Exhaustion

[Carolyn]

I'm not sure if I've just become completely drained by events in my life (which isn't good in itself, I know), or what. But I've been completely exhausted this week. I haven't been running on full steam for a couple of weeks, but this week has been really bad. I'm high raw now (around 90-95%), and will be starting the 30 day challenge tomorrow. I have had the added difficulty of toxins at work (the gluing of PVC pipes) that has given me respiratory problems ... but the exhaustion ...???

I went thru some serious detoxing the last week and half or so. Is it possible that this is just more detox? I keep reading about all the energy everyone has on raw, and all I'm seeing right now are the big "zzzzzzzzzz's" ... I just want sleep. :(

[Jamie]

Carolyn,
First of all I am sorry to hear that you are not feeling so well. So glad you are starting the 30 day challenge.I think you will see a big increase in energy after just a few short days!!!

I have noticed that if I am not 100% raw, then I just don't have the complete energy that I do with only 90-95%..I think that I notice going 100% makes a huge difference. I did start out on this raw journey several years ago doing the Hallelujah diet and felt great at 85%, but after going 100% I really felt good!!!!

I too am starting the 30 challenge tomorrow and I know there are several others, so they will be lots of support :)

You notice the effect of toxins from your job? Wow, that is scary. What can you do to protect yourself?

Best of luck with your 30 days :)

Blessings,
Jamie

[Ariannah]

I thought I was going to drop asleep then and there, my first week on raw. I mean, I was a walking zombie who, if allowed to lay down (I have 4 kids haha, can't sleep on the job) would have had power naps all day. I thought, "More energy?? Yeah, right!". Good thing I stuck to it though, because I feel very good, and my sleep/wake patterns have stabilised.

I did notice however, a couple of weeks ago when I succumbed to a helping of some cooked food (not daily, just isolated incidents), I felt that way again. Going back to 100% took care of that, and I now feel good each day.

[CJB]

I've been raw for just over 30 days now. I find that I'm cycling in and out of energy. I definitely have low energy days and high energy days. I just know that my body has a lot of *stuff* to deal with and get rid of. There were some days when all I could really do was lay on the couch for an hour, sort of work for half an hour, etc. Not very productive but it was all that my body was going to let me do. Hang in there...it does get better. The interesting thing is that even on my low energy days, the underlying energy of my body is soooo much better. I'm tired but not exhausted to the bone like I have been before. I'm sure all the toxins you're breathing in at work are also a major contributor to how you're feeling. I'm sorry you have to deal with that...I hope they can work fast and get out of there!

[RawTruth]

Carolyn, I'm so glad you've decided to take the 30 day challenge. I think you'll experience a big change in your physical well being. As Alissa has said, the difference between even 95% raw and 100% raw is exponentially far greater than a mere 5%. There is no substitution for being all raw if what you desire is total cleansing and eventual healing and energy. I don't think you can expect that energy until you are actually completely raw.

[Autumn]

Being upset and stressed and aggravated is very tiring! I hope they'll finish the renovations soon!

[jaurequi]

Hi, Carolyn :),

You didn't mention how long you've been attempting to eat better; so I'm not so sure I'd attribute it to "detox."
If your life is a kind of crazy right now, that may be it :): Not everything is "detox." There are other components in life besides food that effect well being as you probably well know!
You obviously really need rest -- do it. Make time for it, it is essential.

Now as far as having days of high energy then dips of low energy, that may be from what you're eating or the lack thereof...may. However, there are so many factors in life, as well as one's particular constitution, history, reactions, mental/emotional state, coping mechanisms, etc., that it is too simplistic to conclude it's just the food all the time. As I mentioned just recently, one should be taking notes (mental or written) on what's going on with their food intake. This may be one reason Alissa provided a journaling area; may be a provision worth taking advantage. It's very helpful to have a record of your habits, past and present. It's not for obsessive note taking; it's for a record to look back on when the time comes, as well as for whatever other reasons people want to use it.
For example, I've noticed that on days I do not have my daily greens, I am a bit "off." This may not be true for everyone, but for me, it is. Lack of greens will eventually catch up to me, usually within a couple days. These are essential for me. So I corrected this and have created a life situation where I don't ever have to be without them.

This takes time, though, so don't become so quick to identify everything as a result of food. Like many advise, don't worry so much at first about calories, etc., but, in my opinion, you should, from the start, be aware of/taking note of what makes you feel good and what doesn't. Food intake is part of this; but it's only one branch on the tree :): As you alluded to other life stresses being another, there may be other areas to look into too.

Best!