StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,666 
Location: Ohio
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Post by StephDRebel on Jan 25, 2015 21:55:40 GMT
A couple of months ago some of us had a discussion about the 21 day eating challenge that dh and I were starting. We decided to stick with it and are in the middle of our third month so I thought i'd update. I don't get any benefit from sharing but I am in the challenge again this month because I like having the ongoing support with people who are starting brand new. It's completely changed our lives. In October DH was sick. Couldn't walk he was so sore and stiff, lungs always hurt, legs were swelling, took him 42 minutes to go pee at 2am when the bathroom is 20 feet away sick. They threw around Lyme Disease, Hashimotos, were looking into testing for leukemia, etc. It was awful, awful, awful. The doctors and specialists couldn't find anything that fit all of his symptoms so I started researching individual symptoms and the thing that kept coming up was dietary changes. I figured a better diet wasn't going to hurt him anymore so I contacted a friend who is healthy, energetic and eats well to see what he recommended. Turned out his wife was planning to start this challenge so we jumped on board. We officially started around November 1st. Within a week all of his swelling and inflammation was gone. His doctor got excited that the steroids she put him on were working but he hadn't started taking them b/c of an insurance issue. She looked over the plan and told him she couldn't make recommendations that were any better than what we were doing , to keep it up and we'd see what we could find out. Now that we're a few months in we've both dropped weight, his symptoms are gone, I went from sleeping 2-3 hours a night with meds to 8.5 hours a night without any. We've got energy, way less aches and pains and i've gone from a size 18 to a 10/12 depending on brand. I'm amazed. Who knew food could be so simple...and so good. Anyway, here are a few pics...we've clearly got a ways to go still but we're getting there- one day at a time right? If anyone wants info, the website is Motiv8America Raw Food Challenge and there is a sneak peek group with info and meal plans at Raw Food Challenge Sneak Peek Group
Last Summer/today (I don't know how to really put them together! ha) I'll see if I can't find a full length shot    |
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Post by sisterbdsq on Jan 25, 2015 22:05:11 GMT
GOOD FOR YOU!!!! Yay!!! Isn't actual FOOD wonderful?  |
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Post by christine58 on Jan 25, 2015 22:07:10 GMT
So...what do you eat actually?? Does this mean no steak??? You look great by the way
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msliz
Drama Llama
The Procrastinator
Posts: 6,419
Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on Jan 25, 2015 22:14:13 GMT
Way to go, cutie pie!  |
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StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,666
Location: Ohio
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Post by StephDRebel on Jan 25, 2015 22:14:27 GMT
No steak Funny thing is we don't even miss it. For the first 21 days it's primarily raw food, mostly vegan (we use honey as a sweetener) and gluten free. It's designed to help you reset and see what sensitivities you may have. My DH especially was a meat & potatoes guy, every single meal was meat heavy and light in veggies. We use nuts as a meat substitute and truly don't miss meat at all. The thought of a steak now makes both of us want to hurl. I was more worried about cheese and bread, but same thing. I tried a breadstick the other day while we were out and nearly threw up. It's NOT just salads though, there is a chipotle like meal, raw pad thai, chocolate pudding for breakfast, etc. The $21 plan comes with meal lists and meal plans that are easy to follow. If you can semi-follow directions you can do this plan. If we can do it anyone can. There are only 2 meals on the plan that I don't love as is to I improvise to make them fit my tastes. The meals are all ones that we would go out to dinner and pay for without complaint. |
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Post by sisterbdsq on Jan 25, 2015 22:27:51 GMT
Gorgeous. You are simply gorgeous!! What is one of your fave recipes? I made some hot cross buns last week. Link if you're interestedI don't eat raw every day, but I do love raw food recipes and incorporate them into my diet a lot. |
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,147
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Post by scrapnnana on Jan 25, 2015 22:33:57 GMT
Congrats! You are looking amazing!
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StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,666
Location: Ohio
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Post by StephDRebel on Jan 25, 2015 22:48:06 GMT
The hot cross buns look tasty! We'll try them! This is one of my favs for dinner- Raw Spicy Zoodle Bowl and I think i've had Vegan lettuce wraps 2-3 times in the last week...but I add more veggies. SO good! |
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grinningcat
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,663
Jun 26, 2014 13:06:35 GMT
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Post by grinningcat on Jan 25, 2015 22:51:46 GMT
You look amazing. Congrats. It's amazing when you find something that works for you. That's how I felt when I went vegetarian. I'm lacto ovo veg, with vegan tendencies. But I can't do raw. I tried it and I just can't do it. It doesn't satisfy me. And I just like cheese, bread and cooked things too much. I often eat meals that are raw vegan (usually morning green shakes) but I just can't do the whole thing. But it's always interesting to hear about it.
I just pulled a couple of my vegan cookbooks out to add a little variety to our meals. Thankfully SO likes eating veg, but not always. Thankfully a lot of the things we make can be done with meat and non-meat at the same time.
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Post by M~ on Jan 25, 2015 23:00:30 GMT
Congratulations! you look amazing, and, you're doing an awesome thing. I am in no way a vegetarian (I would have to hand over my Nicaraguan card) but I've also modified my diet quite a bit. It's so worth it. |
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Post by christine58 on Jan 25, 2015 23:02:06 GMT
The hot cross buns look tasty! We'll try them! This is one of my favs for dinner- Raw Spicy Zoodle Bowl and I think i've had Vegan lettuce wraps 2-3 times in the last week...but I add more veggies. SO good! Now that zoodle bowl looks delicious.... |
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jayfab
Drama Llama
procastinating
Posts: 5,521
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Post by jayfab on Jan 25, 2015 23:10:31 GMT
You look great, good for you. I can't go so far but I have really been eating much more clean for the last few years. I've lost 30 lbs doing it. Unfortunately it took a year, but I guess it's better than gaining or staying the same.
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Post by sisterbdsq on Jan 25, 2015 23:13:56 GMT
Those recipes look wonderful. I was going to make walnut meat later anyway, so...
ETA: Made some, it's chillin' in the fridge until tomorrow's dinner. (Need lettuce leaves) |
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Post by AussieMeg on Jan 25, 2015 23:15:54 GMT
You look fabulous, but even better than that is the benefits to your and your husband's health - amazing!! I admire your determination and the fact that you have stuck at it. I have to be honest and say that a life without steak (or any red meat actually) makes me want to cry. I don't think I could give it up, and what's more, I don't really want to. I would be interested in eating SOME raw meals though.
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StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,666
Location: Ohio
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Post by StephDRebel on Jan 25, 2015 23:24:15 GMT
This could be a great way to start. I didn't go into it intending to become vegan/rawvegan/vegeterian/whatever I needed to learn how to prep and enjoy healthy foods and to kind of reset.
We still do fish, chicken every once in a while and when i'm in baltimore I get down with some crabs...we just look at it as making way more good choices than bad ones.
I am thankful that we went straight on plan for the first 21 days, it was great to see how much different we could feel. You can do anything for 21 days!
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StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,666
Location: Ohio
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Post by StephDRebel on Jan 25, 2015 23:28:39 GMT
You look great, good for you. I can't go so far but I have really been eating much more clean for the last few years. I've lost 30 lbs doing it. Unfortunately it took a year, but I guess it's better than gaining or staying the same. You're doing what you can and that's worth celebrating! Way to go! |
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sharlag
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I like my artsy with a little bit of fartsy.
Posts: 6,574
Location: Kansas
Jun 26, 2014 12:57:48 GMT
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Post by sharlag on Jan 25, 2015 23:47:05 GMT
Can you get what you need at an ordinary grocery store?
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Post by fridaycat on Jan 26, 2015 0:23:48 GMT
I'm intrigued. How expensive is it to eat this way?
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jayfab
Drama Llama
procastinating
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Post by jayfab on Jan 26, 2015 0:32:43 GMT
Forgot to say thanks for posting the dinner suggestions. I will be trying the Spicy Zoodle bow. I think I have all the ingredients on hand. I've been using my Veggetti with stir fry but not raw. Sounds relish.
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grinningcat
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,663
Jun 26, 2014 13:06:35 GMT
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Post by grinningcat on Jan 26, 2015 0:41:45 GMT
The spicy zoodle bowl does look good. I may add it to next week's ideas... since I've already got this week taken care of.
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Post by sisterbdsq on Jan 26, 2015 0:43:31 GMT
Can you get what you need at an ordinary grocery store? YES! But you want your store to have a good selection of nuts. Especially raw nuts, like cashews. Trader Joe's has them though. I buy the 50% less salt peanuts and use that to make my peanut butter. |
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sharlag
Drama Llama
I like my artsy with a little bit of fartsy.
Posts: 6,574
Location: Kansas
Jun 26, 2014 12:57:48 GMT
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Post by sharlag on Jan 26, 2015 0:59:39 GMT
No Trader Joes nearby, but I can find nuts, thx sisterbdsq |
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StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,666
Location: Ohio
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Post by StephDRebel on Jan 26, 2015 1:05:47 GMT
Yep, everything is at a regular store, I had difficulty finding a few things (but i'm super remote!) so I just order them on Amazon.
I was actually really surprised at how much we're saving by eating this way. Initially you're basically building a new pantry so it was a big higher. I think week 1 I spent $250 for a family of five. Since then we've noticed a big savings.....Produce and nuts cost way less than meat and processed foods!
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Post by dazeepetals on Jan 26, 2015 1:31:30 GMT
Stephanie....you continue to inspire me.
After Stephanie posted about this challenge in November, I decided I needed a change as well and took the plunge with the Challenge in Dec. I lost about 8 lbs in that first month. I felt/feel so fantastic. The puffiness in my face and stomach vanished.
I continue to eat mostly raw vegan, but I do cook a few foods especially for my evening meal. Tonight, I had some brown rice, steamed sweet potatoes, a dollop of hummus and raspberries. I'm so full it's not even funny. I've even been able to get my 16 month old to eat more fruits and veggies while doing this (and DH).
If anyone wants a challenge, this is it! Sure, it was hard the first few days, but it's not any more. I don't miss meat or dairy at all.
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Post by dazeepetals on Jan 26, 2015 1:34:18 GMT
I'm intrigued. How expensive is it to eat this way? I spend about the same amount I was before. I obviously spend less in the meat department (still buy a few things in bulk for hubby) but I use the extra money for more produce. I actually use Costco a lot eating this way. I buy bulk apples, avocados, lemons, bananas, frozen fruit for smoothies, chia seeds, tomatoes, etc and and can finish most of it in a week. The initial cost was a bit more because I needed to buy some staples that I didn't have (or were low on). After that, it was mainly just buying new fruit and veggies. |
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fastmommie
Shy Member
Posts: 16
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Post by fastmommie on Jan 26, 2015 1:42:41 GMT
Thank you for sharing your story! you look wonderful I have a friend in TX who also did this last fall, and she loves the way it made her feel. I haven't joined in yet, but have "liked" them on facebook to keep me reminded to try it out soon. |
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StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,666
Location: Ohio
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Post by StephDRebel on Jan 26, 2015 1:53:41 GMT
Stephanie....you continue to inspire me. After Stephanie posted about this challenge in November, I decided I needed a change as well and took the plunge with the Challenge in Dec. I lost about 8 lbs in that first month. I felt/feel so fantastic. The puffiness in my face and stomach vanished. I continue to eat mostly raw vegan, but I do cook a few foods especially for my evening meal. Tonight, I had some brown rice, steamed sweet potatoes, a dollop of hummus and raspberries. I'm so full it's not even funny. I've even been able to get my 16 month old to eat more fruits and veggies while doing this (and DH). If anyone wants a challenge, this is it! Sure, it was hard the first few days, but it's not any more. I don't miss meat or dairy at all. I'm SO proud of you! You did an awesome job....got a before/after to share? It's amazing to me the results in skin and inflammation even after a week! |
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Post by hollymolly on Jan 26, 2015 1:53:42 GMT
I want to do this, or close to this, but I find it so so hard to eat clean when I don't cook my own food. I know it's possible to eat this way with all of the travel I do, but it's so much work that I just can't keep at it.
I did cut out all sugar and sweeteners last July and I absolutely do not eat outside of meals (2-3 a day, depending on circumstances and flight schedules). Those turned out to be things I could stick to, and I'm down 50 lbs as of Friday. But I don't feel better, at all. My joints are starting to bother me again, I'm exhausted all the time, and the headaches are completely out of control. I feel like my diet is most of the problem, and I'm a true believer in clean eating, I just don't have the mental strength to make any hard changes to my travel diet, and well over half the meals I eat in a month are away from my home.
Not looking for advice, I know it can be done, just whining that I can't make myself put forth the effort. Also my head hurts right now so I'm extra whiny.
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michellegb
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,915
Location: New England and loving it!
Jun 26, 2014 0:04:59 GMT
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Post by michellegb on Jan 26, 2015 9:57:00 GMT
You look great! Thank you for the update. I'm intrigued, but not sure I could give up cheese and steak. But I'm going to see if maybe incorporating some of the recipes into our routine to make it better than it is would be helpful.
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