Going RAW today

[rawsistah]

Hey all ~

I'm *finally* taking the plunge and going RAW. I'm waiting for Alissa's book but i'm just going to wing it until it gets here.

I posted here because i'm also getting back to the gym. I'm not one much for small changes, huh? ;)

I was wondering what your normal breakfast is on a lift day. I plan on lifting 5-6 days per week (broken down into 3 different areas, rotating --- chest & tri, back & bi, legs) I use to just have a bowl of oatmeal or more often a banana on the way to the gym. I will pack a banana (or 2, or mabye throw in an apple) for after (along with choking down some water).
Just curious how y'all go about this.

Some stats... so you can see what i'm up against
weight is 290 (I am quite tall though... almost 6'2"!)
For those that know women's sizes i wear a size 22 (so that means anywhere from a 20-24 most of the time). I'm 34 and have been *big* all my life. I finally pressed a doc for an *ideal weight* and he told me 220! I am hoping RAW takes me past that but he said i'm *big-boned*... haha.

Anyway, i hope to be able to come here with any questions about working out and eating and i also hope to some day offer some encouragement and help to others.

peace
rawsista

[spockafina]

Welcome,

When the weather is warm, I have a fruit smoothie (bananas, strawberries, and oranges). But since it's winter, the smoothies are too cold with the frozen fruit and such, so I just have a few bananas, or a dozen clementines, basically just a bunch of fruit that I know will keep me full and energized.

I love dates stuffed with lots of almonds, and that's what I like to eat after lifting since it's a balance of protein and carbs.

Ciao!

[jaurequi]

Yay! Wonderful news, rawsista :),

I would say eat what you think you might need to start -- say, a couple bananas and an orange? -- and see how that feels. Truthfully, it's another case of individual needs and preference. There was a time when I needed to eat first thing in the morning (before a long run); but intermittently, I find I don't like to eat at all before. When I do eat, it's usually a high-carb fruit such as a mango: I cannot run on a full stomach so that amount is just about right and not too much fiber, which can cause discomfort, occasionally, pre-run. So, it's up to you; see how you feel.

One thing I will tell you, you need is a proper recovery meal -- preferably within an hour of finishing your workout. Try to get a mixture of carbs (fruit); protein (raw powder, high-protein nuts, greens); and a bit of sodium (coconut water -- one of the best; celery; or my favorite -- choose bok choy for part your greens), especially if you've done cardio, or sweat a lot.
(I choose a huge green smoothie for my post workout meal, followed by my fruit meal a couple hours later.)

Let us know how it goes!

Best,

[kmik]

Hurray! I'm so glad you're starting :)

I start pretty much every morning with a green smoothie with Hemp Protein Powder in it. If I'm lifting or running, either way, I feel great!

[Pansy]

Congrats, Rawsista!

Good Luck and keep it RAW!


Pansy :)

www.reach4.wholefoodfarmacy.com
www.lifewave.com/pamstriker

[rawsistah]

Thanks for all the encouragement and suggestions! I just opted for 1 banana this morning. Then on the way home i ate a HUGE apple (it was obscene, i will have to cut it up next time) and then when i got home i had a LARA bar. That had some protein in it (along with carbs and fat). In a bit i'll do a few dates with almonds (that sounds really good).
These first few days will be a bit tricky but i'm just going to hang in there and when confused just make sure i eat SOMETHING (raw ofcourse). It seems i might have to rethink the amounts though.... more bananas, etc.
I'm recouping from a nasty cold and i am totally wore out. So, just going to read the boards a bit, do a bit of cleaning, and relax all day :)
Thanks y'all!
peace
rawsista

[jaurequi]

That sounds good, rawsista! If you get the munchies later in the day, just eat whatever you feel you need, whether it's carbs, protein, or fat :).
don't forget to drink extra water; so many times people (and I'm guilty of this too) eat instead of drink. Interpreting thirst as hunger will eventually set you back; water is so necessary for basic functions and especially for those of us expending extra energy and straining our muscles :)

Best,

[shakti17]

congrats on your decision! I decided to go back to raw for the new year, and so far so good!

i don't know about the gym, but if you don't already have it, Raw Power by Steve Arlin is a good raw/bodybuilding book.

shakti

[shakti17]

ps. i am not a body builder AT ALL, but my fav everyday breakfast is apple cut up and i top it with almond butter, honey, and cinnamon (sometimes a bit of celtic salt) -- yum! i am skinny and spacey, so i need the heavy almond butter to ground me in the morning. it probably depends on your body type what is best for you.

[rawsistah]

shakti17, your breakfast sounds YUMMM to me. I will keep it light in the morning but that might be GREAT for after the gym. I will have to wait til payday to get some almond butter.

Also, jaurequi, i was reading about NOT drinking water an hour after eating. I just don't think that is working for me! I'm not much on drinking water so i'm thinking if i feel the urge to go for it! LOL!
It is important and i had heard that about hunger actually being thirst most of the time so i'll be keeping this in mind.

peace
rawsista