Only just begun

[makeachange]

Hello, I'm Jersey from MD. I officially start my raw food journey tomorrow. I found out about Alissa from watching "diet wars" on the Tyra Banks show two days ago.
I've got to say I am very nervous. I tried several different diets and as you can see I'm here now. Weight is a concern but the negative chages I've seen in my body after years of eating junk is a bigger issue. I'm tired all the time, get rashes after eating cerain foods, my skin is dry and blemished, my hair is thinning and I seem to forget things all the time. I just need to know that I will see REAL changes in my general health.
I thought about doing the master cleanse for three days before going raw. Should I?

[Beckla]

WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME from a fellow Jersey girl.

You've stumbled upon a great resource and an amazing lifestyle. Take your time, roll with the punches, and give this a shot. I promise it's worth the intial struggles you may find. Best thing to happen to me in ages and ages.

Glad you're with us. =)

Becca

[makeachange]

Thanks Beckla. Can't wait to be amazed!

[Beckla]

I hit 6 months yesterday.

Trust me - if this works for you (it's all individual!) then you will likely be more pleasantly surprised than disappointed.

It's been fantastic for me. Can't speak for others, but wish you nothing but the very best!

[StarFire]

Aloha and Welcome makeAchange! Rawkin sweet name!! ;) I'm so glad you decided to give raw foods a shot. The best way to start is to get Alissas book and DVD if you haven't gotten them already. Seriously - it absolutely was the most important tool I had when I first went raw. Alissa has a 30 day plan all laid out - right down to the grocery list!! (lol!) perfect for me since I had no clue what to do or how to do it. I thought raw foods just meant carrots and salad... boy was I wrong! It's raw pizzas, and chocolate cakes, and amazing enchiladas!! yummm!!

Alissa has a ton of easy and amazing recipes in her book, and the DVD will rock your world. The DVD is like having Alissa right there in your living room talking right to you!! AAAND... There's these two ladies on there - and when you see their results after 30 days... OMG!! It absolutely was amazing! I figured if they can do it -- I CAN DO IT!

If you want to head on over to the journaling section, you can start your own blog and keep a record of your journey. You can record your food, exercise ask questions, its a great place to get support!

Also - feel free to jump in on the July 30 day challenge. You can find it under the general discussion area under HOT~HOT~HOT JULY thread. Just make a post - introduce yourself and join in the fun!!

RAWK ON AND ENJOY THE RIDE!!

[moniqueyvette]

makeachange: first, welcome, i live in los angeles right now, but i'm from PG County, MD.

Pleasantries out of the way, do NOT do the Master Cleanse for 3 days...I don't know if you've done the MC before, but there is NO point in doing it for just 3 days. What was your reasoning? I don't mean to sound condescending (as you can't tell my concern from my typed words), I mean to ask, quite sincerely, what is the reason you feel you should fast for 3 days?

If you are going to do the MC, commit to the FULL 10 days of lemonade and 3 days of recovery. If you only have 3 days, go for a water, juice or green smoothie fast. Eating raw foods is cleansing in itself so you might want to begin eating raw for 30 days and THEN do the MC. I have done the MC about 10 times, as I use it for a seasonal cleansing, feel free to contact me if you have ANY questions.

A perfect 3 day fast, especially if you battle cellulite, the juice of: 3 grapefruit, 1 lrg. orange, 1 med. lemon, and 1c. pineapple. This is a recipe in David Wolfe's Eating For Beauty. Good Luck!

Ah, yes, one more thing that kinda got my attention. You said that you have "tried many diets and now you're here." You also said "I just need to know that I will see REAL changes..." Your changes depend on you. This is not a DIET to TRY. This is a lifestyle that WILL change your life. I will be honest with you (as you can tell...hee hee hee) and tell you that it will be difficult, frustrating and you may want to throw in the towel. You have to put in the work for you. The food will give you a foundation and energy, but it's what you DO with that energy that counts. I have a little homework for you. PLEASE buy Alissa's book and DVD. READ it cover to cover. This is not something to step into lightly or you will give up easily.

The thing about nature is that it doesn't have an advertising budget, so you won't see any commercials about the "Incredible Edible...Cucumber!" You have to do research as far as what foods will help you get the "REAL changes" you are looking for depending on your current level of health. EVERYONE is different. You will learn A LOT about yourself eating this way...as we all are. We are all here to support eachother and share information. ASK ANY QUESTION YOU MAY HAVE and stay engaged.

Peace and Blessings

[moniqueyvette]

Ok, i just re-read that and I sound like a total...you know...But I'm not, i promise, i'm just passionate! and I, like you, have gone through every diet in the world...seriousy...Japan, Yemen, French...i've tried 'em all...until I realized it wasn't the diet, it was ME. I needed to make a change in the way I thought about food. I also suffered (notice the past tense) from eczema and yeast infections....all gone about 1 month into raw...and the eczema returned only after i gave into temptation and ate cooked for a minute...ok, a few months...ok, the better part of a year...but anyway, WELCOME. ENJOY, it's all trial and error, so don't get discouraged, YOU ARE FINALLY ABOUT TO START LIVING!!!

[makeachange]

Moniqueyvette,
I'm glad you sent the second email cause when I read the first I was like WHOAthat chick needs to get a grip. I just was writing my thoughts at the time, next time I phase more sensitively. :)

[lafsalot]

Hi makeachange, and welcome aboard! Definitely get Alissa's book, and while you are waiting, might want to check out the RawkinRadio shows - lots of helpful advice and tips. Enjoy the forums ~ Cathy

[spicyfull]

I wish you everything you need to Stay RAW....Welcome to MY World.....

[Pierre]

Welcome to raw!

I haven't done MC and didn't even go 100% raw all at once. Just eating raw, you will clean out the junk.

[Veganforlife]

Hey there! Welcome.
I too have never done the MC, fasting and other drastic measures, nor will I. Why go from one extreme to the other? I was Vegetarian for 26 years, then Vegan for 2 now Raw for one year this month. I did jump in 100% as I was at my wit's end with health issues. Both those issues have healed (in less then a year) and I've dropped about 45 pounds. I feel better then I ever have, or at least that I can remember.
This is your choice however. I feel if you go 100% you will see greater results. You will detox faster and your body will heal faster then if you continue to east SAD/CRAP foods as your body will still be trying to digest those empty so-called foods. MC, fasting - I do not feel they are the way to start off your raw journey, neither does Alissa.
Do you have her book and DVD? Wonderful tools to help you on your journey.
Another great is Green Smoothies. They work wonders!

[eat~to~live]

hi MakeAchange..welcome!

I had done raw about a year ago and the only way I learned what to do without feeling so overwhelmed and intimidated was when I read Alissa's book AND watched her DVD's. I am a very visual learner so these were beyond perfect for me.

I didn't really do it right at first because I was basically making it to complicated and I wore myself out. So I slowly got away from even likeing veggies after I had my last baby. and now she is 2&1/2 oh wow maybe it's been almost 3 years since I did Raw. TIme flies!

So, I am now on my 14th day of the Master Cleanse. I will be comming off in a couple of days and doing 100% raw.

I had to do the MC so that I would like veggies again and appreciate the wonderful flavor of natural foods. :) I couldn't taste them anymore.

Honestly, this way of eating has touched my soul. I feel it's right ext.
My alternitve med Chyropractor showed me these posters he bought of pictures from a type of camera that takes pictures of energy in foods ect...
It was soooo cool to see the live grapefruit cut in half and the cooked broccoli and compare. the grapefruit.. you could see the light like the sun, shining and overflowing. So cool to know that is the healing energy we are consuming daily all the time eating raw.

Look forward to following your journey!!

[moniqueyvette]

makeachange: although it may have been harsh...i stand by each and every word...and please, don't feel you have to hold back on my account. Although you said you were just writing your thoughts at the time, they still are your thoughts and they are quite valid. understand that my brash delivery comes from a good place, I simply don't want you to have a bad experience doing the MC incorrectly and then blaming raw for not getting you results.

eat to live: I think pictures you saw were Kirlian images. i tried to put some up here, but the links aren't working. i haven't seen the grapefruit but i'm sure it was awesome!!!

[makeachange]

Thanks guys for all the support. I've been going strong for 2 1/2 days now. I said the true test was when I went back to the work and could get through the day without reaching for the candy, chips or frappachinos. Day almost over and I am still good. I think the main thing I learned from trying other ways of eating is that you have to be prepared. So I armed myself with raw goodies and made it. Day 3 is almost under my belt..... Go me!!