Month 1

My first month moving more fully into a raw lifestyle has been exciting. I'm enjoying 1-2 green smoothies a day using my new blender, and the Excalibur dehydrator I ordered arrived today. I've been missing bread, so really look forward to making flaxseed crackers now!

Smoothies & Salads
Day-to-day, I eat raw with the exception of some steamed vegetables occassionally and slow-cooked legume soup. In my smoothies, I incorporate a variety of greens and throw in berries and/or various other fruit. I also include both Nopal (amino acids) and aloe vera powders. Sometimes I'll add some almonds or avocado (limiting fats to about 10%/day). I also eat 1-2 salads daily ... usually fat-free with a wide variety of veggies included.

Weight Loss & Sleep
I've lost 25 lbs. and feel more energetic. Sleeping, I dream more and wake feeling rested most days. Previously, I rarely dreamed and woke often during the night ... not surprisingly, I was exhausted most days.

Activity
Activity? What's that? After a knee sprain in December, I haven't gotten back in the swing ... I could definitely be doing at least some dog walking now. Becoming more active is on the agenda for this next month. And the less weight I'm lugging around, the easier that should become : )

Cravings & Emotions
Overall, it was an awesome month+! I still have moments when I crave junk food, although the non-stop cravings I had eating SAD are long gone. I even forget to eat sometimes ... now that's refreshing! It's really exciting to be reclaiming my health and developing a healthy relationship with food. My emotions seem to be better in check ... I'm less anxious and feel generally more even keel ... less stressed & happier : )

Committing to Raw

After transitioning to an organic raw vegan diet in 2007, I'm ready to enter a new phase ... saying goodbye to SAD (processed/junk food) entirely. I don't plan to consistently be 100% raw, but intend to stay close to 80%. I'll remain 100% vegan, although I'll incorporate cooked legume soups and streamed vegetables.

This year, there will be designated periods where I'll eat 100% raw. Additionally, I will smoothie feast for periods of time. Despite having many pounds to lose, my weight will not be my focus ... instead, what I ingest will be. Staying committed, while consciously consuming pure nutrition, the weight will take care of itself at its own rate. As my activity level gradually increases, I'll shed pounds and also feel more energetic.

I recently purchased a Blendtec Blender and LOVE it ... worth every penny : ) An Excalibur Dehydrator is on my wish list, so that'll be my next significant raw purchase.

I'm excited to see and feel the results of a healthy lifestyle over time. I will blog my journey and document my progress, challenges, and accomplishments!