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I need some direction in going RAW

I have always been a meat eater, and NOT a very healthy eater at that. Im looking for a complete change in my life style which includes coming off of my anxiety medication, working out and eating a all natural diet. I have been told that certain foods have vitamins that can restore my body and mind so that i do not have to take some crazy medication!! I dont like the idea of putting things into my body that i have NO idea what they are. So basically, I NEED help. Anyone have any advice on how to start my detox process, and which raw foods are best, when transitioning from junk food and meat to natural?!

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

  • ALso, any essentials i need to start making these recipes!!

  • superfood2superfood2 Raw Newbie

    Put things in your body that you do know what they are: fruit and greens. :)

  • waterbaby12347waterbaby12347 Raw Newbie

    Check out the forums, you'll be surprised how much they will help out!!!

    Good Luck and Raw Health to YOU!!!

  • daniefondaniefon Raw Newbie

    I think a good place to start is by finding recipes that sound good to you. Do a search for say...enchiladas...if they were something you liked in the past. Then try making the recipe, tweak it if you need to, to suit your tastes. Next time, try another. Make it an adventure, where instead of denying yourself the foods you used to love, you are instead trying wonderful new things. I think in the beginning you will have a taste for the more complicated, richer recipes. Let yourself transition, once you become accustomed to your new way, your tastes will change. Mine definitely got simpler. One of the first raw things I made was a carrot cake, I hadn't eaten cake in YEARS, but in the beginning I told myself I could have whatever I wanted as long as it was raw. After trying new things, I got the hang of it and could make my own recipes. I think instead of going crazy and stocking your pantry, go buy the things you need for each new recipe. Over time you'll be stocked. Another idea is to buy a good raw cookbook, when I first started, Whole Foods had a few. Even if I didn't make all the recipes, they were informative to read. I like Ani Phyo's ""ani's raw kitchen" I also like Rawvolution by "Matt Amsden"

    I do agree that the greens are great, and very very beneficial add them where you can. Good luck!

  • SuasoriaSuasoria Raw Newbie

    Congratulations...it's a broad question you're asking and Daniefon has a good point about browsing recipes. What's your skill level in the kitchen? What kind of gear do you have - blender, food processor?

    Also do you have a farmers' market? That's an ideal place to start the shopping adventure.

    Many many people find it difficult to go from a Standard American Diet (junk food) to 100% raw overnight. You kind of do have to re-learn how to feed yourself.

    I just mentioned this to someone else who had a similar quesion - the author Kathy Freston (Quantum Wellness) advises people to "lean into it." Maybe you go vegetarian first. Get comfortable and secure with that. Then go vegan. Get comfortable and secure with that. Learn about food...real food, whole food, good food.

    I can almost guarantee that if it's improved health you're after, even a cooked vegan diet will be substantially better than what you are starting from.

  • Hi there!

    I, too, am knew to the raw foods lifestyle. I am very similar to you in that I come from a meat eating background with no health foods at ALL. I also have anxiety. I've had it for 11 years now. I got off my medication about 2 years ago on my own, and even though I've had problems, I've dealt with them in a healthy, natural way. The type of person I am, I want to do things ASAP as soon as I know it's right for me. With the raw foods lifestyle, it's taken a lot of time to adjust, and in a way I'm still transitioning. Follow your heart on what's a right pace for you.

    There is a well known raw foodist named Tanya Kay. I found her on youtube. She was actually bipolar and got off on her meds on her own. She said everyone was really upset about that; her family and her friends; and after realizing that no one believed in her, she went from vegan to Raw, and after many hard times, she made it through and she has no problems (after several months of course). She lives life to the fullest now and is happy with her emotional wellbeing.

    I firmly believe that those of us who have issues with anxiety, depression, or any other emotional issues, can be healed in time with a raw food diet. I am willing to go through whatever it takes to get that point where I can say that I am healed.

    Be patient with yourself; start slowly or do as much as you can--listen to what you need. Definitely read up on Raw food--the science of it, recipes, or anything else you can find. This should help keep you inspired.

    ALSO--what helped me--I had a HUGE sweet tooth. I drank fresh veggie juice every day, sometimes twice a day, and almost suddenly I realized just what happened. MY SWEET TOOTH WAS GONE! And of course you'll find out from other raw foodies that green smoothies and green juice help with cravings. In fact, you'll eventually crave greens instead of other things. This is very exciting, and I hope you look forward to it.

    Your health is the greatest gift that you can give yourself. We're all here to help you; a lot of us are on the same boat!

  • Take your time. Read lots of stuff, and even though antidotal has it's place- there is a lot of questionable science out there. Look for good sources sited in articles. Definately go easy on yourself. And about the meds. I personally would go easy on yourself getting off of them. Most of those types of medicines are best taken away gradually. Talk with your doctor (really, they aren't all just drug pushers) about your goal of being off your medicine. They should be able to come up with a plan to ease you off. Just because it is healthier to not be on the medicine DOESN"T mean it is healthier to stop it cold turkey. Check it out first.

    Everyone can benefit from more fresh fruits and veggies. Even replacing your usual fries and burger with a salad and burger (or salad and fries) is an improvement.

    Choose actual results over dogma. And, diet isn't everything. Out look and additude is very important. Exercising and getting out in the fresh air is VERY important. (Dr. Graham, for those of us 80/10/10ish types out there, is suppose to be a big encourager of those things.) Maintaining a good personal support structure (friends and family) is very important for mental and physical health. What we put in our mouths is important- but not the only thing.

  • SuasoriaSuasoria Raw Newbie

    Sharla, your story is SO inspirational. I love hearing from you.

    Have you seen "Food Matters" yet? There is a little bit about nutritional approaches to depression/anxiety.

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