New here -want to go raw, but not sure where to start

[Parias1126]

Hi all!

I'm new to this forum. I found it yesterday and have been browsing around a lot since then. I ordered a few books on Amazon to read more about eating raw. I really want to do this! I have seen all the success stories on this forum with weight loss. I have been overweight all my life. I was raised with horrible eating habits. I'm really unsure where to start though!

I took a trip to the local health food store today and everything was soooo expensive! Are there any cheaper options? I'm also so used to such a variety of foods. I eat vegetables, but only rarely raw. I love smoothies and do make them every so often, but have never had a green smoothie.

All this inspiration came to me after watching Sick, Fat, and Nearly Dead on Netflix. I was going to start by detoxing with a juice fast, but ended up researching raw because I'm not sure I could afford the amount of veggies I would have to juice everyday.

I'm probably talking in circles, but I only just heard about this in the last few days, read some websites, forums, blogs, and watched some YouTube.

It all boils down to I need to do something! I feel miserable, my mood changes are about to do me in, my patience over the past few months has gotten really bad. There are times I feel like I'm going to just pop out of my skin. Today was one of those days. It was a very bad day for me and I feel like a bad mom.

A few months ago one of my children poked me in the eye and scratched my cornea. I have been to 3 doctors (one being a corneal specialist) and none of them have been able to give me a real answer to healing. The last one gave me an over the counter gel and told me to use it for a month! my only other option is a scraping of my cornea so new cells can grow in place of the bad ones.

I would love answers or my questions or any advice anyone has to offer. I really need a push in the right direction. I'm sick of going on diets and just gaining it all back plus more. I need a solution and praying raw food is it.

[sport]

Hi to you.
What were you looking at in the health food store. It was probably things that you do not need. You do not need any of the fancy supplements. What you need are lots of fruit and veg (including greens) and a few nuts and seeds. You will be amazed at what you can do to make things cheaper when you can buy in quantities.
You should do this not just for yourself but especially for your kids. The health returns will more than make up for any extra costs.

[michigan roman]

things i like and can get at good price when in season :

bananas , huge raw food staple for many . i eat with walnuts or almonds

raw broccoli , im getting for about $1 per right now . and every day i throw two heads in big pot of cold water a few hours then strain in big colander to have around to munch on all the time , or add a bunch to salads . also get into making sauces to dip it in

make trail mix of raisins - chopp up walnuts - raw sunflower seed - cut up dry dates - pumpkin seeds - etc . make nut / seed milks to drink with . also eat fruit with trail mix . i carry trail mix in the plastic peanuts jars peanuts are sold in to work , then i can just ' drink ' trail mix out of jars on the go

avacado is a huge add for many raw foodies salads , it really heartens them up . add chopped walnuts or sesame seeds too to hearten salads

nut / seed mylk smoothies with whichever fruits are quick / easy / energizing

green tea not raw but helps lessen appetite making one feel less anxious to eat while having cooked food withdrawls

favorite vegis with homemade sauces to dip in , i can munch like this all day / nite when have vegis in prime condition

sprouting buckwheat seed to use as a cereal that you pour nut / seed milk over and add fruit / nuts to

[michigan roman]

for me nut / seed milks are important , high protein and the good fats heart and brain tissue need

flax for omegas , i grind fresh seeds in blender and add flax powder to stuff

for me cold pressed coconut oil seems to have a place in diet

[Parias1126]

Hi to you.
What were you looking at in the health food store. It was probably things that you do not need. You do not need any of the fancy supplements. What you need are lots of fruit and veg (including greens) and a few nuts and seeds. You will be amazed at what you can do to make things cheaper when you can buy in quantities.
You should do this not just for yourself but especially for your kids. The health returns will more than make up for any extra costs.

I was looking at the produce. All the produce was organic, of course, so it was double what I'm used to paying. Like, strawberries, for instance, a small container was $6 instead of the normal $2 I would pay. I did buy some raw cashews to snack on and I paid $10.99/lb.

It was definitely more expensive then what I'm used to paying and that does make it a bit more difficult when I have four children to feed as well.

Yes, I know I need to do this for my children. Last night, I spent a lot of time on this forum reading. I woke up this morning with an attitude that I need to do this now. I was going to wait a few weeks because I'm taking a trip to visit family next week and I know it will be difficult for me when everyone wants to eat out. Today we have a pot luck playdate for the kids which also makes it difficult. I know these things will come up even after I start so my idea is to go ahead and start.

I'm still confused about the seeds. I did read a forum here about seeds and sprouting. How does this work? I didn't read much. I'll have to go back later when I have time.

Also, should I start with a juice fast for detox? And what type of juicer is good to start out with when you don't want to start by buying a very expensive one in the beginning? I would also like to buy a blender and don't want to drop $400 or more for a Vitamix right now (although I would love to have one for lots of reasons). What would be a step down?

[Traceyraw]

Welcome Parias, I hope your cornea heals soon. Carrots are supposed to good for the eyes. Juice fasting is great. There is a fasting thread that should have tons of information for you. Bed Bath and Beyond use 20% off coupon. I got my juicer for about $130 its the Breville juice fountain. Also look at craigslist they have juicers/blenders for great prices. I read the kitchen aid mixer has an attachment that can make juice. I am not sure but I remember reading it in another thread.

Sprouting is cheap to do. I think the kids would like to help with that. My kids also like to make there own juices. You will be suprised what they will drink if they get to make it.

I wish you all of the best. Enjoy

[devil's angel]

u know organic is best , but non organic works too . i buy all my stuff from a regular groccery store . im losing weight and feel better on the non organic , so it should be fine for u to buy regular . just make sure that ur nut / honey / agave / and maple syrup is light . try to keep it to about two to three times a week if u notice that ur not not dropping any weight , but if u are then dont worry about how much u take in . => good luck !!!