Raw Vegan Reinforcments Please!

[VeryBerry]

Ooops, I missed the 6 months or longer part.

[fiddler]

1. How long have you been raw vegan/vegetarian?
Raw Birth Date: 8/31/05

2. Does your raw vegan/vegetarian diet consist of eating low-fruit or high-fruit?
High Fruit, Low Fat (Basically, the Graham 811rv approach)

3. Did you ever experience any issues with your teeth?
Yes before RAW. After going RAW, I had some pains early on because I ate too much dried fruit and nuts. Now, on 811rv I haven't had any teeth problems so far.

4. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements?
n/a

5. Did you ever experience any issues with hair loss?
No

6. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements?
n/a

7. Did you ever experience a decrease in energy?
Initially on RAW I got great gains for the first month or two. Then, there was a lull for about 3 to 5 months. Now, I'm going gangbusters on energy. I think I have more energy now because I'm following the 811rv (high fruit, low fat diet) and taking better care of myself (sleep, managing stress, praying, etc...)

8. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements?
Yes, but it was because I improved my RAW diet to the next level. I was doing WAY too much fat early on with the nuts, avocados, seeds. Once I switched to 811rv, it took me months before I got a good handle on it. Now, things are so much easier.

9. If you have any other words of encouragement for those reading this who are not quite where you are in terms of having been raw vegan/vegetarian for 6 months or longer, please state them below...thanks! :)
I've posted advice to this question alot over the past year here so you can check some of my previous posts. :) However, if I were to summarize I'd list these as my favorites:
- Always continue to improve every aspect of your health journey. Just because it is RAW does not make it the ideal! Okay to "just eat RAW" for the first month or two or however long it takes you. But you should always strive to improve.
- Set clear goals on why you're doing your RAW journey. If you haven't written down your goals on paper, then you should do so before you go to bed tonight. If you don't know how to write/plan your goals, get a good book on Goal Setting and take it from there.
- Read something positive everyday
- Consider the 80-10-10 approach, it's fabulous. For more info, visit http://www.foodnsport.com
- Exercise
- Sleep well. Make sure to get plenty. If you don't awake full of enthusiasm and energy to start the day, you likely need more sleep.
- Don't preach your RAW ways to others. If they ask, keep feeding them the truth in short doses until they stop asking :)
- If and when you slip and eat something less than optimal (i.e. cooked), don't sweat it. Get right back on to achieving your goals (see above). Rarely, does anyone achieve any goal worthwhile without setbacks on the way.
- Find someone who has already achieved the level of health you're seeking, and then model their behavior (i.e. do what they do). For me, I'm blown away by the low-fat raw vegan practitioners. There's a few of 'em on this board :)

What a great post Rawkinlocs!! You're still one of my FAVS on this forum - an angel and a great help to all who visit this forum.

Cheers,
Gil

[LightLover]

Excellent thread, great added value, thank you! :)

LL

[Rawkinlocs]

Hi all! WOW! I am blown away by the responses so far!!

Thank you all so very much and those of you who expressed appreciation for this thread, you're so very welcome! I'm happy it's encouraging you all. Also, thank you for the love and support you've shown me :) I sure appreciate it those times when I am uncertain if I'm being well received due to my moderating techniques - thank you for making me continue to know I'm loved here

Just dawned on me that I didn't give my own answers (OH and VeryBerry, no problem...still good to hear from ya! :) )


1. How long have you been raw vegan/vegetarian?

2 1/2 years, though not 100%, 100% of that full time (darned chips!)

2. Does your raw vegan/vegetarian diet consist of eating low-fruit or high-fruit?

I'd say high fruit. I eat pretty simply most of the time, but still indulge in raw gourmet from time-to-time.

3. Did you ever experience any issues with your teeth?

Like Sharon in Colorado, I had dental issues loooong before raw. Not sure if they're better, but certainly haven't gotten worse.

4. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements?
n/a

5. Did you ever experience any issues with hair loss?

No. Similar to Liftagift, my hair was chemical-free for about a good 2 or 3 years before I embarked upon raw and I really, honestly believe that any "detoxing" of the scalp was done already. But my hair is about 5 inches away from being down to my booty! :) Still thick and healthy!

6. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements?
n/a

7. Did you ever experience a decrease in energy?

Yes, during the beginning of my going raw.

8. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements?

I'm not exactly sure, but 'guesstimating' I'd say it was about 3 months into it...something like that.

9. If you have any other words of encouragement for those reading this who are not quite where you are in terms of having been raw vegan/vegetarian for 6 months or longer, please state them below...thanks!

I'd say to trust your body that it knows what it's doing. Always keep in mind that after years of abuse, recovery from that will not happen overnight and sometimes healing brings about certain discomforts. But glean from those who have been at this for a while and gotten the good results!

[ShelShel]

1. How long have you been raw vegan/vegetarian?

Going on 9 months.

2. Does your raw vegan/vegetarian diet consist of eating low-fruit or high-fruit?This changes for me. Summer months it's almost exclusively fruit. Water filled melons mostly. Winter I've added gourmet raw and raw soups. Mostly veggies in the cold.

3. Did you ever experience any issues with your teeth?I didn't have one cavity in my mouth the first 33 years of life! But this year....ouch. I've had an impacted tooth removed because of infection and it damaged two near by teeth...two carries there. I will be having the others out next month...I did have a short period of extreme sensitivity!

4. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements? I'm thinking that although I have great dental hygiene (always have), the impacted teeth just happened to start shifting when I went raw...causing infections and damaging near by teeth. I don't think it was raw causing all this as much as coincidence. ;) So, now...my teeth are great! I'm extremely careful with them...and the sensitivity went away all on it's own.

5. Did you ever experience any issues with hair loss?Absolutely none! Thick and healthy!

6. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements?

7. Did you ever experience a decrease in energy? Since the first week I went raw...it's been all good! :) That's the reason I started...lack of energy and I knew something was physically wrong. Raw was an instant relief for this in me! I have never been as tired as I was on SAD foods. But I do get a bit more sleepy around my period. But last month it was 2 days shorter than all my other months...so, this could be changing in the future.

8. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements?

9. If you have any other words of encouragement for those reading this who are not quite where you are in terms of having been raw vegan/vegetarian for 6 months or longer, please state them below...thanks!
Wow, where to begin. I guess, start slowly. Allow yourself the freedom to really try this and stick with it. Don't get down if you fall off the wagon...just get right back on. The more you believe you can you will. The harder you try the more you will accomplish. Give it everything you have to stick with it long enough to make it a lifestyle habit...not a temporary diet! Start your 30 day challenge today! You are worth it! Your body will love you for it...and you will love your body after it's been on raw! It's a mutual admiration society! Raw Rawks!

[Pailani]

What a great post Rawkinlocs!! You're still one of my FAVS on this forum - an angel and a great help to all who visit this forum.

I second that!

I'm still transitioning, getting closer and closer to where I want to be - and this thread is a great encouragement that I'm headed in the right direction!

[Gosia]

1. How long have you been raw vegan/vegetarian?

I went vegetarian about 20 years ago, in my 20's, and never liked meat ever since. Gradually, eggs and cheese dissapeared from my diet, as I was realizing that I did not like the taste or how I felt after eating them. Then, about 3 years ago I went raw vegan. All these mentioned phases were not clear cut, there was a little bit of forward and backward periods in them, but the general trend was the transition to raw vegan.

2. Does your raw vegan/vegetarian diet consist of eating low-fruit or high-fruit?

High fruit yumm!

3. Did you ever experience any issues with your teeth?

Yes, before raw though. I had gum problems (had gum disease in the past). Also, I had quite a few fillings.

4. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements?

Yes, my dentist was amazed to see how good my gums become on raw! Also, my teeth are pretty good to, no fillings for long time!

5. Did you ever experience any issues with hair loss?

I have always had very fine hair. About 6-9 months into raw, my hair started falling out.

6. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements?

Yes, the hair falling our lasted a few weeks, and since then my hair kept improving.

7. Did you ever experience a decrease in energy?

I have far more energy than on cooked. However, relapses to cooked always resulted in a decrease in energy. I take it for detox. Also, I noticed that eating lots of nuts makes me feel not as energetic as eating water-rich foods.

8. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements?

Yes. Staying raw, eating lots of fresh ripe juicy fruit and fresh tender greens always does the trick for me.

9. If you have any other words of encouragement for those reading this who are not quite where you are in terms of having been raw vegan/vegetarian for 6 months or longer, please state them below...thanks!

I recommend that instead of eploring the intelectual arguments, you learn to listen to your body's natural instincts. All animals are capable of chosing the right foods for them by following their instincts, we can too. To me, this is the least-resistance way of doing raw, it is the effortless method. So, if you are interested, why not explore your own body?

Sincerely,
Gosia.

[yeahbethany]

1. How long have you been raw vegan/vegetarian?

Close to three years now (ate some cooked foods from October 2005-March 2006, and now back on all raw)

2. Does your raw vegan/vegetarian diet consist of eating low-fruit or high-fruit?

High fruit!

3. Did you ever experience any issues with your teeth?

Yes, sensitivity, chipping and the like. But since starting 8-1-1 (4 months ago), all sensitivity is gone and my teeth feel healthier than ever with minimal care!

4. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements?

Yes, see response to question 3.

5. Did you ever experience any issues with hair loss?

Had some problems with this before raw.

6. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements?

7. Did you ever experience a decrease in energy?

Yes, when eating high fat and not getting enough sleep.

8. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements?

Yes, started to get as much rest and sleep as I needed.

9. If you have any other words of encouragement for those reading this who are not quite where you are in terms of having been raw vegan/vegetarian for 6 months or longer, please state them below...thanks!

Many people will say the politically correct belief that different things work for different people. I don't believe this is true to the extent that people want it to be. We are all humans, and should thrive on a similar diet to that of our closest primate relatives. Don't get confused. =)

[Vandy]

1. How long have you been raw vegan/vegetarian?

A year and a half, I went one day and never went back ;)

2. Does your raw vegan/vegetarian diet consist of eating low-fruit or high-fruit?

High fruit, low fat. I usually follow the principles of Natural Hygiene. (Dr. Graham, Shelton, "RawNora", etc.)

3. Did you ever experience any issues with your teeth?

Before raw, yes. I had several cavities. After raw, I have had nothing but COMPLIMENTS from my dentist. Ummm, my scheduled app is not for another 6 months I believe...and it's a checkup.

4. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements?

I had sensitivity at first, then it went away when my body alkalized, became more balanced, and I learned to combine food properly.

5. Did you ever experience any issues with hair loss?

OOOHHHH YES, half my head fell off lol! However, when I stopped eating too much fat, and included MORE nutrient dense food into my diet such as fruits and greens (811), it began to grow back. I believe my body had to cleanse from the old, dead hair and replenish in order to be able to grow more vibrant and healthier hair. My hair is still growing back in full, and curlier, and darker!

6. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements?

You can read my experience on this in further detail in a thread entitled "Vandy questions for you?"

7. Did you ever experience a decrease in energy?

Only on a low-fruit, high fat approach. It got to the point where I could not get out of bed, and I am always filled with energy. Always. I am active, and not supplying my body with what it needed really hurt me for awhile and I had to recoup from that, even on raw.

8. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements?

More fruit and greens, decrease the fat. I had to eat 2 times the amount of fruit almost, increase my salads to 2 lbs, and take out about 6 tablespoons of fat that I was consuming dailiy. These LITTLE CHANGES MADE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE. Also, taking out salt allowed me to realize I had a salt addiction. It's gone now :)

9. If you have any other words of encouragement for those reading this who are not quite where you are in terms of having been raw vegan/vegetarian for 6 months or longer, please state them below...thanks!

Please be patient. After years of abuse to your body, you cannot expect it to detox completely in a few days or even a few weeks. It took me over a year to get where I am now. I still am overcoming deeper emotional issues that are revealed to ma daily, however, my physical health HAS NOT CHANGED. If I can encourage you to stick through the hard time, the rainbow WILL COME. IT is WORTH IT. (I think you know it otherwise you would not be here). Allow your body time to heal, rest, proper nutrition, sunshine, exercise, and sleep. Balance will come.

Fiddler~ I like your reply on this one.. especially about "feeding them the facts rather than the approach"...well said.

[Lay-Lay]

1. How long have you been raw vegan/vegetarian?
Since 2003 70-100%

2. Does your raw vegan/vegetarian diet consist of eating low-fruit or high-fruit? high-fruit

3. Did you ever experience any issues with your teeth? saw cavaties dissappear

4. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements? They are all nearly gone

5. Did you ever experience any issues with hair loss?
Yes
6. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements? Yes, it did, after increasing my intake of green smoothies it slowed down within just days.

7. Did you ever experience a decrease in energy?
small bouts, but nothing like before raw.
8. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements? Yes, few days after raw, just an occasional day of lack of energy and usually because I have eaten something not optimal.

9. If you have any other words of encouragement for those reading this who are not quite where you are in terms of having been raw vegan/vegetarian for 6 months or longer, please state them below

Eat raw, have fun! Play with your food. There are no rules!

[Rawkinlocs]

Thanks to those who recently filled this out! :)

Anymore care to share and bring some encouragement to others?

[PixieLed]

1. How long have you been raw vegan/vegetarian?
Since March 2006, so about 9 months now.

2. Does your raw vegan/vegetarian diet consist of eating low-fruit or high-fruit?
It depends on the days but I would say mid to high fruit.

3. Did you ever experience any issues with your teeth?
I got one cavity in April, but the weird thing is that the tooth didn't hurt at all. I would have actually prefered not to have a filling put in, because it may just have been detox since I started raw just the month before. But I guess now I'll never know. I'm going to the dentist in December, so we'll see then.

4. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements?
I'm not sure about whether it was caused by raw or not, since I always had a lot of cavities as a kid. I haven't had any sensitive teeth issues at all since raw, which I used to have before raw.

5. Did you ever experience any issues with hair loss?
Yes! About 3 months into raw I started loosing handfuls of hair. I think it may have been a number of things: raw detox, moving to new york city, stress from my new job and lack of sleep.

6. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements?
Yes after moving back to Canada my hair is no longer falling. It stopped falling out in September after I was reunited with my boyfriend. I also started taking B12 and protein powders, but I honestly don't think those have anything to do with improved hair since I don't take them anymore and my hair is fine. In fact my hair is growing in fresh and new!

7. Did you ever experience a decrease in energy?
Only when I don't get enough sleep or pull all-nighters, but even then I fare better than my friends who depend on coffee and sugar to recover.

8. If "yes" to the previous question, did the problem eventually go away with time and patience and if it did, how long did it take before you noticed improvements?
In general I'm not tired on raw, unless I eat something really heavy too quickly, like a whole tub of chocolate pudding (made from coconut meat, and maple syrup which isn't raw).

9. If you have any other words of encouragement for those reading this who are not quite where you are in terms of having been raw vegan/vegetarian for 6 months or longer, please state them below.
Please give your body a chance! I know it's hard, but just let your body tell you what it needs and listen. Also be sure to eat a variety of different things to stop yourself from getting bored. Buy different veggies and fruits, greens, nuts and try different recipes. For me that was the best thing ever! I never liked cheeses or dips before raw, so I didn't want to make them on raw. But after trying Alissa's raw dips and sauces and cheese, I'm hooked - they're so good and healthy I love them! :)

Also keep reading this forum, it's the best thing to keep you motivated. :)