posted August 03, 2009 02:22 AM         

As a disclaimer, i'd just like to say this isn't in the interest of conflict, just general learning.

I believe my body has been calling for me to eat a more healthy diet for a while now. Typically i start slow but with a bang - going off everything from day 1 which is an approach that doesn't work for me so this time around, i'm taking baby steps. I've already started by reducing my coffee, aerated drinks, commerical juices intake (hence sugar as well), reducing my intake of animal products, etc.

I've been reading up and interested in trying out the raw food diet as an option but living in a Middle Eastern region makes things a tad difficult. First of all organic produce isn't available except at really pricey outlets.

Another thing is, since this is a Linda Goodman site, i'm assuming we trust a lot of the guidance in her writing. There is a section in Star Signs that says it is recommended that refining one's diet be done gradually to avoid adverse effects by the body. Wouldn't cold turkey be a bad idea? A friend of mine who tried the cold turkey approach and successfully maintained it for over 2 years had his own doctor advise him back onto meat because his nutritional needs were lacking.

Second of all, research on hypothyroidism says that certain recommended foods need to be taken in cooked form for the nutrients to be released. So I'm wondering about that too.

I don't know anyone personally who is on this diet so i would love some feedback.

posted August 05, 2009 02:23 AM         

Brazil nuts are great for the thyroid. Also dulce, and other sea veggies.

posted August 05, 2009 07:31 AM         

Thanks for the reply. Yes I am gradually incorporating fruits and vegetables into my diet. Also trying to increase my intake of water. Just completed over a week of no coffee (been having tea though) which a milestone for me 'coz its my main addiction

Ive been reading a lot of the other threads since i posted and have come to the realization that perhaps our diets like everything else need to be customized to us as individuals.

I was intrigued by Linda's recommended gradual conversion to being a vegetarian and some people's approach of going cold turkey and wondering if they weren't a contradiction. Someone also raised a very valid note to the effect that if everyone did it gradually, people would always be eating animals at some point so that had me thinking.

posted August 05, 2009 08:11 PM         

quote:

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The truth is, humans will always eat anything to survive, and we have, and will continue to do so. When we have a whole new level of choices however, then it's another story. We can relax and enjoy the bliss, our ancestors would want this.

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Amen to that.
It's simple, really.
If you have a choice - eat healthy. Stop eating meat. Stop feeding the meat indistry. Eat as much raw and organic as you can handle. Research the heck out of it. Make educated decisions.

posted August 06, 2009 02:30 AM         

I started on the 15-year program described in Star Signs when I was in high school. My parents were in the medical field, so it was hard. Yet, I have had regular blood tests and all seems right so far, and I am in the second 5-year cycle.

Go with your gut feeling~! The change that you feel comfortable with. The steps that seem right. And best of luck!

posted August 17, 2009 08:03 AM         

I am trying to incorporate these tips into my diet.

Honestly, the method Linda described is the most feasible for me at this point. I have drastically reduced my intake of red meat already so will just eliminate it altogether. Huge drop in my consumption of high fructose corn syrup too since I've reduced the commercial juices, aerated drinks etc. Am trying to make water, or lemon or honey tea my best friend.

Guys, do you'll have any great recommendations to get your Omega 3 needs met? SunChild, since you're more on raw diets, do you take supplements? I am not particularly fond of fish but would like to derive its benefits. Salmon for example is highly recommended for this but is insanely expensive (close to 17 dollars for a packet of one slice where i live).