30 days of raw - food experiment

[darien]

Just a brief note to say that I've been eating differently in 2008 than I have at any other time in my life. Phase I started on Jan 1 when I eliminated these items from my diet:

* Meat (all kinds except eggs)
* Caffeine
* All added sugars (those not normally in a food)

The most significant changes I noticed were:

* Lost 15 pounds the first 5 weeks and maintained that weight
* Reduced my insulin intake by 35% (I'm a type 1 diabetic)

Phase II started on Oct 1 and will last for an expected 30 days. In this phase I eliminated the following:

* Alcohol
* All cooked foods (breads, cooked vegetables, cereals, most items found in cans)
* All dairy
* Eggs

It's a subset of the vegan experience. So, my diet currently consists of:

* Fresh vegetables (all kinds, lots of green leafy types)
* Fresh fruits, dried fruits
* Nuts, seeds, legumes, grains
* Seaweed

Nothing gets cooked, or heated above 116 degrees. If you want to know what this is supposed to achieve, just Google "raw food" or "raw for 30 days". I'll answer questions as best I can, assuming anyone has any. There's no other purpose of this post other than my desire to share this experience, and the outcome at the end of the month.

[Smeg]

You're going to crap like a Christmas goose but it'll be good for you :)

[4matic]

interesting idea. good luck.

[OreoCookieSP]

I don't have that kind of self discipline. Good on ya!

[Doc Wattson]

My friend went on a raw diet and saw hardly any affects. Quit three months later.

-Gary-

[Balefire]

I'm really happy for you to make that sort of dramatic diet change. Americans really really do eat fatty, disgusting garbage. Your body is going to be so much happier.

On a side note, about six months ago I began changing my diet. Low fats, lots of fiber, cutting out soda. It really makes you feel better--more alive. Good for you.

[zimzat]

Where does that leave Sushi? I'm assuming it's out since the rice is cooked? Or was it out since it has meat?

[blue]

i would clasify fish as a type of meat.

Good luck Darien, i hope it helps you even more with your Diabetes.

Its a major undertaking that requires an immense amount of will power.

[Canon]

Grats, D. Feeling healthier?

[saitn]

Congrats, I've been eating healthy for the past two years and have to say the benefits are complete worth it.

[darien]

Where does that leave Sushi? I'm assuming it's out since the rice is cooked? Or was it out since it has meat?

Traditional sushi is out because of the cooked rice, and any meat ingredients. However, twice in the past week I've has nori rolls for dinner. Nori is the sheet of seafood paper that is used as one of the wrappers in sushi. I fill it with raw veggies: zucchini, avocado, onion, carrots, sprouts, lettuce. Then I roll-tight-and-eat. If you saw it on a plate, you'd definitely say "sushi!" before taking a closer look.

http://chimayhem.com/misc_images/rawfood/IMG_0357s.jpg

http://chimayhem.com/misc_images/rawfood/IMG_0358s.jpg

[darien]

Grats, D. Feeling healthier?

I didn't feel unhealthy prior to starting the raw diet, and it's only been a few days -- so I have no real basis for measurement just yet. I will say that cutting meat and caffeine made a significant and lasting change in my overall feeling of health. I won't ever go back on either of those again. If you want to feel more healthy, go a month without meat or caffeine and watch your energy levels become much more consistent.

[darien]

I should add that even those friends and family that thought I'd have no problem sticking with the diet had serious doubts I'd be able to forego the alcohol. As some of you know, I have a fully-stocked bar right next to the desk where I sit and work for 16+ hours a day, and I'm known for having to re-stock it frequently. I've had zero cravings for any of the delicious libations and fear that my years-long dream of owning a home bar will go to waste after only two years of having it.

[ferret]

I've been cutting down on caffiene. You can't have my meat though.

[SkifF]

I've been cutting down on caffiene. You can't have my meat though.

Basically the same for me.

I went from 1-2 cans of Pepsi a day to MAYBE 1 can a week. That alone + hitting the gym did me wonders (for energy levels and losing weight).

But don't touch my mutha ****in meat.

[Tech]

i cut about 50% meat and dairy out of my diet, i also biked 25 miles a day. but i did lose weight i dunno if its from the food or hte biking.

[Canon]

I drink a gallon or two of skim milk per week when I'm training.

[darien]

I drink a gallon or two of skim milk per week when I'm training.

Well, then you're a thirsty little cow aren't you? (As if we're to believe Evolution/God's master plan is for us to stick our heads under a Holstein and suck on its udders for our nourishment.) Perhaps this is a discussion for another thread.

[Canon]

I don't know. I like milk. :P

[Tech]

Well, then you're a thirsty little cow aren't you? (As if we're to believe Evolution/God's master plan is for us to stick our heads under a Holstein and suck on its udders for our nourishment.) Perhaps this is a discussion for another thread.

sounds like some Freud / Religion talk here :)

[Dark Knight Zer0]

fear that my years-long dream of owning a home bar will go to waste after only two years of having it.

dont worry we can help empty it out for you this weekend :D

[ferret]

I believe Darien simply suggests that it's somewhat....unnatural... for us to suck cow tits.

Rip into it with our teeth and nails and gnaw the bones is much more natural though.

[smokeh]

i'm a seventh level vegan.

i don't eat anything that casts a shadow.

[darien]

ROFL@ferret

[Canon]

If Darien is becoming a vegan I might have to become a cannibal to even things out.

[blue]

we already know about your 'tube steak' fantasy's.

[Long Black Veil]

Fantasies?

More like Realities, rorlfzlorlf.zlzll

[Tech]

no alcohol? someone please save darien. alcohol is natural!

[Canon]

Absinthe plskx.

[darien]

OK. I made it 100% raw for 15 days. I had to stop because I was starting to feel less than "well". My digestive system just wasn't adapting fully. I'm going to try and stay approximately 80% raw still, because I believe in the program, and I have some personal proof that it is good.

[Tech]

well your still alive that is good!

at least u learned ur lesson!

[Haplo]

It's hard to make a change like that to your body without phasing it in. It's abnormal for a person to make a snap change to their diet and not only have it stick, but also not throw their body so completely out of whack that they aren't sick within days.

Good job on sticking to it that long. Phasing it in at 80% over a couple of months and you should be able to run 100% for 30 days no problem (or full time if that's what you wish).

[Jack.ron]

Much respect for the dedication to the diet D. I should do it for the sake of lowering some blood pressure and cholesterol but... bacon is life.

[Dissman]

I should add that even those friends and family that thought I'd have no problem sticking with the diet had serious doubts I'd be able to forego the alcohol. As some of you know, I have a fully-stocked bar right next to the desk where I sit and work for 16+ hours a day, and I'm known for having to re-stock it frequently. I've had zero cravings for any of the delicious libations and fear that my years-long dream of owning a home bar will go to waste after only two years of having it.

Wow. I know you were big on the bar. If it makes you feel better, go for it. Especially with the diabetes, whatever is better for you.

I've been taking up running of late... I've been on the "from the couch to 5k" running plan. I'm currently on week 4.