Nasty things, Trigger Foods. I am speaking from experience here. I have read multiple other accounts of people experiencing similar problems with certain foods. For some like Jinjee it’s Cocoa, for others it’s sweets and for me it’s salt & fats (but possibly sweets). Salts seem to be a big one though!
Right now I am a little more susceptible then I used to be to trigger foods but I am also much more aware. It appears that Salt that is not of the raw form will send me into a tail spin. And for those of you who don’t already know this, most sea salts that you get at the store are not raw. The best salts you can get are Celtic or Himalayan Pink sea salt (in my opinion). The reason I am telling you this is because that I find when I eat meals at pot lucks I start getting cravings after. I didn’t put two and two together until a recent event I attended where sea salt was being used (and I made a comment about it) and then the next day I was craving salty cooked foods.
I’m afraid to say it hasn’t stopped since. I had previously learned at another event that I need to stay away from the heavy nut items. I was doing so well, I stayed away from almost all the food that I knew would trigger a craving response (except a couple deserts that were made by people I knew and trusted). I felt a little bad about not trying everyone’s dish but find that my body really appreciates me more when I stick to what I know is good for me. As a result, I always bring an item that I want to eat and I bring plenty of it!
But I allowed myself to eat the items that had salt that wasn’t air dried in it and have been paying the price since! I know better now but wish that I would have known better to start with. I wasn’t having a problem staying 100% raw and I was feeling amazing, now I find that I am craving (and giving into due to outside parameters) certain foods that I know aren’t the best choices. But I am having a hard time restricting myself too.
Part of the reason I am having such a difficult time restricting myself is because I want to make sure that I am not “controlling” myself to the point where I am unhappy. I KNOW that living foods are better for me then cooked foods but I don’t want to put myself in a psychological place that makes me feel like I am going without. That just results in fear and anger in a lot of people (I am one of them). So I choose to make intelligent decisions about my non raw food choices. If my cravings can’t be overcome by ignoring them I will get what I am craving (but within reason). Usually I don’t want a lot, I don’t binge, I will just eat it until it doesn’t taste good to me anymore (usually I get about halfway through). If it is something vegan I will generally eat the whole things but anything that is vegetarian (lacto-ovo) I usually don’t want a lot of. Legumes fall into that category too.
I know that I will get back to my 100% area and as long as I am staying away from refined sugars and only eating non raw items when I truly WANT them I don’t experience any real detox symptoms or other unpleasant things.
As much as I love the way raw foods make me feel, being kind to my emotions and trusting my body is also very important to me. My choices aren’t about control, they are abotu lifestyle changes and health. I will get back to the best place for me and I have learned a valuable lesson. I need to stay away from any salts that are not raw.
I love you all and hope this article speaks to you and finds you well!
Love, Blessings & RawHugs!
Filed under: Food, Goals, Gratitude, Health, Living Space, Nutrtion, Raw Food, Vegan, Vegetarian | Tagged: Food, Gratitude, Happiness, Health, Living Foods, Nutrition, Raw Food, Vegan
I know exactly what you mean. I avoid anything with sugar…even honey and maple syrup!
Honestly, I think eating what is right for yourself is first most important, that is why I think labeling yourself as vegetarian or vegan(to me) is unnecessary….unless it is for a social reason. Only because every person is different and food should be catered towards that individual’s situation.
Well that is what i think anyways!=)
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I value everyone’s thoughts! I always learn something
I think it’s hard to label yourself because then you create all sorts of parameters that you need to live by. I just try to do what resonates the highest with me. Sometimes that means I stray from my preferred path (but it is just what I mentally prefer, not necessarily what’s emotionally, physically or spiritually best for me at that time). Glad you found my blog and thanks for the comments! xo
I have always had a big problem with salt that is not raw. It took me awhile to figure it out but once I did it made a big difference. I found great Himalayan sea salt from Sustainable Sourcing https://secure.sustainablesourcing.com and have felt much better since we started using it. Amazing how even small changes can make a difference when you pay attention to your body.
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Thanks for the info Jessica! It’s much appreciated. xo
Salt is a big one for me. I found this brief mention of salt cravings on Laura Bruno’s blog: http://laurabruno.wordpress.com/2009/06/04/sugar-cravings-salt-and-minerals/ A little more than half way down she talks about sole [so-lay] which is a dilution of Himalayan crystal salt and water. My reading of it is that It is supposed to supply you with the minerals your body is wanting when you crave salt, but that are actually difficult for the body to extract. I’ve been taking it now for a couple of days [directions are here: http://www.himalayanlivingsalt.com/sole_prepare.htm ]
I have to say that it seems to be working for me and it’s helping with the sugar cravings too – go figure!
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Love the insight! Thanks for sharing!
xo