Hello from Arkansas

[MelissaB]

Hi, My name is Melissa. I'm 26 years old and live in central Arkansas. A few months ago my girlfriend and I decided that we both needed to eat more healthful foods and lose a little weight while we were at it.

We went to a vegetarian diet because eating meat (other than fish and seafood) and dairy never agreed with my system. I would get horrible migraine headaches and severe stomach pains. No major health issues just uncomfortable. After about a month I gave up fish and seafood and went to a vegan diet because it felt better for me.

The problem with this is that I hate cooked veggies. Doesn't matter if it's grilled squash or steamed sugar snap pea. I hated eating them warm and/or mushy. I loved the soy pizzas, tacos, and stuff like that but wasn't really comfortable eating like that all the time. So I went online, searching for another way to prepare my veggies without cooking.

I was extremely suprised to see so many people living a raw lifestyle. I had never really thought about it before. So I did some research and was pleasantly suprised at the variety of food combinations and really the variety of food. So I tried some receipies and made my girlfriend eat them. She has loved everything so far except for a fruit stew that I made. I haven't really liked any of them though. I think that I just prefer to have my food more simply.

I've gotten my girlfriend to about 50% raw on average. I usually make dinner every night so she eats what ever I make for her. I just make sure that it's raw. I even got her a fruit basket for work so that she has plenty of fresh stuff to snack on. Had to get one for myself too. I'm currently at about 95% raw and want to go all the way.

Have a wonderful day everybody.
Melissa

[Punky]

Welcome Melissa!
The fruit basket is a great idea to keep at work!
Perhaps some nuts, seeds and sundried fruit too (make a raw
trailmix) to keep you going at work.

[askcassyfirst]

Welcome!

Cassy.:)

[RawGranny]

Hi Melissa. I want to wish you great success on your Raw journey and Welcome aboard! :)

[heather]

hi melissa! fruit basket. good idea! :)

[MelissaB]

:) Thanks for the welcome. Everyone has been so nice. :)

[sweetgoddess]

A very warm welcome to you! Best wishes on your raw journey, we're happy to have you here :)

[levamssg]

Welcome Melissa! This is a great forum - everybody here is so helpful and supportive. No matter what the question, you can bet someone has an answer or experience to share.

Good luck on your raw adventure.

[Amberly]

Oh so there IS another raw foodist in Arkansas! I have never met one so far. I wonder is there may any right here in my town? That would be fabulous.