Hello Hello!

[juliahodges]

Hello everyone! I've been lurking around here for a while reading the posts but I just made an account today because I find the need to have a community of raw food enthusiasts when I don't know any in the real world. Long live the internet for that!

I'm an aspiring illustrator and artist (you can check out my work here at http://hodgeepodgee.blogspot.com), I am currently in school, and I am finding it hard to keep to a raw food lifestyle since I am in the studio usually for 10-12 hours a day Monday through Friday, and a few hours on the weekends too. I dabbled in strict raw food during the summer and I looked and felt pretty good, but my time is very limited, so are my funds, so I went back to a regular SAD diet. The only thing that I really really want is to just boost my mood and energy. I work my butt off everyday and I am exhausted when I wake up every morning. I find it VERY VERY hard to relax, I am always stressed out and it's affecting my relationships and day to day activities and I'm sure if I ate better that would help a lot.

So, glad I joined, can't wait to get started on the forums and I can't wait to get to know everyone.

[k8sl8]

With some planning, raw is not really any more difficult - and often easier - than the SAD diet. Just be sure to have lots of fruit and veggies on hand. Even with limited funds, raw is possible. You will find that with good, fresh foods, you will be satisfied with less. Bananas are a good bang for your buck and buying what is on sale is always a good idea. Check out the local veggie stands for some deals.

Start your day with a green smoothie. It is the biggest step towards health and well-being. For me it was as good as caffeine!! Lunch on salad greens or fruit. Avocado if you can get them reasonably are a good way to add calories and good oils. I use lots of almonds when I crave something. Dinner can be planned ahead with some raw gourmet or just more fruit and veggies. Organic is recommended, but if that is out of your budget, buy conventional.

Lots of options in ready to eat raw crackers and such, but that adds a lot of $$ to your budget.

[StarFire]

Start your day with a green smoothie. It is the biggest step towards health and well-being. For me it was as good as caffeine!!

good advice! I gave my hubby a green smoothie the other day and he called me at work and sounded all hyper ... he said 'WHAT WAS IN THAT SMOOTHIE? I FEEL SOOO GREAT!" he told me it was BETTER than caffeine!

glad to have you joining us!

Aloha and Welcome to RFT!!!

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/welcome.gif