Why is change so hard? I've questioned this many times, especially lately. How come we are soo set in our ways and we can't do the things we want to do or HAVE to do...because we lack the ability to do something new..or different.
When I was diagnosed with Adrenal Fatigue and told to cut out sugar, white flour, processed foods...it was hard for me to accept. Many people that know me, would say I eat healthy anyways. When I took a good look in my cupboards, fridge, and freezer, I saw things that I wish weren't there...Why are those foods there? They are there because they are comfortable, they are fast, they bring smiles on my children's' faces, and they are what I resort to when I need a fall back. We all have those nights that we cook what we can in 5 minutes, without even thinking.
As most of those foods are gone now because I haven't replenished my "easy" supply, I have found myself overwhelmed in times of panic and hurry, instead of reassured...because my "fall back" options have been used up.
Cooking real, whole foods is not always easy. It takes preparation, work and time to make a full meal, vs. opening a pizza box and sticking it in the oven.
Why would I do it then? I have been asked this by several people (including myself), and here is what I have come up with:
David and I have decided, after much studying and research, that we are going to consume a mostly raw diet...I would say about 70-80% raw. I am trying to eat at least 1 pound of raw vegetables a day, soak/sprout all nuts, seeds, legumes, and limit meat and dairy to organic. Right now, we aren't doing any dairy, but when we do, we are going to try raw milk and cheese. We have only had meat a few times in the last month and so far, don't really miss it. Because we are not having as much meat, both David and I are taking B-12 and Vitamin D. (I have to have B-12 shots anyway, so no biggie for me).
As I looked through cookbooks, non-fiction books, researched online and talking with a few "raw foodists," I realized that this was pretty overwhelming, so we are taking it slow. Every day is not perfect, but I think it's getting better.
The last two weeks we have all undergone our own sort of detox. Nothing crazy, because we aren't strict and the kids get stuff at school and from friends, but I have noticed changes in everyone:
David got very sick for 10 days and lost 8 pounds, and is now better.
Victoria had a few small anxiety situations and it finally seems to be out of her system.
Jocelyn has had some anger outbreaks and has finally calmed down
Tyler just keep getting calmer and happier. He had birthday cake at a party on Saturday (first sugar in a while) and he wouldn't keep his clothes on and was bouncing off the walls...now I know why he has been so crazy.
Me...I really haven't noticed anything different, except when you cut out sugar and other processed salty things, your cravings actually go away. I can sit and not feel like I "need" to eat something sweet or "need" a treat. I feel peace and contentment.
So, why are we doing this for the long haul..because it is good for us and it's what we feel we need to do for ourselves and our children. To give them the opportunity to eat real food that is good for their bodies and their spirits.
If you want a good article on raw food that explains it all, click
HERE!Because we are taking baby steps, I needed a place to start with good sound wisdom, recipes and info that I could relate to and understand. The book that sealed the deal and confirmed everything I was wanting to change, is called: Original Fast Foods. You can buy it
HERE (only 20$)and read about the program (in a short 20 page e-book) and why it works,
HERE!I will be using this book a lot for reference. I am impressed with the author, who after being sick for 10 years and doctors couldn't help him, decided to eat mostly raw foods and cut out meat and basically cured himself through what he was eating. He ties in religious ideas and at the end of his book compares every major word religion and their thoughts on food. The recipes are awesome, some of which I will be starting to share and is just a great reference point if you don't know where to start (like me) and feel like it's impossible to make any changes in the way you eat.
Daniel Simmons, the author, isn't selling any product, just ideas to help you feel the best you ever have.
I have found it an easy place to start making these changes. A few quotes on change before I go:
"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending."
"The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live."
"Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomfort."
(Make sure you have your bat man cape on...it always makes the ice cream taste better!)
When the kids get home from school, they have yummy veggies and fruit waiting for them. Victoria LOVES peanut butter with celery and apples and Jocelyn loves veggies and ranch. Tyler just grazes between both bowls of fruit and veggies. I find that cutting up veggies ahead of time helps when the kids are hungry and want a snack and they can get it out themselves. Besides fruit and veggies, I make a lot of home made popcorn on the stove (using grape seed oil because it has a high burning point), and have fruit leather, rice crackers, nuts, and yummy healthy cookies on hand (i will post this recipe soon!)
