Any advice for a newb?

[evening]

Hi everybody!! I just joined this site. I would appreciate any advice/insight. To try and keep this "short" I have been reading up on raw food since around July 2010. And I'm ready to get into it on or around March 15 (I have a dinner to go on the 12th and after that March 15 - April 15 I'm going to be keeping it super low key to ensure my being able to stick to this and not be tempted while on outings...hopefully this will give me a secure "grounding").

My Health Background

SAD-ish diet - little to no wheat/dairy, minimal meat, lots of rice and beans, some eggs, fruits, veggies, no supplements, lots of giving in to cravings and over eating when dining out...
Non-smoker, non-drinker
Chronic atopic eczema
Chronic stress
Chronic depression

My main goals

80% raw lifestyle and all the emotional/physical benefits that go along with it - particularly no eczema (or manageable and not noticeable)

My plan

I originally wanted to do the 28 transition to raw program http://www.thegardendiet.com/goraw.html

I'm still pretty up for it. But then I started reading about juice feasting at http://juicefeasting.com/

I'm basically contemplating whether I should go straight from SAD to juice feasting..I'm concerned though about all the weight I might lose. I'm already only like 110 pounds at 5"1. Detox wise for my eczema, I think it would be good. And I would only do it for as long as I feel I should like I'm not aiming for 92 days or whatever but if that happens, then cool.

Anyway, both websites offer a support system and a program because when I tried doing this on my own (the raw lifestyle/diet in general)..I failed. So basically I'm just wondering what approach I should take (transition to raw and then a cleanse..or cleanse first and then raw?) and what your approach was..especially if you were coming off from a sad-ish diet.

I'm also wondering..if u do the juice fast..must u do the enema or/and colonics...?

Thanks!!

:heart

[sport]

If you feel that you are ready for a juice fast then go for it. Lots of people have gone from SAD to juice.
You may also consider a smoothie fast.

[Bananna]

My advice between now and then:

Take a look at your addictions...caffiene, junk foods, I don't know...just guessing, but I would definately quit caffiene ahead of time, you'd be surprised all what can give you nasty headaches that you are used to eating if you should quit them.

Also, experiment with some recipes Now. Promise yourself that you will try atleast one new raw vegan recipe a week. Be prepared to dislike some of what you make, but be encouraged that eventually you will have a wide array of things you do like....on this subject, I recommend learning to make a raw bread, I still don't have a dehydrator, I just use my oven on low with the door propped open for air, works great and definately does not get too warm. I use a cookie sheet with wax paper. The onion bread recipe is very good, there are others as well. ...also on this front, get used to smoothies.

I am Personally not a fan of juice feasting because fibre actually absorbs many toxins and helps eliminate them, they don't risk getting reabsorbed or sitting in your colon too long that way...if you do juice, I think that's why colonics are preferred. ...but like I said, that's just how I see it, not trying to be controversial. I don't have a juicer and haven't tried it either, so consider that too I guess....my angle is what I know about fiber.

If you want to juice, try a few different recipes of that.

Essentially I am recommending you tak this time to get your feet wet so the learning curve will not be overwhelming. :)

[evening]

If you feel that you are ready for a juice fast then go for it. Lots of people have gone from SAD to juice.
You may also consider a smoothie fast.

Ok that's good to hear thanks

[evening]

My advice between now and then:

Take a look at your addictions...caffiene, junk foods, I don't know...just guessing, but I would definately quit caffiene ahead of time, you'd be surprised all what can give you nasty headaches that you are used to eating if you should quit them.

Also, experiment with some recipes Now. Promise yourself that you will try atleast one new raw vegan recipe a week. Be prepared to dislike some of what you make, but be encouraged that eventually you will have a wide array of things you do like....on this subject, I recommend learning to make a raw bread, I still don't have a dehydrator, I just use my oven on low with the door propped open for air, works great and definately does not get too warm. I use a cookie sheet with wax paper. The onion bread recipe is very good, there are others as well. ...also on this front, get used to smoothies.

I am Personally not a fan of juice feasting because fibre actually absorbs many toxins and helps eliminate them, they don't risk getting reabsorbed or sitting in your colon too long that way...if you do juice, I think that's why colonics are preferred. ...but like I said, that's just how I see it, not trying to be controversial. I don't have a juicer and haven't tried it either, so consider that too I guess....my angle is what I know about fiber.

If you want to juice, try a few different recipes of that.

Essentially I am recommending you tak this time to get your feet wet so the learning curve will not be overwhelming. :)

Thanks for the tips --I'm pretty sure the biggest thing I'm addicted to is REFINED SUGAR. And carbs. Ie pasta..bread..I think I'll be okay with the sugar though..there are soo many delicious dessert recipes I've seen recently. Thankfully, I'm not a coffee drinker. What are the raw bread recipes you use? I would love to try that out..I see what you're saying about the juice feasting and colonics though and that makes sense...if there's no fibre u basically need an extra push in the form of something else I guess. I've juiced plenty of times actually..it's the raw food that I haven't actually tried my hand at. I definitely always related raw food to endless salads but I love the gourmet aspect..it just seems so expensive etc..basically I come up with excuses.. not going to anymore..I really need to push for this because my skin and my mood just sucks..

[Bananna]

The best thing for refined sugar addiction is eating fruit. Good fruit. Bananas should have some freckles. Apples should be as rock hard as you can find them...if they have Any give, not cool. Maybe go to the grocery store and buy your best fruit choices there...favorites are always good. Smoothies are always good too...A nice one is banana-choc with almond milk/ground almond, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon. Like dessert.

I'm not saying quit refined sugar, but maybe just take a week and try and have a piece of fruit everytime you're craving something sweet, and then have full permission to have the sweet treat after still...but you might find, that you don't need it...especially if you had a lot of fruit, like a bag of cherries for example, or whatever.

Also really good is fruit cut up in a bowl drizzled with honey, maple syrup, agave, whatever sweetner you like, with cinnamon, shredded coconut or pecans sprinkled on top. Takes seriously 2 minutes to make and is just as good as any raw dessert you'll make that is a mock version of something.

http://goneraw.com/recipe/onion-bread
http://goneraw.com/recipe/even-better-onion-bread (less 'strong')
http://goneraw.com/recipe/mediterranean-almond-bread

Today in my Raw Food Real World recipe book I read that they use Manna bread, which you can get at health food stores, and is viewed as debatably raw and good in a pinch. They said it's quite moist so they like to dehydrate a couple of slices at a time and make them a bit toastier....made from wheat though, so maybe not an option for me though. Gluten and me don't really get along, lol.

therawtarian.com has a Lot of good recipes and reading too (laura-jane on here), including a yummy brownie recipe...and a great little video in the corner about what a raw day looks like for her. :)

Here is a popular cheeze sauce/dip too...good on a salad or with veggies..

http://goneraw.com/recipe/rich-cheddar-sauce

I have a chipotle dip recipe somewhere that is good too, from Ani Phyo, all of her recipes are a good bet too, she has many on youtube. And ofcourse Alissa's book, an excellent read in the first section and a great go-to book. Jennifer Cornbleet's book is good too. Those are all my favorites recipe greats :) ...well not all of them, but I will leave you alone for now, haha.

[mcster]

I did the Master Cleanse to transition into raw and it's the best thing I could've done for myself. Not only will you be able to reset your palate, whatever cravings you have will likely go away. You eczema problem should be taken care of. I don't know about stress and depression but I have read that many negative emotions are released through the cleansing process. As far as weight loss, you only lose what you need to lose if you need to lose any. If you go this route, three to four weeks seems to be the sweet spot for a deep cleanse. Good luck!

[evening]

The best thing for refined sugar addiction is eating fruit. Good fruit. Bananas should have some freckles. Apples should be as rock hard as you can find them...if they have Any give, not cool. Maybe go to the grocery store and buy your best fruit choices there...favorites are always good. Smoothies are always good too...A nice one is banana-choc with almond milk/ground almond, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon. Like dessert.

I'm not saying quit refined sugar, but maybe just take a week and try and have a piece of fruit everytime you're craving something sweet, and then have full permission to have the sweet treat after still...but you might find, that you don't need it...especially if you had a lot of fruit, like a bag of cherries for example, or whatever.

Also really good is fruit cut up in a bowl drizzled with honey, maple syrup, agave, whatever sweetner you like, with cinnamon, shredded coconut or pecans sprinkled on top. Takes seriously 2 minutes to make and is just as good as any raw dessert you'll make that is a mock version of something.

http://goneraw.com/recipe/onion-bread
http://goneraw.com/recipe/even-better-onion-bread (less 'strong')
http://goneraw.com/recipe/mediterranean-almond-bread

Today in my Raw Food Real World recipe book I read that they use Manna bread, which you can get at health food stores, and is viewed as debatably raw and good in a pinch. They said it's quite moist so they like to dehydrate a couple of slices at a time and make them a bit toastier....made from wheat though, so maybe not an option for me though. Gluten and me don't really get along, lol.

therawtarian.com has a Lot of good recipes and reading too (laura-jane on here), including a yummy brownie recipe...and a great little video in the corner about what a raw day looks like for her. :)

Here is a popular cheeze sauce/dip too...good on a salad or with veggies..

http://goneraw.com/recipe/rich-cheddar-sauce

I have a chipotle dip recipe somewhere that is good too, from Ani Phyo, all of her recipes are a good bet too, she has many on youtube. And ofcourse Alissa's book, an excellent read in the first section and a great go-to book. Jennifer Cornbleet's book is good too. Those are all my favorites recipe greats :) ...well not all of them, but I will leave you alone for now, haha.

Hey Nannerz..Thanks for your long post!!! Love it!! Lol!! I'm going to my daughter's preschool tomorrow and I always go to this coffee shop up the street while I wait for her. I usually get 2 big, huge chewy delicious cookies...err.. So good. And they seem to have a different kind every time I go as if to say..u must eat this now or else it's not going to be here next time!! But I'm going to try to resist because I got this "reminder" in the form of a eczema/health newsletter thing I sub'd to-- "Sugar depresses the immune system, which is the powerhouse behind the healing crisis. Eating sugary foods and drinks will weaken the immune response and slow down or even stop the cleansing. Let the process run its course without interference."

So I'm gonna try to be strong for tomorrow. And Thursday..I'll get the cookie. Lol! But all the fruity, sugar-y things you suggested sound delicious!! You're right. I think I just need a high intake of fruits right now..... Good fruits.. As for the Manna..hmm I've never seen it before..I'll have to see if they sell that at the health food store next time I'm there. Sounds biblical and ancient. I hear u about the gluten though. It just slowwwss me down..and any wheat product is generally not good for the eczema.

I don't have a dehydrator either..I'ma try this one: goneraw.com/recipe/even-better-onion-bread ..looks good..and easy - ingredients-wise. How long do you stick it in the oven for?? Do you rotate it..etc?

the rawtarian blog yes! I saw that the other day and I just tried the Alfredo sauce off of it tonight - I posted a thread about it in the recipes place...it was soo good! I'm definitely going to try that cheese sauce too from the link you posted..yummm I LOVE creamy cheese-y stuff and considering this is all "safe" I am very very happy..."guilt-free" ahh..

And I LOVE chipotle sauce.....well..the only type I've tried is the one at Subway... lol..uh but as long as it's good, it's all good. I'm going to google that..raw chipotle sauce.sounds yummy..

[evening]

I did the Master Cleanse to transition into raw and it's the best thing I could've done for myself. Not only will you be able to reset your palate, whatever cravings you have will likely go away. You eczema problem should be taken care of. I don't know about stress and depression but I have read that many negative emotions are released through the cleansing process. As far as weight loss, you only lose what you need to lose if you need to lose any. If you go this route, three to four weeks seems to be the sweet spot for a deep cleanse. Good luck!

Hey there thanks for your input! Hmm interesting..How were you eating before the Master Cleanse? (SAD..vegan..vegetarian..?) Did you buy a guide online somewhere or did you just follow something like this http://themastercleanse.org/

[dime]

My suggestion: don't stress that much about it (this much % or that much % raw..), and I see no reason for waiting until some predefined date. You can as well buy fresh fruits, vegetables, etc. now, and start slowly incorporating them more and more into your regular meals.

Fasting: no, don't do that right away, take your time first with adapting to raw. Otherwise it won't be a very good experience.

[mcster]

Hey there thanks for your input! Hmm interesting..How were you eating before the Master Cleanse? (SAD..vegan..vegetarian..?) Did you buy a guide online somewhere or did you just follow something like this http://themastercleanse.org/

Happy to help. :) Prior to my first cleanse, I consumed a SAD vegetarian diet which I cleaned up before the second and third. The first time I did it, I followed information I found on the internet. A friend made the suggestion and we jumped on it within days. For the second and third I did much more extensive research. I read a couple of books and read through the archives of a couple of forums dedicated to the cleanse. The more information you have going in the better, but I don't think of cleansing as a one time event (I'm committed to doing it every six months). It should be done regularly...like taking a shower. So, if you're interested in jumping in with imperfect information, it will still be beneficial and you can always take your time to learn more later. Some suggestions beyond what you'll find on the net in the event you decide to go for it:

Quality of ingredients is key: get organic lemons/limes, organic cayenne, the right grade of syrup (no substitutes) and high quality salt (Himalayan works great).

Do three weeks to four weeks if you can: you will see 10 days as the recommended period in most sources but it actually is the bare minimum and at that stage your body is just starting to adjust to the cleanse. Deeper cleansing starts around day 14-15 in general.

Chase the saltwater flush with a liter of water. This will ensure you don't retain water during the cleanse.

Exercise through the cleanse. This was one of the most rewarding aspects of doing the cleanse for me. I went for 10k runs and felt a level of energy and euphoria akin to being on drugs. Stick to cardio and stay away from any form of resistance training since you're not taking protein.

Hope that helps.

[evening]

My suggestion: don't stress that much about it (this much % or that much % raw..), and I see no reason for waiting until some predefined date. You can as well buy fresh fruits, vegetables, etc. now, and start slowly incorporating them more and more into your regular meals.

Fasting: no, don't do that right away, take your time first with adapting to raw. Otherwise it won't be a very good experience.

Hey dime..thanks for the advice :) I guess my main concern is I just want to reach a point where the eczema is like..gone..or seemingly so. So I know there is a detoxification process that has to occur between now and then and the slower I ease in or the more lax I am about being raw, the more the detox process will drag out and the more time I'll be paranoid about wearing a bridesmaid dress.... lol. But yeah..nonetheless..I agree..I think the "non-stress" approach is a good way to go because since I'm not at my "predefined date" yet, I've been really happy and positive about my raw food intake. :excited:

[evening]

Happy to help. :) Prior to my first cleanse, I consumed a SAD vegetarian diet which I cleaned up before the second and third. The first time I did it, I followed information I found on the internet. A friend made the suggestion and we jumped on it within days. For the second and third I did much more extensive research. I read a couple of books and read through the archives of a couple of forums dedicated to the cleanse. The more information you have going in the better, but I don't think of cleansing as a one time event (I'm committed to doing it every six months). It should be done regularly...like taking a shower. So, if you're interested in jumping in with imperfect information, it will still be beneficial and you can always take your time to learn more later. Some suggestions beyond what you'll find on the net in the event you decide to go for it:

Quality of ingredients is key: get organic lemons/limes, organic cayenne, the right grade of syrup (no substitutes) and high quality salt (Himalayan works great).

Do three weeks to four weeks if you can: you will see 10 days as the recommended period in most sources but it actually is the bare minimum and at that stage your body is just starting to adjust to the cleanse. Deeper cleansing starts around day 14-15 in general.

Chase the saltwater flush with a liter of water. This will ensure you don't retain water during the cleanse.

Exercise through the cleanse. This was one of the most rewarding aspects of doing the cleanse for me. I went for 10k runs and felt a level of energy and euphoria akin to being on drugs. Stick to cardio and stay away from any form of resistance training since you're not taking protein.

Hope that helps.

Cool.......thanks for the info. I'll keep it mind. The thing I'm most worried about is losing weight...whether it be short term or long term..especially if the cleanse is something to do on the regular..eek..I don't want to lose weight......in fact I want to gain weight.. but I guess it would come back anyway right..I love doing cardio in the form of walking..and running so that is up my alley. :excited:

[mcster]

Cool.......thanks for the info. I'll keep it mind. The thing I'm most worried about is losing weight...whether it be short term or long term..especially if the cleanse is something to do on the regular..eek..I don't want to lose weight......in fact I want to gain weight.. but I guess it would come back anyway right..I love doing cardio in the form of walking..and running so that is up my alley. :excited:

I honestly don't think you have anything to worry about. If you have fat to burn, it will be burned off. If you don't, then you won't. I can't emphasize enough how perfect this is to address your health concerns. But you won't know until you try. Best of luck.