May 2012 - 30 Day Challenge - Join at any time of the month!

[Smallu]

BTW, I made the YUMMIEST broccoli salad today and I thought I'd share.

1 small head of broccoli cut into small florets
1/8 cup raw pumpkin seeds

Dressing:
juice of one tangarine
1 tbsp Bragg's Liquid Aminos
1 tbsp cold-pressed olive oil (optional)
1 tbsp black sesame seeds
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger root
1 green onion, chopped

I would let the dressing sit for a couple of hours to let the flavors blend, before adding it to the salad. This reminds me of stir fry...all the same flavors but healthier :)

[LexieW]

that sounds DE-LISH!

[magglepie]

I am feeling really tired today, partly because I've been extra busy at work the past few weeks. But I wonder if part of that could be some detox. The good news, and I am proud of myself for this, is that I haven't had any cooked food yesterday or today. I am really determined to stay on the wagon. I've had three apples, a bunch of raisins and some broccoli to eat so far today. And I got a few bananas, some strawberries and melon and blueberries at the store for later. I need to go grocery shopping and get some more lettuce. I've been craving green things for weeks, and just can't get enough of them even when I eat a ton of salad. I'm sure I'll get sick of them eventually or move onto a different craving, but for now I'll just keep plowing through those greens.

The hardest part has been that for the past 24 hours or so, I've had this lowgrade headache that just won't quit. I want to take some tylenol or something, but I just can't bring myself to do it... So, lots more water instead.

[LexieW]

Good for you, Magglepie! Keep it up, and when your head pounds just remember - you're ridding yourself of your cooked food addictions! You're going over the hump, and the other side is so close. You can do it, congrats on all your determination and hard work so far!

[Smallu]

Sorry you're so tired, Maggiepie. I feel your pain. I'm detoxing from falling off the wagon last week. Try fresh ginger for detox symptoms. I grate some into some of my salad dressings. I hope your headache goes away soon and that you get your energy back.

I have been craving greens like crazy, too. I think it happens when your body wants protein, as they are high in protein. I try to eat one bunch of dark leafy greens (kale, collards, spinach, chard) per day. It's usually a combo between my green juice in the morning, a kale salad at lunch, and marinated collards or a green salad for dinner. I'm really hungry today. So far I've had my green juice (3 huge chard leaves, 3 stalks of celery, 6 carrots, 1 apple, 1" piece of ginger, 2 cloves of garlic, and a whole lemon), a mango, a grapefruit, and a kale salad with tahini/Bragg's/lemon dressing. I made more of the yummy broccoli salad that I posted yesterday, so I'm about to dive into that. I'm not having any cravings for non-raw foods, which is great. My body is craving lots and lots of water. I'm still really tired and really, really spaced out. Hoping for that raw food high everyone keeps talking about in another few days :)

[LexieW]

Aww, sorry to hear you're so tired Smallu. Funny you mention craving lots of water - I've noticed that in myself, as well. Looks like we really need to hydrate, keep those toxins moving out of our bodies. Keep it up!

As far as the raw high... it's one of those things I occasionally notice. Like, "oh, I'm at work and there's a lot going on and I should be stressed... but I'm kinda blissed out. Nice!" Not a big, bang-over-the-head "WOW" for me. At least... not yet.

Keep it up everyone, we're doing great and the month is almost over!

[Smallu]

Thanks, Lexie. Ok, regarding that high, I think I have it today! I should be really stressed out at work but I have this giant grin on my face and not a care in the world. It's so cool how our bodies give us immediate feedback based upon what foods we're eating. I can't wait for the June challenge!

[LexieW]

YAY! And how nice that's happening right before the long weekend :)

I'm traveling for the holiday, but I'm determined to stay raw - I feel much too good to let anything yucky into my system.

And yes, the June challenge is going to be great. I haven't been 100% this month, but it's the closest I've been. My willpower is stronger, thanks to this awesome forum

I'm so excited for all of us!

[PansyLo]

Haaallo!

Will be back in the game for June!

Almost totally moved out my flat. Going to miss Waitrose!! But I guess there are lots of little vegan shops in Fife and there is a Waitrose in Edinburgh where I can stock up.

My borderline alcoholic boyfriend announced that after the music festival he's going to next month he's wanting to quit drinking. I was pretty surprised but it'll be really good timing for me to stop with him and we can go do things together that don't revolve around cider and rum for once. Go on lots of adventures in the countryside instead, get outside more (in a way that isn't Pimm's in the garden) and get more walking done. It's much easier doing something like quitting drink if you have another person you're close to doing the same.

I'm doing shopping tomorrow so I'll be spending the day in the sun reading and looking up some good raw recipes for the week!!

[Princessabk]

OK, I am early for June, starting 100% Raw Tuesday 5/29. Heading to the store today to ensure I have everything I need next week. I have my workout regiment, and I know I need to drink more water. This is not my first time being Raw, but it will be my first time writing about it. I will reply to the June Challenge. It think it will be great to have 32 days on a 30 day challenge!!!!

[PansyLo]

While I'm not totally moved in yet and a lot of my kitchen stuff is still at my old flat I'm trying to get back into the swing of things. :)

Today I had some non-raw left overs for lunch in the garden, with a jug of homemade iced tea.
A big raw salad.
A glass of banana and cherry raw frozen milkshake.
Now for dinner I'm having collard wraps with mock salmon pate, radish, veggies etc.

[Mindylane]

Hi everyone!! I have some raw bread in the oven right now, as I don't have a dehydrator, but I am making sure that it doesn't get too hot in there... My husband and I started our raw diets on Saturday, so this will be day three. It has been tough so far, since we didn't really have any of the necessary tools nor did we have much food other than fruits/veggies, but I think it may have been better that way since it's only going to get better once we learn the great recipes that we can make! This community is a wonderful resource, and I have really enjoyed scouring through the posts here so far! Glad to meet everyone.

[LexieW]

Managed to stay raw over the weekend! While everyone else was bloated and uncomfortably joking about their bodies in swimsuits, I quietly felt good and looked it, too.

I got a lot of people asking about the raw food lifestyle, as well. I was fielding questions all weekend long!

I'm excited to go 100% for the June challenge - I know I can do it, this last month has been the closest I've ever been. Bring it on!

[snowshoe]

Hi everyone - been raw for the past two weeks and will be in for June. I was raw for 5 months and loved it but slipped during the cold weather. I remained pretty much vegan but gained weight which I had to put a stop to. So the jury is back in and I need to remain raw to keep my weight down. I have an Excalibur now so that should help when the cold returns. I've been making awesome flax crackers - my new fascination. Right now have some curry and some habanero crackers which are rocking my world.

[PansyLo]

Weirdly I didn't find it difficult with the cold.

I drank a lot of tea and lots of hot water and lemon etc when I needed something hot.

I've gained weight too since stopping, more than I weighed before I started! So that's something I need to nip in the bud.

I'm not starting back 100% yet. I'm easing myself into it a little. Once I'm settled and all my kitchen stuff is here at my new house and most importantly my recipe books I'll jump into it.