August 2011 - 30 Day Challenge - Join anytime of the month!

[Aleesha Sattva]

Welcome welcome welcome!!! :excited:

Welcome to the 30 day challenge 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!!!:throwhearts:

[Aleesha Sattva]

Please wait for August 1st to start posting in this thread.

thanks,
Admin

[MysticTree]

Feels like a good month already. I will be having watermelon for breakfast shortly.
Salady stuff for lunch
Not sure what for supper.

Hooping tonight so, happy days.

[DearWanderlust]

Happy August Everyone~ So far today I've had a strawberry and celery smoothie. My fridge is bare so I made it from a few stalks of celery and myy last resort bag of frozen strawberry. I plan on hitting the grocery store after work today. For lunch I plan on having salad (if they have some good stuff on the salad bar here at work) OR a green smoothie ( I brought my blender to work and plan on just buying a banana, romaine lettuce and some good fruit if I can find it from the salad bar). Dinner may be another salad.

[NYC Elerunner]

Hello! I'm so glad to be posting again! I did the raw challenge in March and was so inspired by everyone, but since then I have dropped off the raw wagon. I still ate mostly raw but lost a lot of motivation. I am so excited to be back and experiment with more recipes and ideas. So far today I've had a Green Smoothie and 2 apples (I was very hungry this morning) and I brought a salad to work with a cashew caesar dressing. Not sure what's for dinner - maybe a green avocado soup with whatever veggies are in the fridge. Dear Wanderlust, you are so lucky - I wish I could bring my blender to work :)

[November Blue]

:woot: Happy Monday! I'm really looking forward to this month's challenge. This morning I had a white peach and banana. I'm headed to make a green smoothie after I finish posting. Smoothie will be: spinach, peach, blueberry, blackberry & banana - oh so delicious.

You know what's really exciting? I'm starting to bring people on board with raw food. No one has made a commitment to go 100% but people are starting to notice a difference in me and it's motivating them. I don't have any delusions about it but it's nice to know they're noticing. :)

[Leone]

Hello everyone!

I am sipping a delicious banana, pineapple smoothie for breakfast this morning. Yum!

Best wishes to everyone this month as we work toward making better choices in our eating habits!

[MeredithLee]

This is day 54 for me, but starting a new month is such a nice, clean slate. Bring it on August!

I need groceries sooooo badly! I sent my kids and boyfriend off for their days with granola bars. I'm down to nothing! I ran to my restaurant for a green smoothie for breakfast. Banana, pear, strawberries and spinach. I'm munching on strawberries, pear, apple and pecans at the moment. My Vitamix should be here soon. As in was supposed to be here on Friday. Grrrrr.... But as soon as that comes it is smoothie time! I'm guessing I'll be geeking out so hard over it that my poor family will be having smoothies around the clock. ;) I leave for vacation on Thursday and it is even coming with us. I thought I might make up some energy bars for the road. Something like Larabars or Pure bars. I am going to order a case of dates from my food distributor and get them in on Thursday. I have a bunch of nuts and dried fruits that I want to use up anyway down at the restaurant.

Speaking of restaurant, I am expanding to dinner hours. We are doing a tapas menu and of course I'm planning some excellent raw options. It will be a very small menu, but I'm hoping it will catch on. Trying to sell raw vegan tapas in rural South Dakota is going to be interesting. ;)

Have a great day and a great month everybody!

[speltrong]

Meredith, raw vegan tapas sound amazing! Yum!

I'm starting the month off well. Not finding myself very hungry today, so I think I might just do a water fast today. Though I'm sure by this afternoon my hunger drive will kick in and I'll want a big green salad or some fresh carrot juice or something. :-)

[rawdanig]

So far i've been doing amazingly! I've created green milk and prefer this over my green smoothies because there's less fruits. All i do is take a cup of almond milk 1/2-1 banana and lots of greens like spinach or collards and blend it together. Add more water if need be to make it more liquid instead of thick like a smoothie. Because my almond milk flavor is so strong that's what dominates in the drink and it's literally just green milk :D I love it!

I tried making mac and cheeze..ugh fail..idk why these raw cheddar recipes never come out right. It's the one cheese that seems to be un replicable in the raw food world lol

For dessert i ended up making banana date pudding! Yum i'm afraid i'm getting addicted to sugar again so i'm gonna limit my fruit intake to just 1-2 fruits a day.

I'm excited for my roommate to come home in 2 weeks!

[TheBoopies]

Hey guys, im new here. Im so excited about this challenge and the changes that 30 days will bring. My food today:

B: 32oz fresh squeezed orange juice
S: 2 handfulls of red grapes
L: 2 raw tacos wrapped in romain and topped with avocado
D: Same as lunch
S: more grapes and some cherries

About 32oz of water. I need to get more water in, but its day 1 so I have time to work on that. Got kind of a late start today so tomorrow I"ll be up bright and early.

[speltrong]

Today was good.. I just stuck with drinking water because food seemed unappetizing. But this evening, hubby and I made two different cracker recipes, so all 9 trays of our dehydrator are working away, and I can't wait until tomorrow to try them! We're making sourdough-buckwheat crackers from Cafe Gratitude's cookbook, and also Caraway crackers from Alissa's cookbook. I'm always buying the buckwheat crackers from Cafe Gratitude, but at $6.50 for 6 crackers, I figured I ought to just make them myself! I really hope they turn out tasting as good.

[Myca]

Me, I'm in.

[MysticTree]

Good day yesterday. Lovely raw food, some juices, a hooping class and a good night's sleep!

Ready for today :)

[iLuvGR333N]

Another Beautiful Day!

2 Liters Juiced Greens (kale/collard/spinach)
15 Banana Nice Cream
1 head of celery
A few bunches of broccoli
4 liters water

[MysticTree]

a big fat salad for lunch with avo AND nut pate on a huge pile of lettuce with 2 tomatoes and a chunk of cuc. plus my sundried tom dressing (made without garlic out of respect for my work colleagues and customers!)

I have about 4 hours for that to all settle down nicely before I have to cycle home. The weather is cool and pleasant and after the cycle home I will have a light meal before a relaxing evening, a little hooping and an early night.

[rawdanig]

Such a good day! Even though I went to bed super late last night around 2am I woke up easily and peacefully with the sun this morning around 8am. I was surprised I was so full of energy! Had my usually awesome breakfast this morning. Had plenty of time to prep my lunch for work so I made mexi-coleslaw and taco "meat" out of eggplant! It's awesome i'm impressed. I'm going to use my hand dandy collard wraps and nom nom nom! I haven't had any fruit yet today so i'm using my 2 fruit passes very wisely and i'm taking almonds in my purse for snacking in case i get hungry. Today is gonna be a good day!

EDIT:

My taco wraps were horrible! Idk what it is but every recipe i try out has been a disaster and i can't stomach the food so then i have to waste it :( i hate wasting food as that means i wasted money! I'm done trying recipes i'll stick to making breads, smoothies, nori rolls, my only cashew cheese that's been successful and desserts lol just gonna keep it simple with my veggies

[opinionatedintrovert]

Day 2 is going well. Yesterday, I experienced a ton of detox symptoms that kinda threw me for a loop. Still some detoxing today, but much better and I welcome the detox and I'm thankful. I'm keeping my eating super simple so mostly whole fruits and veggies and salads. Gonna add some juice and smoothies soon. Having huge cravings for guacamole so, I'll have to get/make some soon!

[MysticTree]

I've had juice - apple and carrot - and wedges of watermelon.

I had a big lunch to fuel my cycle home after work and now I am winding down.

[Myca]

Strawberry and celery smoothed. Now that sounds interesting.

[Rainie]

Day 2 went great although cleansing symptoms from previous not-so-great food choices.
Sticking with green smoothies mostly - gots to keep it simple.

[triciaRAW]

smoothie - watermelon, blueberries, apple, hemp protein powder, chorella
lunch - banana, dates
ONE WHOLE HONEY DEW
dinner - hemp seed/nut mix broccoli, spinach, carrot, tomato, red pepper, chard, delish homemade dressing.

running 8 miles.
training for some races...i'm not fast, just like to finish :) and hoping this RAW lifestyle fits with the running, cycling, swimming.

I feel pretty great and have energy alllllll damn day!!! a some skin bumps on my arms which is funny and tummy ache here and there. but to be expected.

[iLuvGR333N]

2 Liters Green Juice ( Kale & Spinach )
1/2 a head of Celery
A few bunches of Broccoli
15 Large Banana's
2.5 Liters Water

[TheBoopies]

Hey everyone! I had a pretty good day today, didnt really eat much, wasn't that hungry.

B: 32oz Fresh squeezed orange juice
L: 2 raw tacos w/ romaine lettuce wraps and avocado
D: 32oz green smoothie w/ spinach, pineapple and 2 bananas

Still didn't get my water in today, I'll do better tomorrow. I want to at the least get in 64oz a day. Anyway, seems like everyone is doing wonderful. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! :throwhearts:

[MysticTree]

you got quite a lot of water just in the food you ate!

[MysticTree]

Breakfast: 1/2 large honeydew & 1/2 small watermelon
Lunch: green salad with avo, tomato and carrot with sun dried tomato dressing.

[Leone]

Hi everyone!

Days one and two went well. Last night I wanted something white, puffy, salty, crunchy, and cooked (you know what I mean!) :drool:... but instead I spritzed a little water on some sprouted and dried sunflower seeds and sprinkled on some salt. I was pleasantly surprised and the craving for the other thing went away. :yes:

Hurray for day three!

[queenkel]

Hi all,

Good to see so many of you in for August! I've been on and off raw for a while now (more off if I'm being honest). I looked at my face today and I'm just looking and feeling really haggard. Today will be a breaky of 4 or 5 oranges. I slept in so I can't get too creative. I will have to order lunch at work but I'll order a big salad and the restaurant that I work at is really big on only buying local and mostly organic produce. Dinner will probably be tomato soup of some kind because I saw several big tomatoes sitting there. I'll have to do a grocery shop tonight. I allowed myself to become addicted to caffeine again so today's probably going to be tough. Anyways, off I go!

Kelsie

[triciaRAW]

i feel bloated...not the immediate slim feeling i get when i go raw???? am i eating too much fruit? I do fruit in the morning, veg at lunch and dinner, and usually orange or banana at night for a snack.
BUTTTTT my face looks brighter and glowy. so yay!

MORNING: smoothie - mango, banana, blueberries, apple slices, ground flax, hemp protein and seed.

rest of day planning on big salad with broccoli, tomatoes, basil, chard, nuts, oil dressing, flax etc.

[MeredithLee]

Last night I ate cooked. Got sick and threw up. Again. How many times do I have to do this to myself before I realize that cooked food does not agree with me. :( I think I can get away with it, but I just can't.

This morning I had to use up some grapefruits. So I juiced 6 of those beautiful little babies and started my day off right. I had a green smoothie for a late snack and now I'll have a giant salad for a late lunch. Dinner will be smoothie since we are swimming. I need to just pack a pitcher of it and the whole family will drink it. We are giving away smoothie samples at my restaurant and everyone was shocked when my kids walked in yesterday and passed over the berries and cream one and the peanut butter banana one and went straight for the super green one. My hear swelled with pride. ;) Our local paper has heard about our smoothies and is doing a story on us this afternoon! Woot! Business promotion and raw food promotion?! YES PLEASE!

We head out on our trip tomorrow. 12 hour drive. I'm shopping tomorrow and will bring the new Vitamix. We honestly can't wait to eat our fruits and smoothies and be cheap and healthy while on the road. We even got a plug in for the car so we can blend in there. It might be the greenest Prius on the road now. ;)

[MysticTree]

I would take the nuts out of the meals and eat them on their own a good while after the fruits and veg. Are you soaking the nuts and seeds? I find it makes a huge difference to digestibility.


i feel bloated...not the immediate slim feeling i get when i go raw???? am i eating too much fruit? I do fruit in the morning, veg at lunch and dinner, and usually orange or banana at night for a snack.
BUTTTTT my face looks brighter and glowy. so yay!

MORNING: smoothie - mango, banana, blueberries, apple slices, ground flax, hemp protein and seed.

rest of day planning on big salad with broccoli, tomatoes, basil, chard, nuts, oil dressing, flax etc.

[speltrong]

today I have had a smoothie with strawberries, bananas and peaches.. and a green salad with some of the raw crackers we made a couple of days ago. I'm not sure what we will do for dinner.. we will be at our county fair, so likely we'll find a salad, or maybe with some luck there will be a raw food stand there! I also heard that Vitamix has a stand at our fair, so I think we might bite the bullet and buy one tonight, if they are willing to beat the local store prices. If we do that, we'll probably be eating all blended and pureed stuff for the next few weeks just to make it feel like we're getting our money's worth out of it! Ha!

[November Blue]

Today is a good day. Breakfast was a smoothie - blueberry, blackberry, peach & spinach. Then another smoothie around lunchtime - strawberry, banana, peach & spinach. I've eaten about 1lb of bing cherries and a couple of carrots. I really just wasn't in the mood for a salad today....maybe tonight. I've got onion flatbread and crackers made from sprouted chickpeas in the dehydrator.

I kind of don't think I'm eating enough. I'm not really hungry but I'm just not eating much. When I have a smoothie, it's about 12 oz (if that). My salads aren't huge - just normal sized salads. I've been feeling like I'm in a bit of a fog for a little while and I don't like that. Plus I'm not losing weight like I expected to. Don't get me wrong, I've lost about 10 lbs, which is nice but from reading other people's posts, I expected to lose a bit faster. I'm doing this primarily for health purposes but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want/need to lose about 40-50 lbs :\ I ordered a juicer today - thinking maybe I'll get more of what I need that way. I'm just not a big eater these days.

Any thoughts?

[Steven]

Today is a good day. Breakfast was a smoothie - blueberry, blackberry, peach & spinach. Then another smoothie around lunchtime - strawberry, banana, peach & spinach. I've eaten about 1lb of bing cherries and a couple of carrots. I really just wasn't in the mood for a salad today....maybe tonight. I've got onion flatbread and crackers made from sprouted chickpeas in the dehydrator.

I kind of don't think I'm eating enough. I'm not really hungry but I'm just not eating much. When I have a smoothie, it's about 12 oz (if that). My salads aren't huge - just normal sized salads. I've been feeling like I'm in a bit of a fog for a little while and I don't like that. Plus I'm not losing weight like I expected to. Don't get me wrong, I've lost about 10 lbs, which is nice but from reading other people's posts, I expected to lose a bit faster. I'm doing this primarily for health purposes but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want/need to lose about 40-50 lbs :\ I ordered a juicer today - thinking maybe I'll get more of what I need that way. I'm just not a big eater these days.

Any thoughts?

Try going to www.cronometer.com and tracking your food for a couple days to make sure youre eating enough calories for your height, age, activity level, etc. If you dont eat enough that can slow weightloss.

[speltrong]

Steven, do you work for cronometer or something? It's starting to feel like somewhat blatant advertising.

[November Blue]

Try going to www.cronometer.com and tracking your food for a couple days to make sure youre eating enough calories for your height, age, activity level, etc. If you dont eat enough that can slow weightloss.
Thanks. I actually started tracking my food this morning to see exactly what I'm getting. I'm using FitDay because I already have it on my computer and I'm familiar with it. It's not perfect but it will work. I'm headed now to calculate my BMI and see how many calories I should be getting.

[speltrong]

Here's a pic of the crackers we made (and the salad we had for lunch):
8812

[November Blue]

Ooooh speltrong, those look delicious!:drool:

[Steven]

Steven, do you work for cronometer or something? It's starting to feel like somewhat blatant advertising.
Nope, Im just tired of seeing so many new raw people fail or get dissapointed with results simply because they dont eat enough.

[speltrong]

Ahhh, okay, that makes sense. :-)

[MysticTree]

Nope, Im just tired of seeing so many new raw people fail or get dissapointed with results simply because they dont eat enough.

I think it's mostly people who are trying to lose weight. They get stuck in the mind set of low calories = weight loss and this always fails as a long term, healthy plan whether the calories are raw or cooked because it is not a healthy way to eat.

[speltrong]

Yeah, I think Mystic is exactly right. Before I went raw I counted every calorie for years and it didn't really do me a whole lot of good. Then about 2 months iafter being raw, I just decided to say the heck with it. I no longer count calories, I eat when I'm hungry, and I eat all sorts of stuff that I used to forbid myself (like nuts and avocado). And I'm losing weight with ease. So yeah, I agree that it's an incorrect mindset of thinking that you can't have enough food to feel full or you won't lose weight.

[MysticTree]

and just as it is in the pharma-world's interest for us to stay sick and be taking their drugs so it is with the diet industry. Get everyone suckered on the calorie counting and buying of magazines & replacement meal bars etc and set everyone up for failure so that they can sucker everyone all over again!

[iLuvGR333N]

Not at home, went out to the country for a well needed break. Will be back home tomorrow on my own comp. So what did I eat today....hmmmerz

10 Peaches
15 Banana Nice Cream
1 Bunch of Broccoli
1/2 Head of Celery
About 1/2 Frozen Jack Fruit
Some raspberries
An Apple

If I could run this laptop I'd give this post a kick of color!!

[Steven]

Not at home, went out to the country for a well needed break. Will be back home tomorrow on my own comp. So what did I eat today....hmmmerz

10 Peaches
15 Banana Nice Cream
1 Bunch of Broccoli
1/2 Head of Celery
About 1/2 Frozen Jack Fruit
Some raspberries
An Apple

If I could run this laptop I'd give this post a kick of color!!
Oooo! I wish I could find jackfruit here, I really want to try that!

[triciaRAW]

ok good.
my face looks better! even a little helps. i am gosh darn sick of adult acne. I also didn't need my inhaler today when i went running. i usually need 1 puff within the first 10 minutes. I didn't and completely forgot, then realized i haven't needed it! booo asthma and acne! yay RAW!

morning: fruit and kale smootie with hemp seed and protein
lunch: big freaking salad. peppers tomatoes carrots chard broccoli, light oil dressing
evening: blueberry and frozen banana smoothie with hemp protein, raw sunflower seeds, a date coconut bar

excited and proud cuz i got some portabellas marinating for dinner tomorrow. need to mix it up a bit and start learning how to "cook" raw

[triciaRAW]

thanks so much mystictree. I will try that tomorrow. and i also completely forgot about soaking!

[MysticTree]

Melon and raspberries for breakfast. Weather is foul - at least the garden is getting a drink - and I am waiting in for the police and scene of crime people to take statements and check out for evidence after an incident last night with some drunken yobs. So Haven't gone to work yet and no idea when they are coming.

[Leone]

Hmmmm.... it's interesting what you folks have been saying about losing weight and counting calories. I so much want to loose these extra pounds I am carrying around. I have been counting calories and have been thinking "what's the point?" Maybe it's time to just give up on the counting and let my body function normally on a raw diet. I noticed that I have been loosing about 1/2 lb. a week since I started being mostly raw. That isn't much in my mind, but maybe if I can accept that and not stress over it I will be better off.

Thank you all for posting. You are truly an inspiration to me. I had one thing cooked yesterday, but I am back today! Today will be a watermelon fast!

[rawdanig]

Made Green Ice cream yesterday! lol Pretty much a green smoothie but used frozen bananas to keep it more like ice cream and it was a yummy way to get some more greens in. I need to make some more almond milk and breads this weekend.

For lunch today i'm thinking collard wraps!! Can't wait to buy kale also cause i'm dying to make more kale chips!!

I've noticed my skin is finally getting sooo smooth! Even my tummy is getting tighter each day :) these changes are working for me.
I'm excited to try and make a pbj salad using almond butter with grapes on spinach probably will sprinkle almonds in the salad for crunch might even throw some strawberries in there but they're out of season now so they're pricey. I'll definitely let you know how this comes out lol Have a awesome day!

[November Blue]

ok good.
my face looks better! even a little helps. i am gosh darn sick of adult acne
Eating the right foods will clear it up....but if you're getting impatient, get your hands on some Tea Tree oil (if you're in the states, you should be able to find it at Walgreens for about $10). A little dab on each spot will help clear it up pretty quickly.

I'm getting a late start today. I've had a banana, but am getting ready to make myself a smoothie.

I'm noticing that my "muffin-top" is starting to disappear - this is fun news. :)

[Myca]

Worked all night. Just got in. They had a party with all kinds of bad things. I ate a huge salad with wonderful things. Thanks Mystic for the salad dressing recipe. It was wonderful! My goal is to eat a head of leafy green every day. Red onions finally came in! They were so good! On the way home this morning, I stopped to buy a pineapple. Spent $130.00 and left without the pineapple. Requesting hubby to pick one up for me.
I have a huge tub of fresh blueberries that I plan to enjoy tonight. I can't wait!

[MysticTree]

Worked all night. Just got in. They had a party with all kinds of bad things. I ate a huge salad with wonderful things. Thanks Mystic for the salad dressing recipe. It was wonderful! My goal is to eat a head of leafy green every day. Red onions finally came in! They were so good! On the way home this morning, I stopped to buy a pineapple. Spent $130.00 and left without the pineapple. Requesting hubby to pick one up for me.
I have a huge tub of fresh blueberries that I plan to enjoy tonight. I can't wait!

Glad you liked the dressing ... I've done that pineapple thing too. I bet we all have :)

[opinionatedintrovert]

Hi folks!

Day 3 went well.

Breakfast: watermelon and cantaloupe slices
Snack: a peach
Lunch: salad w/ olive oil & acv
Snack: a pear
Dinner: guacamole w/carrots and raw red bell pepper chips

That guac was so good I felt like I was cheating! Yum! :)

The morning is going well. So far I've had a few cantaloupe slices and a peach. There's a farewell luncheon for our summer intern today and there's a catered lunch. 90% of my coworkers know I'm raw so, I'm not worried about it. I brought in some raw collard wraps I picked up from my local HFS yesterday evening. I hope they're tasty, if not, I have a nice-sized back up garden salad.

Keep well. :)

[MysticTree]

You sound well organised :)

My bf just juiced me 6 small apples, 6 carrots, 1 huge stick celery and half a large beetroot. Very delicious and the beetroot made it look very pretty while adding an earthy note. about a pint in all.

[amanda]

I'm back! Yes that's right - I did the 30 day challenge back in 2005 and went off of it for 6 years!! Ahh!! Anyway, in that time I've lost energy, gained all the weight back I lost + more, have skin issues.. Anyway. This is day 1 for me...

So far today I've consumed: Juiced carrots + pineapple for a tall glass of juice.
-A few strawberries
-Water - need more

:) Blessings to all! I look forward to re-learning and learning more new recipes.. I need to bike to the store soon!

[November Blue]

I'm feeling much better today - I've been in a fog all week and woke up SUPER dizzy this morning. I'm guessing B-12 deficiency. I did some quick research this morning, sent my husband out to get me a good B complex vitamin (sub-lingual), dropped it under my tongue and feel MUCH better this afternoon. I'm hoping that's what it was and it's not just a fluke that I'm feeling better. I'm still a little dizzy but nothing like I was. Running my own company, I have to be 100% ALL of the time and I just haven't been feeling it this week - which is no good for me. I feel human again - was starting to think I was turning into a zombie. LOL

Smoothie for breakfast this morning. Salad for lunch. Smoothie now. Nothing too exciting but it's delicious and I'm not complaining. I think I'll make some granola bars tonight and dehydrate them while I sleep. They were SUPER delicious the last time I made them.

I stopped by Whole Foods today and they're finally carrying Brad's Raw Chips. I got the cheddar ones....pretty tasty.

[TheBoopies]

Today was a pretty good day. Im starting to have more energy, and also see a bit of the bloating in my face go down. I didnt post yesterdays food because I got caught up doing other things, but it was a sucessful raw day.

Yesterday (day 3)

- 40oz green smoothie w/ spinach, 2 bananas and frozen mango
- 1/2lb red grapes
- fruit salad w/ mango, bluberries, kiwi and strawberries
- 2 raw taco wraps w/ guacamole
- 1 raw bar
Today (day 4)

- 1/2 mini watermelon
- 1lb grapes and cherries
- 1 raw bar
- salad w/ romaine, onion, avocado, olives
- 32oz fresh squeezed orange juice

I've also been getting in more H20 which is great. I know that im getting lots of water through the food im eating but i want to get in additional water. Anyway day 4 was successful, although I had to give myself a few pep talks, I got through it. Bring on day 5!!

[iLuvGR333N]

Oooo! I wish I could find jackfruit here, I really want to try that!

Do you have any Asian markets near you? I go to this one where 50% of the market is produce, it's a large store too. Anyhow I buy it frozen: One day I would love to try it fresh too. =) It's not something I buy often, but it makes for a lovely frozen treat or a soft serve nice cream. The Juicy fruit gum got it's "taste/flavor" from this fruit..... frozen candy anyone?? x)

8813



Today:
10 Mangosteen
500g Jackfruit Frozen
4.5 Cups young thai coconut water (2 coconuts)
1 Korean Melon (looks like a small yellow oblong squash with lines)
3 small french sweet melons ( looks like skin of a cantaloupe but quite small & rounder) tastes just like a cantaloupe, but smokier
2 Hami Gold Melon ( a bit bigger than a regular cantaloupe, a bit more oblong, looks & tastes just like a cantaloupe, except it's much sweeter
1.5 cara cara oranges (not ripe, so I left them with my dad) ;)
1 Large Apple
4 Liters Water

[speltrong]

today I had:

B: fresh squeezed OJ
L: flax crackers with taco "meat" (ground up walnuts mixed with mexican spices) and a green salad
D: banana, buckwheat cracker with pecan butter, and sauerkraut.. a weird combo, but I am a kraut lover and will eat it with just about anything. :-)

[MysticTree]

quite a pleasant day here so far.
Strawberries and bananas for breakfast and morning break
large salad for lunch with sundried tomato dressing.
2 more bananas at the ready to fuel my cycle ride home and then I'll be ready to plunge into the weekend.

Planning to get some hooping and poi in on saturday and sunday. None or very little cycling then until Tuesday probably

Sleep is also one of my weekend indulgences.

[MysticTree]

I just had a full pint of orange juice well mostly oranges but 1 lemon too.

So thirst and thought quenching after my cycle home from work.I feel like sitting at the very top of a tree with the birds and the breeze.

[Myca]

Yeah, Tricia. I want to hear all about how those portabellas taste for dinner tomorrow.

[Myca]

so how was the 'taco meat'?

[Myca]

I'm still eating huge amounts of fruit. Blueberries, large amounts of bananas...I should own a banana plantation. Pineapple. For some reason, I am off of apples. I spent $8 on cherries. The bag lasted me 3 days. I have lost a half a pound to a full pound every day. Thanks to Mystic, I am enjoying very large salads at least once a day. I had my first incident with 'cravings'. I woke up and wanted ....something. I have no idea what. I wasn't hungry, I just felt frustrated and wanted to go eat just to eat. The feeling passed easily enough.
Mystic, the salad dressing is wonderful...Thanks.

[speltrong]

@Myca, the taco "meat" was amazing.. in fact, we're making raw corn tortillas in our dehydrator right now, and for dinner we are going to have tacos with the leftover taco meat, a cashew-coconut sour cream, homemade heirloom tomato salsa, and chopped mixed lettuces to top it! It'll be a heavy dinner, so I'm eating super light for the first part of today.. just a banana so far..

[speltrong]

Wow, our tacos for dinner turned out AMAZING! The shells were actually kind of crunchy and were able to hold the shell shape all on their own. The 'meat' is made from walnuts and spices. The sour cream is cashews and coconut and lemon. Then there's homemade salsa and lettuce on it as well. We're adding this recipe into our regular rotation. Here's a pic:
8814

[Myca]

They look wonderful. Amazing they could hold their shape. I love Mexican type food. Unfortunately, there are a lot of things I love.

[Myca]

Went to the movies tonight. Saw Planet of the apes. I took three bananas with me. It was fun.

[iLuvGR333N]

2 Liters Juiced Greens (Spinach & Collard)

A few whole bunches of Broccoli
1 Huge carrot
1 pack of sprouts
5 Cups young thai water (2 coconuts)
15 Bananas
3.5 Liters Water

[MysticTree]

those look good Speltrong and I like your new avatar too :)

[MysticTree]

Myca,

I am so pleased you like the dressing. Just experiment with flavours you like by adding them in. Use different herbs, replace the oil with avocado and use a bit of water to thin it - the combos are limitless.

[MysticTree]

Just veg juice this evening (carrot, celery & beetroot) should have used a straw because I got a pink moustache lol. It was very nice though I think it needed greens. It was very sweet but earthy and some spinach might have knocked that back a bit.

Picked Victoria Plums from a tree in the local park when we took the dog for a walk.

Otherwise another salady day with quantities of watermelon :D

[iLuvGR333N]

1 bunch of Broccoli (can't wait to get rid of this broc)
15 Medjool Dates
Dateorade with 25 dates + 2.5 Liters Water ( usually I don't count the water I use for a drink/smoothie/soup , so

3 Liters of Water

[triciaRAW]

ok so the portabellas were pretty darn strong...i think i need to work on that marinade. SO i decide to throw em in the food processor with almonds, chives, garlic, green peppers, little oil and BOOM i had some almond portabella mushroom burgers. Served them in a chard leaf like a taco. SO good.

SO TODAY. HAd a tiny bit of some "raw"wine. Its hard to be in Montana in the summer and not drink a little wine while you're sandwiched between a some mountains and the river. Funny I was craving coconut water more though and will bring that instead next time!

GOOD STUFF:
smoothie: blueberries, apple, 1/2 banana, flax seed, hemp protein

salad: green pepper, carrots, chard, kale, chia seeds, sunflower seeds (MAN, DO I NEED A JUICER...it's taking me forever to eat my giant salads lately...ARE $100 ones a Target any good????? I need to be on the cheap)

Kiwi, 1/4 watermelon

[vancouverchick]

I am in for starting the raw food diet for 30 days... starting monday the 8th.

Have been Vegan for 6 months and now would like to try all raw!

Here is a general guideline for what I am trying to follow on monday (and most days)....


1 ½ grapefruit before workout, coconut water for workout
2 800am – SMOOTHIE with greens AND blueberry flax pancakes
3 1000am – ½ grapefruit, 10 almonds
4 1200pm – nori rolls with sundried tomato spread
5 300pm – zucchini hummus with cucumber and sunwarrior protein shake
6 600pm – loaded SALAD(avocado, greens, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, cashews)

Looking forward to starting!!!

[MysticTree]

Hello Vancouverchick :)

Started the day with orange and lemon juice and now have Romaine Leaf Tacos - but without the chilli - still very good though :)

[Basenjimamma]

Hi Guys and Happy almost beginning of August, I've been gone for way to long and I am working my way back. Missed my happy body and mind..so here goes everything..

B=Supersized green smoothie
S=fruits
L=Kale salad
D-watermelon..

Will do this a little different this time..will focus on a lot of greens and fresh fruits and not so much nuts and dried fruits as last time..supercleansing...
Have a great day, see you manana.

[rawdanig]

I haven't been hungry lately. it seems that everyday my hunger becomes less and less. So far i've only had one meal today and i only ate because i knew i was going to work out and would need some energy. I'm waiting to get hungry again(it's been 3 hours) and i plan to have a salad when that time actually comes. Meh i just got to keep listening to my body!

[MysticTree]

Hi Dani, I just posted a message to you as it seems ages since I last saw you posting.

Go with the flow knowing that if you listen now then you can listen also when your body wants feeding every 2 hours!

[MysticTree]

so I have been uncooking.

Tomorrow I will be having mushroom marinara on lemon,courgette noodles. I have also made a massaged kale salad with orange dressing (ran out of lemons without noticing!). It also has carrot in and I will add some hemp also.

My bf is cooking this evening - a non-vegan, non-raw meal I used to love. I am finding it surprisingly unappealing to think about although it doesn't smell unpleasant. It is the first meat meal he has had for maybe four days and he is feeling much healthier for eating less! He loves the kale salad and he's leaning more and more in a raw or at any rate vegan direction.

[SUSA]

Dearsssss , am back after all that time..but back with my life unhappy as i have lost my dad in july...anyways am in this challenge as well as fasting the holy ramadan.
i wanted to ask you ..please .can you give me the reciepe of the raw tacos but i wish it is super easy :).
today i ate
B_Green apples , cucumber and lemon juice.
S_Raw chcolate balls with walnuts .
L_raw museli with almond milk and dates.
D_Mixed green salad with pomegraunte and raw tahini.
s_cherries,dates,some baby grapes and one nactarine.

now am dyh. some crackers i wish they turn great..yummy.

keep it up guys.

[iLuvGR333N]

Hello Basenjimamma,

I remember your name & face from when I very first joined this site a year & a half or so ago. I was "RawNitOut" (something along those lines) I left here after about a month & went for other Raw Vegan support. I remember how encouraging you were & that you are a beautiful 6' gal like myself. =) I like coming here to post what I've eaten to keep accountable. Although I do not participate much in the discussions.



Hi Guys and Happy almost beginning of August, I've been gone for way to long and I am working my way back. Missed my happy body and mind..so here goes everything..

B=Supersized green smoothie
S=fruits
L=Kale salad
D-watermelon..

Will do this a little different this time..will focus on a lot of greens and fresh fruits and not so much nuts and dried fruits as last time..supercleansing...
Have a great day, see you manana.


TODAY I ATE:

12 Whole Medjool Dates
18 Dates OR ADE blended with 1 cup or so of Young Thai Coconut Water + 2 liters water + 1/2 bunch of kale
1 Young Thai Coconut's Water
2.5 Liters of Water (not including water in DateOrAde

[speltrong]

SUSA, here is the recipe I used for the raw tacos.. note that it does require a dehydrator, but there's nothing particularly complicated about the recipe itself. Also, just for the sake of giving credit, this recipe was largely inspired by Matthew Kenney's book Entertaining in the Raw. :-)

The shells:
-3 cups fresh corn
-1.5 cups chopped red bell pepper (we just used 1 large bell pepper)
-1 cup water
- 1/2 small red onion
- small clove of garlic
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cumin (we grind our own from cumin seeds)
- pinch cayenne
- 3/4 cup flax meal (we use a coffee grinder to grind flax seeds into a meal)
In your blender (we used our food processor because we don't have a vitamix), blend everything EXCEPT the flax meal together until smooth. Pour into a bowl and stir in the flax meal. Ladle onto dehydrator trays topped with teflex sheets (or parchment paper). I used heaping quarter cup measurements and then used the back of a spoon to flatten them into circles. Put in the dehydrator and let it be for at least 4 to 6 hours. When you can pull an edge up and they hold together and seem flippable, remove from the teflex and put directly onto the grid. Dehydrate for a bit longer. If you want to shape them into taco shells, pull them out after maybe half an hour and shape them.. it'd be best if you have a tube or something to help you give them that U shape... then put them back in the dehydrator until crunchy. We used half of ours immediately and let the others dehydrate overnight.. but we didn't have tubes to shape them with, so the ones that dehydrated overnight kind of collapsed and we had tortilla chips. Or, if you don't care about shaping them, you can just eat them flat, tostada style!

The 'meat':
-a big heaping cup of walnuts
-tomato (might be better to use sundried tomatoes that have been soaked, but I used a fresh heirloom)
-any mexican spices you like (cumin, paprika, chili flakes, garlic, salt, pepper, really anything!)
Put the walnuts into the food processor and pulse until it resembles a meat consistency. Then add spices and tomato to taste. Careful with the tomato.. if it's too juicy, it'll come out mushy!

The sour 'cream':
-1 3/4 cups cashews
-1/2 cup coconut meat
-3/4 cup water
-6 tbsp lemon juice (we only used 3 tbsp and it was great)
-zest of 4 lemons (we only used the zest of one lemon)
Blend everything until creamy, and voila, sour cream!

Salsa:
-tomatoes
-onion
-jalapenos
-lime juice
-salt
-pepper
-cilantro
This is a recipe i've been making myself for a long time. Just chop everything up (I do it by hand because I'm a salsa snob) and season to how you want it to taste.

Assembly:
-hold taco shell, fill with 'meat', top with lettuce and salsa and sour cream. Eat with enthusiasm. :-)

[Basenjimamma]

Hey..good to see you again..yes I kind of disapperared for awhile too.stayed somewhat RAW, but didn't have time to come on..now I am back and I am happy to be here..
Accountablility ROCKS..I need that too.:dance:


Hello Basenjimamma,

I remember your name & face from when I very first joined this site a year & a half or so ago. I was "RawNitOut" (something along those lines) I left here after about a month & went for other Raw Vegan support. I remember how encouraging you were & that you are a beautiful 6' gal like myself. =) I like coming here to post what I've eaten to keep accountable. Although I do not participate much in the discussions.

[speltrong]

today's food was:

B: we grazed at the farmer's market.. shared a raw parfait, sampled some tangerines and other fruit
L: a big green salad with onion sprouts from our sprout guy at the farmer's market. if you have never tried onion sprouts, oh my, you should! also topped with san marzano tomatoes, and english peas.
D: i tried to make a veggie scramble of sorts, but it didn't work, so ended up having banana with some raw pecan butter, yum!

[MysticTree]

I had my usual melon breakfast and then for lunch the fabulous mushroom marinara with lemon noodles and on the side I had massaged kale with hemp sprinkles. I think I ate just a little bit too much but it was soooo good.

[triciaRAW]

Breakfast: smoothie - blueberries, banana, kale, apple, hemp protein, chorella, coconut oil, cucumber
Lunch: cherries, cucumber, kiwi

I'M totally making those tacos!

[TheBoopies]

I havent posted in a few days. Been kinda busy. Raw has been going well. Although, I did have a slip up yesterday, but im back on track. Im not going to dwell on it. So far today I just had a nectarine and water. I'll probably have a watermelon and strawberry smoothie soon. I just wanted to post, to hold myself accountable and to continue to track my progress for the 30 days. See u guys tomorrow!

[speltrong]

Today for breakfast I had half of a Merry's Meyer Lemon Miracle Tart.. pure decadence! Here's the link to their website if you've not heard of them: http://www.hailmerry.com/shop/product/897053001067
Then for a late lunch/early dinner, we made Thom Ka soup from Cafe Gratitude's cookbook. I posted the full recipe in my blog, but here is a picture to whet your appetites!
8817

[iLuvGR333N]

4 Liters of Water ( not included in drinks)
30 Medjool Dates
1 whole bunch of kale ( made into a thin DATE orAde with water)
1 Bunch of Broccoli
1/2 Head of Celery

[MysticTree]

Speltrong, I replied on the blog about English peas and love the sound of your soup.

iluvgr33n, 30 medjool dates ... that would almost break the bank over here in the UK. I think I can get about 9 organic medjool dates for £2.00 the non-organic are a similar price! Where do you get your fat soluble vitamins from by the way? You never seem to eat any fat/oil containing foods.

Wonderful, active day yesterday and would have loved to stay in bed this morning. But up and full of beans - well actually melon and with some yummy foods ready for lunch. The bottom drawer of my desk in work gets warm from the computer being beneath it so I put my non-salads in there and by lunchtime they have lost that refrigerator chill!

[iLuvGR333N]

iluvgr33n, 30 medjool dates ... that would almost break the bank over here in the UK. I think I can get about 9 organic medjool dates for £2.00 the non-organic are a similar price! Where do you get your fat soluble vitamins from by the way? You never seem to eat any fat/oil containing foods.



Right now I am doing overt free for 6 months at least to heal my cavities. I've already remineralized a few teeth & watched a couple of receding gums come back up. I'd go into more depth, but it is not allowed to be discussed on this forum. =) If you're curious you can pm me. Although I've tried pming another on here, & it says admin has disabled my pming??

When I have had overts, I enjoy Chia, young coconut meat, avocado, powdered flax. =) I have a really yummy avocado dish that I like to make because it reminds me of an old SAD fav. & I like making another old SAD taste alike with the Chia. I DON'T use any oils, as they're 100% fat.

I stand by, if I can't mono it, it's not meant for consumption. ( I try, cuz I sup now, & I wouldn't mono a sup, but all a life long experiment, & if I find it helps or hinders, I get to be my own guru.) It's one of the reasons, I tend to steer away from fats, as I cannot mono them, without not being able to function the next day.

Just like my proteins, I get my fat from GR33NS! =) Yesterday I ate 3800 cals, this is low for me. I usually eat about 4500-6000 cals/day. & as many can see from my pics, I am not fat. =D I am also quite active as my ONLY form of transportation is cycling. So yes, this means I haul 25-75lbs 1-2 a week of groceries in a chariot behind my bike. I'm actually too active, maybe I'll get the use of a vehicle this Winter.

I've bought so called "fresh dates" b4 for about 1lb for $9. BUT now I buy them from the market supposedly not fresh for a few pounds @ 42-45 dates. Not all are steam dried. I've been told that you can test them to see if they're still raw. They're a nice treat when I don't care to eat high volume.

I have also found a correlation between my mental state (illness) & overts. I also find increased energy & just all around feel much better with overt free at this time.


The very first month that I went to raw vegan foods. My acne went away, & 10 year old scars started scabbing over & began to heal, & some other awesome bodily events, & I was eating almonds that I didn't know WEREN'T raw, & dates that were supposedly NOT raw. & juicing gr33ns like wheatgrass.


This tastes almost like yugen fruz, if you've been raw for awhile.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu4wiUetCXI

Yes, I made the mistake of using WAAAY too many chia seeds, I did not know that 1tbsp of dry chia expands to 9 tbsp's... normally if I were to have fats it will be very limited, as the moods I tend to deal with are suicidal, & I have a hard enough time pulling myself out of bed in the morning's on high anxiety days.

[MysticTree]

pm-ing is disabled. there was too much behind the scenes chit chat of a divisive nature I believe. So now messages are left on profiles.

[Myca]

What is Yugen Fruz?

[MysticTree]

sounds like frozen yogurt ... maybe ?

[Basenjimamma]

Hey all..

B-supergreen smoothie..spinach, Perilla leaves, bananas, peaches and strawberries..delsih I might add.
L-about 4lbs of watermelon..but that was after I was outside (in Houston..read 109 degrees) painting the ceiling of our front porch..needed lots of yummy water+minerals+sugars..in a convinient package.
D-Kalesalad...I think..not 100% sure yet..=).

I love datorade too...yum..
I usually buy mine at Costco..cheaper.

[speltrong]

B - banana and half an avocado (was just really craving avo!)
L - hubby made raw sushi, avocado rolls! with fresh cut pineapple on the side
D - not sure yet, maybe nothing because I'm super full from all the avocado!

[SUSA]

Spletrong ..thanks alot for your time writting down all of that..actually the dehydrator is on now ;))).
Am sooooooo happpyyy ..thanks again .
Today i had:
B_dates,baby grapes,nactarine,figs , raw oats with almond milk and walnuts..some honey ..yummmmy:)
S_banana,dates
L&dinner_Avo_salad .
enjoy all .
keep it up :)

[SUSA]

Guyzzz , i wanted to ask you please..i was checking out the b12 and i only found it in meat and products we dont use in raw dieting..do u have any idea wut proucts contains b12 and can consume it regularly in our diet ?

thanks deaarooooos

[speltrong]

SUSA, there is a whole huge discussion on vitamin B here in this forum if you use the search bar. I've been vegan for years, and my b12 levels are totally fine (i have them checked often). B12 is something that sticks around in your body for quite a while... but there are still vegan sources for getting it if you really want to... if you search the forum, you'll find a plethora of info.

Hope you enjoy the tacos!!

[iLuvGR333N]

1 Broccoli Stalk ( no tree, I love this part alone)
6 large Ears of Corn
1 bunch of kale mixed with 10 medjool dates + water for a gr33n DateORade
4.5 Liters of Water
15 Banana's

[MysticTree]

Is August always a quiet month on the forum? Feels really quiet except this thread. Maybe everyone's on hols.

Good raw day so far. Treated myself to a pack of medjool dates. All the usual suspects on the plate otherwise.

[Myca]

Bananas, pineapples, peaches.
Head of red leaf lettuce
Cucumbers, yellow and red sweet peppers
Red onions.
Lots of water.

[speltrong]

Keeping it simple today. Some fresh squeezed apple juice for breakfast and a pickle and banana (yep, weird combo) for lunch. I attempted to make a new kind of 'cheese' to have with crackers for dinner, but it was a big giant failure. I think I have finally come to terms with the fact that i despise nutritional yeast. I never really love any recipe that involves it, and I always really hate recipes that involve a large amount of it. I am henceforth banishing it from our kitchen! Ha!

[Basenjimamma]

Hey gals and guys too..

Simple day for me..we are battling the 110 degree summers around here in TX..so...

B was a honeydew melon, the whole thing..
L was frozen banans (3)
D was watermelon...

not enough greens, none actually, but I'll make up for it tomorrow..had one of those days you know!!

See you tomorrow.

[iLuvGR333N]

1/2 head of celery
2.8 Liters Water
20 Medjool Dates
5 Large White Peaches
1 Cup of Cherries
1 Pear
1 Bunch of Broccoli

[MysticTree]

I think I have finally come to terms with the fact that i despise nutritional yeast. I never really love any recipe that involves it, and I always really hate recipes that involve a large amount of it. I am henceforth banishing it from our kitchen! Ha!

I hate it too :)

[MysticTree]

Melon and raspberries for breakfast
a work colleague brought me in some cherries so that was a mid morning snack a
lunch has been watercress, mixed sprouts, 2 toms, 1 avo and sundried tom dressing with basil.

I have earache. I think it's a sinus thing. Hope it eases off soon but mostly a good thunderstorm would help.

[dread head vegan]

starting tomarrow... fell way off the wagon and and am getting back on.

[Basenjimamma]

Happy Thursday folks..

Started my day with a lovely green smoothie..bananas/peaches/kale and strawberries
Lunch was a big wedge of watermelon and so was dinner...
This heat is kicking my booty and it didn't help that I spend almost three hours outside painting our porch ceiling..phew..

[The Forager]

Starting tomorrow.

[iLuvGR333N]

I hate it too :)

Nutritional Yeast...makes a good paste mixed with Olive Oil, no heat added. ( I can't remember what it was called ) I can't have it in the house, because the smell reminds me of cooked favs.



lunch has been watercress, mixed sprouts, 2 toms, 1 avo and sundried tom dressing with basil.

I have earache. I think it's a sinus thing. Hope it eases off soon but mostly a good thunderstorm would help.

Nice Salad, a thunderstorm in your head? I lol'd.


12 Large Ear's of Corn
1 head of celery
1 bunch of kale
10 Bananas

I'm going on a bike trip with my Father this weekend, may or may not post for 3 days.

[MysticTree]

Nutritional Yeast...makes a good paste mixed with Olive Oil, no heat added. ( I can't remember what it was called ) I can't have it in the house, because the smell reminds me of cooked favs.

sounds horrible ... sorry!

[MysticTree]

have felt a bit off the past few days but starting to feel a bit better today. Have broken out into a few spots and 2 mouth ulcers so maybe it was a detox moment.

[Myca]

Oh I have had the most wonderful day. I went to the health food store on the island. They are getting more and more raw stuff. I went for wonderful, creamy, caramel medjool dates. I got them. I also found Garden Herb sea crackers by 'Two Moms in the Raw. I have never had a raw cracker before. They don't look like Ritz. Cost $9.00 for a little bitty bag. I was wondering what I was going to eat them with. Got home, tried them, oh they are so good. Now, I am inspired to drag out Alissa's book and see if I can make one of her cracker recipes.
I also ate Pineapple, many bananas, Oranges, Peaches, Medjool Dates. No greens today yet. Lots of water.

[Myca]

I also had a Raw Revolution candy bar. I had all the joy of cheating today without actually cheating.

[iLuvGR333N]

1 head of Celery
10 Banana's
20 Medjool Dates
6 Liters Water
1.5 bunch kale

I'm going out to buy some ingredients for a bicycle picnic tomorrow with my Pa. I'm making this, the end has the pics


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdXweXHPiTA

[November Blue]

Cheesy Kale Chips! OMG why did I wait so long to make them? Holy cow they're delicious. I have one question though - can I eat too many of them? LOL I made some last night but it was late when they were finished, so I put them in a bag and ate them this morning (1/2 head of kale). I loved them so much I immediately put more in the dehydrator and plan to eat them tonight while they're still crisp (being in the bag overnight made them a little soggy).

Any issues with eating too much kale or nutritional yeast in one day? :p

[MysticTree]

Cheesy Kale Chips! OMG why did I wait so long to make them? Holy cow they're delicious. I have one question though - can I eat too many of them? LOL I made some last night but it was late when they were finished, so I put them in a bag and ate them this morning (1/2 head of kale). I loved them so much I immediately put more in the dehydrator and plan to eat them tonight while they're still crisp (being in the bag overnight made them a little soggy).

Any issues with eating too much kale or nutritional yeast in one day? :p

too much of anything isn't good and nutritional yeast isn't raw so I would suggest you go easy on them.

[November Blue]

too much of anything isn't good and nutritional yeast isn't raw so I would suggest you go easy on them.
Oooooo - for some reason I was thinking that nutritional yeast was raw. Poo - well, I'll make sure I don't go overboard. Thanks!

[iLuvGR333N]

Any issues with eating too much kale or nutritional yeast in one day? :p

If you're transitioning, why not? =) It depends on how much is too much for you? A lot of days I eat a head of kale too. I know people that have eaten 6 heads of Romaine in a day...so, shrugs. yum away. x)



Today I made the wraps for my pa & myself on our cycle around a park without the added fruit slices, I ate those last night. I won't make them with Collards again, too over powering.

8818


3 Large Apples ( they taste like sweet sour soothers)
20 medjool dates
2 Red Peppers
8 Collard Leafs
4 Large Nectarines
3 Cups of Button Mushies
6 Large Ears of Corn
2 Cups of Baby Dill (mmm)
3 Cups Sun Dried Tomatoes ( I love to soak them sometimes & I drink the water, it's soooo yummAH!)

[MysticTree]

the point is that too much of anything is, by definition, too much. Otherwise it wouldn't be known as too much!

1/2 a head of kale one day isn't too much I would think for anyone unless they had a problem with a particular substance in kale but 1/2 a head of kale every day for years on end would almost certainly be too much ... boring too of course.

As to nutritional yeast. I am baffled as to why people use it. It isn't raw and it isn't naturally rich in Vit B12 it is a fortified, processed substance. It's so not natural.

[November Blue]

I stopped at about 3/4 of a "bunch" of kale and will eat the rest today. As for the nutritional yeast - I haven't been using TOO much of it, but I'm on the search for other things that I can put on them. I'm just not a huge fan of kale in general (yet, anyway) so I feel like this is a good way for me to eat it.

Breakfast this morning was a banana & some dates. Now, I'm having a smoothie (strawberry, peach & spinach). Lunch will be a big salad in an hour or so - with romaine, tomato, cucumber, carrot, corn and dehydrated onions

[MysticTree]

I stopped at about 3/4 of a "bunch" of kale and will eat the rest today. As for the nutritional yeast - I haven't been using TOO much of it, but I'm on the search for other things that I can put on them. I'm just not a huge fan of kale in general (yet, anyway) so I feel like this is a good way for me to eat it.

For someone who doesn't much care for kale, you seem to be doing ok! Have you tried it massaged? Sounds bonkers, tastes fabulous.

[November Blue]

For someone who doesn't much care for kale, you seem to be doing ok! Have you tried it massaged? Sounds bonkers, tastes fabulous. I haven't tried it massaged yet - just olive oil or do you put other things with it too?

[MysticTree]

I haven't tried it massaged yet - just olive oil or do you put other things with it too?
My favourite is juice of an orange with a suitable drizzle of raw olive oil, salt, pepper. You can use your favourite salad dressing really.

Then I add grated carrot and serve with chopped avo on top.

[November Blue]

My favourite is juice of an orange with a suitable drizzle of raw olive oil, salt, pepper. You can use your favourite salad dressing really.

Then I add grated carrot and serve with chopped avo on top.
Sounds like tonight's dinner! I'm not really a salad dressing kind of girl, so orange & olive oil sounds simple and perfect.

[MysticTree]

good-oh.

Just massage the dressing ingredients into the kale til it softens. I just grab handfuls and squeeze then release and grab more handfuls and repeat.

[Tarsierlover]

Cool! Just in time for school-have to see how that goes.:eat

[The Forager]

All raw so far.

B- Banana
S- Grapes
L- Salad, pistachios
S- Watermelon


Haven't eaten dinner, I'm not very inspired on what to make. Any ideas? I have lots of salad stuff, dates, broccoli, green beans, pistachios... inspire me!

[The Forager]

Well, I ended up having a very plain medley of bananas, blueberries, and pears.

Everything sounds better with the word 'medley'.

[iLuvGR333N]

Oh, I am not arguing with you, MysticTree, what I am saying is that everybody has an opinion, & in that is subjective. What is too much? A head of kale to you seems to much? but a head of kale to me is nothing. How does one know a head of kale is eaten EVERY DAY, that is an assumption if we are splitting hairs. A head of romaine is too much for some & for others they've been eating 6 heads of romaine everyday for the past 20 years...go figure!

There are so many foods that people choose to eat on this forum, that are completely not raw. There are substances that are not natural or raw vegan, & yet are still healthy, how much is dogma? how much is purist? when is enough enough? & for whom?

I think if someone is switching over from a Big Mac, to a whole foods diet that contains nutritional yeast, it's better than where they were. & maybe it's fun to experiment. I have no idea where November Blue started from, but it's okay.

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ___



I had a nice trip, but just ended up accidentally deleting all of today's photo's...darn computers. shucks. There was internet where we stayed, for 20 mins @ $7.50 a pop! No Thanks!


50 Cherries (red)
2 endives
3 Romaine Hearts
22 dates
2 Large Nectarines ( I think they've started shooting fruit up)
1 Papaya
1 Red Pepper
Some Yellow Beans

[MysticTree]

Oh, I am not arguing with you, MysticTree, what I am saying is that everybody has an opinion, & in that is subjective. What is too much? A head of kale to you seems to much? but a head of kale to me is nothing. How does one know a head of kale is eaten EVERY DAY, that is an assumption if we are splitting hairs. A head of romaine is too much for some & for others they've been eating 6 heads of romaine everyday for the past 20 years...go figure!

There are so many foods that people choose to eat on this forum, that are completely not raw. There are substances that are not natural or raw vegan, & yet are still healthy, how much is dogma? how much is purist? when is enough enough? & for whom?

I think if someone is switching over from a Big Mac, to a whole foods diet that contains nutritional yeast, it's better than where they were. & maybe it's fun to experiment. I have no idea where November Blue started from, but it's okay.



I didn't say a head of kale was too much. We don't measure kale by the head over here in any case. All I said is that too much of something is too much and monotonous repetition of something for long periods of time is probably too much. I didn't assume anyone was eating half a head of kale a day for years on end. I just said that if they were then it would likely be too much.

As to the yeast ... like you say... it's opinion and that is mine! There are other non-raw foods that I would eat before I ate nutritional yeast.

[sbarsotti]

Hello!

I'm joining late.. but I've been transitioning into raw nicely.

I've been having trouble staying away from nut butters!!! Yesterday I ate my weight in peanut butter. I finally just tossed it and did some Zumba. Peanut butter is my weakness... haha. And almond butter, nutella.... cashew butter.... all nut butter really.

ANYWAYS.

Today..
B- Smoothie with spinach, peaches, strawberries, pineapple, and mango
L- Gigantic salad from whole foods (Mixed greens, cucumber, cabbage, onion, edamame, carrots, corn, walnuts..... and I'm sure other veggies with a not-so-raw I'm sure tahini dressing), raw kombucha tea (addicted), and eight, EIGHT cocaoroons. So good. Yes so easy to just eat.. :-)
D- Not there yet, but after my workout I'm making a big smoothie of greens, fruit, celery, maybe an apple, chia seeds... basically whatever is left in my fridge!

[speltrong]

sbarsotti, just stick to raw nut butters.. in my local market I can find raw butters with just about every nut you can imagine: wild jungle peanut, cashew, walnut, pecan, macadamia, etc etc.

[iLuvGR333N]

20 medjool dates
6 romaine hearts
20 fresh figs
1 sweet red pepper
2.5 liters water

[iLuvGR333N]

..The message you have entered is too short. Please lengthen your message to at least 8 characters.

[MysticTree]

Feels like a fruit day today. At my desk with a box of plums :)

[sbarsotti]

Today I made a big green juice of an apple, spinach, wheat grass, mint, and mixed berries to start... then I had an apple with that damn peanut butter (ARG it sucks me in... on the hunt for raw nut butter!) and a mixed fruit smoothie. I do drink tea, last night I had dandelion root and I'm drinking a chinese detox tea now. Both decaffeinated... but technically not raw. For lunch I'll have banana "ice cream" with probably about two or three bananas, and dinner with be green drink.

[sbarsotti]

sbarsotti, just stick to raw nut butters.. in my local market I can find raw butters with just about every nut you can imagine: wild jungle peanut, cashew, walnut, pecan, macadamia, etc etc.

What kind of market do you have? I've just got whole foods, (which does have a big raw section but I saw no nut butters), trader joes, sunflower..... next Saturday I'll check out the farmers market around here it's just not a quick drive.. so I never go.

[therawballerina]

I'm in!! (tomorrow will actually be my official "one month raw" mark)

Today I enjoyed leftover chocolate date cake, an apple, peaches, grapes, orange juice, kelp noodles with peanut sauce, and a ton of veggies.
I'm learning to love salads... Finally :)

~Abigail Jane~

[iLuvGR333N]

5 Banana's
6 Romaine Hearts
20 Fresh Figs
30 Medjool Dates
2.5 Liters water

[Subtitles]

Jumping in for day #1 of being raw on Monday! My health problems have encouraged me to try raw again. I'm excited to get started, but I have a bad track record with eating raw so I'm a bit nervous.
Will someone volunteer to kick my butt if I get off track?

[MysticTree]

yesterday turned out ok after all and I managed to resist the food I mention in my blog.

Today is Friday and the weekend beckons so I'm feeling ok.

Lost a couple more pounds but generally my mood is a bit flat.

I'm hoping we get some sunny weather and I feel a bit more cheered - it's been raining and miserable for days now but the sun is trying to peek through this morning.

Being organised (!) I set some mushrooms to marinate this morning so supper should be a breeze :)

[iLuvGR333N]

What do you like to marinate your mushies in? I like to do the same.


1 Bunch of Collard
1/2 small head of red cabbage ( I NEVER DO THIS....but today & tomorrow)
14 Fresh Figs
15 Large Banana's
2.5 Liters Water

[MysticTree]

2 tbsp lemon or lime juice with 4 tbsp raw evoo, salt, black pepper, an onion sliced thinly, 1 clove garlic - mushed up with the salt, handful finely chopped parsley, 1 tbsp honey (or whatever you use if you don't use honey).

You'll have to wait til you are eating overt fats again before trying this unless you just omit the evoo.

[MysticTree]

bf picked me some apples last week and they have been sitting in the fruit bowl since. This morning I juiced some of them and they made a lovely juice. Sweet with a slight tartness. Best of all they were free apples :D

[MysticTree]

I just made Revvells Zucchini Scramble ...

http://www.bodaciousliving.com/component/kunena/33-recipes/1664-zucchini-scramble.html#1664

D (http://www.bodaciousliving.com/component/kunena/33-recipes/1664-zucchini-scramble.html#1664)elicious even though I was missing quite a few ingredients and I don't have a dehydrator. Lots left for a meal later on.

[iLuvGR333N]

2 tbsp lemon or lime juice with 4 tbsp raw evoo, salt, black pepper, an onion sliced thinly, 1 clove garlic - mushed up with the salt, handful finely chopped parsley, 1 tbsp honey (or whatever you use if you don't use honey).


That looks good, sure I might tweak it for myself. I have one that tastes like spaghetti.

Today,

20 large Banana's
1 Bunch of Collard
1 lb sun dried tomatoes
A few sprigs of Dill

[trenchchic]

I just made Revvells Zucchini Scramble ...

Delicious even though I was missing quite a few ingredients and I don't have a dehydrator. Lots left for a meal later on.

Oh, Mystic, I just brought up this recipe. This looks DELICIOUS!!!! (And considering, I've got zucchinis coming out my ears, I may have this tonight! Thanks!

[trenchchic]

Just made a meal out of Ani Phyo's Spicy Korean Cucumbers. So good!!!! (And now I'm on a nutrition high, yes!!)

[MysticTree]

thank Revvell she posted it on her website. It is yummy. I'm planning to have it for lunch tomorrow. I need to eat cheaply this week cos I made these today.
8822

Lots of expensive ingredients so they work out about £1.00 each - less if you get a good deal on bulk buys but I didn't!

[iLuvGR333N]

15 Banana's
2 lbs sun dried toms
a few romaine hearts
some dill
3 Liters of water

[iLuvGR333N]

20 large banana's
6 Romaine Hearts ( not entirely ready for 6 heads, besides I like the hearts of most veggies...weird) xP
2.5 Liters Water
5 medium peaches

Almost done with this 30 days

[iLuvGR333N]

I'm tired so thought I'd do this now. =) Going to bed earlier.

11 medium peaches
6 Romaine Hearts (they come in packs of 6 at Costco) they have some organic there too now.
1 young thai coconut water
a few sun dried toms
2 lrg cukes
10 med pears
40 honey dates YUM!
3.5 Liters water

[katchmoleen]

Hello, everyone, I'm baaaaaaa-aaaaaack! I am old-timer who has been away for awhile. I am re-committing to raw and want to join the challenge even though the month is almost over. Today I have had
1 cup of tea (tapering off)
peach
banana
guava kombucha
macadamia nuts
salad of three lemon cucumbers, one avocado, and some salsa
For my reward for staying raw for one whole day (woohoo! I have tried numerous times so this is actually a big deal, lol) I have waiting in the fridge a piece of raw cheesecake that is now available at my local health foods store. We will see if it is worth the ridiculous price I paid.

[iLuvGR333N]

35 Medjool Dates
4 Romaine Hearts
3/4 Bunch of Kale
4 Medium Peaches + 2 Large Peaches
2 Pears
3.25 Liters of Water (separate)
25 Honey Dates

I had a kale datorade, everything else was mono'd whole.

[katchmoleen]

Cherries with my tea for breakfast.
Green smoothie of 2 peaches, one lemon cucumber, spinach, banana. Yum
Salad of cucumbers, avocado, and salsa
Raw bar
macadamia nuts
apple
I'll have a snack of some kind tonight, not sure what yet.

[katchmoleen]

Raw granola with almond milk for breakfast and also for a snack late in the day
Kombucha
Raw bar
cucumber
Marinated mushrooms
basil pesto with green pepper

I am starting to detox, had a headache most of the day and also awful gas and bloating. Just took a couple of charcoal caps.

[iLuvGR333N]

Well this concludes yet another 30 days under my belt. Will continue Vlogging next months groceries & daily food. When I want another kick in the the teeth I'll be back here, posting daily.

Kale DateOrade 3/4 bunch of kale + 45 honey dates + water

7 Romaine Hearts
5 Large Peaches ( white peaches this Summer are RAWmazing! ) super sweet up here.
4 Large Cukes
15 large banana's
2.5 Liters Water

[katchmoleen]

dates and more dates (I got stranded for a good part of the day due to car breakdown and all I had with me were dates and kombucha!
Passionberry kombucha
cucumber with basil pesto
Large salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and green pepper
Raw granola with almond milk

[katchmoleen]

Kind of looks like I am talking to myself here.....
Green smoothie of mango, lemon cucumber, and spinach
Salad of spinach, tomato, green pepper, cucumber, and avocado, with salsa and Snowdrop's Ranch dressing
Bowl of raw granola with almond milk
Getting ready to have some zucchini noodles (from the garden!) with walnut basil pesto.

[MysticTree]

Kind of looks like I am talking to myself here.....


I feel like that sometimes - in this case it's because the "what have you eaten raw today" thread has been started up and I suppose there is no need to post such info twice and also I suppose that at the end of the month there are always fewer posters in here because some have fallen by the roadside as they see it.

I have the car back for a few days so I will be off to get some heavy shopping later. There is only so much I can manage by bike with a ruck sack.

[katchmoleen]

Today was a detox day, lots of running to the bathroom and headache. But I stayed "almost" all raw in spite of being at a huge potluck. I was very happy with my choices.
Green smoothie of bananas and beet greens-OH it was so good!
Lots of raw veggies with ranch dip
Green beans
Two bites of cooked food at the potluck
macadamias
No food the rest of the day due to tummy troubles.

[katchmoleen]

Man I typed something up and it disappeared. I had a bad migraine today and ended up in bed. Don't know if it was detox, caffeine withdrawal, or my usual migraine stuff.
Green smoothie of banana, apple, and beet greens
Basil pesto with zucchini noodles and minipeppers for both lunch and supper, sssooooooo good
Macadamia nuts for snack.
Been raw for a week! Yay!

[MysticTree]

With the new-look forum it is easy to lose a typed up post. It helps to get into the habit of copying a post before hitting the post button but what actually causes it is hitting the wrong post reply button.

Always hit the post quick reply button BELOW the reply box and you should be ok.

[Jayla]

@Katchmoleen, Your not talking to yourself. I read this page everyday. I just dont post much.

I have been raw 4days so far. I feel great. I usually eat one very large salad with lettuce, tomatoes, sweet peppers, cucumbers, mushrooms, almonds and raisins. I use honey as a dressing, I know sounds strange, but its kind of good The rest of the day I drink juice Usually 2 green and 2 fruit.

Today is my 5th day and I hope to stay raw. I have noticed my body changing. The first few days I was retaining water for some reason, my legs were swollen and so were my feet, but today its all gone along with 5 lbs :)

I tried to be raw 2 months ago but because I was in a country where I could not find much of anything I liked. They didnt have many fruits and veggies to choose from, so I gave up. I moved to a different country, I teach overseas, and now I have my pick of fruits and veggies from all over the world. I found juicer and I have been juicing every day.

I will try to post more on the september thread.

[katchmoleen]

Mystic Tree that is EXACTLY what I did, hit the above button! Thanks for posting Jayla. I have had a headache all day today as well but powered through it. I think it must be hormonal. My cycles are so irregular now at my age (52) that I never know what is going on. I had a busy day with work, cleaning, shopping, and company (so I cooked too but fortunately had spaghetti sauce in the freezer).
Green smoothie of bananas and beetgreens
Macadamia nuts
2 avocados, a tomato, and Snowdrop's ranch dressing
Big salad with ranch and sunflower seeds
Peaches with a little bit of agave (everyone else ate it on ice cream)

I went to our local fruit market today and got THREE cases of peaches. One was free because the seller thinks they have bad flavor. They don't have a ton of flavor, but for free I can mix them with the good peaches and freeze for mid-winter smoothies when anything remotely fresh-peach-like will taste wonderful!

[Jayla]

We must be thinking the same thing. I am about to go out and get some peaches. I had peach juice yesterday and fell in love. I am going to buy enough to freeze so I can make peach ices or sorbet when my agave arrives. They dont sell it here so I have to order it from back home. I WISH I had a free case :)

Today went well. I was kind of scared. Its Eid here and everyone is out celabrating. All the malls and resturants are full. They were closed all day during the last 30 days so to be able to go get some food during the day is a big deal here, LOL. The kids and I went to see smurf, love it and then they wanted to go to Fridays. I was scared but I managed to find a salad and fresh watermelon juice. I enjoyed it and felt good when I left the resturant. YEAH ME LOL :)

[MysticTree]

last day of the month, another 30 days under my belt but wish I was feeling less blah. Not really sure what is wrong exactly and I don't feel as bad as I did before I started raw again so that is good. Hoping I feel better soon.

[katchmoleen]

Jayla, where do you live? Mystic I know the last time I was raw I had lots of blah days. I think it is part of the healing. They say we heal in layers as we reach "pockets" of toxins from years past. Don't know if it is true but it makes sense to me. As for me, the second day after starting raw this time my fasting blood sugar was 138 (really bad) and this morning it is 95 (really good!) after only one week and one day raw, so YEAH!

[Jayla]

I am teaching in Kuwait. I have been teaching overseas because I could not find a job back home and the pay is WAYYYY better. My salary is tax free, I get plane tickets home each year or the money to use to go anywhere I choose. My rent is paid by my job. I cant say I get anything like that at home. My kids enjoy it We have been so many places and they have experienced things most kids their age never will.

[katchmoleen]

I looked into traveling to Kuwait as a nurse, but my husband was really against it. Wonderful that your kids are getting to travel at their young ages. I find it funny you can't get fruits and veggies there, though!

[katchmoleen]

No headache at all today for the first time in about five days, so that is very nice. I had some good food today too, and I have the dehydrator running. I made Pepperama wraps and still have a batch of onion bread going. I also made two jars of kombucha today. Love that stuff.
I fasted till 2pm because I still was recovering from last nights migraine and decided to wait 18 hours to eat. It felt good to wait. Then I had:
Mini-peppers with sunflower-garlic pate. I think I sprouted the sunflower seeds too long, it tastes kinda "green.
Some dates
A Lara bar
A Pepperama wrap with avocado, peppers, snowdrop's ranch dressing, and salsa. Quite yummy.

[Jayla]

NO, I get TONS of fruits and veggies here. When I was in Egypt for the summer I could not find much. They has some but many times they were spoiled or close to it. Also they had a limited choice. YOu could find something one day then it would be gone for an entire month.

Here in Kuwait I have stuff from all over the world. I LOVE IT!!!!

I can understand your husband not wanting to move. It can be hard to adjust for many people. I have lived overseas since 2005. I am use to it now. I just have to remind myself I am not back home and other people do things differently.