To detox or not??

[JMD]

Hi I have recently transitioned from 85% to 100% raw. I have been 85+% for about 6 months. My question is will I experience any detox symptoms since it is not like I had been eating McDonald's or anything:) My only cooked food was steamed veggies. I am also hoping this raw food plan will take my constipation away. I find I get very constipated even with plenty of drinking water and consuming some raw fats.

I am sure every "body" is different but I like the support / experience of others to assist me on my spiritual and physical journey.

Thanks.

[Rawkinlocs]

Yes, you will experience some detox. May not be harsh, may not be in the same forms that you've heard others experience...but you will.

I'm sure that you haven't been eating only steamed veggies from birth...also consider that our bodies not only cleanse and detoxify from food, but also from chemicals we've come in contact with, medications we've ever taken, things we breath in, things our skin comes in contact with, etc.

The detox may come as a cold or a rash or a bump or what have you.

[rawpriestess]

Rawkinlocs is absolutely right, you will experience some detox, although it might be minor, please don't be discouraged if it is not.

We all have gone through it, and know that we are detoxing every single day, from the pollution of cars, asphalt, air, houses, carpet, clothing, water, etc.

It is a process, and can be so wonderful knowing you are releasing all this challenging stuff that was locking in our bodies for so long.

thank goodness, when it's gone, it's gone. :o)

[JMD]

Thank you ladies...It is funny i was actually waiting for some huge detox signs to show I am doing well at raw...I have zero patience:) I am wondering if it is because I replaced my steamed veggies with an ounce or 2 of raw sunflower seeds--I sense I am craving calcium.

[Rawkinlocs]

Nahh...it doesn't happen that way for everyone. I mean, one day a cold sore might pop up or like I said, you might "catch a cold" or your face may break out or you may notice your armpits smell unusually strong. I haven't had those MAJOR, hard-hitting detox episodes either.

I used to get a headache every now and then...my face always broke out even before raw, but now it seems to be getting clearer, sometimes my body just has very faint flu-like aches but it never escalates into anything severe. So, I go through detox, but compared to many it's pretty mild IMO.

[rawmomto8]

JMD,

I read that you said that you were craving calcium or needing calcium. I give my children who are not breastfeeding a treat of a strawberry milkshake that I have made with sesame seed milk. This is very high in calcium. You might want to try the sesame seed milk. I have to use sweetener (honey for the older children and agave nectar for my young ones) as it can be bitter, but this is a wonderful milk to make!

Sarah

[JMD]

Thank you Sarah---I am sensitive to honey...can i make it without it?? and would you mind sharing the recipe:) I am packing up my food to go to an all-day baby shower:) Too bad I could not share my ideas yet with these ladies--they are very very PRO SAD..Thank goodnessvwe all have our own path:)

thanks again

[sweetgoddess]

You can use dates or agave nectar instead of honey!

[JMD]

Good advice about dates---however any sweetness seems to trigger me--even the slighest. Maybe i can try it without and see how it tastes. On another note--does anyone know what to do with sesame seeds??

thanks:)

[rawpriestess]

Sesame seeds, eat plain, add to smoothies, make cookies, cakes, crackers, breads

or make tahini, which is sesame seed butter, tasty, especially with garlic, olive oil and lemon juice.

or you can buy raw tahini, which I like best, and make milk out of it, but it is bitter, that is why it is best to add some kind of sweetener,

Sesame seeds are also great on salads, on soups, on top of pate's, I know rawbies who just have a container of them on the table, with a spoon, like a sugar bowl and they just sprinkle them on everything they eat. mmmmmmmm

[JMD]

Wow Good ideas..I am ready to open my new bag of un-hulled seeds:) I see they are pretty heavy in calories...so I may have to watch it!! I already ate a whole large bag of flax crackers today:)