RAW RESULTS Stories of Raw Transformation: Steve Swanson

[Susan : )]

Steve Swanson shares his story:

The light bulb in my mind lit up in May of this year after watching the three documentaries Food Matters - Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead - Forks Over Knives -and- Dan McDonald's LifeRegenerator YouTube videos. So, I was about 45 days into the raw food lifestyle (and 19 lbs down) before jumping into the Raw Results Initiative in July. 

 

The most beneficial thing for me was the Weight Room. The weekly weigh-in "forced" me to consciously think about not eating the processed food found throughout our family's household. Granted, there was a week of "no money" where I did have to raid the pantry (of which provided no weight loss -or- gain). It's funny though, I could really tell a difference in my lack of energy and cravings during that week of non-raw.  The weekly weigh ins were really the most beneficial part of the initiative for me.  I like the giveaway concept, too. I can always use a "carrot".

 

Like noted above, I CAN notice a difference when eating cooked, but more so in canned or processed. Gosh, when I'm out of spinach - I'm "sad"! I do have cooked rice and wraps occasionally, because I've not become a raw food diva yet (nor am I married to one).

 

I feel great! Energy, energy, energy.  Heck, I lost 30 pounds during those 11 weeks -  It does wonders for the mental mind and well-being, too (very important).  I've noticed my palate for vegetables has become much more favorable than before.  The detox symptoms occurred during the first week I began this journey (prior to the initiative), and those were pretty much limited to "having to go" more frequently. But after that, the "plumbing" was fine.

#1 change for me = THE MIND!  After all, fruit IS "mind food" (though, I also contribute cutting the cable - limited TV viewing to a clearer mind). My thoughts are much clearer to me now. Just really need to work on my procrastination now.  Mental Clarity - WOW! Have I been missing out on that. It really is amazing what fruits and vegetables can do for the mind. Energy levels certainly elevated, too. Yes, I suppose the food (fuel) feeding my body has a lot to do with that, but the decreased amount of weight I don't have to lug around does too. Emotional? Not sure about that, though my interest is to "love myself" first, then "love others" - and progress is happening in that department.

 

#2 change for me = I'm LIGHTER!  This allows me to begin to exercise thru riding the bike.  I love getting those endorphins going.  Breathing fresh air. Taking my shirt off and activating Vitamin D via our sun.  I am enjoying riding my bike and the length of my trips have become longer with ease.  Doing vertical push-ups against the deck railing, too.  Did just buy a nice rebounder yesterday (per Dan McDonald's recommendation) - boy, now THAT'S a workout!

Weight Loss?  You betcha! 30 lbs released during the 11 weeks, 49 lbs over just under 4 months. My goal is 10 lbs a month for 12 months - to reach my college weight. My 54" pants in May became 48" pants in September. My 3XL shirts became 2XL and now XL. Goodwill is a paradise for those loosing weight!

Well, I have to be honest with you - I'm more stimulated "visually" than "literally".  The photographs provided in the RAW RESULTS pdfs/recipes/photograghps were top-notch (opinion coming from a professional photographer).  The knowledge found in the materials are quite valuable, and plan on really diving in on reading this knowledge in my future.  

 

I loved the Vault Videos!!  Video is the future of communication - love the weekly support. And nice touch by Penni to change what's on her table in the background every time. ;-)

 

Sometimes I think, "Why didn't I do this a long time ago?"  After all - I'm 53, 100+ pounds overweight and my life, career and relationships have suffered from the results of this weight.  But then I snap out of it and realize, "Wow, I now have me whole life ahead of me!" - a longer one at that.  

 

I am finding raw food is certainly the diet staple.  Midway through the initiative, I did invest in the ever-popular Vitamix - which replaced my day-one Breville kitchen tool of choice.  Love, love, love the smoothies (and so does the rest of my household).  But I  recently got back into juicing and can feel the nutrition (don't you just love looking at those cells on the side of the 32 oz mason jar?).

 

Though I'm not a master of raw food and dishes that can be made from them - supplements, exercise and mind-body-and-spirit is the next level I want to explore and implement. I'm so excited!

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My goal is raw, raw, raw and my college weight of 185 lbs. 

(Radiant Releaser who'll be happy once he hits 200)

 

Age: 53

Height: "Six foot two, eyes of blue"

Weight: 260 (Sept 15) - 290 (July 1)

 309 (May 21 - 10 days before my 53rd birthday) 

Before...

Chest: 49"  -  Waist: 55"  -  Hips:56"  -  Arm: 16"  -  Thigh: 28"

After...

Chest: 47"  -  Waist: 52"  -  Hips:52"  -  Arm: 15.5"  -  Thigh: 27.5"

(Don't understand these waist measurements - I now wear 48/50" pants!) 

Here's the headshots...

comparing my start-to-finish of the 11-week Raw Results initiative:

(a little weight loss and a bit of sun exposure does a body good!)

 

I really do think this will be my new found lifestyle long term, especially now that I plan on living longer.  I do have the desire to participate fully in the Raw Balance Initiative.  See you there!

[Hot Ta-Molly]

Wow!  Are you sure these aren't photos of two different guys?  Steve, you are doing awesome!

[Renee OrJustRen]

AB-SO-LUT-LY AMAZING!!!

Wow!

[Ayn]

I loved seeing your transition. I think that you more than anyone (from the photos) look like a new person. I think everyone did amazing, but you seriously LOOK like a new man! Its so wonderful what these foods can DO for us! Keep up the good work, see you in Raw Balance!

[Michelle T.]

Your before and after photos are inspiring!

[darlene knight]

What a great story Steve...I can hear the glee in your words and I love how your entire life has positively changed on so many levels. Your pics say it all...You certainly rawked the initiative by making the necessary changes, putting in the effort and you achieved fantastic results.  I believe all the documentaries on Netflix are a must see.  I have my husband and my children watch them as well as they are truly eye openers.  I am so happy and proud for you and I hope that the second half of your life is the best it's ever been...Enjoy every day and devour every ounce of your newfound lively future!!!!  Way to go Steve...I'll see you in Raw Balance!!  Keep smiling...

[Emily]

You're a new man!  I have no doubt you'll reach each and every one of your goals -- your results so far are incredible.  Enjoy your fresh start!  Sounds like the best is yet to come.

[simplelife]

I loved that you "plan on living longer"!!  What a concept for us all.  Way to go!!

[Steve Swanson]

Thanks for the kind replies from my fellow Rehab'ers. They are appreciated!

 

Here's the headshots...

comparing my start-to-finish of the 11-week Raw Results initiative:

(a little weight loss and a bit of sun exposure does a body good!)

[Vegan♥for♥Life]

[Patricia Robinett]

good job, steve!  you are looking GOOD.

[Sassafras]

[Patty Cason]

You look like a completely new man! Your eyes have taken on a whole new look. WOW....

Keep up the good work Steve.