Lili's Recent Update: Feeling Great!

December 9, 2003

Hi Everyone. I'd like to check in and let everyone know that my

interest in adopting a living foods lifestyle is just as strong as

ever. I feel great! Although I completed 3 days of fasting the first

time...my goal was to complete 5-7 days and gradually implement live

foods into my life. Unfortunately, that my first fast ended with a

binge as explained in my last message(#6421). After careful

reflection I discovered a few reasons why this may have ocurred.

I noticed during my previous 3 day fast that my mental focus and

commitment was very calm and enlightening. However, when I'd post in

the group or talk with family members the differing opinions caused

me to feel overwhelmed and rigid which may have assisted my urge to

binge(since I have a history of being a compulsive overeater). I am

the one to blame for that. My enthusiasm got the best of me.

Everyone here is awesome and the advice offered by each and everyone

of you has been truly invaluable. However, information overload began

to stagnate my efforts and I began to ignore the wisdom of my own

body and inner thoughts. One thing I've learned the last few weeks is

that although there are basic guidelines of healthy nutrition for

everyone...our bodies are constantly changing, evolving, and

rejuvenating. I honestly feel each person has a different biochemical

makeup based on their environment, past history, stress level, and

much more. What works for some does not work for all. I also firmly

believe that fasting is a truly private, personal, and spiritual

experience. Thus, I felt the need to limit my posting and numerous

questions here in the group during my second fasting attempt.

Although many disagreed, I strongly believe that eating fruit after

my last 3 day fast was not appropriate for ME. The fruit seemed to

trigger a desire for starchy carbs. I discovered during my second

fast, which I had suspected previously, that green leafy vegetables

are a better alternative for ME when concluding a fast. As my

bodychemistry, acidic levels, and health improves my reaction to

fruit may be different. However, at this point I have chosen to

listen to my body and eat fruits in moderation.

I've decided that I will occasionally review the opinions and

suggestions from others, but ultimately I will make choices based on

my needs and will precede based on how I feel mentally, physically,

emotionally, and spiritually after eating certain foods. Of course

there will be times when I may misinterpret what my body is telling

me, however, experience is the greatest teacher, and with all of you

here I believe my mistakes will be minimal. I have decided to embrace

advice which works for me, and leave that which does not. In a group

of this size with so many intelligent and health conscious friends it

is very easy to encounter information overload with the differing

opinions.

The purpose of healing myself is to LIVE and enjoy the simple

pleasures of life. If I become rigid by striving to perfect my eating

habits I would deny myself peace of mind and will turn a lifestyle

change into a diet which is not what I desire. I suspect my eating

patterns will eventually become predominantly raw but will

occasionally incorporate modest choices from cooked vegan meals or

other non-living foods in the beginning. Again, I'm still learning

and changing, and only time and growth will truly determine what is

best for me. The bottom line is that I've lived this unhealthy life

for 35 years, so any positive change will surely reap rewards. If

it takes me 6 months or even a year to go completely raw I will have

succeeded and made great strides naturally.

Anyway, I successfully completed a six day fast the second time

around and ended my fast on the seventh day with a light salad and

other green veggies. I am currently still seeking living food recipes

and feel that I'm off to a good start. Also, my son fasted with me

and he has decided to make the slow but steady transition to raw

foods as well. I'm very excited and happy about that. I'll check in

when questions arise and to keep everyone updated on my progress.

Thanks everyone for being such a great help. I'm happy I found this

group.

If anyone is near the chicago north west burbs and would like an

offline friend or email buddy, don't hesitate to contact me. I'm 35

years of age, African-American, a single parent of one teenager, and

my goals are fat loss, spiritual enlightenment, and growth in all

areas of my life. Looking forward to making new friends on my this

journey. Lili

p.s. Roger I received your email suggesting that I not post so many

board messages because it makes it difficult for you to monitor the

group...I apologize for the inconvience and I see that things have

slowed down tremendously since I've been away...I guess I was

becoming a bit of a board hog....lol...I guess the timing of my

decision works out for everyone.

December 9, 2003

Lili,

It strikes me that you are a model case.

" If it takes me 6 months or even a year to go completely raw I will have

succeeded and made great strides naturally. "

In my opinion to move faster should be reserved for the young and already

clean living.

I am convinced and wager, as said in the eighteenth century, (I do not

gamble money), that you will reach your target.

The benefits will be more amazing to you, than to the " reader on the

fringe " . To those of us who have been tested by the shifting sands of

going 100% raw, your music is resonant.

Stay on course and a great experience is ahead.

Soon be time to say Happy Christmas!

Peter

Lili [ladyschaumburg]

09 December 2003 18:14

rawfood

[Raw Food] Lili's Recent Update: Feeling Great!