We Like It Raw - Raw Food Goodness

Miranda Before, Miranda After

Miranda Martinez an actress, producer, raw food coach, speaker, casting associate and entrepreneur based in Dallas, Texas. 

I first met Miranda via our WLIR twitter account and to say that I was blown away by her story would be an understatement.

Here is Miranda in her own words on her internal and external transformation:

My Story: Miranda Martinez

I've had weight issues all my life.

No matter what diet program I followed, I always seemed to lose weight and then gained it all back.  I am a Latina (born and raised in Panama) and nobody around me was even remotely close to being vegetarian, vegan, or much less raw vegan.  You know us Hispanics-- We like our rice, tortillas, meats and sugars!   I had no role models in my life who could introduce me to healthy eating until my boyfriend Noel came along. He's also Latino (from Puerto Rico), he introduced me to the vegetarian way of life, which eventually lead to raw foods.

To date I've lost 66 lbs!

My love of food had always been my issue.  I had to approach it as an addiction and only then I understood my relationship with it.  I started my raw journey with a catalyst - a 30-day fast that put me in the right direction to living on live and raw foods.  The Master Cleanse did wonders for me. I lost 66 lbs total:  I was a size 16 in July of 2007, now I’m a size 4. Not only have I kept off all the weight I lost, but I also continued to lose weight gradually until I achieved my ideal weight. I'm currently easily maintaining it with raw vegan foods and superfoods!

After searching for many years, I finally found the lifestyle that works best for me. I’ve lost weight, have reduced spider veins, have incredible constant energy and strength, feel vibrant, I’m not thinking about food constantly (a first one for me), I have no food addictions (except for maybe raw chocolate :-)), no cysts, no cravings, have no knee pain, and I no longer have high cholesterol or constipation issues. I never want to go back to the way I was before! I feel amazing and I absolutely love my new way of eating and new way of life. I never thought I could live without eating meat, much less live eating only raw foods! I love how I feel and I want to learn as much as possible so that I can share this information with people who may have the same issues as I did. I know it can be done!  I did it!

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You can friend Miranda up on Twitter + Facebook and follow her journey at vivaraw.com

Jo Before, Jo After

Say hello to Jo Thomas.

Jo grew up in South-East of England and was a fairly healthy and active child. This all changed when she hit puberty and started retaining weight. At the age of 12 Jo started on a journey of self consciousness that eventually led to try a series of diets (even the cabbage soup diet) till she reached the age of 30.

It was then, at the age of 30 (after reading an article on raw food), that Jo attend a one day beginners class on raw food by Karen Knowler. She was totally blown away and left the class inspired (in-spirit).

"My diet changed from the very next day.  I started having green smoothies and more salads than ever.  I ate more nuts and sprouts and cut down on fish, eggs and cheese.  The weight was falling off me and I dropped down to 10 stone 9lbs (149 lbs) with minimal effort.  My mind became clearer and my skin was glowing."

But without much support or practical raw food training Jo had some challenges transitioning, so she played it smart and took her time learning, reading and trying to see what worked for her best.

"Some people go raw overnight but for me the transition has been gradual."

Now, in 2008, Jo is comfortably raw and weighs in at 140lbs. And even though she's been gripped with the struggle of weight her whole life (weighing in at 185lbs at her max), it's not something she's gripped with any more.

"It [my weight] has been a complete obsession of mine.  But it no longer haunts me. I now feel so nourished I hardly ever over eat. I have peace of mind and clarity about all aspects of my life. I know what I need to do with my life and nothing is going to get in my way. My skin glows. I am calmer and more peaceful. I have a stronger connection to nature. I love life, I love myself and I love my body. This is a revelation. I am so happy I discovered raw... now I want you to join me."

Join Jo at DiscoverRaw, a blog that showcases her journey, offers coaching and also shares Jo's insights. You can also follow Jo's daily happenings on her Twitter account.

Congratulations on your transformation Jo.

Interview with Philip McCluskey, our newest WLIR team member

Download the Interview (52 mbs) | more from Philip at LovingRaw.com

Our guest this week is Philip McCluskey, one of the raw food communities rising stars and one of We Like It Raw's newest team members, (starting next week he'll be contributing to the site on Thursdays).

Just two years ago Philip was eating fast food twice a day and weighed in at 400lbs. He felt he had run out of options and was certain that if he didn't have surgery, he'd end up with a serious disease or even dead. But Philip didn't go through with the surgery.

Although he had tried every diet in the book, he felt he still had one thing he hadn't explored. That defining moment set Philip up to take a journey that would go beyond his wildest dreams. In 1 year he lost 100 pounds and started the process for a major physical, mental and spiritual detox. During that journey Philip would also find his true voice, and realize that his story could provide inspiration to others.

To-date Philip has lost a total of 140 lbs. Listen to the interview to hear how he did it and what lessons the journey taught him.

Topics Covered

• Hitting 400lb, the defining moment
• Gastric Bypass as an option?
• How a woman in Europe changed Philip's life
• Controlling food to control life
• Letting emotions rise to the surface
• Tools to handle and open the soul
• Staying successfully raw
• How Philip's family reacted to his massive transformation
• Being heavy is more than just loosing weight
• How Philip's life has changed since going raw
• Philip's take and appreciation for the raw food community

Related

• Philip on Twitter
• Philip on GI2MR
• Loving Raw, Philip's Personal Blog

Erini Before, Erini After

When you've tried everything that's "supposed" to work, and it doesn't, then what?

Erini's Story

I was born with a sweet tooth - not sure if it is because mother would wolf down two bags of honey syrup Greek sweets every day whilst pregnant with me!

I turned vegetarian at the age of 15 after seeing an animal cruelty documentary, but this made me turn to heavy food even more. I was a bad vegetarian - pastas, chocolates and thick, warm bread were part of my daily menu and Greek pastries were my doughy comfort. As  a result, a bloated belly, puffy face, lethargy after eating and huge sugar/ caffeine mood swings became  part of my daily life. I would kill myself jogging, exercising and pretty much feeling like a hamster on a treadmill. There were periods where I would  try  veganism, a little fasting, juicing, food combining but there was still a large piece of
the puzzle missing as the bloatedness and tiredness would not go.

I wanted to do (and still do!) a million things with my time on Earth and not having the energy was frustratingly anguishing. I reluctantly came to believe that the belly was just a part of getting older with slower metabolism -   until of course, I was recommended good old Shazzie's 'Detox Your World' and my own world shot out of orbit and entered 'rawbit'!

The weight fell off effortlessly, the energy levels were supreme, I could mark my students' essays much easier and my mood was brighter, calmer. My raw dance had begun! That's not to say that over the past 2 years it hasn't been without its stop and starts, trips and trials but that's how I found my burgeoning rhythm. Saying I am 100% would be too rigid as I am sure not all the  cashews and honey I consume are raw, but I am near enough.  Now I have teamed up with another raw nutritionist here in Cyprus where we help people get started with raw, offering support. Spreading the raw message gives me such joy that I
feel I have found my calling in life.

And personally, I love the word 'Raw' - it is powerful, earthy, sexy and a great pun with ROAR. How wonderfully apt!

More from Erini at rawfoodcyprus.com

Courtney Before, Courtney After

This is what 27 days of Juice Feasting can do.

More here from Courtney here: Radical Radiance - 92 Days of Juice Feasting

Interview with Courtney and her coaches (David and Katrina Rainoshek) coming soon.

Anthony Before, Anthony After

The above photos were taken 1 month apart. Raw food and exercise every day, (see the original post).

I told Anthony we had to post these photos because I was getting email from people saying - "Well, hey, Anthony is a model, he always looked good. So how much more could raw food have done for him?"

Well, you heard the mental/spiritual benefits on yesterday's interview, now you're seeing the physical benefits.

Who's ready to get ripped? Raw Food and Exercise baby. Make it happen.

Related

• More WLIR Before and After Photos (check out Vinit's Success)
• Anthony's Blog

Lucy Before, Lucy After

Oooohh yaaa! Doesn't the new Lucy look amazing?! Man, stuff like this gets me excited. Excited that someone out there, someone looking for answers, might just end up Goggling and stumble upon Lucy's story. And hey, maybe you didn't get here by Googling, but you're here and now here is your change to be inspired by Lucy's story.

And a beautiful story it is. In her transition to raw foods (at the age of 52), Lucy picked up a whole new life and had the chance to drop off the following:

• 45lbs of excess weight
• daily migraines
• thyroid problems
• prescription medications

Here's Lucy in her own words...

I am 53 have been Vegetarian for 26 years, Vegan for 2 and have had horrid migraines my entire life. Six years ago I was diagnosed with a non-functioning thyroid. No migraine medicines would work for me. The meds for my thyroid were constantly being changed – increased to help “regulate” its function. I was totally at my wit’s end until www.alissacohen.com was plopped into my lap.

I have been 100% raw for over a year now and have not suffered ONE migraine – NONE!

AND my thyroid is now functioning properly and I am totally off all medication for that. I have and continue to do extensive reading all that I can regarding raw foods. I am living proof that eating raw IS healing and does work. I drink a 34-36 ounce green smoothie in the morning (loaded [heaping tablespoon each] of kelp, dulse, spirulina, Alissa Cohen’s Green Food Powder, and maca), greens (lots) of my choice, fruit, and a tablespoon of coconut oil. Lunch is whatever fresh fruits and/or veggies are available and a dip or a dehydrated “something” like crackers, breads, or “burgers” and a dessert, such as brownies, fudge, super candy, etc. Dinner may be another green smoothie or fruits or veggies. I am not deprived of any foods by any means.

I also get up and “move” every day; some form of exercise. I have eliminated about 45 pounds. All this in less then a year! How amazing! I truly believe Alissa Cohen is an Angel sent to me – to heal and cure me. I will remain raw the rest of my time on this circle of life called EARTH.

Philip Before, Philip After (must see)

My buddy Philip, from lovingraw.com, has produced a fantastic video on his transition to raw food. Philip, at his max, weighed in at 400lbs! Over the course of 1 1/2 years he lost 125lbs and has never felt better. There's more to the story than that, but Philip does a better job telling it in his own words. Press play!

Is there someone you know that could be inspired by this clip? Hey, sharing is caring! Spread the word and help transform our world - one person at a time.

• More Raw Food Before and Afters
• Philip's MySpace Page
• Philip's YouTube Videos

Jayna Cooked, Jayna Raw

Jayna knows the power of raw food! Prepared to be amazed....

My story
The before photo is of me at age 22. I stayed this weight for the next 4 years. The after picture is from the summer of 2007. I am only 5’0” tall and went from a size 14-16 (175-179lbs) to a 2-4 (112-115lbs) now at 27 years old.

My Past
I became vegetarian and vegan very shortly after for animal rights’ reasons. I could never eat an animal or their by products again. …so surely I would lose weight right? WRONG!!! With all of the processed, convenience vegan foods out there, I fell into the same trap….vegan pizza, vegan ice cream, vegan candy bars. All still junk food. 

When I Went Raw…
I slowly worked my way back up again from 50% to 75% to 100% raw. Since going raw I have lost over 60 lbs and gotten really fit. I used to kill myself with cardio, but now I realize that strength training is what really changes the body and I do cardio only a few times (if at all) during the week. Instead of jumping all around everyday, I rebound for 20 minutes or take a bike ride or a walk. 

My taste buds have been transformed and there is a light surrounding my life. I have a renewed zest and energy for life and my daughter and husband benefit greatly from the new “me”. I have a new appreciation for all that life has to offer and now that my brain and body aren’t clogged trying to process cooked food and junk products, I am clear to envision a peace-filled, joyous life for myself and my family.

You can read more from Jayna and follow her daily raw life at www.rawfitmama.blogspot.com

Related

• Raw Food Before and Afters

Chris Cooked, Chris Raw

I know what you're thinking..."Is that the same guy?" Haha... hell ya!

Say hello to Chris. Over 2.5 years, with the help of his love Zoe, Chris went through the following transformation:

• Weight: 363lbs to 196 lbs
• Cholesterol: 324 to 97 US
• Blood Pressure: 184/50 to 120/80

That's just crazy, amazing and inspirational. Inspirational enough that Chris and Zoe found their calling and started coaching and educating people about the power of raw food. Check out their website purelyraw.com.

Here's a little excerpt from Chris's story:

I was sick a lot. That's what I remember now, when I think back on my health. I don't mean that I grew up in hospitals under constant care or made appearances at fund raisers for charity. My sickness was considered to be quite normal. It was just a fact of life, that I had to deal with.

I was overweight as a kid also. Only a little, 10 pounds or so. My Mom said I was just 'Husky'. Even though it wasn't much, in my head I remember, it defined me. I can't remember a time as a kid that I didn't hate myself for being fat.

After I settled down at 23, I began to gain about 10 pounds or so a year. I would try the latest fad diet, join a gym for a few months or buy a new fitness machine every once in a while. But my weight just kept climbing. This was no surprise to me at all. I had expected it to happen for as long as I can remember.

I developed severe Asthma, High Blood pressure and Hypertension. I checked my Blood sugar often, just waiting for the start of Diabetes. My bouts with colds and flu got worse and were normally accompanied by Pneumonia or at least Bronchitis.

At the age of 35, I was in bad shape. I weighed 26 stone (363 pounds). I began to have mysterious health scares, that would sometimes include a few days in the hospital with no diagnosis. I was also scheduled for a BPD/DS operation. (stomach surgery) Remember, I thought all this was normal. I wasn't even really concerned.

Keep reading at purelyraw.com to see how Chris turned it all around.