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Working out, breasts, periods, and HUNGRY

RawaholicRawaholic Raw Newbie

Just recently I've managed to put on enough pounds (on an almost 100% raw vegan diet) to be at a healthy weight (took me FOREVER but I made it to 120 lbs.!). Now that I was finally in the "safe range" again I started to feel an overflow of energy that I really needed to find an outlet for. Since my muscle mass was almost nothing I decided to work on them. I went into crazy exercise mode and had a blast! It's starting to pay off too as I, as well as others, have noticed i've started to look more toned and my hourglass figure (I am female) has started to become more noticeable.

Anyway, here are my questions. When I was overweight (a couple years back) I had pretty nice sized breast (36B) but when I became emaciated during the time of my eating disorder and lost my breasts (you can barely tell I have any!) and I lost my period. Since going raw I put back on some weight and like I mentioned, have made great progress on rebuilding muscle mass. The only thing is my breasts haven' come back and neither has my period. I don't know what to do about that. Also, since I've begun working out I have become unbelievably HUNGRY! I don't mind eating but my weekly budget for food can only stretch so far so I need to find something that will satiate my hunger while helping me rebuild muscle (and hopefully get my breasts and period back). Any advice? I want to be able to maintain and eventually up my workouts (maybe add in some yoga) but I don't want to hurt myself and I want to make sure my body gets the nutrients it needs.

To help answer these questions I kept track of my food intake and my energy output to figure out what I can do for my body.

2/11/09

Approximate calories consumed: 1751

Approximate calories burned through exercise : 1342

Approximate calories burned through bmr: 1798

Total approximate calories burned: 2747

Difference between calories consumed & calories burned: 996

Approximate fiber intake: 69.6 grams

BREAKFAST:

Shake:

a pinch of salt

1 tbs. mesquite powder

1tbs. hemp protein powder

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tbs. agave nectar

1 cup almond mylk

3 small red delicious apples

3 tbs. flaxseed ground up

LUNCH:

Salad:

1 cup alfalfa sprouts

2 leaves boston lettuce

1/8 red bell pepper

1 radish

1/8 cup of onion

2 baby bella mushroom caps

1/2 avocado

1 tbs. flaxseed oil

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

dash of salt

SUPPER:

Shake:

1/2 cup coconut meat

1 1/2 cup coconut water

1 banana

2 tbs. raw cocoa powder

1 heaping tsp. maca powder

1 tsp. camu camu powder

1 heaping tsp. raw carob powder

1 tbs. coconut oil

1 tbs. vanilla extract

1 tbs. agave nectar

pinch of salt

MISC:

Snack 1:

6 dried mission figs

2 medjool dated

Snack 2:

2 tbs. macadamia nuts

1 gala apple

Beverage(s):

tall soy decaf cappachino (Starbucks)

tall soy cappachino (Starbucks)

water (8 cups)

EXERCISE:

60 minute walk (2 mph on flat surface)

30 minutes shopping

100 sit ups

30 push ups

SUNLIGHT:

10 minutes

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

2/12/09

Approximate calories consumed: 1889

Approximate calories burned through exercise : 1460

Approximate calories burned through bmr: 1798

Total approximate calories burned: 2865

Difference between calories consumed & calories burned: 976

Approximate fiber intake: 71.5 grams

BREAKFAST:

Shake:

1 1/2 cup brazil nut mylk

2 "caps" stevia

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 tbs. raw cacao powder

2 heaping cups frozen banana

3 1/2 tbs. flaxseed ground up

LUNCH:

Salad:

1/2 cup alfalfa sprouts

2 leaves boston lettuce

1/8 red bell pepper

2 radishes

1/8 cup of onion

2 baby bella mushroom caps

1/4 avocado

1/2 cup peas

2 tbs. flaxseed oil

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

dash of salt

SUPPER:

Pudding:

1 cup coconut meat

2 tbs. coconut oil

2 tbs. lime juice

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 agave nectar

1/8 tsp. salt

2 tbs. flaxseed ground up

MISC:

Snack 1:

6 dried mission figs

1 gala apple

Snack 2:

1/2 small granny apple

Beverage(s):

regular soy cappachino (TCB)

water (7 cups)

EXERCISE:

60 minute walk (4 mph varied terrain)

SUNLIGHT:

60 minutes

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

2/13/09

Approximate calories consumed: 2221

Approximate calories burned through exercise : 1408

Approximate calories burned through bmr: 1798

Total approximate calories burned: 2813

Difference between calories consumed & calories burned: 592

Approximate fiber intake: 49.3 grams

BREAKFAST:

Porridge:

1/2 cup brazil nut mylk

1 tbs. honey

1 medium banana

3 tbs. flaxseed ground up

1/2 tbs. bee pollen

1 red delicious apple (large)

LUNCH:

Paste and Veggie:

2 tbs. homemade hummus

3 tbs. flax seed ground

1 celery stick

SUPPER:

Pudding:

1 cup coconut meat

2 tbs. coconut oil

2 tbs. lime juice

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 agave nectar

1/8 tsp. salt

2 tbs. flaxseed ground up

MISC:

Snack 1:

1 cup vanilla So Delicious

Snack 2:

25 red globe grapes

3 dates

1/2 cup vanilla So Delicious

Snack 3:

3/4 cup raw macadamia nuts (soaked and dehydrated)

1 cup So Delicious

Beverage(s):

regular soy cappachino (TCB)

regular soy cappachino (TCB)

water (9 cups)

EXERCISE:

Activity

Calories burned

Brush teeth

7

Washing dishes

10

Writing

28

Talking on phone

28

Standing

62

Cooking

69

Studying

97

Showering

110

Shopping

124

Housework

152

Walking 4 mph

157

Reading

276

Sleeping

290

Total Calories Burned

1,408

SUNLIGHT:

10 minutes

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

2/14/09

Approximate calories consumed: 2071

Approximate calories burned through exercise : 1507

Approximate calories burned through bmr: 1798

Total approximate calories burned: 3305

Difference between calories consumed & calories burned: 1234

Approximate fiber intake: 46.2

BREAKFAST:

Smoothie:

1 cup brazil nut mylk

1 cup almond mylk

3 cups frozen diced bananas

1 tsp. vanilla

2 "caps" stevia

2 heaping tbs. raw cacao powder

4 tbs. flaxseeds ground up

1 tbs. organic coffee beans ground up

pinch of salt

LUNCH:

Paste and Veggie:

1/4 avacado

1 radish

1/2 tbs. hummus

SUPPER:

Pasta and veggies:

1/2 cup kamut spirals

some onion (minced)

some zuchini (diced)

some red bell pepper (diced)

some baby bella mushrooms (sliced)

some salt

some garlic powder

splash of EV olive oil

MISC:

Snack 1:

1 medium gala apple

1 cup macadamia nuts

Beverage(s):

water (9 cups)

1 small cup of organic french coffee, black

EXERCISE:

Activity

Calories burned

Brush teeth

7

Washing dishes

10

Situps / crunches - vigorous

28

Jumping jacks - vigorous

35

Cooking

69

Showering

110

Reading

221

Sitting / resting

331

Sleeping

338

Walking 4 mph

359

Total Calories Burned

1,507

SUNLIGHT:

0 minutes

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

2/15/09

Approximate calories consumed: 1151

Approximate calories burned through exercise : 1565

Approximate calories burned through bmr: 1798

Total approximate calories burned: 3363

Difference between calories consumed & calories burned: 2212

Approximate fiber intake: 41.6

BREAKFAST:

N/A:

skipped

LUNCH:

Salad and Juice:

1 cup baby greens

1/2 cup spinach

1/2 cup romaine lettuce

1/2 cup red and yellow bell peppers

1/4 cup purple onion

1/4 cup cherry tomatoes

1/4 cup cucumber (w/skin)

1/4 cup chapped celery

3 tbs. italian dressing

12 oz. carrot juice

SUPPER:

Smoothie:

1 cup brazil nut mylk

1 cup almond mylk

3 cups frozen diced bananas

1 tsp. vanilla

2 "caps" stevia

2 heaping tbs. raw cacao powder

4 tbs. flaxseeds ground up

1 tbs. organic coffee beans ground up

pinch of salt

MISC:

Snack 1:

40 red globe grapes

1 red delicious apple

Beverage(s):

water (9 cups)

EXERCISE:

Activity

Calories burned

Brush teeth

4

Washing dishes

20

Situps / crunches - vigorous

28

Jumping jacks - vigorous

35

Talking on phone

55

Showering

110

Shopping

145

Walking 4 mph

148

Jogging

152

Sitting / resting

184

Standing

248

Sleeping

435

Total Calories Burned

1,565

SUNLIGHT:

1 hour

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

2/16/09

Approximate calories consumed: 1296

Approximate calories burned through exercise : 2192

Approximate calories burned through bmr: 1798

Total approximate calories burned: 3990

Difference between calories consumed & calories burned: 2694

Approximate fiber intake: 48.9 grams

BREAKFAST:

Smoothie:

1 cup thai coconut water

1/2 coconut meat

1 cup frozen raspberries

heaping tsp. raw honey

1 "cap" stevia

1 tbs. bee pollen

1 tbs. hemp seed

3 tbs. flaxseed ground up

3 tbs. oats ground up

1/2 tsp. vanilla

pinch of salt

LUNCH:

N/A:

skipped

SUPPER:

Smoothie:

2 cups almond mylk

1/2 cup coconut meat

1 cup banana, diced

2 tbs. raw cacao powder

1 tbs. bee pollen

4 tbs. flaxseed ground up

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tbs. coconut butter

t tbs. organic french coffee grounds

2 "caps" stevia

pinch of salt

MISC:

Snack 1:

1/2 red delicious apple

Beverage(s):

grande soy cappachino (Starbucks)

1 mug of organic french coffee, black

water (8 cups)

EXERCISE:

Activity

Calories burned

Brush teeth

7

Washing dishes

20

Talking on phone

28

Driving

55

Shopping

93

Standing

103

Showering

129

Walking 3 mph

133

Reading

166

Sitting / resting

193

Swimming - vigorous

213

Sleeping

290

Housework

304

Cooking

460

Total Calories Burned

2,192

SUNLIGHT:

60 minutes

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+

2/17/09

Approximate calories consumed: 1277

Approximate calories burned through exercise : 2882

Approximate calories burned through bmr: 1798

Total approximate calories burned: 4680

Difference between calories consumed & calories burned: 3403

Approximate fiber intake: 49.5

BREAKFAST:

Smoothie:

2 cups almond mylk

3 cups frozen banana, diced

2 tbs. raw cacao powder

4 tbs. flaxseed ground up

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tbs. organic french coffee grounds

2 "caps" stevia

pinch of salt

LUNCH:

N/A:

skipped

SUPPER:

Smoothie:

3 small apples

1 cup brazil nut mylk

2 "caps" stevia

4 tbs. flaxseed, ground

1 tbs. mesquite powder

1 tbs. hemp powder

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 heaping tsp. cinnamon

MISC:

Beverage(s):

water (8 cups)

EXERCISE:

Activity

Calories burned

Brush teeth

7

Talking on phone

18

Situps / crunches - vigorous

35

Driving

55

Standing

217

Sitting / resting

221

Swimming - vigorous

255

Sleeping

290

Housework

673

Cooking

1,111

Total Calories Burned

2,882

Comments

  • CarnapCarnap Raw Newbie

    Boobs are the first place we loose weight and the last we gain it, so I've heard. I'm sure they will come back. Just be patient. If you really want you could eat some red clover sprouts, that might give you some phytoestrogenst to make them very slightly larger in the glands.

    But maybe your exercise is affecting it, too. Push ups and other stuff that tones that area will make them smaller.

  • joannabananajoannabanana Raw Newbie

    rawaholic, this happened to me when i had an eating disorder, too. i started adding more fats to my diet and within 2 weeks, i got my period again after not having it for 10 months. in order for your body to give up anything (your period), it has to have something to give up. as for the boobs, i had a 34 B before my eating disorder and now i'm a 34 A. i think it might be because i do more upper body weight training, but it really doesn't matter to me either way. your body is so unpredictable as to wear you'll get fat back. mine all went to my stomach.

    also, how tall are you?? at 5'5" and 123 lbs, i need 1400 calories to just sit all day. i don't count the calories that i eat because i honestly don't care. just make sure you are getting enough since you exercise all the time.

  • RawaholicRawaholic Raw Newbie

    I'm 5'9" with a small bone structure.

  • that's what i found about red clover sprouts online, so i don't know if it's a good idea:

    "Red Clover

    Fast Facts: effective blood cleanser, calms nervous conditions, hormone balancer.

    This herb contains 1 to 2.5 percent isoflavones. In one study, postmenopausal women who ingested clover, flaxseed, and soy for two weeks had demonstrably higher estrogen levels, which declined when they discontinued the special diet.

    Active compounds: isoflavones, formononetin.

    While I do not endorse breast augmentation with herbals, I provide the following link to those who would like to try this natural method: Hormonal stimulation: The good news is that there will be some breast size increase with hormones. The bad news is that the long-term effects of hormones is known to have adverse effects on the human body. This method of breast enlargement is dangerous and should be avoided! Creams: In theory, active ingredients of creams can be absorbed through the skin to affect the target organ (in this case, the breast). Some newer generations of creams use a facilitator to improve the trans-dermal penetration of the cream. However, in reality there is very little evidence that continued use of ANY type of cream will permanently enlarge the breasts."

    Although, i would try self-hypnosis for breast augmentation from http://www.stevegjones.com/breastenlargement.htm. i have tried it for a month, nothing major really happened to me. i think it's because i would need more time for it. but they claim it to work wonders. they have all kinds of discounts, so you can download it really cheap.

    anyway, i don't think i need bigger breasts anymore!!! i like mine just fine!

    good luck!

  • RawaholicRawaholic Raw Newbie

    Interesting information larisac. I'm going to have to look into it. Thank you!

  • Ugh, I'm in the same boat as you. I'm glad it's not just me. I always thought the boobs were the first thing to come back, since they're the first to go, but now I have hope that if i just hang in there, things'll look up. I haven't gotten a period in about two years, which I'm sure has a lot to do with it as well.

    Here's hoping things improve. :-/ They can only get better, right?

  • Congratulations to you on your energy and weight gain! I am really inspired by the detailed record you've kept there.

    I do not want to focus on your chest b/c that did not seem to be the biggest concern (right?), but I do want to say: Don't throw away upper body workouts! Yes, for many of us losing weight starts in the breasts, and it is the last place to gain it. However, upper body work tones the muscles beneath them, so it will neither firm nor shrink the actual breasts.

    It's about total body fat - any shrinking that occurs from pushups is a result of total body change and could occur the same from some other fat-burning activity. Just as you can't spot reduce for abs or thighs, you can not for breasts. After all, you can have strong, built muscles and still have fat over them.

    It may take some time for your body to bounce back to the point that you're menstruating again. Keep at it!

    For filling up: I feel you, I'm an eating machine. One thing that's helped me a lot is the green smoothie breakfast. I see you do shakes, too, but mine are all fruit and cashew butter or avocado for savory fat. They really fill me up and leave me that way for hours. And I have tons more energy.

    So I keep my house stocked with the following and then just change up the combinations every day: apples, pears, bananas, oranges, grapefruit, lemons, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, grapes; then I add either cashew butter, avocado, or peanutbutter. and then always ground flax. It's been relatively inexpensive too. ETA: the greens. I also put kale or spinach in them - that's what makes them green smoothies!

    I'm new at this, and I've read a lot about food combining and various opinions on nuts and things, but this is working for me so far.

  • RawaholicRawaholic Raw Newbie

    Thanks for the advice PercysLion. I've been meaning to try some green smoothies, but just haven't got around to it. Avocados in smoothies sound pretty good; I must try that out.

    avocadoelikepotatoe (love the username by the way) I do believe that no matter what problems we have they are fixable. Things HAVE to get better eventually! :)

  • I have the same problem.. so, about what percentage of calories should come from fat? I really don't like eating THAT much, because it doesn't make me feel good. I've started incorporating flaxseed oil (cold pressed) into my smoothies (really makes a difference in the 'fullness' factor).

    I eat really healthily, but my period hasn't come back yet. HMMM...

    any other tips you guys have??

  • greenwoodgreenwood Raw Newbie

    You are eating quite a lot of veggies which is good- maybe you need more fruit for calories? I'm not total raw vegan and include rice and pulses (cooked) in my diet, but I know the 100% raw folks say to eat lots of fruit. ;)

    My monthlies are still coming and I'm 42.

  • What about adding more coconut oil? It's like a few dollars a jar and you could eat a couple of tablespoons a day to start.

  • Geez, your post is so old, I wonder if you're even still around.

    My first thoughts are also to up the good fats and geez-o-man, why are you drinking coffee? Oh, by now I do hope you have stopped.

    I just cannot believe how detailed you are too about writing down your food, but do understand how you would like to be somewhat scientific about it. Perhaps you are too obsessive about it though, and maybe just like all the others have advised, eat more.

    Interestingly, my genetics are just the opposite of yours. The first place I gain and the last place I lose is my chest. Even when I weighed about 100 lbs, I was a D cup. I'm now 122 and am probably an EE. I'd much rather be flat chested. It is so much more comfortable!

    I am 55 and my periods were on shaky ground. Now I've added more flax oil etc and my periods have returned.

    Best of luck.

    Mary Kay

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