Keeping weight up on diet + Lupus & Raynaud's

[klh]

Hello all, I am new to the forum, and only recently started exploring the idea of eating a largely raw diet. I was recently diagnosed with Lupus, and have spoken with others and read quite a bit about others who have put their Lupus into remission with a raw food diet. This is really encouraging! My concern, however, is that I have always been petite...I fluctuate typically between 110 and 115 (and am 5'4"). This has always been the case, regardless of how much I eat. I absolutely do not want to be less than 110, and am wondering if there are any others who are in a similar situation? Is it a struggle to keep your weight up eating raw? Most of what I read about the diet is from the perspective of those who struggle to lose weight, so I am concerned.

Also, I am interested in anyone else with Raynaud's who lives in an area with 4 seasons...is it hard to warm up in the winter while eating raw? I'm accustomed to having the oven on almost perpetually in the cold New England winter.

Thanks to all for your time!

[Raw Angel Mom]

I find raw food balance and normalize your body. You may lose weight at first but only because your body will want to get ride of toxin.

Start also to do weight lifting, it is when i did that, that i finally got a normal weight.

Raw food is healing, rejuvenating and so wonderful.

Congratulation for considering to incorporate more raw food!

[sport]

Your health is more important than your weight.
I did not want to loose weight but I lost it and now I like it and would like to stay the weight that I am. I am 105 lbs at 5ft2.
Eat raw. Get plenty of calories and nutrients. Keep an eye on your intake for a while using something like cronometer to educate you regarding what you need and what you are getting. If you are getting all that you need and still loose weight then it is what your body wants.
Trust your body to make the right decisions if it is given the right tools.

[klh]

Thanks for your replies. The reason I don't want to go below 110 is that I'm not healthy under that weight. I have an injured and inflamed nervous system which also can't handle having less fat than it already has protecting it. So in losing weight, it is fat I am concerned about losing. Muscle won't make up for what my body needs for fuel and protection. I am concerned that when eating most raw food, your body uses up more calories chewing and digesting than the food provides. I also have a difficult candida yeast problem, and can't eat fruit other than lemons and avocados as a result, so higher calorie options like bananas, etc. are off the table. I've thought of nuts, seeds, coconut butter, lots of oil on my salads...

[D'vorah]

Thanks for your replies. The reason I don't want to go below 110 is that I'm not healthy under that weight. I have an injured and inflamed nervous system which also can't handle having less fat than it already has protecting it. So in losing weight, it is fat I am concerned about losing. Muscle won't make up for what my body needs for fuel and protection. I am concerned that when eating most raw food, your body uses up more calories chewing and digesting than the food provides. I also have a difficult candida yeast problem, and can't eat fruit other than lemons and avocados as a result, so higher calorie options like bananas, etc. are off the table. I've thought of nuts, seeds, coconut butter, lots of oil on my salads...

Some folks do fine with regard to candida on fruit and lots of greens, *if* they cut the fats.

Low body weight on raw may be vastly different than low body weight on cooked or SAD. Just thinking out loud.

D

[sport]

Some folks do fine with regard to candida on fruit and lots of greens, *if* they cut the fats.
D

Yes, It is now fairly widely held that candida responds well to low fat high fruit. It is the fat in the diet slowing down the absorption of the sugars that causes the problem.

[sport]

can't eat fruit other than lemons and avocados as a result, so higher calorie options like bananas, etc. are off the table. I've thought of nuts, seeds, coconut butter, lots of oil on my salads...

You could go down the Hippocretes rout and use a lot of sprouted seeds and beans.
High fat is not a good option for anyone. The best way to get the calories you need is high calorie fruit.

[MysticTree]

You could go down the Hippocretes rout and use a lot of sprouted seeds and beans.
High fat is not a good option for anyone. The best way to get the calories you need is high calorie fruit.

I'm sure I have read somewhere recently that lupus and sprouted foods don't go well together. Now I must go and look-see where that might have been.

[MysticTree]

there are many sources that talk about sprouted foods being bad for those with lupus ... and there are many lupus suffers eating sprouted lifestyles and thriving ... ask around and make your choices I guess.

[JenniferMooreFuller]

One possibility for keeping calorie count up is buckwheat seed. I soak some overnight and add to my green smoothie in the morning. Buckwheat is fairly low fat and has around 140 calories per 1/4 cup. If you like the taste you can also use it in recipes as discussed in that section of RFT. Jennifer

[Raw Angel Mom]

Thanks for your replies. The reason I don't want to go below 110 is that I'm not healthy under that weight. I have an injured and inflamed nervous system which also can't handle having less fat than it already has protecting it. So in losing weight, it is fat I am concerned about losing. Muscle won't make up for what my body needs for fuel and protection. I am concerned that when eating most raw food, your body uses up more calories chewing and digesting than the food provides. I also have a difficult candida yeast problem, and can't eat fruit other than lemons and avocados as a result, so higher calorie options like bananas, etc. are off the table. I've thought of nuts, seeds, coconut butter, lots of oil on my salads...

I started a thread on one issue that could affect your nerve and it is being low in B-12. You may want to check you level by using the urine test and not the blood one. If you go throw the thread, you will have the information about it. Search also the symptom from a low level of B-12. This aspect is so over look and miss.

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=65266

Raw live food, leafy greens and fresh produce can only assist your body to rejuvenate, rebuilt and keep you healthy. There is a reason why people look always younger while doing this diet and it is because it heals.

Seriously, look into your level of B-12. Many are deficient including meat eater for different reasons.

The more live food your consume, the more alive your body will feel.

I know!

[klh]

Thanks again for all of your suggestions. I am indeed deficient in B12. It appears that I most likely have Leaky Gut Syndrome, so even with mega supplementation, my body doesn't absorb it well. I hope to meet with a Naturopath soon who will help me with this. I will look into your suggestions. I did a reflexology session today, and my kidney, liver and gallbladder points were unbearably tender. I have a great deal of work to do.
K