~ 3 months ~ 100% ~ progress photos ~

[RawHeaven]

I've been 100% raw since January 1, 2008 and 80-90% since last April 2007 when I began this beautiful raw journey.

I've been putting some information together to chronicle how much I've changed over the years. I started as a chunky, overweight junk food vegetarian and morphed into an athletic vegan before I had my motorcycle accident in 2005. Then I put on a ton of weight again and decided to explore fasting and raw foods in 2007 to further heal myself. It is so true there is always a blessing, even when you're faced with the most difficult challenges in life...there is always a light. The accident I experienced brought me to where I am today. If it didn't have it, I wouldn't have gained the newfound appreciation for my body and how to heal on a deeper level. I'm after OPTIMAL HEALTH these days...it extends beyond physical appearance.


Here's me in Fall 2000 ~ 175 lbs ~ on my 5'2 frame that's a lot of weight. I was a vegetarian. I didn't eat meat, but I ate everything else. I was also a skilled emotional binge eater. :wink: No more, yay! :-D



I had my motorcycle accident in Fall 2005, gained at least 60+ lbs being in recovery for 2 1/2 years. Endless operations, being depressed, eating take out and junk food and pain medication will pretty much guarantee you will exacerbate your health issues. I don't have a photo, but I was even bigger than the first photo above to give you an idea. I was miserable, in pain all of the time and just not a very pleasant person to be around! Oh yea. haha. I began my first 30 day master cleanse, my first fast ever in my life, in May 2007. I lost 40+ lbs I think. Then I naturally progressed into eating raw foods, lost some more weight, but more importantly regained my Health; emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally.


1 year raw, 3 months 100% ~ April 2008 ~ 125 lbs V
----------------



I have shared this to demonstrate that attaining good health is not neccessarily a quick fix remedy. It can sometimes take years and everything that you do Right Now, every little change you make...whether it's every day, every six months or on an annual basis will eventually reap great benefits. Be patient and persevere. Most importantly don't give up. Sometimes you will slip up! Slipping up is really no big deal, you have to give yourself credit for trying. Simply dust yourself off and get back on the health train.

I'm still healing and I still have goals for strengthening my body and eliminating more toxins. I will continue cleansing and eating highly vibrating, living foods for the rest of my life. When you decide to take the reins of your health into your own hands, the more in charge you will be of your own health. It really isn't all about appearances. Of course Good Health is apparent in someone's external beauty, but it's also reflective of their inner soul and inner health. It's also about balance, faith, inner peace, sustenance and expecting to stay WEll and BE WELL & strong, rather than the other way around. I'm happy to say I'm out of the game of yo-yo weight gain and loss and also paying attention to external advice as to what's good for me. Phooey. I don't listen! I simply pay attention to what my body is telling me to do now and how it's feeling. I consciously eat well, get fresh air, get plenty of sun, hug my family, love my sweetheart, exercise and try to be a loving and compassionate person as much as I can. For me this has provided the key to good, sustaining health. I hope everyone experiences this in their lifetime. It's our birthrite to be healthy, give and receive love, and to have fun in life.

Wishing you all of the best in attaining your goals whatever they may be. Here's to your fantastic health! I'll see you in 6 months to a year with further progress notes.

Love, Peace & Blessings,
Crystal

[kissum]

You look great- and very happy! Good for you!

[carolg]

I agree--you look GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

carolg

[StarFire]

My goodness.... you're HOW OLD??? hmmmm... are you sure??? ... you better check your drivers license - I think you messed up on the addition! You look like your in your early 30's!!!

GIRRRRRL.. YOU LOOOK FANTASTIC!!!

You definitely are sportin that rawMacious GLOW!!! I can just see it now ... at the airport... not only do you set all the alarms off... they probably can't figure out what's makin you glow on top of that!!! ahahhahaaa !!!!

RAWk on and Congratulations!! Well done... and simply BEAUTIFUL!!

[Care4raw]

So beautiful, inside and out!

[tanishamarshall]

wow you look great.....

[Eva]

You look GREAT!!! And you can definitely see the difference in your face, that's for sure!

I have metal in my leg too -- sure didn't take pain meds for only 3 days after surgery though. How about 3 months? Ick.

You are soooo lucky to have found out about raw and to have the chance to recover as you did. Your attitude on here is always so positive and healthy, and I can see from your pictures how much your appearance ALSO glows! :)

[Raene]

Yeah, I agree...you must have your age wrong...early 30s you meant, right???

[lodestar]

you are lovely inside and out...congrats. with your evolution. xox

[RawHeaven]

Thank you everyone for your beautiful & kind words. You are so sweet. Starfire, you are so funny. You have such a gift to inspire. I have to disclose honestly that I've always looked younger...it's genetic and runs in my family. The big difference now is I FEEL energized, full of life and like my cells are regenerating daily eating living foods. Woo hoo! It's all about feeling connected I believe. Just wanted to share my 3 month, 100% Raw results to inspire others to hang in there. It works! I have not reached all of my health & personal goals yet. I look forward to seeing where I'll be in 6 months and a year from now...it's exciting to consider and keeps me on this path.

[RawHeaven]

You look GREAT!!! And you can definitely see the difference in your face, that's for sure!

I have metal in my leg too -- sure didn't take pain meds for only 3 days after surgery though. How about 3 months? Ick.

You are soooo lucky to have found out about raw and to have the chance to recover as you did. Your attitude on here is always so positive and healthy, and I can see from your pictures how much your appearance ALSO glows! :)

Eva, thank you so much! I enjoy reading your insight as well...your positive energy flows. The metal in the leg isn't so bad now huh? It freaked me out initially. With regard to the pain meds, ick indeed. lol. That particular recovery was the exception for me because I had started eating raw foods a few weeks months prior to the surgery. Usually I would be on those things at least 2-3 months after each operation. Another testament to the raw food lifestyle...your body recovers and bounces back faster I believe if you do sustain an injury or have to have surgery. Have a beautiful day. ~Crystal

[RawHeaven]

----------

[rawstrength]

Wow! It's amazing how far you've come. Keep rawkin'!

[jacsam]

Your pictures are beautiful and your story is inspiring....THANKS!!!

[RawSinger]

Age does not show on your face, pretty lady! I think your raw is showing! Very inspirational. I need that right now! God bless:)