So I’ll start off by explaining what exactly this is…

Raw you ask???

No, cookie dough is not included lol.

Basically, the whole point behind eating raw is to give your body the fine opportunity to absorb ALL of the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals fruits and veggies have to offer. You see, by cooking food (over 104-118° F) we lose a lot of the “good stuff” the plant based foods contain. Don’t get me wrong, cooked food is still filled with nutrients, but I wanted to jump on the band wagon of achieving optimal health. I knew I needed a good detox and cleaning out by the way my body started reacting (skin issues, stomach issues, fatigue…). I’m use to the whole vegan thing because I eat mostly that anyways, but RAW??! Ehhhhh….

Let’s just say I enjoy my foods heated above cold/room temperature. Not to mention carbs. I love my carbs and do still eat them while eating vegan. I knew this wasn’t gonna be fun nor easy by any means. I had to prepare myself, my family, and my meals lol. My hubs even agreed to do this with me!! Whoop whoop!

So then it begins…

My goal is to TRY and eat 100% raw (all meals) the first week and 1-2 out of 3 meals the second week (I’m only doing 14 days). If I do “cheat” it will still be vegan and gluten free, it just may be heated lol. I currently am on my third day. MY THIRD DAY. To be honest, this is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I am still currently breastfeeding so my appetite is still pretty large and in charge which makes everything oh so worse. Because of this, I also have to make sure I’m taking in the proper calories as well.

So I’m going to be honest here…

THIS SUCKS.

I feel like I’m dying of starvation lol. The first two days are the worst. It’s new, and my body isn’t use to breaking down raw foods. Because it is such a clean diet, my body needs to get use to handling it. With every bite of cold food I put in my mouth right now it just makes me want to gag. The flavor is absolutely delish (because of strategic meal planning), but I am just a hot food kind of person…and so is my husband lol. Another reason why I have been feeling miserable these two days is because I feel my body is detoxing. Nausea, vomiting (only once last night), colon cleansing (to be polite 🙂 ), irritability….the works. The most important thing to remember is to keep yourself hydrated. Because your body is releasing these toxins, you become symptomatic and sensitive to them when they reach your bloodstream. You must flush them out by drinking TONS of good ole’ H2O. That was my problem. I was so dehydrated and didn’t even realize it. One thing that may be helpful to those interested in this cleanse, is starting off slower. Maybe trying one raw meal a day and work up to all three. Or just stick with one!….still very beneficial either way.

Some things that have really helped me get by and saved me have been bananas, lemon and grapefruit essential oil in my water, and smelling this…

I’m telling you, it sounds weird, but smelling Valor has bailed me out of my hunger, carb craving panic attacks. It’s WONDERFUL. Also, when I get nauseated, I increase my water intake, rub peppermint oil on me, or eat some frozen fruit (because anything frozen always helps me when I get nauseous).

I know this all sounds so miserable to you (and it is right now), but I know in the long run it’s doing my body good. Not to mention, the first week of any new diet or exercise regimen is always the toughest hurdle to overcome. I remembered having to deal with the same feelings when I first tried a vegan diet. Tough at first, but the healthiest I’ve ever felt in the end.

So now to the meals so far…

On Monday’s menu:

Breakfast- Homemade “brownie larabars” (ummm DELISH)

Lunch- Mixed salad with avocado ranch dressing

Dinner- Kale tacos

Tuesday’s menu:

Breakfast- banana peanut butter shake

Lunch- Mixed fruits with almond butter, homemade larabar, almonds

Dinner- Tomato zucchini pasta

If it weren’t for meal prepping I wouldn’t have made it past 5 hours….guaranteed lol. Each meal was very flavorful and good. The only thing I struggle with is the temperature so hopefully I can get passed it without wanting to throw up lol. If temperature isn’t a problem for you then you will LOVE these recipes!

For in between snack cravings, I grabbed either a banana, nuts, or made myself another shake! (I love shakes….)

Stay tuned for more updates and recipes!!! Wish me luck!! 😉