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

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…

• OJ for Breakfast
• 1 Banana
• Handful of raw peanuts (waited too long for lunch)
• Large salad with red onion, carrots, olives, broccoli garbanzo beans, olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
• 3 nut balls (soaked raw almonds and walnuts with agave and dates) – not really hungry this evening.  Salad filled me up
• Another glass of OJ

I’m starting the 21 Day Challenge in the middle of already doing P90X with my boyfriend.  Headed off to do tonight’s work out now.

Since Monday I’ve been 90-100% raw each day and exercised 30 min each day.  I’m down 2 pounds over this period. I feel like this is the place, the moment, the feeling, the place in time where my paradigm shifts.  I’m changing.

I made nut meat delight last night with soaked walnuts, red onion, and celery all blended in a blender.  Then I seasoned it with cilantro, cummin, Lowery’s, and pepper.  I put the blend in romaine leaves and ate it lettuce wrap style.  YUMMY!

I’ve been going through cravings.  I haven’t had much of an appetite in the evenings.  All I want after work is some juice or soda and microwaved butter popcorn.  Sigh.  I’m eating really well during the day so I’m sure that’s part of the issue.  I think it’s more so rebellion.  You know how little kids act when you tell them they can’t have something.  They pout.  They resist.  I think that somewhere in my subconscious, there is a lil girl pouting because I’m not giving her any sugar.  Well, just like a good parent, I’m training my body in the way that it should go.  I’m giving myself discipline and direction.  It’s an awesome gift to give, too.

I’ll have to make a green smoothie when I get home.  Time to take time and visualize this healthy and happy body that will be birthed out of the changes I’m making in the NOW.

I see that sometimes people find this site by searching for “black raw foodist” and “black vegan”.  I’ve joined sites like Soul Veg Folk trying to connect with other African Americans interested in or living the  raw food lifestyle.

If you are a black raw foodist, let me know.  Tell me about your journey.  I’d love to add you too my blog roll too.  I’m in IT and I’m considering creating a site for us.  I think veganism and eating natural could truly benefit our community in terms of health and welness.

Blessings

DIRECTIONS
Process nuts in a food processor or homogenize in Champion Juicer with blank plate.  Place ground nuts in a bowl, add remaining ingredients and mix well.

Source: Mojo Juice Club

º Erykah Badu º Hype Williams
º Tyson Beckford º Chuck D
º Meylissa Ford º Jim Jones
º Rodney Jerkins
and many more…

Visit http://theremedybook.ning.com/

and this one blactivegan.wordpress.com/

My Mantra

I’m not a victim of food
The mind controls the body
I control the mind
What I eat
I choose to eat
How that food affects me
is the result of my choices
Today I choose good, healthy
and positive choices
The affect will be positive
I am in control

I hope this article from Pear Magazine inspires you too, especially if you’re an African American (like me :).

“Black Raw Food History”
by Julie Pitcher
2/2/07 – Pear Magazine Online

The History Makers who started it all…..

Dick Gregory

“I am willing to go to jail for you”

Interview/Article: http://www.satyamag.com/apr96/gregory.html
Dick Gregory’s Home Page: http://www.DickGregory.com
One of the founders of the raw vegan movement Gregory achieved fame with his popular Bahamian Diet in the 1960’s. Also a comedian, political activist, and marathon runner!

Aris Latham

http://www.sunfiredfood.com/Bio.htm
The 2004 Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America acclaims: ‘…the raw food movement owes much to Aris LaTham, a native of Panama, he is considered to be the father of gourmet ethical vegetarian raw foods cuisine in America. He debut his raw food creations in 1979, when he started Sunfired Foods, a live-foods company in New York City. In the years since he has trained thousands of raw food chefs and added innumerable recipes to his repertoire…’ Dr. Aris LaTham has a Master’s degree in Linguistics and a Ph.D. in Food Science. He has been featured on major television stations in the United States (ABC & NBC), and major publications (Essence magazine, Time magazine, Vegetarian Times). He has done seminars for the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and has done consultations for Strawberry Hill, Swept Away and the Golden Door, a spa in the United States and Mexico. Dr. LaTham currently lives and works in St. Mary and teaches food preparation courses, has chef/cook training, offers assistance in detoxifying the individual and kitchen (ridding the kitchen of toxic substances and restocking it with healthful food), and runs a spa.

Karyn Calabrese

http://www.karynraw.com/
A featured guest on Oprah’s Age Defying Women, Chicago raw restauranteur Karyn Calabrese was recently also showcased in Fearless Women over 50, an inspiring coffee table book with stories and wonderful photography.

Storm Talifero

http://www.TheGardenDiet
The muscular and forever young raw vegan, author of several eBooks on Raw Food, producer of the documentary “Breakthrough” about his raw vegan family, and developer of The Circular Workout for muscle-toning without stress for long-term fitness.

Annette Larkins

http://www.annettelarkins.com/
The Black Grandma who hands out her free raw food booklet to everyone who asks her why she looks so young, pretty much everywhere she goes!

And The New Breed…

Lillian Butler

Raw Soul Catering, Restaurant and Classes: http://www.rawsoul.com
Before and Afters and Story: http://www.rawfoodinfo.com/pictures/befafter_lillianbutler.html
Lillian Butler is the Raw Soul of NYC! After experiencing tremendous health and transformation on raw foods Lillian has planted and grown several raw food businesses to help bring this lifestyle to others!

Zakhah

http://www.rawfoodinfo.com/catalog/books_thejoyoflivinglive.html
Zakhah is the young author of The Joy of Living Live, A Raw Food Journey – a wonderful uncook book which also features a comprehensive photographic listing of Black raw foodists around the world.

Khepere Anu

http://www.supernaturallife.com/bios.html
Part of the wonderful crew at Veg Soul, a raw food retreat center in Jamaica! He is also a mathematician and professional investor who has devoted his life to following a path of greater enlightenment, prosperity, and expansion of consciousness. This path includes the practice of an exclusive live foods diet, daily yoga and meditation, and Capoeira Angola. Khepere is committed to sharing the live food lifestyle and a prosperous mentality in his quest to continue to heal and nourish himself and others.
.

Penny Powell

http://www.PearMagazine.com
The Editor in Chief of Pear Magazine, the Online Magazine of Fresh Organic Lifestyles covering Living Cuisine and Beyond. With her warm writing, communication, networking and leadership talents, Penny is a strong new voice in the raw food movement.