You might all remember the lessons learned from veganism post. I have only one lesson learned from a raw diet: I never want to do that again.
Just kidding. Well half.
The diet was really challenging and not so fun. I found that eating raw trail mix, while filling, was not so satisfying after the first couple of cups...I also found that eating fruit, lettuce and nuts did not make for a very palate satisfying foodie adventure.
So I was ready to completely write it off as a terrible idea but then I noticed a few things happening:
- I lost nearly 5 lbs - no joke - and this was after I was certain I had plateaud. I've since put back on 2.5, but the other 2.5 seems to be stubbornly staying off. My favorite kind of stubborn.
- I noticed numerous other positive health impacts (but I will spare you the details).
- I had increased energy and less stress.
Wheee!
Still don't want to do it again, but it is a terrific reminder to eat leanly and that our body reacts so well to what we put into it. It is almost a Karmic reaction and not surprising given that we are composed primarily of what we eat.
This was solidified by the next day where I ate a whole lot of junk and found myself feeling like junk - lethargic, more sullen, heavy and unmotivated.
My natural motivation is finally starting to come back to me and for the first time ever I don't feel like I need to get back on the supplements. I still have bad days, but the trend is upwards. I can do this naturally, not because I have to, not because it is "better", but simply because I want to.