Raw Challenge 21 Wrap Up
At the end of January, I had an idea. I decided to do a raw food challenge for 21 days in the dead of winter. I eat almost 100% raw in the summer, it’s easy. I am mostly raw in the winter and love trying new raw food recipes. But I have always given myself a little excuse room to indulge in foods I wouldn’t normally eat. This past holiday season, the excuse room got a little too big and I found myself really wanting to get back to 100% raw. Thinking that eating raw in the middle of the winter, the cold Minnesota winter, would be a great way to discover the challenges that we face when choosing this path, I made the commitment. I am extremely glad I did.
Not only did I get a great picture of what my triggers were, I regained my energy, and my mental clarity. My skin improved dramatically and I lost 10 lb. I released many cravings and discovered what my weak times and areas are. It was a great challenge to do and I highly recommend you do it.
A few of the tips I discovered:
1. In the winter we crave heartier food. We want food that is dense and warm. You can fulfill those desires with more nuts and grains.
2. Use your dehydrator like a crock pot. Toss your veggies in oil and seasoning in the morning, throw them in the dehydrator and by supper time you will have a warm, tasty dinner waiting for you.
3. Planning becomes much more important when doing raw in winter. You need to think ahead and plan your meals and snacks in advance so you have plenty of time to prepare them.
4. Become aware of what your habits are so that you can over come the bad ones. Sometimes all it takes is making sure you have some raw food with you to help you avoid the unhealthy alternatives.
5. Don’t let your food be sneaky. Look it directly in the face and think about the consequences of eating it. And them remind yourself how great you feel when you are eating healthy food. Be careful of slipping into complacency.
To see all of the posts for the Raw Challenge 21, click here –> Raw Challenge 21
It is day 22 and I have yet to even want anything not raw.
Stefania (Ingredients for Life) wrote on February 23, 2010
Such a simple tip but I’ve never thought of putting veggies (other than kale) in my dehydrator.
Sounds like you had a great 21 days.
Melissa wrote on February 23, 2010
congrats on your winter raw challenge!! That’s really awesome and you have discovered a lot about yourself which even a greater accomplishment.
Nikki @ yummy raw kitchen wrote on February 23, 2010
Congratulations on doing so well! Winter is a time for warming comfort foods for me, and I love keeping the dehydrator full of goodies, for the smell and the warmth :).
sioux wrote on February 23, 2010
Thanks for these tips, as well as posting the entire experience online. This is my second winter since going high-raw and the support and insight you offer really helps. Your site is gorgeous to boot! Off to meal plan…
hihorosie wrote on February 22, 2010
Wonderful tips! Thanks for sharing!
Roxanne wrote on February 22, 2010
Congratulations Susan! Be proud of yourself. You have the best Raw Food blog in the whole World Wide Web! Fantastic talent. Thank you for sharing with us. 🙂
Eco Mama wrote on February 22, 2010
Oh I didn’t see the tab! I’ll have to go back and read and get caught up. I’m doing a high raw detox and it’s wonderful and insightful, there are definitely things I won’t go back to again. Good for you Susan! yaay!
xo
Eco Mama
bitt wrote on February 22, 2010
awesome! i love the dehydrator as a crock pot. it would make the house smell good too. 🙂