Raw Vegan Diet… Say What?

Those of you who follow me on instagram know that I recently completed a seven day raw vegan challenge.  I decided to do the challenge, mainly for self-discipline. Also known as moments when I can’t tell myself, NO! Especially as it pertains to food. I mean, let’s keep it real. Life is… so… fast… paced. I mean, we have careers, deadlines, appointments, social functions. So, again. I did it because I realized that I desired order within my Spirit, Soul and Body. And I wanted to deny my body what it thought it needed and replace it with nutrients that would bring about healing.

I know what you may be thinking… “yeah, yeah, yeah, you ate and drank grass for a week. So how did that work out for you?” Well, I’m glad that you asked.  The first three days were Hell. I was so excited to get started, breakfast came and I drank a celery and lemon juice and it wasn’t the best taste ever, but I heard that it was good for my digestion and stomach, so I made it work. After drinking it, I immediately started “detoxing”, to say the least. Then, lunch came around and I ate a bowl of fruit and some almonds. And then dinner came and messed me, all… the… way… up. I drank 48 oz of juice in one sitting. You guys… and that’s when things got interesting.

My chest was about to explode. I thought that I was going into cardiac arrest. I was literally contemplating on either calling an ambulance or running to the ER. I texted my Mom my symptoms to see if she would co-sign my going to the hospital. I would have convinced myself that I was okay. And then, she text back concerned.. “Chest pain, though?” A few moments later I vomited up, everything. It wasn't cute. For a second, I contemplated quitting, after just Day 1.

But, ultimately - I survived the week. And if I could give encouragement to those who are interested in doing a diet similar. Do your research, take it slow. Start on a weekend, and don't give up. I don’t plan on committing to a fully raw vegan lifestyle, however I am committed to making one raw vegan meal per day. I learned that the food I consumed was affecting me and being able to identify those things within the week of the challenge made all the difference. So here are some takeaways that I got from doing the diet!

5 Challenges of the Raw Vegan Challenge:

1. Detoxing - I’ll leave that there and allow your imagination to do it’s thing

2. Headaches - On Days 1-3 I experienced a migraine headache

3. Feeling Cold

4. Cravings

5. Making sure I was consuming the correct portion sizes

5 Benefits of the Raw Vegan Challenge

1. More energy, (No fogginess or fatigue) - After Day 2

2. Mental and Spiritual clarity - After Day 2

3. Weight Loss/Inches off waist - Who doesn’t want to look more snatched

4. Easy preparation and clean up with meals

5. No stomach issues - In 2017, I was diagnosed with having gluten sensitivity so breads, pastes & also certain meats irritate me.

Grocery List (Purchase):

• Spinach

• Kale

• Cucumber

• Grape Tomatoes

• Arugula

• Carrots

• Ginger

• Oranges

• Bananas

• Kiwi

• Strawberries

• Blueberries

• Raspberries

• Cantaloupe

• Pineapple

• Apples

• Lemons

My favorite juice is a green juice, similar to the Green Goddess sold at Whole Food. It includes spinach, kale, apple, cucumber and lemon! The juicer that I used was the Hamilton Beach Juicer, purchased from Target at around $60.00. I would recommend trying it. Disclaimer, I was ready to get rid of it on Day 1 because it leaked, but come to find out it was user error (me) not the product! You will need to make sure you wash it thoroughly when done to unclog the pulp. It won't function as well if you plan on making a large supply of more than 48 oz at a time.

P.S. My inspiration for starting the diet began with following, Healthy Lifestyle Advocate, Fully Raw Kristina. I hope that this was helpful and happy juicing!

With Love,

Chalssie