Curious about Transitioning to Raw

[Raw.N.It.Out]

Hello, the reason's that I would like to transition to Raw Foods:

I am mainly doing this for the loss of cellulite, clear skin, & feeling better. In the last year I have become even more self-aware of how my body functions. I've lost 44 lbs, & have been maintaining since last Summer. I am also trying to build & maintain some lean muscle as well.

I suffer from a few different illness's. I also am lactose intolerant & have IBS. I have been interested in eating Raw for about the last 6-9 months. I used to be a part of a weight loss community online in which I'd come across a few ppl practicing Raw. (as I call it) I was quite happy to learn that I eat A LOT of the same foods as they do, even prepare it the same.

This isn't something that I would just jump into, it might take me a good few years to adjust to. The same as it took me a few years to learn how to eat, *cleaner* so that I could healthily lose weight.

I thought I'd get some basic knowledge by perusing the threads that are offered here, along with the ppl who share them. :)

I would soon like to practice cutting out the following:
-Dairy
-Wheat/Gluten
I think meat, microwaving, freezing, & cooking is out of the question with this lifestyle?
- No processed Foods, Canned, nor packaged, ect

& than some other Newbie questions that I am hoping I will find the answers to:
I am wondering how your transition started out?
What are some things I should watch for?
What are the basics that I should have, in terms of juicer's or a solid blender?
If refrigerating of foods is allowed?
Some articles that you found helpful to you through the learning process?

Is this a silly question: Besides fruits, what sweets can be had? As I have just been learning this past year more & more so how to prepare meals for myself. & the proper nutrition.

~Always Take Care

[Raw.N.It.Out]

I am also planning to seek out a Nutritionist to explore this area some more.

[spicyfull]

Seems like things aren't working out for you as is, I would give RAW the 30 Day Challenge and see how your Symptoms improve. That will tell you more about RAW than Anyone can......

[Raw.N.It.Out]

Seems like things aren't working out for you as is, I would give RAW the 30 Day Challenge and see how your Symptoms improve. That will tell you more about RAW than Anyone can......

I would disagree, things have been going pretty good (from where I started from) & I am not interested in just jumping into anything *cold turkey* style. I still have a lot of other foods that I am not ready to give up yet. :)

I have seen a bunch of changes as I previously stated above, as I also stated I am looking for a slow transition. :) It's taken me a lot of hard work to get where I am today.

Take Care

[snoops]

I have also not jumped in cold turkey!! You will find an amazing difference just cutting out grains (not just wheat) and dairy. And you are right no meat on this board and NO processed foods. I'm at 3 weeks tomorrow stopping dairy and grains and I can see a huge difference already. 8 lbs down, NO heartburn (had it most nights), fewer hot flashes (menopause:rolleyes:), less mucous and congestion in the morning, feeling lighter emotionally. I probably eat 80-90% raw and the rest "good" cooked (which we don't speak of here;)

The biggest thing I noticed was after about 3 days NO cravings for grains. I have no cravings period now and hardly think about food. This compared to constantly thinking about it when under the grain addiction. It is remarkable. I am actually stunned by the change. Addictions - WOW.

[margoss]

I did a week long detox and shopped, read while I was doing it so I would have an idea. For me, it was the summer so there free things in abundance, that helped so much. Great info here. I would try to stay away from the soy & gluten. after a while, you'll notice a difference in how you feel when you eat SAD. Have a smoothie or juice in the am & one other meal. this has helped me. At times, I only want to drink vs eat. I seem to consume more when I eat for some reason.

[Raw.N.It.Out]

Thanks for the warm welcome, snoops & margoss. I guess I need to dig into this site a bit more or & read about Alissa Cohen's beliefs to the diet. I didn't know you cut out grains as well.

I've heard there is a lot of preparation time involved & that a lot of ppl seem to stick to their smoothies & juices?