My journey thus far

[Victoria Smith]

I am probably unusual in that I've been vegetarian since about the age of 6 even though everyone else in my family ate meat. I have been interested in nutrition ever since about that same age. Both my parents were overweight and I did not want to end up like them. My mother could not be convinced to change her diet and passed away about 2 years ago from heart disease that started with diabetes. I have been mostly vegan the last couple of years and since last Feb when I found this site, have been incorporating more and more raw foods into my diet. I cut wheat and sugar out of my diet and feel much better. I would like to lose some weight and hope joining Raw Balance will give me the motivation and energy to get back in the gym. As I will be turning 50 on my next birthday in November, I am ready to take my health to the next level. I want to look and feel young and I want to help other people to be healthier by setting a good example.

[Erica]

Looking forward to experiencing Raw Balance with you!

[Vegan♥for♥Life]

Oh, you will totally RAWk it! And being Vegetarian/Vegan, you do have a slight advantage. NOT that SAD/CRAP eaters cannot convert by any means...

[Victoria Smith]

Thanks for the support everyone! I am excited! I can hardly wait for Oct 1! I have to think it would have been easier last time since there was a lot more fresh organic produce available in Oklahoma in the spring and summer. But since Penni lives in Oklahoma, I am confident we will get some great recipes to take advantage of the fall produce. Also, I am going to try growing some greens outside under a plastic cover and inside with a grow light. I wanted to join last time and literally did not have the $33. I did not feel like I qualified for the scholarship since I have a pretty decent income but am just paying off a lot of debt and so forth. I also felt that some cooked foods such as quinoa, rice, lentils, and oatmeal were cheaper than eating all raw produce. I'm hoping to find out if I can just soak them without cooking. I did discover that when I eat just raw, I don't tend to eat as much food. Plus, my grocery bill is already lower since I don't eat meat. Whole Foods is opening here Oct 2, so that will help (well, except that I will be tempted by the hot foods bar). I know I can do it though and that it will be worth it!

[Eva]

victoria, i felt the same way about 2 years ago and wanted to embrace turning 40 in a health way...and i did not disappoint myself!--i have more energy than i did for my entire 30s-- i fell into that trap of thinking losing energy was 'just a part of getting old;...same thinking with my afternoon mind fog--which is completely gone now...and the other old way of thinking now shaken off--that my metabolism will slow down--since changing my way of eating 2 years ago, my metabolism is the highest it's ever been and i have to eat continuously....losing weight for me has been a side effect of eating nutritiously...........and my changes all started because I wanted more energy : )

so i am going to be reading your blogs!

@todd compston --love that quote

[Todd Compston]

I love the saying "growing old is inevitable, but feeling old is optional". How true that is. Welcome to the Hab.

[Robin Lamarche]

Nice  to have you here sharing a great community thats here.

[Susan : )]

Sooo glad you are joining us for Raw Balance! : )