30 Raw Days Have Come and Gone

My fun 30 day raw food preparation journey recently came to an end. What does my plan look like now?

I think I've made it to a lifestyle change that embraces eating-the-most-naturally-that-I-can. What does that look like? Still mostly raw, lots of raw salads, smoothies, dehydrated and natural foods—complete foods, eaten whole (or juiced), the way God made them. At least that's the idea.

I've kept off of milk and cheese and have only eaten a few farm-fresh eggs. I drink almond milk at times which I found out has about double the amount of calcium than cow milk! I don't eat regular store bought bread and shy away from bread and flour products altogether except on occasion. And I'm convinced that it is healthier to eat much less meat than what we were used to. I'm hardly eating any at all, and I am sure to take my B12 supplement.

• The main health improvement I saw this month was a return to normal blood pressure for me. It was 126/82 the last I checked and it's been consistent for weeks now. In my recent medical/nursing study I found out that the systolic pressure (top number) is the best indicating guide for us older folks. It's the important number to look at, and considering it was consistently over 150 up to 170 the last year, I'd say that's a terrific improvement.

• I lost about 2 pounds per week but then stagnated during my vacation and return home. But I feel good that I got my metabolism going in the right direction—losing unwanted pounds. I'm motivated to keep going and find my natural weight.

• I still don't have that terrible aching in my legs that I had before, so bad that I had to wear heavy support hose and it kept me from a good night's sleep. I think now that that pain/discomfort was related to my blood pressure; a normal BP means no leg aching.

• My energy level has been good. I am not getting terribly exhausted (even in the heat of summer) and I've been exercising pretty consistent (Jazzercise).

• My head is clearer without all the mucus; I still get too many headaches, but at least not most every night like before.

I am still excited about finding and making new raw recipes, so I'm going to be posting more here as time goes on. Keep checking back!

For now, my life is turned toward homeschool planning with my youngest son who is in his last year. I can't believe that this awesome homeschool journey with our four sons is ending . . . but I'm reminded that our education NEVER ends. It's cool that I am still on FIRE about learning after all these years. That's how God made us. I've loved learning along with my sons . . . but the journey is never ending for me. How about you?

"What makes people smart, curious, alert, observant, competent, confident, resourceful, persistent—in the broadest and best sense, intelligent—is not having access to more and more learning places, resources, and specialists, but being able in their lives to do a wide variety of interesting things that matter, things that challenge their ingenuity, skill, and judgment, and that make an obvious difference in their lives and the lives of people around them."

—John Holt~ Teach Your Own