Back on Track

As you can see, I haven't posted a single thing since the end of November. I caved during the Holidays. I just couldn't resist the temptations of classic family recipes, and hot coffee on cold days. After taking the time off, I realize how much I appreciate the raw diet, and I see clearly the effect it has on me.

For Christmas I got a beautiful juicer, and I love using it. What a blast.

Tomorrow I'm getting back on track, full raw diet. No more caving in. I need to feel great because of demanding auditions for Hairspray, universities, and dance performances. Going raw will definitely keep me at my most alert, energetic, and focused state.

Simple Ritual

Another thing... for all two readers out there, breathing and stretching first thing in the morning and again right before bed will significantly help in this process. The raw food lifestyle is not only a diet, but a method of spiritual and physical healing. This series of breathing and stretching doesn't need to be long to get the job done. Just take a minute or two to stretch out, touch your toes, roll your neck a few times. If nothing else, just take a single moment in the morning and in the evening to take a slow, deep breath. It may not seem like much, but it really has the capacity to calm you down completely. Give your body what it wants. Enzymes and oxygen! Goodnight!

Magic

I highly recommend trying out Go Raw Cafe if you have the chance. I went last night with my friend, Hannah and we were SO pleasantly surprised. Their entire menu is raw and organic. They sell raw snacks, vitamins, oils, books, and the list goes on. It was a cute little restaurant and the food was amazing! Here are some pictures (I forgot my camera, so pardon the crappy camera phone pictures).

We split the Mexicali Sampler and split a coffee and cream pie for dessert. We were so full by the time we were finished. But a good kind of full.

An Overview

So I haven't been updating daily on my raw experiences from the past week or so. Let me elaborate.

The first week went better than expected. I ate 100% raw in the mornings (fruits and fruit juices). I added a little almond butter to the meal plan in the afternoons, but the almond butter was made of dry roasted almonds... clearing out the pantry so I can buy some raw almond butter when it's finished.

The stories are true. Raw foodists don't get anywhere near as hungry as normal eaters. It took a little self control at first, but I got used to it quickly. They key for me is to drink a TON of water. I drink a glass of water before and after everything I eat. Then I take my time to eat. It completely fills me up, sometimes even an 8 oz glass of juice can do the trick if plenty of water is involved. They key is control. The motivation we have to eat is mostly in our minds, and rarely just in our stomaches. Just keep that in mind.

That first week I was raw until I went to Reno on Friday. That day was raw until dinner.... but who can resist Panera? I ate happily, but I felt a bit sick afterward. It could have been the portions, or the dairy in the tomato   soup. I could definitely tell that my body was adapting quickly to my new diet.

The next week was again mostly raw until the night before Thanksgiving! I was trying to eat more so I could still enjoy a huge Thanksgiving dinner. The day of, I woke up and had a bowl or Raisin Bran just to start expanding my stomach in preparation for the big meal ahead of me. Afterwards, I didn't feel so great, but I survived. I was definitely eager to go raw again the day after. And I did!

I am so glad to be adapting so quickly. My body is thanking me, and also digesting everything with much more ease than before.

I'll continue with more updates soon.
Have a beautiful morning!

First Week on the Raw

I am so excited to finally get started on this diet/lifestyle! I have been reading about the raw food diet for months and figured it would be too difficult to even attempt. However, after asking some raw food-ists in the community and doing my own bit of research, I found that eating raw isn't as hard as I had imagined. Hopefully I can stick with it! I made the commitment to myself on Saturday to eat raw, and I haven't gone a full day 100% raw yet. It's only Tuesday so I'm giving myself some time to adapt and purchase all the necessary items to make this work.

Even though it's only Tuesday, I have been noticing a subtle difference in my attitude and level of energy. I'm becoming more positive overall, I've calmed down about the little things that usually aggravate me or stress me out. Although my lack of sleep has made waking up difficult, my energy levels are noticeably better throughout the day.

Also, the cleansing mentality has helped clear my head and made me more motivated to get things done. I am now not only cleansing my body, but my mind... and even my house!

I spent over an hour alone at Whole Foods searching for ingredients such as raw sesame tahini and raw flax oils, discovering that the store has an entire section just for raw foods. It's as easy as that! I didn't have to search every corner of the store for obscure oils and condiments.

When I got home, I decided to use a recipe from Raw Foods For Busy People by Jordan Maerin, and made these delicious Nirvana bars :)

I can't wait to try them out tomorrow!

To conclude, finishing up this week will be quite an experience. I am eager to see how eating raw will affect me in the long run!

Good night and have a great day tomorrow!