I am incredulous how quickly 30 days have whizzed by because I really wanted to give you a week-by-week progress report on this new lifestyle like I did with the “Tim Ferris Diet.”
Somehow I got sidetracked with speaking engagements, a week-long visit with my family in VA and other things. I’m beginning to find myself in a comfortable groove once again at Adversity University but in a few short weeks, I’ll be off again to Texas for a keynote at Frito-Lay. That’s okay, it’ll only be for a few days (last week of October).
If you’ve been reading my responses to various comments on other articles I’ve written on this blog or have been following me on Twitter or you’re a Facebook friend of mine, you will have caught glimpses here and there about the progress I’ve been making with this new 30 day raw food experiment.
Well, today I’m going to purposefully keep this brief because what I want to do is show you the difference between the “Tim Ferris Diet” and the “Raw Food Lifestyle” using both visual and numerical evidence. Then I’m going to invite you to tell me whether you’re interested in receiving weekly updates on this lifestyle because I’ve decided to extend the experiment for the rest of the year. That’s how well it’s going!
If the interest from the Adversity University community turns out to be bigger than expected, I might even create a new raw food blog, separate from Adversity University and build a new community there. We’ll see.
Now, if you recall, I started with the “Tim Ferris Diet” in August and managed to provide you with weekly updates. Remember these?
Tim Ferris Diet Day 1
Day 1 (August 11, 2008)
- Weight: 171.5 lbs.
- Belly to Belly Measurement: 38 inches
- Pant Waist: 34 inches
Tim Ferris Diet Day 30/Raw Food Lifestyle Day 1
Day 30 (September 9, 2008)
- Weight: 166.5 lbs
- Belly to Belly Measurement: 36 inches
- Pant Waist: 34 inches (loose)
Raw Food Lifestyle Day 30
Day 30 (October 8, 2008)
- Weight: 156.5
- Belly to Belly Measurement: 34.5 inches
- Pants Size: 33 inches (comfortable) or 34 inches (need a belt for it’s very loose)
Summary:
- Total Weight Lost on the 30 Day Tim Ferris Diet: 5.0 lbs.
- Total Weight Lost on the 30 Day Raw Food Lifestyle: 10.0 lbs.
Total Weight Loss Since August 2008: 15 lbs.
- Total Loss of “Belly to Belly Measurement” with 30 Day Tim Ferris Diet: 2 inches
- Total Loss of “Belly to Belly Measurement” with 30 Day Raw Food Lifestyle: 2.5 inches
Total Loss of Belly to Belly Measurement since August 2008: 4.5 inches!
The numbers are very telling but those photos, DARN IT! They say photos don’t lie but for some strange reason, what you see in the final photo isn’t what I really see in the mirror with my own naked eyes. Probably has something to do with poor lighting. I had to take several shots but none of them came out very well so I ended up settling for the one you see above.
I think you can still see dramatic differences. But if you can’t, then rely on the above numbers and trust me when I tell you that a bunch people from my gym have come up to me the past few days saying that I looked dramatically better. In fact, because of the marked overall improvement, two ladies have rushed to the bookstore and bought themselves a copy of “The Raw Food Detox Diet” book by Natalia Rose.
Before I turn this over to the AU community, do allow me to tell you what you’ll learn if I continue to provide you with updates between now and the end of the year.
Here’s what I’ll report once a week if you’re interested:
- Why this lifestyle can reverse your health and save you a fortune in future medical expenses
- How my raw food journey has NOTHING to do with animal rights or activism
- How things like Soy Milk actually causes mucus
- How raw/living foods contain enzymes that act like “house cleaners” and gets rid of excess waste left behind in the body
- Why exercise is a strong part of this journey (bet you thought you could just sit at home, huh?)
- Why “waste = weight”
- How you can continue to get massive amounts of protein, necessary fats, etc. from green leafy vegetables and fruits
- Why you will never again need supplements or vitamins
- What kind of equipment you need in the kitchen
- Photos of different meals I prepare and their recipes
- Recommended Raw Food Books
- Where to shop for certain items
- The myths of raw food living
- How Law of Attraction goes hand in hand with raw food living
Benefits I’ve experienced from the Raw Food Lifestyle:
- Loss of excess weight (10 lbs in one month versus 5 lbs with the Tim Ferris Diet)
- No flatulence (LOL)
- Have incredible energy – much more so than the Tim Ferris Diet
- Sleeping much better at night
- Drinking less and less coffee
- Am of the consciousness to ask myself “Will my body be able to break down what I’m about to eat?”
- Spending more time in the fruits and vegetable section of the supermarket
- Habits from this lifestyle are spilling over to every other area of my life (i.e. discipline, focus)
- Increased financial, spiritual, physical and emotional abundance
- Feeling less attracted to cooked food (considered “dead meat” – no live enzymes in them)
- Elimination of “certain bodily challenges” (Hint: I no longer need Preparation H)
- Bursts of intense joy and happiness – One day I was driving to get groceries when suddenly I felt incredible joy for no reason!
- Increased feelings of gratitude – I’m thanking God multiple times a day.
- Shiny eyes (look at my eyes in the last photo – see if they seem brighter to you – I know they are in the mirror).
Okay, that’s enough. Is this something you want me to continue updating you with? Let me know!
Your turn.
If you liked this post and you want to be notified of the next one, subscribe via Email or Full Text RSS Feed. I would love to have you as part of the community!
8:55 pm on October 8th, 2008 1
Yes, yes, please DO such follow-ups of your raw lifestyle!!
Very interesting to maintain track of your success.
Anyone raising your hand too?
8:56 pm on October 8th, 2008 2
Like in the Snow White story, perhaps, you should start asking the mirror, “Mirror, Mirror, tell me who’s the handsomest, happiest, and the fittest in the world?!”
9:48 pm on October 8th, 2008 3
You look great! Congrats. My history with ‘diets’ or food plans isn’t so good. I struggle to stick with a ‘plan’ as the rest of my family continues to eat what they want. It’s an excuse, I know, but I still struggle with stick to it-iveness. I also see it as a lifestyle change. Kudos to you!
11:15 pm on October 8th, 2008 4
Wow, fantastic! Thanks for sharing your journey. It truly is amazing how a change in diet and having more clean, whole foods will make a difference on so many levels. Congrats!
4:56 am on October 9th, 2008 5
Holy moly! 4.5 Inches is a HUGE accomplishment. Congratulations!
Also, glad to hear you had “no flatulence.” A key feature I look for in any diet
8:12 am on October 9th, 2008 6
@ Sid Savara:
LOL – I know – flatulence is not always your best friend, haha.
Yes, 4.5 inches is a big accomplishment – remember, it’s the measurement from belly to belly, not below that. That’s where we see protruding stomachs.
The key to that achievement? Running. Yes, sir, running for 30-minutes several times a week. Hard work man, hard but well worth it.
So exercise, especially cardiovascular, is critical.
8:18 am on October 9th, 2008 7
@ Vanessa Smith, MA, CLC:
Thanks so much for showing up here and giving me your support. It IS incredible what a change in lifestyle can do for a person. If 30 days of eating mostly raw/living food can produce this much result, I can only imagine what things will look like in 60 days!
The incredible thing about it is the changes in the way you eat spills over to every other area of your life – it’s transformative. This may very well change my career, who knows?
8:22 am on October 9th, 2008 8
@ Debbie:
Hey thanks Deb. I also had trouble with “diets.” In fact, my weight has yo-yo’d over the years because I kept falling off the wagon and getting back on.
Somehow, I intuitively know I’m on this stay. Why? Because it’s not a diet…it’s a lifestyle. When you see it as a way of life, it releases all the preconceived notions you may have had about diets. When you say, “I’m on a diet, you (and other people) automatically presume this is temporary.
But when you repeat over and over, I’m on a new lifestyle and then actually make some serious commitments (like buying a high-end blender and other equipment), gradually your habits start to change. Your consciousness takes on a different shape.
These are all things I will cover in upcoming posts about this new lifestyle. Stay tuned!
8:23 am on October 9th, 2008 9
@ Nita:
I loved the “Snow White” analogy! Beautiful.
I hear ya, I hear ya. I see you’ve raised your hand. I see others have also raised theirs but in a roundabout way.
Let’s see what the day brings since RSS/email subscribers will be getting their “Adversity University notifications” today.
2:39 pm on October 9th, 2008 10
Hi Stephen – Yes! Please do tell us more.
Congratulations on your weight loss. From reading your post I see that the weight loss is only part of the benefits from your diet. How cool is that?!
I always appreciate how “real” you are. Thanks for sharing your thoughts so candidly.
And finally, LOL on the flatulence part.
2:53 pm on October 9th, 2008 11
I’m pretty much a vegetarian and have been interested in raw food lifestyles for some time. Reading about your experiences might just tip me over the edge to try the experiment myself. I would enjoy hearing more about what you eat, how much and when.
3:10 pm on October 9th, 2008 12
Stephen,
A very interesting experiment! Even Steve Pavlina’s raw food diet experience and blogging about it did very little to change my mind. But, I must say yours had a different level of the “personal” in it somehow.
Tho, I am a pretty committed omnivore I must say that I am considering the raw diet because of your pictures and what you wrote. AND if you decided to start a blog on the experience I would be a dedicated reader.
best regards,
Wayne
10:42 pm on October 9th, 2008 13
Agreed on the running – I do cardio a few times a week as well, listening to music or to podcasts =)
11:05 pm on October 9th, 2008 14
I’m very interested in learning more. In fact I couldn’t wait for this post. The whole thing is very interesting to me. Tell more, tell more…
7:27 am on October 10th, 2008 15
@ Sheila:
Thanks Sheila, especially for the “real” compliment. That’s how I aspire to be on this blog – just be who I am and let that play itself out.
Okay, I have your vote to continue with the sharing of this experiment. You got it!
7:28 am on October 10th, 2008 16
@ Steve:
Absolutely Steve, thanks for your vote as well. I will show you exactly what I’ve done and how I did it. If it moves you to try the experiment yourself, GREAT. If not, that’s okay too.
Your vote is being counted! Thanks.
7:31 am on October 10th, 2008 17
@ Wayne:
Hey Wayne, I truly appreciate knowing that my sharing of this experience was a bit more personal – perhaps it was because I was brave enough to take photos of myself in the bathroom and show it to the rest of the world? I have to admit that was a little “scary” – - LOL but hey, who cares, right?
If it means I can help others get healthier, why not? I see you’d be interested if I started a new blog about the experience…hmmmm…..I’ll take that into consideration. Thanks!
8:18 am on October 10th, 2008 18
@ Sid Savara:
That’s great Sid – what kind of cardio do you do? Running? Biking? Walking? In the gym or out? Living in Hawaii, I can only imagine you do most of it outside. It must be glorious living in Hawaii. Is it?
8:20 am on October 10th, 2008 19
@ Jennifer:
Ok I have counted your vote! Thanks. Looks like I will be writing updates on this raw food journey since a nice handful of people have indicated their interest in this topic.
Cool!
1:34 pm on October 10th, 2008 20
Hey Stephen -
I do a lot of running, and I used to go swimming and play tennis. I have been sticking to running lately, because our swimming pool is crowded with little kids, and I’ve been too lazy to organize tennis like I used to =)
Occasional hiking as well, since you’re right – Hawaii is beautiful =)
Sid
1:53 pm on October 10th, 2008 21
Thanks for your updates. Tim Ferris’ diet never interested me. But I’m trying to move back to raw foods. Every bit of community and inspiration helps!
7:51 am on October 11th, 2008 22
@ Luminous Heart:
Thanks for your vote of interest. Looks like I will most definitely post updates about my journey on the raw food lifestyle. Cool beans!
7:53 am on October 11th, 2008 23
@ Sid Savara:
Running seems to help burn the fat better than other cardio exercises I’ve done in the past. It is not the easiest, especially when starting out but it got to the point where some days I had so much energy that I kept increasing the speed (treadmill). Other days I’d take short breaks or use a different machine for variety. Seems to have worked for me.
Can’t wait for the day I am magically transported to Hawaii for a special purpose.
7:27 pm on November 16th, 2008 24
[...] have to take the hints the Universe is presenting us with, and jump into action. Stephen Hopson’s chronicles of his raw food journey keep showing up in my inbox. I’ve also had some recent conversations about creating a healthier [...]
11:42 pm on November 16th, 2008 25
Very inspiring!! It takes a lot of guts to put up the “before” pictures!! Thanks for sharing about your experiment!
6:50 am on November 18th, 2008 26
@ Evelyn Lim:
LOL – yes, it takes guts to show guts. Haha. That’s true. I figured despite the potential “embarrassment” of revealing the the “before” picture and then showing the “after” picture, it’d inspire people and help them on their own journeys. I always enjoy looking at Before/After pictures. It’s also another way of showing people that what they see is what they get – authenticity, in other words.
Glad you found this to be inspiring. I’m going to be setting up a new blog soon called “Stephen Gone Raw.” Stay tuned!
5:47 pm on January 18th, 2009 27
Stephen, this is the article that inspired me to try eating raw foods again. I bought the book and one other one of Natalia Rose. I am using information from both. I have done some juicing as you know from some of our conversations but really hated the waste of throwing away the leftover pulp. Have you read the book Green For Life by Victoria Boutenko? I love it. It is full of information on nutrition and making smoothies where there is no wasted pulp because you drink it all. I like that much better than juicing. I have also been doing some energy soups from Angela Strokes and Matt Monarch. Thanks for introducing me to this world.
7:09 pm on January 24th, 2009 28
@ Patricia – Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker:
Wow, that’s good to know – I’m truly thankful my own experiences inspired you to expand your horizons as far as healthy eating is concerned. Thank you for pinpointing the exact place this transformation took place for you.
Yes, I have that book “Green for Life” and loved it!
You’re welcome!
2:29 pm on January 26th, 2011 29
Hey, you look great!!! but i like you more with all those more pounds, you are my type of man, i live in guadalajara, mexico, in any case you like to be in touch with me, kisses
5:58 pm on January 29th, 2011 30
Thanks for the great site. Your updates were inspiring and your insights provided a detailed look at what happens when someone transitions their eating and lifestyle. Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
10:23 am on February 16th, 2011 31
Stacey – thank you for your lovely comment. I went on the raw food diet for about 8 or 9 months and then I had to stop because I went to school. I have found a much better way to get the nutrition in my body and cleanse out the toxins through Isagenix. Have you heard of them? I lost 18 pounds and trimmed off 5 inches in approximately 40 days this year and have kept it off. It’s been absolutely phenomenal and I recommend you check it out. I can send you more information if so desired – let me know.