Dehydrated Food Issues

[NaturalMama]

Hi. When I first went raw, most of what I ate was fresh (except for raw crackers I purchased online and ate with raw soups). I got an Excallibur and Alissa's book, and I've been making dehydrated things (ie, pizza, pecan burgers, some of the breads, etc). And although most of everything is still fresh, I'm having more dehydrated foods, usually one part of a meal everyday. It tastes great, but it makes me feel like it's not as nourishing. I feel tired, very thirsty despite drinking ALOT more than usual and sometimes get a headache; I also begin to crave cooked food and feel like I need to keep eating when before I was satisfied more easily. I've been dehydrating at the correct temperatures and length of time, but I do not feel energized when I eat some dehydrated foods. It's not like it's my whole meal either, I'll usually eat a salad with it. Ofcourse it doesn't tire me out as much as when eating cooked foods, but I'm less energized for sure.

Is this all normal, or is it just me? Maybe dehydrated foods aren't the greatest for me, maybe I just really need the water in my foods. Is there anyone else like this, did you have to stop eating dehydrated foods?

[DebB]

Hi ~ I understand exactly what you're saying. No, I didn't give up dehydrated foods - but I do eat a lot less of them now than I did in the beginning.

I know what my triggers are and for me, the dehydrated breads and crackers (etc) are wayyyyy too easy for me to go nuts with (no pun intended) :D

[Dimond]

Fresh is always best and ultimately one should strive to do all fresh eventually. Dehydrated foods are more for transitioning or the occasional treat. If you notice you're having an issue with it, it's definitely a sign to cut way back on it. It also may be good to up the fresh fruits you eat to help counteract them. If you still need dehydrated to help you stay raw, you may find digestive enzymes help.

[DeniseM]

This is a really common experience -- you're definitely not alone! Dehydrated items work well for transitioning, but they're not as energizing as fresh, hydrated raw foods. The longer you're raw, the more you start feeling the difference. I don't know too many long-term raw foodists who still eat dehydrated foods on a regular basis -- most start gravitating to simpler meals with fresh ingredients. It sounds like that's what your body is calling you towards. :)

[Green_Woman]

Is this all normal, or is it just me? Maybe dehydrated foods aren't the greatest for me, maybe I just really need the water in my foods. Is there anyone else like this, did you have to stop eating dehydrated foods?

Have you read Alissa's take on this? She does say you want to aim for MOST of your diet being fresh foods. :D

I notice the same. If I overeat dehydrated foods, I feel less good. If I eat MOSTLY fresh foods + Green Smoothies + salads, I feel really good. :D

Either way, I feel good. But I prefer REALLY good over LESS good. ;)

If your Body is telling you to back off the Dehydrated goodies, LISTEN!! No one can really tell you what percentage of what type of food is best for you -- but your body WILL guide you into Her perfect balance.

[NaturalMama]

Thank you; it helps to know that I'm not alone and it's not because something is wrong with me. I was worried that I was keeping it too simple and really looked forward to making the dehydrated meals, but like you said, less good isn't as nice as really good. Thank you so much for responding and letting me know that I'm okay and that mostly fresh is actually optimal; thank you! So since I find dehydrated foods addictive, makes me crave cooked foods and it makes me feel less good....It's fresh menu for me.....

I think I'm like you Green Woman. I notice I feel at my highest energy on green smoothies, salads and some fresh, juicy fruits and veggies; with a little soaked nuts like almonds. The more fresh greens the better i tend to feel. But I love how you put it!

[DebB]

Hi again ~ Like Green Woman said, the fresh foods are what I'm wanting. I like to have a big (about 2 quarts) green smoothie for breakfast or late morning, then a green juice in the afternoon and some type of salad (lettuce or non-lettuce) for dinner. Snacks (if I'm hungry) are fresh fruits or veggies. It does this body good! *Ü*

[Green_Woman]

I like to have a big (about 2 quarts) green smoothie for breakfast or late morning

OOOooh, me too! And for lunch. And for dinner. And for snacks. :D

And yes, it's about what works for YOU... that's the beauty of Raw. Your Body's channels of communication are opened up and you gradually become more and more in tune with what your Body needs to help you become your Healthiest Self!

[DebB]

OOOooh, me too! And for lunch. And for dinner. And for snacks. :D

And yes, it's about what works for YOU... that's the beauty of Raw. Your Body's channels of communication are opened up and you gradually become more and more in tune with what your Body needs to help you become your Healthiest Self!

I so wanted to be able to eat intuitively but wasn't sure I would/could (?) ever "get to that point". To actually quiet the craving beast within. But, I can honestly say - I'm being rewarded!! I had to keep the faith and for me, it's paying off, I'm very grateful ~ ~