Hi guys! I know it has been a minute since I’ve posted, but I had to get my mind right to prepare for this amazing Rawsome experience! *sarcasm* No really…I’m sure you’re like “what is she talking about?” I’ll be honest, many may think I’m nuts (pun intended…you’ll get that later). Let’s not talk about the looks I get when I respond to people as to why I’m not eating meat or scarfing down pizza leftover from an office meeting. Of course these are things that my heart would totally desire on any other day, but making healthier choices comes with a price—and it’s so worth it!
I decided to commit to 21 Days of Raw (plant-based) eating because my body was craving something different. I also really needed to detox from all of the foods, impurities, and randomness that my body has consumed or been exposed to. Plus, it always benefits us to get in more fruit, veggies, good heart healthy proteins, and even better when we practice healthier habits.
I was a Weight Watchers member years ago and I remember the “good health guidelines” consisted of five or more servings of fruit and veggies per day (nine servings if you are over 350 lbs). Did you know that the serving amount has changed? Today, it’s recommended that we eat at least nine fruits and veggies per day.
An example from the Harvard School of Public Health:
(1) For a person who needs 2,000 calories a day to maintain weight and health, this translates into nine servings, or 4½ cups per day (2 cups of fruit and 2½ cups of vegetables). For most fresh or cooked vegetables and fruits, 1 cup is just what you would put in a household measuring cup.
Eating raw has been a challenge. If you eat dairy, whole grains, meat, cooked foods, sweets “Oh, the sweets!” (basically everything that tastes good) or drink alcohol/wine…let me be the first to tell you, this ain’t easy! BUT…I am beyond capable of carrying it out to completion! So what can I eat/consume? Any uncooked vegetable (or steamed 7 minutes or less), fruit, sprouted beans, fresh juice, fresh fruit smoothies, organic herbal tea (preferably caffeine free), water, nuts, and seeds. I’m basically a “practicing-vegan” sans whole grains and cooked beans. Don’t get me wrong, I like to indulge every now and then, but I have to reel it in from time to time. I have to remember that eating a healthy diet is so important.
I’ll be posting about my experience and sharing some fun foods and recipes that I’ve discovered along the way! Be sure to follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to go along for the Rawdiculous ride. I’ll be using the hashtags: #21daysraw.
Do you eat a plant-based diet? Is raw food a part of your daily diet? If so, I’d love to hear from you and any tips, recipes, restaurants (especially if you are in the Birmingham area), or food favorites while eating…in the raw.
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I really enjoy your blog and nominated it for this liebster award thing! It’s hard to explain but if you go to my blog it explains it all!:)) http://georgefeas.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/the-one-where-i-nominate-liebster-award.html Keep it up xx
Wow! Thank you so much Georgina!!! That was very kind of you! Can’t wait to check it out!
Just found your blog through my friend (georgefeas.blogspot) and I love it! Its the kind of theme I was hoping to go for with mine but yours is just so good. Love the template, wish I could make mine look as good!
Maddy x.
http://www.happymadlife.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you so much, Maddy! Just play around with the themes and codes until you find what works for you! :)
I’m trying to transition to a more plant based diet to support optimum health. I will be checking back often for ideas and support.
Thank you, Reginia! I’ll be honest, it’s challenging but it’s totally doable. I’ll dig in later on how I plan to incorporate more raw food into my diet.
My husband and I are vegetarians but I’ve yet to eat raw. I love being plant-based though because it works out really really well for us and we feel way healthier than before. We do eat a lot of raw vegetables (and fruits) but we also eat a lot of grilled, steamed, blanched veggies and other non-raw foods.
Kudos to you and your hubby, Ashley! I even have my husband on board! I love steamed, roasted, grilled, etc. vegetables. I like raw too, but I’ve never eaten them consistently (only) for a long period of time. I can tell already that my energy level has increased. I look forward to the benefits of incorporating more plant-based foods into my diet!
Keep up the good work! Great challenge.
I do eat a plant based diet. I follow the “Eat to Live” way of eating and I really love the way it makes me feel.
Eating out can be a challenge, so I usually check out the menu before going to a new restaurant to make sure there is something I can eat.
I haven’t eaten meat in 3 years and it’s so strange because I haven’t even missed it. I did eat a little bread and dessert while on vacation, but I’m back on the wagon.
My entire family eats meat so I’m always cooking it.
I’m looking forward to keeping up with your 21 days of raw.
I have never tried this! But I would be in to try something new :)
http://neatly-packaged.com/
It’s totally doable! It’s not as bad as I thought it would be. It’s worth a try!
I am so glad I stopped by to read your post. I had the impression of Raw diest were just raw food… I didn’t realize it meant plant based as well. Congratulations on your 21 days and good luck to continuing your journey.
Thank you so much, Tiffany! The encouragement means a lot because it’s totally an adjustment! It’s exciting to learn about new ways to incorporate more healthy habits into my diet.
I’m glad you shared this information. I love hear how going raw affects others.
Thank you, Lysha!
I had no idea raw was like this. I thought it simply meant just raw. Im glad to know a little more about and to hear how its doing for you!
I was completely clueless as to what “raw” meant until I did some research before starting. It’s not what I imagined it to be and it’s definitely an adjustment.
I’m curious to come back and see how this went for you. I’m trying to incorporate more raw foods into my diet.