16 and going raw with no support..

[JamieLynn17]

Hey:) I'm Jamie Lynn, I'm 16 and from Florida.

I'm soooo new to this, so bear with me. haha

Going raw has been something I've looked into for several months now, and being a vegetarian has always sparked my interest. I've found that what I naturally reach for when I'm hungry is fruits and vegetables, and a lot of "taste-less" things as my friends would say, but my family prefers to have fast food and other unhealthy foods for dinner.

I decided about two weeks ago that I was, for sure, going to go raw. Not only for weightloss (because I am around 30 pounds overweight for my age and height) but also just to become "clean", which is the only way I can describe it. Seeing before and after pictures has also inspired me; those who go raw just seem to have the best complexion, hair, and overall outlook on life.

I made sure I had all my information straight, and read through the "raw detox diet" book (which I will be following), and when I finally began telling people around me, one by one, I was told in many variations that it was a stupid idea, and I'll get over my phase.

I have this feeling that this is seriously what I need to do, (almost a type of calling?) and I'm wondering if there really isn't a need for me to voice why I want to, because I strongly believe that the results will do the talking for me:)

I wanted to know if any other teens or young adults, or anyone really had gone through this, and what kept them motivated to continue dispite the lack of support around them.

Can't wait to read your responses!:)
<3, JamieLynn

[xPIXIEx]

Hello and welcome, Jamie Lynn.

I was told that my choice to be a vegetarian was just a phase. That was over 2 years ago. Since then I've gone vegan and now I'm working on raw. Definitely not a phase here. Some of us want to change for good. Congrats on your decision to make some changes.

To this day, and it's been almost 3 years since I decided to give up meat, my family thinks I'm going to go back to the old me. My mom was offering me some non-vegan food on Thanksgiving. She told me "just a little won't hurt." lol. No thanks. It can be tough when you don't know anyone who has a similar diet. Just stay strong, and keep your head up. It's your life. And your choice to give your body the best food Mother Nature has to offer.

[babeak]

Hey Jamie---

I was 23 and had been a vegetarian for about 4 yr. and became a vegan. I sought out a vegetarian group in my area and that was what then inspired me to become vegan because I learned info about dairy, etc. I went to see a friend from college over Thanksgiving and she told me that I was just going through a rebellious phase!?! What??? I have remained vegan, never really waffling back and forth. This friend of mine used to be a stick who was trying to put on just a little weight, but has put on so many pounds that she is almost not recognizable and is obese...hmmm....and yet commenting on my diet.

I have made the next step to at least become high raw...was all raw this summer.

Anyway, I am now 42.

If anyone else says that it is a phase, I think that one response would be "yes, I am going through a phase, a transitional phase to a healthier life and I would appreciate your support".

Kudos to you in discovering this at 16! Best wishes.

[JamieLynn17]

Thanks to both of you:) I went about 75% raw all last week, and even though I messed up many times, this is the first "diet" change that I've stuck with. I'm hoping to be all raw by January.

My parents accept it now, and after seeing how amazing my attitude is my mom wants to try! (She's a manager at Olive Garden, so temptations are everywhere).

Even some of my friends are showing interest. I bring so much fruit to school that I share in practically every class. People consider me a walking produce stand now. haha.

I even found a cute little produce stand on a street I use everyday to get to and from school. It's like my new drive thru! haha.
Living raw is easier and not only do I feel happy, but my body really does too.

[blenditallguy]

Hey Jamie, hang in there! Making any diet change isn't easy as you know. Even if others don't follow you'll find a ton of benefits from a healthy diet. If they don't follow they don't know what they're missin!

www.blenditall.com

[Marin Mom]

Jamie, I happened to wander over here and saw your post- good for you for starting this lifestyle and sticking to your guns! My family thought it was a phase too (over 2 years ago) at first. You hang in there and don't tell people who you don't think will be supportive. Somehow others who will be will seek you out (word will get around) and that will be your opportunity to shine. Some people get threatened when they see someone else trying to improve their eating habits because they know deep down they want to change too but don't have the willpower to do so. It's great your mom wants to jump in and to have a job at Olive Garden could be an ideal transition for her! Maybe you can create some raw desserts for both of you?

[michigan roman]

dont know how read you are in vegansim so just putting it out there that ive read many very bright vegans warn of B12 deficiencies developing in veganism so they thusly suggest supplimenting it

from reading many vegans opinions ive come to like jarrow brand methly b12 suppliments , but i buy other brands such as ' now ' in case one is faulty