RAW Day 3

Honey finally relented to my begging and pleading to TRY RAW for 30 days.
I’m not sure where I read/heard it, but there was a quote that went something like: “You can change a man’s religion far faster than you can his diet.” It has stuck with me, as Honey was a pretty easy Agnostic convert – - but, has been a hard RAW sale.
I have been mighty impressed with his abilities for change, though, as he has had three full days of RAW and has not complained once. As a matter of fact, he has commented on how he likes it. (He has also said that he doesn’t think he will be 100 percent raw after the 30 days – - but, that he will sure be thinking about what goes into his body a whole lot more!!)
Here is a snapshot of our last three days:
Day 1:
I told Honey that he should let me know what he has eaten, so I can put it on SparkPeople and he will know that he made his minimum calorie intake for the day. He did this the first day and then said he was comfortable with what he should eat. With the exception of the stuff that we all had together – - I’m not really sure what he has eaten. Here is what I had on day 1:
4.5 C Cabbage
.5 C Collards
4 T. Salad Dressing
1 T. Sunflower seeds
1 C (or so) Cinnamon Apple Cereal

Day 2:
2 Pears with ½ T. Honey
6 C Cabbage
2 C Collards
3 T. Sunflower Seeds
4 T. Salad Dressing
Banana (1)/Mango (½ C.)/Orange (1)/Pineapple (½ C.) Smoothie
1 C (or so) Cinnamon Apple Cereal

Day 3:
1 C Collard
3 C Cabbage
2 T Salad Dressing
1 T Sunflower Seeds
Fiesta Tacos with Salsa/Guacamole/Corn Medley (Corn, jicama, avocado)
Banana(1)/ Strawberry(1/2 C.)/Spinach(1 C)/Water(1/2 C) Smoothie
4 T. Chocolate Pudding

My sister asked for recipes of the stuff that was really good – - actually, it was all really good. The little girl who spent the night with girl-child LOVED the Cinnamon Apple Cereal. Oh, I also made Chocolate Balls (to try ‘em out – - they were really yummy, too), which all of us girls were just eatin’ like mad dogs!!

Honey is doing better in the digestion department!!
My face is still a little greasy – - but it is significantly better, as is Honey’s. (I am also really close to “that time of the month” so that may have something to do with it, too. IDK??
I have been super tired – - sleeping 12+ hours each night (and that is going to bed BEFORE midnight!!) Super scary!!

I got the basic recipes from the book Alive in 5 by Angela Elliott; however, I am posting my modifications to those recipes:

Chocolate Pudding
½ C. Dates, pitted and soaked for at least 15 minutes
1 ripe Avocado
2 T. Carob Powder (found at health food stores)
2 T. Honey (or 1 T. Agave Nectar)
1 t. Vanilla Flavor
1/8 t. Salt
Put the dates, reserving the soak water, into the blender with all of the remaining ingredients, adding just enough of the soak water to facilitate blending. Process until smooth. Chill the pudding in the fridge for 1 hour prior to serving.
**I used all of the soak water and then some in order to get it to process smoothly. Next time, I will double the recipe with more water and then I will allow it to chill longer.

Velvety Almond Milk
6 C. Filtered Water
1 C. soaked raw Almonds*
5 Dates, pitted and soaking in 1 C. filtered water
1 t. Vanilla flavor
2 t. Honey
1/8 t. Salt
Combine the water and almonds in a blender, and process until smooth. (You may need to do this in two or more batches.) Strain, and set aside the pulp for another recipe. Rinse out the blender and pour the milk back into it. Add the remaining ingredients, and process until very smooth and creamy.
*Soak 1 C. of Almonds in at least 3 C. filtered water for 12-18 hours, changing the water once or twice.
I think this is recipe is better than the “regular” Almond Milk.

Cinnamon Apple Cereal
2 C. Almond Pulp (from Velvety Almond Milk, above) – or whatever amount you ended up with.
2 Apples, chopped
¼ C. Raisins (or more)
½ T. Cinnamon*
4 t. Honey
¼ t. Allspice*
1/8 t. Salt
Combine ingredients into large bowl. Mix together until evenly combined. Serve with Velvety Almond Milk.
*Use as much (or as little) as you prefer.

Some Vital Stats:
As of 9/23/2008
Height: 5′6″
Weight: 166 (as of 9/23/2008)
Neck: 14″
Forearm: 10″
Wrist: 6″
Chest: 36″
Belly: 40.5″ (at belly button)
Hips: 42″
Thigh: 24.5″
Calf: 14″
Ankle: 8″

As of 9/30/2008
Weight: 164
Neck: 14″
Forearm: 10″
Wrist: 6″
Chest: 35″ (1” LESS)
Belly: 38″ (at belly button) (2.5” LESS)
Hips: 41″ (1” LESS)
Thigh: 23.5″ (1” LESS)
Calf: 13.25″ (.75” LESS)
Ankle: 8″

Total weight loss = 2 lbs.
Total inches lost = 6.25”

Interesting Things from Day Six and Day Seven:

1) Yesterday I had some SERIOUS chocolate cravings – - so I had one Russell
Stover chocolate. It was good AND it took care of my chocolate craving!!
2) Still no grease on my face. Body is still soft.
3) My bra is almost too loose. That is what made me really want to weigh and
measure. (Since I don’t have a scale yet, I went to the doctors office in
town and asked to use theirs.) I also had my husband do the measurements
and I just recorded the results. WOW – - over 6 inches lost…..in one week.
4) I really think that I am one of those “keep it simple” kinda raw foodies.
I like just plain fruit, smoothies and basic salads. I haven’t found a raw
recipe (gourmet) that I really like enough to eat all the time.

Well, I think that is all. Gotta busy day tomorrow. Test for Boo in the AM,
then homeschool group (first day back) and finally Girl Scouts.
Thursday we will be at the Zoo for their annual Zoo Edventure! : )

1) Still no grease on my face!!
2) James made note that my brown blotches are “disappearing” – - the only one he could see was the one on my forehead. “That one,” he said, “is only noticeable if you are really trying to see it.”
3) For the most part, I had a decent mood day. There was a period when I yelled at my kid – - but, I don’t think it was because of my diet. (I think I woulda yelled at her anyway, regardless).
4) I slept in until noon, again – - so did Hubby!! Our girl-child didn’t get home until almost 12:30pm. I had a hard time getting motivated but, once I got going, I felt pretty good. Still not able to “do” a lot – - still get tired out pretty quickly – - but, I can feel a difference!!
5) I didn’t make my minimum calorie goal today: 1074 (1200-1550) – - but, golly I ate and ate….LOL!! Oh, I also tried another “Gourmet” recipe today: Creamy Zucchini Soup – - I liked it A LOT better; however, since I have been no less than 95 percent raw in 5 days, apparently, my taste buds have gotten sharper, ’cause the garlic in the soup was TOO much for me to handle. I also couldn’t eat a plum that I thought was too sour. Anyway, so todays intake: 4 bananas, ½ C. Sweet Cherries, 2.5 T. Honey, 1 – 1.5 Cups Creamy Zucchini Soup, 3 Apples and 2 Kiwi fruits. I am really enjoying the Banana Smoothies – - and have gotten them down to a science. {2 Bananas, ¼ C. other stuff (berries, greens, etc.), ½ C. Water, 6 ice cubes and 1 T. Honey. Blend until smooth. Makes about 12 oz. Enjoy!!}
6) Still no headaches!! Yeah!!

7) I started my period last night – - surprise, surprise {the only night we had alone}. I haven’t had any cramps this time around – - AND my flow seems to be less than “normal.” Thanks Stormy for your tips for less cramping!

I think that’s it!

Hello all of you lovely people!! This trek sure is an interesting one…….highlights from today:

1) Pimples are still there….got a couple new ones. Face is still grease free.
2) This morning at 6:45- – ugh, yeah, I totally mean 6:45 in the AM, while standing outside waiting for Boo’s field trip person to arrive, I was still eaten up by mosquitoes – - BUT, not nearly as bad as usual. In the typical 20 minutes I was outside, USUALLY I get eaten up pretty good (at least 20 or more bites). This morning, I may have had 10. Yipee!!
3) NO HEADACHES – - ALL DAY!!!!
4) I was in a pretty good mood – - not sure if it was ’cause I was TOTALLY alone all day or if it was a change having to do with the diet???? Not sure.
5) Since Hubby didn’t get home ’til late, I didn’t eat “dinner” until later – - so I ended up snacking more throughout the day – - and still managed to stay within my calories : 1425 (1200-1550). Here is all the food I had today: (½ Honeydew Melon (other half from yesterday), Four Apples, Honey (5 T.); Four Bananas; ¼ Cup Blackberries; ¼ Cup Sweet Cherries; Napa Cabbage with ½ C. Peas, 2 Green Onions, 2 T. Sunflower Seeds and 2T. Raspberry dressing.
6) I attempted to make one of those gourmet meals (Happy Thai) – - yeah…I don’t think it’s gonna work so well for me. I did put it in the fridge to chill – - but, it wasn’t as exciting as the amount of time I spent putting it all together.
7) I had a moment of wanting some cooked food – - I made my sister’s Chicken – - lordy it was smelling good. Hubby appreciated it – - he had 3 Chicken breast and 2 boiled potatoes smothered in mushroom gravy. (he also had a side salad {like mine} and a yogurt. Gotta start him out small…LOL!!)
After I dropped off Boo, I went right back to bed. Holy Moly – - I had some freaky, crazy, VIVID dreams. It was spooky how real these dreams were. I did sleep ’til noon – - It was SO nice not to have to worry about anything.

 

I think that’s it for today. Night all!!

Since I had this special request: “Hurry up and blog again. I cant wait to hear how your bowels are today!” I figured that I better not let my lovely readers down, so without further ado….

Interesting things from Day Three:

1) I guess the most appropriate place to start is: Poop. Mine, to be exact. Today I **DID** poop….twice!!! Yeah, look at me go!!
2) I no further cramping….probably due to number 1 – - LMAO – - actually number 2. **SNORT** Dang, I crack myself up!!
3) My face is still not greasy – - and James made note of that this evening, as well. (Typically by bed time, my face is, well, glistening. My face is also super soft.
4) Going into the grocery store, I noticed in the reflection from the glass, my legs were shiny…not greasy shiny….just “glowing” shiny. They are also super soft.
5) I have had a pretty good headache goin’ this afternoon/evening. I think it might have to do with just detoxing in general – - the caffeine issue should be resolved by now, right?
6) I was still moody and irritable today – - but, I also noticed moments where I could almost touch “happiness/clarity.”
7) The apple I just ate….drizzled with honey….was THE best apple I have ever eaten in my life.
Other food for the day: ½ Honeydew Melon (that puppy was big – - so could only manage ½ this morning); lunch at Applebee’s again – - and again Asian Chicken Salad (sans chicken, again); Dinner was Asian Coleslaw and a Banana/Blackberry Smoothie.
9) I was within my caloric goal range (1200-1550): 1441. The other values were pretty good, too. I was higher in Carbs and lower in fat and Protein.
10) I woke up earlier today, again – - but, I did lay in bed for another 30 minutes. I SURE didn’t want to get up today. My body has been sore – - similar to the feeling you get when you have the flu (aching muscles, sense of weariness, mentally/physically/emotionally tired, etc.) It didn’t get better {or worse} the more I moved around.
11) I’ve had bouts of sinus issues (stuffy nose, runny nose, etc.) in the midst of completely clear sinuses – - it is the weirdest thing. During the moments when my sinuses are clear, it feels like I can breath all the way to my brain…LOL!! Weird, huh?
12) There are all sorts of pimples popping out all over….UUGGHH!! THAT is irritating. Again, I know that it is a detox issue – - but still….dang it!!

Al right, I think that was it for today – - I am gonna go to bed…
Oh, and I am all up for more special requests…you know where to find me….Holla!!

Day Two was a little interesting.

I BARELY met my calories – - but, here is what I ate today: 4 Clementine’s, 2 Banana Shake (with 2 t. honey, ½ cup water, and 4 ice cubes); Asian Salad from Applebee’s (sans Chicken) and two apples. (I felt like I was eating most of the day…..LOL!!)
I also managed to get in about 30 minutes of cardio (walking)!

Significant Things To Report:
1) I noticed some additional zits (but, wasn’t so concerned because this would be attributed to detoxing); however, when I noticed the pimple on my chin, I also noticed…..
2) I have ZERO grease on my face. (As my sister can attest when I was at her house, I typically have the “T” Zone with oily skin. As a matter of fact, we discussed this because I was telling her that my current facial cleanser (Oil of Olay) is not working and so I wondered what would work from her business. She sells BeautiControl, BTW, if any of you are interested….)
3) I was gurgling and having some pretty intense gas issues last night. Then, by this afternoon, I thought I might have been experiencing some cramping – - but, at the grocery store, I had one of those oops toots (unexpected farts) – - and I feel tons better now.
4) With the exception of the time this afternoon/evening, I haven’t felt bloated.
5) The caffeine headache that I was experiencing yesterday, was WAY better today. There was a mild throb – - but, no where near what it was yesterday. (And yesterday’s really wasn’t too bad).
6) I was tired last night and went to bed about midnight – - only to get back up and stay up until about 2am. Then, I slept until almost 11am. It was SUPER hard getting up and going today – - and I have been really fatigued all day. I have had NO energy to do school – - but, we did manage to get it all done.
7) I haven’t pooped yet – - so, I am thinking that could also be part of the reason I was crampy.
With the exception of part of the salad from Applebee’s, I was raw again today – - I would say no less than 95 percent. YEAH!!

Some Vital Stats:
Height: 5′6”
Weight: 166 (as of 9/23/2008)
Neck: 14”
Forearm: 10”
Wrist: 6”
Chest: 36”

Belly: 40.5” (at belly button)
Hips: 42”
Thigh: 24.5”
Calf: 14”
Ankle: 8”

I have a confession to make: I have NEVER, EVER counted calories or other nutrition related stuff. It is a pain in the ass – - but, enlightening, as well. LOL!! Before dinner, I had eaten 10 Clementine oranges and a total of 3 bananas – - and was a little over half way to my 1200 calorie goal. Then I eat 2 measly OUNCES of sunflower seeds – - and BLAM – - INSTANTLY, I am WAY over the goal. (I haven’t surpassed my back-up goal (which is 1500) – - so that’s good. Man, I don’t even WANT to know how many calories I usually eat/drink. Sheesh.

I am going to “allow” myself some latitude with the raw stuff – - for instance, I ate the salad tonight with not-so-raw dressing (cost me 160 calories) – - but, it was totally worth it!!!

I DID quit my hot, sweet tea – - cold turkey. I found that I enjoy some lime in my water – - so I have nursed a quarter lime in water (refilled many times) today. I am kinda diggin’ it – - except for the caffeine headache that crept on later this afternoon.

So today, I had NO caffeine, NO refined sugar, NO cooked foods and would consider this a raw day. (I was no less than 97 percent raw). It was weird to feel like I was eating all day long. Do you have any idea how long it takes to eat 10 Clementine oranges? YIKES!!

Perhaps it is only because I am detoxing; but, I am actually tired right now – - so will go ahead and get to bed.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Breakfast
	Calories	Fat	Carbohydrates	Protein
Banana, fresh, 1 large (8″ to 8-7/8″ long)	125	1	32	1
Clementine, 6 serving	210	0	54	6
	335	1	86	7
Lunch
Clementine, 4 serving	140	0	36	4
Banana, fresh, 2 small (6″ to 6-7/8″ long)	186	1	47	2
Honey, 1 tbsp	64	0	17	0
	390	1	101	6
Dinner
Banana, fresh, 1 small (6″ to 6-7/8″ long)	93	0	24	1
Honey, 1 tbsp	64	0	17	0
Iceberg Lettuce (salad), 4 cup, shredded or chopped	31	0	7	2
Radish, Fresh, 6 oz	27	0	6	0
Cucumber (peeled), 0.5 cup, pared, chopped	8	0	1	0
Ken’s Steak House, Lite Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette Salad Dressing, 2 Tbsp, 2 serving	160	12	14	0
Sunflower Seeds, without salt, 2 oz	330	28	14	11
	713	41	83	14
Snack
None
	1,437	43	269	28
	1200 – 1550	32 – 56	163 – 236	60 – 127
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