Discouraged with wanting this so bad

[RighteousYogini]

Hey Everyone,
So I connected with a naturopath yesterday who is helping me with my food issues and diet. I have hypoglycemia and am alcoholic, so there are alot of concerns with my inability to metabolize sugar appropriately. I made protein the backbone of my diet yesterday, did it the raw vegan way, and came up against the exact same problem I do EVERY time I go raw. Horrific blotation and stomach expansion issues, with irritable bowel and tiny bowel movements about 12 times in the day. This happens every single time to me and I get so frustrated with raw vegan Im nearly convinced it just isn't for me......

This morning I actually craved EGGS. I haven't had eggs in years. Ethically the though repulsed me, but clearly my body is craving something it doesn't get from cabbage wrapped around processed cauliflower and spirulina.

Any suggestions, aside from colon cleansing?

Oh I just wanted to add that there is a renowned raw foodist in the area who I could make an appointment with, but she charges $30 for a 15-minute consultation, and I really live pay cheque to paycheque riught now. I was hoping to do this intuitively or with the help of the forum and some research...

[qwerty988]

What did you eat that caused all the bloating?

Also, are you drinking green smoothies? They're great for protein -- and for me anyway, they really regulate elimination.

I'm just a newbie myself, but I think it's pretty normal to have strong cravings for random cooked foods -- and messed-up elimination -- when you're just starting.

Personally, I'd take a more relaxed approach, eat whatever you want so long as it's raw, and just see how your body adjusts to it over a few weeks. Add a few high-protein superfoods to your green smoothies if you feel like you need extra protein.

I have sugar issues, too. I usually only have fruit in smoothies, that works for me. I wish I could have more and I know many people just eat fruit till noon, but that won't work with my body chemistry, it actually makes me hungrier and more tired. I have chia pudding and a green smoothie first thing in the morning, and then it's salads and wraps and soups from then on.

Just sharing what works for me. Best of luck with it!

[MysticTree]

cabbage wrapped around processed cauliflower

I'd say that you may have hit the nail on the head right there.

I would try the non-sweet fruits, soaked nuts and sprouted greens. Avoid the cabbage family until you are stronger and then add it in slowly. To some extent though these symptoms may just be something you have to live through until your body is happier with the new regime.

I would also suggest eating little and often and make sure you drink plenty of water - which reminds me, I am thirsty so will sign off to get something to drink.

[rawmiss]

There are herbs for blood sugar, has your naturopath given you any?
http://books.google.com/books?id=aiN3d6FOF9sC&pg=PA180&dq=hypoglycemia+herb+licorice&hl=en&ei=lefHTqLtApTJiQKwqsT5Dw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CFYQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=hypoglycemia%20herb%20licorice&f=false
This book lists GTF Chromium, L-glutamine, licorice root, safflower, dandelion and horseradish as being helpful herbs.

[jacsam]

I think you may find that the 30.00 you spend might be the best money you've spent.....yard sales are great when you need some extra cash, also letting people you love know that you'd like to have a session for a Christmas or birthday gift might help you get a few sessions. Books, intuition, and forums are great but a one on one session might be what you really need because of some of your unique circumstances. Good Luck.

[Amy Bass]

I had the exact same problem! I found that eating raw according my my ayurvedic constitution really saved my diet. I discovered this by reading Conscious Eating by Dr. Gabriel Cousens. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1556432852/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=myhealthgoal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=1556432852) According to your description you sound like a Vata.

[Mary Kay]

Maybe you're taking an all-or nothing approach, when maybe you should be transitioning into eating more raw foods SLOWLY, rather than all at once? All those cruciferous veggies, right off the bat might be a little rough on the system that is not so accustomed to it.

Maybe baby steps. Maybe being 100% raw is not for you RIGHT NOW.
Maybe being a vegan never will be. Either way, incorporating more raw foods into your diet, can only help. And not shocking your system, should help you ease into the transition.

Mary Kay, who is a high raw, non vegan, and is content with that.