Hi From Ontario!

[Stargazer]

I just want to say a big "hello"! and introduce myself. Hello! :)

I've been reading this amazing website for the last several months and have been researching the raw food lifestyle for over a year now. I feel so convinced that this lifestyle is what I need in order to heal my body, mind and spirit. I feel ready to get going!

I'm 32 years old, married and have 3 cats (they are my furry kids!). I work fulltime in a sedimentology lab (I analyze dirt. Does that sound exciting?).

The thing that lead me to the raw food lifestyle is the desire to lose 60 pounds of weight I gained during a very difficult time in my life, about 6 years ago. During that time, I did not just gain weight, but also an eating disorder, depression, chronic exhaustion, chronic foot pain, headaches, acid-reflux, and flu-like symptoms (aches and pains) that can last for weeks. I think the hardest part of all of this is a terrible lack of "will" I have, to reach for my dreams, which are actually very concrete to me.

I haven't made the necessary changes to my life before this because deep down, I wasn't ready. But now I am. I have just this one sacred life to live, and I don't want to waste it, or lose it.

I've decided that the best way for me to start my new raw food lifestyle is to slowly transition into it. Right now I'm eating very high raw, with just one healthy cooked meal per day. I plan to do more reading and within the next two weeks, I'll switch to all-raw.

Thankyou so much Alissa, for this amazing website! I'm so glad to have this opportunity to share and receive support with other people who are also on the same journey.

:) :) :)

Peace,

Claudia

[Ireland]

Welcome Claudia! I'm glad you're joining us. Because you're eating high raw already, I guess we don't have to preach it's benifits to you cuz you already know.

You'll find all the support you need here. I too am overcoming an eating disorder and it seems to be working! I am sooooooo happy to be on this journey.

Welcome to a fellow Canuk. :)

[heather]

i too am overcoming an eating disorder. i actually switched to vegetarianism as a way to escape my eating disorder and discovered how wonderful it feels to eat and actually feel good about it afterwards. going raw seem like a natural progression to me. good luck to you!!

[sweetgoddess]

A warm welcome to you! Glad you found the forum and raw foods- I am sure it can do all you hope and so much more. We are all here to support you as you make this transition. Where are you in Ontario? I am from Ontario, but as of three years ago, live in the Seattle area.

Best wishes to you on your raw journey!

[caramba]

Welcome Claudia - you'll find lots of support on this site...Good Luck on your Raw journey!

[SamL]

Welcome Claudia,

I'm glad you are at a time in your life that your now ready, your in good company here.

I wish you every success in your journey.

[RawGranny]

Hi Claudia. Glad that you have decided to join us. There are lots of people here to help you in any way that we can. We are all here for each other. Welcome! ;)

[Stargazer]

Wow, I feel so overwhelmed by the kindness in this place. Thankyou so much for the warm welcome.

SweetGoddess: I'm from Ottawa. What about you? Did you move to Seattle for work, and do you miss it here? :) It has been so cold here this winter, with so many days of -40 with windchill weather.

Claudia :)

[sweetgoddess]

Bon jour mon amie! I grew up in Sault Ste Marie, lived in sudbury, Niagara Falls, Windsor, London and was living in Bowmanville, just outside of Toronto when I moved to Seattle. I so don't miss the extremes of Ontarios weather, windchill and humidity, but I knda miss the snow. ( NOT shovelling it though!)
I moved to Seattle for love which can be work..LOL Met a man online and went for an amazing adventure ;)

Best wishes to you in the raw challenge and in regaining your health--In 30 days of raw, for me, depression and my severe head/neck and shoulder aches have VANISHED...after 16 years of having them!
So go for it! We'll support ya!

Warmly~
Carmel

[levamssg]

Hi Stargazer. Love your kitty-cat photo! This is a perfect forum to share experiences, ask questions, and find support.

Good luck on your raw adventure!

[leslie]

Look forward to getting to know you Terry. I watched a dear friend completely turn her life around with raw, and started researching like you. It is just so logical. Truly hope it helps you heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I have found a great side effect (though I'm only 70% raw) is the positive change in my moods. Hope it does the same for you.