recommitment attempt!

[BDraw]

Hi raw friends -- it's been a while since I've been here and my body has missed it! I need to so badly go all raw again, but it isn't easy this time. First time I went raw, it was so easy. That was several years ago and I felt so good! And looked good! Oh, why did I ever eat that first cooked bite that took me off the band wagon of feeling good???

So why am I writing? I'm trying very hard to convince myself that if I committ myself (again), maybe, just maybe, I'll be true to raw. Sure wish it was that easy.

I must admit that I have maintained probably 85% raw. I managed to maintain my weight within 7-8 pounds. I stayed away from meats. I guess I didn't do too bad, but I think my body demands 100% raw. My husband supports me most of the time and has considered requiring the family to join me -- though we both know it is his thought that counts.

Sometimes I think that since I have turned 54 my body is falling apart. Within six months I find out that: 1) I have a frozen shoulder, which gets worse with treatment; 2) I get a blood clot in my leg, not my first; 3) then a mamogram reveals a spot in my breast, this one was a first. I'm beginning to think, "what's next?" Actually the doc called yesterday to let me know my pap came back with an abnormality. Come to find out, it was fine since I still have my monthly cycles. Oh, and 4) I had a nasty flu bug that hit me like a brick wall -- wondering if it was swine flu, but no, did not go check. I'm on the tail end of that roller coaster -- I hope!

So, you see, I need to get on track and take care of me!!! And for me that means all raw. (I think I am giving myself a pep talk! Believe me, I need it!)

If anyone out there has any advice, please pass it on. I'll even welcome a tongue lashing if it will convince me to get my act together.

Also need some advice on sad chocolate substitutes. I've been afraid to try the raw versions (it is rather pricey). Chocolate has been my favored treats/cheats.

Okay, I'll hush now and attempt to plan a raw supper for myself, while I get the privledge of planning supper for my family. Thanks for letting me rattle!

[Revvell]

Welcome home!

[cara4art]

You can do it - if you were listening, your body was telling you already what to do! Hop back on, and soon you will be feeling better, and even some of those other larger issues might improve along the way too. Everybody's here for ya!

[BDraw]

Thanks! I needed that -- the welcome and the encouragement.

Today, still recovering from the flu, I, absent-mindedly, grabbed a cooked bread product when I finally got up, actually I took one bite, then remembered my recommitment and put it back. . . that's progress.

Thanks for keeping me on track.

[DebB]

Hi BDraw ~ Welcome back!

Hey - I've got a substitute you may like for SAD chocolate. It's Jennifer Cornbleet's Chocolate Mousse Tart (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsP3E73bAJw)(it's a 2 part-er). I just made this over the weekend just as a pudding, no crust. YUM!

I hear you on wondering if we fall apart at 54 - ha! I'm 54 too. You can do this ~ I'm the only one eating this way in our home. My husband tried it for a while (a couple months) but it didn't trip his trigger.

I have a big (almost 2 quart) green smoothie every morning for breakfast. I try to have 1 quart of green juice every day and then some type of big (usually non-lettuce) salad for dinner.

I admit, "My name is Debbie and I'm a bananaholic". Oy!

Keep us posted okay? What has your food intake been since going back raw? *Ü*

[BDraw]

Hi Debbie! Think we've met? Too much in common! I too love bananas and eat 4-5-6 daily. People can't believe I buy so many at a time (9-10#).

I need to get back to the green smoothies. I was doing that for a while, but never made a very good habit of it.

So what do I eat now that I am back? Let's see. . .

Breakfast is always a couple of bananas and maybe a handful of almonds (soaked and dehydrated). Maybe a cup of tea with honey.

Lunch -- whatever I find interesting -- sliced apple or pear with handful of almonds, or another banana or two.

Snack -- almonds, banana, dates, whatever I can find handy.

Supper is usually a salad, either green combo, broccoli salad, or carrot salad.

After supper snack: usually coconut oil, chocolate chips (:rolleyes:) and chopped almonds.

Pretty sad, uh? I call this my lazy, simple time -- I'm still fighting the flu.


I will check out the Chocolate Mousse Tort. Thanks!

[DebB]

Hi BDraw ~ You are lovin' your almonds :) Those are my after dinner snack as well - bananas with almond butter (and some agave mixed into the almond butter). Mercy... I've got a sweet tooth and that's the way it is.

I hope you feel better very soon! (Flu - booo!) *Ü*

[michigan roman]

ok soldier , your back in the RFT now :D

[BDraw]

New Morning -- and I am feeling almost normal.

And sad to admit, I've already dipped into the choc. I here now commit that when it is gone, I will buy no more! I can do this! Maybe I'll get real ambitious and hand it off to my DH. He likes them frozen on his morning cereal. Decision made: That is what I will do. Oops, that means no more easy chocolate. Who knows maybe I'll kick the habit real quick.

Almonds and me??? I have a problem with ostopenia (sp) and I know almonds are calcium, so I indulge. I know, I should do more greens. Almonds are just too dang easy! Grab a handful and go. But. . .

Something else to recommit myself to: green smoothies -- lunch today!

And exercise. After being down and out for over a week, I am a weakling. I'll work on getting exercise back in my routine daily -- slowly! Maybe today I'll jump on the trampoline, probably need to get my lymp system moving.

Thanks guys!!! Nice to be back on board as a RFT soldier.:cool:

[Moretta]

Welcome back and take it a meal at a time.

[BDraw]

I did it! I jumped on the trampoline. . . AND as I was getting off (it is a big trampoline), :o I managed to fall. So much fun. . . I am fine. . .been a while since I fell like that. . .and thankfully no one saw. . .glad I didn't need their immediate help.

Also I got a little digging in -- a few plants in the ground. We are expecting a big freeze tonight -- then it decided to rain and a bit of sleet came down with it, so. . .we (me and the kids) attempted to protect and insulate the remaining plants that did not manage to get in the ground. We insulated with bags of leaves. Then after coming in, changing into dry clothes, feeding the kids lunch, I did it! I . . .

made me a green smoothie for lunch. Romain lettuce, grapes, banana, and a small bit of lemon. Yum.

Thanks for the encouragement -- I need it and it is working. :)

Now, tonight I am suppose to go to a potluck/Christmas party. What to take????

[lovenlife]

You keep on keepin on!

[islesgirl]

Hi BDraw. Just wanted to add my "welcome back". I think I know how you must have felt when you fell. I did the same thing a few days ago - tripped in the livingroom and down I went (husband saw it). Felt like such a fool - skinned knee and all. Felt just like a kid, but a much heavier one. Like you said - that hadn't happened in a long time! But we get up and keep going, right?!:) It gets easier too as we get healthier and stronger and happier.:D

Sue.

[BDraw]

As hard as this is to write and to admit this -- I will. . .

I blew it last night at the party. Not BLEW IT, but blew it. What can I say -- they had chocolate. Yet, I did have restraint.

So, I now get up, dust off, and get back on track! Plus, I had prunes for breakfast.

So far today, I've had prunes and tea for breakfast, banana for snack and for lunch I had a apple and almonds. I think supper will be a green smoothie.

I've go to get my self in gear and start producing some goodies -- just for me! I finally read Renee's 30 day challenges and WOW, that women is inspiring. . .she actually makes me want to get in the kitchen and uncook something. But, I really think I am still in the "simple is best" mode.

I should go jump on the trampoline -- naw, think I'll wait till this evening and do some t-tapping.

Till next time!

[LNdolls]

I am adding green juices, smoothies and salads.... not pushing to go all raw, to hike the percentage fast... just adding more green juices, smoothies and salads... and I can feel them lifting my health and I can feel my desire for more nutritious raw food increasing! Not hard at all...
You are already doing so great!! Just keep adding more terrific raw food!

[BDraw]

Tomorrow is a new day -- a new day to begin again. . . again!

Thanks for all the encouragement people. How do I make all of this sink in to the gut of me that makes me do things right?

Right now, tonight, I have Allissa's book out and am reading, started at the beginnng. I'm determined -- just wish I could convince the rest of me.

I repeat. . .

Tomorrow is a new day -- a new day to begin again!

I will succeed!! I can do this!! :mad:

[BDraw]

I was 100% raw all day -- finally! It feels good!

I had:
B: banana and almond/date/cocoanut mixture (brownie)
mid-morning: banana
Lunch: pears, coconut, almond, grapes
Supper: GS -- mixed baby greens, banana, grapes, sesame seed, sunflower seed, flax seed

Now I'm going to have a cup of tea sweetened with real, raw honey.

I DID IT!

[DebB]

Hey - Hey! Congratulations!! *Ü*

[BDraw]

Day two down and 100%!!!!

I've still been reading Alissa's book (again), wow, I'm impressed (again).

And since she heavily insist on the idea of not cutting back at the beginning, even if this is not your first attempt, I treated myself to a very large piece of my almond/date/sunflower/carob/cocoanut concoction. Yumm. Needless to say, I feel full tonight. Now off to bed. Plans are to get up early and exercise -- that was another one she stressed strongly.

I am determined to get this all together so my body will be a living testimony to the benefits of "raw and living". Mainly so I'll feel better! ;)

[michigan roman]

- avacado

- banana

- spinach

- strawberry

- walnut

- orange

- ice water

- brocoli

- tomato

- mushroom

- almond

- onion

- rasberry

- green pepper

- asparagus

- salad with garlic laced oil / vinegar dressing

- raisins

- wow :)

[BDraw]

another raw day down and I exercised!!!!! I did a 45 minute t-tapp video. And what a workout. . .I did what was expected of me -- broke into a sweat! Yea Me!

Food today was: bananas, almond/date mixture
green smoothie (baby greens, pears, banana, sesame, flax seed)
romain lettuce with sunflower, pecans, carrot, spices blended

[michigan roman]

half walnuts / half raisins , coarse grind and press to about 3/4" in sided dish

juice of lemon / dry dates / water , whip into frosting

frost cake and put in freezer til firm

eat like brownies

alissas recipe

you prob already know it but just throwing it out there

[BDraw]

Day 4 was 100%. I made some sweet potato chips. It was way too much work, but they sure are good. I did not exercise as my right shoulder was complaining too much.

Day 5 (noon) all is well. 100% thus far! :)
Breakfast was my usual -- bananas
Midmorning snack was walnut/date/coconut brownie
Lunch was apple, sweet potato chips

I managed to get a 15 minute exercise workout in. Hopefully tonight I'll add to that.

I'm feeling good about eating this way and super pleased that it isn't too hard this time around. Prayer does help.

[BDraw]

All 100% RAW. :D

One week and 2 pounds down. I can do this!

Gosh this feels good! Thanks God!;)

[BDraw]

Still going stong with the 100% and exercising every other day for 50 minutes. I'm on a roll and refused to be pushed around by SAD anymore!

I'm keeping things simple. Normally I'll do bananas for breakfast, with maybe a handful of nuts midmorning. A green smoothie for lunch. Some kind of salad for supper. I tend to snack on dates, nuts, and grapes. I wish I'd make more stuff, but I'm just in simple mode for now.

I thought I'd lost 2 pounds, but I really don't know anymore -- seems the scale can jump 2 pounds without any reason (as in before and after a shower -- and I know i did not absorb/release that much water). I'm beginning to think Alissa's advice to get rid of the scale is a good one. I feel better and that should be good enough.

[michigan roman]

do it for texas :cool:

ive just started soaking like a third cup of hard wheat seeds in a mason jar

i rinse then put in jar half full of water

next day i drink the water for any b vitamins or pro biotic activty

refill jar and do same next day

refill again and after drinking water on third day i then eat the then soft / chewy wheat seeds for a protein and vita b source thats also real filling

[BDraw]

MR -- that would be called rejuvac -- right? I've done that, but never cared for the flavor. Also never considered eating the wheat at the end. Hm-m-m. I may have to try that again -- someday. By the way, thanks for the brownie recipe, I've never added the icing, but think I will do that today.

I'm still going strong, but am being tempted with Christmas parties. . . another one tonight. I'm taking a broccoli/carrot salad. Thus far I haven't been perfect, but I've been dang good!

Plans are to have Christmas dinner at my place and lasagna was requested. Think I'll make the raw version for me (never have made it). Can't believe it needs to dehydrate almost 24 hours. That means I need to start early. That is almost as bad as thawing those big birds on time.

[michigan roman]

the wheat seeds take about 3 plus days to start getting to the hideous :D
rejuviac state , before then during the first 3 days it tastes like wheatie or something - not bad at all . and when i eat the seeds on 3rd day theyre good and chewy , i now just like them plain and see as a vitamin b and protein source with a little pro biotic . and i also think the reason beers been so popular so long is the fermented grain base is good for health / strength so im gonna push this soaked grain drink a while to see results , as previously i wasnt drinking it til after 3 days then all the way up to like day 7 or so of terrible nastiness :cool: and wasnt eating the seeds . so this new methods alot different

wait = youve never made the lemon / date icing :eek: omg youll LOVE it :D

[lovenlife]

I had a shoulder situation. I saw my sister who is a homeopath. I got a remedy and it was a miracle!

Congrats on your committment to your health!

[LNdolls]

Hoping you are still doing well!!! Let us know!

[BDraw]

What a gift -- caring people! Thanks! Yes, I'm still doing good. Also still have shoulder problems. Wondering what your sister suggested (lovenlife). Today I went to chiorpractic -- hopefully the treatment will help. Thinking I should go on a regular basis for a while.

I have not been a total 100%. Too many temptations at silly parties. But, you know, I do pretty darn good considering all the temptations available. We are planning on doing lasagna for Christmas dinner (daughter's request). I'm going to do a raw version for myself. Just wish I could find the macadamia nuts -- none to be found in town. I'll improvise. Just need to do a bit of research for substitutes.

[BDraw]

I haven't been on here in a while, so thought I'd make an update. . . .

I have been exercising every other day since right before the new year. I'm t-tapping. It is a 50 minute workout. I can tell I'm shaping up -- this is good. I've been about 90% raw, and still trying to convince myself that I do not need/want any cooked. It's a work in process. I do green smoothies almost every day. And I am considering cutting back on my nuts.

I do feel much better. My frozen shoulder is getting more flexible. The flu is a thing of the past. I'm not looking as "old" as I was thinking I looked, which is a real good thing. I'm disappointed I can't more effect from the exercise, but as my daughter keeps reminding me -- it takes time! My husband claims I am getting firmer.

All in all, life is good. I will be pleased. I will be raw.

[rawviveyourself]

That is a fantastic update!

Do you have a massage therapist who knows how to address the subscapularis and specifically the shoulder complex? Could be the world of difference for you if you can get that released......or an ART chiro....

Good luck!