is what I am feeling normal?

[amber_vegan]

This is my 7th day raw and I am feeling pain all over my body. My throat is soar and I am experiencing alot of phlegm and every now and then I get this "internal" heat that really freaks me out. I will be in a total air conditioned place, almost freezing, and from the inside feel extrememly hot and start to sweat...alot. I am pretty sure that I am detoxifying but would like to know if this is normal. Another thing, in 7 days I lost 10 pounds!!! is that right? I eat tons of food like salads, fruits throughout the day, nuts and a komboocha drink (that is raw and soooooo good) but is the rapid weight loss okay? It does not hurt me to lose it, I am currently at 240 lbs, but I want to make sure that what I am feeling and the 10 lb loss is something that happens. Thanks in advance for replies and suggestions. I would like to end by saying this, I feel great, aside from the soar throat and "internal" heat, I have tons of energy, my face cleared up and I have this calm feeling that i have never felt before. I wish I had done this a long time ago. I was a vegetarian for 2 to almost 4 years and recently turned vegan maybe a year ago but was not losing any weight. I always asked God for help and I know he was stearing me in the right direction by going vegetarian then vegan, but he answered my question by showing my a raw food diet is the way to go...anyways sorry for the long post, I just have so much to say. One more thing, even if this is my 7th day, can I still post a picture and start a journal? Thanks everyone!! :)

[newrawfoodmom]

Hihi. Glad to read your post. I've started on raw food 2 weeks ago and feel exactly the same..... Plus now I have a headache - I normally never have, sore throat (I gorgle (is that an english word?) with raw apple vinegar - works wonders) and such a stiff neck. But you're right, I've lots of energy at the same time. Although emotional rollercoaster at times...

[Essensual]

Hi amber_vegan,

Other than the Komboocha drink (which I a little afraid of)...sounds almost word for word like my first two weeks of detox- -including the weight loss. I used warm water soaks with epsom salts for the physical discomfort, & conditioning scalp massages for the headaches followed by afternoon power naps (approx 1 1/2 hrs) which helped a lot. Congrats and keep up the great progress!

[amber_vegan]

Thanks for the replies. Yeah right now I am experiencing some pain in my neck and this knot in my throat kind of feeling, but great otherwise, which is why I am comfortable with the pain. I know that good things are happening. So does any one have any good recipes? That is another battle I am having...the dvd i ordered from this website is out of stock so I have to wait till Sept, and the book i have on raw food is too experienced for me. I have been making salads and eating tons of fruits and nuts, but if anyone has any good easy recipes to share that would be great! thanks

[Jamie]

Amber_Vegan,

Sounds like detox to me. Very common I think. Then after the heat flashes go away,, you may find yourself freezing and not able to get warm at all!!!

The first time ( I always hate admitting there's been more than one time :o ) I went raw I lost a ton of weight in the first month.. Like 20 lbs.. so probably 10 in the first week. I think it is fine as long as your feeling good otherwise, and you said that you are.

The phlem is normal too,, getting all that mucus(how do you spell that word?) out of your system.

I have a great un-cookbook(have ordered Allisa's but same problem,, on back order),, it is from a christian women. Her name is Serene Allison and you can get it on the aboverubies.com site....or maybe org... not sure but try that. It is great and simple to follow.

Keep trusting the Lord! I too felt Him direct me first with the Hallelujah diet and then on to 100% raw....I am so thankful that He is helping me with my health in this way :)

Blessings,
Jamie :)

[RawTruth]

Congratulations, amber_vegan, on this step you've taken. Raw radiance lies in store for you!

If you haven't already done so, be sure to read the "Sticky" at the top of this section from Alissa about detoxing. I'm quite positive that is what you're experiencing. How wonderful that your body is releasing the toxins that have been stored in it! What helped me through this was changing my mental attitude from thinking that I was "sick" to understanding that the living foods I was eating were allowing my body to begin healing itself. First, it had to eliminate the toxins that had acculated from the cooked processed foods I had eaten, the chemicals and additives in SAD foods and drinks, the pollution in the environment, and ... the buildup from negative emotions. So, welcome this positive development ... be good to yourself, rest, and don't fight it. Be sure not to take any medications to alleviate these "symptoms" or you'll just delay it. In a few days, you will feel so much better!!

As far as recipes, have you read through the many, many threads in the Recipe section? You'll find lots of nonproprietary recipes there or those that have been printed with the permission of the authors. Hopefully, you'll be able to get Alissa's book soon as it has great info and recipes to get you through the first phase of your 100% living food journey.

Best wishes to you.