June 2011 - 30 Day Challenge - Join at any time of the month!

[Aleesha Sattva]

Welcome welcome welcome!!! :excited:

Welcome to the 30 day challenge. :eat and welcome to our new monthly format.

This is our monthly challenge thread. We are choosing to do one (or perhaps split into two) continual threads so we can create a community of support within this challenge. You can join this thread at any time during the month. Don't be shy... we love new posters!!! So if you want to join us... please do!

I welcome people who are already 100% raw to join in the conversation - supporting our challengers in their quest! :cheer:

This thread is specifically for those of you who are eager to commit to 30 consecutive days of eating 100% raw foods and seeing miraculous results!

I will start a new challenge thread on the first of every month. If I forget... send me a quick email and remind me... I'll get the challenge thread online for you quickly.

The focus of the monthly challenge is on staying raw and accountability. Therefore, if you have eaten all raw and then slip up and have something cooked, don't beat yourself up over it or dwell on it - but this is not space to discuss it. You are more than welcome to document it in your journal/blog or ask for help in the discussion area, but it is not necessary (and not allowed) to discuss your slip-up here in the challenge threads, just get right back on track and keep going! This thread is about celebrating what you are eating that IS raw!

I welcome you all to share pics of your dishes, ask questions, share what you are consuming (as long as it's raw). We are here to listen to your emotional and physical challenges. So share share share!!! :hug

OH and the best part of this (not only the support but...) you can subscribe to this thread and get notified every time someone posts to it. This way you will be connected!

So let's get this party started!!!

[Gab]

Hooray!!!! I'm in. First time I've taken on one of the challenges and am looking forward to it. :woohoo:

I've had a bit of a hard time over the winter but now that the weather is finally cleaning up its act I'm hoping to find it a bit easier. The actual temp right now is 27C and in combination with the humidity it's 30C. To think last week I had the heat on a bit.

I do know how great I feel when I am raw and that's what I'm aiming for 100%.

Good luck to all of us. :heart

[MysticTree]

I'm in ... May was a good month :)

[Tsuki_heart]

I'm in!! ^^ I was waiting for this month to start. I'm so happy :excited:

[luckymom]

I'm in- the sheer amount of food that I have in my kitchken right now is a little daunting! I have only been a vegetarian for 2 months and vegan (by accident) for a week. Wish me luck- I have food issues (don't like to eat) and I really want to set a good example for my kids.

[Raw Rabbit]

I've been waitng for the new month to start so I can start fresh and clean..I'm sooo excited! this i my first ever! I'm so nervous I've only been able to stay 100% raw for 6 days then I binge :( I hope this support helps me even a little bit.

[j.davison]

If ever there was a time to begin a raw food program, it is now. I live on the Eastern Shore of MD and the cantalopes are fantastic!! There was never better! :throwhearts: There is nothing more lush than a whole ripe melon for breakfast!

[stayseesstace]

Yes!! I've been waiting for this!!

[speltrong]

I'm in too. So excited with all the yummy fruits coming into season. And the corn here is amazing right now. It's gonna be a good month!

[RawBogan]

Me too. Me too. Me too!!!!

My first 100% challenge too. Really looking forward to this. Rainy winter here in Australia and I shall start the day for you all(at least 10 hours ahead of most of you) with a whole morning of crunchy apples. Got a whole batch of onion bread ready for some sprout and leafy green sandwiches.

Good luck everyone!

RB

[kag2520]

I have been looking for a 30 day raw food challenge. Longest I have been raw is 30 days and I felt amazing!!

I am going to try and do my "Raw Divas" 7 day detox to jump start. All fruits and veggies. No fat for a week. Once I make it to the 4th day I can usually stick with it.

Stress eating is a big factor for me. Glad to have the support in this forum. Started my fast at 5 pm tonite and looking forward to a bowl of fruit tomorrow at 5.

Good luck everyone!!

[LCat]

I just registered, have been reading this site off and on today. I so apreciate all of the crumbs of wisdom that have been left behind. I have been raw for about six weeks including a six day juice fast. I am very low fat and have not lost one pound. Oddly enough I have lost 2 inches in my thighs.
I am totally down for joining everyone on 30 raw, I know this way of eating makes me FEEL wonderful.
I read all kinds of stuff about the body clearing house and people not losing weight at the beginning, but hanging in there and having it melt off. I figure, what are my options? This is how I want to eat, plain and simple.
I have been pretty low fat for a while and my hair and skin are starting to get dry. I have normally have very heathy, silky hair, not so sure about this low to no fat thang...time will tell.

LCat:wuv

[effortlessvegan]

I'm really looking forward to another 100% challenge this month. It will be easier because of the abundance of different fruits and vegetables this time of year. It was 86 degrees here in Vermont and so I especially enjoyed eating raw today. This morning I had a green smoothie with lots of wild lambsquarters that I pick on our land. I was amazed at the nutritional value, the calcium alone is 300 g per 1/2 cup. This is a great time of year to forage for wild greens. I just purchased two books so I can identify and pick wild greens.

B: Green Smoothie (48 oz) drank it throughout the morning and lunch
L: banana
D: spiraled yams, spinach with an Asian Ginger Peanut Dressing, chocolate banana ice kream, cherries

[MysticTree]

Good Morning June.

May you be as generous as May and as easy to fly through!

[Rainbow Rose]

YAY!!! I'M IN!! I'M IN!!!

I just completed my first full day of RAW JUNE!!!
7:03pm here in Australia and so far I have had:
LOTS AND LOTS OF WATER! :)
An abundance of delicious fruits: Apples, grapes, mandarines & pears
AND an AMAZING salad: mixed lettuce, spinach, cauliflower, gogi berries, walnuts, onion, oil, lemon, salt & pepper - YUM!! <3

[MysticTree]

Still on the strawberry breakfast kick :heart

Mid morning I had a banana

Lunch was a sprouted rice tabbouleh with an avocado

supper .... who knows yet!

[RawBogan]

Day one complete and still alive! Managed to get by without eating hardly anything. Will be very hungry tomorrow I guess.

B: Apples and Oranges
L: Apples and raw Macadamias
D: raw Mac'n'Cheese with kelp noodles and cashew cheese sauce
2nd D: Dehydrated fig roll ups

RB

[MysticTree]

Day one complete and still alive! Managed to get by without eating hardly anything. Will be very hungry tomorrow I guess.

B: Apples and Oranges
L: Apples and raw Macadamias
D: raw Mac'n'Cheese with kelp noodles and cashew cheese sauce
2nd D: Dehydrated fig roll ups

RB

don't deprive yourself ... you can eat loads on raw and when you are just starting out it is often helpful to do just that.

Good luck with tomorrow :)

[meowimacat]

i'm so glad to be back on 100% even after a couple of days i feel so bouncy. we were up and out at 6.30 this morning, just because! yippeee!
this morning i snacked on bananas. then for a late lunch i had a kale and avocado salad, yum yum yum. for my dins tonight i'm going to make zucchini pasta with avocado pesto. or i might just have a dessert!

[Gab]

The energy really is incredible. I also find raw just makes me feel generally more mentally positive about everything.

:woohoo:

[speltrong]

Got up this morning and went for a long walk with the hubby and dogs, and halfway through it started POURING rain. By the time we got home, we were soaked to the bone. So, to warm us up, I decided to make some comfort food for lunch: mac & cheese! I made the mac out of zucchini using my spiralizer, then I fashioned some cheese using macadamias, pine nuts, lemon juice, tahini, red bell peppers, garlic, and onion. Then, just to give it the sensation of being warm, I threw it in the dehydrator for just about 10 minutes. Here's the pic:
7060

[LCat]

I posted in the wrong 30 challenge...what a rookie. lol
Today so far....

spralized zucchini and cheese sauce (nutritional yeast, garlilc, 1/4 avo, chopped carrots, pc red onion, sea salt)
3 bananas
Kale salad for dinner with left over "cheese" sauce

I found the old thread to be enormously helpful and interesting to see what everyone is eating. It takes raw foods out of theory and straight into practice.
I think I mentioned I have been raw for several weeks earlier. I have lost inches in my thighs and my face is getting that smoothe glowie look. It would be fun if that overall weight loss than kicked in while being with a group. :dance:

[MysticTree]

my bouncy levels have evened out somewhat and I feel less manic!

I had tomatoes, onion and 2 small avos for supper.

[Rubyred]

I'm in. I've been about 50% raw in the last year and I'd love to get back to an all raw diet. :eat

[Leone]

While I was waiting for the month to start I got busy and sprouted lots of seeds and some mung beans. Today I started some peas, lentils, and adzuki.

Breakfast was our first experience with sprouted oats. DELICIOUS! We combined them with a banana, soaked raisins and sprouted sunflower seeds.

We had a house full of guests for lunch after a baptism at the lake, so we served a large fruit salad with almond yogurt and some raw cookies. Everyone enjoyed the feast and took home the leftovers!

Tonight was a pear and a handful of mixed nuts.

I think tomorrow I will go without the nuts, dried fruit and grains. That will be a nice cleanse to get going for this month.

Wishing you all a very prosperous month! :heart

[Tsuki_heart]

It's so hot here in Ny T_T That i just wanted to drink water and eat watermelon, but i managed to eat:

Green smoothie (flax seed, banana and water)
a banana.
a mango (oh god it was soo good i can still taste it )
watermelon green smoothie (watermelon and baby romaine lettuce)

A huge salad (olives, lettuce,avocado, EVOO)

That's all for today :3:heart

[MysticTree]

another bright morning ... another raw breakfast.

Not feeling very hungry this morning and yet I am craving to fill up. So far I have had some cherry tomatoes and I have some sprouted sunflower seeds if I need something heavier but I don't want to mix them with the toms and strawberries I have to hand which is my normal breakfast.

Felt fine until just now ... but now I feel light-headed. I hope I don't have a nose-bleed coming on!

I think maybe I am going into a second detox phase ... maybe!

[effortlessvegan]

Today I'll be on the road most of the day so I prepared myself by making Sweet Potato,Zucchini, tomato, flax, wheat berry flat bread with raw almond butter. I'll also bring some cherries, grapes and a banana. We'll be on the road for a good 8 hours. Yesterday I ate the following:
B: Green smoothie with plenty of lambs quarters
L: Spring lettuce salad with clementines and lemon soy dressing
D: banana, smoothie with 3 bananas,maca powder,lucuma powder,coconut,agave,cinnamon, ice

[meowimacat]

So far I have had a pineapple and orange smoothie and banana and almond butter wrapped in romaine.
I think for dinner I might have to make that mac and cheese speltrong! Looks deeelish!
Off to the beach today so I am going to pack a cooler bag of snacks.

Feeling great :excited: :woohoo:

[MysticTree]

my raw olives came today ... the taste is very hard-core :rolleyes:

I think I am going to like them and they will be like dark chocolate is in the cooked world - a little goes a long way :throwhearts:

Eaten some strawberries, sweetcorn, tomatoes, sprouted sunflower seeds and sprouted alfalfa. I have a desk full of fruit and veg for afternoon nibbling!

[Gab]

Speltrong... beautiful picture. I could feel the 'comfort' just looking at it.

MysticTree, you're right about the raw olives. I've been eating them for about 2 years (black botijo olives). At first I wasn't sure about them but I quickly fell in love. The taste is quite strong and somewhere between sweet and bitter (if that makes sense). When I used to eat 'regular' olives that come in jars in the grocery store I could pretty well down a whole jar but with the raw ones I'm done after about 4 or 5. The ones I get are sun dried, vaccum packed (no oil or brine).

Made a batch of cauliflower couscous yesterday and have more than plenty left over for today which is great 'cause that means almost no prep for anything today.

Made it with: whole head of cauliflower (chopped in processor until 'grainy'); added lots of each of chopped sweet red pepper, cucumber, leeks, tomato and a ton of parsley. Made dressing with 2T raw unfiltered olive oil, juice of 2 lemons, 4 large cloves of garlic, splash of nama shoyu. Mixed it all for a couple of minutes and put in the fridge for about 3 hours so flavours could blend. Took it out about hour and a half before eating 'cause I prefer my food at room temp. I thought it might have had a strong cauliflower taste but it didn't. It was a little bit of heaven. :meditating:

Wishing you all another really great day. :throwhearts: :throwhearts:

[RawBogan]

don't deprive yourself ... you can eat loads on raw and when you are just starting out it is often helpful to do just that.

Good luck with tomorrow :)

You're of course right Georgina. I just wasn't that hungry. Today on the other hand:

B: GS - Banana, Kale, Blueberries and Chlorella
2nd B: Big slice of onion bread plus some apples
L: Mac'n'Cheese remainder
2nd L: Raw powerbars(Dates, activated seeds, cacao etc)
D: Spinach, pepper and mung/lentil sprout salad with raw ranch dressing.
2nd D: Chia and goji pudding.

Has everyone had a good start!?

[Shine]

GOOD MORNING!! :excited:

So, today is day three for me of my new 30 day challenge! I am going to pair it with P90X beginning this weekend (or Monday?) but I am having so much fun I thought I'd join in here. I love challenges and often need a boost to push me off the well trodden path.

Tuesday:
GS - .5lb kale, 2 bananas, 1pt bluberries
bowl of grapes
salad - .5lb spinich, 1 cucmber, 1 tomato, peach/mango salsa :drool:
2 bananas
2 apples w/ almond butter
1lb fiddleheads, 2 red peppers, 1 avo

Wednesday:
2 bananas
1pt blueberries
bowl of cheeries
salad - head of lettuce, 1 tomato, 1 cucumber, marinated mushrooms
2 apples w/ almond butter
summer squash pasta w/ tomato, olives, evoo

TODAY!
2 bananas
carrot/mango juice
1 pt blueberries

I have cherries, grapes, apples, and some zucc pasta with me for the day. I am thinking Alissa's apple/avo/honey sushi rolls for dinner tonight. Qucik and easy and hubby loves 'em too :dance:

Glad to be here with all of YOU!!!! :woohoo:

[Rubyred]

Ok, I did have a lot of food ready to go as I started my 100% raw diet a few days ago.


Breakfast: Green Smoothie
Mid-morning Snack: Coconut Yogurt with a small peach
Lunch: Sandwich, made with raw bread, pickles and avocado (are pickles raw?) and some papaya steak .(papaya recipe from Alissa new book. I forget the name she calls it) I had made this raw bread made from leftover pulp from juicing. It came out really well. :D
Dinner: Sandwiches. I used the papaya steak in the pulp bread with a little bit of papaya seed dressing.


Pulp bread made from pulp, flax seed and raisins:
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r285/RubyReds_pics/Food%20Blog/Kefir/fresh-bread-2.jpg


Overall I'm feeling great. :dance:

[LCat]

These food ideas are wonderful on this thread. I have been juicing alot today. I am feeling to alkalize. So far today:

Large carrot, celery, apple juice
Large carrto, celerly, apple, kale juice
6 strawberries
1 pear

will have a snack and am making raw basil pest and spiralized zuchinni for dinner.

happy to be here.

Cat

[LCat]

hey that bread and that califlower recipe sound YUMMEEEE!:eat

[MysticTree]

I've eaten <10 of my raw olives that came today. I like them but they are a new taste. So nice that they aren't too salty although these ones have been made with no salt at all so it makes the taste very different. Nice that there is no burn from added preservatives, colours etc.

tender stem broc, cuke, cherry toms (not mad on those really), carrot, dressing.

Whole mango (except the middle - my bf like to chew round the stone so I leave a little extra flesh on for him :)

might have a tom salad much later but then again ... maybe not :)

[Leone]

B. Sprouted oats, sprouted sunflower seeds, banana, blueberries
L. Marinated salad (mung and alfalfa sprouts, carrot, corn, olive oil, salt, sweetener, lemon juice and some herbs). That tastes like chili! Yum!
Along with that we will have our usual cucumber and tomato salad. That has become a daily item in our home. My husband LOVES it!
Also, some onion crackers.

I'm feeling more energetic today, and optimistic about this raw food journey! I am amazed at how wonderful the food tastes. I can't think of any reason I would want to go back to cooked food. Even cleanup in the kitchen is easier.

Have a nice evening everyone!

[Raw Rabbit]

honestly I almost said I'm jumping in tomorrow and went to go pig out before its "too late" but I pulled together a lot of advice I got to control my emotional eating and I rembered everyone's response that there is no better time than now. I am sooo excited to have made it this far and actually participate in my first challenge. after typing this, if i was going to say starting tomorrow, I was gonna go off and eat my way to death. I am so excited to join you all as we live our way through this amazing month of June. Finally the nice weather is here and there is no better time to start than now. Good Luck to you all! and to all goodnight :).

[speltrong]

Congrats, Raw Rabbit, and welcome to the challenge! Be sure to keep us updated as to how you're doing! Sometimes that first step is the hardest. :-)

Today, I had:

B: banana
L: raw sushi with carrot macadamia rice and avocado filling, and half a cucumber that I couldn't fit into my batch of pickles I'm making. Oh, and also some delicious golden raspberries that I found at Whole Foods.
D: banana and a few raw pecans

Totally hooked on bananas for some reason.

[MysticTree]

hello RR ... welcome to the challange.

and hello to everyone else too of course!

Today I have strawberries for breakfast about a pound :heart

Lunch has been tomatoes, sliced with some of my raw black olives and a little salt (the olives haven't been cured with salt btw)

My mood is a little better today.

[RawBogan]

Nice looking bread RubyRed. I'm enjoying my first batch of onion bread this week. Better than I expected.

B: 5 apples
2nd B: GS - Banana, Kale, Blueberries and Chlorella
L: Chia pudding
2nd L: Spinach, pepper and mung/lentil sprout salad with raw ranch dressing.
D: Tomato and avocado on buckwheat/flax crackers

Gonna try and weed out some of this gourmet type food and focus more and fresh fruit and veg.

[MysticTree]

This is the most settled I have ever felt on Raw Foods. I'm trying not to think about it - pride comes before a fall and all that - trying not to think about that either lol.

This evening I was going to go shopping but out of pretty much nowhere I have rustled up one of the nicest mixed salads ever.

1/2 grated sweet pot, 5 breakfast radishes, 1 shallot, some shredded red cabbage, small amount chiffonade of parsley, 3 raw olives minced up, my ginger, chilli, garlic dressing. All tossed together and served on shredded rocket, pak choi + mixed lettuce leaves.

yummy.

My mood much improved since yesterday even though work was a little tetchy first thing.

[fonky]

Hi!

I'll start tomorrow for an entire month, even thought I have a 120 days personal challenge (I've been raw before) yeay! So happy :)

See you tomorrow then!!

[meowimacat]

Woke up feeling pooey today :( it is my time of month and I wanted to cry all morning haha.
Breakfast was half a pineapple, then I snacked on a banana and some brazil nuts. Lunch was carob ice cream with blueberry jam and almond butter, this was mega scrummy!! Kept me full for ages! Then for dinner I had a kale salad!

[speltrong]

today:

B: banana and golden raspberries
L: mexican salad (leafy greens, guacamole, salsa, cilantro pepitas) with a small cracker, and some watermelon
D: i'm not very hungry after that huge lunch, so probably just another banana or maybe a raw pickle or two.

still feeling really great... i can't believe I have been raw for more than 2 months now!

[meowimacat]

It's super super hot here today so I am roasting myself in the sunshine!
Breakfast was a green smoothie made with banana, strawberry and spinach.
Lunch was avocado, tomato, kale chips, pineapple and hummus. A strangely tasty combo!!
For dinner I wil prob have some watermelon and some pineapple.
Hope everyone is enjoying their grub!

[MysticTree]

We've just been down to the beach! Not for sunning ourselves but to collect marsh samphire, sea purslane, orache, sea beet and a little sea blite. I got very muddy but it was lovely to get out in the warm but very blustery wind and I have bulked up my salads for free.

[RawBogan]

Good job Mystic! That's awesome you have gone out to collect some 'seafood'. I'll have to look into what we can harvest at our beaches.

B: Apples
2nd B: Onion bread, avocado and tomato sandwich
L: mixed salad
2nd L: macadamias and raw power bars.
D: mixed salad with ranch dressing

[LCat]

Carrot celery apple juice
laura bar
kale salad
not tuna pata make with sun flower seeds on celery.

[speltrong]

B: banana
L: big green salad with a few pecans on top
D: banana

[MysticTree]

It's early, early early (5.20am)

We all slept well from the walk on the beach yesterday - especially the dog who ran the whole time and covered more ground :)

When I can face juicing some oranges then that is what I will do for breakfast. OR, a thought coming into my head, I could do an orange, apple and carrot juice ... maybe with a bit of celery.

[queenkel]

Good morning everyone!

I'm in again for the month of June. I want to have a happy raw summer! Today will be kind of boring foodwise because I don't really have time to make a big fuss. Fruit for breaky, fruit and avocado for lunch, and probably a big salad or lettuce roll for dinner.

I hope you all enjoy your day!

Kelsie

[MysticTree]

I'm eating my way slowly through the "not tuna". It's really not appealing to me much at all so small amounts at the moment but I fear I will throw most of it to the hens.

Best thing I have had today was greens from the garden. Rocket and pak choy were especially good. Did have a scary moment though when my eeth met a large rounded object in the salad and I thought for a millisecond that I had a snail in my mouth - I forgot I put un-cut radishes in with the greens!!!so now I have had a lovely bath and washed my hair and am lazing about feeling very content.

[meowimacat]

Breakfast was banana, almond butter and mashed blueberrys
Lunch was a green smoothie, spinach, banana, strawberry and pineapple
Snacked on half an avocado in the afternoon
Dinner was tomato soup with chili and cayenne, super spicy! I added a handful of kale to it too.
Just had a snack of dates and brazil nuts after walking the doggy.
Had some sad cravings at lunch but the green smoothie sure took care of that! Really perked me up too so will aim to have one a day from now on, forgot how good they make me feel. I'm worried my iron levels are low, especially as it's my time of month. Been feeling really tired for the last week, dark circles have appeared under my eyes and I was really dizzy yesterday whenever I got up. So aiming to eat spinach and kale every day to see if that helps.

[queenkel]

Did have a scary moment though when my eeth met a large rounded object in the salad and I thought for a millisecond that I had a snail in my mouth -.

Bahaha! I had a scary moment today too. My teeth hit a hard sprout and I thought I had a rock or something in my salad. That's too bad about the not tuna. I hate putting a bunch of time into a raw recipe only to have it not work out. But it will all be worht it when I can look into the mirror and see my beautiful face with out all these pimples in the way!:wuv

Kelsie

[chavau]

Welcome welcome welcome!!! :excited:

Welcome to the 30 day challenge. :eat and welcome to our new monthly format.

This is our monthly challenge thread. We are choosing to do one (or perhaps split into two) continual threads so we can create a community of support within this challenge. You can join this thread at any time during the month. Don't be shy... we love new posters!!! So if you want to join us... please do!

I welcome people who are already 100% raw to join in the conversation - supporting our challengers in their quest! :cheer:

This thread is specifically for those of you who are eager to commit to 30 consecutive days of eating 100% raw foods and seeing miraculous results!

I will start a new challenge thread on the first of every month. If I forget... send me a quick email and remind me... I'll get the challenge thread online for you quickly.

The focus of the monthly challenge is on staying raw and accountability. Therefore, if you have eaten all raw and then slip up and have something cooked, don't beat yourself up over it or dwell on it - but this is not space to discuss it. You are more than welcome to document it in your journal/blog or ask for help in the discussion area, but it is not necessary (and not allowed) to discuss your slip-up here in the challenge threads, just get right back on track and keep going! This thread is about celebrating what you are eating that IS raw!

I welcome you all to share pics of your dishes, ask questions, share what you are consuming (as long as it's raw). We are here to listen to your emotional and physical challenges. So share share share!!! :hug

OH and the best part of this (not only the support but...) you can subscribe to this thread and get notified every time someone posts to it. This way you will be connected!

So let's get this party started!!!

I'm starting in the morning...looking forward to receiving all the benefits!

[RawBogan]

SAD to say I broke my commitment Sunday night AND Monday morning. Don't quite know what to think of it but am back on my bike and determined to stay raw to prove to myself I can do it.

[MysticTree]

glad you are back in the saddle. There's a whole lot of June left to wipe out that little blip :heart

[MysticTree]

another 100% raw day. I have felt a bit odd and not sure if I got too much sun working in the garden yesterday or whether sprouted rice and nut pate don't agree with me too well or if I ate too many raw olives ...

I am simplifying things from tomorrow. I may even mono eat but not sure which foods yet. Tomatoes are usually a given but maybe I've eaten too many of them too. Something will suggest itself :throwhearts:

[RawBogan]

Thanks for the encouragement Mystic. Still feeling cranky about my slip up.

You're doing well. Tomatoes are rubbish here at the moment, bananas are super expensive because of cyclone damage but avocados are cheap as chips so enjoying plenty of those.

Have a great day!

[effortlessvegan]

Finally the garden is done. We have had so much rain that it was hard to find a couple of nice days to get it all done. The soil was so saturated from all the rain. I planted lots of curly kale, russian red kale, heirloom tomatoes, zucchini,squash, cucumbers and lastly kohlrabi. How many people have eaten kohlrabi on this thread? I've never had it before but the girl at the CSA highly recommended it. I read on the internet that you can eat the leaves but the bulbs can also be eaten just like an apple. Does anyone know?

Yesterday I had my usual smoothie in the morning with lambsquarters growing wild on our property. Lambsquarters are really a strange plant. They are waterproof. When I place them in water to clean before I spin them in the salad spinner they float and it's almost like they are coated in Gortex, the water just beads off the leaves. Very interesting! In addition I had the following in the smoothie: dates, bananas, pineapple, strawberries, wheatgrass,maca powder, gotu kola, avocado.

Lunch: raw crackers, walnut pate, brushetta

Dinner: a mix of angel hair sweet potato, angel hair zucchini noodles with an almond thai sauce ( lemon, almond butter, braggs, agave, ginger,onion powder) and chocolate,vanilla raw ice cream.
Have a great one everybody!

[MysticTree]

are there pictures of your garden on your blog?

[meowimacat]

had a good few days of raw, keeping it pretty simple though but this works for me. i think i have worms today though, i am much more hungry than usual!
breakfast: 2 bananas, a mango and a raw brownie (this was spread over a few hours)
lunch: which i am just having now, green smoothie. spinach, banana, pineapple and frozen blueberries. yumyumyum!
dinner: will be zucchini pasta with a tomato sauce, might make some cheesy kale chips too.

going camping at the weekend. this will be a challenge!

[MysticTree]

I just ate the largest salad of my life and I think it is safe to say that I over-did it! I'm stuffed! It was very nice though ... :eat

[MeredithLee]

Hi. I'm new here. I'd like to join in the June challenge if you don't mind. I was eating raw for 2 weeks before my town got news that the Missouri River was about to flood. We sandbagged for 2 weeks and I ate every sandwich or piece of pizza that was thrown my way. Now our work is pretty much done and I'm ready to go back to eating well. I've transitioned over the past few days and I'm aiming for 100% raw. Unfortunately, I love beer. That is my downfall.

Anyway, I will be doing measurements, photos, and weight tomorrow and hopefully joining you throughout the month of June.

[MysticTree]

Hi there,

Glad you weathered the flood warnings ok.

This thread is always here and everyone is very supportive.

I'm doing my second 30 days this month having had a long break from raw. It's been easier this time I think. I suppose my head is in the right place this time.

[RawBogan]

Hi all. Head in the right place sounds like a good start to me. Think I'll be doing a second 30 days like you Mystic. Within the 9 days so far I had a period of 5 days completely raw so that's better than ever before. I'm pleased with that and keen to do better.

B: Apples
2nd B: Baby spinach, mung and lentil sprout salad with raw dressing
L: 3 raw power bars
2nd L: 2 raw power bars
D: raw buckwheat crackers with tomato and Alissa's Creamy Avocado Dressing(OMG is that creamy and indulgent!)

[MysticTree]

ok, I am officially spending too much money on raw food!

Payday is a long way off - luckily my bf is very supportive of this way of eating so I am hoping he'll help me out a bit!

This is my last day of strawberries for a while I think.

On a plus note - raw still rawks :throwhearts:

[meowimacat]

Been feeling really poorly the last few days, really headachy and thirsty. I think it was a bad reaction to pineapple, I always get an itchy mouth after eating it! No pineapple today and feel much better.

Breakfast - vita coco drink - is this raw?? I would love to drink young coconut water fresh but can't find them here! Also had a raw brownie and a banana
Late lunch - nori wrap with avocado, spring onion, pea shoots and tomato.
Dinner - curried veggies, yummmm

Now I am chomping on clementines yum yum

[triciaRAW]

I'm very new to all of this. I read a few books and started eating more raw/ vegan like. I began eating raw nutrient dense food for most of the day. And then for some reason i'd eat a cooked dinner (which always made me nauseous afterward...)

I'm sick of feeling that so now its all raw from here on out. I know it's the 10th but I just found this website and am super stoked. So better late then never.

I went crazy at the farmers market and had a great day of:

kale, chard, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, arugula, avocado, mango, hemp powder, spirulina, chorella, orange, grapefruit, walnuts

[MysticTree]

Hello TriciaRAW,

June is going to be a great month and July too! You'll be feeling fantastic in no time :)

[effortlessvegan]

I can't believe it's still raining here and torrential at times. I think I planted my garden on the only two days that we had sunshine. I've still been eating raw although I don't have as much time as I want to post and enter my food. We are short staffed at our inn along with a long list of other major important tasks that need to be taken care of.

My staple and rock when eating raw is my green smoothie. I don't know about anyone else but I prepare this in the morning 32 oz and sip it until noon. The mornings are the most hectic for me and if I don't prepare this staple then I would probably eat something I would regret.

I also keep raw flatbread/crackers on hand as well for the times when I need to grab something crunchy. I use leftover pulp and seeds to make my crackers and they have a real pungent cheesy flavor because I use the leftover fermented wheatberries from my rejuvelac. If anyone is interested I can post the recipe.

MysticTree: I don't have a picture of my garden on my blog but I can post one here if it ever stops raining.
Does anyone else have a garden and what have you planted?

[MysticTree]

Jacquie,

I have not yet got into either smoothies or dehydrating. My go to food is tomatoes and strawberries which keep me going til lunch. About to start thinking about lunch now but have been having a very lazy Sunday so not really sure if I am hungry.

I'd love to see pics of your garden. Mine is still in the process of being sown/planted but so far has lots of salads, beans, onions and potatoes in it. Potatoes from before I went raw again so bf will have his work cut out eating them all!

[MysticTree]

6 hours without the computer! Felt like 6 years :rolleyes:

Finally took the thing apart and said nice things to it, cleaned the dust off everything, removed and replaced the memory stick and nudged all the obvious connections. She's sprung back to life :throwhearts:

Meantime ... raw all the way :dance:

[streetsurfer]

oops, wrong thread. Post placed in the fasting thread instead.

[MysticTree]

oops, wrong thread. Post placed in the fasting thread instead.

I am very happy to send positive thoughts in the right direction ... I'm sure no-one minds if you put your post back :)

[MeredithLee]

Not too bad yet. I'm not perfect, but I've eaten mostly raw since starting again. It feels so much better.

I'm a green smoothie junky. My kids and boyfriend beg for them, so I make an enormous amount every morning and we all sip on it all morning. Ooh, my Vitamix should be here tomorrow morning!!! My staples have been easy to eat on the go foods. Apples, pears, banana with raw almond butter. If I stick to smoothies and whole fruits along with my huge veggie lunch salad, I do just fine. I work in a bar though, and beer and soups seem to crop up when I work. I just need to plan better and come up with a trail mix or something for when I'm working long hours tending bar.

I'm starting to exercise again. I fell off the wagon when we all started sandbagging and moving. Now that the levees are holding and all seems well, I'm not feeling guilty exercising anymore. I went on a 30 mile bike ride yesterday and plan on a pick up game of soccer tonight.

[triciaRAW]

thanks for the support Mystic Tree! For some reason this is way more effective and motivating to have to post and sorta report to all of you :) than writing in my private food journal.

And again. I'm new to this so if someone sees something on my list that's not considered raw let me know. Before I was eating under the THRIVE guidelines (which isn't entirely raw), so I may get confused. Thanks!

green smoothie:
mango
apple
orange
spirulina
hemp powder
hemp oil
ground flax
chorella

coconut water
green beans
donut peach
flax cracker RAW

spinach salad with pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, walnuts and canola oil dressing
tomato, avocado, cilantro mix

[K!MW!N]

Hello Everyone! I am so excited to be here and so overjoyed there are other people here to help me along my way! :excited: I have been contemplating Raw for sometime. It's been one of those things though where I keep putting it off and off and off until finally I said, "NO MORE!"

I have been a Vegetarian for about three years and in the past 6 months have really tried to cut out as much dairy as I can. My husband just went Vegetarian in the past three months and is loving it!

Anyway, we are going raw! I am so excited to do this with the man I love! I realize it's very special to have the support of my partner! Many of my vegetarian friends went back to meat because of their partners... So:woohoo: for me!

I have no idea what to do though. I have read so many things... so many different things. What to eat, what to cut out, what to do for cravings, how to keep calories under control. HELP!

I was even considering buying into some type of raw system, but I don't want to spend money! I have read books, have the internet, various articles and now this site... It will be okay, right? :)

I went to the farmer's market this weekend. I got melons, tomatoes, celery, kale, collard greens, strawberries, artichokes, lemons, grapefruit, and many other veggies and fruits...

I know I will have a salad tomorrow, a smoothie and some snacks of raw almonds... but what else?

I look forward to reading through the posts and doing this together! Any feedback or questions or whatever is welcome! Have a wonderful evening!!!

[Conscious Midwife]

I'm in for at least the next 72 hrs. Its already after midnight CST in my area so I'll just have some more water until I retire for the night.

Tommorow morning the plan is a banana, spinach, strawberry mango smoothie in the early AM with a quick trip over to Whole Food for more delicious nutrition to get through the next few days.

ReRawing is an excellent cleanse and release for the coming full moon ad great segway into solstice!
:throwhearts:

[MysticTree]

Took some soaked nuts to work today and they were really very good. I don't have nuts very often these days and these were a lovely treat - and I ate quite a lot :o Otherwise, I have eaten 4 huge tomatoes, 1 whole pineapple two large green salads with raw dressing. It felt like a lot throughout the day but looking at it typed up it seems almost meagre!

[natashafatale]

I've been about 85% raw for the last ten days but in life you need to give yourself challenges. I'm totally in.

on waking: green lemonade (lettuce, cucumber,celery, ginger, pear)

breakfast: mangoes and kiwis:eat

snack: nori vegetable wrap (carrots, alfalfa sprouts ,cucumber, and homemade "not peanut sauce" dipping sauce):eat

lunch: asian lettucwraps ( lettuce, mint,cilantro,red pepper,carrots,mushrooms) and homemade raw terayaki ginger sauce.
dinner:chopped salad with homemade ginger and carrot dressing.(pending)

SW: 128lbs ,5ft7 (I'm not trying to lose weight but will keep track if I happen to lose anything):excited:

[Fairy Una]

Hey there- I am new to the site and going raw again. It's been a week back on raw and I am detoxing pretty hard. I have been raw on and off for about five years. I love raw and feeling good. I feel great about my decision to go back to raw as it's the best choice for me, but it's hard right now emotionally because it's a big transition and it's a bit painful to some degree with my detoxing and all. Not sure if I should juice fast or not so soon but I feel like my body wants me to. I don't know. Anyway, I love the idea of talking with others about the process, so here I am. I hope to figure out the forum so I can contribute a few times a week. Good luck to everyone out there! It's truly the best life when we are healthy!:throwhearts:

mUch love,
Una

[MysticTree]

hello Una,

There are those that say start with a fast and then come off that into raw and those that say get used to raw first and then when you are grounded in it you can fast.

Choose which ever you feel suits you best.

[MysticTree]

looking for a high fruit low fat day today. I ate a lot of nuts and oily dressing yesterday and need to balance that out a bit.

[K!MW!N]

Hi guys! So yesterday seemed to go well! I did notice I was a bit tired after today's fruit for breakfast and also yesterday too. It seemed that I needed a 1 minute to 30 minute nap and I am assuming that is from my sugar levels? Anyway, I had the green lemonade today and BOY was it tasty! :)

Anyway, I have heard so many things about eating raw. There seems to be many different theories on the whole thing. Is this really just a trial and error for my own body? That is what I am guessing.

When you guys started or are starting again did you do a "raw til dinner" or just go all raw right away?

More questions: I have some balsamic vinegar that I love, but being it's aged some 18 years and i think there are grapes that are boiled, I realize that is not raw. Some people use vinegars though, no?

What about nuts? I have some raw almonds right now and those should last for awhile being I don't eat many of them, maybe a few Tablespoons or so. My husband who is also transitioning to raw, bought regular dry roasted unsalted nuts. I was thinking these would be okay for him for now. Any thoughts?

Fruit. Some people say to eat a lot of it, some say just the mornings, some say just the evenings... Some say to skip it all together because it's too high in calories. Ummm, that is not an option. I love fruit and i Love veggies.

Any advice from be great. I can't read any more books, studies or surf the internet. It's too overwhelming!

I figure for me, this is a lifestyle change and anything that is mainy fruit and veggies is better than the average American diet. Being a Vegetarian, i don't find it too hard to eat this way. I just want to make sure I am doing it correctly and or eating in a way that my body will flourish and stay/be healthy. Thanks and sorry for all the questions. I am just so far out of my element on this one! :) Other diets, yoga, Vegetarianism, women's rights, psychology, I can answer those questions! LOL

Thanks all!

[natashafatale]

I've been on raw for 11 days now (been raw before a few years ago). I've been raw until dinner during most days. Yesterday I went all the way w/o any cooked foods. There seems to be so many different perspectives as to which way to begin what to eat and not to eat etc. I think what it comes down to is to listen to your body. It's unique. One person can eat plenty cacao and not get acne, another person breaks out by eating just a little.
I love fruit and eat most of it in the morning, but if you like something else that works for you and it's RAW then that is a good enough start at least.Why make the process more complicated :):)
I will mention something that has worked for me, and that is food combining. I feel lighter and more energetic eating light, well combined food; however that is just me. Perhaps combining fruit with nuts (bad combination)won't effect you at all.
Experiment a little and don't worry about overwhelming yourself. Your'e right. It's a trial and error on your body.


Hi guys! So yesterday seemed to go well! I did notice I was a bit tired after today's fruit for breakfast and also yesterday too. It seemed that I needed a 1 minute to 30 minute nap and I am assuming that is from my sugar levels? Anyway, I had the green lemonade today and BOY was it tasty! :)

Anyway, I have heard so many things about eating raw. There seems to be many different theories on the whole thing. Is this really just a trial and error for my own body? That is what I am guessing.

When you guys started or are starting again did you do a "raw til dinner" or just go all raw right away?

More questions: I have some balsamic vinegar that I love, but being it's aged some 18 years and i think there are grapes that are boiled, I realize that is not raw. Some people use vinegars though, no?

What about nuts? I have some raw almonds right now and those should last for awhile being I don't eat many of them, maybe a few Tablespoons or so. My husband who is also transitioning to raw, bought regular dry roasted unsalted nuts. I was thinking these would be okay for him for now. Any thoughts?

Fruit. Some people say to eat a lot of it, some say just the mornings, some say just the evenings... Some say to skip it all together because it's too high in calories. Ummm, that is not an option. I love fruit and i Love veggies.

Any advice from be great. I can't read any more books, studies or surf the internet. It's too overwhelming!

I figure for me, this is a lifestyle change and anything that is mainy fruit and veggies is better than the average American diet. Being a Vegetarian, i don't find it too hard to eat this way. I just want to make sure I am doing it correctly and or eating in a way that my body will flourish and stay/be healthy. Thanks and sorry for all the questions. I am just so far out of my element on this one! :) Other diets, yoga, Vegetarianism, women's rights, psychology, I can answer those questions! LOL

Thanks all!

[MysticTree]

almost halfway through week 7 and time seems to be flying by.

This challenge thread really seems to help. I wish I'd joined it before when I previously tried raw.

[triciaRAW]

So yesterday. it was good!

green beans, carrots, 2 bananas, grapefruit,
green smoothie (hemp powder, hemp oil, spirulin, chorella)
spinach, kale, radish, apple, raw tahini
fresh salsa, and mango with mint leaves.

i had 1/2 a glass of no sulfides wine with some friends to celebrate a bday. felt tipsy after almost 5 sips so stopped!

TODAY

2 apples, banana

Arugula salad, pumpkin seeds, oil, green beans

Red chard salad

banana with tahini.

[natashafatale]

Man oh man it does get a little difficult when you are out with friends and they are BBQing. Luckily, most of my mates know that I'm on this new health journey and are actually interested in trying out some of my recipes with me. My fiance loves the green smoothies. My best GF, who also happens to my next door neigbor is loving it too. Having the support along with their own self interest HELPS A LOT!

Today
First thing in the morning was my green lemonade

breakfast was raw curried cantaloupe

snack was a seaweed vegetable wrap

lunch was a marinated mushroom garden wrap made with collard greens and served with my homemade tahini ginger dressing. Along with my chilled pineapple and mint soup. ( this is a delicious soup)

Dinner was a greek salad with goat cheese...it was HUGE:throwhearts:

Tommorow Im going to try and do a mostly juice until dinner if I can. I do like to "chew" food , but have been reading the wonders of a juice fast.

Tommorow I have my classes for school and am going to do yoga in the morning. BTW. if any of you want to try a great homemade mask, I swear by honey and vitamin E oil. your skin will b so soft after leaving it on for 15 min or so.

Keep up the good efforts everyone!
:woohoo:

[MysticTree]

three punnets of strawberries for breakfast/brunch - I grazed all morning
2 corn cobs for lunch

I'm trying to make an effort to drink more water as I think I'm not getting enough I guess I've had about a litre so far but not with food.

[kbmfrog]

Hi all - I am brand new to raw food. I've read a ton over the last few days, and I'm convinced that this lifestyle is for me. I need you to help keep me accountable for 30 days so I don't try it out for a day or two and then give up. I know that this is the right thing to do. Thanks for being here!

[Leone]

Hi all - I am brand new to raw food. I've read a ton over the last few days, and I'm convinced that this lifestyle is for me. I need you to help keep me accountable for 30 days so I don't try it out for a day or two and then give up. I know that this is the right thing to do. Thanks for being here!

Welcome! I am fairly new here too and doing this challenge. My first week was really difficult and I was off more than on. But now I really am NOT interested in cooked food! This is amazing! The taste of the raw foods is wonderful!

Today we had smoothies for breakfast with mango, banana, orange, and sprouted oats.

Dinner was a very large salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, all kinds of sprouts. Along with that was avocado, cashew/almond cheese and raw corn on the cob! Delicious... and we are soooo full.

I love this! :throwhearts:

[MysticTree]

Just eaten 450gram raspberries because the strawberries weren't the variety I like. Think I may come to regret eating so many so quickly but they were good.

Another week nearly over; bring on the weekend :)

[MysticTree]

me again ...

2 corn on the cob, some watercress and a few tomatoes for lunch.

The watercress and tomatoes were particularly good.

I might try making a nut cheese or yogurt this weekend. It depends how much nut is needed and how long it keeps.

[j.davison]

There seems to be a number of views on what constitues raw. I am using Alissa's. I have all my toys now - blender, mandolin, etc, and a week of vacation, and I'm ready to play!

[Lin]

Hi Everyone,

I started June 4th on Live/Raw Food and immediately realized I wanted to go 100% my second day.
Books that helped me:
Green Smoothie Revolution by Victoria Boutenko
The Live Food Factor by Susan Schenck with Victoria BidWell.

From the very first day I have made green smoothies alternating the greens every day. Sometimes spinach, kale, collard, chard and lettuces, put a variety of fruit with the greens in the blender and you have a lovely filling very delicious drink. I take take them to work along with other fruit. I might have a large salad for dinner with lemon and vinegar, braggs aminos with fresh garlic.

I have not had blood sugar crashes or been hungry when I drink my smoothie throughout the day.

And I am experimenting with soaking Almonds, Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower Seeds and Quinoa. I soak and rinse for a day and keep in fridge covered in water. I have used a combination of them ground in the blender with garlic, parsley, basil, add any chopped veg that sounds good with lemon juice and Braggs Liquid Aminos (kinda tastes like soy sauce) I wrapped it in a large collard leaf and boy was it tasty.

This is an adventure that I am so happy to be part of. I want to have the Raw Glow that I see in before and after pictures of those that have been raw for many months. In just two weeks I have been sleeping better, more calm at work :), aches and pains are fading quickly.

I smile at my fruit and vegetables and make yummy noises when I drink my smoothies and giggle for no reason! I hope you will too.

Height 5'1
Start Weight 167.5
2 weeks Raw 159.5

Thanks for the support........and sending some your way!
Lin

[MysticTree]

Hi Lin,

You seem to have got off to a good start. You may want to research Braggs Aminos and Braggs generally. Many no longer use it but otherwise it looks like you you are doing great :)

[rawready]

:excited: I am starting today. I am not really prepared. I went to the farmers market today got fruits n veggies but no nuts, seeds, or almond butter.
I resisted temptation with much strength today....

Today I ate:
3 banannas
Avacado with mango blueberries and a little honey.
Lots of water with ACV.
DInner a big salad.

I did raw 2 1/2 years ago before my son was born. I lost it during pregnancy and its been so hard for me to come back. Big Post Partum just starting to feel better I want to get off the medication my doc gave me. THis is the only way I know will work.

[EscapeArtist]

Hi everybody!
I too am starting today. I've done the 30 day challenge before, maybe some familiar faces? :) Love to see all the new faces, too

Last time I did 30 days, I did high fat. Now I am having very bad troubles with candida, with immediate symptoms of athlete's foot, a horribly ugly/disfiguring perleche, and I fall asleep wherever I am immediately after consumption of fats.. This happened even on my last 30 days! So now I want to do a low fat 30 day trial and see how much better I feel! (I did feel amazing last time, too)

It is SO difficult to go back to raw after falling off. I don't know why, but it's like 100x more difficult, or it feels like it is. I have come to this site trying to do a 30 day challenge twice in the last few months.... But I have been transitioning all the while, I haven't had any fats for about a month, I have had grains maybe once or twice in a month and all the rest has either been fruit or vegetable cooked or raw. I also quit eating gluten soy and dairy a year ago. I've been eating at least 50% raw fruit and greens every day for the last 4 months


I've been an emotional eater all of my life except for that one month raw! To successfully get through the first week of raw (which is the most difficult!!) I am going to have to be quite smart about the moves I make... So I need a structure... Which will consist of things like eating a lot of calories and greens first thing in the morning, not snacking, drinking tons of water, going to bed early, and temporarilly banning myself from television with commercials.

For those who don't know, my motivation for going raw is self-healing things such as constant fatigue, a life long depression and apathy for all things, body dysmorphia, and social anxiety which keeps me without friends and without a life outside of the house.... I used to be housebound, but I have thankfully managed to get a job to support raw... It's hard to get up in the morning to each day, and it's even more difficult to go to sleep knowing I have another day to wake up to. I don't want to live like that anymore




That was my long introduction... I tried Raw Food Rehab and it was an amazing site, but this was the first raw site I used and I wanted to go back to the good old raw food talk <3

[spacie]

i'm all new here to the forum but this seems like a great challenge for me!
100% raw for a month,.. i'm really looking forward to see the results.

i'm in! :dance:

[rawready]

:thud:
Last night I went to bed dreaming of Dunkin Doughnuts but I woke up full of energy. I had a green smoothie. Spinach, orange, 2 banannas and coconut water. It came out a little sweet but my 2 1/2 year old loved it.

Lunch. Guacamole with baby bok choy. and bananna. Big Salad for dinner.

At noon I hit the wall. :thud: My high energy went to zero then came a headache then my monthly friend. Great a week early I was hoping to detox a little before that Also drinking H2O with ACV.
I am struggling. I know if I last 7 days raw I can stop my meds.... I just know raw is right for me.

[MysticTree]

and 7 days is just 7 days ... I mean that is a drop in the ocean of even a year let alone your life so you can do it. It's only 7 days :)

You can probably eat more than you have today. You'll feel less tired at the end of the day if you eat more.

[rawready]

I ate a bananna and couple handful of Almonds and my headache went away. Last time I went raw I didn't eat enough. But thanks for the reminder my energy is back. WOW:throwhearts: The more you eat the more energy you have. I do feel better than I have in weeks.

[MeredithLee]

Today was pretty lousy for me. I promised my boyfriend and kids spaghetti, they had been begging. And I ate some. Whole wheat noodles and tons of veggies, but very far from raw. I also drank some beer last night. 2 of them. But! I have big news! My restaurant just got in the Vitamix and starts serving smoothies to customers tomorrow! I'm going to fill up a giant pitcher there every morning and have enough for my boyfriend and I to eat all day long. Plus all of the ingredients to mix it up a bit.

He works at a software company full of recent college grads. He loves the looks and questions he gets walking in with a giant green smoothie in the morning. Hopefully some of them will try it out by shopping at my shop. So, I'm refreshed and ready to dive in to 100% raw tomorrow. Between my smoothies and salad bar I should be able to do it pretty easily just with my restaurant food. That will help my budget too since I get my produce for resale cost.

I'm hoping to start exercising in the mornings this week. It has been very hard with all of the night time bartending I'm doing. I get so tired running around a bar from 5-midnight or so and then waking up to get to my restaurant to set up then to do my *real* job as a Realtor during the day. I think adding in some yoga and pilates will help me get through the really long days. Going raw has given me the energy to work 3 jobs and take care of 2 kids. But my body is still warn out.

[rawready]

Today was pretty lousy for me. I promised my boyfriend and kids spaghetti, they had been begging. And I ate some. Whole wheat noodles and tons of veggies, but very far from raw. I also drank some beer last night. 2 of them. But! I have big news! My restaurant just got in the Vitamix and starts serving smoothies to customers tomorrow! I'm going to fill up a giant pitcher there every morning and have enough for my boyfriend and I to eat all day long. Plus all of the ingredients to mix it up a bit.

He works at a software company full of recent college grads. He loves the looks and questions he gets walking in with a giant green smoothie in the morning. Hopefully some of them will try it out by shopping at my shop. So, I'm refreshed and ready to dive in to 100% raw tomorrow. Between my smoothies and salad bar I should be able to do it pretty easily just with my restaurant food. That will help my budget too since I get my produce for resale cost.

I'm hoping to start exercising in the mornings this week. It has been very hard with all of the night time bartending I'm doing. I get so tired running around a bar from 5-midnight or so and then waking up to get to my restaurant to set up then to do my *real* job as a Realtor during the day. I think adding in some yoga and pilates will help me get through the really long days. Going raw has given me the energy to work 3 jobs and take care of 2 kids. But my body is still warn out.

I'm with you 2 jobs 2 kids. 2 days raw again and my energy is already boosting. I also just got p90x workouts but am trying to find time to start. Just start with some good back stretches to release that good energy trapped in your spine. You can do it.

[MysticTree]

Racking up the raw days nicely now :)

Woke with a slight headache this morning. Am making sure I drink plenty of water but it may have something to do with my bad mood yesterday and the sun - my face is a little pink and my freckles are up!

Strawberries for breakfast :)

[MysticTree]

mood a little better today - well actually a lot better if I look properly.

2 corn on the cob and some tomatoes for lunch

avos planned for supper with a huge, huge salad. I may even have to eat it in two meals in order to eat the amount of greens that I have in mind. :eat bring it on!

[rawready]

:excited:
I was freezing all night. I live in Florida and Im freezing in the summer. So I didn't get much sleep.
:woohoo:I weighed myself the scale said 145.5 that would be 3 lbs in 3 days actually 3.5 lbs. MOTIVATION MOTIVATION MOTIVATION....

So I started my day with a green smoothie Mango Bananna Spinach and water. My 2year old loves smoothies.

I was just excited 3 lbs actually it was 2 days 100% raw today is starting day 3. I still can't believe it.

[EscapeArtist]

Oh, I didn't realize there is only one thread now for the 30 day challenge :P Helpful

I started today!
Yay

Not much to say really. First day and all :P no changes. OH, well wait, we went to a restaurant for my mother's birthday, and it was extra difficult to stare at all of the food (even though I can't eat it anyways, because gluten/lactose etc) but man it made the food seem more appealing, even on day 1.

Need more water, and more greens tomorrow... Really increases cravings.

Ate..
1 mango
2 peaches
2 bananas
1 bunch parsley
black grapes
lychees
4 mini cucumbers
1 mini watermelon

Bamalama! day 1 done

[MysticTree]

Sitting at my desk eating Strawberries and waiting for the working day to start.

[rawready]

This is day four for me.

Green Smoothie for breakfast.

Still freezing I don't know why.... Everybodyelse is warm.
Maybe my blood pressure is too low?/

[JoannaG]

Hi, I used to be here a few years ago, then fell WAY off the wagon, have been vegan for a few months, making the transition back to raw!
Started 2 days ago, and so far feeling so much more energetic!
Made Alissa's "mock turkey" for myself and hubby-- it's good!:excited:

[rawready]

Its getting easier each day. I lost 3.5lbs and stalled. today I don't feal like eating so I only had ACV water so far. Lunch I have a smoothie and dinner not sure yet need to do some shopping. When Im raw I have to go shopping every 2-3 days.

I was thinking of fasting my body is starting to cleanse itself very well. Great digestion in motion. :juicy: I want to start with a 1 day juice fast see if I can make it to three. Since I have never done one I am going to start at one.

I also just came back to raw. Day 5 and Im feeling great. The first couple days were ruff.
:goodday:

[EscapeArtist]

I can't believe I already fell off. Well, whatever, I'll just jump back on it lol.
I think I'm one of those people that needs a lotttttt of calories to conquer cravings. So I'm going to start aiming for 2500-3000 calories a day. I was trying to be frugal and eat 10-15 dollars worth of food a day, but for my health this is going to be an investment. Day 1 today, again! Goodjob to all those chugging along, you are inspiring

[MysticTree]

keep on keeping on and one day you'll look and find you're flying :)

[Steven]

I can't believe I already fell off. Well, whatever, I'll just jump back on it lol.
I think I'm one of those people that needs a lotttttt of calories to conquer cravings. So I'm going to start aiming for 2500-3000 calories a day. I was trying to be frugal and eat 10-15 dollars worth of food a day, but for my health this is going to be an investment. Day 1 today, again! Goodjob to all those chugging along, you are inspiring

I just thought Id comment- I manage to only spend around 10-15 dollars a day averaged out and I get in 3000-3500 calories a day. I buy bananas by the case and use those as a base of my calories then add in whatever other fruits I want. Some good calorie dense fruits are bananas, mangos, dates, papaya, grapes, etc. Hope that helps!

[EscapeArtist]

I just thought Id comment- I manage to only spend around 10-15 dollars a day averaged out and I get in 3000-3500 calories a day. I buy bananas by the case and use those as a base of my calories then add in whatever other fruits I want. Some good calorie dense fruits are bananas, mangos, dates, papaya, grapes, etc. Hope that helps!

Thanks Steven :) Yeah, bananas are definitely going to be my new thing. I find it hard to eat bananas alone as I only seem to crave really water dense fruit (I'm alllways thirsty and I drink at least a gallon of water a day!) but I discovered today that banana smoothies I like! I'll try making some calorie dense smoothies with some of the fruits you listed :eat Where does one buy banana by the case?

[Steven]

I get a 40lb case of bananas from my local health food store and pay $32 for organic fair trade. You can pretty much go to any store around you and ask the produce manager if you can get a case of bananas and usually they will bring one out. Also try bargaining for a 10% discount if possible for buying in bulk from them.

Smoothie/meal ideas for you:
Blending 1-2lbs dates up with water to make "datorade" is a very good and high calorie smoothie. Also very sweet, sometimes adding a few bananas can help cut the sweetness if too strong at first.
10 banana smoothie - my all time favorite meal! So filling and satisfying! It can take some time to naturally stretch ones stomach to accommodate the amounts of fresh food needed to get enough calories since fruits/veg are lower calorie per bite than cooked.
Then my second favorite meal is eating a 15lb watermelon. Just slice in half and start chowing down. It takes me about an hour to finish sinc eI eat one half, wait twenty minutes, then eat the other half.

This is a good banana article for you: link (http://health101.org/banana)

And if you havent already, download Cronometer from here (http://spaz.ca/cronometer/). It will be very helpful to see if youre eating enough until you get the hang of it!
:dance:

[MysticTree]

It feels like time has flown past.

I feel settled and happy in my raw life at the moment. I need to check-in to find out what goals I had for June and how many of them I achieved and how many I need to get started on in the next 7 days! I think I've done ok though.

[rawready]

I agree with you mystic. Thanks for all of your support.
Today is day six for me. I lost 4.5 lbs. I just wanted to make it seven. No problem. I am thinking about fasting. I drink water with ACV everyday and it makes me not want to eat so yesterday That is all I had till most of the day plus some juice with tomatoe sweet potatoe celery warmed a little soo good. I really wanted veggie soup.

Today so far only water with ACV and Honey so good now I crave it. Lunch juice dinner fruits or more juice. or even VITAMIX soup. My tongue has turned white and my sinuses are stuffy. Everytime in the past when I went raw I got a serious sinus problem. After reading the fasting thread these are just normal detox symptoms. I wish I would have know before. Now I am going to make until JULY. Yeah. I love accomplishments. I feel great.:woohoo:

[JoannaG]

Day 4 here, doing well! I am finding it helpful to hear what others are eating, I think I ate too many nut-based things yesterday, but still feel so much better than before I started. Ran 2 miles today! :cheer:

Today so far:

Breakfast: Nut butter, grapes

Post Workout:

sprouted chickpeas,
almond hummus

Plan on green smoothie for snack, big salad for lunch and veggies/raw marinara for dinner

[MysticTree]

It's very easy to over-do the nuts in the early days. You soon learn though.

[MysticTree]

and well done on the two miles. I can only practice the walking and hula-hooping and work on getting fit enough to run.

[JoannaG]

Thanks!
I am pretty new to running, worked my way up from walking too! I alternate with Zumba and elliptical-- have you ever done Zumba? It's so fun, you don't even realize you have worked out!
I appreciate the advice on the nuts, I am easing into this the way Alissa talks about, eat more heavy stuff at first to keep hunger and cravings at bay, but was able to cut down a bit today and do more fruit and veggies.

[K!MW!N]

Hello everyone! I know it's been awhile, but just been busy! I LOVE raw! OMG I was so nervous in the beginning, but my body totally tells me when to eat, what to eat and when to stop! :)

I am loving this! I am only on day 10, but I gotta say, I feel wonderful, my skin is clearing up (i think from detoxing a little), and it's looking so taut! Just today I noticed that while I am using the same products as before, my skin feels smoother, softer and tighter!

Oh raw foods! I LOVE YOU! :) Also, as an off topic, I have gone from 146 down to 138.5 in 10 days! That is an extra bonus and I'll take it! :)

Oh and the first two day I did nuts. but when I upped the green smoothie/juice intake as a snack I didn't even need them or crave them! :) Seriously guys, this is fantastic and I just had to share! I feel so alive!

[K!MW!N]

@joanna- I have zumba! It is fun, you are just dancing away 450 calories! I LOVE IT! :) Lately, I have been doing more Jillian Michaels and kickboxing. But I think I'm doing zumba tomorrow! :)

[MysticTree]

@joanna ... I do hooping :) Zunba would kill me at this point.

@Lin ... I'm glad you are enjoying the raw way. I had exactly the same euphoria at about the same stage as you. Good wishes for the next ten days and beyond :)


@thread . . .

Day 55 for me here. The weather is pleasant and the weekend beckons. I am looking forward to a lie-in tomorrow and some time in the garden and some time hooping. Not doing a great deal else this weekend. What is everyone else up to?

[speltrong]

Hi all, I haven't had a lot of time to post this month... have been in Arizona on a camping & kayaking adventure. So much fun! The good news is that I've stuck with being 100% raw the whole time, and I'm feeling better than ever. The end of June will be 3 whole months of raw for my husband and I. I've sort of settled into a routine of eating a banana for breakfast, a gigantic green salad for lunch, and either nothing or something really small (like a pickle or a few bites of sauerkraut) for dinner. I'm just not finding the need to have a lot of processed foods or things that try to be like cooked foods right now. I feel great!

In other news, I'm having surgery on both of my feet and one of my ankles on Tuesday, so I'm quite nervous about that. I am hoping that my healthy lifestyle will mean that the recovery time will go a bit more smoothly. We shall see!

Hope everyone else is doing well!

[MysticTree]

Hi all, I haven't had a lot of time to post this month... have been in Arizona on a camping & kayaking adventure. So much fun! The good news is that I've stuck with being 100% raw the whole time, and I'm feeling better than ever. The end of June will be 3 whole months of raw for my husband and I. I've sort of settled into a routine of eating a banana for breakfast, a gigantic green salad for lunch, and either nothing or something really small (like a pickle or a few bites of sauerkraut) for dinner. I'm just not finding the need to have a lot of processed foods or things that try to be like cooked foods right now. I feel great!

In other news, I'm having surgery on both of my feet and one of my ankles on Tuesday, so I'm quite nervous about that. I am hoping that my healthy lifestyle will mean that the recovery time will go a bit more smoothly. We shall see!

Hope everyone else is doing well!

That sounds as though you've been having a fabulous time. I'm quite envious.

I shall be sending positive thoughts for your surgery now and on the day.

[rawready]

This morning I was so sick vomiting mucous. I am hoping this is just detox. down another 1/2 lb. I rollerbladed last night and only had apple, bananna, and salad. I am thinking I should of had some almond butter or lara bars or somthing.

Great job everybody. It seems like we are all moving along. Have rawonderful weekend:cheer:

[MysticTree]

are you eating enough? It sounds as though you aren't.

[EscapeArtist]

Day 3 here, day 3 is big for me, for a while there I was only getting to day 2 and then (as detox approached) I would 'change my mind'.

And of course, as expected, day 3 is start of sudden heavy detox. I go through a very odd detox, It's actually quite interesting to me. Does anybody else go through something similar?
The feeling starts in my head as if it is brain inflammation to sudden toxic exposure and is quickly followed by a weird tunnel-vision like focus and inability to comprehend everything. Then the feeling of everything being way too real, and I get very anxious. I feel as if I'm not in the present at all, my feelings and thoughts are more real than the present. For instance, lying in bed with my head over my face because the thought of an earthquake is racing around my mind. Then I start getting racing thoughts of which are very unusually intelligent to me, what I'm writing seems like the most intelligent thing ever in the state that I am in, and my body doesn't let me sleep until I write them down. So I spend hours each night in a very anxious frenzy writing things down that complete puzzles of patterns... This is only when the tunnel vision and head-numbness is at it's most. Also headaches

Sounds like I'm detoxing.. THC? Gluten? Or something very bizarre. But it's a dreadful uncomfortable feeling of discomfort, and my brain feels very numb... /swollen (which is common when I ate gluten so maybe that's what it is). Oh, and really bad and frequent gas. (That has to be a good detox sign!!)

Anywayyys not to send you all to sleep because of a long post. I want to document everything in case it means a lot when I look back. Day 3 and more than anything I'm glad that I'm doing this no matter what! I'm eating a lot of fruit and a lot of greens. Also I finally spent more money at the farmer's market (I was scared of spending too much and then falling off = "wasting") which means i'm actually in this thing.

Mini watermelon
Lychee Meal
10 oz 'baby spinach blend'
2 Peaches
4 Bananas
Dinner? Green smoothie?

[rawready]

I made it to day 7 my goal. yesterday I was so sick. I ate honey and almond butter whoa I won't do that again.
I wasn't eating enough. I can't do just fruit and salad and be active.

This thread is so helpuful and supportive. I just love to hear everbodies success it just motivates me more and more.

Is anyone else detoxing. I am for sure yesterday I was vomiting mucous today I am breaking out. Deep pimples are coming out of my arms, neck and face. I had to take my earings out they too are getting yucky. I know it is the toxins moving out of my system. Today I feel better. I am thinking clearer. I awoke rested.

I have been drinking my water with 1-2 teaspoons of ACV. NOw I crave it. It takes away by appetite and cravings for cooked foods/ food period. So simple yet so powerful.

Weight loss has slowed. This morning I was 144.2. Not bad started at 149.

:woohoo::throwhearts:

[rawready]

Day 3 here, day 3 is big for me, for a while there I was only getting to day 2 and then (as detox approached) I would 'change my mind'.

And of course, as expected, day 3 is start of sudden heavy detox. I go through a very odd detox, It's actually quite interesting to me. Does anybody else go through something similar?
The feeling starts in my head as if it is brain inflammation to sudden toxic exposure and is quickly followed by a weird tunnel-vision like focus and inability to comprehend everything. Then the feeling of everything being way too real, and I get very anxious. I feel as if I'm not in the present at all, my feelings and thoughts are more real than the present. For instance, lying in bed with my head over my face because the thought of an earthquake is racing around my mind. Then I start getting racing thoughts of which are very unusually intelligent to me, what I'm writing seems like the most intelligent thing ever in the state that I am in, and my body doesn't let me sleep until I write them down. So I spend hours each night in a very anxious frenzy writing things down that complete puzzles of patterns... This is only when the tunnel vision and head-numbness is at it's most. Also headaches

Sounds like I'm detoxing.. THC? Gluten? Or something very bizarre. But it's a dreadful uncomfortable feeling of discomfort, and my brain feels very numb... /swollen (which is common when I ate gluten so maybe that's what it is). Oh, and really bad and frequent gas. (That has to be a good detox sign!!)

Anywayyys not to send you all to sleep because of a long post. I want to document everything in case it means a lot when I look back. Day 3 and more than anything I'm glad that I'm doing this no matter what! I'm eating a lot of fruit and a lot of greens. Also I finally spent more money at the farmer's market (I was scared of spending too much and then falling off = "wasting") which means i'm actually in this thing.

Mini watermelon
Lychee Meal
10 oz 'baby spinach blend'
2 Peaches
4 Bananas
Dinner? Green smoothie?


Sounds like detox to me. I have been drinking a little apple cider vinegar raw unfiltered with the mother. It seems to speed the detox up a little. My headaches lasted 2-3 days. Yesterday was so sick but today I feel wonderful. I think day 7 is over the hump.

On the fasting thread they have the detox symptoms listed by the days.
Don't give up. I know you will feel better if you just hang in there a few more days. It will make a huge difference.

I eat a spoon full of honey it helps get rid of my headaches or nausua....

You can mix it with the ACV for a salad dressing too YUM>>>

[MysticTree]

Water is the key for me when it comes to detox.

anyway ... another day raw and a very busy day in the garden with composting and general tidying up. Lots planned for tomorrow and I'm off to bed now I think.

[EscapeArtist]

Sounds like detox to me. I have been drinking a little apple cider vinegar raw unfiltered with the mother. It seems to speed the detox up a little. My headaches lasted 2-3 days. Yesterday was so sick but today I feel wonderful. I think day 7 is over the hump.

On the fasting thread they have the detox symptoms listed by the days.
Don't give up. I know you will feel better if you just hang in there a few more days. It will make a huge difference.

I eat a spoon full of honey it helps get rid of my headaches or nausua....

You can mix it with the ACV for a salad dressing too YUM>>>

Thank you, raw ready :) Do you know what is so helpful about apple cider vinegar? I hear vinegars are highly acidic, and they seem to aggravate my candida. But I hear it mentioned a lot
Day 7 is the hump for me too, I just know it... !

[MysticTree]

In response to the instructions by "Official British Food People" to only eat sprouted seeds if they have been cooked, I am having extra sprouted buckwheat and red cabbage seeds in my salad this lunchtime. They are raw and the man from the ministry can go fly a kite!

Also featuring on the plate we have seaweed dressing, romaine leaves, red, pepper, celery, spinach, arugula (leaf, stem and flowers) and 2 tomatoes.

[rawready]

Thank you, raw ready :) Do you know what is so helpful about apple cider vinegar? I hear vinegars are highly acidic, and they seem to aggravate my candida. But I hear it mentioned a lot
Day 7 is the hump for me too, I just know it... !

Braggs, has a whole book on it, also they information on there website. YOu have to have raw unprocessed appled cider vinager with the mother. I know its a natural anti biotic. Its also recommended on the candida cure. I just know it makes me feel better not very hungry.

[rawready]

In response to the instructions by "Official British Food People" to only eat sprouted seeds if they have been cooked, I am having extra sprouted buckwheat and red cabbage seeds in my salad this lunchtime. They are raw and the man from the ministry can go fly a kite!

Also featuring on the plate we have seaweed dressing, romaine leaves, red, pepper, celery, spinach, arugula (leaf, stem and flowers) and 2 tomatoes.


Is this because of the E-Coli in Germany??

I say enjoy your sprouts..:eat

[MysticTree]

there's been an outbreak in France (e-coli). I mean really ... all veggies came from seeds, we just eat them at a later stage of development.

If there is a problem in France and the seeds are to blame, then why aren't we getting outbreaks all over Europe? It's down to the growing conditions I am sure ... that is if it is even related to sprouted seeds.

The bloke being interviewed said there are 1 or 2 deaths from eating contaminated sprouts every year so he doesn't eat them. I guess he doesn't leave his house either for fear of being killed on the road or by muggers etc. The whole thing is blown out of proportion.

[rawready]

I started this challenge last saturday so I guess this is day 8 for me. I passed 7 my hump day. Now I feel like I could eat like this forever. Its no big deal.

My start weight last week was 149.7. This morning 143.6. 6.1 lbs in one week.

That is just amazing to me. I am not hungry I feel great. My first mini goal was to get into the 130's seems like next week Ill be there. :woohoo:
This is no diet its the make me feel better way to eat. Detoxing was rough but once you get over that hump WOW.

Thanks for all of your support. Mystic I look forward everyday to seeing your threads thanks for being the RAW ROCK in my journey.:kisses:

[MysticTree]

thank you :) We are all each others rocks though. helping and being helped is the way to come through triumphant.

I just worked up a huge sweat clearing a pathway of mud and debris - so I ate a mango!

[rawready]

These days, apple cider vinegar can be found as a staple in millions of household kitchens worldwide. There are so many unknown uses for this powerful cleansing and healing agent!
The versatility of vinegar is legendary and is proven to help keep the body healthy, youthful, and ageless! It was used by the Egyptians in 3000 BCE, as well as the Babylonians, and Julius Caesar's army used vinegar tonic to stay healthy and fight off disease. Hippocrates, in 400 BC, treated his patients with apple cider vinegar.

The Greeks and Romans kept vinegar vessels for healing and for flavoring and preserving food. In Paris, vinegar was sold by the barrel and used for deodorant and for a delicious tonic drink to keep the body ageless. Even Christopher Columbus took vinegar barrels for his sailors on his long sea travels to prevent scurvy and disinfect wounds.

Most people don't know how wonderful vinegar is. Its cleansing properties are known to aid digestion by stimulating the flow of enzymes and saliva in the mouth. Vinegar has been shown to support a healthy heart.

Vinegar can do everything from relieving muscle pain from exercise, balancing pH levels, soothing sore throats, and normalizing weight and helping to maintain levels of cholesterol already in the normal range. Externally, it is effective in supporting healthy skin and hair. Use it topically to give yourself a vinegar facial for toning or clearing up non-cystic acne and exfoliating dry dull skin. Gently rub your skin with a soft cotton ball dipped in vinegar and watch your skin glow! It's also great for animals. Use it as a soothing after-bath rinse for cats and dogs to eliminate dry skin. Just as with people, it is also helpful in older animals. The high acidity and powerful enzymes in apple cider vinegar also supports a healthy scalp. Try a rinse of apple cider vinegar after you wash your hair. It gives hair incredible shine and bounce!

It's so easy to incorporate vinegar into your daily diet. When you wake up in the morning just make a delicious cocktail using 2 teaspoons of raw, organic apple cider vinegar, and if you need a sweetener, use organic honey, 100% maple syrup, or molasses to taste. If you are diabetic, use the sweet substitute stevia. I recommend you use only distilled water. This "Bragg Healthy Cocktail" is designed to flush out wastes that are clogging the organs of elimination, the bowels, lungs, skin, and the kidneys. Take it at least twice a day, and you will start to see changes like increased energy, soft skin, and decreased muscle and joint aches from exercise. Make sure you use raw, organic vinegar, never dead, distilled vinegar because the natural enzymes, minerals, and nutrients are destroyed in the distilling process. Any vinegar that is clear and has no "mother" (the strand-like substance in the bottom of the bottle) has no nutritional value. Natural raw vinegar should be pungent, with a rich, brownish color and a visible "mother." Drinking apple cider vinegar daily, and eating a largely fresh, organic, vegetarian diet, along with following a simple fitness program, will change your life so dramatically you will never go back to your old ways! Get fit, get healthy, and live a long and happy life!

[EscapeArtist]

Thanks for all the info rawready, i'll be sure to look into picking up apple cider vinegar.


I fell off the wagon again today. I hit a new level of detox where I felt nauseus, overheating, and was falling asleep on the spot. I didn't know if it was detox or if I had been cross contaminated by a food intolerance, but it felt more like cross contamination, so I went into the 'i must have already messed up' mode. But i'm going to keep picking myself up until I do 30 continuous days, because every time I go off of raw cooked food tastes AWFUL. I know now that it was detox, because it went away 1 hour after eating cooked food.

Ew, even 5 days after, and all cooked food loses it's lust, it all tasted so sickly sour. After the potatoes, peas, I felt so dehydrated and disappointed, I went and had a smoothie and just thanked god for smoothies! lol

Going to pick up raw honey tomorrow definitely, look into the apple cider vinegar, and allow myself dried fruit to ease detox. :)

[MysticTree]

only three days until July starts and the next 30 day challenge rolls out.

We are finally having some nice weather so the garden is coming on a treat with all the salad veggies growing like mad - I actually can't eat it fast enough.

Feeling good, feeling happy but really do need to have a larger income! That will be my target in July.

[JBN]

Hi , I just joined the group and will start challenge July 01/2011,
I have Allissa's dvd and hopefully her book will arrive next few days

First priorities:


Peruse info and menus

Gather kitchen tools,

Shop for food

Create menu

Any specific info welcomed. Thanks.

Sounds like a piece of cake, err zuchinni cake anyone ?:throwhearts:

JBN

[MysticTree]

the 30 day challenge is very helpful I have found. I didn't join it the first time I visited this site and that was a mistake.

You sound like a plunging in 100% kind of person and I found that worked best for me. Don't worry about what you are eating as long as it's raw and it's vegan ... balancing what you eat can come after you work out what foods you can have and which ones you like.

Welcome aboard for July ... how about a few practice days between now and then :dance:

[speltrong]

Hi JBN... it's good to see that you're so dedicated! That will help you a long way toward being successful at this. One other thing I would add to your to-do list is to purge your kitchen of any foods that you really don't want to be eating. We donated all of our non-raw food to a food bank. :-)

[MysticTree]

Yesterday was tougher than usual. BF's evening meal was quite tempting which it hasn't been up til yesterday. I just had extra juice and went to bed early. It was specifically his meal and not his snacks that had my mind wandering in the wrong direction.

I feel better this morning. Having strawberries for breakfast at my desk in work. Lunch is planned out and in the fridge here. Evening meal also planned so I hope to avoid the temptations this evening.

[JBN]

Thanks for the welcome and suggestions.:) JBN

[MysticTree]

How's your research coming along JBN?

Hope you are good to go :)

[rawready]

Im having a great day. I seem to be sleeping so much more soundly now. I am feeling rested after I wake up. I haven't had a good sleep in years. Another victory for raw food. My weight loss seems to have stalled a little any ideas to jump start it again. I am going to try more greens.

Today.

Celery dipped in almond butter and agave
Big salad
Green Smoothie
and 1 bananna.

I noticed if I drink hot water after I eat I don't feel hungry.

[MysticTree]

It's like losing weight any other way really. The results seem better at the start but like any other weight loss most of it is water - especially if the increase in fibre causes loose or very loose BMs.

I try to use the scales no more than once a week - I hope to get that down to once a month eventually - and find a garment in a much better yard-stick to how my figure is.

Good news about the sleeping. I am up because the dog launched into some very elaborate barking :(

[speltrong]

Mystic, kudos to you for not giving into your cravings for your bf's cooked food! That is really awesome. That happens to me sometimes with the smells of particular foods I was very fond of. I always tell myself that while cooked foods smell very appealing, they don't have even a tenth of the flavor as raw foods do.

Rawready, have you been putting any calorie dense things in your green smoothie? I have read posts from several folks here who have been shocked at the calorie content of their smoothies. Just a thought. :-)

As for me, I had my ankle and both of my feet operated on today, so that kind of sucks. But my hubby is being very sweet... he made me a cute little dinner of the things i was craving... cherry tomatoes, dill pickles, and celery topped with almond butter and raisins. I am a lucky girl!
. ...

[MysticTree]

I hope your ankles are quickly better. It sounds horribly painful and I hope it isn't going to get you down at all.

I love that you are being pampered :)

[MysticTree]

Strawberries and cherries for breakfast.

Got up early to make healthy lunches for my co-workers and although not totally raw vegan in content, the improvement on what they got from the sandwich man is enormous. Raw salads will start featuring as specials soon!

[JoannaG]

I have been too busy to post last few days, but just signed up for July. I am doing this more for health than weight loss (though I could stand to lose a few)-- but haven't lost at all, still having trouble with too many nuts!

Any thoughts on what could help to replace those "heavy" foods? I seem to miss heavier things (veggie burgers, breads, etc...) :eat

[MysticTree]

The last day of June has arrived already. It seems like only yesterday that it was the 1st of May and here I am about to head into the third 30 day challenge with a clean record.

I thought as long as I was 90% raw then the odd cooked thing would be ok but I haven't had to use that safety net at all.

The best part about it is that I feel great and on the whole I haven't a hankering of any considerable amount for either cooked or non-raw foods.

I find that mono meals are very good for me throughout the day then in the evening (early) a large mixed salad goes down a treat.

I am so glad that my parents raised me to enjoy fruit and veg. They could have tried a little harder to get me to hate cake and chocolate though ;)

[nking48076]

1st day June 30, 2011. Thanks for the invite!!:excited:

[MeredithLee]

I kind of bombed this month. But compared to last month I'm doing much better. I think that is the approach I need to take. I was maybe 50% last month, 75% this month, and hopefully 100% next month. Ugh. July 4th with no beer? Maybe 99% in July. ;)

I started experimenting with supplements a little more this month. And honestly, the amount of food I "need" went down considerably. It is really cool to think about. When I first attempted raw, I was eating an apple every 2 hours, a handful of nuts to "get through". Then I'd give in to temptation by dinner time. Now I feel like the food is less in control. Maybe by following this, the food will not be in control any more, just I will be. That is my hope. I have battled this for years. Binge, feel guilty, hate my actions, repeat. I've been through drug addiction and food is harder. Way harder.

Sorry for the vent! I'm assuming there are some like minded people around here, so maybe others can understand. Sounds lame.

Anyway, so far today was a big green smoothie with a bunch of watermelon in it that I had to use up. Snack was an apple and coconut water. Lunch is a big salad. Dinner time I bartend, so I'm going to make a big smoothie to take with and order a side salad for my shift meal. I'm smuggling some homemade pico for dressing. ;)

One final note. I'm hoping to quit smoking tonight. I am a closet smoker. And my body says it is time to fully detox. I go through less than a pack a week, but it is time to throw them out for good. My 62 mile bike ride on Saturday will be much better if I don't have a smoke break before hopping on!

[JBN]

I've started the 30 day challenge but i think i bought too much food, mostly fruit.Oh well its all raw so I guess i'm still in .
Breakfast , 16 oz water with 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 mangos, a glass of green smoothie,( spinach , kale,clemintines, berries,,) 1 kiwi, a bowl of berries an oh ya , 1/4 of a pineapple. I think that's it :)
I think i need to get a dehydrator , What do you recommend 4 or 9 tray Excalibur? thx,
JBN

[MysticTree]

I love that you went all-out-bonkers-raw :throwhearts: So many people right off just eat an apple here and a banana there and then wonder why they are hungry!

I don't use a dehydrator but I think if i did then i would choose the 9-tray as it sounds more versatile in terms of dehydrating large things by removing a few empty trays and then you can bulk dehydrate as well.