75% Raw Since New Year's Resolution

by Kelly
(Amenia, NY, USA)

I must admit that I was less than enthusiastic about going raw. I thought it would be boring and I would give up. However, it's been 33 days and I love it! I'm learning so much about food and my body. I feel great! Things I never thought of trying, I'm eating and enjoying.

One of my New Year's Resolutions was to eat healthier. My mother found a book that she said, "made sense" and together we started a raw diet. About 75% of my diet is raw. It's easy to regulate because I follow a cookbook with meal plans.

Breakfast is a completely raw fresh fruit and greens smoothie. Lunch is 75% raw with broccoli, carrots, and a homemade dressing on a whole wheat tortilla. Dinner is the hardest meal to keep completely raw so I always begin with a green salad followed by beans, quinoa, or soup. I cut out salt, sugar, and oils, unless I'm roasting veggies.

The first few weeks were tough, physically. Last year, I was eating one vegetable a day, if I was lucky, to suddenly eating a ton. The switch caused gas and stomach cramping. My husband was constantly complaining, I wasn't fun to be around!

I think that this type of diet has dramatically changed in the past few years. Chefs are becoming so creative and exciting. I'm finding incredibly delicious recipes.

I lost 10 pounds, which I had been trying, unsuccessfully, to lose for months. The gas, bloating, and cramping has ceased. I'm more regular; my bowel movements are, let's just say, my digestive system is working well! I do wake up with migraines, I have an infant and don't get enough sleep, but I no longer need to take medication because of the nutrients I'm receiving. I'm hoping also that I can prevent surgery. I have gall stones, but haven't had an attack since starting.

As of now, I'm happy with the amount of raw food I eat. It's winter so I need warm food and I like chicken, so I allow myself 2-4 servings a week. In the summer I can see myself eating more raw.

I've seen and felt such a change for the better that I'm happy with where I'm at, but I look forward to the summer, adding more raw, and eating fruit salads for dinner! The change of seasons brings different food and I'm excited for it.