:situps:
When I started this process of 'getting healthy' again, I could only do 10 sit-ups without stopping and resting.  Last night, I did over 60.  Counting bored me so I stopped.  

I think 'before and after pictures' help others: I know they inspired me.  I know I used to think, "well, if they can do it and they are! then I can too."
And, they may be a good reminder about how miserable I was physically.  What I don't want them to do is to send the cultural message of "I was s$# then, and now I'm not."  At least, in the STATES, that's often the inference. I adore people who are struggling to regain their health!  I know the process myself!  It's not for the faint-hearted which makes it an awesome journey!   I'm going to post mine this week-end.  

Yesterday I went to my Chinese doc for acupuncture. [Was in a wreck in Italy].  He's also given me herbs for high cholesterol.  We have a deal and he is soo good about it [whereas the allopathic nurse said to me, "but you seem happy enough" Sheesh!].  I don't want to know numbers.  I don't want to know what I did weigh or what I weigh now.  They make me crazy.  So, I don't look.  

Yesterday, I did ask him for the # of pounds I have lost.  He's soooo NOT allopathic [traditional med] in his approach, that he had to go to the chart and count them: 34 pounds.  Funny, I know it's substantial, but what I register is that I can see my feet again, can walk from the grocery store to my car w/ bundles w/o panting and I can simply rise off a chair w/o pushing off from my thighs.  I'm very practical: I want to move easier around my the world.  

I'll never forget the first time Valerie, a trainer, made me sweat again.  I was afraid of exercise because I used to do it and I didn't think I could do ANY of it.  She made me feel successful because she didn't go over my head w/ it.  Doing a small amount was a lot for me as I was so unfit.  I now love to sweat. And, I love the endorphins...who doesn't?

I have more to go, my body knows so I [consciously] don't need to. But, I'm posting this for those out there in despair. That kind of despair runs a vicious cycle. I told my husband if he ever comes home from work and finds me eating chips and salsa, to pack my bag and take me to my fav raw retreat for a week. It's a sign I need help.  And, I don't mean the pharmaceutical kind: I'm not dead set against them, it's just I'd try anything/everything first.   I chose not to go that route and instead learned about nutrition and the raw food movement.  I feel that it has helped me save my life.  

My first intro was from MaryAnn  and Gene Jones in Auburn, Ca. Second introduction was Jinjee and Storm Talifero in Southern Ca. They simplified it for me and it started to stick.  I gave away my Raw! by Juliano. No more complicated "let's make it look/taste like cooked food" for me.

My background is psychology.  ehehe...I had to UNLEARN half of it.   Of course, nutrition has something to do w/ moods!!  Sheesh.  A light went off in my head.  Note: from the time I was introduced to raw foods to the time I "got it" was an off-and-on process of 5 years.  I couldn't stay on it long enough to FEEL the results.  It's now been 4 months w/some days all raw, other days 85%  Huge difference.

Thanks for being there.  And, glad you liked the carob fudge, Piers. The truth is often hard to see at first, but one finally realizes that it just makes [common] sense.  Advertisements trick us into thinking we are 'giving up' volumes when in fact what we gain outweighs any ""purported" loss.  Panting, after going from the car to the house, simply isn't fun. I know you know what I mean.

You and Cheryl provide a fabulous website for us!

Thank you.
Karen
karenferguson@compuserve.com
 

Hi,
Just jumping in to say hi....
I realized today that I have very few people around me that are jumping into this lifestyle of healthy, raw eating and exercise and spirituality.  However, there is this forum and that is fabulous!  It will do.

I was introduced into raw food way of life about 5 years ago.  It's taken me slipping and sliding around for several years to get some time back-to-back into the "program."  I've been 85%/15% cooked for 4 months now and I'm grateful. Some days I go all raw.  My next adventure is to get quiet and fast for 3 -5 days.

What's changed?  I'm free of the heaviness in mood, weight and spirit.  I've lightened up 26 pounds and I'm going out the door to run 2 miles today. And, I now know the difference between hunger and appetite: I've finally experienced hunger.

I can't remember when I've had this much energy and I feel very grateful that there are people who have gone before me & who understand where I'm coming from.

Thank you for this website.  I'm very grateful.
I didn't really want to post pictures, but  Sheryl's process of keeping us informed has inspired me. Coming soon.

Best!
Karen 

Edited: To reduce font size - that's all

:bounce:
I've so enjoyed the zucchini hummus, thought it was time to share a periodic indulgence of mine.
I call it "Carob Fudge."

1 c. raw cashew or macademia butter [you can use half and half]
1/4th c. water
3 T. agave
2 T. carob powder
1  t. vanilla
1/4th t. celtic sea salt

Mix and freeze.  Cutting when thawed for 3 minutes or so.  It's firm and taste so good. A little goes a long way.

Best!
Karen

I've so enjoyed reading these posts that I've decided to "jump in" and join.
So far, I've been off coffee for 4 months w/ one relapse in Italy.  I think of what Sheryl says and I just "keep coming back."  You are inspirational, Sheryl!!  And, I admire your work tremendously.

For the last 2 months, I've been 85% raw several days a week and 100% raw the other days...Vague, I know, yet it's working.  I am leaning towards 'all raw' and it feels great.

I don't know if you sell it, but The China Study by T. Colin Campbell is fabulous.  Easy to read and just bursting with 8,000 correlations between diet and disease.  It's revolutionary [well, as far as mainstream press is concerned! ha!] and I do hope w/ all my heart that it reaches the best seller list.  My husband and I will hear him speak in San Francisco in a month.  I'll report in.

Someone wrote about the rebounder:  I just put my outside and am on my way.
Good to hear from everyone.
Best,
Karen

Hi All,
I'm actually flying into Brisbane the 17th of November w/ a friend for 10 days.  We are attending  a Women's Retreat at Living Valley Springs, north of Brisbane, about 2 hours, I think.

At the same time, we'll be receiving the treatments of lymphatic massage, regular massage, facial, sauna, see an ND, and see what life changes need to happen.  It's a center that has ND's and serves raw food, and vegan. One can see an ND and get medical tests too, if one is sick.  

Believe it or not, California [where I live] has just passed a law allowing ND's to practice.  They've been illegal for years thanks to the strong AMA here.

Anyway, you may want to check out the site.  http://www.lvs.com.au/

I did the 10 day challege and got to 5 days.  It convinced me that is the way to go...100% raw.  I'm starting over again....one day at a time.
ps.  BTW,  just wanted to mention not everyone in the States voted for Bush.  
Best!
Karen

Sheryl,
Just found your site today...from rawguru, I think.
It's a great site.  I appreciate all the information that you have put up and made available to the reader.
I found this post to be both poignant and fabulously honest.  You rock!!  Putting a picture up at the beginning of your process is worth a thousand words.  I'm inspired.  My husband is going to teach me how to post a picture of myself...and then I'm off to the 10 Day Challenge!  What a good idea!  One day at a time.
Thank you so much for being so 'real!'  

Best!
Karen :D