newbie

[Cindy Trotter]

OK, so, I want to change.

The transition from a typical Midwest (US)  diet to whole real food is going to be difficult, but vital to me.  I am healthy for a year after YEARS of health issues, cancer, obesity, female related issues.  I have begin to steer toward healthier eating, but I'm not there yet.  I have, however began an exercise program that I have been consistent with for 16 months.  2-3 days of strength training, 2 days of yoga and 3 days of cardio a week.

But though I am no longer 'obese' I am still overweight, and have been for 9 months. I simply cannot get the 'fat' to budge.  I have lots of muscle, but it's burried under a bunch of fat!  I hear a lot of stuff about fat around the organs, and wonder if I can ever get rid of it.

I have family history of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and stroke, osteoporosis... Now that I have been given the 'all clear from cancer drs.  I want to be healthy for many MANY years because of my 2-and soon to be 3- grandchildren.

Here's the question:

WHAT IS MY VERY FIRST STEP? I need a jumping off place. 

Thanks to all who help

[Cindy Geib]

First off you are doing great with the exercise! Good for you! Some people say it is best to jump into raw with both feet but I do not like that approach very much. It can leave you feeling very anxious and frustrated and then maybe giving up. I would start by adding a few more raw foods to your diet everyday in the form of smoothies..... there are tons of recipes to choose from right here at RFR and from there increase the amount of veggies, nuts ( go lightly with the nuts if want to lose weight), seeds every few days. As your body starts feeling the difference in energy and mood you will naturally gravitate toward the raw and living foods. Hope this helps you a little Cindy!

[Catherine Donavon]

Hi Cindy,

Congratulations on being cancer-free and embracing a new, healthier lifestyle.  I'm a grandmother, too, and it's never too late to improve out life and health through diet, exercise and positivity.

I've been on the raw path for a little more than a year and the benefits have been dramatic.  I took my time transitioning, but I've been high raw since June of last year.  I started in January of 2011 by eliminating all processed sugar from my diet.  I was a real sugar addict so I knew that would be my biggest challenge.  I cut out all white sugar and anything with corn syrup which, of course, meant cutting out most prepared foods as well as the more obvious sources of sugar like candy, cookies, etc.  I got into really reading labels and realized how pervasive sugar is in almost all boxed, bagged and packaged foods.  I immediately began trending toward more whole foods and only sweetening with raw honey or stevia.  In three months I lost 15 pounds and I wasn't even exercising that much.  Just eliminating sugar made the difference.

After that, I cut out dairy and wheat.  Then, when I startede studying the importance of PH balance in the body to combat inflammation (I have osteoarthritis) I stopped eating meat and other acidic foods.  By mid-summer I had lost over 30 lbs., the pain and swelling in my right knee was dramatically improved, I had no more pain in my thumbs, and my energy level was over the top.

With spring around the corner, it is a perfect time to start your new life.  I wish you the best.  This is a great site for support and information and recipes.  Keep us posted on your progress.

Hugs,

Catherine

 

[Ruchira]

Doing great!!!!!!! Keep it up...... :)

[Cindy Trotter]

Thank you so much for the encouragement.  I've done pretty good.  My first step is to make sure I  have a salad with every meal, and fruit for breakfast.  I am becoming more aware of what I eat, and I think that's one real change that I'm happy about.  But I have so many questions about raw.  Can I eat oatmeal?  if I toast it in the oven, is it then not raw?  what about kale chips, my fave snack... They aren't raw. 

another plus:  I have found a raw unsalted almond butter that is to die for! 

 

This," my page"... is it a good place for a food diary? I  wonder?  And if I post a food diary for my benefit, would it violate the 'we shouldn't talk about food that's bad' policy?

[Catherine Donavon]

If you heat oatmeal or anything above 118 degrees it is no longer raw.  I make a raw muesli - rolled oats, raisins, chopped walnuts and pecans, sunflower seeds.  I eat this uncooked with fresh almond milk, a little raw honey or agave nectar and fresh berries or banana slices.  It's very good and I have it two or three mornings a week.  I keep a batch of it in a glass container for a quick, easy, yummy breakfast. 

You can also soak oat groats overnight to soften them and then have them with almond milk or apple juice and a bit of honey and cinnamon.   Also good with some bananas sliced on top.

 

There are raw kale chips on the market.  Do you have a Whole Foods in your area?  Or you can make them yourself if you have a dehydrator.