Aleesha's Story
In August 2007 I found myself sick of being sick. Over the last few years, but especially in the last year, I've been sick more than I was well. If I did too much in one day, I had to take a day off to rest or I'd end up sick for about 10 days. Too dizzy to stand up, too exhausted to do much of anything, I found myself sitting on my couch, gaining weight and feeling helpless to change the course my body seemed to have chosen for me.
I had other symptoms as well. My liver was in horrid condition. I couldn't digest my food - it would sit like a brick in my belly for 12-24 hours making me feel very uncomfortable. I had very low energy and had a hard time making it through the day. My muscles ached daily in my back. My eyes were sore and had a hard time focusing. My skin ached, my ears were sensitive to sounds and my mouth was so dry. My memory was … um… my memory…
I watched and started listening to an online movie "Light, Lean, Healthy Being" and then I made a collage of what I wanted within my life. The collage had all kinds of things on it. A Buddha head, people dancing and enjoying life, lots of hearts (hearts on doors, hearts cut into the grass, heart rings…), lots of healthy vegetables and fruits, a new computer, a trip to Australia, a slim body on a woman with a huge smile on her face, and so much more. Unbeknownst to me, this was setting in motion the changes I would begin to embrace within my life.
In August 2007 a friend suggested I try a fast. I did one years ago and found it very difficult. I made it to 5 days, but I decided to give it another go. After all, your body is supposed to put the energy of digesting to better use while fasting - it works on healing your body instead AND the added bonus of a fast is releasing weight. I was definitely up for that since my body seemed to refuse to release the baby fat from my last child and she's almost 9 years old now.
So, into fasting mode I went. I borrowed a juicer from a friend and started drinking lots of juices (carrot, celery, spinach, garlic and an apple was definitely my favourite combo) and huge glasses of water. My goal was to drink a gallon of liquid a day and it wasn't hard to achieve! I kept a glass of filtered water beside me at all times and used the juicer a lot. The first day was hard. The desire to put something in my mouth was like quitting smoking. I had no idea how addicted I was to that action. *Removing my addiction to putting food into my mouth has assisted me greatly since.* Over the next few days my desire to eat diminished as my toxins began to flow. Headaches, dizziness, low energy are normal when you are detoxing and drinking more water really helps with this. Keep the liquids flowing and a toilet handy!
Day Five was the worst day of the fast. I was so grumpy and irritable. Fortunately my friend warned me about it so I was able to let my hubby and kids know ahead of time. They were all so supportive. They knew I was detoxing and did what they could to assist me - either by bringing me water or by ignoring my grumpiness. Even suggesting I have a bath or go meditate for a bit - I really do have a wonderful family. I am so blessed.
Day Nine came and I was ready to leave the fast behind. I found myself eating cooked foods again and once again became sick after eating. I did another fast, this time for 8 days and once again I returned to cooked food and once again I was feeling sick after eating. The light started to dawn on me. I needed to change my diet permanently, not just for a few days. So with the assistance of my friend, I started researching a Raw Vegan Diet.
Over the last year my life has changed dramatically. I no longer look like the same person. My face has definition. My clothes have all gone to the thrift store and my closet is empty. My all-time favourite sweater, which I wear as a jacket in the winter, is so big on me, I feel silly wearing it. The sleeves, which were always a nice length, are now too long! My bra size has changed… now I wear one 8 inches smaller. The cellulite which dimpled my legs is gone and my skin is gorgeous. My hair is even healthier. Who knew this lifestyle change would not only change my body size but also bring about so many other changes as well! Did I mention I've released over 85 pounds?
I'm happy to be releasing this weight and eagerly anticipate more leaving my body over the next few months. I know it's normal to release more weight the heavier you are, so in time the weight release may slow - but I'm not really in this for that - rather I'm doing this for the health benefits! *I am using the word release instead of lose, because honestly, I don't want to find it again!* I know my green smoothie every day will ensure my continued health… as, in my experience and from everything I've researched, it's such an important part of this lifestyle. You take in a healthy, filling smoothie and have loads of energy to meet your day!
My belly never feels like it's holding a brick unless I eat something cooked. Even a few roasted nuts can cause discomfort for hours so eating raw is a lifestyle change my body is truly craving in every way. The best part is, there are so many Raw Food Chefs out there… happily creating all our cooked favourites in raw versions! There's falafels, lasagne, tacos, chili, crackers, chips, so many desserts I'll happily live long enough to try them all - and the best part is, you eat all of these foods and still continue to release your excess weight! The sugars and flours, which are unhealthy for us, are not in a Raw Vegan diet - only natural sugars and sprouted wheat. I've heard many people talk about how they couldn't eat some foods before but now that they are eating raw, they can eat them again (ie: tomatoes, peppers etc.)
The BEST part about this entire story… my experience is not a unique one. There are many other people out there who have released weight by eating raw. Do a search on any raw forum and you'll see just how many there are! I even started a blog to share my experience with others - Aleesha's Raw Life so feel free to check it out. Remember… you deserve to live your life in a healthy body. Age does NOT have to dictate how you feel. If you want to change your life, improving it 100% then take some time to do a little research and consider changing your diet to a Raw Vegan Diet for one month - you'll love how you look and feel!
I'm happy to share my amazing results. I went to see my doctor and I'm no longer diabetic... my blood sugars are perfect! My liver is working at optimal levels. My B12 is excellent as is my daily iron. All in all, he's thrilled with my new life style and told me to keep doing everything I'm doing!!! I've just started a 92-day Juice Feast and I'm feeling wonderful. Here's to health!
Namaste', Aleesha
Links
Aleesha's Blog: Aleesha's Raw Life
Green Smoothie
"Light, Lean, Healthy Being"
Juice Feasting