Hi--Amanda from Idaho :)

[AmandaButBetter]

Hi, my name is Amanda. Is okay to be perfectly honest?

A little about me: I am about to turn 31 in just a couple of days. I am married to the love of my life, Chris, and have been for 3 years now. We have a beautiful daughter, Bailey. My life should be great right now--but it's not. The truth is, I feel like crap. For the last couple of years, since I reached my late 20s-early 30s, I have noticed a decline in the way I feel. I have pretty much ZERO energy, have developed mild adult acne, and I have almost daily gastric issues due to dietary issues. I don't have a terrible diet--in fact, it's pretty healthy in terms of what alot of people would define as healthy. But there's still a problem. Pretty much all areas of my life, including my relationships, have been affected by this because I just don't feel good.

My search began yesterday morning when I googled 'foods for energy', because I was so tired. In the search results, I found a link that sent me to a Raw Foodist's website...although I can't remember whose it was. Thruough out the day yesterday, I read up on people's experiences--folks who had experinced healings for symptoms related to mine...so I became intrigued.

I am a Christian--so as I was reading on raw foods yesterday, bible verses came to mind. In Genesis, when God created Adam and Eve, and placed them in the Garden of Eden, he gave them vegetation only to eat. It was only after they sinned against God that He made an allowance for eating meats. And in the book of Daniel, when Daniel was in captivity in Babylon, and the king offered him and his friends the richest of royal cuisine to eat, Daniel and his friends refused--opting instead to eat only fruits and vegetables for several weeks. At the end of that time, everyone was astounded at how healthy they were.

I am still not sure how to get started...but I'm putting one step in front of the other. I am so ready to feel better--and I have a fledgeling hope that raw foods might help me.

Thanks for listening--I am looking forward to the wealth of knowlegdge I know I'll find here.

Amanda

[Dimond]

Welcome Amanda. :) The best thing to start out with is a green smoothie first thing in the morning. It's delicious, satisfying and gives most tons of energy.

Simple Smoothie
2-4 Bananas
1-2 cups Baby Spinach
3-4 cups Water
Blend until smooth.

[Veganforlife]

Welcome! I would suggest you purchase Alissa's book and DVDs. They are the most powerful learning tool you could ever get to get you on the right path of healing. You've taken the first step - posting here. Next? Order that book. In the meantime, read, read, read all you can and start your healing journey NOW. No time like the present. Grab that apple girl and start! Your body, mind, and soul will love you for it! ;)

[AmandaButBetter]

I think I will order Alissa's book and get started right away. You said the right thing for this procrastinator (me)--'Start your Healing journey now-no time like the present'. Thanks for the encouragement!

[AmandaButBetter]

I'll pick up the stuff to make your smoothie tonight! This is my very first recipe--so thanks! :)

[Veganforlife]

I'll pick up the stuff to make your smoothie tonight! This is my very first recipe--so thanks! :)

Ya might wanna just eat that apple tonight and do the smoothie in the mornign for energy? Me and energy do not make for a good night's sleep, which is what you will be wanting to start your body healing.

Make a fruit salad or a regular - RAW salad tonight.

It's a fun, exciting adventure and the outcome - health, energy, mental alert, it's all so worth it!

[AmandaButBetter]

Haha--thanks for the advice! I definately don't want to be tossing and turning tonight.

I'm headed to the store in just a bit to stock up on some fresh organic (where possible) produce. I've spent alot of today reading up on Alissa's articles and guidance. I am excited to get started...a little nervous, since it's totally new for me. But I am encouraged by what I've been reading. Thanks for your help today!

[Carolina Gurl]

Alissa's book and DVD were one of the 1st things I ordered to learn more about raw foods. I know you will enjoy her book as she has tons of recipes to try and I love her DVD it just gives you a feel of what the foods look like and how to go by preparing them. Good Luck

Maybe we can jump on this wagon together I fell off the wagon due to personal issues but I am ready to start all over again no matter what hurdles I face.

[qfmother]

Hi Amanda - I am a Christian too and I pray that God will give you the wisdom you need to obey what He is telling you about your diet. Feel free to keep in touch with me privately if you ever need any encouragement or prayers.

I totally agree that Alissa's book is great, I do not have her DVD yet but hopefully someday. You might also find hacres.com helpful, if you haven't come across it already.

Blessings!

[spicyfull]

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

[Frugal Raw]

Welcome!! I wish you the best of rawesome health!!

[Shine]

Good morning! I am new here too and Alissa's book has been WONDERFUL! Welcome :)