Howdy Spanishrose!
Obviously it is different for everybody. For me it was 100 % on day one. I used to smoke and knew it was bad for me. I tried cutting back but it just didn't work. I woke up one day and realized I had to quit and now! 100% cold turkey was the only way for me. It was the same way with cooked food. I treated it like a bad habit I had to break. 100%.
Detox symptoms are worse going 100% all at once, but for me it was well worth it.
To help me overcome my addiction I did tons of research on the subject. Plus a great tasting salad dressing didn't hurt. You should try to find that certain raw recipe that you can't live without and fall back on it when you feel like you might be missing out.

Lots and lots of Raw power your way!
Gretta

Hey Sheryl,
I do log in on the Forum page. 2 out of 4 times I have problems. here is what i do:
I put my username, then my password. It comes back as password incorrect. I try again. same thing. Then I notice my user name with the list of memebers online, but I'm not logged in.
I delete cookies and restart my computer, If I cross my eyes just right it might work.
So Im thinking it is my dinosaur of a computer that is the  problem and not your site, especially if I'm the only one having this problem.
Thanks
Gretta

RawNaturoPathJen
Another success story!
I know it will sink in for her soon. I'll give her all the info and support I can but it is ultimately up to her to make the change. It would be great if someone like yourself, who is beating this horrible disease could talk to her personally. I can tell her success stories all day long, but to hear it from the person who has done it, adds the realism that second hand talk just can't replace.
Gretta

Your Damn right biker boy! Lets do it!!!!
After reading your post I felt like running outside and shouting
RAW POWER!!!
Im too chicken though. :angry: But I Want Too!!  I am shouting inside with every healthy cell i possess!

Sorry Arwin, I have the darndest time loggen in. Most of the time I put my username then password, and it comes back as incorrect password, but puts my name in the users online like I'm logged on, but Im not because I cant reply or log out or nothing. Oh well, I 'm on now.

I think that is a great dream you've got there. They say that the Nutritionist of today will be the doctors of tomorrow. We definitely need more people like you in our statistically proven sick world.

My sister sure could use a good nutritionist. The poor thing has suffered ever since she was a young child. Doctors just recently(Past 3 Years) gave her pain a name. Fibermyalgia. They had her on sorts of pills, including antidepressants. I'm not 100% sure of all she takes. She knows how I feel about pills and won't tell me everything.
She is only 38 years old and on disability.
She is interested in going raw but not quite there yet. I'de love to send her to one of those healing places like the ANn Wigmore INstitute.

Thanks for asking.
By the way, I just love your statement, "I have taken my power back."
That  says it all!

Yes Caramba, I homeschool. I homeschooled my oldest for several years, then she decided on her own to experience regular school. Made me sad, but I supported her decision. My youngest is only 3, but learning naturally nonetheless.

Gretta

So what do your parents say?  Study hard... Get a good job.. And then maybe someday if youre lucky..... blah blah

Somewhere I heard the term traditional parenting called enculturation.
Same can be said about our education system.
We've all been manipulated and controled even to the point that we blindly pass this on to our most precious little people who will inevitably do the same again and again and again.
CONTROL, I've always hatedthat word! I say to heck with control. Lets explore and break through the boundaries that THEY say we have.
Lets raise our children with the true respect that they diserve. With an honest awareness of their natural selves that is much smarter than we presume to be.

Awareness to all
Gretta


 

It's amazing the bond that can happen from simply having the same eating habit! You guys are the best! thanks for your support.

Arwen, your one of the luckiest people i know. THe hospital is full of poor souls without a clue. THank goodness you found the truth. And you are right, it is like magic. Once your open to it, Raw is the only way of eating that makes any sense at all. I wish i could blow a bit of that magic into all the hospitals around the world.
If people would just take off those blasted blinders, unplug their ears and listen with all their strength to their very own natural self, (Thats been burried for so long) then perhaps there wouldn't be such a thing as 'overcrowded hospitals'.

And Piers, Perhaps one of those Psycologist could confirm my need, my need for raw feed! Just a play with words there. Don't really need to confirm already there!

Freedom, if you ever visit the USA, your welcome at my home anytime! We could share a green smoothie.

And Sheryl dear,
you made me so happy! I don't believe I have ever given anyone chills before! Thanks.

Raw Green Goddess, your the one that Rocks Girl!! And by the way, My teenage daughter says your beautiful. That means a lot coming from a teenage girl!

lots of Raw Power to us all
Gretta

After reading everybodies testimonials it just leaves me awe struck! How can anyone dispute this way of life? We are so lucky to be on this path. There was a time that we weren't and now we are. I'm just so very greatfull that I found it, or it found me, whatever, it's doesn't matter, I'm here! We all are, and its absolutely amazing. So let's rejoice in our choice to be RAW!

I made the choice over 8 months ago. I didn't even know what Vegan meant. I had to look it up! I was actually doing some research for my sister. She has fibermyalgia and I wanted to find an alternative way to ease her pain. I stumbled on a web site that claimed eating a diet rich in raw veg and fruits was helping people with fibermyalgia.
Well it struck me smack dab in the heart of my soul! I knew i had to do it. I didn't have any serious illness, but I knew I just had to do it! It made perfect sinse. I constantly read books on raw,  and surfed the internet for more info.
When I told my husband that I was going Raw, He sat down and looked me straight in the eye with the concern of a loved one who was completely concerned for my well being and suggested that I talk to a psycologist!
I stood my ground and took the advice of Victoria Boutenko; that I would live in harmony with the people who eat cooked food. I didnt complain about having to cook for him and the kids, and I didn't try to talk him into becoming a raw vegan.
After the initial shock, we were able to talk about it. He quickly began to see the truth in the evils of the Standard American Diet. He has seen the positive changes in me and wants them for himself. Soon, he too will make the choice to go raw.(I can't wait) It can be a lonely place to be. I honestly believe that I am the only raw vegan in this town!
My oldest daughter (Also thought mom was losing a few screws) decided to go raw over a month ago. I am so proud! and a little less lonlely!
Anyhow, I am so so thankfull, that I ran across those words, Raw Vegan.
For now I am and always will be!
lots of love and power your way
Gretta

I drink a green smoothie every morning. But I have no idea what maca is?
And you are absolutely right about the working out! I wake up freezing. Exercise. Get hot. about 45 minuets later cold again. Can't wait till my tolerance to cold improves. I hate being cold!

About the cold weather tolerance, about when in the journey of raw foodism, does this occur? I've been 100% raw for 8 and half months and am currently sitting in my house freezing! I live in Tennessee, so the weather isn't what you'd call extreme. Right now it's about 40 f. I could turn on the heat, but enjoy the low gas bill!
I have been to yosimite. Love it there, especially this time of year, shouldn't be too crowded. My dad actually climbed el Capitan. when i was younger I dreamed of doing the same, unfortunatly, after giving birth to my second child, I developed a terrible fear of heights. I am really hoping that that goes away! (The fear, not the kid)
Anyway, happy trails and keep warm. You might consider upgrading to a winter bag. I don't know what direction you are going, but you could run into some pretty serious cold spouts.
 
Gretta

Well this has definitely been eyeopening to the fact that this is rather a common issue. Good to know that others share my "pain".
My daughter, and myself have been able to draw some strength from your peotic responses. Thanks.
One thing I feel i must say is that; being a raw vegan is not just a way of eating at least not for me.
I've only been a raw vegan for 8 months and already my way of living has done a complete summersault.
I'm loven life and life is loven me!
Being raw has cleared my mind
eased my heart
and strengthend my natural soul!
To me, it's not just a way of eating, it's a way of living.

Hey Josh, You hit it smack dab on the head! Why can't we all just get along, acknowledge our differences, and go on with our lives. Thanks for the info.
And thank you Sheryl. I gave my daughter a bible and told her to read Gen. 1:29. She smiled, so I assume it sank in.
Thanks tons to both of you.
Lots of happiness
Helmsfam

I live in the buckle of the Bible Belt, Tennessee. And I am constantly getting the bible thrown in my face as a reason to eat meat. "God gave us the animals " They say. "Jesus ate fish" they say. I have been thriving on a raw vegan diet for 8 months and could care less, but my precious teenage daughter who has only been raw for a month does seem to have an issue.
She asks me what to say to these people, I tell her not to say anything, just smile and know inside that you are right. But that doesnt fly with a teenager. It brings up to much doubt. After all the bible is hard to argue with.
ANy thoughts on the matter would be appreciated.
Thanks