Is Raw Food the Lazy Way to Weightloss -- Need Advice

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Permalink Reply by Rosie on November 5, 2009 at 10:19pm

The only way to really shape your body is to incorporate strength training into your workouts. I completely changed the shape of my body by lifting weights. I am at the same weight I now that I was 2 years ago,but look like a fitness model, at 48!! if you only do aerobic exercises, you will just become a smaller version of yourself. You need the muscle, especially as we get older we lose muscle, that's why older people can be thin but still look flabby. You don't have to lift heavy weights. I got a lot of muscle definition doing yoga.

I think a raw food diet is healthy and many people lose weight with it, but a 100% vegan raw diet was not for me. I don't eat meat but I started losing muscle, and it is difficult to get a lot of protein in a raw vegan diet. In the off season I am mostly vegan, I eat about 60% raw, but I get my protein from cooked grains (quinoa is a complete protein), beans and supplement with protein powders (but I am an athlete so I need more protein than the average person.) We don't need nearly as much protein as the average person thinks we need, and you don't have to get it from animal products. I've found that what I ate made a big difference in how I looked as well as how I felt. But everyone is different and some people thrive on a raw food diet. I even know bodybuilders and power lifters that are mostly raw foodists (not 100% though).
I don't think it's "bad" to eat something besides raw food , however meat may not be a good choice. maybe your body was craving protein? Next time eat a bit of cooked grains or beans.
If you do eat meat, make sure it is organic, you don't know what kind of hormones are in those commercial meats.
Bottom line, it's my opinion that people need to try different things and make that decision on their own. I wanted to embrace the raw food lifestyle but it didn't work for me. I still think eating raw is very healthy, and not just to lose weight. I still go all raw for short periods of 3 to 4 weeks a year for detox purposes.

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Permalink Reply by Plain Gerlaine the Impeccable on November 6, 2009 at 3:41pm

Thanx for your reply. How do I build up my knees and ankles. They feel really weak?

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Permalink Reply by Iris Fitzgerald on November 8, 2009 at 9:46pm

Hi Gerlaine, I would probably consult a physician before starting any weight loss program, especially if you are suffering with problems in ankles and knees. I don't believe you have any serious problems, however, if they continue to bother you. How is your salt intake? Are they weak or do the swell up? You can only know for sure by a physician. But theory,, do knee bends and maybe lay down on the floor and try twisting your ankles. there are all kinds of exercises. Hope that helps and you have inspired me to exercise too.

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Permalink Reply by Plain Gerlaine the Impeccable on November 8, 2009 at 10:35pm

Thanx for the love. I will incorporate the knee bends and ankle twists.

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Permalink Reply by Summer on December 7, 2009 at 5:04pm

I agree, conditioning is key for preventing injury. Have you tried any yoga, if you take a nice low key yoga class i bet you will gain some strength in your joints from all of the balancing poses. Also, I can create some vlogs on youtube with some example conditioning exercises.

Also what has helped me go from being on the SAD diet (standard american diet) from being vegan is: making it a gradual transition and incorporating more and more of the new foods... it makes me feel less like i'm missing out on the other foods too (plus it gave me the time to learn how to prepare different types of food.

You are awesome Gerlaine, you can do anything you put your mind to :D

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Permalink Reply by Plain Gerlaine the Impeccable on December 7, 2009 at 10:08pm

Thank you love! I have to replan my raw food journey. :) I can't wait to see your videos. I really need to build my joints.

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Permalink Reply by Kate Sommers on February 2, 2010 at 2:21am

Hi there,
I'm wondering if you might have the same thing I have going on with my feet.I pronate which causes misalignment with my knees, hip and my back. I got orthotic inserts for my shoes and that helps line everything up properly which helps my knees a lot.

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Permalink Reply by Plain Gerlaine the Impeccable on February 12, 2010 at 1:40pm

I have flat feet. Maybe orthodics will be a good answer. I have thought of that, but never truly considered it! Thank you!

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