Too skinny on raw...

[Queen Bean]

I have this problem. I am high raw for about ten days, and then I begin to look too skinny...so I spend a day eating cooked food to normalise my weight somewhat. Eating when hungry doesn't seem to work for me, as I don't eat enough. I am aiming for 7 meals a day, but I can't always fit them in. I don't have time to make smoothies every day either. I understand I need to get more fruit and vegetables in, but I don't have time to eat more than I do. It is very frustrating. I am a 6 foot tall female, so can't get away with looking too skinny. Someone at work said 'You don't look anorexic, but you are on the skinny side'. I eat quite a lot of nuts and avocado. I don't limit fat. I ate two slices of raw cheesecake yesterday. I eat chia sometimes. I wish there was a fast, easy raw staple that could keep weight on, but the problem with raw is that it seems hard to maintain weight. Any ideas? Plus, I am thinking of going travelling (back packing) for around 6 months next year, so need a way of eating that keeps weight healthy without the use of equipment. And I've tried 'listening to my body'...this is what happens...'handful of cashews for breakfast with raw honey'...later, maybe a banana, then more nuts...no greens, not enough fruit and vegetables...and I just end up feeling really unbalanced.

I really do believe in raw. Even though I am skinny, I feel good most of the time. But as soon as I eat some cooked food, my face fills out a bit...I look better. I do think raw foodists are generally much more radiant, but I want to look normal and not have twig-like arms. (And yes I do try to exercise regularly...)

Any insights?

[Raw Angel Mom]

I looked horrible too, and went big time underweight, i started to eat rice and steam vegetable/beans for this very reason. But then eating cook food yes made me gain weight but also drained my energy. Cook food isn't working for me at all plus this is so addictive. I eat different kind of raw food and more other options. I think for me is that i need starchy food and you can find that in raw food without cooking this. Cacao makes me gain weight too, but i don't like chocolate.

I eat more coconut, buckweat, chia seed, hemp seeds, more sprouts, wheat grass etc.... I buy now raw vegan protein powder by Bredan Brazer. His product are fantastic and works well for my familly.

Everyone is different, you will need to find what works for you in term of raw food.

Try more variety of raw food and see if it makes a difference.

You will find what works for you.

Raw food brings balance, don't give up on this.

[janicejourney]

I would MAKE the time to have big smoothies every day. You can put all the ingredients in the blender the night before and stick it in the fridge. Blend in the morning while you brush your teeth. For you this is just really important. Have oils on your veggies and salads. Make Alissa's granola from her new book and eat it with Brazil nut milk in the mornings or before bed. Make some big dessert smoothies before bed. You can do this :) It may take a little more effort, but if you guzzle down a bunch of thick and rick smoothie every day it might make things better? You will definitely feel good :)

[Tulpa]

Janice,
That is the smartest thing I have read all week and I wonder why I didnt think of it before!

Blessings to you!

Queen Bean-wished that would happen to me! I have some extra to share! But honestly, up the calories, make time to eat, more meals, and heavier on the good fats, and avacados!!!

[GreenT]

I have read that avocados actually speed up the metabolism and makes you lose weight.?? When i was eating alot of avocados for a week, i lost a few pounds.

[Raw Angel Mom]

I ate tone of fat (nuts, avocado, olive oil etc...)also and i lost so much weight. I always hat fat for any recipe i would make. For me, it is the starch that makes me gain weight. Maybe i am an exception but fat doesn't seem to make me gain anything except to slim down.