but it's only water weight and will be gained back quickly when one resumes eating normal amounts of carbs again...and so the diet yo,yo'ing continues...


I have a question: If one (100% raw foodist) supplies plenty of fruit-sugar to her body (through raw fruits, etc.), how is she to lose her extra weight? Isn't "ketosis" a sign of body fat breaking down?

[Pking]

Awesome job freelee. Very inspirational!

[Bananna]

I have a question: If one (100% raw foodist) supplies plenty of fruit-sugar to her body (through raw fruits, etc.), how is she to lose her extra weight? Isn't "ketosis" a sign of body fat breaking down?

yes...and I've spent plenty of time over at that board to know that if you eat a lot of fruit and don't use the calories, you won't lose weight...but note that it's near impossible to do because you're bursting with energy and Want to move.

It's cals in vs cals out.

Even Tim Van Orden has said that if he eats more fruit than what he exercises for he Will gain weight.

Freelee trains hard!

[NicNicNicole]

Your story sounds much like the beginning of mine. I am just in the beginning stages but have already seen improvements. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It is a great encouragement.

[joyce09]

Thanks, banana.

Some people say that it is not calories. It is detox that releases weight/fat. And some day that it is when your body becomes alkaline (rather than acid) that you release fat. It is confusing.

It is sad that our nation spends so much money on researching drugs but not on researches that give us a definite answer as to how diet affects weight. So we have to do our own experiments.

[Bananna]

I agree! Unfortunately there is no real money to be had in plugging veggies which you can grow yourselves largely for free :|
Still, sometimes I wonder why the farmer's...I don't know union? Doesn't pay for f&V commercials...Dairy farmers do, right. I do see a local commericial to by 'ontario' but they could capitalize so much better if they focused on the health benefits too, not just buying local which seems to be their message.

Anyways...lol. As per detox...it's the fat release that releases the toxins, that's where many are stored. I am not a subscriber of it being 'magic' at all...I think you are eating foods that are high in water content, high in fibre and therefore eat appropriately because you get full on the Right Amount of food weight wise. That and in addition you don't feel compelled to overeat because your taste buds were adequately satisfied as were your nutritional needs.

I don't know about the acid alkaline thing that much...some people are big believers...I am More of a believer than I was when I first heard of it...I don't think it has much to do with weight loss so much as just healing tissues, keeping everything in balance so you don't need to take calcium from your bones for example. Not much to do with weight loss in my opinion...that's a calories game. I know lots of people subscribe to 'raw magic' and that's ok...I just don't.

[Revvell]

Still, sometimes I wonder why the farmer's...I don't know union? Doesn't pay for f&V commercials...

They're not subsidized by the government and are barely keeping their head above water.



Dairy farmers do, right. They ARE subsidized by the gov't.

[freshlight]

I saw a durian at woolworths last week for $5. (AUD).


wow! here they cost min. € 35-40 each. Lucky you :)

[klomasius]

wow! here they cost min. € 35-40 each. Lucky you :)

Yeah, we are pretty lucky here in Aust. I see them in supermarkets really cheap all the time. Geographically we are much nearer to where they are mostly grown, which makes a difference.

[freelee]

I'm back (for now), had a brilliant time at our rawfood retreat, here is a little movie I made of the experience...


http://fruit4free.wordpress.com/files/2009/12/15360_351504035634_670010634_9930634_7425477_n.jpg

[pbuttercwup]

I read through some of your blog and some of this post and I tried to get to the basics of your diet. Do you only eat fruit? and some greens? Do you do alot of mono eating or was that just for your retreat? I have read alot of pros and cons for a fruit only diet but I am not sure that is what you follow. Do you mind sharing? I am not looking for any specific diet info just what has worked for you.
good eats to you all:)

[Green_Woman]

Do you mind sharing? I am not looking for any specific diet info just what has worked for you.

She has shared IN DETAIL earlier on in this thread. :) Check out the first few posts and read her blog. It's been said.

[pbuttercwup]

and the blog but It is alot of information to process...I wish I had more time to sit on the computer but my 3 kids take up alot of my day. I didnt think that was rude to ask....hmmm. Sorry I asked, that wont be repeated on this forum.

[Care4raw]

and the blog but It is alot of information to process...I wish I had more time to sit on the computer but my 3 kids take up alot of my day. I didnt think that was rude to ask....hmmm. Sorry I asked, that wont be repeated on this forum.

awww, you were not rude, no apologies necc.
Good questions!

[freelee]

hi there buttercup, I'm not really allowed to speak about what I eat here too much so in short I eat 98% fruits, 2% greens, nuts and seeds, 100% low fat raw vegan. Mono meals throughout the day and a fruity salad at night. Aim for about 3000 calories daily. I drink about 3litres of water a day and jog every second day

[Green_Woman]

I'm not really allowed to speak about what I eat here too much

Actually, Freelee, as you are aware - it's not that we don't all love fruit and eat mostly fruit, too, but the actual guidelines for the forum says this:


1. No threads/discussions dedicated to “other” approaches to raw foods. This includes such diets as 8-1-1, low-fat, low-fruit, natural hygiene, fruitarian, raw meat/dairy-eating, mono-eating, no-grains, no-fruit etc. There are boards dedicated to almost every approach to raw foods such as these mentioned above. But they will not be discussed in detail here and promoted here. Again, this board is for support of a raw and living food diet as outlined in Alissa’s book and DVD. If you don’t own the book and are not familiar with Alissa’s concept for eating raw, it is stated further down below these rules and guidelines.

2. No creating threads that promote links to other websites, blogs, etc. If someone asks a question such as, “What other raw food books do you own?” you may refer them to other book titles but please do not create a whole thread promoting or inquiring about particular websites. Now, this will not always be black and white. Sometimes links may be acceptable and other times may not, it just depends on the nature of the link. If in doubt, just send an email to help@rawfoodtalk.com (preferably before posting the link) and one of our moderators or administrators will let you know if it is or is not acceptable. Please bear in mind that there are plenty of discussion boards where NO cross-linking is allowed at all. Again, we may allow some things at our discretion.

:)


So the trouble lies not in sharing your weightloss story, as you are aware, but in promoting your own Boards and "Way" on Alissa's free forum. This has already been hashed out fourteen different ways in this thread and elsewhere. :)


P.S. I've been moderated before myself more than once. We all learn to follow the guidelines in order to keep this Forum focused on its original intent - discussions based upon ALISSA'S BOOKS + DVD's - and the Moderator here are very gracious and generous. The main point of THESE boards is to encourage people to read Alissa's BOOKS and DVD's and to follow her mindset towards RAW, which is NOT count calories, stress ketosis, etc., etc., but simply: "LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! For Freelee, her body apparently says eat all fruit. For some of us, this is not so. :)

Keep it Raw,
Greenie

[Green_Woman]

I didnt think that was rude to ask....hmmm. Sorry I asked, that wont be repeated on this forum.

You weren't rude to ask.

[lovenlife]

I love this Freelee! YOU are so gorgeous and I love your accent! Thank you for educating us on all the joys of fruit! The fruits are wonderful looking as well.

I knew how wonderful fruit is but you inspire us to add more. Incorporating this into all we do here is so awesome.

And you are a living and beautiful example of raw rawkin our world!
This is so great. I love it! Thank you!

[pbuttercwup]

I appreciate the time as I get very little time on here to post and read and as I am seriously sleep deprived I do not always process information so well. Sometimes I have to read things a few times to get the core info and your post has a lot of messages!
I loved the video, that seems like so much fruit...I am aiming for that in the new year. where I live the produce is so expensive, maybe you know someone on your island that needs a house sitter with a family of 5??:)lol
Thanks again, you look fabulous and I am glad that you have found something that is working so well for your health and happiness. It is so great to read these kinds of life changing stories.

[freelee]

thanks so much lovenlife! I feel very fortunate to be on the receiving end of such a lovely comment! So glad I could be of some inspiration on your path X

Hi buttercup, I'm happy to chat further if you shoot me an email. Sleep deprivation will always affect how we process info and not only info but food, we can develop deficiencies if we are underslept. Glad you enjoyed the vids, I'm a bit shy (believe it or not) and it takes a lot for me to put a video out! There is a lot of house-sitting available in Aussieland, not sure about families but I have sometimes seem them advertised, my partner and I do lots of house-sitting,
I'm really touched by your words thank u so much X

[raw runner]

i don't like to be controversial but you look really good...but you seem lacking some muscles...i mean you are thin but pretty skinny actually and so is your dear boyfriend...
eating fruits is great but only under sunny climate,what about cold climate like here in belgium???we get minus 5 celsius now,last year - 20 c...so eating fruits and greens won't help...what do you sugest???

[freshlight]

eating warm food doesn't make you feel warm :) Raw is the best also in the cold places. We have -25° right now but raw makes me feel good. The climate doesn't matter

[raw runner]

eating warm food doesn't make you feel warm :) Raw is the best also in the cold places. We have -25° right now but raw makes me feel good. The climate doesn't matter
common sense is good for everyone...

[freshlight]

I hope you weren't rying to be rude...but in case you did, I generously forgive you :D
It's my experience though: our inner heater works much better on raw

[Mnbordergirl]

Hey Green Woman:

I had asked a question about how much to eat/drink per day in another thread! Thanks for syntheizing everything with this comment. It helps!

Blessings!

The main point of THESE boards is to encourage people to read Alissa's BOOKS and DVD's and to follow her mindset towards RAW, which is NOT count calories,

[vegan87]

Nice! totally inspiring, especially since I have a history & current cycle of anorexia, bulimia, and binging (gah!). Just joined this forum and loving this community.

[Clare]

Vegan87-

I am in OA and using a raw plan of eating. There is tremendous support and spiritual growth in OA for those of us with any kind of compulsive eating disorder. There's hope for recovery and peace! Hugs to you.

[mangomary]

I think thats pretty rude raw runner making a personal attack on freelee and durianrider.

durianrider is an elite cyclist, marathon and ultramarathon runner so i dont think his focus is being a muscle man.

Personally I think freelee has a gorgeous body! I envy it! Im going to try and eat as much fruit as she does so Ive got more energy to exercise consistently!

[freelee]

THanks for all the lovely replies!


i don't like to be controversial but you look really good...but you seem lacking some muscles...i mean you are thin but pretty skinny actually and so is your dear boyfriend...
eating fruits is great but only under sunny climate,what about cold climate like here in belgium???we get minus 5 celsius now,last year - 20 c...so eating fruits and greens won't help...what do you sugest???

- Hey rawrunner :) You may think differently if you see me in the flesh, most of my life I have had men & womyn telling me I'm too muscly! In all honesty I do have a little less muscle than usual because 2months ago I injured my elbow quite badly and it has only just healed up now, it's only taken this long because I live a very active lifestyle and I keep re-injuring it!

Here is a pick taken a while back (injury-free) - 100% LFRV
http://fruit4free.wordpress.com/files/2009/12/z-freemuscles2.jpg

I'm excited about starting up my resistance regime again. My boyfriend is an ultra-endurance athlete as mangomary said so he isn't looking to gain lots of muscle :) I'm about 125lbs and 5"6 so I'm anything but skinny!


As for living in cold climates and doing this lifestyle... it can be done easily, many of these cold countries get an awesome variety of fresh fruits & greens, there are plenty of people eating LFRV who live in the snow!. Eat enough fruit and you won't feel the cold much at all....but at the end of the day I recommend people move to the tropics because this is where 'man' originated from and where we are most comfortable...not to mention this is where the best fruit is found!

:)
Thanks mangomary, I appreciate your comment but I don't find it rude of rawrunner, it's a valid inquiry. Thanks so much for your lovely compliments !

Lovefreelee

[freelee]

Vegan87-

I am in OA and using a raw plan of eating. There is tremendous support and spiritual growth in OA for those of us with any kind of compulsive eating disorder. There's hope for recovery and peace! Hugs to you.

- Thank you for sharing Clare, I can totally relate to how you are feeling. I have been through just about everything from anorexia to bulimia to fasting for weightloss etc, this lifestyle allows me to lose fat, stay healthy, help the animals, the environment and keep my sanity! I no longer have ANY issues with food addiction/overeating etc....such a good feeeling...

[freelee]

Nice! totally inspiring, especially since I have a history & current cycle of anorexia, bulimia, and binging (gah!). Just joined this forum and loving this community.

- thanks Vegan87, great to have you here, my life is so much better now I am free of disordered eating, I have the fruit to thank for this :)

[MOTH]

Love you, Free. ::heart::

I never get tired of hearing your story.

Ever since I've embarked on a certain raw path, I've had nothing but health, fitness and happiness. It's wonderful.

[raw runner]

sorry freele i didn't want to be rude or impolite but i am really curious...you know,i watch your videos on youtube,durian'ones and marnstein's too and i feel impressed reaaly you are so full of energy,doing all these things it is so good but how do you stay committed to it,how do you manage the euphoria resulting from so much sugar???
I 4D LIKE TO KNOW?GIVE ME THE SECRET LOL

i quit my job because of my weird moods that i got from eating fruits...i did a post awhile back, now it is all ok but you know i would like to take it to the next level like everyone so your help would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

[raw runner]

I hope you weren't rying to be rude...but in case you did, I generously forgive you :D
It's my experience though: our inner heater works much better on raw

no sorry apologize i didn't want to be rude at all,you can understand what i say,you are in germany,i am in belgium,the same climate so we are living the same in a way...
right now it is raining and 6 degrees celsius,this is killing me

sorry freelea for bothering you,i know it is not my post ouch

[joyce09]

Hi, Freelee, You are very classy in handling others' responses/reactions.

Just a sincere question: I have read that sugar (even from raw fruits) causes damages to skins. Have you heard of such "scientific finding" or "theory"? I couldn't locate the sources at present. But I think you might have heard of such argument. What do you think of it?

[brendasue]

I read your blog and was impressed until I saw the statement "join PETA...."

Please, Please DON"T!!!

I have been involved in dogs for over thirty years and have fought this group most of that time. They have their own agenda and hide behind the smoke screen of "helping animals".

Did you know that they are on the US Governments terrorist list? They are because they use violence and threats.

These are the same people that turned loose fourteen dogs at a dog show.....two where killed and one never recovered. Is this the actions of a group that has the best interest of animals?

They are also not a non-profit organization, as they claim. Do some research and find out for yourself how much money these people make.

Research the accounts of PETA taking in 26 dogs in their own shelter then putting them down. They where all healthy animals. All to make a point.

PETA is also partnered with the HSUS.........they are not in any way connected to the US Government. HSUS is a money making machine. What better why to steal money than to take it from good people, who think they are helping animals.

So what does HSUS do with the millions it raises using the furry faces of Fido and Fluffy? In 2002, the multi-million-dollar conglomerate gave less than $150,000 to hands-on humane societies and animal shelters.
Worse, HSUS employees have complained to the press that their organization wastes its resources on fundraising expenses and high salaries for its chief executives. Robert Baker, an HSUS consultant and former chief investigator, told U.S. News & World Report: “The Humane Society should be worried about protecting animals from cruelty. It’s not doing that. The place is all about power and money.”

PETA also uses some very questionable methods to promote their values. At an animal rights convention in 2001, PETA vegetarian campaign coordinator, Bruce Friedrich, issued a statement saying that “blowing stuff up and smashing windows is a great way to bring about animal liberation.” It’s been reported that PETA has given thousands of dollars to other organizations such as Animal Liberation Front, which is known for using terrorism, and deemed a special threat by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
It may be hard to believe that an organization would openly promote vandalism and what is essentially terrorism but I personally signed up for a website that PETA uses to target young people, peta2.com. On this website, PETA offers awards and legal assistance to students who vandalize buildings and cause disruptions at school or other places in the name of animal rights; in 2000 and again 2002, PETA started a campaign encouraging students to drink beer instead of milk, claiming that milk caused a variety of health problems, from acne to cancer. Substituting beer for milk may be ok for students at Ole Miss but not for high school students. Their brainwashing of America’s youth starts much earlier than junior high
and high school.

Please do not blindly believe what people say as truth. Research…….research!

[D'vorah]

Did you know that they are on the US Governments terrorist list? They are because they use violence and threats.





I don't agree with PETA's tactics, I'm really not a fan at all, but this argument doesn't inspire me. Military veterans were placed on that same list.


Deborah

[Aleesha Sattva]

Please feel free to discuss raw foods, not PETA.

thanks,
Aleesha
Moderator

[mangomary]

I think Freelee has one of the healthiest and sexiest bodies ive seen in the raw movement today! :)

All that fruit is doing you wonders aussie girl! keep it up!

[freshlight]

I bet it's also b/c the australian mangoes are the best tasting ones :)

Here they cost € 10,-/ each!

[JaysRunner]

Congratulations! You look amazing! You are the picture of health. Isn't it awesome what fruit can do for your haiir, skin and body! You go girl. :)

[roboto212]

you look hot, and I mean that in the most pleasant and respectful way ever! :)

[freelee]

thank you everyone ! I feel very grateful for all this positive attention. BrendaSue Peta has turned many many people i know vegetarian and vegan and also saved many animals lives in the process so that's enough credentials for me and I will do as Aleesha says and focus on chatting about rawfood :)

Hey rawrunner not bothering me at all, I'm glad you are questioning me! Keep em coming if you like.

SO today we are hanging in Byron Bay,NSW... soaking up the sunshine and visiting loads of markets. I had lots of yummy cane juice yesterday, it was so amazing...does anyone else get this in their area? I also love to chew on it.

Me & yummy salad at raw retreat
http://fruit4free.wordpress.com/files/2010/01/zi6_01251.jpg

Fruity salad with some rocket, was very scrumptious
http://fruit4free.wordpress.com/files/2010/01/zi6_01151.jpg

Can you believe this bowl is actually a seed pod?!? straight from nature and cut in half...
http://fruit4free.wordpress.com/files/2010/01/zi6_01141.jpg

[Stina]

Let's not worry too much if someone mentions a certain way of eating. Even Alissa does in her DVD. She briefly discusses mono-eating, yet discussing it here is banned!


I went through a horrendously busy phase of my life and was forced to eat nothing but fruit all day and a salad in the evening due to time constraints. And I was surprized to find myself feeling fantastic!

[Stina]

yo! can fruits really make u feel that good? they make me fart.

That only happens to me if I eat fruit on top of nuts/seeds or cooked food. Other wise it helps me to feel remarkably energetic and happy, and I"m a naturally lethargic person. Oh, no, wait, the SAD version of me is lethargic.

[freelee]

Let's not worry too much if someone mentions a certain way of eating. Even Alissa does in her DVD. She briefly discusses mono-eating, yet discussing it here is banned!


I went through a horrendously busy phase of my life and was forced to eat nothing but fruit all day and a salad in the evening due to time constraints. And I was surprized to find myself feeling fantastic!

thanks Stina :-) ah yes living on fruits and greens certainly is the way to feeling fantastic!

[freelee]

Just put up an interesting blog post about Water

Water makes up almost 3/4 of our bodies total weight! Ironically this water level is equal to many fruits and also to the planets water balance. The brain is about 85% water (shrivelled prune anyone?), bones 35% water, blood 83% water and the liver 90% water. Apparently 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated :(...

IM hydrated :)

http://fruit4free.wordpress.com/files/2010/01/photo-on-2010-01-12-at-17-30-2.jpg

[LaVitaLauren]

I'm sold, this is truly amazing. Good for you!!

[kileyc]

Your post was so inspiring. i relate to almost everything you been through, part bulimic part compulsive overeater. About the candida, i have read so much about if you are overweight and toxic you automatically have yeast in you. And if you do then you should eliminate high sugar fruits, chocolates, starchy vegetables etc. So question, when you started on your raw food journey how did you start? Because i try eating to clear out candida and the cravings are insane. Im 3 months into raw, but i've just been gaining weight and yo-yo-ing between just raw and extremely clean candida cleanse raw. So looking for guidance, and your story is so much like mine i thought i could relate to you and ask

[justin]

...STD's...these have all been cured. I am so happy you enjoyed my story X

Lovefreelee
edited...too curt!

Freelee- thanks for sharing your journey with us. You have done a great work documenting your journey so that others may benefit. You are beautiful inside and out.

I don't want to dig into personal stuff, although you don't appear to make anything personal, but are you saying that your diet eliminated your STD (sexually transmitted disease)?

1/4 in the USA have this problem, as do many people I know, and I am a bit apprehensive of beleiveing that your eating habits would change an infection like that...but then again, reasoning my way thru how the body treats infections when provided the opportunity (ie: not beat down by our diets), I suppose anything is possible.

[sport]

Do not know how I missed this thread. Congrats freelee on this and your other endevours.

[freelee]

edited...too curt!

Freelee- thanks for sharing your journey with us. You have done a great work documenting your journey so that others may benefit. You are beautiful inside and out.

I don't want to dig into personal stuff, although you don't appear to make anything personal, but are you saying that your diet eliminated your STD (sexually transmitted disease)?

1/4 in the USA have this problem, as do many people I know, and I am a bit apprehensive of beleiveing that your eating habits would change an infection like that...but then again, reasoning my way thru how the body treats infections when provided the opportunity (ie: not beat down by our diets), I suppose anything is possible.

- Hey there, its not so much that my diet eliminated the STD's but my body had the chance to heal because fruit is so easy on digestion that there is a lot of energy freed up for healing that would usually go towards digesting heavy foods. Diet is able to heal roughly about 97% of ailments we are "suffering" from, I recommend people address their diets and lifestyles first then see what challenges are left over.
:-)

[freelee]

Do not know how I missed this thread. Congrats freelee on this and your other endevours.

thank you so much!

[Cynthia Z]

Hi Freelee,
THANK YOU for your raw honesty (pun intended : ) with your journey!
I am currently in a state much like you were pre-raw. I will go a week raw and then binge out of control on anything and everything. After this happens I feel tremendous guilt and like I am not in control of my body. What was the main thing that caused this behavior, or addiction as I see it, to stop. I am an extremist by nature and I find it difficult to balance my diet and lifestyle and then I "freak out".
I hope you dont mind me asking you this but it is refreshing to see someone that has overcome it!

Thank you so much and you look totally fabulous!!
Cynthia Z

[Lunar*Fey]

Hey Freelee! You are such an inspiration! You are so beyond gorgeous and from your comments, I wish I could meet you! Lol you are my role model. I love that inspiration image you made and posted.
I am currently in college and hope to study abroad in Australia one year, I've always wanted to go :)

Anyway, I wish I could ask you a few questions. I am about 93-100 lbs and 5'4 or 5'5 or somewhere between. I look terrible. I have scrawny arms and shoulders/neck which is fine but then my stomach is horrendously enormous and I am always full. I look pregnant all the time and feel so heavy around my middle. My digestion is very poor, even when I eat all fruit. I rarely eat overt fats any more because my digestion is already terrible. I am always so horribly horribly bloated and just never feel good anymore, not in the past 4 or 5 yrs really. And I am only 18. I made a post on this that you can refer to if you have any suggestions for me. I usually jog for about 30-50 minutes a day and walk to and from school on week days (so that would range from 40-90 minutes of straight walking per day but not all at once). I do light yoga on mondays and sometimes kundalina yoga on thursdays (these are free classes offered through school). Sometimes I do zumba on fridays. Mostly I am a student which, unfortunately, keeps me seated for longish periods of time even though I used to be a very energetic, vivacious person.
Can we talk more through email?
I have to admit I sort of idolize you:o:D

Thanks! :) <3

[freelee]

Hi Freelee,
THANK YOU for your raw honesty (pun intended : ) with your journey!
I am currently in a state much like you were pre-raw. I will go a week raw and then binge out of control on anything and everything. After this happens I feel tremendous guilt and like I am not in control of my body. What was the main thing that caused this behavior, or addiction as I see it, to stop. I am an extremist by nature and I find it difficult to balance my diet and lifestyle and then I "freak out".
I hope you dont mind me asking you this but it is refreshing to see someone that has overcome it!

Thank you so much and you look totally fabulous!!
Cynthia Z

Hey I don't mind you asking at all! I am very flattered infact :-)

The reason that we binge is because we aren't getting enough carbohydrate calories from fruit, our organisms (or bodies) are undernourished, our blood sugar levels are dropping and our glycogen tanks are empty or near empty... this explains the reason why when people fall off the raw wagon, 100% of the time it is for carbohydrate foods like rice, pasta, cakes, pizza, candy, icecream, honey, chips etc.

It's easy to turn a simply physiological need into something more than it is and call it an addiction but in reality this behaviour or feeling is just a result of not meeting our glucose needs.

I know plenty of people who have become very overweight from going back and forth on a rawfood diet, not good.

Undereating on fruit = cooked food or excess raw fat intake (which always leads to cooked food eventually)

[freelee]

Hey Freelee! You are such an inspiration! You are so beyond gorgeous and from your comments, I wish I could meet you! Lol you are my role model. I love that inspiration image you made and posted.
I am currently in college and hope to study abroad in Australia one year, I've always wanted to go :)

Anyway, I wish I could ask you a few questions. I am about 93-100 lbs and 5'4 or 5'5 or somewhere between. I look terrible. I have scrawny arms and shoulders/neck which is fine but then my stomach is horrendously enormous and I am always full. I look pregnant all the time and feel so heavy around my middle. My digestion is very poor, even when I eat all fruit. I rarely eat overt fats any more because my digestion is already terrible. I am always so horribly horribly bloated and just never feel good anymore, not in the past 4 or 5 yrs really. And I am only 18. I made a post on this that you can refer to if you have any suggestions for me. I usually jog for about 30-50 minutes a day and walk to and from school on week days (so that would range from 40-90 minutes of straight walking per day but not all at once). I do light yoga on mondays and sometimes kundalina yoga on thursdays (these are free classes offered through school). Sometimes I do zumba on fridays. Mostly I am a student which, unfortunately, keeps me seated for longish periods of time even though I used to be a very energetic, vivacious person.
Can we talk more through email?
I have to admit I sort of idolize you:o:D

Thanks! :) <3

Hey wow thankyou! I am blushing :-))) Ok here goes....

1) Increase your water intake to over 3litres a day without fail for the next month, you should be peeing clear at least 10times a day.

2) You need to be aiming to eat over 2500calories a day which includes at least 80% carbohydrates. Remember you need to fuel those workouts you are doing, you are more active than you realise!

3) I recommend you try banana island with me on my website - the link is in my signature, there are about maybe 30 other people doing it for the next 2 weeks, this will improve your digestion greatly.

4) Limit your fat intake to 5% of your daily calories for best results.

5) Water water water!

Hope i have been of assistance X

[MiraReynaWhite]

HI thanks for sharing your weightloss story,its amazing!!

[Green_Woman]

The reason that we binge

That may be one reason, but there are many reasons women I've worked with binge. :) And lack of fats (vitally crucial to health and our body's processes) is one of those reasons.

To those reading this, please read Alissa Cohen's book and review her recommendations before taking the advise of any of the rest of the posters.

[Revvell]

Along with what G_W said, location makes a MAJOR difference in what we "should" be eating. For instance, I live in SoCal. WARM! When I lived in CT., I ate differently than I did here. Currently, the weather is chilly. I'm drawn to more grounding foods such as seeds, nuts, greens, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. In the warmer weather, I'm mostly juicy fruit and veggies. There are a lot of variables pertaining to diet depending on location, current health, allergies, time of year and sensitivities, etc.

Also, look at how long someone's been doing what they're doing along with where they live. Fat is essential to one's diet because without it, the fat soluble vitamins don't get metabolized. People here complain about lack of vit. D. Well folk, fat soluble vitamin. Check the rest of your food program.


That may be one reason, but there are many reasons women I've worked with binge. :) And lack of fats (vitally crucial to health and our body's processes) is one of those reasons.

To those reading this, please read Alissa Cohen's book and review her recommendations before taking the advice of any of the rest of the posters.

[Onelittleram]

Along with what G_W said, location makes a MAJOR difference in what we "should" be eating. For instance, I live in SoCal. WARM! When I lived in CT., I ate differently than I did here. Currently, the weather is chilly. I'm drawn to more grounding foods such as seeds, nuts, greens, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.

Hey!!!! I'm in Socal too, and those are the same EXACT foods I've been craving lately!!! :eek: I've been going all over the place trying to look for organic cauliflower, but so far no luck. Where do you get yours?

[Revvell]

I got it in a CSA box. They deliver to my door. LOVE IT! Drop me a line if you want to know more.


Hey!!!! I'm in Socal too, and those are the same EXACT foods I've been craving lately!!! :eek: I've been going all over the place trying to look for organic cauliflower, but so far no luck. Where do you get yours?

[sport]

That may be one reason, but there are many reasons women I've worked with binge. :) And lack of fats (vitally crucial to health and our body's processes) is one of those reasons.
[/B]

LOW FAT does not mean NO FAT. I have been deliberately low fat for at least 3 months now and never felt better. I am still having up to 10% of my daily calories from fat and for me that is more than enough. No bingeing here.

[katchmoleen]

Oh my goodness, Sport, is this Minty Wellness place yours? I just took a look and I wanna gooooooooooooo!

[Green_Woman]

I am still having up to 10% of my daily calories from fat and for me that is more than enough.

Good for you! That's twice the amount of fat recommended by the OP.

Where is "here", geographically speaking, btw?

[Revvell]

Good for you!

Where is "here", geographically speaking, btw?

Kinsale on the South Coast of Ireland

[Green_Woman]

Funny, I saw that right after I posted but was too lazy to edit. :D

[MoriahToniOwens]

Hi Friend Very inspirable story thanks for posting amazing story

[sport]

Oh my goodness, Sport, is this Minty Wellness place yours? I just took a look and I wanna gooooooooooooo!

I belongs to me and another member of this forum. In fact we met on Alissa's training program in Maine and progressed to build that together.

[sport]

Good for you! That's twice the amount of fat recommended by the OP.

Where is "here", geographically speaking, btw?

Yes it is but I am only starting out. I will get there as soon as I use up my stock of Lara Bars.

[Green_Woman]

I keep hearing back and forth on the Lara Bars... seems only half the brand is "really raw" anymore. So sad! Cuz they are the cheapest "raw bars" in this area, at least.

[freelee]

LOW FAT does not mean NO FAT. I have been deliberately low fat for at least 3 months now and never felt better. I am still having up to 10% of my daily calories from fat and for me that is more than enough. No bingeing here.

Nice one Sport, no bingeing here either :-) I have been on a low fat lifestyle for the past 3.5 years and I'm absolutely thriving (as people can see because I put up photo's of myself and video's where as many don't seem to).

All fruits and vegies has sufficient amounts of essential fatty acids and amino acids, we just need to eat ENOUGH calories from these sources, this isn't a starvation lifestyle, its an abundance lifestyle!

I prefer to eat foods as nature delivers it and lara bars certainly don't fit that bill.

In other news I just wrote a new blog if anyone would care to check it out.

Thanks for your interesting input to my thread GW

[EscapeArtist]

Omg girl! That's amazing! You're freaking beautiful =] I hope I can follow in your footsteps, because your before sounds a LOT like me. I'm a binge eater, I used to be anorexic but now i'm 20 pounds overweight from binge-eating all cooked foods... I have very bad anxiety and am currently house bound. You say you overcame your anxiety, how? Is it because you became more confident, or did the food physically take away the anxiety somehow with the nutrients??

[freelee]

Thank you so much EscapeArtist! I actually wrote a blog about how I overcame my anorexia and bulimia on a LFRV, take a read. I'm hoping it will help many.

Is it because you became more confident, or did the food physically take away the anxiety somehow with the nutrients??
- yes this has so much to do with it!

My journey through anorexia…

I have been exposed to people with anorexia from a very early age, I was about 10 years old when I first learnt what it was from a TV program. I was intrigued, saddened and inspired all at once. I had a good friend in high school who looked like a walking coat hanger. She was so frail and pedantic but I secretly wanted to be her. Once when she came over my place, she accidentally left a little note book which contained her meagre calorie count for the day. I remember it totalled about 500 calories. I later found out how serious her illness was when she was admitted to a “special” hospital.
My personal experience with anorexia came not too long after this. I had always been very concerned about what I looked like and what others thought about me, so much so that I would avoid many social engagements because I thought I was too fat (I was about 65kgs, quite muscular 5’6”, although this number fluctuated a lot). That was until I met my first real boyfriend when I was 17, I’ll call him John...



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[freelee]

Just finished part 2, check out these pics...

This is me at 70kg, post anorexia eating a high fat animal product based diet...
http://fruit4free.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/photo-on-2010-06-29-at-18-38-2.jpg

[freelee]

I just finished my first half marathon! Feel amazing, I wrote a race report with pictures, come check it out....

There were 7,845 competitors at the half start line, so it was absolutely packed! It was pitch black and quite chilly. I was planning on starting with the 1hr 50mins group but the group was so far from the start that I decided to slip in with the 1:20/1:30 group. The gun went off and it took me only about 40 secs to cross the start line...read more on my blog.

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[freelee]

Today I thought I would share about my fabulous wound-healing on the low fat fruity lifestyle...


Back at the start of 2008 I got my very first road bike, boy was I EXCITED! I hadn’t been on a bike for about 10years so I was keen to get my legs back. The first day was great, I was gliding along with the
traffic, feeling pretty confident and the day went off without a hitch.
The next day I wasn’t so lucky!

http://fruit4free.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/imga0245.jpg

The rest of the story can be seen on my blog with pics...

[k8sl8]

Amazing pics and results. I would add just one thing - and maybe it is what you did: Use purified water or saline solution to rinse. No added pain from saline as there can be with regular tap water.

Glad it worked out for you; that took guts!

[freelee]

Thanks So much :-) Yes you're right about regular tap water, I agree. Good thing where I was living at the time we had fresh mountain water. Regular tap water is a shocker!

[Firicia]

So inspiring!! Do you possibly have an email addy, I have a couple questions for you:)

[Stina]

So, for many months now I've increased the amount of fruit I'm eating and lowered my fat. I wouldn't say that I'm eating low fat, but I'm not rolling around in the stuff like I was before. It's progress. FreeLee's video on how much fruit she ate blew my socks off. I've got more balance in my diet. Before I'd eat too pure, like green juice, then lose it and eat fatty cooked food. Now, I'm still doing green juice but eating lots of fruit, because, afterall, we do need calories to run on. I went through a terribly busy phase of life where I could only grab bags of fruit and eat as much as I could when I could, then I'd go home and eat a salad at night. Strangest thing, I started feeling better. Now, I eat like a monkey; I eat pretty simply, lots and lots of fruit. Often just mono-eating a bunch at once, sometimes a mixed fruit salad, very often green smoothies, and a variety of salads. I'm graduating from massage therapy school, so I'll have more time. Instead of spending all of my time making gourmet food, I'm going to use it exercising! Thanks FreeLee!

[freelee]

So inspiring!! Do you possibly have an email addy, I have a couple questions for you:)

Yes you can email me on gimmefruit@gmail.com

Good on you Stina :) I loved reading a snippet of your journey. I too feel best when i eat large quantities of fruit. For me it keeps me raw and keeps me feeling my best. I'm so glad I could provide some inspiration for you, it means a lot to me.

I had someone say to me yesterday that "fruit makes you fat" so I posted this picture as proof it doesn't! Keep eating the fruit my friends, it will serve you well.

http://fruit4free.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/photo-on-2010-10-04-at-13-48-2.jpg

[Aleesha Sattva]

You look great Freelee! Keep up the health! :D

[freelee]

Aleesha thank you so much :-)) It really feels good to finally feel balanced within myself, it's been a looong time coming but I've finally arrived! Thanks for popping in and sharing your great energy here x

[Aleesha Sattva]

I hear ya. I feel the same on my journey right now. Feels great to be balanced and centred in Self.

[freelee]

Well its time for an update! I'm 5 years into this lifestyle so check out my latest videos.

[yumm]

I cant wait to look and feel as vibrant as you feel :)
thanks so much for sharing xx

[freelee]

Thank you so much! I honestly used to feel terrible. My next video is going to be about how I overcame my suicidal tendencies on this lifestyle. So thankful to have found it.

[Amadeus]

Hi freelee; I have a couple questions for you.

1) I've read your story about your struggle with anorexia. I've seen the before pictures of you when you were overweight but never any of you when you were anorexic. Do you have any? Most anorexics that i've mentored don't love themselves very much but for some reason still take a lot of pictures.

2) I've watched a few of your videos where you lecture people who eat meat. You make sound like you started the raw vegan diet because of your love for animals -- when in fact you did it for health reasons. (which is a good) Are you now eating raw because you can't stand the thought of killing an animal for food? If so when did this change? IMO your videos where you lecture meat eaters seem really fake; especially since your motivation was health reasons only.

Thanks.

[Traceyraw]

Im glad to see you eat alot of fruit. I was wondering if I could overdo the fruit. I love it for breakfast and snacks.

[Truaymica]

Your such an inspiration!

[Traceyraw]

I tried 811and did nothing but gain weight feel bloated and miserable. Please just stick to a balanced raw diet.

[Rawfoody101]

How much did you eat, and how much exercise did you get your first year of raw? You look amazing!

[Mary Kay]

Tracey, There are many who don't do well on 811....There's even a counter group to" 30 bananas a day" called something like "30 bananas a day sucks." It just doesn't seem balanced to me either.

Mary Kay

[Raw Angel Mom]

This is amazing that you maintain your health.

I am so sorry that you didn't feel well and had those thought but glad that you are in balance now.

Congratulations and i am so proud of your accomplishment. You did well sweet heart

All the best!

[Traceyraw]

Tracey, There are many who don't do well on 811....There's even a counter group to" 30 bananas a day" called something like "30 bananas a day sucks." It just doesn't seem balanced to me either.

Mary Kay

Thank you Mary Kay. I was wondering if it made her so Hot why was I getting so FAT????? I found out many others gained weight on this banana and date diet too. I was eating greens but cut down on my mixed veggie salads. Now I have to start over and kick of this extra weight. It got me so depressed. Starting over again.

[walnutty]

Well its time for an update! I'm 5 years into this lifestyle so check out my latest videos.

None of the links work and I see freelee hasn't been on this site for over 6 months.

Does anyone know her?

I would love to know how she is doing!

[walnutty]

Never mind!

I just found her on facebook. She's under "Freelee Frugivore" if anyone is interested!

[Gianni]

I was wondering if it made her so Hot why was I getting so FAT?????
I think she does a lot of physical exercise, cycling, running, etc.

[happylife]

I am 65 years old had suffered with bulimia since I was 13. I find that when I am raw, I never have that urge. Not even once. I know that I have only good food in me and that I do not have to purge any more.
So glad that you are healthy in mind, and body now. You look like a healthy ray of sunshine.

[Karrots]

What a waist! Unbelievable!