How do you determine what works for you?

[Boz]

Between 80/10/10, low fat, high carb, The Garden Diet (non-dehydrating foods) how do you determine what works for you and your body without trial and error?

I need to find an easier way of figuring this out without spending additional money and buying a dehydrator if my body doesn't agree with dehydrated foods and such. I'm just curious how everyone figured it out for themselves. Do you just do what's easiest?

[ljannise]

I listen to my body & never argue with it. I give it what it wants, it rewards me. If I do the opposite, I pay for it in the end.

You've been on the site since April. Are you finding your own rhythm now? It will be different & unique, just like YOU. I had to learn that my OWN story was the story I spent a lot of time looking for in everyone elses'.

[Brianna]

I think the longer you are raw, the more you become in tune with your body's desires and your intuition will tell you exactly what you need to eat, drink, when you need sleep, sunlight, etc. That said, I do think some trial and error is normal when embarking on a raw food diet. I've been confused a lot too, but if I do something and it doesn't feel good to my body, then I know that I need to go a different route.

Instead of buying a dehydrator, why don't you buy some dehydrated foods and see if they agree wtih you. If they do, then you could buy a dehydrator.

[Sharon in Colorado]

All of those diets look great to me! However if you are not used to eating a real low fat diet to begin with, you may want to transition gradually.

The key to any type of raw plan is making sure you eat enough to be satisfied. Because if you are eating any of those diets and not getting enough to eat, your cravings will kick up with hunger.

I personally think the higher the water content, the better for you. So fruits and greens are the best fuel IMO, and the better fats are from your fresh foods like avocadoes and coconuts. Concentrated fats like oils and dried nuts will slow down detox and if you can get by with smaller amounts, that will benefit you as well.

All in all, eat as well as you can to your ability. If you are having cravings for something, it may be better to eat more dehydrated foods and nuts, if any small amount of cooked food will send you back into a cooked diet.

[pdx kris]

Trial and error, whether you like it or not. :)

A dehydrator is not necessary for any of the different variations of raw, but is nice for raw treats. You can give different plans a try before investing in expensive equipment.

[Boz]

Thanks for everyones suggestions.

I just feel like I am having a difficult time because I constantly look at the journals of others for guidance. I see that something is working for that individual and i get a bit influenced and want to try it myself.
So my problem is that I still haven't found what really works for me.

[robertandenith]

My advice is to go with the 'flow'... I have been on and off of raw for a year but this time I am DEF keeping it up! I have noticed that I am using my dehydrator everyday more than before. But I am also using my blender so much for green smoothies. I think I will change later, who knows...

[rawpriestess]

I say, go with what your heart says, if you feel drawn to it, then it is probably for you, I am drawn to fruitarianism, and so, I feel like this might be for me.