Hi everyone

[Re:Becca]

My name is Becca
I started raw... last week! I am having a hard time planning meals... and staying on the wagon! I really want to succeed at this for my health. I have had difficulty with chronic fatigue this year. I have had abnormal blood tests. Recently my lymphocytes have gone up another 10%. When people are diagnosed with cancer... they start these kinds of diets. I want to practice preventive medicine. My bone marrow was mostly clean - basically my doctors are waiting for more symptoms to appear... I think they're leaning towards something auto-immune. But my aim is to cure myself with diet. I intend for my blood tests to be back to normal when I go to check-up in 4 months. Also I want to finally be happy with my body and to be optimally healthy so that I can have a healthy baby (next year?). I am excited to meet you all. With support I think this is going to be a great lifestyle change. Already in the first week I have lost 6 lbs and I already feel much more energetic and vibrant. (I did break down and ate some pizza tonight though!)

[spicyfull]

I wish you everything you need to Stay RAW..........Welcome to MY World.

[sport]

You must make sure that there is something raw that you can just put your hand on when you come in hungry.
I suggest that you make a pie.
Alissa's Date Nut Tort is a good place to start.
If you do not have the book then I suggest that you make a base of any soaked dried fruit (dates, apricots etc) mixed with any seed or not in the processor (I use sunflower) and spread on the bottom of a pie tin (springform is best).
Alissa just puts the next layer on of blueberries and bananas blended (pour on as a liquid and it will set in an hour in the fridge) and then raspberries on top but I prefer to put a layer of kiwi in the middle and skip the raspberries.

If you have this pie in the fridge you will get 4 good meals out of it and it does not take long to make.

[ReneeH]

Hi Becca!

Absolutely I would recommend Alissa's book--if you don't have it already! She takes you step by step and gives you a 30 day plan to follow! Congratulations on the 6 pounds!!! That's REALLY great!!! There is also a recipe section on this site that will help you also!!!

If you wanna keep your 6 pounds off and add to them, RAW will definitely help you to do that--IF you stick to it. Check your mail, I sent you a message!

Hugs,

Renee'

[kitlynne]

Hi and Welcome Becca!

The beset things I have found for staying motivated are:

1 - Snacks at hand!!! I always carry two baggies of fresh fruit/veggies and nuts finger foods with me. It helps my pruse is a wee little lunch box...but hey.. =D

2 - Surround yourself with positive thoughts and feelings! I have images that make me happy of my friends and family, my puppies and myself as well as motivational quotes scattered about my apartment and quotes written on my mirror.

3 - Find like minded raw foodies!! Search the web for meetups and restaurants in your region! =D

4 - Tell yourself that you will conquer this, that you will be successful and that you love yourself every day!

Good luck and keep moving forward!

[Mary Kay]

Great advice having the snacks at hand.

the only difficulty with raw "gourmet" is the planning ahead. It doesn't take any more time than cooking, but you just can't decide that you want such-and-such for dinner, then make it an hour later.

Green smoothies are a great, quick, easy staple.

HTH, Welcome!

Mary Kay