Got on the scale this morning and it read

[Zaphirah]

177. Not that numbers are super important but at 5'4"-that's not good. So. I'm back. Raw's the only thing that has worked for me. I may have broken my fat-o-meter, but I just can't stand feeling so darn icky. I have started to isolate myself again because 2 years ago I weighed 50lbs less. I'm embarrassed to go out-and I have no clothes that fit. LOL! It's really not about my *weight* I just have to get healthier again. My knee issues are almost as bad as they were before the surgery in '02, and I *know* my weight is making them age faster than they need to.
Anyway, don't know if any of my fav peeps are still here. I look forward to catching up with you-and learning how to live raw on less than $20/wk. :D

[sport]

Hi. $20 per week is challanging. I suggest that you start sprouting. It is a cheap way to get nutrients.
Buy the bananas that are a bit over ripe (cheap) and freeze them. Great for smoothies and ice cream.

[Zaphirah]

good ideas! Thanks. When I was raw before, dh made a living wage. Then he was laid off for a few months and was rehired at a 30% decrease in pay. :( I have about 50% of what I used to have for groceries for a family of 5. My "portion" of the grocery money can only be about $20. I plan to live on bananas, carrots, kale, sunflower seeds, garlic and onions. I am looking forward to fall when apples, pumpkins, acorn, and butternut squash are all cheaper.

[jimmy]

Hey, you could always try looking into Eating The Weeds (http://www.youtube.com/user/EatTheWeeds).

Can't get much cheaper than the stuff most people want to kill off and get rid of.

I got to say, buying good, organic produce is quite costly. Have you thought about growing your own? Even is you're busy and live in an apartment you can still grow at least some of your own food indoors.

[spicyfull]

Welcome Back.

[Zaphirah]

thanks, spice. I still have your quote as my sig. :p

[rawmiss]

As hard as it is sometimes, like you said raw IS the best way. Welcome back! :D

[revdrcyn]

Hi Zaphirah - nice to meet you!

When I joined a little over a year ago, I would have scoffed at spicyfull's quote -- but now I know it's true :p

All the best!