going raw while breastfeeding, how to begin?
Thank you for taking the time to give suggestions to a newbie. I have read previous posts about breastfeeding and raw foodism but I still have some concerns specific to my lifestyle and how to make this transition.
I am a new mom in my early twenties, EBF my 7 month-old DD. Previously I have dabbled in vegetarianism, veganism, and detox. Recently, my goal is to cut out animal products for moral reasons. I have found it difficult to transition to vegetarianism just because meat tastes so darn good! It has been suggested that I may crave meat because of nutritional deficiencies. In fact, I do crave a bunch of no-no's. I think raw foodism can help fill in my nutritional gaps and help me feel fuller. Besides, it is the world's fastest food, which is important as a mom. My main reason for turning to raw foodism is to help cut out animal products and for the health benefits. Weight loss is not a concern, as a matter of fact it is the opposite I am concerned about. I expect to lose weight and detox but I am concerned about the effects the toxins being released from my body may have on my baby.
So obviously, I will not immediately go 100% raw. My concern is how much is too much, too fast, for my baby to handle? I know myself and I know that once I get started in living this way I will feel great and give it my all. From what I've read, it's best to trust your intuition and your baby's cues. I have an abundance of yummy milk. DD is a very content, strong and healthy baby (knock on wood) who only has slight issues with caffeine and green beans. I don't expect much resistance from her part during this transition. I am sure we will both at least seem to be doing great but I am still concerned about toxins in breastmilk. Obviously, liquids and loads of fresh fruits and veggies would lead the toxins to be excreted elsewhere. How valid are my concerns for toxins in my breastmilk? I am not fasting or specifically detoxing, but I will be cutting out the majority of my dairy, sugar, and flours. Apart from being exposed in our environment, we are already consume about 90% organic. I am in good health and free of disease- just overweight and sluggish. I just don't want the natural detox that will go with eating more raw foods to affect my baby.
As I said before, we eat 90% organic anyway and restrict our processed food. This weekend after a month of being lacto-ovo veg I did lapse and have meat. So my diet is not poor. It is good, but I want it to be great. I would like to do green smoothies in the AM and PM and eat as usual during the day, probably a snack and a meal. I am breastfeeding so it's not like I'm going to allow myself to go hungry for long. I'm sure I will eat enough and get enough calories, though I am sure I am going to have a time keeping track of calories and nutrients. Any advice for making that easier?
During the day, I will eat a normal balanced meal for me- veggies, dairy, grains, and/or some other form of protein. Is all that fresh, raw veggie smoothie in the AM and PM too much as long as we feel good? I could go for some other form of raw meal for either AM or PM but I love the idea of just liquefying my meal for convenience's sake! If I'm going to eat healthy, it has to be quick. Baby is gnawing on me sitting in my lap now. You know the life. Is that "bad" if instead of eating 50% raw at every meal I eat whole raw meals?
Also, how often do you guys shop? We are fortunate enough to have two health food stores within 10 minutes but I would like to go once a week to save on gas and fussy car rides.
I understand I have a lot to learn but I would like to get started. My boyfriend has been begging me to make PM smoothies again because he wants to lose weight and strengthen his core before his next marathon. I think adopting a part raw food diet will help us reach both of our goals without being in conflict with each other- he does not want to eat meat in front of me as long as he knows I am still craving it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.