I'm going 100% RAW

[mcster]

I'm finishing 18 days on the Master Cleanse and yesterday was my first post-cleanse day on organic, fresh squeezed OJ which BTW, tasted simply orgasmic! I also did my first grocery shop in preparation to resume regular diet on Monday. In an attempt to go as clean, live, functional and sustainable as possible, I bought several superfoods, I bought lots of local stuff at a farmer's market and with the exception of avos, everything is organic. Damn, is it ever expensive trying to eat well. :eek:

I also bought a small food chopper (already have vitamix) and some glass jars to sprout nuts, seeds and legumes. The one thing I've been on the fence about is cooked quinoa. I run and weight train and in addition to changing my diet, I'm also ramping up the intensity of my workouts. I've been a bit concerned about getting the protein level I need for recovery but yesterday I decided to look into sprouting quinoa, hemp and fenugreek (who knew it has 30% protein!) and I'm going to give that a try first. Last night I started sprouting almonds, peanuts and sesame seeds.

The interesting experiment for me is going to be the social aspect. I've been veganish most of my life and it's never really been an issue but RAW takes things to another level. Most of my friends are not even vegetarian and I like to eat out. I'm taking solace in the fact that my taste buds have changed significantly (I used to love pizza and ice cream and now I can't even bare the thought) and that you can find a salad almost everywhere and that any "rabbit food" comments will be mitigated by how damn fine I look and feel. :D

Anyway, I was initially looking at going 80% raw and this forum has inspired me to try going the full monty so thanks to all who contributed to my decision! Any input for the noob would be greatly appreciated.

[imaquillen]

I'd suggest you google "raw athletes". My understanding is there a quite a few who eat and thrive on this lifestyle. Good luck and congratulations! Join the 30 day challenge--it's been a wonderful place (this whole site) for support but also accountability.
Amber

[gritsnla]

Quote: "...and that any "rabbit food" comments will be mitigated by how damn fine I look and feel."

Maybe this is one of the reasons I need to add to being 100% raw! LOL!
Thanks!

[mcster]

I just cooked my first raw soup! I was going to make carrot juice and decided to try it in the vitamix instead of the juicer. Then I thought, "why don't I just add some seasoning and warm it up"? So, three carrots, one pear, salt, pepper, cayenne, hemp oil and warm to the touch. Great soup!


I'd suggest you google "raw athletes". My understanding is there a quite a few who eat and thrive on this lifestyle. Good luck and congratulations! Join the 30 day challenge--it's been a wonderful place (this whole site) for support but also accountability.
Amber

Thanks Amber! Funny you should say that. My trip to raw started when I read The Thrive Diet. That prompted me to research vegan athletes and I ended up finding a number of them who are raw...phenomenal results and without supplements! That closed the deal for me.


Quote: "...and that any "rabbit food" comments will be mitigated by how damn fine I look and feel."

Maybe this is one of the reasons I need to add to being 100% raw! LOL!
Thanks!

If anyone ever gives you that nonsense, tell them eat like an ape or a bull (with an evil eye). :D

[modernmonkey]

Mcster? How was the master cleanse? I read a bit about it and am tempted to find a time to do it. I'm worried I will break it because I have a very active full time job and might feel weary. Is it manageable? Cheers.

[mcster]

Mcster? How was the master cleanse? I read a bit about it and am tempted to find a time to do it. I'm worried I will break it because I have a very active full time job and might feel weary. Is it manageable? Cheers.

It's a fantastic trip and I highly recommend it. I can't comment much in regards of what you can and can't manage as the detox experience is a very personal one and in direct relation to your personal level of toxicity.

As a reference, my first cleanse was quite challenging and included detox symptoms like flu, weakness and emotional "stuff". The one I just completed was my third and it was phenomenal. Detox symptoms were minimal. I felt incredibly clear minded and energized. I even ran 10mi ever third day and experienced euphoria...literally felt like I was on drugs. :) So how it goes greatly depends on the quality of your health.

As for the logistics, you need to allow about 1.5hrs in the morning to have bowel movements and it would be great if you have access to a kitchen where you can squeeze limes. But you can take the lemonade with you...it is doable even if you're away from home for prolonged periods of time. Everything is possible if the desire is there. :)

I highly recommend you start by reading a book on the cleanse. I read Tom Wosolyn's book and highly recommend it. Send me a PM if you have further questions.

[EscapeArtist]

Woohooooo!! Good for you! :D!

[mcster]

Just wanted to share that the past few days on 100% raw have been amazing. I'm really loving how great I feel and how easy, quick and surprisingly great tasting meals are. I love how creative I'm getting with my meals.

I was hungry for a snack at around 3 today. Typically I would've reached for something like chips and salsa. So I threw together 1.5 avos, 1 roman tomato, some cilantro, some mixed bean sprouts, hemp oil, salt, pepper and cayenne and threw it in the food processor. I then cut up 1' pieces of celery and used them to scoop up the dip instead of chips. Man, was it good!

[Aleesha Sattva]

i love using celery as 'chips'. i also use cucumbers.

[mcster]

i love using celery as 'chips'. i also use cucumbers.

Great idea! I forgot to buy cucs actually. I thought of cutting up carrots but celery is like those cup-shaped chips...they just make it so easy to scoop. :)

[Aleesha Sattva]

You can do the same with cukes. You scoop out the seeds and it gives you a little curve (hence why some people use it for raw mac n' cheese)

I've used zucchini as well but it's a little too soft for my liking (although I love it for other things like pasta).

[mcster]

Well, I had my first "compromise" today and I'd say it went very well. I had two lunch meetings today and had salads for both. The first was a mixed salad and came with a slice of chiabatta. Had no desire whatsoever to take a bite out of the bread. The second salad was a "California" salad with a mango dressing, strawberries, caramelized pecans and asiago. I took the pecans and savored a few crumbles of the asiago but pushed most of it to the side. As a former cheese lover, I must say I was pleasantly surprised at my lack of desire for it. Then I went home and had a bowl-sized salad that was absolutely superb!

[modernmonkey]

That was a really thoughtful and natural compromise. Well done. You should feel very smug!:excited: