Newbie Needing ALL The Advice You'll Give

[flapdoodle]

Hello All!

I finally got tired of being tired all the time and am transitioning to a raw foodist! I read a few books over Christmas break (I'm a college student) and was super excited to see all the benefits going raw brings--especially more energy. Since I am new to this and do not know anyone who eats raw, I am looking forward to any advice yall are willing to give me! The book I am currently reading, "Raw Food for Real People" suggests that I start out by eating raw for breakfast for a while then adding lunch, dinner & snacks. So far I have done very well and will eat a banana, apple or make a smoothie (a 100% fruit smoothie--havent added the greens yet).

I am extremely confused on what exactly I shouldnt be eating anymore. I have read almond butter is ok, then I read it isnt. I know the easiest way to determine if I should eat something is to think if it comes from nature. Are there exceptions? What do you guys eat when you have a craving for junk food? Or do those cravings go away?

If anyone would send me their typical grocery list I would really appreciate it. Also, I have read that I should cut down on exercising for the first few weeks...is this true? I am training for a half marathon and would prefer to keep running at least three times a week.

THANKS!!
Caitlin

[Aleesha Sattva]

raw almond butter is okay... roasted (cooked) almond butter is not.

go ahead and keep doing your usual workout... but you need to know. this forum is set up to support people who are following Alissa Cohen's philosophy on raw foods... not someone else's so we can't support you to follow that book. (that author may have their own forum!)

also, in Alissa's book she gives you a grocery list... makes life so simple!

and you really should try a smoothie with greens in it. you don't even taste the greens. add a small handful of baby organic spinach and you'll see what i mean!

welcome!
Aleesha

[flapdoodle]

Thank you so much!! I'm ordering it now!

[Aleesha Sattva]

you are going to loooooooooove it. which one are you ordering the first or the second. the first assists you more when you are just going raw. the second has recipes that are not only gorgeous but super yummy...

[flapdoodle]

I think the first would be best since I'm just starting out, don't you agree?

[Aleesha Sattva]

i do i do i do!

[Shels]

There are no rules, nobody is going to punish you for eating -fill in the blank-. All your feedback (aside from threads like this) is going to be from your body. Do what feels best for you - not as in "I feel like a Snickers", but what gives you energy, helps you sleep well, etc.

Personally, I tend to have whole fruit for breakfast (or a smoothie), various snacks throughout the day like nuts and chopped up fruits or veggies, and a big salad for dinner.

Edit: And to be honest, I usually have some dessert as well, like banana ice cream or an RP brownie, or just dates.

[Amarynth]

BOTH of Alissa's books are wonderful! Just follow what your body tells you to do and you'll be fine. :) For snack cravings I really do love to dip apple slices in raw almond butter. Also...for a good green smoothie, I love, love, love Kale, banana, some kind of nut mylk(like cashew, almond, brazil Mmmm!!!) and strawberry! Delish!

Good luck on your journey!

[portston]

dip apple slices in raw almond butter. :p sounds terrific.

[nadien alexandra]

raw almond butter is amazing. It will clearly state on the label if it is raw. Careful!!! it is very addictive. haha.

Try making your own. it might be a lot cheaper. just grind up almonds (I soak them first overnight) and keep grinding in your food processor until the oil is released and your fine pulp turns into delicious creamy paste.

Usually, IN MY KITCHEN IS:

pineapple (2)
grapefruits (6)
lemons or limes (6)
mangos (5)
bananas (like 10 or more!)
oranges (big bag)
granny apples (6)

spinach (HUGE bundle. for juicing)
celery
parsley
basil
swiss chard
carrots (HUGE bundle. for juicing)
broccoli (lots. i love it so)
cucumber
tomatoes
ginger root
beets
many different sprouts that i sprout myself (broccoli, onion, alfalfa, sunflower seed, quinoa....)

sesame seed oil
sundried tomatoes (i dry myself)
raisins (organic, no sulfurs and things)
dried cranberries (i dry myself)
dried gojji berries
raw nori sheets
stone ground mustard
apple cider vinegar (unpasurtized, unfiltered, with "mother")
hemp hearts
raw flax seeds (or ground flax meal. but it must be in a sealed bag and organic)
raw sunflower seeds
raw pumpkin seeds
raw almonds
fresh medjool dates (they are a treat)

a million different herbs for tea concoctions, like ginseng and milk thistle and dandilion....

ETC.


for snacks, I will have a medjool date
a banana
frozen raspberries
pineapple with cinnamon!