Need a little positive

[Rawmommie]

reinforcement today. :o

Today I have 32 days raw. That's the longest I've gone this year without a slip. I went 2 months last year when I first went raw and then blew it on Christmas day. I've learned tons since then and I feel strong in my conviction to be raw now. I'm not craving cooked food, I'm not thinking about it or worried that I will slip...

but I'm just down today. I cannot lose weight. I weigh 200 pounds and it just won't go away. I actually went down to 188 last year when I first went raw which is the lowest I've ever been as an adult. I know I carry my weight well, yada yada, but I'm tired of being big. This isn't just a raw issue. I've been trying to lose weight for years. I was 261 five years ago and started Atkins and lost to 195 and then this same thing happened. No matter what I did, I couldn't lose anything more. Sigh.

I really want this to be about health, it usually is, today is just a bad day. I have so many things I have gained from eating raw, I just wish that I could lose too.

I know I should probably cut down on my dehydrating and nuts, but they have really kept me raw these 30 days and it's nice to have more variety. I keep telling myself that eventually I will get sick of them and eat more simply and lose then.

Guess I just need a hug. I know, I'm a dork. :rolleyes:

[jaurequi]

Here ya go http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/jaurequi/hug.gif

I think it's fantastic you've been raw for over a month! Congratulate yourself and feel good about yourself. That is quite an accomplishment; and it will contribute to making you stronger. Believe it. And that is what you need to continue.
I think you should keep doing what you're doing until you are truly solid -- truly set in -- then, and only then, you can start thinking of fine tuning your eating plan.

Best,

[kmik]

Hi Karen!

You are doing amazingly great! And here's a {{HUG}} even though you're not a dork :)

I made it like just under 200, then my scale started sticking. (of course, not that we should go by what our scale says, as many believe... but I find it's a good clue for when I need to adjust something in my diet). Then I realized that I had cut down on the amount of fiber (particularly from flax crackers) from what I had when I started (I always ate crackers with salsa, and lost a lot of weight fast).

So I've been making it a point to up my fiber intake, and the scale started moving again. My goal is to be in the 180's by this weekend, and I'm sitting here, comfortably in my size 14 jeans that I was feeling snug in earlier this week :D (ok, so I have a little roll hanging over the waist, but the butt and legs are fine ;) )

Anyway, just play around with your diet, things'll get moving again. You're doing things right... this is NOT like Atkins or anything else you may have plateaued on, you're still building a strong, healthy body!

[fiddler]

**Hugs**

Stand up straight right now at your computer. Look up at the ceiling, smile and say 5 times: Yahooo, I'm so glad to be alive and healthy.
Then, take 10 deep breaths: Breath in 2 counts, hold for 8 counts and exhale for 4 counts.

Seriously, do it right now.

Okay, feeling better?

Now, later on:
Find something fun to do away from your focus on food. Go buy yourself some flowers or better yet a massage -- they are wonderful!

As for hitting a plateau on your weight loss, that happens to lots of folks. Are you exercising? The dehydrating and nuts are *not* the highest quality RAW food you can be eating to gain better health (you know that). Try some more sprouts and organic fruits and vegetables and see how that works for you. Green Smoothies are great because you can add greens without any salad oils.

Are you watching alot of TV? Try to cut down on that because it is so negative! Instead, maybe visit with some friends, exercise, or read a book.

If you're a religious person, perhaps turning to the Bible could be helpful.

Cheers and smiles,
Gil

[twinee1]

Ditto...do not get down on yourself...you are doing terrific. A month raw !

You do not have to be 100% raw everyday ...endlessly to be sucessful at it. It really is a mind set. I consider myself a follower of the Raw Diet but hey if I decide to have a certain piece of cooked food for some reason the that is OK. By allowing myself that option I do not stress if I make that choice ! Then I find most often I will opt not to have it as I know in my mind I can at some other point if it strikes me too.

As for the weight that takes time to gain and time to lose. Be patient !! You are doing terrific !

Are you walking exercising at all ? I bet if you boost that it may get you moving again. When weight loss slows if you change a variable...it kicks you into gear !!

Best to you..chin up..march on !!

[Rawmommie]

Thanks everyone. I needed that. :D

I haven't been gorging myself on heavy, nut filled dehydrated foods, but have had made recipes at least 4 times a week, so I've been having something every day or so.

Twinee, I wish I were like you and could have one bite, but that's a slippery slope for me. I have just recently realized that I have an eating disorder and joined OA, and for me, cooked food is just a step away from binging. One bite leads to 50. :o

Gil, thanks for that! I needed to clear my head of all this garbage floating around about weightloss. I need to enjoy right here, right now. I don't want it to pass me by! :)

[happy_kauai]

I think it's important to remember that food is not the only ingredient needed to have a fulfilling life. Sunshine, fresh air, happy times, and especially exersice is needed by our bodies and minds just as much as good food. Maybe you and your family could start going for a short walk in the evenings? Or playing games outside during the day, or going for a hike or swim on the weekends? I gauruntee that if you get your heart pumping that your body will start to change and that it's ability to detox and utilize raw foods will improve! It's sounds like you've accomplished so much by being raw for 32 days! Perhaps your discomfort is a sign that you are ready to take yourself to the next level - whether this means changing around your diet a bit, becoming more active and using your newly renovated muscles, or simply taking time out for yourself - is for you to decide!

[shakalover]

*biiiiiiiig huuuuuuug*

i'm sorry you're having a rough day today. congratulations on 32 days!!! :D hang in there. :)