Raw Food Forums

Hi all! Thought I would take a minute to introduce myself.

I'm from West-Oz. (Near Narrogin). Wife. Mother of two - School age daughter, baby son.

Pre-motherhood I was a business and communitcation consultant. Then I fell in love with a farming man and while most of the farmer's around here could do with some help in the communication department, I would be broke before they asked... hehe...

Now I am an artist and craftswoman. A career change that I am very pleased to have made! I am interested in things creative, and will try anything once.

I decided to go exclusively Raw about a week ago, though the decision has been in the works for a long time. I have always had a preference for fresh fruit and vegies. I was a vegan for about 3 years, but then added dairy and eggs when pregnant and that snowballed into a less than healthy diet (Mind you, it was certainly a highly recommended one by most health organisations!)

Really I have just followed the promptings of my body and I must say I feel better than I have for ages! Though there is still massive room for improvement.

I think it is an important decision that I can make for my children too. Not only will I be healthier, but I can also encourage them to be the healthiest they can be too.

My biggest challenge at the moment is trying to source the ingredients I need. We have a coles 30kms away (try to avoid it out of principle!) but no fruit markets or even any good health food stores. A health food store has just opened but they are still growing and have limited supplies. I guess I will have to do a couple of trips to Perth to do some shopping - what a sad shame...  ^_^

I really enjoyed finding this forum. It has such a wealth of information that has made things easier. I would love to hear from others near by or with similiar interests!

Well, that is enough about me. What about YOU!

Emi  -_-

Emi welcome to the forum.
I live in Tasmania and since 2003 I have become a raw foodistt I eat most of the time 100 percent raw.
People this days say to me that I look younger thatn before. I lost 18 kilos when I became a raw eater.
I was 51 years old when I became a raw foodist.
This forum is a good place to come for advice

Hey Emi,

Nice to meet you and welcome to the forum. Have you considered growing your own greens? You can grow baby spinach, lettuce, bok choy and herbs really easily. Greens are so essential as far as I'm concerned.

Good to see you Chelle. How nice of you to source that farm!  :wub:

xoxoo

Thanks Chelle, certainly worth a look!

Hi Patricia - 18kgs is awesome! Well-done!

Raw Sensation - We did have a thriving vegie garden, until the locusts went through a few months back. I was wary to put more in as we were expecting another round. Now that the cold snap has hit they are unlikely to come back so I have in silverbeet, lettuce, onions, garlic, etc. All the things that are easy to grow... I should get into the garden more.

I had a bit of a look around on the web and I have sourced a few of the dry stocks that I wanted, so that was good. Tonight I made a mostly raw pizza for the family. Only the base was cooked (tortilla). They all seemed to enjoy it and there was nothing left. My husband is a meatavore! So not a likely conversion to raw but I make sure he gets a high % of raw foods in his diet!  :mellow:

So I fell off the wagon today and now I feel sick...  :huh: And I would almost murder someone for a COFFEE!!! Perhaps I should have taken this process a little slower. But now that I've started I might as well follow through. So I am still 100% raw, minus the slip-up today (it was choclate slice - my absolute favourite thing!)

Printed off some recipes to try in an emergency! i.e. I am 'cruising' for a sugar fix.

Did pilates this morning and walked 5kms this arvo. Have noticed that I feel more energetic lately. A good thing for sure.

Hi Emi,

Don't worry about the wagon! I fell off it regularly to start with and still do occasionally. Just hop back on as you are ready and cruuuuuuise baby!

When I make myself pizza's I use large mushrooms for a base. I got the recipe from here http://freedomsrawrecipes.blogspot.com/ (http://freedomsrawrecipes.blogspot.com/) . This is a site created by our very own wonderful Freedom. Her recipes are awesome. I really recommend the salad dressing too.

For a sugar fix I love dates. Fresh ones of course. Can't beat em I reckon. If it's chocolate you are after then there's a recipe for brownies in the recipe section that's truly delicious. And it only takes 5 minutes to make! True... I made a batch the other day with orange zest and they taste very jaffa ish. Yummm!

You're doing well honey.

xoxoxo

Raw Sensation - I checked out Freedom's site. Thanks for that and the encouragement. I have read alot of your posts around the forum and you are so positive!

Freedom - You are so clever honey, well done! Yummy recipes!

*blushing* Oh STOP!!! No keep going... Thanks for the compliment. Lovely. Gives me a fuzzy feeling inside!

xoxoxo

Congratulations on becoming a raw family
That reminds me is you can get the book Raw Family from the Boutenko Family it is a lovely story to read for all the family. the web page is www.rawfamily.com
Viktoria Boutenko has a good book on greens, Greens For Life
all the best

All of the Boutenko products (including some new ones) will be back in stock here very very soon!!! YAHHH! They are marvelous. We got to meet them a few years ago and they are truly beautiful people.

At the risk of sounding dramatic, three months ago my life as I knew it fell apart. My marriage nearly ended (at the time I thought it was certainly over) and my health was lacking (cancer, heart condition, hair falling out, etc).

I left home very young and have had little contact with my family since. We had just moved to our area a  few months before that, so I didn't have any sort of support network. I was alone. I was dying. And I was scared. I had basically hit a brick wall at high speed. It was time to make changes...

I began from the ground up. First of all I put out a cry to God/Universe/Goddess/Source that I needed some help, I certainly couldn't do things on my own. Next I cut back everything that I put into my mouth except water and then researched where to go from there. (Found information about eating living foods and cutting out the dead ones - which is actually how I ate years ago.) Stopped taking any medication/drugs/chemicals.

I then started peeling back the layers of everything I believe. Evaluating. Assessing. Getting rid of all the baggage. 

When I got married and had children I compromised so much that I believed and held to be true. Bit-by-bit, day-by-day. Mainly because it is what 'should be done' in our western society. So the need to be a fellow 'Jones' went out the window first.

I wrote a list of all the things I wanted for my life in the future. Energy was at the top of the list. Energy to learn, have adventures, be a good mum, have great friendships, etc. Every day that I am eating raw vegan, I feel that energy growing and flowing through me.

I still have a ways to go, and other life changes to make. We are building our marriage up from the ground and re-focusing on what's important. (As I mentioned yesterday, my husband has agreed to go raw vegan with me for 3 mths and then see what happens then. My hope is that he will feel so good that he will commit to stick it out for life. However, I am very grateful for just 3 mths if that's what happens.)

The next big decision we face is a move. We are on a farm. While we are putting organic food into our bodies, growing our own chemical free vegetables and fruit - around us is being sprayed with lots of chemicals. My husband is sometimes the person who has to do that. Neither of us have ever agreed with commercial farming practices, but my husband loves machinery operating and engineering, so it has always been this or mining. I chose farming - the lesser of two evils???  :wacko:

We have looked for years for organic farm work, but they are either small or pay very little (not enough for a family to live off.)

I read the book, The Secret, a few months ago. I have been practising some of the ideas from it for years and reading it gave me new motivation. So I have put it out there that we find a job that suits our values, lifestyle, goals, etc. Is good for us, those around us and the planet. Just keeping an eye out for the sign posts now.

On a health note - heart condition has gone. Cancer is shrinking. Hair is abundant. Weight is coming off. 

This morning I woke up and decided I need to do more in my community to promote living foods. I have been thinking about this for awhile, though last week was the clincher for me. My daughter had cake, cupcakes, pikelets, rockyroad and condensed milk choclate balls at school in two weeks (birthdays, cooking excursions and mother's day afternoon tea) She was sitting on the toilet crying one night because she was constipated from eating a chinese container full of rockyroad!

I am not one to just sit back and whinge about things, I like to find a solution and try to make changes. So, I have been brainstorming and would love suggestions and feedback if you have any to offer.

Each week I want to do one thing (minimum) within my community to promote fruit and vegetables. This week I am taking a box full of madarins off our tree into the school for my daughters class to eat for morning tea.

Next week, I was thinking of going in and doing a 'cooking' class and making lettuce rolls (vegies diced up and put into lettuce leaves) or something similar. Hands on and good for them!

They are only small things, but maybe they will add up and make a difference. I would like this to become a snowball and get to be a big impact!  -_-

what a beautiful idea, emi! wondrous! i think you should go for it and see if you can't get some other health conscious parents involved... with delicious food that won't block up poor little people's tummies :(
i think the cooking class is a stupendous idea!!!!

Hi Emi,

That's so great about your husband giving raw a three month trial. He won't know himself. Mine has just finished a one week trial... actually he finished it last Friday. How quickly time fliiiiiiiiiiiies! And he was suprised at how much better he felt after just a week. So good.

Thanks for sharing your story. It helps when you know where someone is coming from.

I like the way you approach things. Breaking it down and looking at everything in depth and then working on it. I used to think there weren't many people out there in the world who did that but after being here for awhile I've come to realise that there are heaps! I try but I'm not very good at it! I'll get there.

With your classes what equipment are you planning on using? If you are going with a food processor you could make a dip to spread in the lettuce leaves. Yummmm!

I find it interesting that a farmer who has to spray chemicals on the produce he grows chooses to not spray his own. It says a lot about how our farmers are treated hey? I used to have a friend who lived on an avocado plantation and when she signed the lease she signed it on the condition that she was given notice prior to the spraying of the crop. They never gave her notice and she got sick every time. Buggers.

xoxoxo

Hi Emi. I don't miss cooked food much. In fact I had a craving for a toasted cheese sandwich today and instead of caving (which I do with these about twice a month!) I stood back and looked at how I was feeling. I was under pressure and stressed. How to cope? Opiates. I've read on the forum that there are 14 opiates in bread alone as well as an opiate in cows milk. I was craving drugs! Bugger. But I ended up having a bed of baby spinach and celery with chopped banana and a sauce of dates and water. Yummy.

Good luck on Saturday. I like making frozen pies for people . I've made a few. There's a recipe of one of the ones I made in the recipe section. And heaps of others too. Also the curries go well.

Have fun!

xoxoxo

Started the day with fruit salad - normally try to do a gs, but hubby made me brekky in bed so how could I refuse!

Had a beautiful lunch today with a great friend. She came, with her four girls, and we had a lovely buffet style lunch. Salad, fruit, nuts, seeds, all sorts of different dressings, etc. It was so lovely and tactile. A real sense of communion and family. Really enjoyable.

I am still feeling great with this raw thing. I look at raw foods and see and feel life. I look and smell cooked foods and can feel the heaviness. Funny feeling.

Hubby has put it out there that he would like us to move to nz again. Not sure how I feel about it yet. We spent three years there and I did enjoy it the second two of those (we had a lot of learning curves in the first year there, it was very 'challenging' to say the least.)

Just relaxing and taking each day as it comes. See what happens. Enjoy the day that I am in.

Feel like I need to cut out the 'fats' for awhile. I am hoping to get a really good weightloss from the next few weeks. Back into exercise tomorrow and many more green smoothies!!!

NZ is somewhere that I truly want to visit! It looks like a gorgeous place and a large percentage of my friends are kiwi and I love them so so much. How's the organic farming there?

I love that you are just going with what you feel and not making things complicated. Good for you.

xoxoxo

Today I had 2ltrs of the green stuff! Most I've had so far in a day. I also had raw spaghetti (recipe from May - thanks May!) though next time will use less garlic, tongue is still tingling!

I am feeling so much lighter lately (not in the weight sense of things). Exercise is so much easier and I would have considered myself fairly fit before going 100% raw. I walk up a hill daily and it has got lower in the last few weeks, I am sure of it. I seem to get to the top quicker and without much work.

I need to start adding more exercise in now. I want to do more on my orbitrek and get a pushbike.

Seeding is finished in 2 DAYS!!! YEYEYEYEYE!!! I will finally have my husband back on the weekends and he should be home most nights before 7.

He came home yesterday and had spilt a very small amount of insecticide on his pants while filling up the spray unti. I washed them and they still stank. I then put them in the dryer. BIG MISTAKE. The smell went through the house. So I took them out and hung them on the line. This is what they spray on wheat and oats! People eat this stuff! I am amazed.

I can't wait until we leave here. We have got a few quotes for getting our furniture to NZ. About $9,000 which is a lot but at the same time it is less than we would have to pay for everything if we have to replace it all.

I am really going through a transformation at the moment. I have said this before, but each day something new comes up. I am reading a fabulous book called Eco Kids. It talks about raising children that are environmentally aware, with a big focus on commercialism and how to avoid it. It is a very enlightening read and ties in with what I am learning here too.

We have been pruning our household. Getting back to how things are meant to be I think. Getting rid of chemicals, junk, old clothes, etc. Like a whole life spring clean. It feels so empowering and free.  

You know Emi, I get the feeling that you are a very 'just do it' kinda girl! You just go from 0-100 in 30 seconds! Already getting quotes to go to NZ! Amazing. That seems very expensive though. I've got friends who are moving OS a lot further than NZ and it's only costing them about $2000. But they aren't taking a hell of a lot.

How is your hubby going with his raw trial?

I'm so glad you are feeling so well.

Have a great day/night.

xoxoxo

He is doing well Jen, though starting to really miss his steak! We have agreed that even if he has meat, we are definitely not going to have any grains in the house. I think that was the biggest toxin in our lives and I am happy to wave them goodbye!

And I really couldn't think of putting them into my kids diet again either. They both have beautiful clear skin and look so healthy.

Yes, I am a 'just do it' kinda girl. My hubby just thinks I am a control freak, lol. Nah, not really. I never used to be though. It has taken some maturing in the last few years. I used to give all of my personal power away to circumstances and other people. It wasn't a very healthy way to live. Like I said earlier, I think I am on a journey at the moment. Changing. Growing up perhaps.

Even though I am out there doing it - I still feel more relaxed than I ever have and that has to be good for me and for my kids.  

Hi Emi,
Just though I would pop in to say hi from one dragonfly lover to another.  I thought that you might like to know the metaphysical meaning of dragonflies.  (you seem that sorta girl)  They help us to see through illusions.  "Dragonfly helps to break down illusions, the limiting beliefs and values that hinder our path and slow our movement.  Dragonfly helps us to see these limitation as undesirable boundaries unintentionally installed to prevent us from shiftin our consciousness and growing as people."  The article that comes from talks more about the beliefs and values we develop as children based on our cultural tradion and family morals.  So is interesting in light of your comment about having previously given away your personal power. 
You go girl! 
Your choice between farming and mining is interesting.  Although I grew up on a farm my husband is a metallurgist and currently works overseas for most of the time.  But when he is home he is very well appreciated.
The $9000 you mentioned to shift your furniture to NZ doesn't sound too bad, but it is all relative in the end.  The first time we moved from Vic to NT it cost about $7000.  We ended up moving to WA, but are back in Vic now so I can't come to the Perth picnic and meet all the lovely WA people.  Might be there at Christmas time though. 
Gosh Emi, sorry I have rambled quite a lot.  Just getting used to talking instead of sitting on the sidelines and now I cant shut up.
Hugs

Thanks for that dragonfly, and you are welcome to 'ramble' here anytime. I haven't seen much of Vic. I liked in Darwin when I was 7. We lived in Palmerston, way before it was connected to Darwin central. When I went there last in '99, town went all the way out to Howard Springs! Couldn't believe how much it had grown. I suppose it is probably even further out by now.

I loved that information about dragonflies, what article did that come from? I definitely feel like I am breaking down and through many limiting things at the moment.

Well, I am ill today! lol. Or used to be ill, didn't know it, and now it is coming out. I have a temperature, swollen glands, sore throat, aching limbs and a really sore tummy. BUT I am ok. I know it is all part of the process. Being informed makes things a lot easier. I know not to give up. I will stick to water today I think - just let my body do it's thing.

I figure it's like a staircase, you go up a step (detox), feel good for awhile, and then up another step, etc.

When I was little at our cottage in Canada we charmed dragonflies. They would come and sit on us for hours, leaving only to get a snack. We even gave them names.

I think they are magical!

Yeah me too Sheryl, I wrote somewhere else on here how I got my addy. I used to sit as a child and they would land on me, I was captivated! Even as an adult, I always stop and admire when I see them.  

I woke up this morning feeling much, much better. I am pleased to have made it through that! I am also very pleased to say that I am finally starting to notice weight coming off! How exciting. I was getting a little down about it and frustrated. I kept looking at before and afters of people who have done this over the years. I kept a positive, slim, healthy image of myself in my mind and I have been looking myself in the mirror every morning and telling myself I am looking healthy, lean, vibrant, etc. But this morning I put on a jacket that I haven't ever been able to wear and I feel so energetic and motivated to keep going on. Yey!!!  

Wow, you are doing extraordinarily Emi! I just read this thread and you have really taken control or your life and health and turned them around, I think you are a pretty amazing woman. It is so great that your hubby has decided to give raw a try too, it is a good sign because often partners can get turned off raw if we persist that they should try it. Sounds like he just saw the results you were getting and wanted in on it, thats the best way I reckon. My partner is also raw, it is great to have a support person close at hand and it does make meals so much easier.

And sounds like your kids are getting some benefits too - brilliant! Great idea to go into the school with an un- cooking class. Later on you could even look at growing some fruit or veg at the school with the kids?

What crafts do you do?

Hi wonderful and inspiring Emi,

How awesome are you sailing through a detox time like that. You are awesome. I'll bet you feel great. It sounds as though hubby is doing really well too. Rudy has posted here that our body can't tell the difference between fats and meat and that often when we are craving meats, our body is really needing fats. So maybe some nutty dishes and flax too. Coconut also has great fats in it.

It's really common for people to lose weight and then plateau for awhile. I don't know for sure but I believe that the body is just gathering strength for the next big shift. So if that happens again, don't get upset. It will happen!

Hugs for you!

xoxoxo

Hi Emi,

I've just read your whole journal because somehow I've managed to miss it to date.  It was my loss not to have found it sooner as I loved reading all your posts - and of course the beautiful peoples replies too.

I've really loved reading your story, thank you for writing it all for us to share and be inspired by you.  I love your strength and the way your decision is your deed.  Congratulations on not sitting whingeing, but just getting the job done.  I take my hat off to you.

Well done on being such a good example as to convert your family so quickly too - wow!!!  I'm sure hubby will continue on now he's started - there's something so cleansing about raw that once you've started it's hard to go back.  Thank goodness for that!!!

I pray for you continued growth in your health, and completion to your detoxing, and joy always.

Look forward to hearing more from you soon ^_^

Heaps of love
May

A public holiday here today, so had daughter home. She is always great to have around, full of laughter and cheekiness. And she keeps son happy too.

I dug a huge hole this morning, though not as deep as I would have liked. I had to make a bigger spot for my compost heap. It has grown since going raw and needed an upgrade.

I also dug a few holes for the trees I am going to plant tomorrow. I filled them with water and put in some compost that I prepared earlier, lol. Along with other yummy things for strong healthy plants.

I have been feeling much more creative lately. Clear headed and focused. Which is a change I have to say. I am normally so 'cloudy'. It means that I am acheiving more artworks, but much less housework! lol.

Tonight I made the spaghetti recipe again. This time I added less garlic. Perhaps they're more pungent fresh from the garden or something, but the first time our tongues were stinging. Hubby even likes it. And we both agree that we feel better afterwards too.

I might make the brownies tomorrow. They're always a hit around here too.  

Nice work getting all the hole digging done Emi! I love digging holes for trees, if im in the right frame of mind then it can be very meditative for me.

xoxo

I also find gardening to be very meditative. I dislike it when people talk to me when I'm digging. I just go into a zone. You are doing so well Emi. Mwah.

xoxoxo

Dearest Emi,

Happy birthday. I'm so sorry about your mum and I know exactly how you feel. My mother hasn't spoken to me since the wedding last year. Her brother committed suicide a couple of weeks ago and about a week later I got a phone call from my brother. It really upsets me that she shows no interest in her grandkids. I know where you are coming from.

I hope that I don't become like that when I'm older. I didn't know we weren't speaking. I heard it from my brother! So silly.

You are such  a beautiful person. I hope that it works out soon.

xoxoxo

Happy Birthday Beautiful Emi ^_^ :wub: :yahh:

I can be a spare Mummy for you if you like, I have gained a few new children since being on the forum and I love it, and them!!!!!, very much.

I'm really sorry to hear your story, I have a very emotionally distant father, in fact he's incapable of any emotion other than spite, so perhaps 'distant' isn't the right word, more empty.  Mum was always more full of herself than caring for us kids, (I parented her rather than the other way around) but she has changed a lot recently and I'm having to learn to accept her again because some years ago I mourned what could and should have been with the pair of them.  I dismissed any expectations or disappointments I had of them, cleansed myself of all hurts and disappointments from the day I was born until that day and released them and me from what I know 'should' have happened in my life instead.  That was so cleansing, I can not begin to tell you.  If you feel that may help you, please do try it.  Put aside some time to think (and perhaps write) what you would have expected of her, and grieve it and let it go.  I can picture you sending it all away with dragonflies towing it in little bundles behind them and dropping it in the deepest part of the dam.

Heaps of love Emi!!!
May

May you are too gorgeous! Love ya.

xoxoxo

Thank you Jen, for the birthday wishes and for calling me beautiful!

Thank you Dani, also for birthday wishes and for reminding me that I have such a special family right in my home and that's all I need.

Thank you May for offering to be a spare mum, I might take you up on that offer, so you better look out!!! lol

It amazes me how many people I have met through the years that are the more mature member of the adult/child relationship. I know for me it was certainly the case. I have always carried my mother emotionally. Everytime she comes to visit it is like an intensive therapy session for her and I am exhausted when she leaves.

I remember doing the budgeting, cooking, cleaning, etc. While she just played victim to all of the situations in her life. When I was 17, I had my 12yr old brother come and live with me for twelve months, because she couldn't cope with him. I look back now and think, how did I cope?

Anyway, enough about that. I had a little cry last night and let it go. Today is a new day!

Well, I am excited this morning. I got my period/bleeding/cycle/aunt mary/whateveryoucallit. Now you might find it odd for a woman to be excited about such a thing, but I have only had two in 7yrs! (Both were brought on by drugs. My children are both miracles, as I was told I couldn't have kids because even when I have a period, I don't ovulate) Probably why I was more emotional than normal yesterday about mum too.

So, another amazing side-affect of going raw! I have also noticed that my nails are stronger (they're normally bendy like plastic), my skin on my face is clearer, my moods are level and I feel so much more energetic.

It is like levels of healthiness. You think, oh yeah I feel good! But then you hit the next level and you're completely surprised all over agian!

Hi Emi,

I've got tears from laughing. I've never heard it called an Aunt Mary before. I call it blobbing. On the blob. Or if I get bored with that I say the 'painters are it'. How funny. I've got a friend who is the same. She was told she would never have children for the same reason. Now she has three kids and has had two periods in her life. Just goes to show what doctors know!

No wonder you are such a strong person now. Look at what you have been through. Good for you! And I mean that in the best way possible.

xoxoxo

I call it 'yuk' so I'll say to David "I'm yuk". 

The words he lives in dread of are "All gone yuk" cos that means there are bits of him I have need of.  And I want them NOW!!!" and he pretends he's all hard done by and says I should give him 'sufficient warning'.  What?  Does it need pumping up or something?  Quick trip down to the petrol station to use their air?

Love
May

I'm looking out, but I'm not scared, hehehe.  You are very special Emi, a wonderful lady that's for sure!!!

Most of what my Mum did was whinge to me about my father all the time, tell me he didn't love me and tell me endlessly all of his faults and shortcomings, even that she was with-holding 'favours' hoping (always in vain) that he'd notice she was sulking and would want to change.  Sigh!!!  No guesses why I don't watch soapies on TV, I've seen it all ;)  And when she'd exhausted me with that she'd start on his mother.  Even in my pram she would say to me "Nanny Smith!" to make me cry so her family could all laugh at the 'game'.  I don't make my children cry for fun.  It was pretty sad, but I know now that she did not intend to do any damage.

Heaps of love
May

happy birthday beautiful lady..

Maysie as always i love you with all my heart...it amazes me what games people play sometimes,quite often at the expense of hurting someone else very deeply..i have no time for game playing...just awful ,if its mutual and fun loving and not hurtful thats another story but what you describe is just cruel..

Huh! withholding favours,what a crock huh...thatd never work for me,cos it would mean i would miss out too,damn!!

Hi Emi,

No I'm not that kind to David.  We signed a contract 32 years ago and I'm sure it said something in there about love honour and provide required 'bits' on demand.  Hehehe.  And there's nothing wrong with him, he just likes to complain so I appreciate his efforts more.  Har har!!!

I've had some small spots on the lower half of my back, up the spine, for a few weeks now and they itch from time to time - mostly in the night.  I've taken those to be detox of some description and yes, you are so right about us treating our bodies so badly in the past, even though it was by accident!  Grains and tofu and soy... frightening, but it's over now!!!

It's a lovely sunny day (though a little chilly still) up in Perth so hopefully you'll get it tomorrow Emi ^_^

Heaps of love
May

I heard from my girlfriend who was doing the detox under the Naturopath. She is getting a full lipo and tummy tuck in a few weeks. She lost 9kgs in 9 weeks on the detox, but was dissapointed with the results I think. She really wanted to lose more and felt she tried really hard through it all. (I think her program was terrible with lunch consisting of chicken, eggs and cheese on a bed of iceberg lettuce. And snacks of protein bars. No fruit. With a daily dose of 'herbal' pills to help...)

She spent a lot of money to do the detox, Weight Watchers before that, etc. And now a good couple of grand on surgery.

I am happy for her and supportive if that's what she really wants. But at the same time I am frustrated that I can't explain to her that it isn't the answer and without permanent changes to her diet, it won't fix things for long. And it certainly won't fix her other health issues, like her thyroid that doesn't work anymore.

Oh well, we all walk our own road...

I am hoping that by leading by example, eating well, getting sooo healthy and energetic, losing the weight, etc - then perhaps she will give it a go.  :shrug:

it's so sad isn't it Emi. When I see people who are severely overweight in the supermarket pushing their trolleys with diet this and low fat that with an obligatory bag of apples I feel like going up to them and saying "I can help you". Unfortunately in this part of the Gold Coast I'd probably get sworn at and maybe beaten up as well! It's not that bad really, I'm exaggerating for comic effect!

Leading by example may be the best thing you can do. Maybe in the future after all of her surgery and after coming to your house for a few raw meals she will come around and goodness knows how many others will as well.

Do you mind if I ask how much weight you would like to lose?

xoxoxo

Jen - LOTS!!! lol. I read something on here that Rudolf posted about a woman who ate nothing but was still overweight from absorbing food through her skin. That's how I feel!

I have about 20kgs to lose all up. But I haven't weighed myself to see what I actually weigh and I want to be quite lean. I have always been muscular and active but I just feel 'bulky' and I still have some to lose from being pregnant with Ebon. So yeah, about 15-20 I think. I am not really focused on the weight though, as much as just being lean, healthy and energetic. I read your post about finding collar and hip bones. I got so excited about that! lol. Thats what I am aiming for.



Well, we had a lovely weekend. It was so nice to just be relaxed and have hubby home. The kids of course loved it as well. We went to Albany, away from work. Went to markets, the beach, etc. Real quality family time.

We have been doing a review of our lives. Deciding what's important. We are very serious about getting off the farm and away from this area. I am excited about that. What next is yet to be decided.

We have talked about buying a bus and travelling around oz, doing casual work. Going to NZ. Going to Europe. Going to Brisbane (my aunt lives there). But nothing certain has emerged. I have read a few posts on here about just getting out there and living the life you want. But I can't help but think, what about schooling for the kids, stability, money (to pay for 'just doing it'), etc. How do you find the balance?

Anyway, ramble on... lol

Had the best GS today. Hubby made it, so I expect it had lots more fruit than green, but still yumm. I have been getting headaches the last few days. I am drinking heaps of water and having gs. I took a panadol yesterday because it got so bad, but then felt worse! yukky drugs... Just have to ride it out I guess. More detox?  

Hey Emi, don't worry about the weight. It will come off I promise. Have you thought of home schooling while you are away? I know quite a few people who homeschool and their kids are amazing. I've been thinking about it a lot lately. My kids are bringing a heap of stuff home from school. I know that a couple of years ago I asked about it and grade one was only one hour per day. I've got cousins who were homeschooled that I've never met and they are now highly successful and very happy people. Something to think about?

xoxoxo

Adventures and new beginnings - so exciting  :yahh:

Dani - good on you for taking your kids on such an amazing trip!

xoxoxo

ps - 'chillies' thats gorgeous, i'd never heard anyone use that before. i often use 'pears' for my mum and dad. its funny that we can have a rawfood vocab to talk about our families.

It might be a good idea just to rest for a few days and if you get ideas write them down then forget them. You've been going nineteen to the dozen as my mum used to say. A rest might be a good thing? Then you will come back 10 times stronger ready to take on the world!

Take care.

xoxoxo

Laughing.  Call it an investment in yourself, your family and your future.

Something else to check... Make sure your busyness isn't through feeling you have to be achieving something to have self worth.  Definitely not saying that is the case, but I'm speaking as one who was like that when my children were young so just something for you to glance at.  I suffered zero self esteem so felt I had to somehow earn my right to exist.  A human doing rather than a human being.

Love
May

Hey Jen girl,  are you taking your own advice and having a much deserved rest too ??    You've earnt it lately !!   :)  :)

x   x

I am Jen thanks for asking! I've even been lying down during the day with my husbands support. Normally he wouldn't like it but he was worried I was dying because he has never seen me so "sick" for lack of a better word!

I'm off to bed now! Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! So happy to be gettting an early night. May will give me a gold star for my efforts!

xoxoxo

(http://yelims5.free.fr/TopOuNul/Applaudissements05.gif) (http://yelims1.free.fr/Anges/Ange09.gif) (http://yelims1.free.fr/Anges/Ange25.gif)

For Jen and Emi :)

lol i love it...getting busy resting...ahh cant beat it rest and sleep sooo important..balances out the business,training ect whatever we are doing in our lives....well done emi and JEnnie....

Emi I dont really have anything to say just want to give you a kiss and a hug  :kissnblush: you are doing such a fantastic job. YOu have a lot more detox symptoms then me maybe cause I am not eating organic (no good ones around and its too expensive at the moment (have rego for  both cars due same day at the end of the month)). Maybe I am doing this all wrong. I havnt even posted in my journal cause I am too embarressed to say what I have done (bad bad cravings)

Oh I was thinking why dont you post a before photo and then do an after photo or do a before and after photo later on. I dont know it was just an idea (really dont have my brain into gear Connor finally slept through the night for the first time in days).

Anyway I hope you have a good day

Angie

What a beautiful post Emi - I am so happy for you.  I think your butterfly is sitting on a beautiful alive green leaf watching the dawn myself, just waiting for the sun to come up a little more to warm you before you fly.

I lost some weird tacky thick bits in my urine soon after starting raw and somehow knew that they would have been kidney stones some time soon if I hadn't got away from cooked.  I am sure you are right with what you think your loss is too.  Very exciting!!!

Heaps of love and hugs
May

Wow Emi...what a post! It's so good that you have found ways to increase the amounts of organic foods in your diet. You are doing super well.

And that's great news about the cancer leaving your body as well. Do you mind if I ask if you are going to have medical tests done in the future to see how it's going and if I ask what kind of tests? Or are you going to trust your instincts and believe it is gone?

I think you are amazing and I'm very in awe of how you are handling yourself. I find you so inspiring. Thanks for being here.

xoxoxo

Thanks Emi. what a roller coaster ride hey! I'm so glad you were able to find a doctor who had the courage to support you. I'll bet you blow her/him away with what you are doing.

So proud of you. thanks for explaining.

xoxoxo

Congratulations Emi, I'm so pleased for how you have come through this - particularly that you have Ebon as such a precious gift to reward you.

Can't wait to hear the doctors and specialists reactions when they find you clear :yahh:

Love
May

Imagine away! And write it all down. I used to think of all the stuff I would dehydrate and then I got one and just looked at it with a stupid look on my face thinking 'what will I do with it?". So I dried loads of tomatoes! Now I'm onto kale chips and I made some wicked chocolate crackers the other day which were nice and chewy. I'm going to try them again in the next few days with buckwheat and flax to see if I can get them crumbly. mmmm.

You could also post the garden photos in Brett's sprouting journal. He asked for some gardening photos a few weeks ago. But in your journal is good too!

Take care. You are doing very well!

xoxoxo

Hi Emi,

I find it easier to 'talk' in print too.  And when you're 'in person' conversations whizz off at tangents don't they so you don't get to the end of what you started quite often.  Hehehe.  We definitely need both :)

All the best with your juice day - I hope it achieves all you want of it!!!

Love
May

I find that I treat the journal as a forum. When I went to Sydney and realised that the people I was meeting kmew more about me than my family did... it was a little daunting. Also I was worried that people wouldn't be as friendly as they are on the forum and what did I find? Everyone was as they appeared to be! Just awesome. Except Harl's is much more gentle in real life... but don't tell him I told y'all!!!  :yahh:

xoxoxo

I meant to say - I was playing with my daughter today. She was being a fitness instructor and we did all sorts of silly things. Kids have so much energy! Anyway I felt so light and full of energy and kept up effortlessly. It felt so awesome! It has definitely made a difference eating more and upping my fruit intake.  

ahh yes high fruit most definitely is where its at for energy and vitality and overall just feeling amazing....

Hi Emi ^_^

Isn't it a wonderful feeling when something that would have been irresistable in our old life just does nothing for you any more?  And when it tastes horrible to boot - wheeeeeeeeeeeee....  so freeeee and fantastic.  It has no power over you any more.

So thrilled for you to have experiences this so strongly today.  Get that young keep fit instructor working you hard!!!  Hehehe.

Heaps of love
May

Emi...ahh yes it does take courage to tell our story sometimes,and its not always a pretty picture...and if it helps anyone who reads it,then i am happy very happy indeed....

I do need to update that...Sheryl...new pics and all that jaz.....right now it isnt a matter of urgency....just alot has changed alot!!in the last 3-4 months...and there are changes happening every day...at lightening speed!

Darling Emi - It's nothing but a pleasure chatting with you and having your friendship!!!

I do hope you can make it to one of the Perth Picnics.  It looks as if we may be having 2 in July, so I do hope you can make it to at least one.  But I do know it's a VERY long way!!!

Heaps of love
May

The transformation is amazing isn't it? I wonder if it's because the depression and other darker moods that is felt by many of us comes from our foods? Also there's a feeling of gratitude that comes with raw don't you think? So grateful that we are being given the knowlege to improve our lives on so many levels. Gratitude is such a big thing!

xoxoxo

Oh.  Exciting.  Thank you Emi.

Have you uploaded a photo before?  Not sure if you're aware of the size restriction which is something I've forgotten from time to time and then it won't load.

Love
May

Giggle, snigger.

Goodnight Sandgropers all.  We can laugh cos we were the last to see the sun each day.

Love
May

i used to be a deep fried dim sim jim! now i go raw dim sim!

it doesnt have the deep lied msg excitoxin neurological disorder stimulating addictive rancid beyond rancid defforestation cruelty factor that we associate with the savoury snacks of society..

delaying gratification for one moment and questioning what we are putting in our mouths..works wonders.
like kissing a natural make up free face. and then trying to do it with foundation, lippy and tar residue.. its hard to go back against our bodies wishes.

healthy living is the original one way street.

Hi Beautiful Emi,

Yes isn't it horrible weather?  We don't have the wind up here in Perth but it's freeeeeezing and wet.  Usually it gets warmer with the cloud cover doesn't it?  Yukky, yukky, yuk!!!

I did send David off in my car for his second half shift though as I didn't want him riding the motorbike home after dark in the wet.  I don't trust other drivers to see him in those conditions.  It's our son's bike and they've just swapped for a while - David is usually in a little car.  But I'm not having that after dark.  David says I'm bossy and he's probably right ;)  But I love him!  When he used to ride a bike all the time I made him put reflector strips on his wet weather gear, as one day the bike slid out from under him and he was laying in the middle of the road before sun up on a wet day.  Fortunately he's pretty lithe and wasn't hurt so was able to leap up smartly but....  Shudder!!!

Well done with your training and fruit eating today - I bet you feel fantastic.  And so pleased to hear you are painting.  I'm a craft enthusiast.  I've dabbled with art but it doesn't like me much.

And I'm sorry to hear about your lost post - that is frustrating isn't it?  Never quite the same when you have to rewrite it.

Heaps of love
May

On any website when I feel I've done an beautiful post I copy it to clipboard before I continue. Just select <ctrl> a to highlight all, then <ctrl> c to copy (or use the mouse to highlight, and right click and choose copy).

That's it! Then if you lose it you can just past it in again. It's a habit I've acquired after years of forum posting. Because we all know there is MUCH HEART put into so many posts.

Oh Emi,

What a shame. I do what Sheryl said most of the time and you know, since I've been doing that I've only lost one and it was one I forgot to copy!!! Such is life....

And you paint too! I'd love to see a piccie of your painting when you are done.

I use a photo hosting website called photobucket. You can google them. I upload my photos to there and then I only have to copy the img link they provide and paste the link into my post. That way I could have 20 photos in a post if I wanted. Like the MBS one. Yaaaaaaaaaaaay! I love lots of photos....

Have a great night. xoxoxox

Hey Emi.gs sounds divine bout to whip up one myself yum yum!! going to put some bitter dandeloin in mine today,straight from Denis garden ohhh yeh and some rocket too and maybe some lettuce mmmm ommm ommm!!

Cool isnt cruisin with the tunes up loud such fun..glad you're having an awesome day and doing so well,mwah  :ohyeah:

the price of animal products has always been too much to pay...

I've just been out in our office with no kids or hubby. Just sat there in the silence. So lovely.

xoxoxo

yay Emi....great to hear so pleased :yahh:...high fruit low fat rocks...its simple and it simply works...you will thrive this way truly come alive....

WOW Emi,

You have an amazing testimony.  I was so surprised to read so many similarities that we share.  Our life experiences, loves and losses and the dreaded cancer.

I am so proud of you.  You are truely doing a brilliant thing and your children & hubby are so blessed to have a woman who is doing all she can to bring optimum health into their lives.

Your future grandchildren will thankyou....I'm sure.   :laugh:

It's not easy all the time but I tip my top hat to you.  <<<<hugs>>>>

Thanks so much for your encouraging post in my journal.  I really got a boost.
You are a sweet soul among many.
Nudgy

Hi Emi, This is the second time today that I've heard of the hindu squats today on the forum. I'll have to check them out!

My goodness you are going 100 miles an hour. No need to ask how you are feeling is there? How's hubby going now with raw?

xoxoxo

Hi Emi!

I'm so happy you are feeling great. And it sounds as though hubby is doing well also. 80% is awesome. He will want more eventually just wait and see.

I don't know if you saw the thread in the tech section about photo hosting? It's there in case you wanted to see it. I just remembered you couldn't upload photos the other day... now there is a way!

Yup. As Harl's says most people would rather die than change their diet. I didn't really believe it until my dad, who is quite ill, wouldn't consider a fast or a change of diet. His own words were "I'd rather die, I just don't have the will power for that anymore and if I did I'd want to use it elsewhere, I've given up". Kinda hard to hear. I think my weight loss is a big factor too. My dad is really thin and the idea of losing more weight is frightening. I'm so sorry about your friend and her kids.

xoxoxo

Beautiful Emi - you wear me out.  LOL

And this is for you and your hubby, who I hope to meet when I meet you!!!  :ph34r:

Love
May

Maysiedove, I think we need a smiley with Dreadlocks just for you....

Emi you amaze me. I hope we can meet one day. How awesome would that be? With the kids. I got my children doing the five tibetan rites that have been chatted about on various threads or maybe it's just one thread. Anyhow they loved it! And they have gone to bed really easily tonight. I've also done some eft with my son on his bedwetting problem. I'm going to do that everynight for awhile. Thanks again for the EFT reminder. I had a huge shock this morning and used it today to help me get over the upset. So instead of stewing on something for hours I was able to put it where it belonged and get on with my day.  :rose:

Take care and have fun!

xoxoxo

Wow that pie sounds awesome Emi. Yummm! Keeping me inspired.

More stuff coming to the surface hey? I love how you handle things. I'm trying to learn how to let my emotions wash over me as Suay once said to me. Such a great visual. Let them happen. After three and a half decades of fighting them it ain't easy but it's getting better... so much better.

And it will for you too.

Hugs to you special girl.

xoxoxo

Emi, that pie sounds soo delish! will definetly try to make that one day :)

you are doing AMAZING  girl! :laugh:

Emi I havnt been to have a look at your journal for a while as you know with the dramas at the moment but you are just so beautiful I have just read 2 pages back (that is how behind I am) and just sitting here reading has given me the incouragement (sp?) to keep going and try and block out the stuff going on with the rest of the family and get back to my healthy eating.

I have missed it so much you wouldnt believe I would have raw until dinner then I just couldnt be bothered. The emotional stuff that is going through my head like reliving what I went through trying to explain it to other ppl so they know what these kids are going to be going through is amazing.

But all I want to say Emi is thanks for your journal you really are an awsome women and a huge insperation to me.

Love to you and your family

Angie

oh Emi...you are a treat...yuk chlorine is vile isnt it...gosh i think you're forgiven to be using shampoo to get that out of your locks..

ahh emotions...like a roller coaster arent they?up one minute,down the next...the ultimate roller coaster...thinking of you...

Hi Emi!

I just read your journal...WOW!! You're SUCH a special inspirational person...AND you're healing yourself!!! You're amazing. I love your strength and positivity.... :yahh:

Lots of love

JoJo

 :-*

Hi Emi. It's up and out hey! Well done. I so admire that you could do that. Lots of people can't. Soooo glad you are feeling better. And it's wonderful to see your face! Just like so many others you look like a supermodel. Very stunning with your brunette hair and blue eyes! Thanks for sharing.

I laughed when I saw your salad. I had the same for dinner sans cashews and with a date dressing. Hehehe. Great minds think alike!

Love love love.

xoxoxo

lol, Jen I just read your journal and thought the same thing, and then come here and you've already posted, SNAP!

And thank you for the supermodel comment. Perhaps a bit untrue, but I am learning to love myself where I am now. Just waiting for below the neck to catch up, lol.

Made yummy garlic spaghetti for dinner. It has certainly become a favourite around here. I was really hoping it would because pasta is my daughter's favourite cooked meal.

I am all excited about tomorrow! I have been waiting for AGES to get my copy of 80/10/10. And I am going to get another copy of 12steps to raw. I bought a copy a few weeks ago from amazon and the day it arrived I gave it to a friend. Not too concerned though because I think the new ones are updated anyway. All very exciting!!! I know, I know, I need to get out more...  :P

Hi Supermodel! We could do a raw-pleasure calender next year! How fun.... not that I'm suggesting it!

I give my son the spiraliser and he makes his own noodles and eats them with nothing on them! It's so awesome. In getting him to eat raw vegies I'd have to say that the spiralizer has been an excellent investment!

I'm going to get the 12 steps book too. I just love Victoria Boutenko. I've spoken to Sheryl about her and she really does just want to get the raw word out there. She is a very special soul.

Have a great day!

xoxoxo

I found this today and thought how appropriate it is to my situation at the moment. I thought other's might find it helpful too.

Dear ……………………………………(Source, Creator, Higher Self, God/Goddess – insert as applicable re your beliefs).

In every living moment I NOW attract infinite levels of abundance into my life.

In every living moment I ACKNOWLEDGE that I deserve and it is my divine right to receive infinite levels of abundance.

In every living moment I NOW am open to receiving infinite levels of abundance from all sources both expected and unexpected in my life.

In every living moment I NOW and I AM taking the actions to create infinite levels of abundance in my life.

In every living moment I NOW acknowledge that I have received (insert your menu item/s here)………


and I NOW welcome this/these into my life.


And it is So !

Signed: …………………………………………………


You can view the whole article here: http://www.universallifetools.com/feature.aspx?sid=52 (http://www.universallifetools.com/feature.aspx?sid=52)

Oh that is fantastic Emi, thankyou for posting!  The law of attraction has delivered 2 books recently into my life...the other day off Frances I received 'The law of Attraction' & just today my client gave me 'The Secret' book + other interesting occurences...now your post! Very cool Ta   :mellow:

Thanks from me too Emi. That's fantastic!

xoxoxo

You're welcome! I decided to paint it up onto a canvas, with a few little modifications, and hang it in my bedroom. So I am reminded every morning to expect the BEST, in abundance.

I had planned on water fasting today but something came up. I have moved it to the weekend, so I can really focus and do the full two days. I have already organised everyone, so it should be good. Hubby had last weekend for rugby, so only fair I get a turn.

I put on the Hug-a-Bub this morning and vacuumed/mopped the whole house with DS (10mths) strapped to my chest. He loved it and I broke a serious sweat, so we were both happy little campers. I usually have him on when I hang out washing and sometimes when I garden (he is getting too big to garden, he can reach everything and gets in the way, lol)

I thought about what Free said about our body getting used to the things we do, so thought I should try some different things. Bub on me was one. The other was a hip-hop workout, taped off Foxtel. It was fun and I laughed alot. It felt awkward and uncoordinated at first but then I hit my groove! lol It would have been hilarious to be a fly on the wall.

Well, off to look in the recipe section for some inspiration for dinner time. Or perhaps BB's and RS' journals. They have great ideas, with pics!

Have a lovely evening everyone.  

Emi please do post a photo of your finished art work.  You may find yourself commissioned to do some more for other raw folk.

If I can generate some abundance I'd be in the queue for sure!

Heaps of love
May

I will post the one I am currently working on when I have finished too.  

I really admire talented arty people. I would love to be able to paint or sculpt. I can write and uncook though! I'd love to see your work Emi. And I think that your exercise is really creative also!

xoxoxo

Hi Emi :)

Don't feel bad about a 'day off' from exercise cos sometimes that is the best way to reach the next level when you go back to it.  I do hope that's what happens for you!!!

Heaps of love
May

Yummmm! That sounds delish Emi. Thanks for posting!

xoxoxo

Hi Emi! Sorry I haven't caught up with your journal for a couple of days...it sounds like your doing fantastic!!!!! I love your exercise idea and the fact your so creative. ALSO I HAVE to mention(I'm sorry it's taken me so long) that you are absolutely beautiful...both inside and out! I love your pic...and you have such a gorgeous gentle smile.

Anyways, have a lovely day!

xoxoxox

Oh can I also ask what you do with your garlic spaghetti?? I think "pasta" is on the agenda tonight and I'm not sure yet how I'd like it. Ta!

Yum Yum!! Thank you...sounds great!  -_-

Went to town this morning to see my daughter's school assembly - last one for a few weeks. Hubby took the morning off work and came with me (something he hasn't ever done before!!!!) so we had a lovely morning and then we had lunch out. We haven't done that for such a long time, it was so nice to have time with him out of our home...

I had cooked broccoli tonight with dinner. Just can't get myself to eat raw broc yet, and I really felt like it. I don't know how cooked it was though. It still had a crunch, but was warmed right through... I figure it can't be too harmful.

I went looking through the old RAW Chat posts. I highly recommend this to any newbies - it is very informative. I had questions answered, thoughts provoked and funny bones tickled.  

Emi, I love raw broccoli! try and add it to your green juice/smoothie and/or try to dip it in hummus, delish! your'e doing great emi and I can't wait to see your finished art-work  :laugh:

Emi you are doing such a fantastic job doing raw. I wish I had your determination. I was actually wondering the other day if it is possible to turn an eating disorder into and excerise disorder that would help me out heaps. Just ready your journal is an insperation to me and I love being able to read what is going on in your raw journey. I will come back and write more Connor has just woken up.

Love toyou and your family
Angie

Hi Emi, It sounds as though you've had a great time of it!  Lunch with my husband is such a treat. We don't do it often enough. I would gladly eat cooked to have a meal alone with him in a nice place... one day. Luckily there is always salads!

When I joined I spent weeks going through all the post