Hello from Texas

[Punky]

Hello Everyone!
Just thought I'd take a minute to introduce myself.
I'm 33 and live in the Dallas
Metroplex. I'm a stay-at-home mom for two sweet (albeit ACTIVE)
little boys ages 8 and 4. My interests are holistic health, natural childbirth,
nutrition, gourmet cooking and fitness (although I am not very fit right now-
in a rut-not to motivated to excercise for some reason ).

My raw journey started years ago...2001 I think is when the "seed" was planted while I was attending a "Families for Natural Living" meeting. There
were some raw fooders there and told me about it. I was intrigued! although
my first thoughts were I could NEVER eat like that cause I enjoy cooking and
entertaining so much. I didn't know anything about the raw gourmet food then. Then I joined a food coop led by another raw fooder
who I greatly admire. At this same time my oldest son was being evaluated by a developmental pediatrician. One of the tests, the CARS test if i remember right put him 2 points away from being on the autistic spectrum...
although he wasn't quite considered autistic, he did have many autistic behaviors like stimming, very poor eye contact, some obsessive behaviours,
extremely difficult dispisition, did not transition well, sensory issues etc, etc.
He was a late talker, but finally started talking with the help of a speech theripist. He is also very high energy (hyperactive) and would be considered
ADHD if we were going to put a label on him (which i try to avoid).
Anyways, so my journey began with the planted seed and my search
between the connection of food and behaviour. We did some lab work for
him, which indicated he would benefit from a gluten free/casein free diet,
which he still is on till this day among other dietary restrictions we have done.

For myself I have been off and on raw for a little over 2 years now.
I think the longest I have gone was 30days at 99% raw. Other times
I have gone for a week or two, maybe 3 before falling off the wagon.
My goal this year is to finally conquer some of my triggers and stay at a 90%
high raw lifestyle for good. I find "happy hour" my biggest trigger
I am probably a "heavy" social drinker (a.k.a. LUSH).
I am going to start Alissa's 30 day challenge next week or the following--trying to give up coffee before I start I think.
I look forward to getting to know everyone!
Hope my intro wasn't too long! Will start my journel next week.
Smiles,
Punky :)

[KimO]

Welcome. You'll find the site very friendly, helpful and fun.
Glad your part of our group. :)

[askcassyfirst]

Welcome punky. You came to the right place for support. I find this board to be the friendliest of all the raw food forums...

I wish you well on the journey!

Cassy:)

[SamL]

Welcome Punky, glad to read your intro. I think raw will get you out of that rut, I always thought I was in top health, I ate 80% raw, exercised / trained.
I'm now 2 weeks into 100% raw and I know I still had a body full of toxins, I'm starting to feel amazing, raw energy. Good luck with your journey.

[twinyoga]

Welcome. I'm a stay at home Mom with 10 month old twins. Is your family excited about the raw challenge? Are you going to cook for them and "uncook" for you? I'm always curious how other Mom's handle this. It's my biggest struggle.

[sweetgoddess]

Punky~ warmest of welcomes to you. Thank you for introducing yourself, we are glad you could join us! It sounds like your headed in the right direction and are listening to your nudges. We would all love to support you as you make this transition....best wishes to you ~

[misslinda]

Greeting Punky!

Best wishes to you and your family in your raw passage. Never hesitate to ask if you need help.

Luv,
Linda :)

[Punky]

Thanks everyone for the warmest welcomes!
I feel so much positive energy coming from this group.
I know your support will help me get past my hurdles
and stay raw for good this time.
Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!

[Punky]

Hi Debbie!
Wow! Twins! what fun (and work)!
My family is very supportive of my interest in
raw foods; but they still eat a lot of cooked foods.
So yes, I will be cooking seperate meals for us; although
I like to 'interweave' our dinners. For Example:
Make a lovely salad for dinner for myself and share this with my hubby.
My sons don't like salads-lettuce but love chopped up veggies, so I give
them that. Than I cook some chicken breasts for them and maybe
brown rice. That's what I try to do in theory; but it is very challenging and
tempting for me to be making different foods. Plus I catch
myself "tasting" their food here and there. I do share my raw food with them too though.
I made the papaya/banana pudding this morning and my son loves it. Also if I could get more
organized it would be easier for me to succeed at this raw thing.
I am way too disorganized!

Thanks for the welcome! Look forward to sharing and learning more.

[aromaticwings]

Hi Punky....

I too am from Dallas.. Small world! I am new to raw and this board.. Just wanted to say Hi will put official intro in a sec...
Debbie

[PixieGreen]

I'm currently living in Denton [20 miles north of Dallas]. I have been experiencing raw for about a month now, it's fantastic! I love this board, such wonderful people. Perhaps some of us in the Dallas area could get together and meet at Pure when it *finally* opens?!

Christa

[aromaticwings]

I'm currently living in Denton [20 miles north of Dallas]. I have been experiencing raw for about a month now, it's fantastic! I love this board, such wonderful people. Perhaps some of us in the Dallas area could get together and meet at Pure when it *finally* opens?!

Christa

What is Pure? Sounds great to me.. I have a son living in Denton... :)

[PixieGreen]

What is Pure? Sounds great to me.. I have a son living in Denton... :)

www.purerawcafe.com

Pure is going to be the first all Raw Texas restaurant, opening in Dallas. They were supposed to open on Valentine's Day but I guess it was delayed again. The menu [on the site] looks excellent. I can't wait to go!

Does your son attend school here?

Christa

[Punky]

Hi Christa and Debbie!
Thanks for the hello's!
I just got back from Denton...
met my dad for dinner. There is a raw potluck in Denton
one Friday a month run by Asha at The Rudra Center for Spiritual
Enlightenment. I think I got the name correct. She is very nice.

Count me in...I would love a get together at PURE if it ever opens
Sorry for my sassy-ness but this place was suppose to open
like a year ago, no joke. But the food is awesome so I'm waiting
patiently....

[aromaticwings]

Hi and thanks for the Welcomes...

No, my son isn't going to school there. He and his girlfriend live there because her Mom lives close to them... I think she is not in good health so she likes to stay close.

thanks for the resturant name. My son that is here in Dallas will love this when it opens.. He tells me there is another place in the same area that his friend took him to. Sorry can not remember the name.. I will need to get back with you on that one.I was just by there today...Gee small world... ;)