To have a successful raw food lifestyle, I had to rid my kitchen of all SAD(Standard American Diet) food. It was hard at first because I started craving all the foods I didn't have around the house. It did get easier over time. I just learned to focus on MIND, BODY and SPIRIT and welcomed the GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY.
MIND: I learned that most food craving was all in my mind. I was told this and I have read this, however, I could not seem to get it in my head. Because I am an emotional overeater, I never learned how to identify when I am actually hungry. This is still a challenge after being 4 years raw.
BODY: The body does not need large amounts of food to be nourished. When I feed myself raw food, I am satisfying my body on a cellular level. I don't need to have the sensation of a full stomach to know I have been fed. By putting healthy nutrients in my body, I now know that my organs, muscles and cells are using this vibrant food and not storing it away to turn into unwanted fat. I lost 49 pounds eating raw when nothing else worked for me. I have maintained 125lbs for the 4 years. This is what I fed my body today.
When I awakened: 32 oz of Water
Followed by 16 oz Green Smoothie w/Kale, Swiss Chard, Spinach, Celery, Lemon, Avocado and a pinch of Himalayan pink salt.
Later snacked on some zucchini slices
Lunch was a 16 oz Green Smoothie w/ Kale, Swiss Chard, Spinach, Celery, Lemon, Avocado, a pinch of Himalayan pink salt w/Raw Sunflower Bread.
Dinner I had Raw Mac & Cheeze
Last I had Raw Cheezecake topped with strawberries.
I will provide the recipes in my next blog. They are so yummy.
SPIRIT: Being creative really helps me stay motivated and inspired. I enjoy playing with flavors and creating raw alternatives for the foods I sometimes crave from my SAD.
GOOD: Following the blogs, journals, and videos of the raw food community. You learn so much. Start a collection of the many raw food books that are out there. You will never get board with the many available recipies.
BAD: Eating Sad Food because I didn't properly prepare or ran out. This has happened to me in the past and I ended up eating the very food I eliminated from my diet. If this happens, don't beat yourself up. Each day is a new chance to improve yourself. Always keep something raw on hand like fresh cut vegetables and fresh fruit. I like to also have some nuts and seeds to munch on too (not too many). I always bring raw food with me wherever I go because I don't want to be forced to eat cooked, packaged, artificially flavored, lifeless food if you don't have to.
UGLY: The poisonous toxic waste that is eliminated from your body when you detox can sometimes look ugly and make you not feel well. This is a good thing and It's temporary. I actually welcome it.
Loose Stools
Coated Tongue
Bad Breath
Skin Breakouts
Fatigue
Mood Swings
Chills
Food Cravings
It may seem overwhelming at first, however, I now think of my body as my baby. I ask myself daily, What shall I feed my baby? The answer is so simple.
Blessings,
Tuliza
