I suppose I should introduce myself?

Hi,

However you've found this blog thanks for reading first of all. I'm Gemma, 28, married to Shaun the scouser living with his folks in Liverpool and working too many hours at a local radio station.

Just over 3 months ago, one day in October I decided there and then to try and become a raw vegan. I've always had an issue with my weight going up and down and I think I'd tried every diet in the book. One Monday morning I woke up with a swollen stomach from a full weekend of over-eating, alcohol excess and nearly a year of no exercise. I felt horrible and it was the last straw. All the clothes I'd bought up to that point had gradually got baggier and baggier and for the first time in my life I was self-conscious and insecure about my appearance. It had been getting me down for a while and I knew it was time to take drastic action. I've got a couple of friends who follow this raw way of life and had seen how they just had this amazing 'glow' every time I saw them. I'll admit, when I first saw them both with their green juice, sprouted greens and going on about hemp protein I thought they had completely lost their marbles and had been brainwashed by some tree-hugging hippies. Gradually though it's hard to ignore these kind of people when they're so energetic, happy and positively radiant! I'm an all or nothing kind of person so that very day back in October I just did it, took the plunge and gave up meat, dairy and all cooked foods.

I lost 16lbs in the first ten days and couldn't believe how my once constantly bloated stomach was getting flatter each day. My skin glowed, I got up better in the morning and I had the urge and energy to run, do yoga and work my muscles for the first time in a year. I loved finding new recipes and invested in a Blendtec blender experimenting with new ideas. I loved the new me and everyone around me although worried at first that I'd lost my mind soon came round and respected my new diet and lifestyle. What started out as a way to lose weight, very quickly became my new way of life. The constant "where do you get your protein from?" questions led me to research my raw life and I stumbled on many articles, in particular about animal cruelty and what really goes into our food. The thought of ever eating meat again actually makes me feel quite ill and I'm so grateful I've opened my ears, eyes and mind. I've been brainwashed for 28 years!

Anyway, I'd say I stayed 99% raw (give or take the odd stolen chip from my husband) until the cold winter weather really kicked in and I started working from 6am - 6pm every day. I started to crave warm cooked food. Raw warm soups didn't cut it so for the past couple of months i've made lots of vegan curries, stir fries, and chip shop chips along with my favourite raw salads.

I've started this blog because I want to record a diary for myself and get myself back on the raw path. I know this is the right way for me to live as when I do, I feel alive, energised, calm and really in tune with my body and its needs.

So, thanks for reading! I'm off to make a green smoothie.

Gem x