Guest guest Posted December 5, 2005 Report Share Posted December 5, 2005 Skai, Can we set up a chat room for discussion? I lived raw at the ashram too and the hunger mechanism seems to shut down, especially in the beginning. I can think of a few of scientific reasons for this. If the body perceived a deficit or drastic change that threatens pre-existing balance (homeostasis), it begins to shut down body systems to preserve energy and protect itself. If it believes itself to be in a life-threatening situation (which would historically be the reason for a radical change in diet), it will move resources to systems that will help you cope and survive. The distractions of hunger pangs are not helpful in such a situation. Nonetheless, it is important to nourish the body, so that it realizes there is no threat and regular function can resume. This means ensuring adequate consumption of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water... all of which can be found in raw foods (sprouted legumes, sprouted grains and nuts in addition to the fruits, veggies and juices). It will take time to adjust, even if the diet is balanced. The body is adjusted to coping with the former diet and has to figure out how to adapt to a new one. If people feel symptoms of fatigue, dizziness or incoherence, it is important to address, not ignore them. It can be dangerous to dismiss such experiences as "detox" effects, especially in such a long-term "fast." To ensure adequate nutrition and caloric intake, I go shopping every morning for a balanced diet and am sure to consume all that I purchase, spread out through the day. Other people may have additional strategies that work. I think discussing topics like this is important, especially for people unfamiliar with this experience or with human biology. Really, these types of changes are safest under the supervision of an experienced and understanding health practitioner of some kind, if possible. -Steff PS. I teach Monday and Wednesday nights, which is when most of the events are. This makes me sad, but I am still with you in my own way. Peace begins in the kitchen! The animals of the world exist for their own reasons. They were not made for humans any more than blacks were made for whites or women for men." --Alice Walker You are not an African because you are born in Africa. You are an African because Africa is born in you. -Marimba Ani Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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