204 Pounds

 

As I announced this morning via Twitter (@urbanrawfood), I’m once again re-committing myself to raw food.  Why is this time different?

1. Health reasons: I’ve been feeling the affects of the almost 20 pounds I’ve gained in the last 2 years.  I don’t want diabetes.  I’ve been saying that for a while.  Also, I know that African American women face heart disease and fibroids on a scale that is very significant compared to other groups who eat the same “Standard American Diet”.
2. I don’t feel well.  Just today, I had an issue with pain in my hip.  I felt like someone yelled out, “Warning sign!”.  This change is not a moment too late.
3. I can’t fit into about half of my clothes.  I know many of have the same testimony.  Can I get an amen?  LOL.
4. I don’t feel sexy like I used to.  Not to say you can’t be big and sexy, I’m just talking about how I feel.  (Let me say that lest I get crazy comments).

I love myself, and this love of self is what’s motivating me.

So far today I’ve had fresh apple/carrot juice and 2 green smoothies.  Doing well.

Current Weight: 204, Goal Weight: 160

12 Days into my Raw Food Recommit.

Down from 205 to 195. 10 pounds of weight lost…released never to return again. Banished.

I’d say I’m 90% raw.  My baby encouraged me to recommit after a long trip off the wagon.  He’s doing the first 14 days with me.  More to come.

Muah!

The Detox Has Begun

I’m already seeing the signs of raw food detox and although it’s not always comfortable running do the bathroom during the workday, there are some great results I can already see.

Mainly…

• The circumference of my midsection is smaller.  I can tell because I’m wearing a form-fitting top today and I can really see a difference.
• Let’s just say…more frequent pooping.  LOL
• More energy – I was not tired at midnight last night.  Very strange for a weekday

Haven’t had much of an issue with gas.  In the past adding psyllium husk to my smoothies every few days kept that at bay, so that’s what I’m doing now.  I’m averaging 40-50 oz of water during the day to try to keep any toxic episode at bay.

Transformation takes time and effort.  My body didn’t get all clogged with toxins and fat overnight.  I’m excited about greater health and wellness and I welcome it into my life as I continue my raw foods journey.

 

Dedicated to Raw…Again

Down from 201 to 197.5 in one week. YAY!  I’m so happy to be back on raw food. Last week  I wasn’t 100% raw (chicken, hummus and pita) but I still lost weight.  Amazing.  Finally getting back on track to living the raw vegan lifestyle.

I’m so tired of myself.  That is the best way I can put it.  As I look back over the past 6 months, I must say that I was depressed after getting back up over 200 pound (203 in April) and I was just eating whatever I felt like.  I guess I gave up.   Just 2 years ago at this time I was really dedicated to my health and wellness.  Now, I can’t even get into most of my size 12 clothes.  Back to the dreaded 14.  Booo!  LOL

I was nearing the end of my P90X experience in late April.  I really like p90x, but the benefit for me was strength and muscle gain…not weight loss.  So, I was helped and discouraged at the same time, because the numbers on the scale barely changed in 90 days.  Sure, diet had something to do with the lack of loss too.  For the 2 weeks that I was raw on p90x, I lost 6 pounds.  But that was just the 2 weeks.  LOL.  I need counseling, right?

Now I’m back to what truly, truly works for me.  RAW FOOD!  It’s a struggle.  I had a run in with some teriyaki chicken that I’m not too proud about as I was working to transition back last week.  Hey, but I still lost weight and my mind is clear.  The biggest change: No candy!  No donuts, brownies, etc.  Kicking the sugar habit!!  This week I’ll be 80% raw.  Taking each day as it comes and not beating myself up.

Oh,  I’m also taking a multivitamin and 100mg of 5-HTp each morning with 16 oz of water.  Gotta start the morning off with water y’all.  A whole apple and a huge class of carrot juice follow most mornings.

We shall see…

Raw Coconut Cake: Not Grandma’s but still good

There is a special place in my heart for my grandma’s homemade Coconut Cake.  No box cake in her house.  Make with love and butter, just like they did in Mississippi.  Here is a great raw coconut cake recipe from RAW SOUL that I’m going to try this weekend.  I know it won’t be the same, but it will be healthier for me.

Coconut Cake (9”, 12-16 servings)

9 cups oat flour (ground oat groats or rolled oats)
2 cups nuts pecans or walnuts (chopped fine)
3 cups shredded coconut
1½ cups agave nectar
1 level tablespoon ground cloves
Water as needed (about 2 cups)
1/2 pineapple pulsed (in food processor)

In large bowl, combine oat flour, nuts coconut, pineapple, cloves and agave nectar. Mix well. Add water while kneading the mixture. The batter should be moist but not runny. If too much water is added let stand for 15-20 minutes. Form dough into two large balls. Press each dough ball into a spring form pan.

Icing

6 cups shredded coconut (set aside two cups)
1 cup coconut meat (from young Thai coconut)
4 cups water
1 cup agave nectar
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 vanilla bean or 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons psyllium powder

Blend 4 cups shredded coconut, and remaining ingredients in high speed blender until creamy. If too watery add a little more shredded coconut.

Remove 1 cake from spring form pan and place on a plate (this is your bottom layer). Spread Icing on bottom layer of cake. Remove other cake from spring form pan and place on top of bottom layer. Ice the top layer of cake, spreading icing along the sides of cake. Top with shredded coconut.